The Long, Long road home

New Orleans friends

2008-10-19T12:06:00.002-05:00

I met a great bunch of people in New Orleans. Now I am getting into town once or twice a week. in fact we are doing the zombie hunt in the quarter on halloween. Its like a scavenger hunt with actors. Sounds like so much fun and I cant wait. We'll be in teams of 3 or more. If anyone is interested in joining let me know. Its 35 dollars per person but worth it.

Over it

2008-09-23T19:11:00.003-05:00

I am so sick of everything. My employer thinks its employees have no life. Third shift change in three weeks. Two days off after 7 day straights. Lost one day to needing to adjust sleep schedual. I am so over it already. I think I'm over the husband. I'm over everything bad in my life. I so need to get back to New Orleans.

tired

2008-09-17T12:40:00.002-05:00

Finally things have settled down. Everyone from Florida Keys to Houston have returned home and the house is silent again. The in laws looked out and Ike missed the keys and brother only lost his fence in houston.
Just as people are heading home I am switched from the 6 am to 2 pm shift to the 10 pm to 6am shift. And the shift happens all within 24 hours I am so tired. I was going to make a trip to NOLA on my days off but I think I will catch up on sleep instead.

New Orleans avoids Ike

2008-09-09T20:40:00.003-05:00

Ok, my in laws and friends are in keys and they got lucky and only got tropical storm strength winds. It also looks like Ike will not threaten New Olreans so I wont have any one visiting soon. I love having family and friends over but I am relieved all are well.

The couples shower went well. Many people came. Although I had to run home to Alabama the morning after to get ready for work and get the dogs on a schedual.

I start work tomorrow as 911 dispatcher here in Alabama. I am excited to have something to pass time while my husband is in Iraq.

In NOLA

2008-09-05T01:14:00.002-05:00

got into new orleans Wednesday. Absolutely no traffic along the way which surprised me. My party for my cousins wedding is still on saturday. So much to do. I snuck this in by jumping onto a neighbors unsecured wireless since my aunt only has dial up. (can't believe people are still on dial up) Tomorrow I'm going around Quarter to purchase things to send the husband in Iraq. Amongst his request are Zapps, Tony's, and Creole mustard. Then I'll be having dinner with dad. We figure we'll drive around and see whats open.

no getting thru

2008-09-02T11:04:00.003-05:00

Ok no surprise here, there is no getting thru to cell phones. tried to call dad who went thru the storm on the cape kennedy in the port of N.O. Haven't heard anything about the ship so I'm sure he's fine. Also can't get thru to the rest of the family or friends. I may come in when they open the area. I was suppost to host my cousins bridal shower Saturday but that will be postponed.

Been keeping tabs watching wwl streaming online. Thrilled the levees held and its only a matter of power outages and trees down.

industrial canal

2008-09-01T10:46:00.001-05:00

according to wwl the industrial canal flood walls are being overtopped by wave crest right now. 2 barges have broken their moorings but the port of new orleans says they are stabalized and are not at risk for hitting flood walls at this time.

worried about the leadership

2008-08-30T22:42:00.002-05:00

I've been watching wwl and wdsu streaming online. I am finding alot of our leaders giving misinformation. Particularly earlier FEMA leader or spokesmen claiming that Gustav was now a cat 5 storm at around 1 pm. Then it was half an hour of FEMA, HUD, and other fed organizations patting each other on the back. I say save it for later and stop burning a half an hour of peoples time when they need important information. C Ray also needs to get the hell away from the mike. He was ok at the earlier press conference but completely lost it at the 7 pm one. I was sitting there thinking he's getting as bad as he was post katrina. And Jackie earlier congratulating herself and the rest of city council for working together. ITS YOUR F ING JOB.

At least in all this I'm glad to see people erring on the side of caution and leaving. No one trust those levees, which is a good thing

what a mess

2008-08-30T09:47:00.002-05:00

I've been away for months. I've had a personal crisis in my own life. Things seem to be settling down though. I'm not sure I can bring myself to write about it just yet. Taking it day by day.

Gustav is on its way, hoping it tracks to west. Although I don't wish it on anyone, New Orleans can't take another hit. I am hosting my cousins couple shower in NOLA next Saturday. Haven't canceled yet. Waiting to see what if any damage there may be. Either way I plan to come in to nola after the storm. The question is will I be planning a party or gutting my families homes. I hope its the party.

Mr. Radtke ,kiss this

2008-05-25T23:41:00.002-05:00

I've been reading about a local artist (Dingle) who has been painting street signs where none exists. From what I understand Mr. Radtke has taken to covering these signs with ugly gray paint. Moreover, he has also been covering stop signs and other signage necessary for safety. In fact these actions have been reported to have caused accidents. Worst still he has been painting PRIVATE property with gray paint if he finds graffiti. I admit my knowledge of the details are limited but exactly where does this guy get off and WHY is NOPD protecting him when he himself is a graffiti artist.

My opinion is Dingle should repaint the stop signs and street signs with their intended wordage. Furthermore private property owners should sue Radtke and have him pay to restore the walls to their original condition.

THE NERVE.....just pisses me off.

You can see the pics of this heinous gray paint jobs on NOLA.com

foot in mouth

2008-05-16T19:59:00.002-05:00

Nagin has yet to learn when to shut his mouth.

Water Gardening

2008-05-15T10:43:00.003-05:00

I needed a hobby. My husband asked me to forgo getting a job until he left for Iraq. Otherwise we would be on opposite schedules. ( He wrecked our second mode of transportation) So I decided to take up water gardening. For a beginner things are going remarkably well. My fish HAVE NOT died and my plants are doing well, even my Louisiana Iris is blooming. One thing I did not expect was the work involved with keeping snails. They are critical to control algae but they procreate like crazy. I have trapdoor snails. These snails give birth to live young and are asexual. (they don't require sex to procreate, ohhh lucky me) At one point I had fifty young in two container gardens. However, the crows have caught on and are eating the babies out front. Now, daily, I check out if I have any babies and move them to the garden I have on the back deck .(pictured here) I figure when they get bigger I'll sell them to the local pet shop. It will finance this little hobby.

The other day I discovered mosquito larvae in the front garden. I didn't have mosquito fish so I had to drain it and start over. (that's how I found out exactly how many snails I had) I purchased a safe larvacide that I'm waiting for. Contrary to what the pond experts tell you, a fountain doesn't break the tension on the water and mosquito's can breed even if the water is moving. The other night I was doing the zen thing next to my pond and I saw a mosquito land. I did a very unzen thing and pushed it into the water where my goldfish ate it. GO GOLDFISH! Now maybe they'll consider eating the larvae but doubt it.

Metairie Most Wanted

2008-05-12T09:47:00.002-05:00

I am a huge scavenger hunt fanatic. I did a few in college and my friends and I have done a few "road trip" scavenger hunts. I recently came across an article that mentioned a group called Metairie's Most Wanted has a scavenger hunt every July called the "The 20xx Triple XXXtreme Scavenger Hunt." If anyone knows about this group or knows how to sign up to participate in this hunt let me know.

Oh Shit

2008-05-11T12:35:00.002-05:00

I posted earlier about my husbands motorcycle accident. I just got the benefit determination from our insurance company, blue cross. The ambulance company charged $16,000 dollars for an ambulance and helicopter transport. Our insuraqnce company paid their "max benefit" of about 6,000 dollars. Leaving us with a $10,000 bill. My response is , what the hell???? My gallbladder surgery was 16,000 dollars. How are suppost to pay this? Is it legal to charge so much or an insurance company to pay out so little? I guess I'm going to have to pay an attorney to negotiate with the ambulance company because I refuse to pay $10,000. I thought it was the insurance companies responsibility to negotiate the charges. I really am at a loss here.

Nagin midterm review

2008-05-11T11:38:00.002-05:00

The Times Picayune has a great article reviewing Nagins midterm progress. I think most are just eager for his term to end, 2 long years away. I personally think in the next two years the citizens of New Orleans will just have to depend on themselves if they want to see progress. Don't expect to see any change in Nagin.

Adventures in waxing

2008-05-10T13:17:00.003-05:00

I've recently moved to Alabama as you probably know. In February I had my eyebrows waxed at a local place. What I got was super thin freak brows. When I looked in the mirror I immediately had visions of my grandmothers drawn on eyebrows.

So I let them grow back in and decided to do it myself. I went out an got nads and was successful. I waxed the easy parts and tweezed the rest. That's when things went bad. I felt so pleased with my work I started eyeing my arms. I have really dark hair and really pale skin. I thought to myself, this stuff is easy to use and waxing my eyebrows didn't hurt. (I conveniently forgot I have been waxing them for years so of course it no longer hurts)

So I did a patch and hurray, slight sting but not bad. Second patch, little more pain. But by then there was no turning back unless I wanted a patchwork arm. With each yank it became more painful. I frequently would let out a "mother f*#&$%" or a "God Dammit". Now I have a hair free arm but its cherry red and tender to the touch. I haven't even got to the next arm.

So I am taking a poll, should I........ 1)suck it up and wax the next 2)say screw it and shave the other or 3) walk around with one smooth arm and one Sasquatch arm? You decide and I will abide by it for at least a week (because I know your sadistic enough to vote 3)

I'll add a pic of both arms later, my camera is out of batteries.

Funeral March broken up by police

2008-05-04T17:09:00.003-05:00

Gentilly Girl blogged about this incident. She said the article didn't show up until yesterday. Here is a link to the article . I suggest a "protest" secondline. If New Orleansians can come together to protest violence they can get together to protest the raping of New Orleans culture.

No jazz fest for me.

2008-05-04T03:14:00.003-05:00

I was looking to go to jazz fest. Work a food stand half the day and enjoy the fest the rest. I would have gotten free admission. Alas, my brother couldn't go and it's his friend who does catering.

Jazz fest is just too expensive to do on your own dime. Especially if your a student. I remember jazz fest when it was reasonably priced and you could bring along the wagon with an ice chest filled.

These days its inflated ticket prices, and inflated food prices. You can't even bring in water! I mean what the hell! And those inflated prices pay for the big headliners that have nothing to do with the concept of a JAZZ fest.

I miss the days when jazz fest was friendly to locals. Guess its the french quarter fest for me.

Another twist

2008-04-25T07:41:00.002-05:00

My husbands trip to Iraq has been delayed to July. So I'll be headed to Jazzfest. My brother and I work at the Cochon de Lait booth for half the day and enjoy Jazzfest for the rest. Plus we get paid just enough to cover the gas expenditure to get there. WHAT A DEAL!.....see you there!

THERE IS AN OYSTER PO BOY IN MY FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!g

Another deployment

2008-04-19T01:26:00.003-05:00

My husband left the army in January. However, he took a military contractor job. Today we got the news he'll be deployed for a year starting in mid march. I've been trying really hard to keep myself composed but I'm not happy. I hate these separations but he loves the six figures he'll make for the year. Now we have to worry about how the VA handles prescriptions in Iraq. (He left the military with asthma and a number of other problems.) I also have to review the disability insurance and life insurance policies. When you are a contractor you don't have the same benefits as soldiers and I'm not sure the disability covers war zone injuries. I know the life insurance doesn't have a war clause. It may seem morbid to consider these things but I work part time and I'm in grad school. Its my second time having to review these things and it's a normal thing for soldier's families. Its a risk contractors take in hopes of a nice paycheck. I'm not sure its worth it.

Citizen Leadership Needed

2008-04-16T17:17:00.002-05:00

I was surfin the blog and came across DIllyberto's entry today. He has a link to Chris Rose's article on Dr. Morris. I thought Dillyberto made an interesting comment about New Orleans's citizens needing to be leaders. Now what I'm about to say may ruffle some feathers but this is my blog dammit. New Orleanians are a laid back bunch (not so much since Katrina) but in the past we would sit back and watch our politicians with amusment. We knew they were corrupt and it was a form of entertainment. Since Katrina its not so funny anymore and you see a change. However, its not enough. For example the marches against violence. I said they would march, get some press, but nothing would come of it. Sure enough.... NADA. New Orleanians have to take the next step. Follow up, follow thru. Don't trust your politicians to act. History has already shown they'll stick their heads up their asses and claim ingnorance.

New Orleanians have to become the leaders. Take charge, lobby, and follow thru.

I know I of all people have no right to have an opinion on this, I'm in Alabama! But I fear history will repeat itself. I also must say I feel for every New Orleanian. They have endured more than any person should be forced to endure. It doesn't seem fair to ask more of them. To ask that they give everything of themselves to bring back the city. Unfortunately, not to be a pecimist, I think that may be what it takes to see change in a city with a history of inaction.

Helmets save lives

2008-04-15T14:06:00.003-05:00

Sunday afternoon my husband was in a motorcycle accident. Some blame can be attributed to the fact he's only been riding since October. He and a friend decided to take a ride Sunday since the weather was spectacular. They headed to the Florida state line. His friend lost his wallet on the ride and my husband saw it fall. They went back to retrieve it. On their way back my husband lost traction on a curve he had just taken. His rear tire hit some loose gravel and he decided to drop the bike rather than ram into a tree. He hit head first and rolled 150 yards. Florida Highway Patrol airlifted him to Pensacola. After a thorough look over he had no injuries except road rash along his waist line where his jacket met his jeans. If he didn't have his helmet he would be dead according to the E.R. I'm proud to say that my husband always wears his helmet and a big florescent orange Harley Davidson vest. Because of his safety equipment he walked away barely scathed. Now our only issue is the Harley itself. It's at a wrecker in Florida and I haven't been able to see it yet. More to follow on the bike. By the way he bought it in October...man his insurance rates will skyrocket.

If you read the previous blog I had planned to go to Pensecola to search out a poboy. This little incident is not what I had in mind, and no I did not search out a poboy while in pensecola. I might go to jazz fest. I'll come in town and buy out a french bread isle and freeze it.

Po Boy Poser

2008-04-12T00:07:00.002-05:00

My husband took me to the "Oyster Bar" in Enterprise today. They had Oyster Po boys on the menu. Knowing not to trust the phrase poboy outside of Louisiana I asked to see the bread. What I was offered was a honey wheat bun. Soft Bread for an oyster po boy! I gagged when I saw it and the waitress noticed. She wasn't very happy with me. I decided to have plain oysters. What I got was soggy fried oysters. Not terrible, they were edible. So my conclusion is to stay away from the seafood in this city. But I am craving a real oyster poboy. SO I have begun a mission to find real french bread and oysters. I'll begin by traveling two hours to Pensacola to see what I can find. If anyone knows of any shops that sell these items let me know.

The new dog in the house

2008-04-10T15:17:00.003-05:00

My husband has been dying for a bulldog. I have my hands full with three. But nothing will stop him. He finds a woman looking to give away her two year old bull dog. He drives one hour north and picks up the dog. What he brings home is a sorry sight. The poor baby had babies 13 weeks ago. She's slightly skinny and is chewing herself to death. Infested with fleas her head and body have crusted over sores and her eyes are red and irratated. Bringing home such a pathetic sight is a sure way of getting me to bend for sure. One hundred dollars later she gets a cortisone shot for flea allergies. A 15 dollar, single, flea pill and antibiotics for her sores. Up next, 300 dollars for spaying and vaccines.

There is no such thing as a free dog, but she is cute and soooo sweet. Just gotta keep our unfixed male louisiana catahoula away from her until she gets fixed. I'm told toddler pull ups are great. That way Saint won't violate her!

Remember Ashley Morris

2008-04-07T10:46:00.004-05:00

A memorial fund has been set up to assist the family of Dr Morris. Please give what you can, even a few dollars can make a difference.

http://www.rememberashleymorris.com/

Wandering the Surroundings

2008-04-06T13:35:00.003-05:00

I posted a two months ago that my cars to a dump. Well I finally took the dive and bought a new car. I've taken the opportunity to drive around this small town. I wandered across the weirdest thing, a monument to the boweevil. I kid you not. At first I thought, this has to be the ugliest thing I have ever seen. Its a greek statuette arms above her head holding a big black boweevil. What would prompt a community to immortalize this pest? I decided to ask around, turns out a boweevil infestation wiped out the cotton crops at some point in time. This catastrophic event brought about the planting of peanuts which is now the major crop in this area. It makes sense but what an ugly homage.

The major road thru town is bowevill circle. They really love this pest!

A New Orleans Champion has Passed Away

2008-04-04T22:11:00.002-05:00

I wandered over to Dr Morris' blog today and was sad to learn he has passed away. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family. It is a sad day. Dr Morris was a champion for New Orleans post Katrina. He was one who stayed and was determined to see the city come back. He will be missed.

Damn the DOg

2008-04-04T22:09:00.001-05:00

I';ve been off the blog. My dog peed on my laptop and fried it. I had to save up for a new one and it took a while.

A strange place, Alabama

2008-02-17T23:43:00.003-06:00

I've been out and about the past few weeks. Exploring this new place I've found myself in. I have to say I am wary. I'm reminded of a passage from Chris Rose's book "One dead in the attic" where he says something to the effect that we are a distrustful of those who don't laugh or have a sense of humor. It's been a while since I read it, but anyway, it's a thought that came to me as I have interacted with my new neighbors. While they are friendly enough, my husband and I are a lively couple who love to live and laugh. I admit I have the irreverent humor that most New Orleanians have. However here it seems to be suspect. To most people we come in contact with they find me and the hubby a riot. We banter back and forth and always crack up the clerks in grocery stores. Here, however, we are given disapproving looks or outright contempt. I am shocked. There seems to be some strict rules of decorum here and my husband and I clearly don't amuse. The end result of this is that I am distrustful of the population here. There is a disconnect that I fear I will never bridge. I just can't trust one who cannot laugh. I know I will be making more trips home and my husband and I will continue to bang heads over moving back to New Orleans.

OOOOPS,

2008-02-06T17:33:00.000-06:00

My husband was home this weekend and wanted to teach me how to ride his motorcycle since our other cars are temporarily out of service. It was like learning to ride a bicycle all over again. As I let out the clutch my husband is yelling to bring my feet up. I'm scrapping the ground until I'm sure I'm stable on this 500 pound monster. I did OK, but had problems with the two brakes. The front brake is at your hand and the back one at your foot. You must compress these at the same rate or else your bike will buck like a bull. Your bike will also buck like a bull if your do not press in the clutch before you brake. I'm not sure which sin I committed but either way, the bike bucked and I flew. My poor elderly neighbor looked like he would have a heart attack right there. luckily I was coming to a stop and was going no faster than 15 mph. If I had been wearing the gloves I was suppost to I would not have the minor road rash on my hand. But otherwise I am unscathed. I cannot say the same for the bike. I broke the rubber cover of the shifter. My camera is out of batteries so pics will come later. My husband was well behaved. While he was concerned for the bike. He also showed concern for me as well. Thats all one can ask for:)

FUGLY!

2008-02-01T13:22:00.000-06:00

I recieved a response that had the word fugly in it. Then I went to Oyster's site and he too mentions Fugly things. I like this word. I think it's appropriate for two articles I have recently read. The Army Corp of Engineers is immune from litigation from the citizens of New Orleans. All those people that stood in line for hours, all for naught. While the federal judge stated the Corp was negligent, legislation leaves them immune from responsibility. Free from correcting there mistakes and leaving them free to make more. I was also watching a show on a soldier who was found to have melanoma the army doctor made the diagnosis and never told him. The doctor never even suggested further treatment. Doctors continued to tell him he had a wart then retired him from service. His melanoma killed him and his family cannot sue for malpractice. Soldiers and their families cannot sue the military. They too are bound to legislation that leaves them open to abuse.

My husband just got out of the army. He too almost died from a condition that was not diagnosed until he got home from Iraq. He had a malrotated intestine. In Iraq they claimed he was making up the complaint to get out of work. He got home and was in surgery the next day. He was lucky others are not so lucky. I know we live in a litigious society but this legislation has to be repealed. When people make catastophic mistakes someone must be held responsible.

This is all just Fugly.

German Chocolate???

2008-02-01T12:32:00.000-06:00

I ordered a king cake from Haydel's. Deciding to be adventurous I thought, let's go with german chocolate. Hmmm.... two flavors that DO NOT go together. I admit I have german ancestry, maternal Grandfather is a Frosch and maternal grandmaw is a Frischhertz, despite this I did not know what german chocolate was. The flavor is just too much with icing and sugar on top of it. I should have just stuck with the plain.

This experience brings to mind my first experience of the outside (ie, outside of New Orleans) My husband is from Florida and his family cooks American dishes. By this I mean things like pot roast and casseroles. Of course I had never had such things before and I will never again have. Talk about bad flavors. I understand these dishes emerged during and after World War II. I believe the focus was on feeding the masses, not cooking a good meal. I knew at that point I had to take my hamburger helper loving husband (why do people buy this crap) and show him real food. He said that he loves when I cook and the entire house fills with the smell of onions, bell peppers and celery. He had never experienced that before. He's also now addicted to Tony's. He has a small can he takes with him when he travels. Unfortunately I have not been able to free my home from hamburger helper, but at least I don't have to eat it.

One last bashing of "american" food, what is up with green bean casserole. I remember as a kid seeing commercials for the fried onion rings and wondering what is that for. It wasn't until we entered the military and had Christmas with friends. There I came face to face with Green Bean casserole. What is this strange ,foul smelling concoction? In the spirit of good will I had some. YUCK!!! People still have this stuff every christmas?? I thought, they need a dose of New Orleans Christmas or at least New Orleans food. So I throw a party for eight neighbors, red beans and rice is the entree. Before I know it I have thirty people! My neighbors had called their friends to come over and have some. SInce I cook BIG it wasn't a problem.

I don't write this to suggest New Orleans cuisine is superior, rather I think some dishes must go. DOWN WITH THE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE. It's not cooking if your dumping a can of soup in it.

Its a war zone

2008-01-28T11:58:00.000-06:00

When we left the army my husband had a lot of prospects job wise. He knew I wanted to go home. I've always aimed to end up back in New Orleans eventually. When his time was up with the army I thought this would be my time to make the move. Then my husband said he was considering joining the NOPD. THAT changed my mind. He's been to a war zone, even now he works for a company that will bring him back to a war zone. And my thinking is which is safer, the streets of New Orleans or a base in Iraq. If you've read this blog you already know the choice we made.

In New Orleans the very few who choose to a criminal lifestyle who would shoot a cop just as soon as look at them. In Iraq an insurgent will as well. I perceive both as war zones the only difference is my husband is relatively safe on a base in Iraq. It's a sad comment about the state of New Orleans. I really do want to end up back home by the time we have children. I want them to really understand my culture not just experience it from time to time. I hope some change will come to New Orleans but it will have to start with its people. Corrupt, lazy politicians have to go. Our politicians can no longer be our source of entertainment. Our social institutions have to become developed and functional. The status quo has been maintained for so long I'm not sure people are ready for this.

French bread

2008-01-24T14:30:00.000-06:00

Now that I am closer to home I am convinced I should be able to find french bread in south Alabama. So far no luck, if anyone has any leads I would be eternally grateful.

It feels like Mardi Gras

2008-01-21T12:27:00.000-06:00

Since we can't go to Mardi Gras we have brought Mardi Gras here. Yes the decorations are up on the house. A King Cake is on order. And my friends have explicit instruction to catch some mardi gras cups for me (because I'm running low and it's the only thing i like drinking out of) Yes glass cups feel unnatural to me. I grew up only drinking out of mardi gras cups. We've been gone from new orleans so long I am gradually running out. It's getting critical because what would I drink out of when they are all gone. I may dehydrate!!!!!!

So anyone wanting to make a donation.......

Moving Fallout

2008-01-19T21:24:00.000-06:00

Well we are truly screwed. We get here and our mustang has an oil pan that is rusted thru and overheats. Now it requires a new engine. Fast forward three weeks and my Aztec throws a rod (mind you it only has 70 K miles and gets regular oil changes) Now it too needs a new engine.

Now my poor husband has to commute on a Harley in freezing weather.

When it rains it pours. Mardi Gras is out this year. But at least we have that cash to fix one of the cars. More later.

Race in New Orleans

2008-01-15T12:55:00.001-06:00

I was watching an interview with C-Ray on WWL online and the issue of race came up. My husband is from Florida and these types of issues aren't as prolific as they are in New Orleans. Since we have been married I have come to look at his perspective of the city's race issues and have become embarrassed by it.

After two year of marriage we had moved back to New Orleans before Katrina hit. He was a deputy in Florida and he worked at the juvenile detention center in bridge city. He would always come home upset because someone had made a comment like "your pretty good for a white guy" or "why don't you go work at the adult center, there are more whites there" He was baffled and upset that his race was such an issue at a place of employment. He had never experienced a work environment in which any racial comment were uttered or tolerated.

But it does go both ways. White segregate themselves from blacks. I have family members, mostly older generations, that are racist without seeming to understand that they are in fact racist. In fact at christmas I had family memebers discussing city issues in racial terms. (My husband is sitting there confused and I'm mortified.) So this battle between the races in New Orleans goes on. It's 2008, how long will we continue with these antiquated ideas that race matters? New Orleans is a great city but we definitely need to catch up with the rest of the country when it comes to race relations and tolerance. It's a disservice to all New Orleanians.

I'm Back...and closer

2008-01-11T17:07:00.000-06:00

The pneumonia is gone and it allowed me to quit smoking quite easily. We left Texas and stopped off in New Orleans on our way to Alabama. Spent a few days visiting family and friends before heading out into this strange new world they call Alabama. It's only a four to four and half hour drive. Much more manageable than the nine I was doing. People are friendly. However, witnessing true rural poverty in the small Alabama town that's just a couple of miles from where we now live was eye opening. It was also a little frightening to experience a tornado siren (at 1:30 am) in our first week here.

But I am overjoyed that its a short road trip to New Orleans and I can come home whenever I want. So the trade off is fair.

I'll be gone for Christmas

2007-12-14T11:20:00.000-06:00

We'll I've just been released from the hospital. Pnemonia is a bitch. But I was released just in time to move to Alabama. So I will be off the grid during this move. Have a great Christmas and I will see you in January.

Just in time for Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T17:58:00.001-06:00

Found it on T-P. Got to love it

CLASSLESS FUCKS

2007-11-20T19:33:00.000-06:00

The pic comes to us thanks to the "Library Chronicles" blog. The title, was the first thing I thought when I saw it. And I believe the title was mentioned in one of Ashley's blogs a couple of years ago.

Pretty much sums it up

It's almost as bad as the bears behavior last year.

I haven't disapeared

2007-11-17T21:55:00.000-06:00

I've spent the last week with walking Pnemonia. I'm still sick so this will be short. I'm feelin better and I promise I am not slacking.

Musings

2007-11-09T22:08:00.000-06:00

I graduated last December,my bachelors degree. My sociology professor was a New Orleans evacuee. He had lived in New Orleans for five years before Katrina struck. My first day of class I had a UNO tshirt on. He came into the class and said he loved my t-shirt. He had been a professor there. He has this habit of saying "yeah you right" I always found it funny because you never hear it from anyone. I have to admit I would kinda roll my eyes when he would say it. Its a saying New Orleanians are known for but you just don't hear it from life long locals. In fact at graduation my family drove up. I introduced my family to him. Somewhere in the conversation he said"yeah you right" and my dad whispered to me, "he's not originally from New Orleans is he" I giggled. But I really shouldn't have. He has a passion for New Orleans. He is more New Orleans than many life long locals. He has the kind of enthusiasm than New Orleans desparetely needs right now. It's people like him that will keep the culture alive local or not.

I guess the poiint of this whole thing is to suggest that some people take New Orleans for granted. New Orleanians need to remember what makes New Orleans so great, to embrace it and foster it. Maybe they need to do what my professor does. View it with fresh eyes, get excited and passionate about the things that make us unique.

When I was in my 20's I said I wanted to get out of New Orleans. I got my wish (and my husband has had to endure my enless comparisons to New Orleans) and the rest of the country, to me, seemed like a whole other country. You never realize what ya had till its gone. Being away from home reminds me everyday of what I am missing out on. When I get home I am going to do my best not to take it for granted..... and oh, "yeah you right".

Marine 1

2007-11-09T19:15:00.000-06:00

Well Bush is in Crawford. I was drivin home from work today and what do I see in the air... not just one, but two Marine 1's. Thank God he's not giving a speech at Ft. Hood. Last time he did a lot of people slept thru it. These guys were forced to get out there first thing in the morning and sit in the heat (for hours), in a field until Bush showed.

And this brings me back to my rant on the state of this war. If you've read my post you know I am anti war. I live on base and I have come to know many soldier. First and formost my concern is for them. Most soldiers in the military are seeking security, job security and income security. They have families to support. Right now soldiers are being pushed to the brink. 15 month deployments with short durations home. The first things I have noticed are the psychological effects on them, Depression,anger, PTSD. It's a struggle to have the patience and understanding to deal with it. Your husband comes home and suddenly he's emotionally unpredicable. It takes a toll on the family. The kids really suffer too. Kids act out at school whether its a matter of being unable to express such complex feelings they are experiencing or a need for attention and direction. In the military, contrary to what the military claims, families come last. The war effort is job 1. In fact my neighbors are a dual military family. (Both of them are military) They are in the same unit and are being deployed together. They have a five month old baby. The baby is being sent to an Aunt. She is devastaated. She has asked to be moved to another unit, alas it has fallen on deaf ears. She's willing to deploy. However, she would rather she and her spouse alternate deployments. Her command has refused. It would not be hard to make these arrangements but the war comes first. Many families are in this same situation. In fact I recently read an article where a dual family was deployed at the same time. Their 17 year old child, a high school senior is raising their three children while they are gone. In my view this kid is being forced to grow up at a time when she should be going to prom. The military celebrates this. It actually encourages these types of arrangments. I was stunned.

It's a sad situation where the military is pushing its personel to the brink without much thought the the consequences.

VETO THIS!

2007-11-09T17:52:00.000-06:00

The house and Senate have overridden Bush's veto of the water bill! This bill allows for full funding of levee protection for the 100 year flood and it closes the Mr GO canal! This funding definitely makes a lot of us feel better about moving back home. Now all we need is full funding for a Cat 5 levee protection.

Congress also passed a bill which dedicated 3 billion to Road Home. It's in a bill that funds the military so I would be surprised if it receives a veto. One would hope it passes so many New Orleanians aren't deprived of road home funds.

Aimin for Home

2007-11-04T13:40:00.000-06:00

Well my husband has been offered a military contractor job. We hope we'll end up in Alabama, the closest location to New orleans this company has. It'll only be a five hour drive. So we are slowly , inch by inch, headed home. Hopefully in two years well have enough saving to come home.

Military Halloween

2007-11-01T14:12:00.000-05:00

One thing about living on a military base, there is no shortage of kids. We spent about seventy five dollars on candy and had about 200 kids. We ran out of candy with half an hour left to go on trick or treat time. (Yes, on bases the military determines when trick or treating will happen.) Trick or treating was from 6 pm to 8 pm.

I can't complain though we love giving out candy and its better than having no kids.

Bush, a nutcase?

2007-10-30T17:26:00.000-05:00

Somebody finally had the balls to say it. Kisinich has questioned the mental health of our commander and chief. Some have brushed off the comment. But really why has no one really explored Bush's mental status?

Bush initiated the Iraq war on a lie, he has continued that war in spite of expert's insistence that a surge will not turn the tide in the war. He has behaved aggressively toward Iran (see article for his World War III comment), he has upset the Russians in his bid for missile defence in the Russians sphere of influence (I believe Putin mentioned Bush's decision could bring on a second cold war).

Essentially his foreign policy could be described a warmongering. And what surprises me is that no one seems alarmed. This just baffles me, it matters because it could end up affecting every single man in this country. Our military is tied up in Iraq and Afghanistan. Who will fight a war in Iran, Draft anyone?

As an aside, Congress' decision to declare the Armenian death march, that occurred in Turkey during World War One, a genocide was terrible diplomacy. Especially when we are dependent on bases in Turkey to support the force in Iraq. The least they could have done was to table that issue until after Iraq stabilizes. Now it looks like we'll have a new front in Iraq.

Another one bites the dust!

2007-10-30T16:16:00.001-05:00

According to NOLA Jordan has resigned. I have a feeling Nagin is feeling the pressure and getting Jordan to resign is one way to appease the city. (despite the TP's report that Nagin had nothing to do with the decision) Now we have an interum DA until elections are held. Wonder who will run? I hope Foti realizes he is persona non grata in this city and doesn't decide to run.

DA's down, now the question is where is the money coming from?

Foti for DA???????

2007-10-27T00:07:00.000-05:00

According to the Times Picayune. Foti has advised Nagin that he would be happy to step in to help the city with its DA problems. Why do I get the feeling that Foti has his eye on the DA position. He lost reelection and needs to find another office. I'm not sure New Orleans would embrace him. It'll be interesting to see where this goes....stay tuned.

What goes around comes around

2007-10-26T16:28:00.000-05:00

Sounds like a movement to impeach, recall,or have Eddie Jordan resign are underway. I found two recall petitions online. However, we'll have to wait and see if an organized move to get the number of required signatures emerges.

Jindal says he will have the house convene in January on ethic concerns. However, it remains to be seen if anything will be done on a state level.

Oops I did it again

2007-10-24T16:10:00.000-05:00

there is a reason I should move home. So I stop telling off people. Yep I told off a second person today. The topic...New Orleans. The question, Why should we (as in America) pay to rebuild New Orleans? This came after the comment its a waste of money because we are below sea level.

My response, minus the swearing, was this. Wouldn't you feel your place was worthy of rebuilding, How would you respond to loosing your place?
Then I told him my city has more culture than any other city in the country. I won't mention what I said about his city but it had something to do with no soul, ranch hell, and americana at its worst.

Anyway, I get these questions regularly and it just pisses me off. I'm really coming to dislike the rest of the country. I need to get home soon before I get myself in trouble.

Jordan in trouble

2007-10-23T16:09:00.000-05:00

If we haven't discovered how inept Jordan is, here is another example. He can't pay the 3.7 million award to former employees he fired for being white. Now he wants the City to pay the bill. Of course we can't have the district attorneys office fall apart trying to pay this. So the good people of New Orleans will have to flip the bill.

So the people of New Orleans are paying for Nagin's mistake. Haven't they paid enough already?

I was reading thru NOLA comments on this story and I had to note a particular one. One writer suggested the city pay the bill. However, it is contingent on Jordans resignation.

What a great idea!

I got an A !!

2007-10-22T16:11:00.000-05:00

I prayed for a C. However, I managed an A in my Civil War Interventions course!

Election Coverage

2007-10-20T18:26:00.000-05:00

For those out of town, there is live election coverage on the web. Click here on WWL to link to the page.

Coverage begins today at 7 pm.

We're #1

2007-10-20T01:27:00.000-05:00

Travel and Leisure put out a poll asking people about their likes and dislikes when it came to twenty or so cities.

New Orleans came in #1 for....

After dark entertainment overall
Best cocktail hour
Best live music
Cheap Eats
We have the funnest people around!!! (who didn't know that)
Best antique and Flea market shopping
Voted best girlfriend trip or wild weekend.

We came in #2 for....

The friendliest people and great people watching
Gay friendliest city
Overall food and dining

Our worst scores were for safety, cleanliness, and we aren't a very attractive bunch.....

No surprises there!

Levees "Riddled with Flaws"

2007-10-20T00:51:00.000-05:00

I'm sure locals have already heard this story but I thought this was a pretty good article written in National Geographic.

Mississippi's Cup Runneth Over

2007-10-20T00:23:00.000-05:00

This really makes me sick. According to this article Mississippi was appropriated so much money for housing they want to use $600,000 of it to expand the port. Officials state there is plenty of grant money for homeowners even with the redirection of funds.

Only if New Orleans had that kind of problem. Mississippi should send those surplus government funds over this way. Road Home has a 3.3 billion deficit.

2nd Annual Cresent City Blues Festival

2007-10-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

If you are fortunate enough to be down in New Orleans this weekend. Make sure you get down to the Blues Festival down in Lafayette Square. I'm soooooo jealous.

Friday, October 19:
4:00 - 5:30pm Bryan Lee & the Blues Power Band6:00 - 7:30pm Walter "Wolfman" Washington with special guests James Winfield
Saturday, October 20:
Dancehall Stage12:10 - 12:50pm Rockin' Jake Blues Band1:05 - 1:45pm Papa Grows Funk2:00 - 2:35pm Little Freddie King2:50 - 3:30pm Henry Gray3:45 - 4:30pm Tab Benoit w/ Special Guest Tabby Thomas4:45 - 5:30pm Marva Wright5:45 - 6:30pm Tinsley Ellis6:45 - 7:30pm Bobby "Blue" Bland
Juke Joint Stage11:30am - 12:10pm Washboard Chaz Blues Trio12:50 - 1:05pm Washboard Chaz Blues Trio1:45 - 2:00pm Rockie Charles & Guitar Slim, Jr.2:35 - 2:50pm Rockie Charles & Guitar Slim, Jr.3:30 - 3:45pm Rockie Charles & Guitar Slim, Jr.4:30 - 4:45pm Robert Belfour5:30 - 5:45pm Robert Belfour6:30 - 6:45pm Robert Belfour

Drifting

2007-10-18T22:18:00.000-05:00

I was talking with a friend in New Orleans today. We were talking about the upcoming elections. She asked me what was going on in my neck of the woods.

The answer I gave was " I have no idea".

Here's the deal, I don't care. I don't watch the news here, don't read the papers, and don't get involved. Period.

I just don't care, I don't feel like a part of this community...and I don't want to be a part of it.

I read the times picayune, gambit, listen to wwl online, etc...

My heart just isn't in this place I reside. It's not New Orleans. I'm stuck in limbo and cling to any news of New Orleans I can get my hands on.

We are about to move to Dallas until we can save up to move home and I'll know it'll be the same there. I won't even try.

It was like this when I spent two years in Florida. Never having lived outside New Orleans, I compared everything to it and found Florida lacking.

2007-10-18T21:27:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure anything less than a new stadium with plenty of luxury boxes will appease Benson.

Someone smack me

2007-10-17T18:52:00.000-05:00

Today's post will be relatively short (I can hear the cheers) I'm a grad student, I also happen to put all other procrastinators to shame. (In fact this post is a go at further procrastination)Tomorrow I have a midterm. The content includes three works of non fiction that I began to read yesterday. All told I will have read 1500 pages of text by 5:30 tomorrow. How pray tell will I do this. I have been reading for twelve hours straight. I believe my eyes have crossed and I still have 23 hours left. I fear that they may never uncross. So if future post are a little off it's all because of a reading marathon. May I earn an A!

More Senseless Violence

2007-10-16T13:36:00.001-05:00

New Orleans has always been a violent city. Its so frustrating and one wonders what it will take for the tide to turn. Recent murders have evoked an outcry from the community. There have been marches but the violence has not receded. It leave one wondering where the problem lies and what is required to act on it. I wonder if the problem lies within so many social institutions that there is no one simple solution. Rather, it will require a massive overhaul of not only justice institutions but of our very social fabric.

I think we all feel helpless, and in the mean time the violence continues unabated.

The Charter Question

2007-10-16T13:21:00.000-05:00

New Orleans is at the forefront of an experiment in public education. The state has taken over failing schools and has given some over to private organizations as charter schools. It's still too early to determine whether the charter system will pull up the performances of students. What is significant about this process is that it will test the requirements of the No Child Left Behind law. According to No Child Left Behind, nationwide, if a school is failing they are to become charter schools. The programs in New Orleans will reflect whether or not this is a practical solution on a large scale. I will hold off on making an opinion as the jury is still out.

Down with K-Ville

2007-10-15T14:56:00.001-05:00

I have an issue with K-Ville. I posted about it last night. The cartoonish way they portray New Orleans is an assault on my sensibilities. So I was thrilled to read last night about David Simon. He's thinking about doing a drama based on the musicians of New Orleans.

Now he may give some authenticity to the portrayal of New Orleans on TV. Like I have said before, you don't need to make things up, New Orleans has plenty enough drama to go around. You just need the right person to capture it. Maybe David Simon will be the one to do it.

Here's hoping he takes on the challenge.

Make Levees, Not War

2007-10-15T01:56:00.001-05:00

If you've read my profile you know my husband is in the military. We also happen to live on an army base. Yesterday I was invited to a barbecue. Since entering grad school I find that doing laundry has taken a back seat. So, with nothing to wear I grabbed my "Make Levees, Not War" t shirt.

Suffice it to say I got many dirty looks from many big guys. It didn't add up at first. I couldn't figure out what their deal was. Then I looked down.

In New Orleans the shirt wouldn't get a second look. But anyone with sense would know a military base isn't the place to showcase this sentiment.

However, I have more passion then sense. I'm proud of my shirt and stand by it's declaration. I dare anyone to question it. I believe domestic concerns should take precedence over foreign policy. Until we get an administration that understands this I will wear my t shirt.

P.S. I get better responses from my Fema Evacuation: Run bitch run tshirt. At least they let a laugh escape before giving me a disapproving look. I once had a soldier tell me I should have homeland security investigating me because of the tshirt. I laughed. Some people have absolutely no sense of humor.

K-Ville, what a joke

2007-10-15T01:14:00.000-05:00

What was advertised as a realistic portrait of New Orleans post Katrina is anything but. An awful show that takes a part of New Orleans life and distorts it until it is no longer recognizable. It's painful to watch, not because it hits close to home, rather because it's so cheesy.

In the second episode you have a sheriff who looks as if he's boss hog incarnate. Yes we have corrupt politicians but they are not the stereotypical southern politicians that the show chose.

My suggestions to the writers is to get out in New Orleans ans study up. Your show sucks. It's an insult to the city.

We have no issue with a show bringing to light the problems we all know exist in the city. What we do have a problem with is the almost cartoonish way they present it.

Permit to Secondline??!!!

2007-10-15T01:05:00.000-05:00

I had to comment on the recent events in New Orleans. Twenty police units were sent to a second line march in Treme to honor a local musician that had passed away. The units were sent at the behest of neighbors who complained about the noise. Two musicians were arrested and police state that expensive permits are required if a second line is to take place. Speculation in the city has been that the calls came from people new to the city who moved into Treme.

My thoughts on this event are simple. If you don't like it move out.

Spontaneous second lines have taken place in New Orleans for generations. Its a part of our culture. If you move to New Orleans be prepared to acclimate yourself to that culture.

New Orleans culture is already in jeopardy. When our culture is threatened we tend to hold it even tighter to our hearts. We welcome new people and encourage people to share their culture with us but don't try to change whats already in place. We don;t take kindly to it.

Priced Out

2007-10-15T00:39:00.000-05:00

Priced out of my own city. It's the reason I started this blog. My husband says lets just head back to New Orleans. If it were only that easy. He's a cop and I am a first time teacher, among the lowest paid jobs in New Orleans. Rents are insane, I took a look at Craigslist and saw precious few rentals below $1000. That may be normal for other cities but not New Orleans. Even home prices are astronomical. We would be first time home buyers so buying a gutted home, financially, is out of the question. Renovated homes are priced out of our range. Don't even get me started on home insurance. We'd probably have to get citizens (insurer or last resort) and pay $4000 a year. All utility bills in the city have gone up. Even groceries are above the national average. Everything is expensive.

If you already own a home in New Orleans you have a fighting chance. I've talked to friends in New Orleans , who like us are just starting to come to the time in their lives when they want to be home owners. They too find that they have to put off that dream indefinitely. They all spend a good chunk of their pay on tiny apartments.

I worry that living in New Orleans now means poverty for the working and middle class. I worry even more that it will be a long time before I get to be with my family and friends.

This sucks.