The Ruby-Ness of it All

I love sparkles.  Call me a four-year-old, but I love all things shiny.  Perhaps I'm like a bird, but it brightens my day when I can look at something shiny and glittery and happy.  It reminds me of being little and watching "The Wizard of Oz" and seeing those Ruby Slippers.  Those are some amazing shoes - seriously.  And what woman doesn't own at least one pair of red shoes to add an exclamation point to her outfit? 

I read a post about loving New Orleans recently and it brought up the topic of glitter.  I know most people think that glitter is the STD of the arts and crafts world but I just love it.  I think it brings something extra to the plate when you are adorning something with love.  Now please don't think that I dress in glitter and sparkles all the time because my wardrobe mainly consists of vintage broaches as my form of sparkle.  But I do love me a sparkled Muses shoe caught during Mardi Gras. 

I had the pleasure of going to Washington D.C. when I was pursuing my Master's Degree and I ended up at the Smithsonian and got to see an actual pair of the Ruby Slippers worn by Dorothy Gale (a.k.a. Judy Garland) while I was visiting the National Museum of American History.  I never in my life thought that these shoes were covered in sequins.  But, they are.  That is how they managed to make them so sparkly on the sound stage with all those focused lights.  I always thought they were bejeweled with at least rhinestones. The shoes are also covered with felt on the soles of the shoes, because Garland couldn't be clacking around during her dance sequences.  At least that is my assumption. 

Here in New Orleans, there are lots of people who love glitter.  I came across a gentleman who glitters his front steps with brown paint and gold glitter.  It adds an extra bit of glamor to his home and I can't blame him for doing it - it makes me happy and it makes his house fit into the "anything goes" attitude of the city's architecture.  I'm not sure what it does for his resale value but that is between him and his realtor.

So, don't dog the Ruby Slipper and don't dog glitter.  It may just make someone's day.  After all, a nice black dress with red shoes is like an exclamation point on an outfit.  And you will always receive many compliments on your style choice.

xo
  

¿Dónde está mi piña (Where is my pineapple?)

 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', uhh...COMET...Where'd YOU Come FROM??

"People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle AND shine when the sun is out,
BUT when the darkness sets in,
Their true beauty is revealed  

ONLY if

there is light FROM within."

-Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1926 -)

Good News, Y'all!!!  I've been eating a few Po-boys and have gained (according to my personal scale) a whopping ONE POUND!  Whoop-Whoop!  I never thought I would  be excited about gaining weight and honestly I'm faking it till I make it at this point in "the game".  

On the other hand, I have more energy and I'm making sure I am walking in the park so I'm building some muscle back.  I just have to remember to go slowly.  Also, 'adventures in vitamins' is proving to be interesting.  I long for Flintstones Brand . . . 

Come to think of it, we never took vitamins when we were little.  I think I enjoyed those little treats at Allie's house.

Putting things in order and underwhelming yourself to achieve balance is an everyday challenge that we all face.  I feel like I have been given all the pieces to MY puzzle at the most appropriate times during MY life.  I just never had a logical explanation given to me about WHY things happened the way they did.  I found out my cardiologist of 15 years had died because my mom handed me his obituary.  Then she handed me a hankie.

This approach has turned me into a passionate, intense and slightly "psychotic" INDIVIDUAL.  

AND I'm a HOOT at cocktail parties!

The thing is that everyone seems a little afraid of me.  

"Treat her with kid gloves . . ." and "She's very sensitive" 

are both phrases that I have heard from PEOPLE my entire life.  After all, I'm delicate, RIGHT??

Ummmmm . . .

Have we met????

I was raised by a "You'll Get Endocarditis AND DIE!!!" and an 

"I'll Give You Something To Cry About!!!"  

A BRILLIANT combination, especially considering all my DELICACIES early on in my childhood.

Bottom line, I AM tough as nails and 
I spit daggers at ANYONE who Crosses ME.  

I am a stubborn Capricorn.  I have a Monkey Heart.  

Oh, and I also know how to dance my DERRIERE off.

I am so happy and grateful, GLORIOUS UNIVERSE.  You provided me New Orleans when I needed a safe place.  New Orleans has been Kev's and my official home for TWO YEARS now and I am officially overwhelmed by the gratitude I feel for finally finding OUR TRUE HOME.

God Blessed Texas

 &

God Sparkled Louisiana. 

La Musica TODAY:  Elton John Honky CAT 

©1972 Honky Château.

 GET BACK, HONKY CAT!!!

Katrina VI: Remembering and Still Rebuilding

Howdy, everyone.  I hope you all had a blessed, safe weekend and no one was too affected by Hurricane Irene.  Natural disasters, no matter the size, are a frightening occurrence and I don't think it becomes any easier as we get older.


I remember my dad throwing us kids into the bathtub with a mattress thrown over us while he crawls on the roof to see if he could spot SOMETHING.  It is difficult for me to imagine the fear they experienced when he was younger working on that dry-land cotton farm.  They didn't have those fancy Doppler radar systems like we do these days, so I'm sure they had to rely solely on the radio, and even that wasn't warning enough for some folks.


The video above is from a fantastic group of leaders here in New Orleans called Levees.Org.  Together with the founder Sandy Rosenthal, Levees.Org has collected and provided a POWER-PUNCH of data about what really happened six years ago when Katrina made landfall.  Man. Made. Disaster. 

Unveiling the levee breach plaque, the community of Gentilly has a visual reminder of the tragedy that occurred six years ago.  This particular unveiling ceremony was held on May 20, 2011.

According to the e-mail I received this morning from Sandy Rosenthal at Levees.Org, Irvin Mayfield, Jr. "played a moving rendition of "A Closer Walk With Thee" on the Elysian Trumpet, hand-built by David Monette, and dedicated to the memory of Irvin Mayfield, Sr. and all of the victims of the flooding on August 29, 2005 during Hurricane Katrina."

JUST LOOK AT THAT INSTRUMENT!  It takes my breath away, the craftsmanship.  I most definitely feel that horn in my bones!  

As was our tradition last year, this morning we are headed over to the Lower 9th Ward to participate in the Second Line to commemorate Katrina.  I'll post what went down later this afternoon.


So, Happy Monday and Go Away Hurricanes.


Period.

You Can Dance With Me!

DaNcE! dAnCe! DaNcE!

Everybody Dance!

You Can Dance With Me....

The way in which these children are vibrating with the rhythm of Mr. Simon's "Me and Julio" demonstrates the true power of music over human beings.  Think about it.  When we hear a song, we stop and listen.  Especially if it "moves us" in some way.  Pay attention to that phrase.  We pay attention when something moves us.  Emotionally, physically, spiritually...whatever.  It is a movement, a dance, a shift, and a change all wrapped up in a tiny child vibrating to a man playing his guitar.

I kind of feel like those kids today...vibrating along, trying to find the actual rhythm but not quite certain so the dance appears frantic.  This week has been, well, vibrating thus far.  New beginnings, again.  But this time, it feels a little more permanent.  Like I might actually figure out the steps to the choreography of this particular dance.  

Thank you, friendly Universe, for providing me with so many avenues and opportunities in the past two years here in NOLA.  I needed to experience them all and meet everyone that I have met thus far.  Thank you for providing us with our own Louisiana family, even if I didn't realize that is what you were doing at the time.  I love you all.  You may not realize it, but I'm shooting love arrows at you all as I write this.  xoxo

New job, new start, half-way through the first week.  I think we all deserve a good, celebratory dance, so dance, dance, dance, like it's the last night of your life!!!!!!

Happy Wednesday, y'all!

*shimmy, shimmy*

"Come in.  Nice to meet you."  "Hello.  (Let me sell myself to you, make you like me - I think) Nice to meet you too. (Convince you of my intelligence...be a lady...) "

Oh goodness, I'm nervous.

So, here's some pretty music for you to enjoy.  I'll get back to writing soon.  Talk about shaking things up.  I'll write about that soon....as for now.  Have to go get ready to enter that gate.  Again, and again.  And again.

It's starting to feel like ballet class up in here.

I'll chat at you all later when I've calmed myself a bit...

xoxo

Secret Hideaway

Oh, Monday!  I wish you hadn't gone ahead and shown back up this week.  I was so enjoying the weekend and the weather and taking walks and peeking in other people's secret garden hideaways.

But alas, it is back to the grind, back to the week, back to our normal responsibilities.

I hope rest found you this weekend, you did manage to tackle that pile o' laundry and you were able to take some time to stop and smell the night blooming jasmine....

Have a great week!

xoxo

New Job Number 3: Week One Complete

Yay! Yay! Yay!

I have completed my first week of work! I feel accomplished and blessed and so thankful that I am able to have this position in this organization.

I have lots to learn - like how to use as Mac. But I can do it, and I look forward to the challenge. Who knows, I might be converted! :)

Above is a picture of the Fabulous Coco. Office Dog Extraordinaire! Love, love, love having an animal around while working. It gives the office a calming effect. She goes around the office as she pleases and is very well behaved and quiet. Darling, darling animal.

It feels like I've known my current employer before, or forever, or in a different lifetime. Who knows...but there is a familiar essence to this house, this position even. I feel as if I have been here before. I don't know. It could be because of how I worked at the Symphony, or I have finally figured my way in what I guess I do.

The flexibility of this, working part time, is nice. I appreciate and am grateful that Kevin is ok with me working the schedule I work. I will say, this gives me more of an opportunity to see him in the mornings when he is working and I can kind of help take care of him and the house better when he is working those terrible graveyard shifts.

I feel at peace. I am excited about the things I'm about to learn.

You never know how the kindness of a complete stranger will affect your life. Don't be afraid to connect with new people. This is something I'm having to work on. It's hard. But I'm so appreciative of the connection and forethought and kismet.

Oh, and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

xoxo

First Day: CHECK!

So, after completing my first day at the office, I have decided that I enjoy my new position. I enjoy the environment, I enjoy the people. I don't really know what I'm doing quite yet and now have to learn how to use a Mac, but, I'm a smart cookie and think this gig will be a nice way for me to feel more useful.

I definitely have to learn to dress differently for the office. No big deal - I'm just used to the big corporate suits and heels and all that, but # 1: this is New Orleans, #2: I'm now working in a design office, #3: design people don't wear heels.

So, I go be-bopping up in there with a dress on and my happy giraffe print heels. Clip Clop Clip Clop. Down the hallway in an old house/pharmacy that has hardwood floors.

SHHHHHHH!!!

People are being creative here!

Therefore, the shoe dilemma.

No one said anything. I'm just not quite cool enough for the design people in my fashion design. I wish I was cooler...and could manage walking in my happy giraffe print heels more quietly in an old house/pharmacy with hardwood floors.

Today, I will wear flat shoes that are stealthy quiet. Because people are being creative up in there.

OOOOOHHHHH!

And you know the best part????

There is an OFFICE DOGGGGGG!!!!!

Her name is Coco. She is cute.

I will take a picture of her today if I can.

So far, work feels like going over to a friend's house to work on a project. Not really work because the family dog is running around and there is a kitchen and a bathroom with a bathtub.

I hope you all have a FABULOUS Tuesday!

xoxo

P.S. Can anyone tell what's in the picture??

Jobity Job Job Job

It's all new beginnings up in here, y'all! Look! We have a flower! A flower on the cucumber plant! And yes, that is a chopstick, holding up the plant. Whatever you have on hand, right?

Plus, I got a J - O - B!

I am over the moon. Excited and calm about this one. It's the right fit. A creative fit and a positive new opportunity for me and what it will mean for us to exist in this city.

If you looked at the scorecard of Kelly and Kevin Move to New Orleans, it would look something like this:

NOLA - 4
K&K - 1

You might be asking, why do we only have one point? Because our #1 All Star Game Player Kevin. He's the only one in this household who has acquired and kept his job here in NOLA. Way better than just a measly 4 months. He will have been at the Hospital for a year this summer.

But, that doesn't mean the game is over. It's really just beginning. You know, like in baseball. That game goes on forever. Seriously. America's favorite pastime is an excuse to sit around for five hours and drink beer and eat peanuts and Cracker Jacks. But who doesn't like that? I like to pass a good time with the rest of 'em.

But, back to the game of K&K vs. NOLA. It's really not a game. This is our home. It's not some novelty that is depicted on television. It's being able to pay the electric bill when it's 100+ degrees outside. And not being cooped up in the apartment, day after day after day.

Not that I didn't enjoy my little sabbatical. I did, thoroughly. It gave me a chance to re - situate our priorities here.

I promised myself that I would work with creative, like minded people. So far, that has become my reality.

I start Monday. I am working for a graphics/architectural design firm that has done a lot of corporate branding projects here in the city.

And yes, this is the job that is above the coffee shop.

*BLISS*

Have a FABULOUS weekend!

xoxo

A Window of Opportunity

Hey y'all! Happy Friday! I hope you all have had a wonderful week! My week has been prosperous.

I had a great interview the other day. Very excited and things are progressing nicely with that arrangement. I also got a call back from the nice lady that said I was really probably too nice for the other job. They want to interview me sometime next week.

I'll keep you posted. Things are looking up - I feel it in my bones.

Have a FABULOUS Friday!

cha - cha - cha <-----the Friday Dance

xoxo

Louisiana Swamp Up In HERE!

I walked into our bathroom this evening while I was talking to my dad on the phone and I discovered THIS at the very tip top of the wall. We have like 14' ceilings in this place. He is still in there. I'm just hoping the cats don't discover him and make him their after dinner snack. EEK!

But isn't he pretty? In a get him out of my house PLEASE sort of way!

I'm so dependent on Kev to take care of all the buggies and creepy crawlies. Oy. And don't get me started on the cockroaches.

We also had a firefly in the kitchen. So peaceful by the refrigerator. I went to get the camera to take a picture. Next thing I knew, CatZiLLa was eating him.

I so wish Kev was home right now to make sure the lizard stays a lizard for another day.

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

xoxo

The Carpetbagger

Guess what, y'all? I have officially been called a Carpetbagger! Be still, my insulted monkey heart! For those who don't remember their 8th grade history class, a Carpetbagger is defined as (according to Merriam-Webster):

1. a Northerner in the South after the American Civil War usually seeking private gain under the reconstruction governments.

2. Outsider; Especially: a non-resident or new resident who seeks private gain from an area often by meddling in its business or politics.

I didn't know that we were living in Civil War times, but I suppose you could look at this time after Hurricane Katrina as a reconstruction period. The Carpetbagger mirror was held in front of me and has hurt my feelers.

And, okay. We are outsiders. We come from a different land. A land known as Texas and loved by many (ourselves included). Except, we love this city with the same amount of passion as we love our Texas. We love this place so much, we feel it in our bones. OUR BONES, PEOPLE!

Let me explain the situation. We were at a dinner party the other night and I was bemoaning my current lack of employment. Boo hoo hoo on me. My level of education was brought up and how I could be considered a carpetbagger. So, was this particular person calling me out as a carpetbagger? Not exactly. He was just observing that this mindset is probably what many people sense from me when I apply for a job.

"She's a carpetbagger! She has more than a high school education - she must want to take advantage of us and reap the benefits of all the many jobs and money that is available to all the true citizens of this city!"

Excuse me, Mr. Job Interviewee....I hate to argue, but your level of pay is not what we are accustomed to. And frankly, I just want to have a place to go every day and not feel like a bum. Oh, and to not be on unemployment and feel like I'm milking the system, like so many of your residents' enjoy doing.

Not to sound harsh, but I have a very strong work ethic. VERY STRONG! I don't like not working. I don't like not doing my part and sitting at home playing Susie Homemaker is NOT what I set out to do with my life. It's not like we have children and the cats sleep all day, therefore not requiring much babying.

Perhaps I have been misguided in our decision to move to this city. I never meant to offend anyone by my showing up with my proverbial carpetbag and wanting to help. Help. Not take advantage.

So, I think our new home town and I need to have a pow-wow. A little sit down meeting to discuss the many ways I have apparently offended her. I think I'll let her know a few ways in which she has offended me, as well. Of course, that could get me booted back to Texas!

Should I lie about my education? I have more than just a Bachelor's degree. Do I leave that off the ol' resume? I'm starting to think I should. Don't want to offend the locals, after all...

Cest la vie!

Hope you all have a very productive and happy Monday!

xoxo

Your Will Be Still

Let's be cliche for a moment. Things happen for a reason. It's only a matter of time. This too shall pass.

I have been in this situation before. I didn't have a job moving down here, it was the leap of faith that Kev and I chose to make. We made it together. We survived those four months. I turned into a domestic goddess, at least for a short while, and poof! I ended up with a job. It felt like an important job. It is an important job. Just not for me. The Universe took it away because it could tell that it was damaging my spirit. No damaged spirits, guys. It's simply not worth it.

I found this song last night, and I think the lyrics reign true with my current situation. Ray Lamontagne's "Be Here Now". Look it up on YouTube. Really gorgeous.

Don't let your mind get weary
And confused your will be still, don't try
Don't let your heart get heavy
Child, inside you there's a strength that lies


Don't let your soul get lonely
Child, it's only time, it will go by
Don't look for love in faces, places
It's in you, that's where you'll find kindness


Be here now, be here now
Be, be here now, be here now


Don't lose your faith in me
And I will try not to lose faith in you
Don't put your trust in walls
'Cause walls will only crush you when they fall


Be here now, be here now
Be, be here now, be here now

So, note to self: Be calm. Be open. Don't shut down. Be open. Open, and accepting of what may come along. Be still. I am excited about the possibilities of what is to come my way. Our way, actually. This isn't a one woman show, after all.

I wake up in the mornings and have the thought that I need to do something today. Other than look and apply for jobs, I can't wrap my head around what that task may be. I'll figure it out. I will find my voice, again.

What keeps you awake at night? What is the nagging thing in your life that you simply MUST accomplish but have a hard time doing? I'm curious if I'm the only one who feels like a giant procrastinator?

I hope your Monday is treating you with kindness. The beginning of a new week is always harrowing, but I know you all are rockin' and rollin' your way through!

xoxo

Lost and Wandering

Sick. I've been sick. Knock you on your derriere, sick. Fever, chills, coughing. Coughing so much that my stomach muscles are so sore, I can't cough any more. Perhaps the Universe was telling me I get a few more days of rest and repositioning and then it's time to focus.

Focus on the future. It's important, you know. Continuing to live and grow and achieve. That's what the people expect. Especially if you are like me and make big, grand promises. I expect big things out of this life I'm living. I've been quite vocal about my expectations of said life. It's time to start delivering on these big, grand promises.

I just never anticipated moving to this city would be as difficult as it has been. I am not going anywhere. Kev and I are not going anywhere. We love it here. We feel passionate about this place. It is our home. It's just a tough place to live sometimes.

With all the friendliness and kindness that surrounds us, there is also a sort of step back and reassess mentality. A kind of thought process of, "I'm not so sure about you...who do you think you are coming in here trying to change ME?!?" And, there is a harshness. Harsh, sad, and mourning. It's still here and I believe I have fallen prey to the sad folds that can wash over a person in a city that is still grieving some huge losses.

I'm still grieving my personal loss - even if it wasn't that huge. I need to get over it. Let it go. Pick myself up by those proverbial bootstraps and get on with things already.

Except, I'm angry. I'm having a hard time moving past the anger stage of my grieving. I'm so mad and I need to fight the urge to blame others and continue my pity tea party. The pity tea isn't that tasty. It's very bitter. Except I keep on drinking it.

So, here's to being able to sit in a chair! Here's to not having a fever! Here's to making positive changes and throwing out that cup of pity tea. It's cold, anyway.

I lost a few days in between my last post and this one. I didn't even realize it had become March.

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
March!
March, who?
March your way into some new beginnings!

So, cheers to being better and starting over. Again!

xoxo

Mardi Gras 2010: A Recap

Mardi Gras is over. The King Cake has been devoured. All that is left is the baby. A reminder of what is to come next year, and the year after, and the year after that.


My brother and his g.f. came to visit for Mardi Gras this year. He counted and I believe we saw a total of 13 parades while they were here. If you add in the few parades Kev and I caught prior to their arrival, I saw a total of 16 parades this year. That's a lot of beads, my friends.

Each parade featured a few marching bands. Yay for the bands! I am particularly fond of the twirlers that wear the boots with the tassels. They also have taps on the bottom of their boots. This makes for a nice cadence when they go marching down the street. *Click* *Click* *Click* *SWOOSH*


Oh, my! Another gator. You know me and my gators around here. I love them. I really wish you all could have been here and caught the magnitude that is Mardi Gras. These aren't tiny floats. Lots of detail is placed in each and every one. It's a lot of fun!

This guy was from the Rex parade. I love how they use gold leaf to accentuate the flame flowers on this float. And the burning balls of fire coming out of his hands were interesting.

Sparkle, sparkle, BABY! This twirler's costume is fabulous. I appreciate their choice of the shiny dance tights. I believe we stopped wearing those back in the late 80s, but these girls love their shiny tights.

To the moon, Alice! I thought the face of the moon was sweet.

These flame twirler people were awesome! They did really crazy tricks with these - just make sure you aren't standing too close! You might get your eyebrows singed off!

The themes of each parade are often centered around mystical ideas. This winged unicorn was nice. I don't like these riders' masks, though. Kind of frightening. But, it is Mardi Gras and what is Mardi Gras without a little bit of terror.

On to the throws! We caught a bunch of interesting items this year. Here is the collection of stuffed animals we managed to catch. Oh, and a stuffed birthday cake!

Kev with the spear we caught from Orpheus. I LOVE THAT PARADE! I particularly love Kev's face in this picture. He looks quite menacing, don't you think?

A koozie from Muses. Yes, the Muses are wearing party hats. It was their 10th anniversary, after all.

Speaking of Muses, we caught a couple of all important shoes from these ladies. It's special to get a shoe. Plus, they are covered in glitter. Have I mentioned I like sparkly things?

Another interesting catch. Boudreaux's Butt Paste. Yes, we caught diaper rash ointment. This was from a more tongue in cheek parade. You never know when you will need some butt paste. I hear Boudreaux's is the best!

Toilet paper from the Tucks parade. They have a huge potty theme going on with this group. Lots of "toilet humor".

Speaking of toilets, we also caught a plastic toilet from Tucks. Even the toilet is in the theme of Mardi Gras! Need a purple, gold, and green toilet? We have one!

We have now entered into Lent. Mardi Gras is over. Sinning is done, or should be done, for at least 40 days. No meat on Fridays.

It's always a let down after Carnival season has passed. At least for me. We have such a good time with family and friends, and then poof! It's over. Time to head back to the real world with responsibilities and a lack of festivities. At least Jazz Fest is just around the corner.

Happy Saturday. I hope you all have a great weekend!

xoxo

Trame de Trame!

It's the Mystic Krewe of Barkus! The puppy parade of Carnival season! Yay for doggies! Yay for doggies in tiaras, especially!

This particular Krewe is a walking krewe. Dress your doggy up in a costume and roam with the pooches through the French Quarter. This year's theme was, "Barkus Goes Tailgating: The Dogs Go Barking In". The humans give out beads, of course, and also have doggy treats for the other doggies that come out to see the parade. Tres magnifique!

See the dog pushing his way under the banner? I think he was excited and wanted to be the leader of his pack!


This puppy was part of the royal court. I liked her float - keeping with the jazz theme of the city.

I don't know about you, but I appreciate a second line band being led by a trumpet player in a dog suit!

Happy Dog! This pooch is proud to sport the Saints' fleur de lis! Arf, Arf! Which translates to "GEAUX SAINTS!"


Here come the cheerleaders! Rah, Rah, Rah! SIS, BOOM, BAH!

I think he's the line backer for the Barkus Krewe! I'm gonna get ya! STAND UP AND GET CRUNK!

Sparkle DOGGY! Sporting the Saints colors in her collar and in her coat! Yay!

It's the QUEEN OF BARKUS! Hail Queen Barkus! She is a rescue dog who is chosen each year. She hit the puppy jackpot! She is treated to massages, pedicures, and special grooming. Because a lady has to look her best when greeting her loyal followers!

Overall, I love me a good doggy parade! It was kind of hard to see, but you get the idea.

Trame de Trame! Translation: WOOF, WOOF!

xoxo

What Dreams May Come

Here we go again! Back on the road to home ownership. Only this time, we get closets and a lot more square footage. It feels right. I'm just cautious.

We put a bid on this lovely home (it's a condo, actually) and after a tiny bit of back and forth, we have had our bid accepted. Now it's on to the home inspection and appraisal process. That part is easy, breezy. It's all the other financial hoops that are coming our way that make me nervous.

The last time we went down this road, we thought we were golden and then at the last minute, the rug was pulled out from under us. That's okay! You know why? Because it means that the Harmony house wasn't meant to be ours and opened the door for our TRUE future home.

I think Papa Dios knew that I had too many shoes to live in a house that didn't have any closets. We get three - count them - THREE closets in this place.

It has the charms of an old New Orleans home - claw footed bath tub, hardwood floors, big windows, phone nook - but also has a brand new kitchen, completely modernized. Yeah, baby!

I just pray that the next steps proceed with ease and grace. It feels different this time, which means it MUST be right. Or, maybe not right, just better.

I'll keep you posted on our home ownership proceedings - we are bound to have a few hiccups. As long as we get to sign on the dotted line, I think the hiccups will be worth it.

So, for now we are cautiously excited. Anything can happen at this point, but I have faith.

And Kev, darling man. I hope you know that when we finally get the keys to our house, you WILL be carrying me across the threshold. You didn't do that when we got married, so I think it appropriate for OUR first home.

Yeah, baby! Bring it on!

xoxo

Hangin' in the Vieux Carre

We went to our first official Mardi Gras parade, as New Orleanians, on Saturday night. This parade was the Krewe de Vieux. It's a very satirical parade that throws a lot of punches at the local government and overall culture of the city. Angry? Tired of the political climate? Frustrated with your "due process"? Well, say it with a parade!

I think I need to live here a bit longer to really understand these stabs at the establishment. Not sure what they were trying to say with this one, but it's pretty (and one of the more PG-13 rated floats).

It's election time, again. And this year, we get a new mayor. I think the city is so excited for a change in city leadership. There were lots of jabs at Mr. Nagin. Remember his "Chocolate City"?

I really think they did a good job capturing the likeness to the Mayor. Who knew he still talked on one of the first cell phones invented. Remember those?


Again, they don't much like the Mayor right now. But, I can't say I blame 'em. There's been a lot of water under the bridge (and over) with this one.

These ladies looked nice! I really like the turquoise petticoat.

The sea of sperms belonged to a float that was paying tribute to the Continental Airline pilots that got lost along the way. You can imagine what activities the pilots on the float (not real people) were partaking in. And the picture of the lady - those aren't her real "ladies". I know, I know. It's getting saucy up in here.

These guys had people dressed up as voodoo dolls walking behind the float. I liked this one!

Overall, the parade was a lot of fun. I would share more pictures but seriously, this site would get taken down.

Hope you all have a great Tuesday! And, just remember that if you are frustrated with your government, take it to the streets in the form of a parade! It might wake some people up or at least make you feel better!

xoxo