Ho

ust

on

november 2008 Vol 1 no 5

™

Money SMart Howard LorcH triSH Bonnet - (pg.12)

a SpeciaL tHankS to aLLen HeLfMan at river oakS cHrySLer & Jeep

a giving Man

viStria 3d (pg.8)

cHiLL in tHe Loop (pg.10)

SoMa SuSHi ryan Snyder - (pg.14)

2 theChillMagazine.com november 2008 3

Add life to your yearsAmaya

Antiaging & Weight Loss

Are you having any of these symptoms?• Poor Sleep• Depression• Anxiety• Low Energy•Weight Gain• Mood Swings

These are signs of accelerated aging for both men and women.

“It was once thought our hormones decline because weage, but now it is confirmed that we age because our hormones decline.”

AMAYA:Your partner in health and wellness provides you withnatural personalized antiaging solutions.

Take charge of your life with BIO-IDENTICALHORMONESA way of life for those who prefer to stay young naturally and regain vibrant health.

WE ALSO PROVIDE:• NaturalWeight Loss Solution with Bioidentical Hormones, withoutpainful injections, unsafe appetite suppressants and diuretics.• Intracellullar nutritional analysis and counseling• Lifestyle management counseling (yoga and meditation formind-body transformation)

• Unsatisfactory sex life• Chronic Fatigue• MuscleWeakness• Inability to maintain muscle• Decreased Memory• Lack of Concentration

For a Complimentary Bioidentical Hormone ConsultationCall Toll Free (866) 655-3454

AMAYA7737 Southwest Freeway, Suite 530 Houston Texas 77074

(713) 772-7887462 South Mason Road Suite 300 Katy 77450

(832) 896-9114

Visit www.amayaclinic.com or e-mailinfo@ amayaclinic.com for more info and special offers

COMING SOONInstant rejuvenationwith SPACAPSULE.

Complete relaxation withmeditation,massage and aromatherapy

for less than $1 per minute.

Anoop:TBOD_May07_InsideFrontCover 10/27/08 5:55 PM Page 1

M. D. Anderson salutes Alan Helfman for his strong community leadership and his dedicated support of our mission to eliminate cancer. Our integrated programs in cancer treatment, research, education and prevention are made possible in part because of caring people like Alan. Together, we can do great things as we continue Making Cancer History®.

C a l l U s a t 1 - 8 7 7 - M D a - 6 7 8 9 O r V i s i t M a k i n g C a n C e r h i s t O r y . C O M

cancerSM

november 2008 5

PublisHer’s note - 6 A Piece of My Story...

Feature - 8 Vistria 3D

Feature - 10 In The Loop

Feature - 12 Money Smart

Feature - 14 Soma Sushi

HealtH - 16 Finding Balance

tea - 18 Green Tea?

in MeMory - 20 Tobi Watashe

insPiration - 22 Sippy Cup

insidenoVeMber 2008

publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sean chapman (sean@thechillmagazine.com)

writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kelley davidson Brad Murrill thia Mckann tobi watashe

art director + designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . deborah Jones (djones@deborahsgraphic.com)

design assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gary watashe

features editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maryln appelbaum gary watashe daniel cohen

Brad Murrill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inspirational Motivator (brad@thechillmagazine.com)

photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tammy price www.tammy-price.com (tammyprice@mac.com)

chill Magazine is published six times a year by chill Magazine L.L.c., 104 industrial Blvd., Suite a, Sugar Land, texas, 77478. ©copyright 2008 by chill Magazine L.L.c. all rights reserved. chill Magazine is a registered trademark of chill Magazine L.L.c. reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. photographic material submitted for publication is sent at the owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, chill Magazine does not accept any liability for loss or damage. chill Magazine is distributed and published by chill Magazine L.L.c. chill Magazine welcomes written and photographic submissions. we cannot guarantee the return of all material so please do not send original prints. Submissions can be sent via e-mail or posted to the publisher.

November/December 2008 • Vol 1 No 5www.thechillmagazine.com www.chill-magazine.com

CHill witH tHe PublisHer

A Piece of My Story...It has been a very humbling couple of

months for me as it has for many others with the election, economy and hurricane

Ike. Houston needs to give itself a big pat on the back for getting through the storm, and we are all coming back even stronger.

Think of life as a maze. Every maze has a start and finish line. When I am on the go, and things in life are smooth, I think to myself, “I am doing well, everything is perfect.” All of a sudden I hit a wall, and it is imperative to change the direction in which I am running, but it takes a positive attitude and humbleness to do so. It is not easy, but it is simple. For example, when life is smooth sailing, it is the same for those close to me as well, just as when I hit a wall the same people in my life hit the wall with me. This is why staying humble and being positive is imperative. This is the way to get through difficult times because with this attitude, times do not seem difficult.

So, how does one have such a positive attitude and stay humble? For me, I have to take some time out of my every day life and take a look at what I do have.

At this very moment my life is perfect! I have people who love me, and a loving relationship. I’ve come to realize as many of you have probably known for a long time, that the greatest gift is the “present” moment. Cherish life and live, laugh and learn through it all.

Chill Magazine is giving all fellow Houstonian’s a huge pat on the back!

Chill Magazine would like to give a special thanks to, Allan Helfman with Helfman River Oaks Chrysler and Jeep. For the last 22 years Allan has done at least one charity a month raising millions of dollars to help our city. Thank you MD Anderson Cancer Center for saving lives every day. Thank you Hal Martin for advertising in Chill Magazine, and supporting a positive publication for the people of Houston, TX. Thank you Ryan Snyder with Soma Sushi Bar. We at Chill Magazine love your restaurant. Also, a special thank you to a my role-models, supporters and teachers. Robert Gadsby, Tammy Price, Samir Becic, Mark Stevens, Howard Lorch, Trisch Bonnot, Chad Hufsey, Marty Appelbaum, and many others for supporting Chill Magazine.

Chill Magazine is very grateful for all of our readers, and we would highly appreciate your feedback. If you have a positive story, you would like to send us, please email info@thechillmagazine.com.

Thank you, Sean Chapman Founder and Publisher

6 theChillMagazine.com 7 theChillMagazine.com

november 2008 98 theChillMagazine.com

Feature

Houston entrepreneurs Austin Welch and Jason Matsumoto have an eye for the future of digital visualization. After years

of working in 3D engineering visualization for the energy industry, and armed with experience spanning a wide range of challenging multi-million dollar projects, the two young Houstonians set out in early 2008 to start a company that would offer Houston business owners the cutting edge in interactive visualization.

After months of preparation, Vistria3D was launched in June of this year.

Vistria3D offers Houston businesses the newest wave of 360º panoramic photography in the form of rich and interactive virtual reality (VR) tours. High-quality VR tours give viewers the ability to virtually be within a photographed scene – to look around and zoom in and out of desired areas.

Austin Welch told us more about Houston’s need for virtual tours.

“Today’s online users demand an increasing level of visual information. We wanted to have a company that could produce virtual tours to their

full current capability.

“Also, with rising gas prices and Web 2.0 technologies, more people are turning to the web for valuable, media rich information about

locations they might wish to visit. Our goal is to create the most

visually stunning virtual tours available. Virtual tours that can give a business the upper hand in showcasing their facility, get more people in their door and, ultimately, increase sales.”

Vistria3D stands in a class all its own by employing the most feature-rich, cutting-edge technologies which provide functionality that enables viewers to do everything from expand scenes to full screen without loss of quality, to viewing interactive floor plans with “hotspot” links that allow navigation from scene to scene, to tagging elements within the scene that provide viewers with an incredible degree of interactivity. In conjunction with that,Vistria3D has the ability to shoot all their VR tours in HDRI, a new form of digital photography that takes the tours to a new level of detail, clarity and visual “wow”.

Co-founder Jason Matsumoto explains, “Vistria3D can integrate these immersive VR panoramas into whatever deliverable our clients require. High-end product developers and resellers utilize VR imagery to illustrate their unique products such as yachts, jets and RV’s. Real estate developers, parks, public venues, retail stores, restaurants, banquet halls, and historic sites can all benefit from virtually capturing and sharing their visual environment.

“Simply put, Vistria3D’s core mission is to help our clients leverage today and tomorrow’s powerful 3D and visualization technologies to help their businesses become more profitable.”

Visit Vistria3D online at www.vistria3d.com.

Vistria3DVirtual Reality Tours

5535 Memorial Dr.Ste. F - Box 209, Houston, TX 77007713-429-4112 tel 281-840-5590 faxwww.vistria3d.com

SERVICES GROUPVistria3DV

3D

5535 Memorial DriveSte. F - Box 209Houston, Texas 77007713-429-4112 tel281-840-5590 faxwww.vistria3d.com

· Quality Virtual Tours for Web

· High Dynamic Range Photography

· 3D Visualization

· Rich Media Development

· Reverse Engineering & 3D Content

· 3D Technology Consulting

3D Solutions for a 3D World™

november 2008 11

Feature

10 theChillMagazine.comheChillMagazine.com

For Prospective Tenants... In The Loop agents are specialists in finding the best properties in Houston’s

most sought after area – Inner Loop. Let them help take the pressure out of finding the perfect place for you to call home. Their agents work one-on-one with clients, paying careful attention to each detail. Whether you’re looking for an apartment, townhome, house or loft, they will help you explore a variety of options, always keeping in mind your specific criteria such as square footage, location, amenities, and lease value.

In The Loop prides itself on free professional quality service with a personal touch. Their agents have canvassed the Inner Loop area to develop a vast portfolio of potential leasing options. They build working relationships with each property owner, and personally tour each property to gain a greater knowledge of what that particular residence has to offer.

For Area Landlords... sometimes a simple “For Rent” sign out in front of a property just isn’t enough. With the help of their experienced agents, targeted marketing, and

in the looppersonalized attention to each property represented, they can help you find the best tenant for your leasing needs.

In The Loop agents have the knowledge and prospective tenant market to help you lease a wide variety of property types. They currently represent landlord clients with everything from duplexes to mega-complexes, quaint bungalows to high profile estates.

Their full service philosophy extends further than just the tenant. Landlord representation by the In The Loop team includes a marketing image promoted in high impact publications on both local and national levels. This ensures they reach not only the local Houstonians looking for a new home, but newcomers and corporate clients transferring to the Houston area.

To make the process even easier, they offer to screen prospective tenants for the qualified credit and background requirements desired, with complete and confidential reporting.

Properties… Their agents have information about properties in a variety of Inner Loop area neighborhoods such as Bellaire, Downtown, Galleria, Greenway, Heights, Medical Center, Midtown, Montrose, Museum District, River Oaks, and West University. Call, e-mail, or stop by and they will put together a list of prospective properties with formats including: hi-rises, lofts, apartments, privately owned duplexes, fourplexes, efficiencies, garage apartments and corporate leasing properties.

Realtors... Their team consists of top-notched licensed realtors – members of the National Association of Realtors. With realtors on board, they follow a strict code of ethics and business practices and offer services found from realtors in sales to their clients in leasing. In The Loop agents’ main focus and specialty is in leasing.

Houston’s premiere full-service leasing authority! It’s what they are and where you or your tenants want to be.

Feature

Howard Lorch, the Top Financial Advisor with Wachovia Securities in Texas has been with the firm for

thirteen years and specializes in high-net worth individuals, corporate clients, and many professional athletes.

When Howard first decided to break into the Financial world with rookie status at a regional brokerage in Houston, he was told he was more suited for social work than for the broker life.

With a sharp mind and passionate love for work he never gave up!

“I remember it like it was yesterday, “Lorch says. “The guy said: “It doesn’t look real good for you. You’re young, you have no experience and your physchological test’s say you’re more interested in people than you are in business.” This did not change his heart one bit, in fact, in retrospect it may have been the words that pushed him to succeed and become one of the nation’s Top Advisors in his field.

Some 39 years later, with $1.3 billion in assets under management, the 64-year-old Lorch is one of the top individual

producers in Wachovia Securities’ Private Client Group - and the biggest secret to some of the nations’ wealthiest families. How does he do it?

Trish Bonnot, his 24 year colleague has been a huge reason for his success. He used to have as many as 6 or 7 people working on his team, but 5 years ago, Lorch and Bonnet decided to do it alone and run their practice single handedly with no support staff. They manage roughly 250 accounts for oil company executives, high-net-worth individuals, NBA players and corporate CEOs. Since doing this, they managed to double their business. The relationship Lorch and Bonnet have is based upon respect for one another and an appreciation of each others abilities to produce great results. Howard says “Trish does everything around here” and just smiled. Great teamwork!

As the son of Holocaust survivors, Lorch grew up in Schenectady, N.Y. His father, a buyer for a grocery chain, died when he was six, leaving his mother to work as a supermarket demonstrator, baking cakes for social events on the side. “It was an early reality check for a young kid”, says Lorch. A man who knows how to manage money and take responsibility for himself and those around him, in business and in family.

Lorch got a paper route when he was 12, his first introduction to the business world. “That’s when I really learned about the importance of customer service, something I still hold dear today, I also found out I had a talent for sales”.

Over the years, Lorch has been associated with gold-standard firms such as Lehman

Brothers and Goldman Sachs, where he developed the necessary tools to work with high-net-worth investors. Earlier this year, Lorch was named to the Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors List for the second year in a row. Needless to say the paper route is but a cherished memory.

Lorch has always been a fan of the NBA. Growing up, we thought he would become a professional basketball coach. He was the basketball manager for his high-school team (which included his friend and famous NBA coach Pat Riley) and later in college at the University of Houston, where he roomed with the All-American legend Elvin Hayes, a client of his today. “My clients are great because I consider every one of them my friend”.

Lorch attributes his success to pure passion and wholesome relationships. People ask him “why at 64 are you still working, you’ve done so well, why aren’t you retired?” “The point is I’m not working,” says Lorch. “This isn’t a job, this is a passion!”

but a cherished memory.

“My clients are great

12 theChillMagazine.com november 2008 13

Money

Howard Lorch -

2007 Research Magazine’s Advisor Hall of Fame (1 of 5 inducted nationwide)

Smart

Trish Bonnot - Selected to attend the

Barron’s Winner’s Circle Conference

Top Women Financial Advisor’s Summit

november 2008 1514 theChillMagazine.com

Feature

Chill: Ryan, are you a Houston native or did you come from another state?

Snyder: I was born in Baltimore.

Chill: Did you grow up around the food industry?

Snyder: My mother was a well known-gourmet vegetarian chef in New York,

and my stepfather owned “The Village Market” in Baltimore. I started my professional career in 1996 with one of Houston’s best known natural food restaurants, A moveable Feast. At the time, it was located on West Alabama and Greenbriar.

Chi ll: Why did you leave the Moveable Feast, and where did you go after that?

Sny der: I left to work with Joe Conza one of the founders of the Blimpie sandwich chain, to assist him in opening up Smoothie Island juice bars all around town. Within 8

months, we had opened 6 juice bars. Blimpies was a publicly traded company at that time. I left because it was bought out, and the decision was made to discontinue the smoothie bars, and just stick with sandwiches.

Chill: Seems like doors certainly opened up new opportunities at just the right time for you.

Snyder: Yes, they sure did.

Chill: So Ryan, how long have you been with Soma, and how did you get the job?

Snyder: I was subconsciously looking to move on to another challenge that excited me. When I found out that the Azuma group was looking for staff and that I would have the opportunity to work with the world renowned chef, Robert Gadsby, I instantly knew this is where I wanted to be. Soma Opened January 3rd, 2008, and I started working here in mid January. It’s a prime place to meet and a “launching pad for the Washington area night life”.

Chill: Where were you before you came to Soma?

Snyder: Kubo’s in Rice Village. I was a manager there.

Chill: Do you eat a lot of Sushi?

Interview with the General Manager of Soma, Ryan Snyder by Chill Magazine, Sean Chapman

Snyder: Yes, I love Sushi. I’ve been eating Sushi since I was 2 years old. I would say I eat predominately vegetarian except for fish. Because true vegetarians dont eat fish, but i only eat fish and have never ate any other type of meat or poultry.

Chill: What is the favorite part of your new job here at Soma?

Snyder: Friday night at 8:30 pm is “game day.” That is when it all comes together. We prepare all week, and Friday, we get to shine for our customers. I like to see the restaurant “alive,” and it feels good to know I contributed.

Chill: How do you keep up with all the long hours and customer service?

Snyder: I’m from Baltimore, so I’m full of that East Coast energy!

Chill: Does Soma cater food, and if so, what sort of food do you offer?

Snyder: Yes, we do. We cater to the customer’s needs. We offer Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and Soma’s new American Cuisine.

Chill: Who is the Chef here at Soma now that Robert Gadsby is no longer here?

Snyder: Joseph Shead. He is Robert Gadsby’s protégé.

14 theChillMagazine.com

Feature

Chill: Ryan, are you a Houston native or Chill: Ryan, are you a Houston native or Chill:did you come from another state?

months, we had opened 6 juice bars. Blimpies was a publicly traded

Interview with the General Manager of Soma, Ryan Snyder by Chill Magazine, Sean Chapman Interview with the General Manager of Soma, Ryan Snyder Interview with the General Manager of Soma, Ryan Snyder

Chill: Are there plans for more restaurants to be opened in the Houston area?

Snyder: Yes, so far we have three Azuma’s, one Hue, and one Soma. We have a new Azuma coming soon to Sugar Land, next to Whole foods, and we plan on more Soma restaurants to come soon as well.

Chill: Thank you Ryan and I hope you have a wonderful and healthy holiday season.

Mon-Wed: 11:30-10:00pm, Thurs/Fri: 11:30-11:00pm, Saturday: 12:00-11:00pm, Sunday: 12:00-10pm

somasushi@gmail.com www.somasushi.com (713) 861-2726

4820 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007…

november 2008 1716 theChillMagazine.com

HealtH

“Work is just so busy right now, that I don’t have time …,” is the number

one excuse I hear from my clients about why they miss workouts and eat poorly. Of course, my response to them is usually that they actually do have time, but they have made the choice to make work a priority over their health (which, by the way, does not usually elicit a happy response). I am not saying that work is not important and should not be a priority, as indeed it should! However, it is so easy in our society to let our desire to forge our financial freedom, drive our reputations, and simply succeed in the workplace to overwhelm us that we loose the fragile, but vital, balance we need to be to be truly healthy and happy.

When the typical workweek has seemingly become fifty hours a week at a minimum, when do we have time to make healthy meals, workout, have a social life, and sleep! Of course, in order to feel fulfilled, we still need to feel centered and connected to the most important things in our lives such as our family, friends, health and hobbies. Seeing as the cost of living is not likely going to tumble anytime soon, perhaps part of the solution is to bring more balance into the workplace.

It has been shown repeatedly that happy employees are better workers and fit, healthy employees produce more and take dramatically less sick days! Therefore, whether you are the boss, an employee, or both, making an effort to help people find balance in the workplace is good for everyone.

One company that is taking the U.S. by storm right now already embodies this philosophy. Lululemon, a yoga-inspired athletic apparel store originally from Vancouver is a shining example of what the workplace could become. The creator of the business, Chip Wilson’s mission for the company is “to provide components for individuals to live longer, healthier, and more fun lives,” and accomplishes this goal by guiding his employees to be the best that they can be in their own lives. In the spirit of “like attracts like” and keeping with the theory of attraction, his lofty vision of “elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness” can only be accomplished when every employee is truly seeking greatness in his or her own life.

I realize many companies have goals and missions that sound similar. Sadly, I have witnessed that although employees may have constant reminders of these goals, the necessary small, daily steps seem to get

Finding Balance

lost in the corporate shuffle. Lululemon employees are asked to write out their short term and long term personal goals – career, health, and personal – and then post them on the wall as a daily reminder of what they are driving to accomplish in their own lives.

As an athletic wear company, it would make sense to hire employees who live an athletic lifestyle, but “Lulu” takes it one step farther by prompting their employees to go into the community – trying different classes and facilities, and even pays for it! The culture of this company is so deeply rooted in promoting the whole, healthy living of each of their employees that it is virtually impossible not to notice when you walk into their stores or converse with their employees. The pride in the personal growth they have achieved working for this company is evident, which is something one does not see very often.

The question now becomes, how do those of typical 9-5ers start to work balance into the workplace? Try these things to get you started:

• Write out your own short and long term goals for every aspect of your life (family, career, and personal) and post them on your own office wall or on your screensaver. Make sure you mark your progress as you get closer to your goals!

• Bring health and fitness into your workplace. If they do not already provide this benefit, ask for a subsidized membership or discount to your local health club.

• Ask for healthy food to be served or sold somewhere in your office and catered to meetings. As an example of healthy snacks, go to www.thrfruitguys.com and sign up for organic fruit to be delivered weekly straight to the office!

• For those with flexible hours or who work from home, set specific hours that you will close the computer and do something to nurture yourself. It is too easy to slip into that black hole of not being able to separate work and home time.

It is so easy to get stuck in the mediocrity of the “day to day” and forget that we can make our workplace better for co-workers and ourselves. When we spend at least one-third or more of our lives at our jobs, they should be a place where we find a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment versus a place that robs us of our energy, vitality, and life in exchange for a paycheck. We owe it to ourselves and our companies to manifest our best self – by creating the best and most balanced lives we can live.

Kelley Davidson

Kelley Davidson

november 2008 1918 theChillMagazine.com

tea

If you have been reading lately about the popularity of tea, there is no doubt that you have come across an

article, or two, about its green variety. With the rising cost of healthcare, people are looking for more natural ways to improve their health. It seems that everyone – from Dr. Andrew Weil to

Oprah – is talking about the benefits of green tea for your body, mind, and spirit.

Many people we see in our tea shop are afraid to try green tea. They think it will taste just like if it came out of the lawn mower. The flavor of green tea is often described as healthy, fresh, or sometimes

grassy. Some varieties taste sweet, while others can be a bit astringent or bitter.

Next to water, more people drink tea than any other beverage. Before tea was considered a beverage, it was used as medicine in India and China to relieve depression, headaches, aches and pains, improve digestion, and for detoxification. According to the Chinese, tea is an energizer that enhances your immune system, and prolongs life.

Many trials have been done on green tea’s health benefits including Houston’s own MD Anderson Hospital. According to the National Cancer Institute, “ … studies have shown tea catechins act as powerful inhibitors of cancer growth in several ways: They scavenge oxidants …, reduce the incidence and size of chemically induced tumors, and inhibit the growth of tumor cells. In studies of liver, skin and stomach cancer, chemically induced tumors were shown to decrease in size in mice that were fed green and black tea. It has been helpful in inhibiting oral bacterial plaque, reducing inflammation, helping prevent diabetes, and increasing metabolism resulting in weight loss. Green tea also lowers stress hormones which allow the body to relax.” These are just a few of the reported benefits. For more detailed findings, visit our website at www.thepathoftea.com.

If you need another reason to drink several cups of green tea a day, the

antioxidants are 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E in protecting the immune system.

Most green tea comes from China and Japan, but other countries like Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India produce it as well. All teas come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis) but the difference rests in the way they are processed. Green tea is dried and either wet steamed or dry wok rolled, but not fermented like black tea. The shorter processing time gives green tea a lighter flavor than black tea.

There are many kinds of green tea to choose from. Japanese green teas taste totally different than Chinese teas. Some of the differences are subtle and some are not. If you really want to do a good tasting experiment, you will need to look outside of the grocery store. They usually carry a few brands of green tea, which are usually in tea bags. These are not typically high quality teas and will not give you the best taste. Once you try loose leaf teas you will never want to have tea bag tea again. Schedule a tea tasting at The Path of Tea and learn about green tea first hand. We do not charge for this very informative presentation but only for the tea you drink. It is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Preparing green tea is easy but you need to remember to use cooler water than for brewing oolong or black tea. The best way for brewing greens without a thermometer is accomplished by observing the water being boiled on the stove.

When you see little bubbles coming up from the bottom, you have acquired the perfect temperature for most green teas. A good tea shop will give you the steep time for each tea you buy. The kind of water you use is also important. Tap water should never be used to make tea because it has chlorine and other chemicals in it. This will affect the taste of the tea. Spring water makes the best tasting tea.

Come in and let us share more about organic green teas with you, here, at The Path of Tea, 2340 West Alabama, 713 252-4473.

by thia McKann, the Path of tea

Oprah – is talking about the benefits of

Green Tea?

20 theChillMagazine.com november 2008 21

in MeMory

Tobi was the editor of Chill Magazine. She was a beautiful woman who I am proud to say was

my mother, and my teacher about life.

If you knew Tobi, than you knew that she brought laughter where there was sadness, and love, where there was pain. She loved everyone with no judgment in her heart. She kept walking no matter how hard her life was, and she made the people around her, feel special and loved. Tobi Watashe loved you all!!!

She was a wonderful soul and an even better friend to me. Thank you Tobi for giving us all your friendship, love, kindness, patience, thoughtfulness, and passion for life. You showed us that no matter what tribulations life brings, to treat others with kindness, face adversity with a positive attitude, and overcome obstacles.

I will tell you a quick story about Tobi Watashe. She did not know when to stop working. She loved the concept behind this magazine. She believed in it, and knew that it could help the people in this city. She was ill for a long time, and there were times when I would tell her to slow down or take a break from working, and she would say, “I love my job!”

Thia McKann, owner of The Path of Tea, Lexia with Metaphysical Matrix, I would not know you if it were not for Tobi. She cherished your friendships dearly.

This issue is dedicated to my mom, Tobi Watashe, who passed away November 1st. She will always be remembered as a very bright light by so many. Everyone she came into contact with, was blessed. She was my mother, friend, teacher, and the editor of Chill Magazine!

InTobi Watashe...ofofof

InInInInofof

Memory

Cigars

22 theChillMagazine.com22 theChillMagazine.com

insPiration

november 2008 23

insPiration

It’s June. It’s Houston, and you know what that means. It’s hot - very hot. It is that kind of hot that makes automobiles in

Houston capable of multitasking … it’s a car and an easy bake oven!

Looking up from the infant car seat in the rear of the car, 18-month-old Carter noticed the lone sippy cup in the drink holder next to the console between the two front seats. Carter was hot, sweaty, and thirsty. Obviously, he thought, the contents of the cup would help him to feel a little bit better while mom made the drive back home. He began to try his best to communicate with mom. What started with grunts and the point of a finger quickly grew to a loud cry as he thought he was making it perfectly clear what it was he wanted.

However, there was an issue. You see, this sippy cup had been slowly curdling in the torrid Houston June heat for several hours. Sippy cups are great for parents as the screw on top prevents spills, but they are not coolers. I am sure the milk inside had turned into a yellow, near cheese-like substance that a buzzard would certainly turn his nose up upon further investigation. But Carter did not know that.

Carter sat in the backseat and screamed bloody murder because he saw the sippy cup, and knew it held exactly what he needed. Jill, his mom, was doing her best to communicate with him. She tried and tried to tell him that the milk in this cup was bad, but effective communication with an angry 18-month-old is a mystery that the best of science has yet to crack. This was going to be one long

drive. Carter was unable to understand that what was in this particular sippy cup was not what was best for him. The cup looked good. It had always worked before. He had seen enough sippy cups to know that this is what he wanted. Why wouldn’t his mom simply get him what he thought was best?

I think sippy cups come in all shapes and sizes.

This is the perfect job for me. I would be so pumped if I were hired.

I cannot believe he will not ask me to marry him. What is he waiting on? We are perfect together.

If I get into this school, I know I will love it. I love the city, the vibe, the weather, the people, and the reputation is unbelievable. This is where I need to be.

Just a small raise, a small one, that is really all I need. If I get this raise, then all will be perfect.

I can almost see God sitting in the front seat of our lives looking back at all of us who are screaming and crying because we don’t get what we want. What makes us so mad is that we often confuse what we want for what we need. Maybe God doesn’t want me to choke on something He knows I just can’t stomach. Maybe I should remember that God knows what I need. Maybe the things in life I want will actually make me sicker than a dog. Who knows? Isn’t it funny how often we seem to act like Carter and God our parent?

Sippy CupsBrad Murrill