Happy Birthday, Grandpa R!

You know, I've always loved a man in uniform!

This particular man, Grandpa R, is a gem. A doll, a hero, a husband, a grandpa, and a friend to all those in need. Seriously. I'm not exaggerating about this one.

Grandpa has 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grand children. Way to go forth and build your family, man! I'm just lucky enough to have married into this family and get to share in your grace and kindness. Thank you.

Grandpa, Happy Birthday! I hope you wear a party hat today and eat cake. In fact, I hope you put a party hat on that rooster that sits in front of yours' and grandma's fireplace, too! (Because, roosters should always be included in the festivities!)

I love that you talked to me about the dinosaurs. And, you didn't laugh at me. Thank you. ;)

I love how you love your wife and your family. It is so very apparent to me that you would do anything for Grandma and your family. Why? Because you have the grace of God in your heart and a beautiful soul.

Oh, stop blushing!

Today is YOUR day! I'm doing a tap dance for you right now - can you hear it!?!

Enjoy yourself today. You've accomplished many things in your life - served in the Air Force, worked for the oil people, and butchered a lot of meat. But those are small accomplishments when you compare that to the family you helped build.

We are thinking of you today in New Orleans and wishing you could join us for a beignet and some cafe au lait!

Kev and I love you more than the moon and the stars...and so does the rest of the family.

Bravo, darling sir! You are cherished and loved.

Happiest of days....

xoxo,
Kel

Make Me a Po' Boy

We tried our hand at making our own po' boys while J was visiting NOLA recently.
Oh. My. Tyrannosaurus Rex.

These were good. Brilliant, in fact. So I thought I'd share with you a little of the history and a mini recipe. Sorry, I didn't whip out the camera when we were making these, but seriously, these sammies were delicioso!

First, the history. According to some legends, the po' boy came about when there was a strike among street car drivers. A former street car operator, turned restaurant owner, felt for his former coworkers and would provide them with these giant sandwiches for free. This enabled the street car operators to continue to strike and still feed their families. Thus, the sandwich became known as a po' boy. Because, you know, they were po'.

They are made with Louisiana French Bread that is shaped more like a baguette. So, if you live in Louisiana, you can find this type of bread. Otherwise, buy a loaf of French Bread.

We filled our po' boys with hot sausage and fried shrimp. We also added a little shrimp remoulade sauce for some extra flavor. So, our particular attempt at the po' boy was fancier than most, but still VERY Oh. My. Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Ingredients, so you have a neat list (or you could look at the lovely picture of the shopping list I made for Kev complete with illustrations):

Louisiana French Bread - extra flaky and delicious
Hot Sausage (this is NOT Jimmy Dean, darlings. The butcher makes this sausage here, sells it alongside the ground beef and what not, and its in a casing - you know, like sausage)
Fresh Shrimp
Shrimp Fry
Jar of Shrimp Remoulade

Take the Hot Sausage and remove the casing so you just have the sausage, sans the casing. Make patties with this and fry it up!

Buy your shrimp with the heads still on. I know, ick, ack ook, gross! But, trust me. DO IT! Better flavor, and you won't pay as much $$ for these babies. You need to remove their shells and heads and tails. Lot's of hand work, but WORTH IT!


Follow the directions on the Shrimp Fry batter. I added a little extra hot sauce to the wet batter for these shrimp. It gave it a little extra yummy kick. And fry them up! We used vegetable oil to fry our shrimp. Don't be afraid to fry - it doesn't take that long (you're only frying shrimp!) and turned out to not be that messy.

Once the shrimp and sausage are cooked, slice your bread so you have a top and bottom half. You know, like for a sub sandwich. Only it's not a sub sandwich, it's a po' boy.

Pile your sausage and shrimp and then add a little remoulade sauce. You can also "dress" your sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions and mayo. Keep that in mind when you visit New Orleans and order a po' boy. They will ask you if you want it "dressed". No, they don't mean do you want your sandwich to wear satin or lace.

Voila! You have a po' boy. It was REALLY, REALLY tasty. I hope you will try this at your house very soon!

(Again, I apologize for the lack of pictures. These babies were devoured fast!)

xoxo

Take a Walk

New Orleans is a very walkable city. You could even get away with not having a car here, really. Very European in its layout, this city permits you to head out on foot and really see the city and get lost in the sounds - powered by the mobility God gave you. It's really one of the many reasons I love New Orleans. I can walk and get somewhere. And, hear some exciting music along the way.

Because there are so many pedestrians walking to get where they need to go, it makes driving somewhere a bit slower. You have to be on your toes and make sure you aren't about to run over someone walking or riding their bike. Kev always says he's not worried so much about hitting another driver, just the crazy pedestrians! I concur, darling.

Due to all the walking going on, I started a little experiment. When we drive somewhere and it's pretty, I like to turn up the music and roll the windows down. I know, I know, think of the noise pollution I'm contributing to. But, I promise there's a point. I roll the windows down, crank up the music and I watch. I watch the pedestrian's feet. And, in my very scientific research *ahem*, I have realized that almost everyone will get into step with the beat of the music. Like marching band, really.

I LOVE THIS! It makes me smile. You should try it sometime. It's really quite a phenomenon...all the ants marching. Might as well provide them with some good entertainment.

Now I will suggest that you be selective in what you provide for their musical pleasure. Don't go blaring your lost Kenny G album because, well, who wants to listen to that? I repeat: good music with a good beat is key!

If you don't believe me, try playing one song that has a particular cadence and then switch it up to something different. They will change their step pattern, trust me. And then you will smile, too!

So, on this lovely Wednesday, go forth and be musical! And watch your walkers. They will provide you with a wonderful distraction while you are sitting in traffic. Just don't be mad if they get somewhere faster by walking than you do in your car.

xoxo

Signing Off

Attaining my graduate degree was a bit of a process. I took the long road with a few side trips to stop and smell the roses, I suppose. But, I finished and have that piece of paper. That's all that matters, right? That you finish.

My adviser and I had built a relationship during that long and winding time. I trusted him and had faith in him and an immense amount of respect. He called me on my b.s. and I tried to make him laugh. Then he would call me on my b.s. some more. He was very highly ranked in the graduate school, the dean of the program, actually.

Because the road to graduation had been so winding, I was a little nervous about meeting with him to have him sign off on my graduation paperwork. Excited, yet nervous. I'm sure you understand. His office contained his desk with visitor chairs, as well as a large, oblong conference table. We always sat at this table when we would meet. Perhaps it was to make me more comfortable, perhaps it was because we had a lot of paperwork to go over. I don't know. It's just how it went.

He combed through all my steps and missteps, right there in black and white for him to see. Not that he wasn't already aware of the many times I'd wandered away to smell those roses, but it's still a little disheartening to have it all compiled into a neat little file. Let the nail biting commence!

He said things like, "Good, good, good....", and then would make a teeth sucking noise like I had seriously offended him and say, "Oooh...ok, but we have this. Good..." I kept thinking he was going to find something that would make all the cards come crashing down and I would be forced to continue taking classes for the next five years.

But then, he said, "Looks like you are good to go. I just need to sign this and you will be graduating." YES! Hallelujah! I had done it!

Then he asked me for a pen. "I can't seem to find my pen, do you have one so I can sign?", he said. Sure, right here! I dug in my bag and pulled out a blue pen that Kev had brought home from the hospital. You know, those drug rep pens are good writing pens.

As I was handing him the blue pen, I realized it said Viagra on the side. I hoped he wouldn't notice. He didn't say anything. Just signed his signature and we said our goodbyes and I was on my way.

I had stopped by his secretary's desk to finish a few additional items of business and I heard him come bounding out of his office. "KELLY! You forgot your pen!!!!"

I said, "Oh, but you could have kept it. I have tons of other pens."

"No, no, no! I insist. I can't have a pen like this lying around my office," he said.

Was he blushing? Oh my! I think at that point I probably started blushing myself, told him thank you, and went on my way.

So the big, bad Viagra pen was no match for the dean of the graduate school.

And I graduated having the knowledge that even the long and winding road can get you to your destination and issues like erectile dysfunction make some people very uncomfortable. And of course, I will always remember that my ticket to graduation was signed with a Viagra pen.

I hope everyone has an easy and uplifting Tuesday!

xoxo

Get READY!

It's time to do the FRIDAY DANCE!! Yeah, you right!

It's Friday! *wiggle, wiggle* It's Friday! *wiggle, wiggle*

And guess what today is as well?!? It's my Mary's birthday!

Happy Birthday, Mary!

I hope you do an extra special Friday/Birthday dance - you deserve it!

On a side note, Mardi Gras season is pretty much in full swing! The big parades start next weekend and oh boy, am I excited! I guarantee lots of fabulous pictures coming your way!

I hope everyone has a lovely day filled with easy times and a lack of any major drama. Because we all deserve a good day!

And remember: It's FRIDAY! *wiggle, wiggle* It's FRIDAY! *wiggle, wiggle*

xoxo

Un, Deux, Trois

Or Uno, Dos, Tres depending on what state you live in. Same difference, though. One, Two, Three, GO!

There is an individual that I work with (lovely person, really) and anytime I see said person, I smile. I guess it's a Texan thing or a Kel thing. I don't know. I just feel compelled to smile at someone when they walk by. Smile and say, "Hi".

The thing is, anytime I smile at said person, they respond by saying "Yes." It's a different response for me. "Yes." That response makes me giggle in my soul. I love it! "Yes."

This person's response to my daily smiles remind me of another individual I encountered back in Tejas. I knew this individual through the symphony and at functions I would say, "You look pretty tonight!" Their response? You guessed it! "Yes."

Is it a dismissal? I don't think so. Maybe it's an acknowledgment to a statement they are not quite comfortable hearing or seeing. I know I'm a smiley individual and smiles in a big city tend to get you locked away in the loony bin. But, at least we are in the South.

So, Un, Deux, Trois! Smile at someone today and pay attention to his or her response to said smile. Do they smile back? Do they say hi? Do they say "Yes."?

I guarantee it will make you smile some more! (And might make the work day pass a little quicker.)

Have a fabulous Thursday...you know what Thursday means!

xoxo

There's No Place Like Home

We went to Houston this past weekend to visit Kev's parents. We had a fabulous time! Good company, good food, a bonus kitty named Spooky to help us get our purring fix while our fur-babies were back in NOLA, and shopping.

Thank you Mom and Dad Squared! We really had a great time! Can't wait for Jazz Fest!

And, did you know they sell Swedish Fish at the Swedish Store called Ikea?!? They do, and I can PROVE IT!


See! Swedish Fish! So happy! I love Ikea. Especially their displays that show you how it is possible to live in 235 square feet. Talk about efficient! Not that anyone would WANT to live in that small of a space, but it is possible if you have Ikea.

While Kev and I had a lovely trip this weekend, we have both decided that we aren't going to be traveling anywhere else for a little while. I want a calm weekend without having to be in the car for extended periods of time. I'm sure Kev would appreciate not having to drive said car for extended periods of time. So, we're staying put.

That means if you want to see us, you gotta come to NOLA. It won't be bad, I promise! We'll show you a good time and you might even meet an alligator, even if he's on your plate and you are about to EAT him!

Have a rockin' good Wednesday! It's HUMP DAY! The week is half over....oh happy day!

Until we meet again...

xoxo

Messed Up: The Birthday Edition

My darling husband Kev informed me last night, on his birthday of all days, that my mind is "messed up". Umm....we've met, right? I suppose it makes sense for him to call me messed up due to me being slightly crazy, but on your BIRTHDAY? Come ON!

On second thought, it was your birthday and you get to do what ever you want on your birthday.

Our conversation started innocently enough. We were discussing our visit with his parents this weekend. I was talking about how his parents are like Mom and Dad squared for me. Because one squared is still one, meaning I still only have one mom and one dad, but I have an extra mom and dad now, too. So, they are like Mom and Dad squared. You know, like bonus parents. Then I went through some math equations out loud - squaring things and such.

That's when Kev told me my "mind is messed up".

I love you, my darling Kev. I love that you can put me in my place. I am "MESSED UP" after all.

Enjoy the picture of Baby Kev - I think it looks like baby's first drunken stupor but I don't think Mom Squared put scotch in his bottle at that age.

Have a great weekend, y'all! We're off to H-town now! It's going to be fun times!

xoxo

AHA!

So I worked late. Late into the evening...at least that's what it felt like.

I used to work non-stop. Go, go, go. Go, go. Sleep. Go, go.

For me, working at the symphony was a devotion. I was impassioned. I believed wholeheartedly in what I was promoting, who I was working for and which devil I was selling my soul to in order to be a part of such an organization. There was comfort in that music.

I am on a new path. It hurts my soul a little, I must admit. I had found my path (the arts) and found my solution to all the gook running around in m' brain. Then I thought, hey, I'm gonna go save New Orleans. Ummm....what was I ever thinking?

Please don't think I'm regretting our decision. I love this city and I am so glad we moved here.

It's odd to me how moving to a city such as New Orleans causes a shift in priorities. I feel passionate about my surroundings and my work is not as much a part of, well . . . me.

I had an AHA! moment tonight.

For me to be successful on my new adventure, I HAVE to make my job my life. My passion. Like I did at the symphony - available pretty much any time...seriously, those hours were madness!

But here's the slippery slope. I am an hourly, wage earning employee. Do I stay after my allotted time to work? That would mean overtime. They don't like the overtime. I don't blame them. I'm allowed a bit because I work for el queso grande, but I just don't know what I'm supposed to do!?!

I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Things are getting better. I'm understanding more...thank you Tyrannosaurus Rex! Seriously.

But, devotion is key. Believing in, just a little bit, the jargon and other muckity-mook helps. That's how it works, right? You work and smooch things and eventually you are the one being smooched and not working as hard as the smoochers. Right?

Terrible outlook! I came to "save" New Orleans, remember? HA! I say! What a fool I have been. New Orleans doesn't need saving, it saves you! From a life of boredom and taking your job situation too seriously. Seriously!

Who knows what the future may hold, but I promise that in 10 years, I'm no one's puppet.

Life and Such...

As many of you know, it was my birthday this past weekend. Yay for birthdays! I still love them. One day, all your own, to feel special and happy to be in this world. Not every birthday is perfect, but that comes with getting older. This particular birthday was a happy day. Thank you everyone for the fabulous birthday love!

We had our dear friend J come visit for my birthday! Oh, Duckie! It is always refreshing to have a friend come visit New Orleans for the first time. He's in love with a girl named NOLA, I would say. New Orleans is something you have to experience in person. The pictures, no matter how beautiful, really do not do this city justice. You need to be here and walk the streets. Take a street car and get lost! You will fall in love, just like J did...and Kev did...and Jen did...and I did...

I was driving to work yesterday and I passed a cemetery, as I always do every morning and evening, and noticed these giant trucks parked in front. They were white and huge and said something like "Hollywood Industries" on the sides. They were filming a movie! Did you know that New Orleans has a thriving film industry? Seriously! A lot of movies have been filmed here. Just thought you would like to know!

This week has been speeding/dragging. We are headed to Houston on Friday for Kev's birthday celebration! Gah! What's with all these January babies in my life?!? Har Har Har! I love birthdays!

I hope you all are having a week full of grace and ease...I think everyone could use a little ease and grace in life.

Off to work...oh work. I'm glad you pay my bills.

Ciao!

Not Cool...

My birthday is tomorrow. January 9. I turn 30 this year. TAKE THAT! Doctor who informed my mother to "make me comfortable and let me die" when I was suffering from the congenital heart defects that were untreated. I betcha he never expected me to live past two, let alone twenty-nine. Yeah, he can eat his words.

Today is Elvis's birthday. Oh Elvis! *swoon* Makes me think of my Mary. She loves her some Elvis, and so do I!

My brother C informed me a long time ago that I wasn't cool enough to be born on Elvis's birthday and I got the "clean-up" birthday. Thanks, C. ;)

So, Happy Birthday Elvis. I'm sorry you aren't alive anymore, but you are famous - even after your death. Good for you. Sorry you can't be here to enjoy this, but I think you might still be around. After all, there are numerous sightings of you all around the world, even now!

Yeah, 30. I'm not ready but it's coming and already here come tomorrow. A new decade. More new adventures. I can do it! After all, I'm like my momma - I'm tough!

New Tricks

While in Austin this last weekend, I decided it was time I taught my mother how to text message. She isn't the most tech-savvy of individuals, but she tries. She recently got a fancy touch screen cell phone and I KNEW she would be able to text message, with a little help.

So, for your reading pleasure, here is my mom's and my first conversation via text message (we were in the same room with each other):

Me: What's up?

Mom: Nothing

Me: Awesome!

Mom: Yea

Mom: Sh*t

Me: Watch out - the cops might get ya' !

Mom: I'm tough

That's my Mommy!

Have a great Thursday! Oh, and the picture above and below are from Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. Kev & I went to a Twelfth Night Party last night to kick off Mardi Gras Season. You all will have many more Mardi Gras pictures to enjoy in the very near future. xoxo

Ole'!

The other part of our trip to Austin/San Antonio was spent with my parents, C & C, and Lloyd and MY MARY!!!!!! We enjoyed a lovely meal at Mi Tierra in San Antonio. I believe they told me this is next to the market. Wow, it's really pretty. I think it is kind of San Antonio's version of the French Market. I had such a lovely time!


The flags! I need to get me some...they make me muy feliz!


Anyone need a sombrero? You should have told me - I could have bought you one!


Look! It's the next Selena! I thought she was pretty - and not half bad as a performer, either!


Speaking of Selena....here she is! There was a lovely painting dedicated to her memory in the restaurant. Sorry, the pic isn't very good and it was pointed out to me that I missed her best asset in this picture - the derriere!


I don't know about you, but when I think of Mexican food and San Antonio, I think of Bill Clinton in a pair of running shorts and a Mi Tierra t-shirt!


Because a lady isn't a lady without her cigar...wait, didn't Bill Clinton like cigars?


C & C - enjoying good times. Nice chops, man!


Prettiness - of course this was part of their altar and I'm sure I angered some gods or saints somewhere by taking a picture.


Me and my parents! Go Raider Red!


The restaurant had an affinity for hanging objects from the ceiling in every room. I love it! Not for the faint of heart or those who are easily overstimulated.


Kevin's grandma would appreciate this - some of the costumes were of the masked wrestlers in Mexico. Apparently she loved watching those guys beat the heck out of each other. Go Grandma!


Me and MY MARY!!!!! It was so good seeing you - next time, JUDY MUST BE THERE TOO!!!!!!


Dance, puppets, DANCE!!! I especially like the green Godzilla looking one - you know, the one with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. But Kevin wouldn't buy it for me. :(


I love you anyway, honey...just buy me the puppet next time.


A trip to see Mary wouldn't be complete without a plastic donkey! Just like old times, I say! Oh, and I repeat, I saw it first!!!!

Hope you all have a happy Wednesday!

Hasta manana!

Get Your Guns Up!

Thanks to my lovely parents, Kev and I traveled back to Texas to visit with my brother in Austin and on to San Antonio to watch my Texas Tech Red Raiders play in the Alamo Bowl! We had an awesome time! We were able to eat some fabulous Tex Mex and visit with my Mary and Lloyd. (That portion of our trip will come tomorrow - too many pictures!)


Here is a picture of Midnight Matador. He is the current horse of the Masked Rider. I would have put a better picture of him - he's gorgeous, don't you think - except his man part got in the way and I'm trying to keep it a somewhat clean blog.


It's the Goin' Band from Raiderland! I love this band! So big, so loud! But I must say, Michigan State's band gave them a run for their money. Yay for the bands!


The Double T - as formed by the Goin' Band in the pregame. Yeah, you right!


Here's another picture of our horse friend, Midnight Matador, and the Masked Rider. So stoic! I miss the days of when they let him run around the entire stadium. *Tear* But that's another story.


Let's play some football! After all, that's why we all were there, right? Both teams fought hard. It was interesting to be surrounded by so many fans with Team Leach signs and shirts. They loved their captain, but alas, he's not coming back. What a shame, folks.


Get your guns up! *Pew! Pew! Pew!* A sea of Red Raider fans, I say!


Kaboom! We did it! 41 - 31! Go Red Raiders!


Winning is sweet, and I think this team needed to win. Amid all that controversy they pulled it out and I couldn't be more proud! What a great game! A real nail biter! And, I'm so happy that we were able to see this with my family!

Have a great Tuesday, y'all. Oh, and "GET YOUR GUNS UP!!!!"

Happy New Year!

May you and yours have a year full of love and blessings. Happy 2010, y'all!