If We Were Neighbors; Linky Party!!

If we were neighbors... WHEW! Would you have heard it from me this week!

Bloggers, it has been a rough week. I live in South Louisiana, where these last two weeks have completely revolved around Mardi Gras.

I belong to the Krewe of Hyacinthians, an all-ladies club that is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. And I was a royal maid to boot. It was an amazing time, I had a blast, met some wonderful women that I am honored to call friends, and made some everlasting memories.
But I'll let you in on a little secret.... I'm exhausted!!

And while the festivities tend to include a LOT of drinking, I chose to abstain. And I'm STILL exhausted. It is a full week after the Tableau and Ball and Parade, and I still can't seem to catch up on my sleep.

Fast-forward to my work week...

I am the managing editor of a local lifestyle magazine. I am in charge of getting all content turned in, on time, and getting it edited.

It seems as though all my writers must be exhausted too. Everyone asked for an extension. Everyone.

Boo.

Being raised in a military household, deadlines are my thing. Don't get me wrong, I procrastinate like a mad woman, but I always make my deadline. I like schedules and itineraries, and being prepared. People not being on time or on schedule drives me bonkers.

If we were neighbors, I hope this is the part where you would offer me a big hug and a cupcake, and tell me the world was going to right itself after Carnival season is over. I would accept the hug, devour the cupcake and hope with all my being that you were right!!!

If We Were Neighbors

If we were neighbors, the wonderful kind that enjoys coffee as much as I do, I would expect you to come over every morning and join me for a cup or 6. With my handy, dandy new Keurig coffee-making machine, you can chose a new flavor for every cup. And if we were close neighbors, like I know we would be, you would love the fact that I have a million choices for a single cup of coffee and love the fact that I can change my mind with every cup.

Today's conversation would have started off very casual, chatting about the weather and this easy warming trend. I know you are just as ready as I am to see those first little signs of spring. My flip-flop collection is screaming my name.

We would chat about the dogs that by now are running in circles around us as we sit in my backyard. Our newest member, Winnie, is a sweet foster from the local animal shelter. She is super high energy, but so lovable. We would discuss my concerns for her and where she will end up. After 4 weeks, she is starting to become a part of the family. As much as I know we can't keep her, she is not the right dog for our family, she has worn away my outer shell and is snuggling close to my heart.

We would talk about Mardi Gras and John's tableau that is this Saturday night. You would inquire about my dress, tell me of course I don't look fat, and compliment my fantastic shoes. We would talk about my tableau that is getting closer by the minute and discuss my anxiety about having to be presented in front of all those people. I am so worried that I may trip, or forget where I am going or what I'm supposed to do or whatever strange and embarrassing thing I am obsessing over at that minute.

We would talk about family and those we love most. About our boyfriends, husbands, children, etc. The more we would talk, the more we realize that God has truly blessed us with people in our lives that love and care for us.

This morning we would also chat about the magazine. Today is our final working press day and it can get kinda hectic. I would share with you my excitement about today. I love seeing all our hard work come together. The finished product always amazes me. Somedays I can still hardly believe that this is my job. It is so much fun!

We would smile and hug and say goodbye, even if it is only for a day. And I would know that I am blessed to have a neighbor like you.

Carnival Newbie

Ahhh, Mardi Gras...Carnival time...king cake season.

In my late teens and early 20s, I could count on two hands the number of parades I actually went to. Large, loud crowds and people throwing things at my head just wasn’t that high on my to-do list.

Then almost six years ago I met my boyfriend John. We began dating and I soon discovered his favorite holiday revolved around the colors of purple, green and gold. He is a member of the Krewe of Hercules, a fun-loving group whose parade kick-starts the Carnival season in Houma. To my surprise, I quickly became jealous of John’s ride. I knew some day I wanted to be a part of it.

This year my friend Sydney and I decided to join the Krewe of Hyacinthians together. It was an exciting summer, getting to know the ladies on my float, discovering that my cousin Kim was joining my float as well. (It’s her first year too. Have a great ride Kim!) The biggest surprise of all came in November when the court was presented.

Yes, dear readers, this anxiety-ridden Carnival-newbie is going to be a Maid for the Krewe of Hyacinthians. I have come full circle, from being a “take it or leave it” Mardi Gras fan to full-fledged royalty.

And I’m scared to death.

Have you seen the pounds of feathers we have to wear? And you want me to curtsy to my queen with all that on my back? Yikes! What happens if I trip on my hem in front of all those people? Have I mentioned I’ve never even been to a Hyacinthians tableau? I often feel like I’m going to toss my cookies just thinking about it!

Anxiety disorder aside, I am incredibly excited about this entire experience. I am going to be a part of an amazing tradition. I am honored to be a part of the 60th anniversary year of Hyacinthians. Look for me on Sunday, February 27th. I’ll be the one with 50 pounds of yellow feathers on my shoulders.

Weekend to be thankful for!

My Friday, Saturday and Sunday were full of things I am thankful for!

Friday night John and I met our friend Malcom at Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner. He was in town with his school's basketball team. It was great to be able to visit with him. I am thankful for the friends God has placed in my and John's life.

Saturday, my mom's family came to town to help paint my grandmother's house. Nanny couldn't remember the last time that her house was washed, much less painted. So Mom, Dad, Aunt Donna, Kimberly, Kristen, Brett, Ricky, Michael, Skippy, Ed, Blair, Sunny, John and I pitched in, picked up a paintbrush and joined in the fun. I have never laughed so hard in my life. The work was hard, but my most sore part was my tummy from laughing.

I am thankful for my family. It is an amazing thing that we can all come together for two days to paint a house. We all get along. No one stands out. No one fights. No one argues. We smile and laugh and visit and make fun of Mom singing Christmas carols. I am thankful for the amazing memories we are making as a family with my 81 year old grandmother. This is a special time that I will always remember.

Saturday night, we went to Presentation for Hyacinthians and it was announced that I will be a Maid for the 2011 carnival season. I am thankful for the opportunity that was given to me by Freda. It is going to be a great Mardi Gras. Seeing the tears in her eyes was priceless and I am thankful to be a part of her reign as Queen.

Have a great Monday everyone!

Little bit of Mardi Gras Madness!!

As I am sure I mentioned, Mardi Gras is not my season. I am more of a Halloween type of gal. I love to dress up and play pretend. I always said if I could only memorize lines, look out Jennifer Aniston!! I could have been one hell of an actress!!
Back to the subject at hand... Through out this Mardi Gras season, it has come to my attention that I have taken over 400 PHOTOGRAPHS!!! Now while they may not be the best pics in the world, all taken with my handy dandy Sony Cybershot (it fits in my back pocket), they certainly captured the fun that my friends and family were having. The ones I am posting here are a small collection of shots from John's ride day, Tiffany's ride day and I think Mardi Gras day. I have plans to post quite a few more on MySpace just because its easier and more files fit!
Be forwarned, I am just learning how to work this picture and post, so bear with me!!



Me and John posing for our Prom picture.

The insane amount of people at the Hercules Tableau. It's like a rock concert in formal wear. Chee Weez was the band, by the way.

Big smiles from the guys


Tiffany, me and Nikki

Misty Mac

ok, so Misty looks naked in this picture... Hmmmm....

John and King Shane

John and Me

Back home in my yellow kitchen, the girls pause to take one last pic!

Carzy as it sounds, the night BEFORE John rides, we get on the open top bus and ride around town, just for shits and giggles. We go eat at BWW and have fun. This is me and Wendy.

John and Jason, as we approach The Balcony.

Eric, Matt and John cracking open their first beers of the morning of their Ride Day. I know you can't see a clock, but trust me, its early. Like 6:45AM early!!

Heading out the door! Long day ahead of them!

John and I at TARC.


Tiffany and Nolan (John's sister and bro-in-law)

John passing out beads and goodies at TARC.

John resting and reloading in the bus at TARC

Tiffany giving her new friend some lovin'!

This is John's nephew Dillon. We are watching the Hercules parade. He always gets hit by beads, so he is standing in front of me (I'm the black and white coat) while I hold up his "Shield", the top of the tote we use to hold all the beads! He has Laffy Taffy too, so he's all good!!

Tiffany and me catching some ZZZ's during the hour and a half wait we had during the Hercules parade when an axel broke and halted the parade!

John and Chad on the float after their ride. I need an entire page devoted to Chad's first ride. The pictures are PRICELESS!!!

It was also my brother Blair's first ride this year with the Krewe of Houmas. John managed to get this picture of Blair (3rd guy) before the beads began to fly!

I snuck up on Misty Mac. I love this picture!! HAHA!!!

My boyfriend has trouble taking a nice picture.
He always makes a silly face. And I love him for it!

Mardi Gras, TARC style!!

Despite John's own love for Mardi Gras and the parades and drinking that goes with it, Mardi Gras has never been my favorite season. I am not into BIG crowds and drunk people. I love the idea of Mardi Gras and the tradition behind it. I was a Maid for the Krewe of Houmas WAY BACK in 1998. And I do love that the holiday is unique to this area. But, as far as the rest of the stuff, not my bag, you dig me?

Well, yesterday I was witness to the innocence of Mardi Gras and the joy that it brings to a certain group of residents of Houma. Unknown to many in Houma, the Krewe of Hercules makes a special stop during their day of revelry. The King, Dukes and many of the float riders make a special journey to the eastside of town to TARC (Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizens). I was lucky enough this year to head out there to join in the fun.

A circular drive connects most of the campus at TARC and its clients gathered roadside for their own personal parade. As the buses lines up outside the gates, loud music filled the air and you could actually feel the excitement grow. Most of the clients were already dancing, be it to the music or just to help relieve the energy of the day! Once King Shane arrived, the parade began. The buses I speak about are the open top variety and the riders could very well stay onboard and throw beads from there. But the majority choose to get down and walk the circle, interacting one on one with the clients. This allows for them to actually place the beads, trinkets, and stuffed animals into to arms or laps of those confined to wheelchairs or that need other assistance. They wander back and forth, everyone covering both sides of the street. They stop and dance with the clients and visit a bit, wishing them a Happy Mardi Gras. I myself even got swept up into the excitement, dancing with my new friends and checking out the stuff they caught. I forgot to take pictures for a while, just laughing and enjoying being a part of such a grand gesture.

These men give an hour of their day of partying to make the day of these special people. To see the joy in the client's eyes was enough to make my own eyes tear up more than once. This is what I remember the excitement of Mardi Gras to be, the energy and joy felt deep inside. A HUGE thank you to the Krewe of Hercules.