Welcome to Houston, Sort Of: Shift Work Sounds like Fun, but Watch Out for Those Off Days

Moving to Houston was going to be wonderful as the 1980s ended. Couldn't wait to get started on my chemical process plant career. Years spent studying in musty college basement labs would finally pay off. I'd always loved the restaurants in Houston's Galleria and was fortunate to find a townhouse rental, just 32 miles away from my new job at the Gulf Coast plant. Gas was much cheaper then.

Newbie Blues
All new engineers were assigned to work with one of four operating shifts, four days on (5:00 am - 5:00 pm) and three days off, four graveyards on (5:00 pm to 5:00 am), three more days off. Promising a quick learning curve, they issued a blue Nomex jumpsuit, a coupon for plant-approved safety glass lenses in boring frames. The first pair of steel-toed work boots was free, but no attractive colors were available.

On Again, Off Again
The first four "nights on" went smoothly; much to learn, many wonderful people around sharing knowledge. On the first set of "off days," disaster struck. I'd parked the car outside the house because the garage of the rental house was filled with boxes still unpacked. The first "off night," I crashed and slept for 10 hours straight. Went outside to drive to breakfast, only to find the car wasn't there.

The community's hired security guard strolled by and asked what happened to my car. I thought he might know. He did not. I asked naively, "Do you think it was towed?" He laughed, "No, it was probably stolen. Happens a lot." Good to know. Called Houston's finest and gave them description of car and contents: hard hat, plant safety glasses, Christian music tape, library book on "Small Business Accounting," loose change in the ash tray. Somewhere a nearsighted thief could learn a second profession while driving (safely) through McDonald's for a coffee. Maybe he would be saved.

Car Number Two
Insurance sent a beautiful Chrysler Cordoba; off to work my first day back "on" I went, returning home hot and weary by 6 pm. Had not even removed my work boots before I heard a loud crash. A car had plowed into my rental car parked outside my house. The right car door opened; its passenger took off running as I grabbed my camera and started taking pictures.

The driver was a bit confused and tried several times to get away. Fortunately the crowd of seniors, children and dogs gathering nearby prevented his escape. A brave guy riding his bike stopped to block the driver from leaving. The police found 4 empty bottles of Bud Light (good, figure-conscious perps). As the driver grasped his Vicks inhaler, he appeared congested, confused, and ready to comply with the police.

Car Number Three
The good news was the police found my old car, but it was in need of repair as it had been in a wreck. The "other news" was my insurance company sent out a tiny Chevrolet to drive until mine was fixed. The next set of "off days" brought hurricane warnings that guaranteed disaster. I taped windows, prepared for the worst, and headed for San Antonio, to stay with an elderly relative who worried for my safety in Houston. The hurricane missed Houston but landed three miles from where my aunt's old building barely avoided getting hit.

Home, Sweet Home - Is Where the Car Is
I couldn't wait to get back to work, where it was safe, warm, and free of disasters. My "D" shift supervisor drew me a cartoon, with me in the center, wearing plant togs, and a list of my 'off days' disasters with caption: "God must know I'm an Aggie-what next?" Welcome to Houston, for the newly crowned "D-shift Darlin'." I survived that first month, but barely. I marked the days until my lease ended and moved to Kingwood.

                                                                             Sketch by Gene O'Quinn (11/24/1935-5/29 2014)

Jazz Weekends at Veritas Promise Great Bryan-College Station Entertainment

Just another fun night at Veritas, L to R: Karan Chavis, Greg Tivis, and Steve Carr.

When you put Greg Tivis, Karan Chavis and Steve Carr together, there’s no doubt you have an evening of great jazz. Your rushed schedule simply dissolves into a distant memory as you let the music take you away. It’s hard to believe that this hidden treasured trio can be heard often at College Station’s Veritas bistro, and that there are not lines of people waiting to get in to hear them.

Great music and true musical talent for adults who prefer to have their own place is part of the atmosphere carefully cultivated at Veritas, thanks in large measure to musician Greg Tivis, who invites his friends to join him on weekends for some gentle jamming and slow, smooth jazz.

Never mind that Veritas Wine and Bistro is a national treasure, thanks in part to the Food Network’s announcement that Executive Chef Tai Lee had the best food truck in America. At least that is what the dynamo initiative of some devotees of Veritas gathered consensus to prove. And, that’s just the mobile bistro.

If you don’t want to chase the truck, which is always on the move in Bryan-College Station, race no more. Just glide on into the bistro, located in the beautiful University Center location just down the street from Texas A&M. Kick back and hear beautiful music, where you actually know the words to the songs, and your blood pressure is sure to drop 20 points, as you forget whatever was on your mind when you walked in.

Karan Chavis can sing the American songbook and make it look absolutely effortless. Her sultry voice exemplifies her ability to handle any song, classic rock, jazz, blues, soul, and contemporary hits and make it appear entirely effortless.

Greg Tivis and Steve Carr are such gifted musicians that they share the stage generously and know the perfect sound level to play so you actually can enjoy the music, as well as enjoy conversation with your friends when you want it.

Greg has a new CD, “I Got it Bad” that features Kelsey Taylor, part of the Greg Tivis Trio, just released last month. The trio includes Tivis, Taylor and bassist Ron White, a longtime Brazos Valley favorite. Karan Chavis is nearing completion on her next CD as well.

Veritas is a beautiful hidden secret, if you’ve never been there before. But, go there just once for evening jazz, weekends especially, and you’ll start working your schedule around their music, if you’re not already there regularly for the gourmet delicacies.

A note to those watching their wallets: you can afford to enjoy the music here, as there’s no cover charge. Even if you have dined earlier in the evening with commitments elsewhere, you can always stop in for a glass of wine, after dinner drink, or a cappuccino. Dare you to pass up a tempting dessert.

Jazz lovers should keep checking the Veritas web site or call 979-268-3251. Greg Tivis and friends will be there in style. Bon appetit!