As I glance through the pictures that I took this weekend, I am still amazed at the amount of work that goes into each outfit. Granted some pieces are glued on, but most are hand sewn. I have done some dabbling in beading work back when I was younger. I had a little loom and could make some bracelets and necklaces. The designs were never too intricate as I didn't have the patience to do that, also the fear of having them turn out ugly was there. The time and patience that goes into each Mardi Gras Indian outfit is out of this world. The cost is also amazing, but when you see the end result, you can understand why.

There are lengthly explanations of the Mardi Gras Indians, and traditions from Big Chief, Flag Boy, Spy Boy and Wild Man. I won't even try to go into detail here because I will get it so wrong. One thing I have gathered from reading is that the African Americans wanted to pay respect to the Native Americans for their help and understanding during Slavery and everything since. Many other traditions have come to past since the first of the Mardi Gras Indian gangs were formed.

I am so glad that I went to Super Sunday to check out this display of tradition. I only once felt out of place when it was obvious that one lady didn't want us taking pictures at the park. Mainly because we were white. There were other people taking pictures and she had no problem. I wanted to say to her, "Hey I am Native American stop treating me so different!" But I didn't. If she wanted to judge on looks then that was her perogative. Yes maybe I should have been respectful and not taken the picture, however the suit was on display like all others, and I know she hadn't been the one wearing it. Possibly she helped in the construction of the suit. I did get the picture of it however.

The week that has just passed has blurred into one long party with friends and family, drink and food, beads and cups. Here are a few of the few hundred pics I took...these are some of my favorites:

I walked so much yesterday it isn't even funny. We left the car by my place of work in the Warehouse district then proceeded to walk down St. Charles to just past Lousiana where we caught the 4 day parades. (Sorry NOLA and Pete that I didn't make it down....my feet are failing me). After the parades rolled, we walked up past Jackson on Magazine before we finally caught the bus to bring us back down by the car. We then hightailed it to our friend's hotel so we could (read Kristen) watch the Super Bowl. We usually watch Bacchus down by Mulates, but we stuck with Po's crazy family, it was a TON of fun hanging out with them.

Right now I am at work, crazy no? I am doing a half day today then it is off for the final leg of Carnival season. Tonight immediatly following Orpheus, we will be at the Howlin Wolf where Bonerama is playing with Jon Cleary. Then it is a short nap followed by St. Anne's.

See ya on the flip side.

I am awake right now because I came home to take a short nap before going to see Morning 40 Federation, and I just now awoke. Oops.

Cough still present, but doing better. Parades taken in? A ton. Throws caught, doing okay. Drinks consumed? waaaaaay too many.

Tonight is a big night, Bacchus is one of my favs so I am looking forward to it. We bailed on Endymion last night, it is my least favorite, being too long, prone to breakdowns, a ton of breakdowns, riders are always stingy on the throws and no one has fun because of the excess of drunk people because of said breakdowns. We will be all raring to go for tonight!

As for the Super Bowl? I know I went to high school with Tedy Bruschi....but I can not stand Randy Moss, and well Eli is from here.....so GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Between the dentist today, and a full blown cold. Here are some pics from the past weekend....getting ready for tomorrow!!

Damn it. I am sick again. I am going to blame Lisa since she has been fighting it for the past few days and well...she must have spread it through the computer. I woke up at 1:30 this morning with the chills, aches, fever and later the sweats. I didn't get back to sleep until after 3 and the alarm goes off at 5. So....I am one tired puppy today. I am at work....I do feel a bit better, but I am damn tired of being sick. I have been taking vitamins, having acupuncture done, eating better, getting more sleep and it still came back to get me. Oh well, I have my things ready for this evening and Dr. Jack Daniels is on standby.

Did I mention that Bonerama will be on David Letterman???? Yeah? Okay.

Yesterday we made it down to our area around 11:30 or so and found GREAT parking right off St. Charles. Too bad someone had snagged our spot already. No worries we were fine where we were across the street from that. Carrollton and King Arthur are always great little parades and yesterday was no exception. We all caught several strands of glass beads and that made the parades right there.

I didn't make it to Barkus like I was hoping. I realized after King Arthur rolled just how tired I was, and I needed to go get some rest because it is about to become crazier not calmer so I need the relaxation when I can get it.

I do have pictures, but when I got home last night I collapsed and the thought of organizing pictures was just too much. I will have some up later this evening.

We are just days away from the arrival of the terrible two so they better be ready to get their drink on.

There are pictures of yesterday. However I am running short on time, so they will have to be put up later tonight. I am getting ready for a day of 2-3 parades.

Yesterday's parades were a LOT of fun, being with friends it was awesome as well. We all had a GREAT time. The floats for Orpheus are fun as well. Bonerama had a SMOKING set at Rock-n-Bowl.

Now it is time to shower and get out there for this evenings parades.

Last night after work, I hauled my ass down to the Quarter and caught up with Krewe of Cork right as it started. I hung out with the band the whole time since I know Leroy, Katja, Mark Braud and Lucien. After the rain started coming down I did ditch them all. Made my way to my friends house where we all decided rain or not we were going to the parade. If they were rolling we would be there. Oshun did roll and by the end we were rolling in the beads, animals and other goodies. There was no one out really but a few of us crazies. The second parade rescheduled for Wed. Believe it or not, I did NOT go to the Maple Leaf last night. I decided with the long and crazy weekend and knowing that today was going to be longer, that I needed some rest. So I slept. I did forget my camera at home, so there are no pictures from yesterday. I am going to take my camera today I promise!!

have never in my four years of Mardi Gras seen a ruder more obnoxious group of people than I did last night for KDV. I don't know if was because they changed routes or what. We were close to the start, at Royal and Frenchmen where they had barriers set up. They use barriers for a reason. We had gotten there about an hour and half before the parade, and there was like 7 of us. We had our drinks and snacks and just had a great time. The parades starts coming down the street and next thing I know there are 3 girls standing right in front of us, on the other side of the barrier. And the cop that is in that area isn't doing anything. Not long after it was probably 3 people deep in front of the barrier, on both sides of the street. The parade could barely get through. Ms. Grace was verbally assaulted when she asked a drunk guy to move, and he jumped the barrier and attempted to start a fight with one of our friends. We couldn't even SEE the parade. The people we asked to move started throwing things at us, because we were obviously the problem. The good thing is that the parade came down Frenchmen at the end. We were taking some of the people in our group down to Mona's to get food before the Tin Men played at d.b.a when the parade came back down, there were less people on the street and no barriers so we were able to actually see it. However by the time it came back to us it was seriously depleted. Some of the floats were gone. At least 2 of the bands were gone, a lot of the people in the walking portion were gone. All I know is karma is going to come and get those people that ruined KDV for everyone that attempted to follow the rules.

My first Mardi Gras experience down here in NOLA happened in 2003. We had the best time, really didn't catch that many parades, we were out seeing music and went to the Orpheus Ball. Both Craig and Leroy told some of us (there were about 30-40 of us here in a group) to come out the St. Anne parade. That it was a lot of fun and we really needed to check it out. So early on Mardi Gras day several of us packed into a cab and headed on out to Bud Rip's for the start of the parade. Little did we know at the time about "NOLA time" all I know is we got there rather early and did a lot of standing around waiting for Leroy and Craig to put in an appearance. As more and more people arrived I began to feel seriously under dressed. I was wearing jeans, a tshirt and fleece jacket. Every single person but my group were completly dressed up in costumes. When we saw Craig and Leroy everyone busted out laughing at their attempts in drag.

Since becoming a resident, I have spent every Fat Tuesday with the St. Anne parade. It has a crazy amount of people all dressed up, drinking and dancing down the street to the sounds of the Storyville Stompers (plus many many other musicians) We always leave from Bud Rips, go through the Marigny, end up in the Quarter and meet up with Rex at Canal. From there it is to the Moonwalk. That is where the structered parade ends. We usually end up on Frenchmen street. Or asleep in a car. I don't think there is any other wayI would want to spend a Mardi Gras day.

I am getting into a desperation point on my costume for this year, I do believe I will end up doing what I have done the past two years in a row and that is to raid my friend Twinkle Toes Mardi Gras Costume Closet and find something fantastic to wear. I do know that Leroy is on the quest for something outrageous and he doesn't want to do drag again. I think they may end up raiding the closet as well. The following pics are some of my favs from Mardi Gras Day.

I ate two pieces of king cake yesterday. TWO! From two different places, brought in by two different vendors, two different flavors. One was a bavarian cream filled one, the other was plain. It did have a heavier frosting however. I am completly lame and failed to notice the bakery for either one.

I am looking forward to having more later this weekend as I wait for the KDV to roll. I love this Krewe. We always get a spot on Frenchmen and enjoy the, well I guess the sites. I love the satire this parade has.

Later on today, around 11 Orpheus will finally be having a press conference and annoucing their Celeb monarch and the what not. Hopefully they can top Kevin Costner. I know they can top Hulk Hogan. Actually no, I don't know that. My prediction is it will be someone like the head coach of LSU.

Let me start by saying that, well I am beat. I know a lot of people here who are worn out from the constant flow of fun. I think I counted how many parades I went to. I lost count after ten. Some people may ask what are you doing going to so many parades? What are you going to do with all those beads, cups and stuffed animals and other trinkets? I have no IDEA!! They are all piled up around the house. My niece Aubrey will get a nice little package, other than that I am not sure. Of course there are a few special ones that I will be keeping, the rest could be up for grabs.
However it just isn't about the parades, it is about spending time with friends. Eating lots of food, drinking a lot, laughing and dancing. I got to hang out with some of my good friends on an almost daily basis for 2 weeks, I got to meet some really cool new people as well.
I am totally and officially Mardi Gras'd out. I was actually quite happy to see Fat Tuesday come to a close so I could finally rest my weary body. Which I will be doing on Saturday. All day. With the phone off. Maybe this 3 month illness will finally go away.

Only 3 more days until Bonerama is on Letterman!! Oh to have a way to get to NYC......anyone have miles? I will sleep on the street. ;)

As recovery is still in motion down here in NOLA, the benefits will keep on happening. This Thursday is the 3rd benefit for "Musicians bringing Musicians Home" the first two were hits and the musicians that have participated has been amazing. The second one included the Indigo Girls and some of the members from OK GO! Here is a little info on the upcoming concert on Thursday taken from the Bonerama website:

On Thursday, January 10th, Craig, Matt, Eric and Bert will join members of bands that include My Morning Jacket, The Mekons, The Wrens, Mendoza Line and Freakwater for "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home III", a benefit for musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina. That show will take place in the Parish Room of NOLA's House of Blues at 9pm and is sponsored by Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Future of Music Coalition (FMC). Participants in FMC and ATC's annual Artist Activism Camp discuss best practices for artist advocacy, during the two-day meeting, and tour New Orleans, visiting the Ninth Ward and hearing from some of the city's musicians about the efforts to revitalize their music community

Bonerama has been very active in these benefits, mainly due to the organization Craig used to be a part of called Arabi Wrecking Krewe. Some of you may remember that I also used to participate in that organization, were we went to musicians homes and gutted them. Things got a little out of control there unfortuntelty and due some poor leadership (not Craig) the group has pretty much disappeared. However, there are so many other groups out there doing good and Sweet Home New Orleans is one of them.

Speaking of Sweet Home New Orleans, this has me tingling:

On Friday, January11th, OK Go and Bonerama play a show to aid New Orleans music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson (who gave Mardi Gras its unofficial anthem and lost everything when Katrina destroyed his residence), and Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's cultural ambassadors. That show will take place at Tipitina's at 10:00pm. OK Go and Bonerama have also collaborated on "You're Not Alone", an EP for the same cause, to be released on February 5th - Mardi Gras 2008.

People! This is exciting. Ya'll know OK GO right?? You have seen the infamous treadmill video right? If not I will post it later in the day. I am so excited to hear more of OK Go and the Bones together I almost can't stand it. I will be there selling Merch for the Bones, so if you are in the area, come say HI!

It is HERE!! I just ate my first piece of King Cake. However Rouses needs to hid the damn baby!! It was just hanging out in the middle, so not the point. I do realize that there is that choking factor that needs to be considered but most people down here do know about the baby!

Last night just a little after midnight busted out with "Mardi Gras Mambo" and a few other Mardi Gras tunes. Those that know me, know that I will now be singing "Mardi Gras Mambo" for the next month or so. I can't ever get that song out of my head!!

Tonight there is a small parade, however I don't believe I will be going this year. We have some friends down the street who are having a party, then they have a gig at the Maple Leaf so we will be partaking in that for a bit!!

Happy Mardi Gras Ya'll!!

We are just days away from my favorite season, Mardi Gras. Actually, it may be my second Festival season just maybe my first (French Quarter Fest/Jazz Fest). Mardi Gras is a very close second. On Sunday I will be able to enjoy my first piece of King Cake. In fact I think I will have to make a trip to the store on Saturday so the first thing I have when I wake up on Sunday is a piece of King Cake. At some point this weekend the Christmas tree will come down. If I had Mardi Gras decorations I would put them up. They will come into the house sooner rather than later in the form of beads, cups, doubloons, stuffed animals and other wild and crazy assorted throws that we will be catching.

I can't express to those of you that Mardi Gras just isn't that drunken insanity that happens on Bourbon Street. It is a time to hang out with your friends, dance in the streets to the beats, have some food. Yell and cheer "Ya know ya saaaasssssssy!!" as the marching bands go by. Time to pull out the ladders so the kids get the best spots. To catch that "must have" item a shoe from Muses or a coconut from Zulu. Getting into a wild costume and literally dance down the street and across town. All while consuming some King Cake.

Yeah I love this town.

Mardi Gras 2007 is officially over and has been over for several days. I am just now starting to feel "normal" I don't even know where to start. I guess starting way back about 2 weeks ago. Because that is what started it all in full swing.

Friday Feb 9th. I got off work and ran down to the quarter to catch a bit of the Krewe of Cork parade. That looks like a good krewe to be part of! Dancing through the quarter in costume drinking wine. The band consisted of a few people I knew, Leroy, Katja and Mark Braud. Some friends caught up with me as well in the quarter. When the walking parade was done we headed out to Matty's house which isn't that far off the parade route. It became a gathering place. Food and booze were collected then we headed on off to catch the evening parades. We then decided to go to the Maple Leaf for an AMAZING night of music and celebration.

Saturday Feb 10th Kristen and I decided to go downtown to watch the parades so we would be closer to the ferry to Old Point. We caught about 4 floats of the first parade then we had to leave, we wanted to make it across the river before the Orpheus Open House ended. We just barely made it. Appetizers and drinks were consumed at the Dry Dock Bar with our dear B.R. friends. We then all headed back to Matty's to hang out and wait for the evening parades. We ended up missing the parades, and that was just okay. We did make it out to Le Bon Temps to see Big Sam that night. Talk about crazy packed. Le Bon Temps isn't that big to begin with. I thought for awhile it was just me getting old and not liking the crowds, but it was REALLY packed.

Sunday Feb 11th We watched the parades out on St. Charles. This was a special day as my dear friends got engaged this day. There were a TON of people out there to witness the event, Megan had NO clue it was going to happen at all. A ring box was tossed off the float during King Arthur, it was a quick swap with the real ring box with the ring, next thing Megan knew (she was trying to get beads from their friends riding) Andy was on bended knee presenting the ring. Needless to say we didn't see much of the rest of that parade!!

Monday Feb 12th. Recovery day. I was going to do laundry this day and start cleaning as family was arriving soon. I made Kristen do her laundry first.

Tuesday Feb 13th. 3:00 AM tornado rips through the neighborhood. We lost the balcony roof, shattered windows (the one in my room is not repaired yet not that I am complaining) We spent all day cleaning up the mess. I was amazed and shocked at how fast the response was. The city had people out on our street by 7:30 AM done by about 4:00 PM. Nagin (our mayor) stopped by our house to see how we were. Kristen and I decided to stay at the house even without the power.

Wednesday Feb. 14th. By noon we had power, which was a good thing because my sister was coming into town!! Lisa came to my work, hung out for a bit then Kristen came to pick us up. We went back over to Matty and Sherrilynn's for more parade madness and a very yummy dinner. While they all went out to hear music, Lisa and I headed back to the house.

Thursday Feb. 15th. I worked this day, taking off an hour early and met up with my sister on the bus who had been out exploring Magazine. Once home we got all bundled up in layers of clothes then headed back out to Matty and Sherrilynn's. There we took in the 3 parades, the favorite being of course Muses. That parade pretty much rules.

Friday Feb 16th. I went into work a bit late. I spent most of the day praying to the flight gods that the Mulveys would FINALLY make it to town (they were suppose to be here on the 14th) Lisa and I wandered through the quarter for a bit then met up with our dear B.R. friends and Kristen at the Ugly Dog. At this time I knew the Mulveys were on their flight but I was under strict instruction NOT to say anything to the B.R. krewe. That was some damn hard work. We wandered up to Lee Circle and caught the parades. Right as they were ending I told Hank that I had a few new friends for them to meet, cuz coming down the street were the Mulveys. The look on Hank's face was priceless!! We even convinced Gayle to meet us back down at the Dog, and she was suprised, though I think she figured it out before she walked in. We then ran off to the airport (back roads don't help during MG time, we kept getting trapped behind floats on the move) were we picked up my brother in law.

Saturday Feb 17th. We started off towards the quarter and saw the masses of people all lined up already for the parades. Kristen and I decided to find spots to hold down for the day. We sent my sister and bro-in-law off to the quarter with the Mulvey's while we held down a spot at Lee Circle with Matty and Sherrilynn. The best parade of the day was Tucks. Our next door neighbors were riding and they piled us with loot. In fact Kristen is still sporting the bruise on her forehead from a full on frontal attack. I had words with the cab driver who wouldn't bring my cousin downtown. It is a flat rate from the airport and the cabby would have been stuck in the traffic for awhile. Not my fault she was on the airport run. If we had given the driver a hotel to drop my cousin off in, she would have had no choice. As it was I had to give her directions to my house, which is right off a major intersection. My cousin had to sit on the porch until we got there to pick her up. Kristen knew a round a bout way to get back, and she managed to score the same parking space. Endymion sucked except for my Taylor Hicks beads that some lady caught and gave to me. She had heard me telling people around me that that was the mission, was getting beads from Taylor. (I am guessing she heard or someone told her) the throws sucked from Endymion (when they threw em) and the drunken college students that showed up (squeezing into the space we had been in for 8 hours) really put a damper on the parade. They were even throwing beer bottles at the riders. Jerk offs.

Sunday Feb. 18th. We all headed down to the quarter...again traffic was a nightmare. We let Lisa, Scott and Jessica off so they could explore out on Esplanade. As we crept along Decatur I realized I had to go to the bathroom. I jumped out of the car at Molly's used the facilities and grabbed a few drinks to go. Of course by then the traffic was moving. I didn't catch up with the car until the other side of Harrahs. Let's put it this way. I made it clear across the quarter in about 10 mins or less. With drinks. We then walked back to the quarter were we met up with everyone at Pat O's. We met up with the Mulveys out on Bourbon then we all walked past the Jolie/Pitt household. We eventually went out to the Treme to visit Leroy and Katja. We didn't catch any of the day parades this day. We headed out to the end of the parade route were we got some spots and watched Bacchus. A great parade for catches. After it was over the fam headed over to hang with some friends who booked a hotel room for a couple of nights. They didn't want to do the driving back and forth from the North Shore.

Monday Feb. 19th. We got parking early, took Jessica to Acme, Harrah's then down to Molly's. We had a hike to get back to the convention center in time for the Orpheus Press Conference. We just made it. Got to say hi to Harry. Lisa, Kristen and I decided that we were going to the beginning of the parade. Good thing we did, we got our pics with Sean Payton, Harry and Patricia Clarkson there. Sean was so much fun!! At one point he was even singing in my ear!! We raced back to the end of the parade route and caught the parade. We all then raced over to Holwin Wolf were I got the merch table set up and Bonerama opened for George Porter Jr and the Runnin Pardners. This was really the only super late night. Pretty soon the only one left from my krewe was Kristen. Everyone else had left to get some shut eye. The band stopped around 4 AM. Bed by 5 AM.

Tuesday Feb. 20th. Up at 8:30 AM and out the door by 9:30 AM. We had the best cab driver who got us down to the Bywater for the start of the St. Anne parade. We made it through the whole thing, Lisa and Scott decided to go and nap while my cousin and I kept going. By the time Kristen caught up with us, we were pretty wiped. I think we got home at 10 that night. It was one of the best Mardi Gras days ever!!

Wed. Feb 21st...everyone headed home. :(

Thursday Feb. 22nd back to work.

I suffered the worst tension headache for about 2 days...it is just now starting to fade. Have stayed home both last night and tonight. Amazing. I am just wiped, however I would not change a moment of it for anything!!

Pics with Sean Payton (Saints Head Coach) Patrica Clarkson and Harry Connick Jr.

I am trying to remember everything that happened this weekend. I did so many fun things, it was wonderful. Of course now I feel like I got run over by a slow moving tractor. This weekend the weather was almost perfect, friends, drinks and food were flowing.

Friday afternoon at lunch I ran down to Louisiana Music Factory and finally picked up Harry Connick Jrs new CD. I only got "Oh, My Nola" I will get the other one soon. Nothing perks up an afternoon like new music. After work I headed BACK to the quarter to meet up with some friends that were playing for the Krewe of Cork parade. The costumes were fun and the music was amazing. Walking through the quarter with everyone in high spirits just made the evening. I was even sweating slightly, the weather was amazing! After it was over we headed back to another friends house were we all regrouped and got organized for the parades that rolled. It was then off to the Leaf for a interesting night of music and people. Hell Frenchy even pulled out a trumpet and played.

Saturday it was a partial parade, that day was the cold day. We definetly didn't layer enough. But the sun was shining and that was all the mattered. We hit the Orpheus open house. Hung out with my dear wonderful friends that are riding and got to mess with the chip licker a bit. We eventually headed out to Le Bon Temps to hear a bit of Big Sam.

Sunday it was the big day. I had been looking forward to Sunday since I had been told about it. My friends Megan and Andy got engaged!! It was a big eloborate plan on Andy's part and Megan didn't figure it out at ALL! A ring box was tossed off a float a few of their friends were riding on, there was a ring box transfer and then Andy was on one knee on St. Charles proposing. It was the most excellent day.

I have a few days to recharge and clean before friends and family start to arrive. Here come the parades!!

I started this day off great. With a piece of King Cake. There really is no other way to say "Good Morning" than a piece of King Cake and coffee. In fact it was so good that I may go grab another piece. How I also knew it will be a good day? First song on the ipod shuffle this morning was Craig Klein's "Marie Laveau". Tomorrow Bonerama plays at d.b.a. The next night we will be there again for Tin Men. After of course taking in Krewe de Vieux. I love that parade. It is soooo much fun. Chris Rose is the big Kahuna for this parade. I :heart: Chris Rose. Also it is only like 2 weeks till my sister gets into town....my crazy friends as well. Other than the 14th? This month should be a-okay!

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???

January is my least favorite month. Its the post holiday letdown. Its the long dark days. Its the fact that it takes at least the full month to learn to write 2007. It is the training of the brain that the year has moved on. At least this Saturday is the start of Mardi Gras season. Have I mentioned that on Saturday I get to eat a piece of King Cake. I think I am dreaming of King Cake.

We haven't even gotten past Christmas yet and I am super excited for Mardi Gras. Ya'll realize that in 17 days it is 12th night? Which officially kicks off the Mardi Gras season? We are 60 days away from Fat Tuesday...which means there is even less time before the parades roll. I love Mardi Gras. Hanging out with friends, yelling for the high school bands "You know your saaaaasssssy!!" making jumps to catch that really cool strand of beads or stuffed animal. Everyone around you just having an amazing time. It is hard to explain the atmosphere that comes over the city. I am not talking about the drunken antics on Bourbon St. No way. I am talking about standing on the Avenue.....in the neutral ground there are several families having a bbq. Ladders converted to stools so the kids can get higher up and catch the really cool stuff. Incidentally standing behind a family with kids on stools can work to your advantage...they can't catch all that cool stuff! ;) Also in 17 days? I can have King Cake.

This was a nice weekend that just passed.....Friday night Kristen and I jumped on the bus and headed down to the Quarter. We giggled at the gaggle of Tulane girls that got on the bus. They were planning the "pubs" they wanted to hit. One of the girls asked the group, "Do you guys have IDs?" The answer was no. And one of them was wearing there senior prom T-shirt for 2005. Yeah better planning next time ladies. Turned out they were going the same place as us, Molly's. Whenever I saw them that night, they were outside, no drinks in hand. We had a great time, and winded down the evening at Cafe Amelie where Leroy was playing. Saturday was spend with the Arabi Wrecking Krewe as we tackled a new house. There were a lot of people there to help, thanks to the Vets who came out. That is Veterans. They were in town for part of this walk/march protesting the war. I believe they started in Bilioxi. Yesterday there was a big anti-war rally out in Congo Square that they also took part in. Anyway this house, the back yard was transformed from a jungle of downed tree branches and debris to a clean prairie. Almost all of the inside was cleaned out. The roof was finally tarped. Next comes some demolition....it was a good day. I fell asleep at 9:30!!! Of course that meant I was up at 6:30 yesterday. Kristin had to run to Target so I hitched a ride. We also stopped at Barnes and Noble where I loaded up on some books. The afternoon was spent reading and cleaning up around the house. I finally cleaned up all the Mardi Gras beads!! I then headed out to the Palm Court where Leroy was playing.....had a couple glasses of wine and enjoyed some really good music.

Tomorrow is a half day for me. Gonna tackle the car issues big time. I heard from Mike (Lisa's husband) who ran my plates for me. (He is a State Trooper and a chip licker) The car is not stolen which is good. I did some research online and found out that the dealer had 20 days to get the title transferred. When I called in late Jan/early Feb, no work had been done to do that (this was according to the TX registars office) I also heard from the Ft. Worth police and I need to call them to file a police report. Fun times ahead!!

Rave for the day: I don't remember if I have mentioned this here, but even if I did it is SOOOO worth mentioning again. Arabi Wrecking Krewe had a good Mardi Gras. How good you ask? Well, Extreme Home Makeovers was in town. They were working on, I believe a church. They also contacted the Krewe and filmed a little bit of them/us!! Okay I wasn't there. I could have been there. I could have met Ty. I didn't go for several reasons. I know they didn't want a shitload of people there. What I didn't realize is that several of the key people DID want me there. Oh well. I also had to hang out at the house that day for Lisa and Hank to come and pick up a portion of their beads for their ride in Orpheus. I know I could have arranged to have them pick them up earlier and all that good stuff, but like I said, I didn't want to be in the way if I really wasn't suppose to be there. The eppie should air in the first weeks of April. When I find out the exact date, I will let everyone know. Also with the show and Gibson Guitars, there was a presentation at Howlin Wolf the night of the taping (I again missed it, was at Bacchus and Endymion doh!) The presentation was for $50,000 to the Krewe to continue on our work and of 40 insturments for musicians here that have lost theirs in "the thing" WHOO HOO!!! There are pictures up from the presentation and work on the house (yes there are pics of Ty)

Rant for the day: My mail is being returned as undeliverable to various places. I had placed an order with Amazon. I got an email today saying it was returned to them, as my address is undeliverable. Interesting. Since I RECEIVED MAIL YESTERDAY!!!! I have received items from Amazon at the house since "the thing" no problem. They have either left the items or left the little note saying come and pick it up. Which I have. Its not only packages. They have returned a W-2 and check stubs from my temp service. After I got the call from the temp service saying they were returned? I went home and guess what was waiting in the mail slot??? Some check stubs from the temp service. Its like the carrier just doesn't want to deliver on some days or something. Or someone within the post office is royally screwing up. I have called and talked to someone several times, in fact she has called me back. Trying to figure this out. In the meantime, things I have been waiting for for months? Most likely returned as undeliverable. This is so aggravating. I need to go down and complain at my post office. I can't do that until Saturday however since my damn car is no good!! They have shortened hours so I can't go during the week when I get home. Stupid.

Yeah right like I can remember everything that happened in the past week. Its been a week! since all the kicked into high gear. If you saw any news coverage, that was only a very small part of Mardi Gras. I have heard they showed a lot of Bourbon, which was expected. Um, Hi that is the tourists down there not all the locals. But whatever. There are people out there (and here) that still don't understand how/why we could have had Mardi Gras. You don't understand and you don't get it. For the people, a large majority of the people, who have made it back home and have been here since "The thing" happened or home right after, this was much needed release, forget for a few days if possible, need to remember that there is a life beyond mold, muck, depression, failed levees, lack of leadership. People needed to have fun. And fun was had. Here are highlights of my Mardi Gras:

Dr. Love on Frenchmen street. (Pic can be found over at Lisa's)
Flat Stanley, it was all about you wasn't it???
Blur
Muses those girls are one of the best Krewes around.
Sassy bands
Ugly Dog fun
Bonerama/Krewe of Oak (Lisa and Wendy have pics of this night)
Gayle and Mike actually showing up.
Mike falling asleep during the gig.
My sister being here.
My sister getting to see Bonerama for the first time at Harrah's.
Copper Monkey.
Field sobriety tests given by Trooper Mulvey (yeah you didn't pass either)
Bacchus.
Orpheus Ball.
The sunny sunny sunny wonderful weather on Fat Tuesday which left me sunburned, tired and happy after St. Ann's.
Cherry Bombs.
$60.00
Have I said how much I love living here???? Even today walking to work, I got the goosebumps when I thought "I actually LIVE in New Orleans" and to think that 6 months ago.....I had the fleeting thought that this was not going to actually happen again. Just proves that you need to live everyday to the fullest.

So in case anyone cares...you ain't gonna hear much from me in the next few days. Well, I say that now....but here is the deal. In case you didn't know. Its Mardi Gras time. Today is my last night of chilling at home for a week, and I ain't complain'. Tomorrow my friends Lisa and Mike are landing here in the city. Dinner and drinks will be consumed. Thursday, work and then parades, Friday, work then head over to Tulane for the Bonerama gig at the Quad.....then drinks with some more friends coming to town, then to the Maple Leaf for the final fat Friday gig of Bonerama. Saturday, its parades and a Bonerama gig at Harrahs. Lisa (my sister) also arrives....Sunday Bacchus and craziness. Monday, Cowboy Mouth at Howlin Wolf during the day, Orpheus Ball and Parade that night. Tuesday-St. Anne's parade. There are many more things that will be happining that I am not really planning for.

In the meantime at work I have been working in Accounting in the morning. Starting tomorrow my afternoons will be learning purchasing......no phones for me for at least 2 weeks!!! So very cool!!

Gig for Bonerama on Friday was full of lots of new fans. It was an...interesting crowd to say the least. I almost sold out of CDs....I did start out with a small amount....sold like 12? 14? More than past weekends.....this coming Friday is the Krewe of Oak ball at the Maple Leaf, so its going to get insane there. A good insane. I can't wait.

Saturday we headed out to the parades....we decided to go downtown, where we could watch the parades, then run over and catch the ferry so we could get to the Orpheus Open House. It was damn cold out on Saturday. Too damn cold. For here? Yeah....we froze our asses off, but it was worth it. We got a spot right off Canal on St. Charles. Have never done a parade that close to Canal before. We yelled and screamed for the MAX band....St. Mary, St. Aug and Xavier Prep combined band. The best of the best. This is one of my roomies first Mardi Gras, and she was having a good time. Finally around 2:40, we took off for the ferry. By the time the ferry left our side, Hank and Gayle had had enough of the coldness over in the warehouses of Mardi Gras World. We were instructed to take lots of pictures of float #14 Thunder and Drums as someone's camera ran out of battery juice. (it really didn't but that is a different funnier story for another time) We took lots of pictures and Kristen got to see the floats up close for the first time (our other roomie bailed as she was too cold). We then met up with Hank and Gayle at, I think it was Dry Dock Bar....right across the street from the ferry....were we drank, ate, and laughed for several hours. I can't wait for the ball and the parade and just more general craziness with those guys. Bacchus will be saaaaaassssssssy!!!!

Sunday Kristen and I had a yummy breakfast, then? We went to more parades. Same spot as the day before, but across the street. Carrollton is my fav of the smaller Krewes and they did not disappoint!!! I even was thrown a stuffed bear....in a devil costume....how did that person know????? After the two parades rolled, we high-tailed it into the Quarter and caught some of the Barkus parade. Barkus...is well a parade for the dogs. Really. It was very cute and some of those dogs were adorable. Okay they all were. This parade lasted for like almost 2 hours....we then headed over to Cafe Du Monde.....loaded up on sugary goodness...then home. I got all comfy on the recliner with my blanket and book.....pretty soon Liza and Max (Kristen's cat) settled in my lap and I started to fall asleep....like at 8 at night.....it was the perfect end to a perfect weekend.

I can't describe the feeling of happiness that swept over me when that first parade was seen coming down The Avenue.....it was amazing. Everyone was just having a great time. Next parades roll on Thursday, and I will be there!! I have instructions on where to go stand for Muses, as our downstairs neighbor is riding.....maybe I will get a shoe!!!!

I will post some pics of the floats when I get home, they are all on the home computer.

I put up a few pics from this weekend in the last post...and holy darkness on my work computer...I swear I can see them on my computer!! Don't know if its the monitor here, or what. Anyway....I thought I would share my weekend. I know everyone is just waiting anxiously for details right??? Yeah I thought not. ;)

I took Friday off to go to the clinic. One of my roomies said they would give me a ride, on her way to class...so I left a bit later than planned but I am not one to give up a free ride. Turns out I should have. I got there just after 9 AM. They had closed the clinic line for the day. They already had 1500 or so people in line. Apparently they started lining up at 4 AM.....they were going to start taking registration at 6 AM on Saturday morning. So that was my plan. I went home and crashed for a bit. I had gone out on Thursday evening and saw/heard Craig play at Palm Court. So I was tired. I did some fun things like laundry and stare at the TV. I couldn't even concentrate on a book. That has been happening a lot lately. As I was watching the opening ceremonies for the Olympics, I got a call from my mom with some very bad news. It wasn't suprising...but at the same time it was. Of course I thought "what the hell else can go wrong???" About 20 minutes later I had to leave for the Leaf. I know for some people that the last thing they would want to do is go out. However I needed to. I needed the music of the guys to help drown out all bad crap. Some people understand what I am talking about...some don't. It helped that my friends were there, Roger and Elyse. Also the fantastic Kelly Mullins (aka Mrs. Mark Mullins) was there with her sister and she had me giggling. Frenchy was also there for the 2nd weekend in a row painting the guys. Frenchy owns the gallery across the street from the Maple Leaf and the paintings he does is AMAZING!!

Plans to head to the free clinic pretty much vanished. I didn't feel good about going to stand in a line at 4 AM. Considering I left the Maple Leaf at 3:30, it wasn't an option. Also when talking to my mom earlier, she had said that her and my dad would help out with an eye doctor appointment. Plus there is a bit more help out here right now. Hell I may just go sit at the convention center clinic one day. I don't know.

Bed around 4, up at 9:15 to head out with AWK. I took the bus part way to Ingrid's then walked about a mile in the wrong direction before my not awake brain figured out I was going the wrong way. I got there around 11 and away we went. I got to smash the hell out of the walls in the bathroom, that is cool in a sick way. We finished up there pretty early and headed over to Benny Jones' house to continue work there. We finished around 5 or so. A quick trip home, a shower later and we were heading out to the Quarter for Krewe de Vieux. We started on Frenchmens. Saw the whole parade there, and then ran to catch up to the Stompers to hear some more. We ended up catching up with them on Rampart and Canal. Then we got to walk back. Home and sleep followed.

My intention for Sunday was more AWK. However, my body didn't agree with me. Too much work on Saturday. I felt awful but when I talked to my fearless leader, she said not to worry as she had 23 Tulane Law Students and that was enough for what they were doing. I did leave my house at 1:30 to out to Tipintina's for Chris Rose's book signing. I figured I would be home around 3, and just chill for the rest of the evening. Never plan. There was more people than anyone expected. They had to move Chris outside so the music could start....I waited for almost 4 hours. In line at 2:17, out of line at 6:00. We were outside the whole time. And it was cold yesterday. However, I did have fun chatting with everyone around me. I walked back up to the bus stop on Napoleon and St. Charles and waited for over 20 minutes for the bus, continuing to freeze before I said to hell with it and I started to walk. I made it a block from Jefferson before a bus came roaring past....I wasn't at a stop. I ended up walking all the way to the river bend, stopped for food then walked up to Carrollton/Oak St. before waiting for the next bus. Luckily this wait was 5 minutes. I got home around 8, ate my dinner and collapsed. So I walked a LOT this weekend. I mean, a lot. Saturday, Sunday, and this morning? I was in the same postition I fell asleep in....I didn't MOVE.

Bring on the week now. I can take it. I hope.

Travis of BTE sits in with the Bone boys for a few tunes:

Working on Ingid Lucia's house:

Krewe de Vieux fun: HI Craig!!

If the bus driver now knows your name and says he was wondering if he needed to come across the park to make sure I was going to work this morning???

The month of February begins....the only reason I like February? Okay the only 2 reasons? Its a short month and its that much closer to the parades rolling here in New Orleans. There is going to be alot of coverage this year, for the obvious reasons. CNN will be at the Orpheus parade/ball doing some coverage, I promise to be on my bestest behaviour, I cannot however promise that my sister will be. And I will now tell everyone that she will be wearing the same exact dress, and look exactly like me so that I can blame her for everything. That is what little sisters are for right??? Hopefully the coverage that will be happening during the Mardi Gras festivities don't just focus on the Bourbon St. Faternity drunken parties. Mardi Gras is so much more than that. I am really hoping that St. Anne's gets some decent coverage. I have done it 2 years now, starting at the beginning, but never quite making it to the end. St. Anne's is a 2nd line that happens on Mardi Gras day, eventually meeting up with Rex on Canal street then off to Frenchmen's street. This year I will make it the whole way!!!

Its sunny, low humidity, and the week is half over. Tonight is free pint glass night at the Bulldog. There is a big basketball game on (according to one housemate), and we are *this* much closer to Mardi Gras. One of my co-workers was dancing and saying "its Mardi Gras!!". This is the type of person you would never expect to see dancing in their work area. Its in the air, its nice to see a festive spirit returning to people. For the count, I have only heard "Mardi Gras Mambo" twice so far this season....those who know the song totally have it stuck in your head now dontcha??? All together now: "Mardi Gras Mambo, mambo..."

Just like Christmas, I can't believe NYE is tomorrow. Sunday? A whole new year. Brand Spankin New. Sparkly, Clean, and packed full of possiblities. I know I am not alone in saying I am ready to kick 2005's ass on its way out the door. Not that ALL of 2005 sucked ass. Just a few months right towards the end. In fact the whole year was pretty damn good until August 29th. Just think, only 6 more months till hurricane season starts up again. Instead of the "resolutions" I am going to say the things I am going to be looking forward to in the year 2006:

I turn 31. Not as scary as 30
I get to see Harry Connick Jr. on Broadway in the Pajama Game. Most likely on mom's 50th bday as she wants to go as well.
In less than 2 weeks I am going to be flying to Philly. Will see Marisa and Lisa there, and some boy's in a band called Bonerama. Marisa, Lisa and I will then head to NYC to hook up with the rest of the girls for two nights of fun and craziness with Bonerama.
A tribute show for Brian O'Neill at Tipitina's
The month of Feb packed with Bonerama shows, every Friday night at the Maple Leaf.
Mardi Gras. Mardi Fuckin Gras in New Orleans. With all my crazy friends.
Helping out the Arabi Wrecking Krewe.
Jazz Fest.
French Quarter Fest.
Satchmo Fest.
Hurricane Season
Possible trip back to Cali.
Possible trip to Montana to see some family.
Those are things I KNOW of. But there is much, much more that I am not even aware of yet. 2006? Will you kick 2005's ass???

The post Mardi Gras let down has begun. Its all over, everyone has gone home, the clean up has begun. On the bright side, at least I am still here in NOLA. I always hated that feeling when leaving here. It had to be one of the worse feelings in the world. I realized last Saturday that I have been here for 6 whole months! The time has just flown by, it usually does when your having fun. And yet while I am still having fun, I have had some more moments of panic. Nothing serious. Just the turning 30 blues I guess. I had put a pressure on myself when I was younger, and its slightly resurfacing. What I mean is, my parents were married young. 16 and 18. Yes they were that young...my sister was born very soon after, hence, the wedding. My parents are about to celebrate 32 years of marriage on March 3. That is a number I just can't fathom spending with someone. Its amazing, wonderful and special for them to have married so young, to have lasted, and to still be in love. Then there is my sister is getting ready to celebrate her 8th wedding anniversary. OMG is that possible?? She was 23 when she married. I just have to stop and wonder everyonce in awhile if I will ever find that kind of happiness. I really did think that by the time I reached 30, I would be married and would have kids. That just isn't the way my life is going, and right now I am having so much fun, it hasn't been a factor. But like I said, everyonce in awhile, I find it bubbling back up to the surface. While I was in Seattle, I was much more lost...and now that I have moved here, I have been able to find a part that was missing. And someday, who knows when...the rest should follow. I can't do anything to make it happen, just to continue to live, to have fun, to enjoy and to be me. So bring it on 30, lets see what you got. I have 6 more months till its that time...and I am gonna make sure its a ton of fun. And what a party it will be.

Since I typed it all out on connick.com I thought I would put the MG tales here too. I have been here now for 6 months. Realized that on Saturday when talking to Joe, Henry and Andrea!
Thursday night kicked off the fun and exciting times. I went home to get some warm clothes and then back out to the parades. I decided to take the streetcar up to Napoleon, where it stops when the parades roll. I was trying to get there in time for the first parade, however when I got there the last float was rounding the corner onto St. Charles. Float #21. My co-worker was on float #10. So I started walking. I caught up to it pretty quickly, but couldn't get his attention. I decided since I was almost to work at that point to go up there. Its actually about 2 miles from where I started walking to where I ended. Out by my office, and by the time I got there, the parade was just passing. Of the first parade. The first float. I walked the whole length of the parade!!! We had fun with the first parade, my co-worker and I caught a ton o beads from our co-worker who was riding. We were able to get his attention this time, thanks to John Gros who has a very loud yelling voice. The next parade was actually kinda boring....so Kelly, Adam and I decorated Eric's office with all the beads he rained down on us. After the parades, I got a call from Lisa! Her and Mike were on their way from the airport. So I ran up to meet them, they had some dinner and we chatted a bit. While we were waiting for the street car to come by so I could go home, this very nice, innocent girl walked up to us and said "Pardon me for the interuption, but where the f**k is Bourbon street??" One of the funniest things I heard all weekend. The next day was Friday, and I got to sleep in!! I met Lisa and Mike for lunch at Voo Doo BBQ, then we walked back to the Quarter. Various little parades were going on, and this one went by on Royal Street in the mule-drawn carriges. We were thinking, "who are all these people?" and this guy that looked vaguely familiar, tossed some cups straight to Mike (who really did attract lots of attention with the cowboy hat) and right as they were moving down the street...I realized who it was! It was Thom for Queer Eye!!! It was actually all the celebs riding in Endymion (Gene Simmons, Thom, Marisa, Willie Garson (stanford from Sex and the City), and Sean Williams Scott) but all I saw was Thom....Lisa and I took off running down the street to try to catch up, but they were turning onto Canal. It was awesome. We then went and saw Tracy and Christine who had just arrived. We all then wandered around a bit, and then Tracy and Christine went to go eat. I then decided to take Lisa and Mike to my favorite bar. We were there for awhile, and that is where Tracy, Christine, Dia, Randy and their krewe all met us. We then took "the worlds longest walk" (according to some) back to my office to watch the parades. It was a crazy fun night as ALL my co-workers were out there too. They had a party upstairs then all came down for the parades. Some of the girls witnessed me getting fired, rehired, fired, and rehired. After the first parade rolled through we all kind of seperated. Tracy and I walked up to HOB where we saw John Gros play the big room, then back out to Ugly Dog Saloon to see Gayle and Hank. Lisa, Mike and Christine were already there. Saturday was spent cleaning my apartment like a mad lady, picking up Donna at the airport, then driving around for an hour 45 mins waiting for Andrea's plane to arrive. LOL After we got back to my place, Sam showed up and we all went up to the Endymion parade. We didn't actually stay for the whole parade as it started rolling past us a 4:45 pm and as of 7:15 only float 7 was passing us. They delayed the parade for an hour and a half (on top of the break downs) cuz they couldn't get into the Superdome until 9. So a group of us headed back to my house where we ate king cake, played with my kitty Liza and gabbed. Around midnight the party broke up, Andrea and I met up with Joe and Henry at Howlin Wolf to catch the PGF set. It was great to meet up with them and get to hear some fantastic funky NOLA music. Sunday was spent, eating, walking, shopping and then off to Gayle and Hank's for their wonderful open house and of course a litte Super Bowl viewing. We all then ran down to the Riverwalk area to watch Bacchus roll through. Either Carrie or Lisa made the mistake of telling me how the night before this lady kept yelling "Ya know your sassy" to the bands. Well I started doing it. Every band. I think Hank started yelling it at one point. It would crack up some of the colorguard's. We were right at the end where the parade rolled into the convention center, and by the time it got there Sean Austin who was on the first float was in a "good mood" He had a big ole wine goblet and just kept yelling into the mic "Bacchus loves you" I don't think he threw anything. However Randy later gave me a doubloon that he may have thrown. The day of the ball arrived!!! We decided to head down early enough to get some good parking. Andrea, Donna, Adam and Carrie all had to get their tickets from will call so we headed first to the convention center. We then had lunch next door to the Howlin Wolf. This was the point that I decided that I was not going to stay to see CM. There was a good crowd there already (around 1) and they weren't playing till 4 or 4:30. I just couldn't see doing that and getting to the ball in time to see Bonerama. A few of us hung out for the press conference it was cool to see BTE, Sawyer Brown, and Toby Keith up close..oh and Harry's dad!! Lisa and I swear that Toby kept looking in our direction because he thought Mike was Kenny Chesney. Then it was time to get ready for the ball. Lisa, Mike, Tracy and I were there about 6:30ish and the lines were long to get in already. I kid you not, the second we handed our tickets to the people at the door....Bonerama started playing. You should have seen us run to our tables and throw our stuff down and then up to the stage!!! It was pretty darn funny. They sounded awesome, incredible, and down right fantastic. It was so awesome to see them up on that stage!!! Their hour flew by way to fast!!! After they were done, most everyone from connick.com was there, so we all started hanging out by the tables and getting ready for the parade to roll through. There is nothing like seeing 5000 people in ball gowns and tuxes screaming for beads!!! Gayle and Hank didn't see us until after they passed, but we did get to see them after they got to their table. Sawyer Brown took to the stage right after the parade, and I ran up front for a few songs. They were entergetic as usual, just a fun addition. BTE came up after Earl Turner and they too were fantastic. A certain Toby Keith....well he never made it up on stage to play. I hear it was cuz he was too drunk. They had also started announcing that Sammy Hagar was there and would be playing with Toby....we never saw him either. Oh well.....I still had a great time, dancing, singing, drinkin and playin. It was about 5 AM when we got back to my place. I slept for about 2 hours......Then it was time to head out the door and get over to Lisa's room to get ready for St. Anne. We were a little worried because they told us 10, and when we got there right before 10, there were no signs of Craig or Leroy...we thought they were gonna leave without them!!! Finally we saw Craig...and I couldn't stop laughing!!!! pink tutu and a pink sparkly vest. It was very cute!!! Leroy did wear the same costume, however it was the last year. There seemed to be so many more people there than the first year we did this! It was cool. When Lisa and Tracy realized that the parade was going by their hotel, we took off ahead of everyone and watched them pass from the balcony. The sight of all these people coming down Charters was sooooo cool!! It was about then that we decided showers changing and napping were a good idea. However it took me from 1:30ish until 4:30ish to get home. I walked and walked and walked looking for an empty cab.....it was insane. After a quick nap, I headed back to the quarter where we tossed beads and went and saw some of the Bourbon Street craziness. I thought it was good that I found a cab without an hour wait....however the cabbie was falling asleep when he was driving me home...I think he was drunk. It was super scary. At least when I was falling asleep on the street car this morning, I wasn't driving!!! Every leg and foot muscle aches, I have no voice, and am super tired it is is more than worth it. It was sooooo great to see everyone who came down!!! And to meet some new people!!! Rebecca (sassyassy) and her hubby are soooooo nice!!!! I think next year will be just as good. ut at connick.com I thought I would just cut and paste the MG adventures here.

What is sleep? I have forgotten what it is like. Actually no, I did manage to sleep last night.....and I guess 8 hours on Friday, Saturday nights. I just don't like waking up right at 8:00 on the weekends. I wish I could sleep longer. But whatcha gonna do? Saturday was a blast, getting to hang out with Gayle and Hank. They really took too Adam and Carrie as well. After the Orphues open house (I got to get up on their float!!) we all went to dinner at this yummy pizza place. Then off to the C-Note lounge. Its on St. Charles, right on the parade route. Turns out Hank is a bead whore and likes to catch beads. Gayle on the other hand...hates parade (yet she rides in them....she can't explain that one!!) We left Gayle, sitting on the bar stool, making friends with the regulars and the rest of us went out and caught beads.....then we went back to the bar in between parades and after. Then they took us to Snake and Jakes. A little hole in the wall, out of place bar. Very cool. Now its just time to wait for everyone else to get here. Then the real fun begins.

I took some asprin as soon as I got to work this morning and suprisingly I feel the best I have all week. Hope that continues on. My roomie is sick with a fever however. I feel for her. Its not fun. After today, I have 4 working days next week...then I am off for 5 days!!! I am kinda excited about that. It could be just me, but there is a constant excitement in the air for Mardi Gras. I am looking forward to the parades this weekend!! Although I am kinda glad that they don't go on all night. I am also look forward to getting some much needed sleep this weekend. Need to get as much as possible before next weekend rolls around and everyone is in town. Its gonna go by so fast, but I will make sure to savor every moment. I was just kinda promoted at work. In a way. I will still be doing what I am doing, but I was given my own account today. Its a small one. But I will be taking care of the whole thing. Keeping it on budget, getting the traffic out and various other things. So now added to my title of Receptionist/office manager/administrative assistant is now Account Manager. WHOO HOO. No extra pay comes with it. Thats okay, as its definetly some great experience....and sometime in the future I could be way from the phones and working full time on accounts. Who knows???

If I am gonna get sick..........it better just happen. For the past month I have been battling something. A sore throat, headaches, and other aches and pains. Most of last week I wasn't getting much sleep. Lots of tossing and turning and waking up at 3 or 4 AM...I took exedrin pm a few times....and that didn't help much. I was falling asleep easier, but still waking up. This morning, on top of a sore throat was a major case of dizziness. That has subsided this afternoon. I haven't had a cold or gotten sick in almost a year. You would think of all my late nights, I would be more likely to get sick. I guess I have been lucky. And I am happy about that, for the most part. I mean this half way thing kinda sucks....and I need to have energy for Mardi Gras!! Its gonna be crazy and fun. I didn't realize it until yesterday, but I am gonna be going non-stop till after MG. Okay so this week is a tad bit quiet, but there are some things I need to get done around the house. I can't believe I am thinking about the weekend already. It just ended!!! Of course there are parades happening, and other exciting things going on. I guess I will have enough energy/adrenaline once everyone gets here. For my St. Anne's costume I have my wig, fun eyelashes, and some glitter. I also have a boa and some fun tights. I am just going to wear an old halloween costume, its kinda flapper style. Plain black. I was talking to one of my co-workers today and she has a box of "extras" that I can add to it to make it more fun. She has lots of fun ideas as she is in the Sophistocats/kittens. They have go-go dancers!! So they have really fun outfits. I don't know why I am continually suprised by how small the music community is down here. When Brian found out I was worked at Trumpet, he said, "Oh so you know Debra, I used to book her band at Harrahs" Debra and I talked about that today, and she said Harrah's is now just using DJs....less money. Oh well.

Man did I have a blast last night or what??? I am dead tired to prove it. Seems to be a trend whenever the Bones are involved. First the Offbeat Awards....the awards themselves was kinda lame....and was over in a blink of an eye. That and I spent most of the time trying to find Carrie and Adam. I did see Pam and Earl the owners of Tropical Isle. It was fun to see them outside that enviroment.....they accepted the award for Big Al Carlson. Getting to see the Bone show up close and personal was fun too. First time I have been "front row" in awhile. Brian was a doll and drove me and Mel to Tips...and then I went straight to "work" and set up the merch area. All the way in the back by the door. I don't mind, I love helping the guys. Better sells this time. I got to finally meet Mrs. Mullins. Very sweet lady. End of the night....Brian gave me a ride home...it ended up being 4:15 when I finally got there...the Rads played till 3:30!!! Now its time for the parade!!

It better not be cold for MG...I really don't want it to be. I am just FREEZING right now....I think they have the air on here at work.

We have a new roommate. He is a med student at Loyola I believe, I think his girlfriend is a med student at Tulane....He seems very nice and laid back. He paid Liz for the Feb rent and is going to start moving stuff in this week. The other old roomie left on Sunday. Needless to say Liz and I weren't sad to see him go. Now to just hope and pray that everything works out for the next few months...then its decision time for me. My own place or not?

I think I am just destined to only hear about Jude Law sightings...I kinda know where he is staying, as somehow Adam found out. And every place he has been "spotted" is all around this area of my work. Yesterday it was Martin's Wine Cellar one of my co-workers friends is a manager there and she rang him up. He said that he loved New Orleans, how can you not? ....I think I need to start walking at lunch and hope I run into him walking the little dog that is with him.....apparently there have been Anthony Hopkins sightings as well, and everyone says how nice he is. I think I would have a coronary if I saw him. Sean Penn has been seen at Dickie Brennans and this martini bar down the street from work. And apparently the guys in Dukes of Hazzard (Sean William Scott and Johnny Knoxville are lovin Frenchmen street) i am living in a psuedo Hollywood.

Friday ended up being a weird reconnection with people in Seattle. I had talked to Kristina for a bit as stated in my last post. Later on Friday as Carrie and I were at the mall doing a bit of shopping, my cell rang. It was my gay boyfriend Michael!!! I hadn't heard much from him either since leaving. I think I made a few people mad when I left. LOL Its nice to know they didn't want me to leave. Carrie didn't know what to think of the conversation that involved a TON of laughing, quoting lines from "Strangers with Candy" and other various "maybe I shouldn't be saying this so loud in the middle of a store" items, I do miss him and have almost convinced him to come here for my Birthday. I am not holding my breath, but will keep bugging him. He wants me to go to Seattle for his birthday....he is having a costume party. 80s new wave. Now that would be a sight to see. I know he really just wants to dress up like Jem and the Holograms. Then later that night, as I was watching the final season of "Strangers with Candy" I got a text message from my friend Summer, who I swore fell off the face of the earth! Its always nice to reconnect. *side note* I left my phone at home this morning....forgot to pick it up off the nightstand. ugh. I had a fun time on Saturday getting to hang out with the Cowboy Mouth folks at Carrollton Station. Got to talk to Mary a bit, I am sad that she isn't going to be with the band anymore. I understand why she is leaving, but its not going to be the same. I mentioned that Donna was going to be staying with me, and Mary figured that she would be. I then told her about the gathering I am having at my house on the 5th and she said, "email me the info, I will try to drop in" :) :) I then got to meet Sonia who is taking Mary's place, she said she will be looking for all of us at the CM show on Lundi Gras, and she expects us to be in our ball gowns. She said she would pull us up on stage. LOL I doubt I will be in my ball gown. Although it will be a mad dash to get ready and head over there. I may not get to see CM though, depending on what time they go on....I don't want to miss any of Bonerama...and I have a feeling they will be hitting the stage first at the Ball. At least the Howlin Wolf is close to the convention center....maybe I will be in my gown. Speaking of Bonerama, I am excited to say that I get to catch them twice on Friday!! I know the sets will be short, but it should still be some funky music! However, I won't be able to "see" them much at Tips since I will be selling merch. I think. I guess I will have to check with Mullins again....we kinda left it up in the air.

The new roomie is moving out for sure this time I guess its actually gonna be okay. Liz mentioned the first day she was back that he was "peculiar" but that she could handle that and have someone there paying the rent. Last night when she came to tell me that he was for sure moving out, she made the comment "he sure is needy" So I am glad I am not the only one who thought this. He gave me a hard time last night for eating a Lean Cuisine. "you need to eat real food, things you cook with your own two hands" you know what??? BITE ME. I was hungry when I got home....and this is easier to make when your hungry and its just you your feeding. I don't know if he thought that because Liz cooked a big dinner the night before and offered him some, I was gonna do the same thing. Hell no. She took him to the grocery store on Tuesday and as far as I can tell...he didn't really buy anything. So...I guess its a good thing he is going. I am just going to hope and pray that we find someone in the next 2 weeks that we can rely on. That would be awesome. I do have a small option....but I would be leaving Liz alone and I just can't do that to her. Besides I love my house.....I am not sure I want to leave it just yet....I am going to need to decide if I am moving or staying in May.
I did spend most of last night talking to Vanessa, my best friend from HS. I haven't talked to her since her Vegas Birthday trip....the one where I didn't have that much fun. I was happy to find out that she is back at work after her 3 month mental break...she is off the antidepressants (which was part of the not a fun time in Vegas) and she finally told her parents everything that is going on in her life....I think things are actually improving for her and I am happy for that. Now if she could get out the Jerry Springer-inspired relationship, everything would be that much better.
I am going to focus on now everyone coming out for Mardi Gras and the good time we are going to have!!!! :) :) Now if I could just find something to wear for the St. Anne Parade.....

I am so freakin tired. My legs ache....my whole body aches. But its all for a good reason.....a night of Bonerama can do that to a body. ;) They didn't go on till almost one and off at almost 3. I was there a little before 10, Mark had called and told me where he had stashed the merch stuff....and I wanted to make sure I got it all set up so more people could take advantage. I was in the back corner by the stairs and the sound booth. A few people did wander over to to look, but not many. The guys all eventually showed up around 11:00 or so. Most came over and said hi....Mark came over and asked for condoms. LOL they are trying to actually get some to sale...that will be cool if it works out. Bert wants magnets. Craig made sure I had beer at all times, and Brian kept me company for awhile. The second band was fine...but way too mellow for a MG kick off party IMHO. The Bones were really on fire last night....I thought the sound was awesome when I got away from my corner.....by the end of the night I had only sold 2 cds and a t-shirt....the guys were suprised I had even sold that much, as that crowd ususally doesn't buy things....But as Kristy pointed out, most everyone in NOLA has a copy by now. ;) (side note as I type this Bonerama is being played on WWOZ) Mark did ask me at the end of the night if I would sell merch at Tips on the 21st. I said if I can get over there in time...as I was going to the Offbeat awards. I think its doable to do both, since the awards happen first...I can see the Bones play, then head over to Tips after. After dealing with the money with Mark, I went out to catch a cab...there was no way I was gonna walk to the streetcar at 3:00 AM. the street was practically empty except for one couple waiting for a cab as well....I called one and proceeded to wait. Steve, Brian, and Craig all came out soon after....Craig didn't want me to take a cab, but I was live in the totally opposite direction from him. So he started asking who could give me a ride home....Bert was trying to decide whether or not to go home or go to a bar, so he was no good....Brian drove by after about 10 mins and saw us all still standing there, he was going to give me a ride home, but by that time Jeff the new drummer offered to give me a ride home. I think thats his name....i was the first "Bonerama babe" that he had met. He asked if it was true that all of us were in love with Doug....and I said um NOOOOOOOO. He is actually good friends with Doug and that is how he got the gig. He was a pretty nice guy.....he has been spending most of his time playing with Theresa Anderson. He will be playing the gig on the 21st for Offbeat and then Doug will play the Tips show. It won't be the same without Craig there though!!!

So the tattoo is happening on Saturday at 7:30...the music is now at the tattoo parlor where the artist is turning it from the computerized version to handwritten. I am so stoked. Mark said I didn't have to copyright "Muletrain" on my leg...a computer chip implant would work too. Silly boy. Speaking of....
Bonerama's CD release party is gonna be Nov. 19th. Could I be anymore excited??? Probably not. Knowing that I get the CD on the 9th...and then 10 days later to rock out with them? Its freakin awesome.
I can't believe what a social life I have now that I have moved here. I am constantly doing things...going out...not sitting like a bump on a log at home in front of the TV. Maybe its still the excitement of being here...I don't know but for the next few months I am doing things! Not everyweekend is planned but pretty darn close!
Tomorrow Oct 8th-John Gros Band at Carrollton Station
Saturday Oct 9th-Tattoo and I am sure a stop at Tropical Isle for a drink afterwards
Thurs Oct 14th-Cajun Mary boat ride with Fred LeBlanc (Cowboy Mouth) and Kevin G (BTE) showcasing some NOLA style music
Saturday/Sunday Oct 16th/17th VooDoo fest (still not sure if I am going on Saturday)
then a calmer week/weekend...no plans yet.
Then comes Halloween and there are way to many shows going on to try to decide now...then the following week
Nov. 5th-7th I am in Vegas for Vanessa's 30th b-day blow out.
Nov. 9th Bonerama Cd is released
Nov. 19th Bonerama CD release party
Nov. 19th - 22nd Mom and Dad are in town
Nov. 24th I fly to Birmingham to spend Thanksgiving with Donna and her parents.
Dec. 5th Mom is back in town.
I think thats it so far....I mean after that its full on holiday season....and then MG.....I don't think I have had this many plans EVER! I love it.

Tomorrow is Mardi Gras. The last day to just let it all go crazy before Ash Wed. I keep getting phone calls from all my friends who are down there right now. On one hand it is soooo nice and I love it. But on the other hand...it makes me so sad too because I am not there. I keep hearing a lot of "we miss you's" But I think the one that got me was the one this morning..at 2:00 AM or so. Kristy put Mark Mullins on the phone and we talked for a few minutes. After a perv comment of looking down her shirt...(wouldn't be mark with out a comment like that) he said "We all miss you and wish you could be here" then proceeded to say that he would see me tonight at the ball because he knew I wouldn't want to miss that. Well. He was half right. I don't want to miss it. But I am. Oh well. I am going to New Orleans for either FQF or Jazzfest. I have to. I need to be there again even if its just for a few days. I know I shouldn't...but I just have to.

Damn it I want to go to Mardi Gras!!! Harry, Cowboy Mouth, NONC, BTE, and more....I WANT TO GO!! But I need to try to think about this reasonably. If I want to move...I can't go running off to Mardi Gras. I have to be an adult. It just hard sometimes. Looking at the big picture I know this is for the best. But right now I just want to book a plane ticket and be there. A few days ago I wanted to just do that and pack up and ship the rest of my personal items to NOLA. Just screw it and go. Didn't care that I didn't have a job or a place to stay there, I just wanted to be there. I get random urges...or longings I guess out of NOWHERE and I will want to be in NOLA walking down a certain street. I have never had that before. I don't know what, if anything is down there for me. But I won't know until I get there. I don't remember the last time I have wanted to do something so bad in my life. Sure I have had goals, but this one seems like well, life changing. And I am ready for it. Will everything change? Maybe, maybe most everything will stay the same. Its time.

A nice long weekend does everyone wonders doesn't it? Of course it made coming back to work harder today....but so be it. Only 14 more days till I can get on a plane and head to Chicago to see Harry and the boys!! Not to mention the Cali Krewe!! This is gonna be so much fun. The day I fly back is my work holiday party then 2 days later I leave for Denver for 2 weeks!! I can't believe this year is almost over.....it has just FLOWN by with Mardi Gras kicking it off, then going back to NOLA this summer.....I can't wait to get down there for good!!