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.

Date Night

It was fun last night to get out of the house for and evening out on the town with Ray. After we rushed home from work, let the dogs out, made a quick clothes change, we met our friends Angela and Steve for dinner at Joe's Crab Shack. The food was nothing to comment about, but we always have a great time when the four of us hang out.

We made a quick pit-stop for candy at Bass Pro Shop (they had quite the selection, who knew?!?!?), then headed to the CenturtyTel Center for the Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, and Brad Paisley concert. These are country musicians for those of you not in the know. We were running a bit late so missed Darius Rucker perform, but we mainly went to see Dierks Bentley...and he did not disappoint. If you ever get the chance to see him, GO! He is so much fun live and can't wait to see him again next time he comes through town.


I told Ray before the show that we could leave whenever he was ready (we both had long weeks and neither of us are huge Brad Paisley fans). Well, Paisley hadn't made it through his first song before Ray asked if I was ready to bounce! I'm surprised to say that I was enjoying myself and wanted to stay a bit longer. Although his lyrics are EXTREMELY corny, and feel his music is totally studio produced country, Brad Paisley was quite the entertainer! He is amazing on the guitar and his band was fantastic. At one point during the song, "Waiting on a Woman" Ray turned to me and said, "This is a great song to hang myself to." I knew at that point it was time to head home...too funny!

Highlights from Trip

Herding Cats

Today got off to a late start which gave me a bit of time to hit the much needed hotel gym. A walk through the French Quarter and Jackson Square brought the tour to brunch at Muriel’s to experience a feast for the senses. These meals have truly been spectacular and I would recommend each place I’ve eaten up to this point.

We then toured the Louisiana State Museum’s Presbytere where we learned more about Mardi Gras and Zulu (the originally all black Krewe). This year marks the 100th Anniversary of this krewe and the Presbytere was was putting the finishing touches on this new exhibit. Also at the museum was two woman who make Mardi Gras masks and presented us each with one! There were absolutely gorgeous and can’t wait to hang mine in my office.

We returned to the hotel to pick out costumes and change. I have to admit that mine was more revealing than I would have preferred, but it fit me perfect. It was a blast getting dressed up in costume and mask; it made me feel like a kid again at Halloween. We were all dressed in costumes and joined up with the Phunny Phorty Pehellow – they have a Twelfth Night (tonight, aka the epiphany) streetcar ride that heralds the arrival of the Carnival season. Our tour had the great fortune of joining this group on their streetcar! It was such and amazing experience and one that I will treasure for many years to come.

Then we were off to dinner, YES, all dressed in costume to GW Fins (pretty upscale joint, but nobody batted an eye when we walked in…only in New Orleans…or Vegas I guess). Executive Chef Tenny Flynn came out and chatted with our table several times and even gave a demonstration on how to make Banana’s Foster…No, I will not be attempting this dessert at home; I would probably set the place on fire.

We had plans to go to a couple parties, but majority ruled to take a quick drive to see the lower 9^th ward where the majority of the hurricane devastation took place; that was a sight to see. You know, New Orleans is nothing like I thought it would be…I love it here and think it is a spectacular city. I can’t wait to make my way back here to see more if its sights.

Oh and Yes, I am having the time of my life on this trip. What I haven’t described are some of my not so glamorous job responsibilities. My counterpart, Jennifer, and I are in charge of getting all 9 other tour participants to each destination on time so we can fit in everything . You know how people are; they all want to be on their own agenda…so getting all 11 of us in two cars and to the next destination on time has been described as herding cats; which really is the perfect analogy.