HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS!

Yesterday, we returned to Michigan from an amazing trip to see friends and family in Texas. As we prepared to take off from the airport, the kids and I remarked how it was one of our favorite trips ever, not just one of our favorite trips back to Texas. I thought about why that might be. We had not seen any new sites or done anything out of the order or extravagant. What we did was spend quality time with family and friends, several of whom the kids had not spent much time with.

The trip back to Texas made me think about what makes a place feel like home and what has been missing from our time in Ann Arbor. For me, home is all about shared experience, shared memory, and being with many different people whom one loves. That kind of feeling only comes with time, contact, and intimacy - all of which have been in short supply these past four and a half years since our move. I have come to realize that if I want this feeling, I either need to work harder to cultivate it right where I am or to eventually move to a place where people about whom I care are in abundance. Nonetheless, the trip back home made me realize just how lucky I am to have lived the life I have - living all over the country and making amazing friends at every stop. 

What is more important than being close to those whom you love - whether through your memories, ongoing deep connections, or your proximity? Here's to more quality time with loved ones in 2024!

ROAR!

The Detroit Lions have been one of the worst teams in the NFL for as long as I can remember. They have made numerous mistakes on and off the field that explain their tortured past. For those reasons, the past two seasons and their turnaround under Coach Dan Campbell have been a revelation. Indeed, for the first time since 2016 - seven years - the Lions have reached the playoffs!

Last night was their final game of the season, and they were playing the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas, which has been like a fortress for the Cowboys. There were many questionable, aggressive play calls by Campbell, including the decision to go for a two-point conversion to win the game, rather than merely tie it and force overtime with a one-point kick. That 2-point conversion play ended up having to be played three times due to several missteps. In the end, the Detroit quarterback Jared Goff threw his pass well short of the receiver, leading to an incompletion. Dallas then ran out the clock and won.

Despite this tragic self-immolation, there is still plenty to cheer for in Lions land! We have a playoff game coming up, and I know the whole state will be behind them! Roar!

WELLS BRANCH

I spent most of my American childhood in the Austin suburb of Wells Branch! That is where my family bought a house in 1986, and where my mom lived until 2019.

She moved four years ago because she wanted a smaller and newer house. Unfortunately, there were not homes that fit the bill in Wells Branch, so she relocated to a community about ten miles to the east. Despite that, we always make a trip back to Wells Branch when we visit Austin. This year was no exception.

In the time since I moved away, the neighborhood added several amenities. There is a disc golf course, a public library, a community center, and a very nice crushed gravel running trail. We decided to take a walk and soak up the sun and take in the Wells Branch sites.

Our walk made me wistful for the good old days before countless deadlines, ladders to climb, and conflicts to navigate. I did not realize how simple my life was back then or how complicated the life I was aspiring would become. I also did not appreciate then just how beautiful a neighborhood Wells Branch was, even without all these new amenities. While Wells Branch was quite far from my high school and the other neighborhoods that fed into it, Wells Branch was safe, clean, and the closest neighborhood of my school district to Austin. This was a significant advantage for my folks who worked in town, and it made trips to downtown Austin much easier when I came back to visit them.

I'll always think fondly of Wells Branch. Who know, maybe we will snow bird there someday! 

PUBLIC SPACES

Libraries have always been one of my favorite public spaces. In recent years, several cities have launched major construction projects to anchor parts of their towns in ambitious public library spaces. Seattle is probably one the first examples, but Austin has a public library that is every bit as endearing.

We had visited before, but it had been several years. Therefore, we decided to check it out again on our recent trip. The library was bigger and more impressive than I remembered, but there were also signs of just how public it is. My mom and I witnessed a woman surfing the internet experience a psychotic episode yelling at the screen and those nearby about various conspiracy theories. Security was quickly dispatched, and order was restored.

The outburst prompted us to explore other sections, and we were blown away by the beauty of so many different corners. 

Here's to invested in our public spaces, our libraries most of all!

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

Growing up in Austin, chicken fried steak has always been one of my favorite foods. Historically, we would go to Threadgill's, an Austin institution, for chicken fried steak. However, they closed in 2020, and we have been searching for an adequate replacement for sometime now.

Last year before our annual trip to Texas, I did a little research and decided to try the Hyde Park Bar & Grill, a restaurant located near my old studio apartment near the UT campus.

I never went there as a student - just like most other sit down restaurants - because I did not have the money to eat out. That is not to say, I did not eat well in college, but it was mostly college student fare.

Our trip to the Hyde Park Bar & Grill last year did not disappoint - so much so that we decided to visit again this year. Nicholas and I split the chicken fried steak, but we started with the buttermilk-dipped Hyde Park fries and the beer-battered green beans! Yum!

Our friends also told us about a gem of a bakery around the corner called Quack's, and we picked up a few dessert items! It did not disappoint either! Count on a trip to both places next year!

'CUE IT UP

Ever since I moved to Texas at the age of 11, I have been a fan of barbecue. And yes, barbecue is a noun and not a verb!

In med school, I took a barbecue tour of the hill country with some of my best friends, including Amit, that I still think of fondly! Since then, we always try to fit in at least one meal of barbecue on a trip back to Texas (Don't get me started on barbecue in Michigan, or the lack thereof!).

This time, we went to the Salt Lick near my mom's house. We ordered a mix of meat and sides, and they were all delightful. The massive, Fred Flintstone-worthy pork ribs were my favorite, but the chicken was a close second! Thank goodness we do not have more easy access to barbecue. That would definitely be hazardous to our health! 

SUNNY

I have never considered myself to have a sunny disposition or to enjoy being bathed in the sun. However, living in Portland and Michigan, which can be quite cloudy in the winter, for the past 16 years has changed my mind.

That is why it was so wonderful to soak up some rays in Texas this holiday. The warmth and energy from that one week of sunshine will have to sustain me for the next few months! 

The therapeutic benefits of seeing a blue sky and a bright sun made think about just where I might want to spend the rest of my life, if we were ever to move again. 60 with a side of sun, please!

THOU SHALL NOT TRY ME

Earlier this year when my family was visiting, we went to Detroit. We passed some t-shirt vendors, and one caught our eye, "Thou Shall Not Try Me -Me 24/7." For a second, I thought about buying a shirt, but I thought better of it.

Fast-forward to Christmas. Inside my stocking, I found a beautiful yeti coffee mug. When I turned it over, I was met with a customized message that was quite familiar: "Thou Shall Not Try Me -Joshi 247." 

In keeping with the don't mess with me theme, Jos also included several Grinch-themed gifts. 

While no one wishes to be "tried," in 2024, I will try my best to be more patient, flexible, and empathetic and to not feel so "tried." That coffee mug will be a good reminder!

AMY'S

I will always think of Amy's as the first artisan ice cream shop I ever visited. Not a trip to Texas goes by without at least one trip to Amy's, and this last trip was no exception.

Historically, I have always ordered their Mexican Vanilla. However, in the past few years I have found the flavor to be a little too strong and almost chemical in nature. Therefore, this year I mixed it up literally and ordered a combination of Belgian Chocolate + Cold-Pressed Vanilla with a marshmallow crush-in (Yes, 2023 seems to have been the year of the marshmallow for me!). It was delicious, and I sorry we only had a chance to visit once on this trip. Until next time!

HOLD THE NUTS

I have loved ice cream for as long as I can remember, and I have been to countless ice cream shops. On our recent trip to Texas, we visited the frozen custard chain Andi's on several occasions.

Both times, I decided to order a concrete called the "Choc-O-Rocko" made with chocolate custard, marshmallow, and almonds. I have never been a big fun of nuts in food and prefer to eat them separately. Therefore, on both occasions, I asked to "hold the nuts" when I ordered. Both times, the person manning the register did a double take. The first time, the attendant said, "you just want less nuts in it, right?" I clarified that no, I wanted no nuts. They were finally able to figure out a way to make the order.

The second time we visited a different location in the Austin suburbs, and the attendant said that she would just make me a custom concrete with chocolate custard and double marshmallow because it would be easier than holding the nuts. Who knew that holding nuts could be so challenging, but both times I loved my Choc-O-Rocko Minus Nuts!

GAZA

Since October 7, 2023 and the vicious terrorist attack by Hamas, the Mid-East and the entire world have been turned upside down. The seeds of this conflict and the tortured history are far too long and complicated to recount here. What I am concerned with is how we put an end to the terror innocent Israelis and Palestinians feel. Yes, there are innocents on both sides, and then there are the leaders on both sides who are responsible for the attacks on October 7 and the response that has displaced 80% of Palestinian civilians.

I hope that the United States government and other world leaders can apply the pressure necessary to end this conflict. Thomas Friedman of the New York Times has written passionately and prescriptively about ways out. You can find his writing here. 

Let us pray in 2024 that the outrage so many of us feel can be channeled into a lasting peace. We have no other choice and no other way out.

WEMBY

Victor Wembanyama, aka Wemby, has been hyped for some time as one of the top young basketball prospects in the world. Therefore, we jumped at the chance to watch him play with the Spurs when we were visiting San Antonio this week.

The Spurs ended up losing to the Utah Jazz that night. However, it was amazing to see Wemby and some of his moments of brilliance, especially since he was doubtful for the game after sustaining an ankle sprain a few days prior.

Keep an eye on this kid. The sky is the limit!

ABSOLUTION

This was a busy year for me from a work and travel standpoint, so I was not able to read as much as I would have linked to, However, I did manage to fit in a few books. The best book I read in 2023 was "Absolution" by Alice McDermott. 

The novel is set in Saigon in 1963 and centers around the lives of several wives of American businessmen - i.e., military operatives - in Vietnam. In so many ways, the book captures how our our actions, which may be well-intentioned, can have untoward consequences. However, the book asks us to approach these actions with grace, rather than with a critical, unflattering, retrospective point of view. This is not to forgive the characters, but rather to attempt to understand them and their humanity, offering them absolution.

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

WHAT'S THE SCOOP?

Since his senior project at Arbor in eighth grade, Nicholas has wanted to be a journalist. That was a big reason he decided to go to the Newhouse School at Syracuse to pursue a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism. 

He has already written one article for the Daily Orange, the student newspaper, this year. That article focused on Devin Connell, a local soccer goalie who had had a standout season. 

After that article, Nicholas continued to attend the weekly editorial meetings for the Orange even though there were no open beats available. Undeterred, he kept showing up and continued to pitch new ideas. 

This week his persistence and passion were paid off. He was named the Track and Field reporter for the Orange for the upcoming Winter and Spring seasons! 

Yesterday, he spent much of the day researching the team and the events. That is the kind of person he is - someone who goes deep and who wants to tell stories off the beaten path.

I cannot wait to read his dispatches and to learn more about the athletes, their lives, and their sporting events. 

Keep chasing your dream, son! Go 'Cuse and Go Nicholas!

RE-CONNECTING

Yesterday morning, I had the chance to catch up with a professor from my days in Dallas, Dr. L. David Hillis. My decision to go to UT-Southwestern, and his decision to accept me during his time as Internal Medicine Residency Program Director, had a profound influence on my career and life.

I would not have met Kathleen or had the two wonderful kids I have were it not for Dr. Hillis. It is also doubtful that I would have been inspired to pursue the career path in academic medicine that I have.

Looking back on that interview day, I remember staying with Jos in North Dallas and getting on the North Dallas Tollway going in the wrong direction- north. What a confusing name for a road!

Realizing my mistake, I quickly exited and sped down to the the UT-Southwestern campus. I arrived at the very last moment and ran from the parking lot. I was still on time though! I rounded with Kathleen's post-call team on rounds and remember remarking to myself, who is that sexy blonde with the pixie haircut? Who knew I would end up there and end up with her?!

I thanked Dr. Hillis for what he has meant to my career and my life, and we took our annual photo together. We made plans to meet up for a football game in 2024 - maybe U of O vs. U of M!

This visit was one more reminder of how powerful friendship, memories, and community are. Indeed, they are the things that matter most in life!

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

Yesterday, we stopped by a taco place for breakfast, and I was reminded by my taco and egg and chorizo and egg tacos that breakfast tacos are the best tacos!

MOUNTAIN MAN

Last weekend after I returned from Las Vegas, I headed straight to the Crisler Arena with Nicholas for Winter Commencement with one of my favorite writers and thinkers, David Brooks.

Mr. Brooks was the speaker that day and was receiving an honorary degree from UM. In many ways, his visit to Ann Arbor was fitting as he had inspired me to take a leap and move to UM some five years ago when I was comtemplating a career change. His concept of the "Second Mountain" and his take on the hero's journey inspired me to seek a new place to build community and grow as a human being, leader, and researcher. I just did not know how steep that mountain would be with a once in a lifetime pandemic and numerous personal and professional challenges along the way. You can find his speech beginning at the 1 hour and 32 minute mark here.

As I reflected on Brooks' speech last Sunday, I was struck by just how far I had come these past four and a half years and all the people with whom I had travelled that long journey. I came to appreciate just how lucky I am and how I am living the life I always dreamed of.

I will try to remember that during the hard days, the challenging days, and the dispiriting days. 

I now know it is possible to hold two disparate and seemingly contradictory ideas in one's head at once - life can be immeasurably difficult, but it can also be unimaginably beautiful and fulfilling. Life is full of downs AND ups. Nuance and perspective are the tools that keep us on track. Black and white are not colors the mountain man sees!

EATING WITH FRIENDS

Last weekend, I met up with dear friends from medical school to see the U2 concert in Las Vegas. While U2 was the main event, food was definitely the opening act.

We first had a so-so dinner at a French Mediterranean place called Rivea. However, the next day is when the food really shined. We hit up a Brazilian-Peruvian-Japanese fusion place called sushi samba. We sampled a variety of small plates. I am still dreaming about the skewered sea bass with corn the size of permanent teeth!

Later that day, we went to dinner at Jose Andres' restaurant Bazaar Meat! While meat was definitely the headliner, several of us opted for the vegetarian tasting menu, which was out of this world! 

There are a lot of things not to like about Vegas and the Strip, but the food is definitely not one of them! Thanks for such a dining experience, Sin City!

U2 IN VEGAS WITH OLD FRIENDS (THE BEST KIND)

I have never had a lot of friends, but I have been fortunate to have had very deep relationships with the friends I have had. My medical school years were no exception, and I am still very close to several friends from that time in my life, whom I have known for almost 30 years. 

This past fall, one of them suggested we meet up in Las Vegas where U2 was playing a residence at the new performance space, the Sphere. 

Once the idea was throw out there, we all leaped at the opportunity! In fact, the title of this post is taken from the name of the text thread we set up to coordinate our trip, and it is indeed an apt description for that momentous weekend!

Last weekend, we all met up for music, meals, and a lot of meaning - reminding ourselves that our lives are more than just the stresses and challenges we face. Our lives are the totality of our existences, and we have so much to be grateful for.

I did not know how much I needed that weekend until it was over. I will carry the memories we made and all the memories from 30 years of knowing these old souls with them, including the smile on my face while this random stranger photobombed this picture on the Las Vegas Deuce bus!

As U2 frontman Bono sings in his song, "One, "We are one, but we are not the same. We get to carry each other, carry each other."

DROPPING DIMES

Cate first started playing baseketball on her middle school team last year and had a breakout season as point guard. I guess it should not have been a surprise then that she made the varsity basketball team at Greenhills as a freshman.

Leading up to the season, Cate had the same single-minded focus she applies to soccer. Indeed, many mornings when we went to the gym to work out, Cate was shooting baskets and working on her game. Her practice has paid off, and she is having a great season so far as the starting point guard for her team. 

Like in soccer, her mentality is not "shoot first." Rather, she looks for ways to help others score and is focused on finding that perfect pass. There is a term for that kind of assist. In basketball lingo, it is called a "dime" as in 10/10, and Cate has been dropping those 10 spots all season. I can't wait to get back from break and watch her take the court again. Go Hills!