Where Have You Been Miss Charlie?

The past two weeks have been filled with travel, travel and more travel. I have been in the following cities over the past 14 days -Shreveport/Bossier City, Memphis, Chicago, Rosemont, Burr Ridge, Darien, Evanston, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and many small towns in between. I attended a wedding, three music festivals, had 3 rental cars, stayed in 6 different hotels and met some amazing people along the way. The adventures included being stuck on the side of I-49 South for 3 hours in 80+ degree whether and also had experience with a flat tire. I did have so much fun while globe-trotting but words cannot describe how wonderful it has felt being home for the past few days!

I'd like to give quick shout-out to Champy...it's his 7th birthday today! I've know the guy for just over two years now and am shocked he has made it this far in life. Happy Birthday Champ!!!

Quick-Hitter

I thought I'd make a short update before heading away for a few days. I'm on my way to Chicago in the morning for a good college friend/sorority sister's wedding. Ray will be making the trip as well, very exciting! He has never met any of my friends (besides my sisters)...it will get so fun to introduce him to my friends attending the wedding. Also on the itinerary is to meet up with my best friend from high school & college friends in the City. I'll be returning by myself on Monday because Ray will be heading to see his mom for a few days - such a good son! Got to finish packing - yes, I do have warm clothes packed.

Mmmmmm...Vino

I had such a great time going to the Cork Wine Tasting Festival last weekend. It was a beautiful Saturday in Northwest Louisiana and Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport made for the ideal venue for an afternoon of tasting wine. I'm not a big festival girl and tend to get a bit overwhelmed being around a lot of people, but the crowd was a lot of fun, the wine and food was delicious and there was even had live music. This is a festival that will be on my radar for next year. I sure love the way they do things up right down here in Louisiana.

Tonight, Ray is taking me on a date to 1800 Prime Steakhouse at Boomtown Casino. It's so fun to try new restaurants. Although I'd love to hit the blackjack table for a few hands after dessert, I know that isn't Ray's scene so I'll have to hold out until my sister, Suzanne, comes for a visit.

My First Time

Well, in my quest to learn about all things Louisiana, I enjoyed - well not so much enjoyed but ate - my first ever crawfish, or mudbug if you will. Yes, I have had crawfish in pasta dishes and gumbo but have never peeled and eaten a boiled one before today. Man those guys are DIRTY. It just oozed with this bright yellow nastiness that got all over my hands and smelled equally gross - I'm told that is the fat and contains all of the flavor. I found the process to be quite a lot of work for such a little piece of meat. Plus, having those dead carcasses stare me in the eye was a bit disturbing and didn't leave me aching to pull the heads off more than just one. I do have to admit that it tasted better than I anticipate but commented that it will not become a staple in my diet.

Another first for me today was sighting an alligator in its natural habitat! It was a little guy and my trigger finger was too slow to catch him on film, but it was exciting for me nonetheless. Today was also the first time I have stepped onto a beach on the Gulf of Mexico - had to capture that moment. I sure love that my job allows me the opportunity to experience all of this.

Local Louisiana Charm

This past week I was on a media tour with 6 journalists touring north and central Louisiana. The name of this trip was "Off the Beaten Path." Pat, a wonderful co-worker, planned the itinerary and included plenty of funky places in our region that aren't very well know. I had to share video of one of our favorite women we met, Miss Milly Rose. She owns an antique store in Minden, LA and is truly larger than life. I hope you enjoy these two short video's that Victoria, one of the journalists, captured. She is one class act, that Milly Rose!


Milly Rose Sings from Louisiana Travel on Vimeo.


Hollywood Comes To Milly Rose from Louisiana Travel on Vimeo.

Oompa-Loompas! Creepy of Fun?

With an unfortunate Mudbugs loss of 5-3, the highlight of the game today had to be the Oompa-Loompas who were in attendance throughout the evening. When I was a kid and watched Willy Wonka, those Oompa-Loompas creeped the bee-geez-us out of me! But really, how could I pass up the photo opp...Ray had the same feeling by the looks of it.

It's Already March 15th?!?!?! Where Does The Time Go?

I can't believe that over a month and a half has slipped by since my last post. No worries, everything is going well. I just haven't found myself sitting at my computer after working all day on one. But alas, it's Sunday morning and I'm enjoying a slow cup of coffee in my pj's.

There is a bit of a dilemma when this much time has gone by, do I mention what's gone on or just move forward....well, quick rewind. I made a surprise trip to NC for my mom's 60th birthday at the beginning of February - such a fun time with the family - even got to see my nephew for the first time. Work has been keeping me nice and occupied. I'm still loving my job which is a great sign. Ray's hockey season is quickly coming to an end and has clinched a spot in the playoffs. And I decided 4 weeks ago, when the scale tipped at a buck and a hey, that I needed to get off my butt and do something about it. So I hired a personal trainer & have been watching what I stuff in my mouth. Surprisingly enough I'm already seeing results and am feeling great! It's amazing what moving does for the body. I'll be fitting into my cute, skinny jeans in no time.

I went for lunch with a new girlfriend yesterday. We went to Cush's Grocery & Market, made famous for their cupcakes by Katie Holmes when she was in Shreveport shooting a movie. I had the chicken salad on avacado halves and had an amazing party in my mouth. Yes, I did enjoy a cupcake and brought one back for Ray...but honestly didn't see what all the hype was about...it tasted like a cupcake.

Tonight I'm taking in the Mudbugs hockey game with a couple of the girls from the office. Face-off is at 4:05 which will make for a nice evening at home afterwards before another busy week starts.

Hopefully there are people who will read this...I won't allow so much time before I update again.