Our early Christmas gift

"For me a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog."

  -Roger Caras, president emeritus, ASPCA

I'm not one to take "no" for an answer. Especially when it's something I really really want.

When we moved here I asked my landlord if we could get a dog. I was alone, bored and I had been wanting a dog for so long. His reply... "No - the craigslist said NO PETS". I gave up on the idea for a few months. I guess I was just really P'ed off because our neighbors downstairs had a dog, and I thought that was unfair. Plus keep in mind our landlord is an animal acupuncturist (yes, I know, what is that?). He loves animals. How can an animal lover deny me of saving a life?

Every year he comes down in November when our other neighbor heads home for a month to visit. I thought this was my perfect opportunity to talk to him about a dog. To talk about his concerns and what I could do to make him say yes. He told me he would think about it, and he'd let us know his decision when he left. Well Friday came along and we still heard nothing. He left Saturday and headed back to California. Our hearts were crushed. I was like a kid who found out Santa was not real. How could he string us along for a week. It was all I talked about, or thought about. I was becoming obsessed, also starting to be annoying. On Monday I wrote him a very lengthy email about why he should say yes, and how much joy he would bring into my life. I don't know how anyone could turn down this email. After giving Greg and I the run-a-round for a few weeks, I finally found a dog that fit his liking. He never barks, he's house trained (except tonight we had an accident), loves people and other dogs. Seriously he is perfect. We couldn't feel more lucky. We rescued Louie from Southern Animal Foundation. They found him tied up to the back alley, and he'd been in the shelter for 2 months. I am stunned that no one adopted him. I mean I'm kinda glad he wasn't adopted because we got him, and we're going to give him the best home. I guess it was all about timing. Our first Christmas together is even more special because we have extended our family.

Merry Christmas!

This face does no wrong

He loves to nap with Greg on the couch



Until next time!

Sorry!

I would like to apologize to everyone who has asked about this blog, and I reply "I'll work on it soon", which means, "one day". The apology is mostly for people who actually follow us: our Mom's, Grandmother's, and a few friends.


Now that I'm not cleaning, doing laundry, doing the dishes, and sitting around watching The View (which is awful), Bravo, and E! I don't have the time like I use to. I ended up getting a job back in September with the New Orleans Bar Association. I really like it, the job itself, and the ladies there. With the time change I only have about 3 hours after work, and then it's the same routine until Friday evening. Let me tell you, that being a hour behind is horrible. I still can't get my TV times right. I vowed that when I got job the first thing we are getting is DVR. That way I wouldn't miss Modern Family. Nothing much major has really happened since the last post. Greg's Dad came down for a visit, work related, but more so for a visit. We've done stuff here and there, but the best thing is we got a dog! I'm saving that for his own special post. The month of November was great for Greg's work schedule. He got to sleep in, and had weekends off. We even got to spend time with his family for Thanksgiving. It has been 6 1/2 months since I've seen his family and mine. So now I'm counting down until the 23rd. I can't wait to see everyone!


I promise I'll keep this updated. It will be my New Years Resolution. Along with eating right, and working out. Not because I want to be healthy, because I have a bridal gown that needs to look spectacular ;)


Here are some pictures that I've taken a long the way

Here are my co-workers!

Christa and I went to a Street Food Fair to sample some local restaurants around NOLA

 Kermit Ruffins. A very famous trumpet player. One of New Orleans biggest local acts. Very fun!

This is Mya, who I met when I first moved down here. Greg and I joined her and husband Tony to help celebrate her birthday at Mimi's in the Marigny. She is a doll!

Mimi's plays the funkiest music, and it's a great time!

Greg and I at Pat O' Briens. A must stop when you're here. So of course we had to bring Tom

Tom is a man of mystery. Very anti-pictures for the internet. I will respect his wishes.....

Christa and I hearing the Rebirth Brass Band. Which we payed the next day for. Rough day/night.

This picture is a little blurry, but one Saturday Greg, Matt and myself ventured in the French Quarter and stumbled upon a second line wedding parade. Behind the brass band is a couple who just got married. The wedding party marches down the Quarter. Seems like a fun tradition.... If you like all eyes on you.



http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/street-fare-derby/Content?oid=1882299

http://www.mimisinthemarigny.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6hAa3v9MYA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E1VBCcA76E

http://www.nola.com/weddings/index.ssf/2011/04/second_line.html

Until next time!!!

A Day at the Zoo!

So while Greg is at work, and I'm on my own, I try to keep myself  busy. BTW - trying to find a job is a job. So that is what I'm currently doing at the moment. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be, especially in the city of New Orleans - who would have thought? I needed a break from the internet job search, doing the dishes (we don't have a dishwasher), and laundry. So I decided that I'm going to go to the zoo. It was nice to get out and just do something. Plus I love animals! Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go into marine biology, or zoology. Oh, I know, because it has the word 'ology' in it. Science - not my strongest subject.

Don't you just want to take it home?

I got him to look right at the camera!

My worst enemy.

The peacock was wondering around the zoo. Kinda scary at one point.

All of the "cat family" were asleep. It was so hot outside that I felt bad for them.





I ended up taking tons of pictures of the animals. It was actually a pretty good zoo for the size it is. I plan on going back!

In need of a Mom fix

My Mom (Susan) & I on her birthday :)

So a few weeks ago, I was pretty much in need for my Mom to come and visit me. I knew it would be hard being away from family and friends, but after a month, ok maybe a few weeks it really started to hit me. I needed her to come down pronto. It was a perfect 6 days. We organized the apartment, she took me shopping to decorate the place to make it feel more like home, and I got to show her around our new town!

Before she came down, Greg and I talked about surprising her with a Swamp Tour. She is OBSESSED with the show Swamp People. So we thought she would really be surprised. I couldn't let her come down and not take her on a swamp tour. Now as a resident (yep, we had to get a new driver license, RIP WV one), we have a job to do here when people come and visit. Make sure they get a good feeling of this place, and have fun!

So Saturday morning we took her on a tour. She had a blast, and I just liked watching Greg and my Mom have fun. If you know me, this kind of thing isn't for me, but I did enjoy myself. I have to say that oddly I found the swamp a beautiful place - minus bugs, wasps, and the hot humid heat. I hear WV was more hot than LA a week ago.... welcome to our world! All in all we had a great time, and I recommend doing this with all our guest who are interested in seeing the outdoors of Louisiana.

Check out the hornet nest! Does the movie My Girl come to mind?

Yep, that's a marshmellow. Not only do they enjoy eating fish and people. They have a sweet tooth!

http://www.cajunencounters.com/swamp_tour.html

Next time we'll have to find Troy to take us out!

"I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow." - Scarlett O' Hara

Lucky for me, Greg enjoys to drive and venture out into places he has never seen. I would probably not do it unless someone offered the suggestion. Don't get me wrong, I love to see things, but I'm not someone who really likes to drive. So it works out well. He drives, and I observe. So we took a "Sunday Drive" out to the Antebellum Mississippi River mansion in Vacherie, called Oak Alley Plantation. It was beautiful! It was like looking at a movie set from Gone With the Wind. Just a breathtaking view. We didn't go inside because it was like $20 dollars to get in, but maybe one day when our families come down to visit :) Or take anyone who is interested in looking at history! Here are a few pictures!

Look at the trees! I wonder how old they actually are? I'll ask when I visit!

A little bit of history and info about Oak Alley

People who spent $20 to tour...

"Take a good look my dear. It's an historic moment you can tell your grandchildren about - how you watched the Old South fall one night." - Rhett Butler. Actually the south is not falling. I just liked the quote!


http://www.oakalleyplantation.com/

We also drove out to get a good view of the Mississippi River. It's huge!

Later on in the week we were invited to a social gathering with his fellow co-workers at this place called The Columns Hotel. It's a bed and breakfast, along with a restaurant. I was on "Yelp" and saw that someone wrote that this was a good place to go and have a drink, and if we go to try the Mint Julep.

When my friend Mandie comes to visit me, this is someplace I want to take her. It reminds me of this New York bar she took me to that is based around the prohibition area. The Columns Hotel is also where Pretty Baby was filmed with Brooke Shields and Susan Sarandon. Which is weird because Tim Robbins owns the bar in New York I mentioned. I asked everyone who worked there if this place was haunted because it looks pretty creepy. Sadly they all said no...

I look like I enjoy the mint julep, but I don't. I'll stick with the mojito.

Pictures from the movie. If you notice the second picture going down with everyone sitting on the circular couch. It's still in the bar area.

The staircase with a beautiful stain glass roof. The front desk lady said to always stay on the 3rd floor. I suggest people who are older don't stay here. Lots of people hang out in the bar area. It's not a quiet place in my opinion, but really pretty!

The library. You can see the lady on the computer. I didn't even notice her when I took the picture.

 http://www.thecolumns.com/

Stay tuned for Swamp Tour photos!!!

Home Sweet 'NEW' Home!

We made it!

After 20 hours driving with no AC, a thoughtful goody bag from my friend Michelle, pandora, a stop to sleep, never once going over 70 mph  60 mph, dragging 'red' behind us.... we finally made it!  No mention of Greg driving the whole way?  Nice...also, I see that you didn't mention any Bruce Springsteen (probably because you didn't play a single song in 20 hours of driving time).  RIP Clarence.


Honestly though, which Greg won't agree, it didn't really feel that long.  I agree.  I mean, it was pretty awful not having any AC, but his trusty '91 GMC truck never let us down.  We "arrived alive". Greg knew that the trip would be pretty hot, so he got me this gift for my birthday! It really was a thoughtful, and I"ll treasure it forever :)

So we left Sunday at 1:30, got to New Orleans on Monday around 5. We were both pretty happy to see our place finally!

Downtown New Orleans

Our duplex apartment!  Old Brown didn't let us down!

I'm glad this was taken far away. I was looking rough.  Haha

We were greeted by this little fellow. If you can't see, it's a lizard toward the top. They're everywhere, and it freaks me out!

So we've been here about a week, and we haven't gotten to do much because we're trying to get this apartment straightened out. It's such a process!

Also, the 'red writing' is by Greg. I let him put some stuff in :) 

Stay tuned!