Don’t you just enjoy those days where nothing can go wrong? Where everything just seems to be going your way? Even if it isn’t, it doesn’t seem to matter? That is how it is for me today. WWOZ seems to be playing music that just fits my mood. The day for the most part is flying by. Just finished a big part of a project I have been working on since I got here. I have fresh flowers sitting on my desk. I have heard from a lot of my friends and families, many bringing smiles to my faces. Some making me laugh hysterically. Actually it is a quiet kind of laughing hysterically that leaves me making all kinds of snorts and coughs as I don’t want to scare the new co-workers, which I have seemed to have done anyway. I am going to enjoy a fantastic dinner with a bunch of friends, some I see almost every day, and some I haven’t seen in a real long time. My hair seems to be actually doing what I want, and staying. My clothes fit right. Yeah today is a good day. Today I made 33. (I love that phrase, never heard it until I moved here) I hope it continues to be a good day and it is a good day for everyone else!!

ETA: I totally forgot one other really good thing about today. A certain piano player I enjoy is recording his new CD, starting today. Hope that jackhammering was under control....HA!

ETA (again) that I just got a message from my sister. I can officially say it. I am going to be an Auntie again!!! WHOO HOOO!! Aubrey is going to be a big sister sometime in late Feb.

Bullets, that is the way we roll today.
• The weekend was for the most part good. Lots of football/Olympics viewings. Good times with some friends. Some sleep, some laundry, some movies viewed. (crap forgot the Netflix movies at home!!)
• Spent some time in the ER yesterday. Nothing too serious, but it was beyond tolerable anymore. The closest urgent care that took my insurance was in Kenner and their number was disconnected. I tried looking for a few others but the numbers didn’t work either. So off to the Touro ER I went. I can now hear out of my ear, the pressure is almost all gone and so is the pain. The ringing in my ear is gone as well. There is a slight sinus infection which seems to be doing better.
• Which is good because it is the start of my Birthday week. Right now there is nothing too big planned for the week. Most likely resting until the big day. I know that night my roomie is planning a dinner party with some friends of ours. I knew she was taking me to dinner, but I didn’t know that she had invited a bunch of our friends until one of them let it slip last night. OOOPS. It should be fun! I did get one birthday drink already as one friend will be out of town that day. Later this weekend there is a road trip in the works to go and see the boys play in Oxford!!!
• Work is going good. So far a lot of figuring out a new filing system and a few other things here and there. It is a totally different atmosphere from what I had been in. Much more relaxed in some ways. I am enjoying it immensely.

So here we are. Last day at work. For this company anyway. I started this job when I got back to the city after being blown away. I started as a temp and within the year was hired on full time. While it hasn't been the most favorite of jobs I will be grateful for having it especially post-K.

I am leaving this job because they are moving out of the city and out to St. Rose. Quite a trek with out a car. I doubt I would have gone even with a car seeing how much gas prices are these days. That and I did the long commute when I lived in Seattle and it was beyond frustrating.

Today is not only my last day but the last day of the GM who is moving up to the NE. He is a bit more sad about leaving, but they made him an offer that he can't refuse. There will be a lunch thing today with the whole company, food provided by Voo Doo BBQ. I love me some Voo Doo BBQ.

The only downfall coming up is I didn't take any time off between jobs. I start the new one on Monday. I have the weekend to totally switch gears in my brain and get it back into ship shape. This new job, like I said in the past is an amazing opportunity and I am really happy that I got it. It is going to be a lot of work, it is going to be hard, exciting and educating. I know I can do everything that they need me to do, but there is that little worry-some bug in my head. I am sure by next week at this time it will be gone.

I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I am around, just been busy for the most part. Actually technically not REALLY busy, just away from the computer and experiencing life.

As for the interview. It went really really really well and I hope to find out later this week if I in fact will get the job. I had to send in a writing style sample which I did this morning and I hope they like it! It is an administrative position and the company sounds amazing and there is so much room for growth there. I know it isn't in the music business like I would like to be working in however it will be helping out New Orleans and that is something else I am passionate about. So now the waiting begins.

As I said last week, my sister, brother in law and Aubrey came to town. They arrived on Friday evening. It had been a long travel day for Aubrey, with her taking only on 45 min nap. She usually lays down at least twice a day for about 2 hours each time. (The kid loves to sleep) For that little amount of sleep she was in really good spirits. We got them to the hotel and Aubrey got settled in for bed while her dad and I ran to the store to pick up some food items for the little one. I got to hang out in the hotel while everyone ran out to meet some people for dinner. Really I didn't mind. Even if she was asleep I enjoyed hanging out with my niece. Later my sister came back to the room while I took out my Brother in Law, one of my sister's friends and one of their reps.

Saturday it was up early to take care of animals then out to the hotel to play with my niece. Scott and I did take her out for a walk, the plan had to go swimming however the storm that passed through put a damper on that. We did take Aubrey out to d.b.a to see Paul Sanchez and Shamarr Allen. They played the early set so we snuck the baby into her first bar! We snagged one of the window seats so it wasn't too loud and away from the smoke. Craig stopped by on his way to Snug to meet Aubrey for the first time and say hi to my sister. After grabbing some food from 13 I dropped the family off at the hotel then went to care for the dog I am watching.

Yesterday it was a bit more of the same, however my housemate is finally home so I didn't have to race to my house to take care of our cats. I did get a bit of sleep then went over to the hotel to hang with Aubrey again. We did take her to lunch at Mulate's (close to the convention center) and then later the convention my sister is attending had a mini Mardi Gras that included a few floats and a high school band. Aubrey caught a few beads and had great time!

I am getting off work in about an hour to spend more time with her and the rest of them. ;) Can't wait to get some more baby lovin!!

EDITED TO ADD: My birthday is in ONE MONTH!! Planning should have commenced already. ;)

This weekend was pretty darn quiet. I watched movies. I read. I drove from house to house to house taking care of animals. One would wonder why I am so tired. Mainly it is because I don't sleep well when I am not at my house. I also need a bit of noise when I fall asleep. I have had neither for over a week. If I get 3 hours of solid sleep? I consider it a good night right now. Yes I did go and see some music this weekend. It was the same person both nights.

Friday night I went to Carrollton Station to see Paul Sanchez play solo. Saturday night it was d.b.a and Alex McMurray sat in. I know I have said this before, so I will sound like a broken record. If you have never EVER seen a Paul Sanchez gig you need to check him out at least once. You will either get it, or you won't. Which is fine. I have seen some of the "regulars" show up with someone new to check out Paul's music and more often than not you start seeing those people again and again, and then they start bringing people. Not everyone knows who Paul is, some do and therefore don't want to check him out thinking he is doing what he was doing before. See for a really really REALLY long time, Paul was in the band Cowboy Mouth. A rock-n-roll band. Some people often say a college band. Some people (myself included) started getting bored at the shows, with the same things being said and done over and over. (I know a lot of bands do this so it isn't a dig against CM) You are either really really in the mood for one of their shows, or not. Anyway. Over a year and a half ago Paul left the band among some disputes. I don't know the full story, I don't want to know the full story, I don't NEED to know the full story. There is no law that says I can't enjoy both. Sadly CM very rarely seems to play in town anymore (like a certain trombone band I know) ;) Paul however has taken off with his solo shows. He has played Jazz Fest (okay three and a half songs before the rain forced them to stop) French Quarter Fest, Wednesday in the Square, the upcoming Voo Doo Fest. He is playing all across the country. Sometimes like on Friday night it is a solo show. Just Paul, his guitar, his songs, his stories. (point in case, I know most of the stories by now. Sometimes he gives a bit more information, but I always laugh) Sometimes it is a different musician sitting in. Could be another guitar player, could be a horn player, could be just about anyone. In the past he has had Susan Cowsill, Matt Perrine, Craig Klein, Shamarr Allen, James Andrews, Todd Duke, Alex McMurray, David Torkanowsky, Sonia Tetlow. Sometimes it is a duo, sometimes a trio, and if you are catching a festival show chances are pretty good you are going to see the Rolling Road Show. Now the Rolling Road Show consists of the above musicians, mixed and matched. Whoever is in town. And you know it is going to be an amazing show. Not only will Paul do his own music but he makes sure to showcase who ever is playing with him. Paul is a true troubadour. His songs and his stories are like a warm hug.

Paul and I knew each other as acquaintances before the storm. After the storm I helped gut out his and his wife's home. It was one of the hardest houses to work on. Not because of the muck and the nastiness but because I knew whose items it was I was tossing out on the curb. It was a pretty emotional day for everyone both happy and sad. I rarely miss one of Paul's shows because like I said, it is a warm hug every time. You just need to let the music sweep over you and take you away. Paul knows that I was the local merch person for Bonerama so from time to time he will ask me to sell CDs for him as well. He would often make comments that if he could afford me, he would hire me full time. Paul has found a way to make us both some money, so as of this weekend, I am under his employ. No this isn't something that I can live off of, but it is a start. He gave me a bunch of CDs this weekend and I am going to get them into stores, bookstores, coffee shops, where ever I can. I will get a portion, he will get a portion and the store selling will get a portion. So it is a step in the right direction.

Seeing how the job search isn't going any where fast, it could be the only income I have coming in here. I have been sending out resumes for a month and a half and have only heard back from a Temp Company. That was legitimate anyway. So I will keep chugging along trying to find something. Only a few more weeks to go. Only as slight panic setting in.

I swear I just posted about my weekend and here we are again about to start a new one. I guess that is a good thing, however I just don't know where the time has gone. Okay that is a lie, I do know where it has gone. It has gone into caring for many animals. I mentioned in the last post that I was going down to 2 houses and 7 animals. Again I lied (seeing a trend?) Actually I forgot about some other friends who were going out of town and that I would be watching their house and cats as well. So on Monday I was done with one house and with one dog. Now it was 6 cats and one dog that I was caring for. Tuesday started me with a new house and 3 more cats. Total count at that time? 9 cats and one dog. Now 6 of those cats are pretty self sufficient. They do get a bit of snuggle time and really all they want is their cat box clean and some food in the bowl. The kittens? They require a bit more attention. They want to snuggle, play, be fed, run free and crazy. The dog? She wants pretty much the same. Throw in some walks and she is good.

Last night I said goodbye to the kittens. I had blocked off an area that gave them some running room. Really if you are feeling down, sit and watch some kittens play for awhile. I haven't laughed so hard in awhile. I wasn't down, but watching them? I could see how they could cheer someone up. At one point the two boy kittens, they were body slamming each other. Running full force from one end of the hallway to another and then launching themselves at each other. The little girl could hold her own as well. I sat in the hallway with them while they played and read a book. I became the climbing toy. For one of the boy kitten's it was like I was the "safe". He would constantly use me to hide from his brother and sister. After about an hour of running non stop, two of the kittens were tiring out and were curling up in my lap and purring. That is when the door bell rang. It was time for the kittens to go back home. They actually hissed at Amy and backed away from her. They had forgotten her! I felt so bad. They were all sitting calmly in their little box just staring up at me with the look of "do we have to leave???" It kinda broke my heart. So if anyone in the NOLA area was some sweet kittens let me know.....I would take them...if there wasn't already 3 at my house. Okay I would take one...but again with 3 already at my house? Not gonna happen. I think the dog will be my most high maintenance animal now, and like I said, she is pretty good. Other than the other night when she got into something that gave her diarrhea and made her throw up. She is better now.

So there will be a lot of running from house to house to house this weekend caring for animals. Don't worry I will get my fix of music as well this weekend. :)

We are also less than one week from my sister and family arriving in town!! WHOO HOO!!

Last night I went and had some dinner at my lovely friend's house before they jet set off to another place for the summer. A lot of my friends are/will be out of town for the summer. That is just what some people do here in New Orleans. They get out of town to try to beat the heat, go where the gigs are, just get out. It really does quiet down here so the need for the musicians to leave is great. They do have to make money somehow! My housemate has been gone for all of June, she will be back in the next few weeks. My Bonerama boys are here right now, but will be on the road most of the summer, Pfister Sisters are in Ascona then Berlin, Leroy and Katja are heading to Finland, Grace is visiting family for a month, Roger and Elyse are hitting the West Coast for about a week, there is so many more going. I have realized that I have not left the city of New Orleans since last July. I haven't really had a longing to go anywhere. Yes it would have been nice to go to Phoenix for Christmas, but other than that? Pretty content where I am for now. Not to say I would pass up a free trip to Europe, or some sandy beach somewhere!! I do have a few people coming to visit. Lisa, Scott and my beautiful niece Aubrey will be here in about 3 short weeks. I can't wait to see them. Of course the Mulvey's will make their yearly summer pilgrimage. I can't wait to sit by the pool and just visit and have possibly a famous Bloody Mary!! Anyone have any big summer travel plans?

I have had the hardest time waking up the past few mornings. I go though a whole bunch of excuses in my head as soon as the alarm goes off. The usual, most you are probably familiar with. Starting with:
"just five more minutes"
"if I don't shower, I can sleep 5 more minutes"
"I am not feeling well, wonder if I can call in sick"
to "I just don't want to be awake yet!"
All week long it has been like this. Yet I drag myself out of bed, pull myself together and head out the door to work. This morning it was an even later start to the day, and as I a packing up the backpack I threw in my lunch and think that I will just grab a granola bar from the HR office for breakfast. See she has a stash of snacks for people. I leave my purse at home because it is too much to fit in the backpack, just grabbing my DL in case something happens.

Once I am all settled in for the day, I realize that yes I am hungry so over to HR I go. She isn't here today. Okay that is fine, we will have a pop tart from the vending machine. Then it hits me. The wallet is at HOME, in the purse. No change. I am on my 2nd V8 wondering why the vegetable juice isn't feeling me up! Day dreaming about my lunch in the fridge. I think it is going to be a long morning. I knew I should have grabbed the left over waffles from last night! (yum breakfast for dinner!!)

Crap, maybe writing about this wasn't a good idea, I am more hungry than ever.

I haven't had much to say lately, mainly because there isn't that much going on. This weekend is looking to be as quiet as this week has been. I do know there is a the Vieux to do this weekend out in the Quarter but I don't think I will be hitting that up. I will most likely stick close to the house, the biggest plan is to head to the local library and get some books. There is a possible girls night in the works for tomorrow evening, so that will be nice if it pans out. Never fear, I am sure I will wander down to the Maple Leaf tonight to see if the place is still standing. A lot of the folk are out at Bonnaroo so it will most likely be quiet there as well.

I do have an interview this afternoon so wish me well, it is with a temp agency, after a month of sending out resumes, this is the first interview that has been set up. Hopefully they will have something for me!

Lisa had it on her blog and I thought what the hey...

* I have had sneeze building all morning long. Every once in awhile I get an awful tickle, so much it almost burns, but so far the sneeze hasn't happened. When it does? It will be colossal. (it happened, and it was)
* Don't forget that Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road show featuring Craig Klein, Matt Perrine, Eric Bolivar (all from Bonerama) and Shamarr Allen are playing a free show at Tips tonight! If you aren't in town and want to catch it, try the webcast!
*Bonerama will be at Tips tomorrow, same deal except not free. But check out the webcast if you get the chance.
* I didn't ride my bike to work on Wednesday or Thursday but I did today. So for the first week of this? I have rode 3 times, which isn't bad. I kinda wish I had all week. But there is next week!
* I spent all last night reading this blog. Nanette had it linked on hers. Don't read it if you don't want to cry. Seriously. I started reading from the first post, and seriously cried the rest of the night away. It is such a sweet blog, Matt and his wife had a baby a few months early, and as his wife was on her way to see the baby for the first time? She passed out, and they were unable to revive her. So Matt is going through first time parenting alone and dealing with the death of his wife.

I did rest a lot this weekend and am feeling quite awake. It could have something to do with riding the bike to work this morning. Which means riding the bike home. I hope to make this a daily thing, so wish me luck on that!

As for the weekend, well it all started on Thursday. After work I met up with Lisa at her hotel where we sat by the pool and chatted for a bit. We then had a lovely dinner with her boss then made our way out to Frenchmen Street. Yes it was another evening of fantastic music with Paul Sanchez. This time he had Shamarr Allen sitting in with him. Paul has also offered me a small job with him, which I am going to do. I am going to hope this works out really well for the both of us! After Paul's sets ended, Lisa and I made our way over to Snug Harbor where the Pfister Sister's were celebrating their CD release. I love seeing those ladies live. They are so super talented and funny. I don't get to see them that often even though they have a weekly gig at the Spotted Cat on Wednesdays. I am usually either babysitting for Debbie and Matt or working the Wednesday in the Square. The ladies will be going overseas for most of the summer, so chances of seeing them again soon are pretty slim.

I took Friday off, mainly for a mental health break. As some of you know my job is relocating in the next few months. I am however, not relocating with them. In between training a new person and worrying about finding a new job for myself, I needed a day. I met up with Lisa, had a small lunch then I said goodbye to her and went on over to Canal Place to catch a viewing of Sex and the City. I loved it. I cried. I laughed. I did both at the same time. The only weak part in the whole movie? Jennifer Hudson. Which I found gratifying since she was so mean when I worked with her. No that didn't color my opinion, it was a very weak performance, I went in giving her the benefit of the doubt. After the movie was over I made my way home. Perused the job boards a bit, and took a nap and watched the Lost season finale. OH MY WORD. I did make my way to the Maple Leaf. Of course. I wanted to see Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes. They always put on a good show. They didn't disappoint this weekend. I got to hang out with some new friends and we all danced our butts off.

Saturday I caught up on some Tivo, a movie and cleaned up the house a bit. I then made my way downtown and met up with my friend Katja. We had grand plans to go either to Preservation Hall or to Palm Court, possibly both. We made it to neither. We sat outside in their backyard and ate food, drank wine and just talked. It was the most enjoyable relaxing evening and I was so glad to get caught up with Katja. Since she is on the road so much, we don't get to do that that often.

Yesterday was more job searching, another movie, a few errands and trying to cheer up a friend. I don't think I did that so well but will keep trying. I also have a potential great job lead that I hope comes to be. We will see.

This week looks to be pretty quiet as well. Other than some amazing shows happening this weekend. Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road show will be playing a FREE show at Tipitina's this Friday. That is right. FREE! He is having sit in with him Shamarr Allen, and three of my boys from Bonerama: Craig, Eric and Matt. It is looking to be a great show. Again, if you haven't experienced a Paul show yet, this should be the one!! If you don't live here, there is the potential of a webcast at www.tipitinas.com. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The next night Bonerama is playing at Tipitina's. It is a benefit show for Sweet Home New Orleans and Pot Luck Con I believe. Tickets are only $15.

Yesterday I took half a day off because I had a friend come into town. It was the first time she had ever visited the city, without her parents (which doesn't count). We made it to Napoleon House and had a little Pimms and a little food. We were then attempting to walk down Royal Street, which turned more into a game of how wet will become in between balconies? The rain just didn't let up. AT.ALL. We did do a little shopping here and there in some of the local shops. We finally made our way to Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop for a drink and to hopefully wait out the storm. It did clear up finally, it was such a "chore" to have to just sit there and drink and visit. No really we probably could have stayed there much longer however we had places to go! People to see! We made it back to the car with the mandatory walk down Bourbon and right as the rain started to fall again. We pointed the car into the direction of Frenchmen Street and d.b.a. Paul and Alex put on another lovely couple of sets. There was a little Good Cop/Bad Cop, actually it was really Bad Cop/Bad Cop even though Alex tried to be good. Not many people came out that night, I don't know why? Rain smain. There is awesome music happening! That's okay we still had a BLAST and heard some amazing stuff happening up on the stage. We then headed on over to Palm Court Cafe to hear the last set from Leroy Jones and Katja. So glad to see them back in town! By the time we left there, it was storming pretty good once again. Hopefully today won't be as bad weather wise. After I get off work there will be more adventures to be had. I do believe one of them will include Pete and some Greeks!!

This weekend was a quiet one for me. Shocking and unbelievable for some I know, yet it is true. Friday after work we had a crawfish boil, and that was really the biggest event of the night for me. Unless you include the peeling of the crawfish I brought home to make pasta with an outstanding and exciting time. I wasn't in the mood for going out, and really it was time to spend a Friday night in. So that is what I did. Saturday I was up nice bright and early due to the previous nights inactivity. I had laundry going and a breakfast prepared before 8:30 AM. The rest of my day pretty much consisted of watching lame reality TV, working on this new site and laundry. That is until about 3. Really did you think I would spend all weekend doing nothing? For shame. I did go over and babysit the boys for about an hour, then once their grandmother showed up we all bundled up in the car and headed on over to Ponchatrain Vineyards for a lovely evening of friends, food and really good music by Rick Trolsen. There was a nice group of us over there showing our support and love for Rick. I do admit that I didn't get to enjoy the music as much as I normally would because I was running around after a 4 year old most of the time. He did seem to enjoy himself!! I did make my way down to the Maple Leaf for about an hour that night. I was in fact home and in bed before 1. Several people asked me where I was the night before, so I guess I was missed. Yesterday I barely left my room. I read a bit and watched a few movies. There were a few times when I just couldn't seem to keep my eyes open and would doze off into oblivion. It was a nice restful weekend. Gearing up for a potentially busy week coming up. There are two things I am looking quite forward to, one being Wednesday in the Square. This week I will not be serving beer, but helping sell merchandise. The headliner for that night is Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show. Perfect time to check them out. He won't have a few of the usual Rolling Road Showers with him as they will be in Brazil, however I do know the people he is brining in will bring a nice sound to the mix. The other is I have a friend coming to town for her first ever visit. I am excited to be able to show off the town to a first timer!!

So welcome to the new site/blog. I hope you like it. There are still some things I need to try and fix, like the sidebar doesn't seem to move along into the archives. If anyone wants to help me with the last few things that would be great, because I just can't seem to look at things on here anymore. However I wasn't the one who designed this beautiful and fantastic page. No it wasn't me at all but the wonderful Miss Zoot. She did this, oh maybe 2 years ago or more....and well I am just now getting things done with it. I procrastinate like no other person. At least one project of mine has been done!!

Please let me know if there are any other issues that you see. I will get to a nice long Jazz Fest post soon, for now please enjoy a few pics from the second weekend.

I have mentioned before that I don't have a car anymore. I don't know how many people rememeber the saga of my vehicle after the storm. So here is a quick rundown. When I moved here, I didn't have a car. I got by with the public transportation, cabs, and friends. It was fine. Then this thing called Katrina happened and I realized after a short visit back home, I was going to need a vehicle to get around if I wanted to return to the city. So I purchased a car at the end of October. It died on me by January. I didn't even receive the title for it until March. (that was a saga itself). One day I came home from work, and it was gone. My old landlord swears up and down that he had nothing to do with it, but I know he had it towed. No matter, I was back to riding the bus, an occasional cab and of course friends.

Right now I am frustrated to no end. I know so many people are happy to see the streetcar back and running. It truly is a sign of things getting back on track. (yeah I went there) However, I really and truly do no believe they were ready. Why do I think this? Maybe it is because they don't have enough drivers. Maybe it is because the cars are prone to breaking down. All I know is I use public transportation as my main source of getting from one place to another and it is becoming increasingly difficult. For one thing, the streetcar is slow. If I want to get from my house to downtown? I know that if the streetcar is there when I arrive at the stop? It will take at least 45 mins to get downtown. Which is fine, that is what it was before. However chances of the streetcar being there are pretty damn slim. Not to mention that the streetcar is still not running down to Carrollton. So I either wait for the bus, which seems to have its own schedule, or I walk the 6 blocks down to the stop. More and more I don't wait for the bus because I can walk it in that amount of time.

Let me use yesterday as a prime example of my frustrations. I had an eye appointment at 1. I knew that I had to leave no later than 12:15 from work. I got to the streetcar stop a tad later than I wanted, at 12:25. There was no streetcar down the street, meaning I didn't miss it. One should be rolling by at any minute, because the streetcar is scheduled for every 10 mins. I would just make it to my appointment. By 12:38 I called the doctor's office to tell them I would be late. I didn't get on the streetcar until 12:55. By the time it got to the end? It was 1:20. I then had to decide if I wanted to wait for the bus or walk. I walked. I got to my appointment half an hour late. Then I had to wait for an hour, because of that. Did I mention that I had to be back downtown at 4? yeah....so when my appointment was over at 3:10, I called a cab. Which didn't show up until 3:50. So I was late to WWOZ. This is a constant. Everytime I have had to be somewhere, I leave in ample time to get there. Two weeks ago? I had a dental appointment just off of Canal. The streetcar ride should be 10 mins tops. If it had even showed up. I pretty much had to run from Lee Circle to almost Canal to make it it my appointment, which I was 10 mins late for. That entire time of my power walk/run? (15 mins total) plus the time I had waited for the streetcar (15 mins) and one never passed me. I then walked up to Canal to catch the streetcar to go home. Let me just say that in that day? I spent 1-1/2 waiting for streetcars or a bus. This is NOT including the actual ride. This is the waiting. It is becoming more and more of a problem. Some of the streetcars come by so packed, there is no point in getting on them, so you have to wait for the next one. Which is most likely about 3 blocks behind that one and totally empty. I don't even think that RTA realizes how many people depend on the streetcar as their transportation. It isn't just a tourist attraction. It is getting beyond frustrating. I know, go get a car. Well I can't afford one. Not with with the price of gas, insurance and well I can't afford payments right now. I am pretty much stuck between a rock and a hard place.

After all the fun and excitement of yesterday's semi announcement, all I can say is keep em crossed. I should hopefully be getting a phone call today, probably just to chat about what I can do. I am nervous that I have forgotten everything, however I know it will come flooding back once I start talking about it.

So last night I spent cleaning my room. Yes you read that right. Spent the night cleaning my room. I am a slob. I can admit it. I don't pick up after myself in my own room. The common areas? Yes...my room? No. It isn't that big of a space either, but right now it is looking good. Including the tower 'o merch from Bonerama and PBS. It is pretty impressive. There really is no where else to put it in the house but where it is. I took a picture that I didn't upload last night. I got too caught up in the "Biggest Loser" to do much else.

Last night I was standing at the door to the Maple Leaf chatting with Pete. A bunch people were leaving and one of them stops and asks if I wrote the blog Randomness. That was a first time that some one I didn't know brought up my blog and recognized me because of it. So hello L! (I know not everyone wants their name on blogs) and come and say hi at the next Bonerama gig. Speaking of, next Saturday there will be one. Rock-n-Bowl. Come out and bring lots of people. It is going to be a lot of fun. The boys will be going on the road just about to festival time so come and see them.

The sun is shining and I feel the need to go out and pull some weeds. Hopefully everyone is enjoying their day off!!

I would say this story takes place about 7 or 8 months after I moved here. I was hanging out a lot with my friends Adam and Carrie, and we would often wind up at this bar in the Quarter. Yes I said the Quarter, leave me alone I had just moved here and hadn't really discovered the good places yet. One night Carrie, Adam and I were hanging out at the bar waiting for one of our friends to get off work, as he worked at the bar we hung out at. We were all going to walk down the street to see this band that Carrie was raving about OK Go at One Eyed Jacks. It was taking a little bit longer for our friend to get off work, and we all may have had a bit more than usual to drink. Finally, after some of us got a refill on the big ass beer that he was drinking we all started to wander down the street. Coming towards us was probably 5 or 6 frat guys. Possibly football players, real big. The sidewalks down here are not that wide, especially in the Quarter. So here are the 4 of us (2 girls/2 guys) and then these massive ass guys. That aren't being polite and slightly stepping out of the way to let the ladies pass. Carrie and I get pushed out either on to the street or up against the building to let them pass, I believe our bartender friend did the same. Adam however really doesn't care and walks right through the middle of them, and as he does he says "What's up assholes?" Now if you know Adam, and some of you do, you know that Adam is ALL talk, that he would never hurt a fly and is one of the sweetest people around. He was trying to be funny, unfortunately it didn't turn out so well this time. One of the guys immediately hit Adam and he went flying where he landed in the street. The other guys held back their friend as he was going after Adam some more. Adam was bleeding and I think one of guys may have had to hold me back because I wasn't going to take something like that happening to a friend quietly. It was mentioned that the guy that had hit Adam had been drinking and using all day and it was probably best if they just went on their way before he got more violent. Adam being Adam, was like "hey man! I was just joking, don't want any problems" The guys disappeared into the Bourbon Street crowd and we proceeded to clean up Adam who was bleeding a bit and covered in beer and calm Carrie down who was really upset. Adam says he still wants to go down to see OK Go so we made our way to One Eyed Jacks where we saw about two and a half songs plus the encore. Which I believe was "Cinnamon Lips" accompanied by a dance a la the tread mill one. We all had a great time, even Adam who was feeling some pain. We chatted with the guys in the band a bit after then we headed on our way.

Turns out that Adam and Carrie went back to the Quarter that night to try to find the guys to point them out to the cops. In the end it really would have been best if we had gotten the cops involved right then as Adam has pretty much been out of work since then. He was in a lot of pain down here, they found out recently that he had 5 broken ribs from that night. The hospital down here had said that they were just bruised or something like that. However he has been dealing with some medical issues when they discovered that the ribs had been broken.

For a brief time that night OK Go did give us some joy however and I have been quietly following them since. So I am pretty damn ecstatic about seeing them this Friday with Bonerama. Hopefully there will be no fights before the gig.

It has been a nice start to the new year so far. I don't even know where to start. I actually had New Years Eve off so I enjoyed that day fully. Reading a bit, watching some TV, a little gardening, a trip to the grocery store, a visit with some friends. It was a rather full day. I wasn't really sure if I was going to make it to midnight however, but I did. And beyond. Of course the New Year was rung in at the place where everyone knows my name...the Maple Leaf. It wasn't a crazy big crowd, and overall the evening was quite mellow. I drank WAY more than normal and apparently was amusing to quite a few people.

Yesterday consisted of sleeping, and preparing some veggie chili for the evenings festivities. We had a few friends over to watch the Sugar Bowl. In reality it was for us to just watch the National Anthem, performed by my Boys. They did so well and I am so proud of them.

I am sitting here at my desk. At work. On Christmas Eve. When I should be in Phoenix, enjoying my family. There had been a small chance that I was going to get to go home, however my boss decided that someone had to be here and he already has taken today off. So there you go. Instead of seeing my niece enjoy her first Christmas this evening I will sit here and count the times the phone has rang ( 2 times in the last hour ) and stare at the empty IN box. Who knows...maybe it will pick up....maybe they will let us leave early. Oh and to top off all this joy? I have a cold. Spent all day yesterday with a sore throat, fever and aches. Today throat isn't as bad, but the aches are still there, no fever.

As for the weekend it ended up being quiet. Bonerama played Friday night and it was nice to see a decent size crowd come out for that. We got a sneak peek, rather listen to how the boys will be playing the National Anthem at the Sugar Bowl. They proceeded to rock everyone's socks off. It was a nice night that hasn't happened that often. It is kinda sad how few times they have played in NOLA this year. Someone even asked me if they were from Florida as they play there a lot. Nope, they are NOLA boys.

Saturday I spent doing laundry and the rest of my shopping. That evening I had Christmas with Kristen and her man. We had planned on going out that night, but I was starting to feel nasty and Kristen's flight was early yesterday morning.

After getting Kristen to the airport I spent the day cleaning and watching the Saints game. I am having fun trying to coordinate getting over to my friend's house to make sure Dart gets his pill (he was put on another weeks worth on Friday) and staying at my house to feed the cats. Kristen's cat is on a diet so you can't just leave a bowl full of food for him out. Made for an exeptionally early morning today. Oh well...it has to be done. :_)

I know for many of you that this weekend will be one of two things. A nice relaxing weekend with friends and family or a mad dash with you running around like a chicken with your head cut off. If things go the way I am planning (sshhh it could work) I will be frantic today and relaxing the weekend away.

Who really wants to be at work today? I know I don't. However I am and can make it till that 3:00 go home bell rings. I then have to race across town, wrangle a cat into his carrier and get him to the vet. I then have to get the rest of my christmas presents bought. I have to then race home and get merch together and then it will be off to the Bonerama gig at the Maple Leaf. Saturday will consist of sleeping, washing laundry and having "Christmas" with my housemate.

Kristen takes off early on Sunday, I will be watching the Saints Game. (Marisa you want to bet on it???) and more relaxing.

I am one of the poor souls NOT in retail who has to work on Christmas eve. Oh well.....I may be bored out of my skull or busy busy busy.

It all started on Thursday. I went out to see my friend Eric play at the Maple Leaf. He had Matt P sittin in with him and a few other dudes I didn't know. Half way through a jammin first set, Craig wanders in. He proceeds to sit in for the second set. The music is just so good. The few people there were all friends. I was talking, drinking, having a good time and all of a sudden it was 3. Yeah...not good when the alarm goes off at 5.

I did make it to work Friday, all day. The morning may have been rough, but I did survive. After work I attempted to take a small nap, however that didn't float so well. I then went over to a friend's house for a lovely dinner, conversation and a movie. Which I fell asleep within the first five minutes. On the way home, Kristen (who lasted until 15 mins into the movie before crashing) and I decided to swing on by the Maple Leaf. After all we had just napped. We didn't stay there too long but did get to hang out with some friends.

Saturday consisted on a run out the airport, Christmas shopping, and playing with the Playstation 2 that we bought. Kristen and I fell in love with the Sing Song game at Voo Doo Fest. We had to buy the game when we found out it was for Playstation 2 and not 3. Of course that also ment we had to buy a playstation 2. It was actually quite cheap. We both paid about $100. Merry Christmas to us. I then ran out to meet up with some friends down on Frenchmen. Ran into Neal Caine (bass player for Harry Connick Jrs big band) got to chat with him for awhile. I think he said he was here until Christmas. Then I ran down to Dos Jefes to see Rick play.

Yesterday it was Saints football, errands and carolling down at Jackson Square. Nice way to round out a weekend.

Last night I finally unpacked the last few boxes that I had in my room. I still have to find a shoe rack for all my shoes and then I will be official unpacked. Hanging up pictures and what not is next. I have things crammed into that room like there is no tomorrow. I will take some pics of it soon and eventually share.

Tomorrow my sister, Scott and Aubrey come to town for the weekend. I am excited about getting to see my niece again, it will be her first of many many trips to NOLA. Be on the look out for some pics of her enjoying the city. You know things like flashing on Bourbon Street, enjoying a Hurricane at Pat O's, dancing on bars.....

Get ready for a shock. I didn't go out on Friday night. No hell did not freeze over, I just had the worst allergy attack I have ever had. I am suprised I could even move, my head felt like 1000 lbs and ready to explode. I forgot that I had some allergy medicine until Saturday morning. I took that and felt so so much better.

Saturday I decided I needed to clean up the front yard since we are having guests this coming weekend. I haven't had to garden or take care of a yard in...well ever. We go SO much done, yet there is still so much more to do. We even planted bulbs!! I hope they actually bloom now!! We spent like 4 hours in the tiny front yard. I do have pics, however with my computer being dead, well...I can't really post them until I get them on a disc. I have a lot of pics too!!

Yesterday it was trying to get the Tivo working at the new place. It is very sporadic at working right now, and the dvd player won't work either. We have to get "How I Met Your Mother" and "K-Ville" recorded tonight since we will be down the street watching the Saints game.

It is going to be a busy week getting the house all ready for our guests!! :)

We rode our bikes past the K-Ville set yesterday evening. They changed the name of the Maple Leaf for the filming. It was something like Spreaders or Shakers or something along that line. I do know it started with an "S". That is how observant I am. On the way back from the bike ride we got stopped from crossing a road so they could film a car parking on Dante. Kristen thought it was a car chase. Nope just a car parking.
Our bike ride was much more pleasant and easy to handle yesterday. We rode along the levee to the Huey P. Long Bridge. It had a few hills that really got the legs burning, but the ride was so smooth. As you know the streets here in NOLA aren't the "best".
Britney Spears song is stuck in my head. You know the one that was on the VMAs? Regardless of what most people think of her right now and that whole situation, something was done right. People are STILL talking about it, about her, about everything. She is in the spotlight nice and bright. I feel sorry for the girl. She needs some help but doesn't obviously want it right now.....
In hopes to get that song out of my head, tonight I am heading to d.b.a. If you are a local and you read this, come out tonight or one of the next few Thursdays this month. My friend Paul Sanchez is playing from 7-10 and it one of the most fun, relaxing and enjoyable evenings of music you will have. You never know who will stop in to join him on stage, you never when you might get to hear a new song. (He starts recording next month I believe) You do know when you will hear an old fav cuz he loves taking requests. :)

I don't know how we made it through, but we did. Friday afternoon it took Kristen and I 3 hours to clean out the basement (yes Kendra some of it was yours) and get all the dontated items out of the house or to the trash can. We then were able to start the cleaning process of the house. We got a fair amount done, and finally called it a night around 10 PM. We dragged our tired, aching and bruised bodies to the Maple Leaf for a couple of much needed drinks.

Saturday we continued the cleaning of the old house. We didn't start right away. We took advantage of the closeness to the Oak Street Cafe and had a wonderful breakfast. We finally left the old house around 6 PM. I do have to admit, with all the trouble we have had there recently? I was a tad bit emotional. I mean this place had been my home for the first 3 years here in NOLA. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend. Then I remembered all the crap we had been dealing with, and I was over it.

Sunday we managed to get the living room and dining room unpacked and somewhat organized. Which means we have room to move around in those two rooms without the fear of knocking over a pile of boxes.

Monday, was kind of a relaxing day. I unpacked about half of my room, took a two hour nap and bought groceries for the first time in almost a month.

The new place is slowly starting to feel like home. It is taking some getting used to, living in a much smaller place. I am afraid in my state of mind right now? I will forget to get off the bus at the right stop and end up riding all the way to the end.

There is so much more to say but people keep walking in and well....I can't concentrate.

This hasn't been a totally horrible move. I don't think it has been the best. It has definetly been the longest. I am not counting the drive from Seattle to New Orleans. That was a bit different. But within a town? This is it hands down. We are now on day 3 of the move. That is right. Day 3. The first day was Tuesday. We took over a load in Kristen's car and half of the company truck was filled as well. (They rock for letting me borrow it) We then had to finish packing up the house that evening. Yesterday from 3:45 until 9ish, we moved. Furniture, boxes and various other items. The sofa? It is staying. It was there when I moved in, it will be there when I move out. The bastard doesn't fit out the door. I think it was one of those spongy things that you get that is the size of a seed, you put water on it and it grows to a large toy. There is no way it came in the doors. Tonight we move the beds, other random items left behind for last minute, and the cats. Tomorrow night we will deal with what is in the basement (all left behind from older housemates thanks guys) and cleaning. We will clean until we are done. Saturday it is taking donations to Bridge House and then we are DONE! DONE! DONE! with the old place. The rest of the weekend will be unpacking. If you can peel me up from the bed where I am sure to be passed out from exhaustion. Yes...I have been going to work each and every day this week.......

I am comin at ya bullet style.

So much is going on I don't know where to start. My brain is in a big pile of mush.
We didn't get to move this past weekend. We got the key on Friday night, so we spent the evening measuring rooms and deciding which furniture we were taking and what was going to be donated. I didn't even go to the Maple Leaf. Unbelievable I know.
Saturday was spent packing and moving some of the furniture out that a housemate had left. I don't know why we got stuck doing it, but we did. It sucked, it's out, it's over.
At least Saturday night I did go out. We went down to Carrolloton Station and saw Paul Sanchez and co. Craig came and sat in, so it was nice to see him. I sold merchandise for Paul, he has more things now. It was a good relaxing night.
Sunday I took part in a silent march for musicians. Ya'll the musicians down here are getting the shaft. The city is touting the city on the music industry, however the musicians that provide the soundtrack? They are getting bubkas. They need help.
The official move date is tomorrow (Wed) and Thursday. We have a day/evening to clean. However in a rare twist....apparently our lease is one of those that requires you to give 60 days notice, not 30. If you don't give your notice by 60 days? The lease automatically renews for 2 more months. We gave 30 days notice. Guess who may be paying rent on 2 places? Guess who can't afford to do that? However the landlord changed the lease to month to month and didn't give us 60 days notice either. So maybe it will be okay. I am not holding my breath however cuz he is a giant jackass.
Work is insanely busy and I should be working rather than typing this....I needed to decompose my brain for a minute and hopefully this will help.

Ya'll, that Dean is a bastard. I can't explain the what I am feeling for the people getting the brunt of Dean. On one hand I am so relieved. On the other, I know what you are going through. Go and get your gas tanks filled up cuz gas refineries are closed in Mexico and Texas and prices are going to skyrocket again. Hope that Dean doesn't cause too much damage.

Also I had a "holy shit I am 32" moment today. I am expecting that number to go up ALOT as my birthday day progresses. Stay tuned for the final count.

I don't know where the time has gone. I really don't. We didn't get to sign the lease until this past Friday, which is fine. However the process of purging and packing has begun and we have a week to do it. Actually less than a week. We should be moving most of the big items next Sunday. We would do it on Saturday, but that gives us an extra day to pack. There is also an Art Market on Saturday in the Park across the street which makes it impossible to park anywhere in a 5 block radius.

Purging before moving is a good thing. You get rid of stuff that you haven't looked at in years and really don't need to keep. I have been thinking about doing a good purge for awhile now, especially after gutting houses. I would think, "If I lost a lot more during the "thing" than think of the clean up process" Yesterday went well. This afternoon we purge the clothes.

One shopping day left until my birthday!! ;)

We got a place last night!! We officially sign the lease this afternoon and I am so excited. It is a house that we pass by alot and say "gee I love that house...whoever lives there needs to move out" Well, whoever did and now we are moving in! It is about 11 blocks from where we are now. One block from the bus stop. 2 blocks from the Maple Leaf!! It is a shotgun, 1/2 a double but I don't care. It looks bigger than we thought it would be. Don't get me wrong...it is still going to be much smaller than we are living in now. However anything we get will be smaller.

On a totally different note, we are now less than a week away from my birthday. I am hoping it will be a good one considering all the crap that has been going on lately, I really would like a good day!! Although seeing how the the tropics are brewing up two storms right now? I am not feeling so positive.

It happened it was fine. It wasn't as totally relaxing as I had hoped. After the week I had just had, was kinda hoping for a stress free weekend. I guess for the most part it was. Friday night we of course went to the Maple Leaf...heard Papa Grows Funk. Saturday I watched movies and tried to get some sleep. Unfortunetly there was a craft fair going on across the street in the park, and they had an entertainer for the children. Who sounded like he was standing below my window. Later that night we had a great dinner with some friends who had been overseas for gigs. It is always nice seeing them. Yesterday we went to see Hairspray the movie. The movie was cute just like the Broadway show. (still lacking something from the original moview but overall it was good) I think I would have enjoyed it just a bit more however if the following incidents hadn't happened before. The bus driver drove 5 mph down St. Charles turning a 20-30 min (depending on lights) bus ride into about 45 mins. The door on the bus wasn't working properly and it would slam open with a bang....everystop. for 45 minutes. I had a pounding headache....the rain started on the way there. I was glad I remembered my umbrella. except it wasn't in my purse. yeah...it was still sitting on my bed. I had picked it up to put in my bag, in fact I think it was in my bag, but I took it out to look for change for the bus, then forgot to put it back in. It was pouring by the time we got to Canal Street. The walk to Canal Place was not pleasant. Slip slidding in flip flops. We were soaked by the time we got to the theatre. Of course on the way home we go the same bus, with the slamming door. At least it wasn't the same driver, cuz I swear the other one was drunk!! It was just a bunch of little aggravations that has continued on to this morning. Like my bra strap breaking. At least I was still at home when that happened. :) And at least the Mulveys will be in town at some point today. :)

Friday after work I ran by the house I am house/cat sitting for. (Did I mention they are letting me use their car??? WHOO HOO) Made sure the kitties were good and then it was off to my house. I caught up on some tivo, since I hadn't really been home to do that in about 2 weeks now. I then went over to Roger and Elyse's for a bit, relaxed, hung out and chatted. Pretty soon we made our way over to the Maple Leaf. I really love Friday's there. Everyone that works there is just pretty much awesome. Morning 40 Federation was the musical entertainment for the night. They are pretty crazy and their crowds get a little crazy. I saw body surfing at the Leaf.....someone said that is the first time in six years that he worked there that he has seen that. They actually ended their set on the early side, but that doesn't mean leaving!! I stayed there for a tad bit longer chatting with a friend who always gives me good gossip!!

Saturday and Sunday were pretty much the same thing. Sleeping, reading and watching movies. I stayed all weekend at the house I am watching, watched the rain roll through. At one point the thunder was shaking the house yesterday. I thought the lightning was going to hit the house, a few of the strikes seemed awfully close, as in was blinded for a few seconds. Today we are expecting much more of the same. In fact I think I heard 90% chance for rain. Yeah....it has been raining since before I got up!

Kristen finally made it back from Houston yesterday. She has been there working for about 6 weeks. She has been "missing all the fun" so she says, so we are going out tonight. Tomorrow morning will be SO MUCH FUN! Some other dear friends come back next week some time. Everyone is slowly making their way here back home!! :)

Friday night was an amazing night of music. It was Paul Sanchez, Sonia Tetlow, Mary Lasange, David Torkanowsky and the drummer from the Iguana's. It was shorter sets as Paul still wasn't feel all that great, but you couldn't tell. The music was ON FIRE. Really, there was no other way to put it. There was a fun group of people there, including Chris Rose. Shelley, Paul's wife said I could come visit her on the set of K-Ville when she starts back up to work in a few weeks. WHOO HOO!! :) After Paul finished it was time to head to the Leaf and hear the rest of Tony Hall's set. Amazing.....then off to home. I didn't move much of Saturday. I tried watching a few movies, only to fall asleep within in 5 mins of each one. I guess my body was just tired.

That evening I went over to some friend's where we ate a lot of food and drank beer. It was nice to get to meet their neighbors and hear some interesting stories about a few people we all know....It was nice.

Yesterday I caught up on some tivo, finished up a book (I kinda gave up keeping track of the 50 book challenge....I have read at least 10-15 that haven't been put up here if not more) ran some errands, cleaned the house and watched a few movies. I caught "The Holiday" which was sweet and Marie Antoinette. I found this movie to be MUCH better than Sophia Coppola's last one. (it was soooo boring, Lost in Translation) it was visually beautiful. A little weird in areas, like the flashing of banners on a painting. It told the story, yet didn't. I felt there was so much more that could have been told, and the ending was way to abrupt for me, yet I still enjoyed the movie.

I had a pretty good weekend. Thursday night I caught up with some friends who I hadn't seen in awhile and introduced them to the wonders of Paul Sanchez. Paul even invited one of them to play with him!! I am going to enjoy the Thursday nights in June as he brings in someone new each week. This week James Andrews joins him, the week after is Tork and the final week is none other than Craig Klein. Amazing music all in one space. Friday evening after work I went over to the Big Top and caught the Pfister Sisters, after a quick rest at the house, I headed on over to the Maple Leaf. As I bellied up to the bar Jeff said "It just isn't a Friday night without you here" I don't know if that is a good thing or not. It was a long and wild night. We all had so much fun and I saw a few people that I hadn't expected to see there. Saturday I caught up on some netflix movies and then headed out to the Quarter. It had been extremly warm here all weekend, so I stayed mainly indoors, I caught Freaky T's sets at the 300 Club. The music was just killin. The actual venue? Left a bit to be desired. The staff seemed overwhelmed. Yesterday was cleaning and running errands for the first part of the day, I then had to be out of the house for a few hours, as there was an open house. I didn't feel like going anywhere, so I just went over to Palmer Park and read. I did visit with several neighbors as well, again the hot topic was the house. Our immediate neighbors still want the house.....I hope they get it!

Why is it that the short weeks tend to go by at a snail's pace, then the weekend just flies by? Friday night I got home to find that the house was actually put on the market. It was suppose to be this week. I was also informed by our neighbors that according to the realtor's website? There is an open house on Wed. We still haven't been told this from the Landlord's office. The house being on the market was the topic of conversation at the gathering all the neighbors had in the park. That was actually really fun, we got to meet a lot of the neighbors. Later we caught a set of Grayson Capps at d.b.a. We of course ended the night at the Maple Leaf. Saturday we spent part of the day out at the Freret Street Festival. Saw a lot of people I knew, some playing in various bands, some not. It was a nice HOT afternoon. Later Melissa and I went out to, yup you guessed it, the Maple Leaf. We rang in Melissa's birthday there. Yesterday was spent cleaning the house top to bottom. There was a showing of the house yesterday evening, luckily it was our next door neighbors and they are seriously considering buying the house. They would want us to stay.

This weekend seemed to zoom by. Friday night we hung out the Maple Leaf, something we hadn't done in a few weeks. Talked to one of the other "regulars" for awhile...that was fun. The music was good, and I took some fun pics that I will share later. Saturday I slept late, then we headed down to LMF where they had live music and a HUGE sale, it was their 15 anniversary!! It was a lot of fun, saw alot of people that I see out and about at live music events. After that there was some babysitting, then a race to Rock-n-Bowl for Bonerama! We got there just as the boys were about to start. I set the merch down on the counter and they started. It was good to see some of the boys families out enjoying the music and bowling! It was a fun night. Yesterday was nice and relaxing. Watching movies, catching up on Tivo and grocery shopping. It was a whole hell of a lot colder than I thought it was going to be (Saturday I wore a skirt and short sleeve shirt yesterday I was bundled in layers) I spent most of the evening coaxing my cat to stay on my lap to keep me warm. There is a lot going on this coming weekend and I am very much looking foward to it.

As for a long waited Water/Entergy bill update, our water bill is still in dispute, we got another bill for that amount in Feb. When Kristen went down to the water board to ask about what was going on, one of the ladies that worked there said there was no way we could have used that much water. Ya think?? There was an article in the TP this past week about how everyone's water bills would be going up....ours can't go up much more. Entergy finally came with the gas adjusted finally (remember the painters over the summer had painted over the meter??) Yeah...that was a nice hefty bill that will have to be paid later this month. It really kinda sucks..one day I will actually have some sort of savings.....maybe.

Oh and apparently on Saturday someone from FEMA came by our house...our area was declared a natural disaster area (again) after the tornado. We aren't signing up for anything....gonna let the landlord deal with that.

On Monday after a much talked about wait...I finally had king cake. I could have had it anytime after the 6th of this month, but hadn't till Monday. The baby isn't hidden very well.....I think they are afraid of the choking factor. I did manage to hide it. So far it hasn't been found!! I love me some king cake. We are in the midst of MG season and normally I am bouncing off the walls at this point. Either that or in a sugar coma from all the king cake. However with the Saints making it so far? I am anxiety ridden, excited, nervous (not nervous enough to have king cake). I have not fully recovered my voice from yelling at the TV screen both Saturday and Sunday night. I don't know why they couldn't make the game on Saturday so we would be that much closer to the game. Don't they realize that would work better for me???

Bonerama played last night...I danced onstage to start the new year. It was a great night. I took this from Zoot's website because I lack the ability to write an actual post. That and I am hungry.

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?

Semi-witnessed a shooting

Went to a Broadway show

Was on National TV twice

Got to be on a NFL football field for one of the most exciting opening games ever
Went to a live Bonerama recording.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't do resolutions, I only do goals for the New Year. I guess that is kind of the same, however I feel like resolutions are suppose to happen. Goals I would like to happen. Yes I made one. To live a healthy lifestyle over all.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but they will this year!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully not this year.

5. What countries did you visit?
none....working on Brazil and Ascona....someday.

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
To get laid more. That requires a boy. Would like a boy please.

7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
August 29th, 2006. 2nd lining down the street feeling the joy and hopefulness in the air.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
moving up in the company I work for from reception to admistrative work in a fast manner.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Lack of not getting laid.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes. I hurt my back so bad this summer I couldn't move.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Broadway ticket to see Harry

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Craig Klein, he is doing what he can to get the musicians home.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The idiots who find that shooting/killing people is the only way to resolve issues.

14. Where did most of your money go?
The Maple Leaf

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to NYC twice last year, visiting my family, finding out I going to be an aunt.

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
The Saints are Coming. Also Who Dat?

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? 
b) thinner or fatter? 
c) richer or poorer?
Happier/fatter/poorer.(damn maple leaf)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
boys. no excersising.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
eating poorly

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
With family.

21. Did you fall in love in 2006?
sadly no I did not.

22. How many one-night stands?
sadly none.

23. What was your favorite TV program?
How I Met Your Mother, The Class, Scrubs.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Yes, skanky whores. Really....no one.

25. What was the best book you read?
I read to many.....seriously. Night was good, the Anderson Cooper one was good...there are too many to list.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Taylor Hicks.

27. What did you want and get?
ipod

28. What did you want and not get?

running theme here I see....laid

29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Pursit of Happyness

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
31, hanging out with friends and hearing live music.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having my car issues finally resolved.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Casual meets Lazy.

33. What kept you sane?
The Maple Leaf. Aka good music.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
George Clooney

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Katrina Recovery (Or lack thereof) ~Amen to that.

36. Who did you miss?
All my friends that I didn't get to see.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
My friend Jessica who is just as obsessed with New Orleans and the music as I am.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
I can get through anything I have to no matter what.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Give me a break, give me a break, break me off a piece of the kit kat bar"

I don't even know how to start about this weekend. I really don't. I guess at the beginning...Friday night found Kristen and I at Cooter Brown's to watch the semi-final game for the Griz. They lost. I wasn't happy. We then went to the Maple Leaf and harrassed a few people. Saturday I spent reading. Watching a movie. Just relaxing. I was planning on going to the Howlin Wolf on Saturday night, but I had no energy and fell asleep at 9. Yesterday morning I was up at 6. I got a lot of cleaning and more reading done. This is were it gets interesting. I was down in our basement working on my laundry, I heard some yelling and it sounded like it was coming from the backyard. I stopped and peeked out and didn't see anything, I heard more yelling then a POP. I heard even MORE yelling and another POP. I ran up the stairs and yelled to Kristen "what the hell is going on??" she said, "was that shots???" we ran out onto the balcony and saw a neighbor standing outside. Kristen called 911 they said it had already been called in. We ran outside, and most of the neighbors were outside. Apparently two guys had been fighting right outside from our house, across the street on the park side. Both had taken off, one on foot, one in his car. We don't know if it was an attempted robbery, car jacking, a drug deal gone bad or what. We don't know if any of the guys involved were hurt...no clue. The good to come out of it all was we got to know some of our neighbors better. we found out about the neighborhood watch thingy going on. Also our neighbors 1-1/2 son loves me. He wouldn't let me put him down at all yesterday. Even to go back to his mom.

As the day wore on....I started feeling gross. Now today? That damn cold is back. I am not happy.

It started out slow, but all in all it was a pretty fine weekend!! It is even finally feeling like winter and the holidays. I think I have gotten out of the holiday funk.

Friday after work, I worked on my sister's blanket. Had an hour long conversation about what to have for dinner with Kristen. It was quite sad actually. She was in her room, I was in my room, we were yelling back and forth, I was too lazy to get up so I called her. Hey I was tired of yelling. After eating my frozen dinner I promptly fell asleep. I woke up at 10:45. Perfect timing, we went out to the Leaf for a little Big Sam and the Funky Nation. Had a good time, saw the regulars.

Saturday I spent running errands then went to my work Christmas party. Then I watched the Montana Grizzlies in the Quarterfinal match up against So. Illinios. Griz won. It was at Muriel's in Jackson Square. There was a wedding in one of the rooms, and they had a brass band for a second line. It was Treme Brass Band. So I got to harrass Uncle Lionel and Rob Espino. Somehow that evening I ended up on Bourbon Street. I rarely go there anymore. It was a good time.

Sunday was spent watching the Saints win. Decorating the house for Christmas. Chasing the cats from the tree, falling asleep while the Seahawks won. It was a great weekend. I can only hope that all 3 teams win next weekend as well!!

Today I have my eye appointment. I am hoping that the doctor just says that he needs to laser any holes in the retina closed, which he does in office at the time of the visit. Hope, pray and send good mojo that I don't need another surgery!! It is a fear everytime I go to this doctor.

On a more positive, fun note. (to keep myself distracted) here are some funny/happy things that have happened.

Sunday I was waiting for the bus across the street from Walgreens on Carrollton. There are a few trees and in those trees there were about 5 billion birds. I was leaving a voicemail for Kristy and pretty much the whole thing was "shit, a bird just shit on me. On my pants. Shit, another one just did the same thing...in my hair....now my shoulder." I don't know if I actually said anything beyond the bird shit count. Isn't that suppose to be good luck??? It was actually quite amusing....after I showered.
Yesterday morning I got in my co-workers car and she said your hair is white. Yes my hair had frozen. I had gone outside with wet hair (never seem to run on time) and it was FREEZING outside. The short wait I had for her to show up, froze my hair. Which would partially explain why it looked like hell yesterday. However I never thought my hair would freeze down here!!
Last night as I finished up my book, and watched "How I Met Your Mother" (funniest...ending...EVER) Maxwell (Kristen's cat) decided the best place to lay was on my lap. He has been doing that lately...this did not make my cat pleased....so later she curled up UNDER the blanket. I woke up around 3 this morning in my bedroom and both cats were curled up on my bed...on top of me. I am not going to freeze at night if they keep this up!! :)
Happy Birthday goes out to one of the sweetest, hardest working musicians in NOLA....someone who I am lucky enough to call my friend, Mr. Craig Klein!!!

I can't seem to form thoughts this morning. It may because all I can think about is going to get a pumpkin spice soy latte. so on that note, its comin at you bullet style.

Drinking "orange juice" on the way to the mini mart.
teaching the neighbors dog to sit.
running across the park with "orange juice" to catch the final bus of the evening
getting in free at Maple Leaf
Having the bartender know what you want to drink
winning one game of pool. losing the other
the 12 year olds hitting on us.
not realizing it was almost 4 am until the bartender yells last call
sleeping until 2.
seeing an awesome movie "Flags of Our Fathers" I sooooo love Adam Beach. He is exceptionally good. Heartbreaking.
Getting more work done on the blanket.
a Clean House.
Tivo Caught Up.

I have a few things...and since I am so "great" at forming one rational thought. (HA) I am doing this once again bullet style.

Yesterday afternoon I got a bug bite. I have no idea from what. It formed almost like a blister and itched like mad. Later in the evening, right next to the bite, a bruise formed. Not a purple and blue bruise, more like a black bruise. The blister like form is gone, rather its not as bubbly. It is still slightly raised and red. I wonder what the hell it was and if I should worry about it at all. It doesn't itch anymore, it's really not even bothering me. Other than being SERIOUSLY UGLY.
Project Runway last night was highly amusing. I had been looking forward to the reunion show. After hearing Jeffery talk about the Angela/Angela's mom situation? I don't feel that bad about it anymore. Not that he should have talked to her mom that way, however I wonder if ANY of the designers would have been nice to her, the way she was complaining. Now that I think about it? Jeffery totally didn't chose her but was stuck with her because everyone else got to chose first. They didn't want to get stuck with her. Like Laura said, Angela's mom gave Jeffery a hard time, when the other family members were all laid back and cool with what the designers were doing. I loved the Tim-isms, the word count on Kayne, Laura's serious ugly moments and that weird guy's laugh!! The guy that was kicked off? Still annoys me. OH OH and let's not forget Vincent's tirade over the laundered clothes!! Classic reality TV moment.
Lost. WHAT the hell?? That is pretty much on that.
I am really enjoying this not riding the bus in the morning. I don't have to deal with stinky perfume lady any more, getting harrassed in Lee Circle, being squished in the bus, waiting over 40 mins for a bus, oh the list could go on and on. So far in the afternoons riding the bus home has been quite pleasent! Maybe I shouldn't say that....I may have just jinxed it!
Walked again last night around the park. It is so nice here in the evenings, that the park is just FULL of people! It makes it a little intimidating to stop at the fitness stops because everyone STARES at you doing it. Like they didn't realize it was there!

I don't know about ya'll but I am glad its Friday. I am glad that at 4:00, I don't have to be here anymore for several days. Not that my weekend is chalk full of exciting things. Tonight will probably just be watching several movies from Netflix. My roomie and I keep saying we are going to sit on the balcony and drink wine, so that may happen as well. Tomorrow is a day of wrecking. Although, I really have no clue as to where yet. Sunday is more relaxing and working on my sister's blanket, because I swear I will have it done by Christmas. I mean its already a year late...what is a few more months?? (we won't mention the fact that I still haven't gotten her bday present for this year) Sunday I am also going to a run thru. For what you may ask? Well....let us just say that some fine, fine people will be part of the pre-game crowd on the field in the Superdome for the U2/Greenday concert. We don't have tickets for the game, but we will be there for a short amount of time....look for us in the crowd. I will have on my yellow AWK shirt!! :)

Today is better. Right? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Arabi Wrecking Krewe has some fun things coming up. Very fun things. It will be good times. I can't wait. I just need to focus on the positive. It can't be that hard right? After all, like I keep saying, there are worse things that could happen.

I know I will never forget where I was 5 years ago. I never thought in my lifetime that I would have one of those moments of "do you know exactly where you were when JFK was shot"

My TV turned on, it was my alarm at the time. It turned on in time for the second plane to hit. That is what I woke up too. I just stared at the TV in shock. I called my mom...she hadn't seen any of it yet, she was still asleep. My dad was reading the paper drinking coffee hadn't seen it yet. I tried calling work, to see if we needed to go. We shared the building with the DEA. I lived a few short blocks away, I threw on clothes and ran down there. The CEO was in his office, he hadn't heard about it yet. We immediatly turned on the TV. We were then told by office building security that our building was to be emptied.

I went home and was glued to the TV for about 24 hours. I didn't know anyone lost in the attacks.....I knew people that lived in the City and was worried for them. I only know how this tragedy affected myself...a bystander, I can not imagine the emotions that the people in the city felt. Even today, after going through the "thing" I still can not imagine.

To visit the site now, it is just eerie. I had only been there after the attacks, it seems serene and calm to me.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are gone and who lost loved ones today.

I don't think I have shared my pics from last week's 2nd line. I will have to do that later today, I also have some from this weekend as well.

On Thursday morning, nice bright and early (as in 3:30 AM) I left my house for the airport. I was expecting security to be a PITA, however the only delay was because security hadn't opened up yet! As it was I was like the 5th person through for the day. The flight left as scheduled at 5:45 AM, I made it to Phoenix by 10:30 AM. Spent the rest of the day running errands with my mom. Later that afternoon we headed out to the new AZ Cardinal stadium. We had a little tailgate action going on, my parents and my sister. I was using my BIL ticket as he had football practice (he is a coach) The stadium is pretty damn nice, the only problem is their sound system really sucks. They definetly need to work on that, it sounded like one of the teachers you heard on Charlie Brown Specials. My parents live super close to the stadium, I think we made it home within 10 minutes!

Friday it was more of running errands with my mom, then hanging out with my sister and her crazy dogs and loud ass birds. Lisa took a small nap while I read a book and watched a movie. We got all glammed up and hit the road. We picked up one of my sister's friends then went to Scottsdale. We met up with my parents and my cousin who I haven't seen in about 3 years. She had driven over from 29 Palms. We were at this little place called The Venue. It used to be called the Cajun Shack or something like that. The venue is set up almost like Tipitina's. However it has storefronts...almost like a boardwalk feel. It was a very cute place. We were there to take in some New Orleans bands...Beatin Path and Cowboy Mouth. I went up front for Beatin Path, and was soon joined by my cousin and my mom. Yes my mom. She stood right up front for all of the CM show...in front of a speaker no less. My cousin had heard CM in the car to the show....she is now a die hard fan. Right before Paul played "Home" he talked about Arabi Wrecking Krewe and how we had worked on his house and also Mike M. of Beatin Path's. He then pointed me out in the audience. The rest of the time Fred and JTG made faces at me. When they were done playing, Paul put down his guitar and jumped off the stage and came right up to me and gave me a HUGE hug and said "where is your family???" He then got to meet everyone. Somehow and I am not sure how...but Mike M had started talking to my dad who was sitting in the back, I think they are now BFF. Mike tried hard to get us all to go to Vegas with them for the next gig. Everyone is now big fans of both CM and Beatin Path.

Saturday was spent getting ready for a BBQ that we had at the house later that night. We all swam in the pool and ate some really good food. My BIL was BBQing in the rain and dark. At least the Pork had finished smoking! It was really nice to see alot of my sister's friends. I think a few of them may even come to Mardi Gras!

Sunday we just chilled at the house by the pool. Watched a few movies and relaxed. Yesterday I flew home. It was a great time. I would be a lot more rested if I could have actually slept through the night. However, if I am not in my bed? I wake up 50 million times every night. Oh well....I am used to functioning on small levels of sleep. I have 2 days to get caught up. I can do it.

(testing link colors) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Curabitur auctor nisi sit amet lectus. Phasellus a lorem. Aenean enim felis, adipiscing nec, scelerisque at, rhoncus eget, ligula. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Nunc interdum. Pellentesque aliquet augue accumsan nisl. Sed sem. Nullam eu diam eu tortor tempor imperdiet. Etiam elementum tortor quis sem. Cras risus. Suspendisse potenti. Vestibulum rhoncus cursus odio. Quisque a mauris. In luctus dignissim est.

Nam volutpat, sem in sagittis hendrerit, nulla risus imperdiet magna, in tincidunt pede nibh eleifend odio. Etiam risus sem, sagittis elementum, dictum non, dapibus id, lorem. Curabitur nec eros vitae massa sagittis commodo. Cras ornare tellus non pede. Sed placerat interdum dui. Quisque placerat, lectus eu ultricies varius, metus turpis ultricies arcu, sit amet blandit libero leo ac purus. Etiam ut lectus. Nunc erat arcu, laoreet sit amet, mattis eget, dapibus varius, libero. Mauris id libero nec nulla volutpat porta. Aliquam tempor convallis dui. Sed tortor eros, volutpat eu, aliquam nec, venenatis vel, ante. Donec ut massa non mi aliquet adipiscing. Cras rutrum dui id sem. Ut rhoncus ante.

Quisque semper. Vivamus tincidunt neque sit amet lacus. Vivamus eget est ut dui fringilla dapibus. Proin velit purus, congue et, feugiat eu, aliquet ut, sem. Phasellus pulvinar vehicula augue. Donec feugiat congue velit. Vivamus lorem diam, aliquet eget, eleifend non, laoreet in, nunc. Integer a nisi tristique tellus tempus tincidunt. Phasellus eu nisi quis dui tristique porta. Proin dignissim turpis. Praesent blandit massa sed urna. Maecenas tempor, turpis eget consequat commodo, nisi lectus suscipit lorem, id pellentesque augue libero quis ante. Duis dolor pede, pretium et, iaculis sed, congue sit amet, massa.

Pellentesque porttitor. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. In ac purus eget sapien posuere adipiscing. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. In at nunc vitae felis luctus varius. Aliquam pharetra lacinia ipsum. Aenean sem metus, varius cursus, convallis quis, porttitor id, nulla. Sed purus augue, auctor ac, pretium aliquet, ultricies et, justo. Fusce non ipsum. In et dui. Nullam ut augue porttitor magna vehicul