Tag: coffeeshop

High Noon

James HoganLeave a comment

Good morning my friends!

Just thought I’d write a couple words as I sit here at Beans, even though I’m about to head out here in a few minutes. Had a nice lovely morning here reading and catching up on Internet-related matters, did some random computer maintenance(I do think it’s time I get a new laptop, as my hardy Vaio is really starting to feel its age at seven!) and now it’s time to dash off and do my shopping for the week!

Looking forward to eventually resting at home this afternoon after a tiring week. Last night planned to go to Youth Reach with people to hang out with the kids there, but I must confess – after work had finished, I was really doubting that I had any energy left! I think that my body must have secret energy reserves though, because once I got out to Youth Reach(way out east of Houston!), I apparently had enough to play basketball for a few hours. Fantastic. I may be a tad bit sore today, but oh so worth it. Anyways, today I plan on going on my errands then going home and doing chores and then finally resting and having an easy dinner. A Red Baron’s pizza is sounding super tempting right now…(along with a good salad – *of course*)

Also – for some reason I’m in the mood for homemade bread. This may or may not happen today, but I did find a very tantalising recipe online. All I need to make it apparently is flour, yeast, sugar, salt and water. Is bread really that easy? I say yes. Of course, we’ll see if I’m actually successful.

Now – time to get this Saturday moving. No more coffeeshop chilling for me. Peace, my friends – peace and love!

West Intrepid

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Happy Saturday!!! I’m only going to post a brief entry now(possibly write more later?), but I thought it was proper that I at least write a few words here from Beans. It’s been so nice to sit here and enjoy my breakfast of mocha and banana bread. For the first time in almost a month, I’m actually spending a weekend in Houston! And so I am making the most of my time(as is proper) in the coffeehouse here. And I’ve actually been super productive, which makes me happy. UK taxes are now completed. For(probably!) the last time ever, my UK tax form has been submitted. Whoa.

And now, after doing the rest of my various online errands/bill-paying(on this ancient and decrepit Vaio that has served me well for many years…but I am sensing its time is near. I really really need to start researching new laptop possibilities), I’m just enjoying spending a few minutes here at the coffeeshop with the buzz of conversation around me and the beat of music in the air. I have been meaning to write some philosophical musings lately, but I fear work has sapped most of my energy lately, and so my writings have been void of any substantial discussion. I also have been wanting to write a post on my changing musical taste, but maybe later this afternoon!

Now, my feet are starting to itch. Going to hit up Target and get some shopping done then probably head home to do some cleaning. Such a typical Saturday. So now I roll out. Have a most delightful day, my friends!!

Scorched Clay

James HoganLeave a comment

Good morning! I thought that – shockingly – I’d post another quick entry while I’m here at Beans. Enjoying my mocha and apple bread right now, as I also keep track of current French Open women’s final(Sharapova’s up 3-2 in final set…go Maria!!). Read a few sweet Psalms already…only planned to read two, then I read another by accident. Oops. But I like Psalm 147 a lot, so I can just read it tomorrow too! Soon I really need to start prepping for community group on Tuesday(John 11!! One of my fav chapters), but for now, I’m just enjoying a calm and restful Saturday morning.

This afternoon, plan on going to Chase’s place for some Spades action(with Donnie and Sarah – we should have some epic games!) and later on, probably going to do some errands and then some more planning for Boston weekend with sisters. Less than two weeks away!!

Now, back to enjoying my morning coffee. Peace, my friends – have a glorious Saturday!!

I’ll Fly Away

James HoganLeave a comment

A quick post this fine Saturday morning!

I’ve just finished my very quality lunch here at Beans(cabbage and bean soup, cantaloupe on the side. Delightful). Now, about to head off to get some errands done before heading home to do housework, but just thought I’d write a few words here now. This morning has been most productive, with much vacation planning! Booked a flight to Tampa for Easter weekend(huzzah!) and then booked a flight to Boston for summer holidays! Going to spend a long weekend there with Maryanne, Laura and Megan, plus Robbie who’s coming over from Isle of Man! Oh I can’t wait! Going to be simply epic.

Still planning a trip overseas as well, but that one isn’t quite booked yet, although I’ve done most of necessary reseach. Waiting for final confirmations from a few people before I press the button. Still. SO EXCITED. I miss people!!!

Also this morning, sent away a package to John(er, John…forget what you just read if you’re seeing this). Hopefully it reaches him in time for the NCAA tourney. Yes, that’s a hint. Speaking of NCAA basketball, UF just beat Kentucky today by 19 points. Undefeated in SEC play – conference record. Gator basketball!

Now, going to finish my cantaloupe and then roll out. Have a most awesome day, my friends!!

Planetfall

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Good afternoon!! I am going to write a quick update while I’m here at Beans. Why not, right? I also still don’t have internet in the flat, so it behooves me to make use of my internet time here and write while I can! I actually did order internet and tried setting up the router yesterday but somehow it didn’t work? I’m going to try and trouble shoot and get it fixed this afternoon, but maybe I’m just not meant to have internet. We shall see.

Anyways – why am I not at work today? Well, just thought it’d be fabulous to have a day off during this Christmas season! And indeed it is. So I’ve spent the morning relaxing and catching up with people, and soon I’m about to go and do some shopping and then this afternoon will be cooking time! I’m having community group over at my place tomorrow night, so need to have dinner pre-cooked(since sadly I will be working tomorrow). Also, I’m feeling in a spaghetti-and-meatballs mood, so that’s probably going to be on for tonight. I need to vacuum as well. So – productive afternoon ahead!

I also really need to write Christmas cards, so maybe that will happen as well? It definitely needs to, seeing as it’s already December 16th and post does take a bit of time to travel to Scotland. Hm.

And now I’ve said I’ll not make this overlong, so brief recap of last few awesome days. Yesterday was filled with church and cookie-baking-fail and then time at Zach and Daniel and Chase’s house…cookies and Elf-watching. Fun times. Good friends.

Saturday! I spent it here(of course!) and had good times with reading and relaxing and introducing one of my dear friends to the delights of a Saturday-morning-coffeetime. It was a beautiful morning. And afternoon was spent navigating the treacherous shopper-filled highways and seeing The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Truly magnificent. I won’t write a review here now, but simply fantastic – filled with barrel-riding and elf-heroics and dragonfire and creepy spiders and Bilbo-being-awesome. And did I mention dragon? Dragon!! Smaug the magnificent, and oh did he live up to his name. SMAUG. Afterwards, dinner at Russo’s where Italian was consumed and much geekery was discussed. Delightful.

Friday! Besides work, went with the community group peoples(along with a few others) to Youth Reach on the east side of town. Hanging out with all the kids there, playing games, exchanging presents…pretty fantastic. The guy in charge(Troy) gets huge respect for me, just giving these boys(about 12 of them I think?) a place to live and be normal kids. God has blessed his work much, this I can clearly see. And I was blessed, just being there.

Thursday! This also had work in it, but I’ll skip that part. After work, drove straight downtown(stressy-times driving…I really really hate downtown rush-hour driving) and then met up with people to see performance of A Christmas Carol. A great performance(we were four rows from front!) and heart-touching story. Of course. But the real treat was just being there with my friends(Joe, Christina, Alex, Abby, Angela, Lauren, Stef…) and enjoying their company. Afterwards, me, Stef, Angela and Lauren got dessert and coffee across the street and talked and laughed and much sugar was consumed. And once again, I cannot but be overwhelmed by the blessings my Lord has given me and the friends he has allowed me to have. Truly, I am blessed. I am blessed.

And now, this long entry will be closed. So let it be written. So let it be done. Peace, y’all.

Peace and love.

Refiner’s Fire

James HoganLeave a comment

Good morning, my friends!! It’s a beautifully cold morning in Houston, what! I think it’s approximately forty degrees, which is…surprising. But hey, I’m not complaining. I feel like I’m back in Scotland, as I’m pretty much wearing exactly what I would be wearing in Aberdeen – scarf, coat, boots and all!. So I could almost feel like I walked down George St. to Books and Beans today and sat at my normal table. Alas, that is not true. I drove down Westheimer and am now at my (semi)normal table at Beans! Still enjoying my mocha. Some things never change. God is good. Always.

And because it’s almost Christmas and I feel like it – listening to the Messiah right now. Simply lovely. I don’t think I’m going to see it in person this year – there’s a surprising lack of people who want to see it, and I’m not quite desperate enough to go alone! Maybe next year. I can still enjoy it on my iTunes…yeah.

Anyways, you all may have to get used to more sporadic updates from now on, as I’ve still not got Internet in my flat yet. I may soon, but holding off as long as I can. So – coffeeshop updates for now! Today’s going to be a fun day – a very much Saturday kind of day. Once I meander home from here(which may be a while), I’m going to go to the store(i.e., Super-Target!) and get cookie-making ingredients and cleaning supplies. Then home-time to make Christmas cookies! Of course, I’ve already had a few of Mom’s when I was home over Thanksgiving. That whetted my appetite enough that I simply must make my own now. And Abby, Claire and Charlotte are throwing a Christmas party tonight, so I want to take my cookies there(speaking of, I need to find a tacky Christmas sweater for aforesaid party. Hm. Let’s hope Target can provide). Anyways, besides making cookies this afternoon, I’ll probably just be continuing to go through some of my boxes that I haven’t opened yet(all clothes I’ve not worn in three years..) and I also need to do some cleaning and some laundry. Typical. To make it all more fun, I figure I’ll throw on Star Wars to play in background.

And this is a very chatty post – my apologies if I’ve bored you to death!!

I think I’m going to enjoy the coffeeshop here a bit more(not time to go out in cold yet). I might even write a bit more later, we shall see. Peace and love, my friends!

Beans

James HoganLeave a comment

I keep meaning to write a proper entry here. One in which I go through my life as of late, what I’m thinking – what I’m learning. But I keep failing miserably at that, partly because I never manage to turn on my computer when I have enough time to actually sit down and write! Well, someday. I’m actually sitting in Beans Cafe just now, but it’s almost 11:30 and I think it’s time I move on! I came here a few hours ago and had a nice omelette to go with my iced coffee(yes, when walking from my apartment to here, I decided there was absolutely no way I was going to get a hot drink. Not going to happen). I should have a little time this afternoon to run errands and clean my place a bit, but tonight – wedding time! (Don’t worry, not mine). Bethany is getting married tonight, what!!! I’m so fortunate that I’m actually back in Houston for it! So me and Megan are going to drive over there at 4:30, and a night of joy and love and awesomeness will be had. So let it be written. So let it be done.

And why have I not had more quiet times to write lately? Well, I’m still trying to settle in here. Still trying to find a “permanent” apartment. Still trying to meet people(went to my first “community group” this past Tuesday night! One linked with Bethel Church). And last night, went to my first-ever book signing!! Got to meet Brandon Sanderson, whoa! He’s the author of some of my favorite books. Besides finishing the Wheel of Time series, he’s also written heaps of other books, including one of my all-time favorites – Mistborn. Anyways, it was weird being there where I realised how much more everyone there knew about his books than I did. I’m used to being pretty knowledgeable about books…yeah, I was outclassed there. Still, great fun meeting him(despite me feeling oddly nervous!!) – I even confessed to being a failure as a writer, since I agonise too much over my writing and don’t just sit down and *write*. He was very chatty and when I went back later in the night to get a few more books signed, he remembered my name! Very cool guy.

Now, I think I’m going to close my computer, get a cup of Earl Grey, and enjoy some quiet reading time. I love you all, my friends.

Little Flock

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So just reading some fantastic verses here – Luke 12 is really a great chapter! I’m not even done with it yet, but so many good parts – I’ll just excerpt the following:

‘But seek His kingdom, and these things will be
added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for
your Father has chosen gladly to give you the
kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to charity;
make yourselves money belts which do not wear out,
an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief
comes near nor moth destroys. For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also.’
-Jesus Christ, Luke 12:32-34

I could quote a lot more, but you’ll just have to read for yourselves! Anyway, just good to ponder these things, especially living in a city and culture consumed by the longing to make itself happier by the gaining of material possessions. Truly, these things matter so little – when we know our Lord Jehovah is coming back someday soon, how can we be so enthralled by the things of this world? I know not, but it is good for us to remind ourselves how important it is to dwell on the things of God instead, and to follow His commandments and to love as He has loved us.

And now I say – I did not mean to write so much, but I will not take it back now! I am currently sitting here at Beans Cafe Coffeehouse…in Houston, Texas. Because yes, I am truly moved back to America and I am no longer in Aberdeen, my friends. I must confess – this coffeehouse is only a mile away from my apartment, yet I drove here! I was going to walk, but it was raining and so…yeah, I crumbled. Oh well, guess no Saturday morning walk for me.

And this place is fantastic, even if it’s no Books and Beans! It’s only one floor, and it’s much smaller than Books and Beans, but it looks like it offers lunch too, which makes me happy. I’ve already read a bit and posted some pictures on facebook and now I think it’s time to read some emails from some dear friends and respond to those. Maybe I’ll write more here later?

We’ll see. For now, farewell, my friends. Farewell from Houston.

Last Train Home

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello my friends! I sit here this morning, as traditional, at Books and Beans! I’ve been here far too long, but now I’m waiting for John so we can grab lunch, so hopefully he turns up soon!

Ok – so John got here like ten minutes ago and we’ve been looking through my newest music playlist, Calsayseat – he approves! And now it’s lunchtime. Peace y’all!

Fingal’s Cave

James HoganLeave a comment

So, sitting in Books and Beans, halfway through my mocha at the moment. Pretty soon, Graham’s going to turn up, so I can’t write too long! But for now, just thought I’d let my fingers dance over the keyboard for a few minutes and get a small update in!! Am still a bit sleepy this morning, even with my coffee. But that’s probably due to the fact that I did not get home until a ridiculous hour of the morning last night. My bad! Last night was my work leaving do – yes, the end is upon me! So was out with the gang at Revolution for dinner and drinks and good quality fun!! We were there for hours, and obviously since it was my party, I couldn’t just leave early. Yes, excuses, but a good excuse I say! Eventually Caroline came and met me at Rev, and we hung out for a bit before it was home time…at some hour of the morning I will not specify. Good times were had though!! I’m going to miss my work friends…they’re a good group. And we actually have fun together too, shock! And Caroline…I’ve only known her for some four months, but definitely going to miss her a lot! Oh why do we have to leave friends behind? But again, I can only bless the Lord my God for giving me such precious friends. And that’s all I can say.

And now, this update is turning from an actual update into an emotional musing! Ah well.

And Thursday night – ever so lovely! Me and Chris and Jo hit up Cosmo’s – where lots of yummy food was ingested and lots of delightful chat was had. Oh such good times!! And then afterwards, when I suggested we have coffee, Jo had a much better idea – rather than pay for coffee at Cosmo’s…we could have it at their place! So we drove over to their house, where delicious late-night coffee was enjoyed to the tune of a couple episodes of Spaced. Ridiculous. Hilarious. Such such a good night. As with Chris and Jo, it always is. Y’know. Any tiredness the next day was so totally worth it.

Anyways, Graham is going to be here any minute, so going to close this out. Maybe write more later!!

Peace.