Sanctuary

I thought it would be a good idea to recap the first parts of summer as a whole. This time I feel like the post should be less words and more pictures. I turned 26 this year, and couldn’t figure out what to do for it. I had been on a tough and draining project at work, so I decided to take the day off on my actual birthday and relax. After work, I drove down to San Marcos to spend some time with my sister. We went to dinner, and spent time just catching up at her apartment. Thanks for the birthday stuff, Jessica!


Every year that I am able to do this, I will start the day off with a free birthday Grand Slam at Denny’s (or equivalent breakfast). Age with bacon, like the great Walter White.

I took care of a few errands, and just stayed at home for the most part. Early in the afternoon, I met with my former coworker and friend Patrick for drinks, swimming, and conversation at his apartment pool. Shortly after that I had my birthday dinner at El Sapo, a new burger place on the East side of town that Anita and I were considering trying a few weeks before. I went with the El Chile and a few cocktails. Like usual, I enjoyed my meal and the company I shared the experience with. Over the years of trying new restaurants and food trucks, I realized that besides non-caramelized onions and mayonnaise, I can pretty much eat and enjoy anything. I thought the cocktails were a bit overpriced, but it wasn’t a big deal.


Thanks everyone that was able to make it out, and for all of the kind birthday wishes!

After work that Friday, I drove to Dallas for the weekend. A good friend Patricia had graduated from Baylor Dental school. It has been a long journey for her, but she made it through!
Moyo and TJ

Me and Gloria <3
A typical Gloria and Uchenna interaction

Patricia and Uchenna

Group photo

Back to Austin, I made a promise to myself to keep trying even more new places, particularly in East Austin and the South Congress area. After work, for happy hour and dinner, I joined Anita at School House Pub on the East side. I plan on taking Gloria to this place, as she might like the theme here. For my cocktail choice, I went with the Hall Pass (St. George gin, muddled blackberry, sparkling peach), we split an order of montreal fries, and tried the Pork Belly & Mash.



The weekend that followed was spent in the South Congress area. My friend Jackson made a return to Austin for the weekend from San Diego, so I met up with him, Christie, Danny, and Beth at South Congress Cafe for some mimosas, calamari, and blueberry pancakes. This place is very, very good.


While exploring the South Congress area, we dropped into Big Top Candy Shop. I don’t really eat a lot of candy, but this place had everything I would ever want. Both the quantity and quality were overwhelming.

While here, we ran into Donah and Brittnay, who got some candy and I finally went to Hey Cupcake.



The following weekend was spent in Dallas for the wedding of Soluto and Lola. Upon arrival at Gloria’s apartment, I was given an HTC M8 Dot View case, courtesy of Gloria :-). This case is amazing!

Saturday was the day of the wedding and reception. I must say, it was the most powerful wedding I have attended. Photos can be found here. It was beautiful, and gave Gloria and I some ideas and inspiration for our own. It was also great to see old friends from UT all together again.










After the big trip to Ibiza, we spent the 4th of July weekend in Houston for the wedding of Cara and Lucas. It was another great ceremony, and good to see old friends from college reunited.





While Gloria went to New Orleans for Essence Music Festival with her old roommates, I finished off the holiday weekend meeting up with friends a local Houston bar, and the awesome Houston Museum of Natural Sciences with Silvia and Nwanne.




I’ve been doing my best at work each day, and doing my best outside of work to enjoy Austin, travel as much as I can, and keep learning and growing on my own, as a software developer, a man, a friend, a soon to be husband, and just a person in general. So far, 2014 has been an amazing year. I’m going to keep pushing for more out of life each day. I’m very happy with how far I have come, but there is always room to grow and improve. Next post: last week of July, and the start of fall.

Song of the post: SBTRKT – Sanctuary. This song and British artist are great for times I need to be productive or focused on something. It really helps the drive to work or when coding at home, and features Sampha and Jessie Ware. Enjoy!