It's Fat Tuesday....Throw me something, Mister!

Where to begin…..well, it really was a spur of the moment decision to drive to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. You see, Nina and some of her boat friends were getting off the boat and thought it would be awesome to spend a few extra days in NO to celebrate the debauchery that is Mardi Gras. On a budget, how could I refuse to not join them. Let me just say everyone should visit New Orleans at some point in time. There is such a city pride that runs through every person, business and street that is almost infectious. Of course it has been heightened since Katrina but it is always there. They really do love their city and the people who visit it. We all felt the Happy Mardi Gras vibe as soon as we stepped out on the streets. Nina came off the boat with Anders, Maggie and Mouse (Mellissa) in tow and ready for a good time. When Rene’ and I had gotten there the kids had already done some shopping and all I wanted was a nap. However, as soon as that nap was over I was ready to hit Bourbon Street!
We decided to watch one of the Krewes parades (Babylon to be exact) that was coming by on Canal Street so we could stock up on our bead arsenal. It was awesome. I mean who doesn’t love a good parade. They threw all sorts of beads and trinkets which we all gobbled up like they were gold. The reverberations of “Throw me something, Mister!” were heard all up and down the street. After the parade, it was time for a drink and some balcony bead catching. I would like to state first and foremost I did not show anyone anything, so don’t even think it ;-) We met a guy named Pear (yea, I know) at the parade who was traveling the world and decided to make a stop at Mardi Gras. Must be nice right. Well, Rene’ figured out how he is able to do this….we all were buying each other rounds of beers and Mr. Pear left without buying us any!!! I see his plan. Anywho, the bar we went to first was called the Saloon and it was the best place. A lounge area and a rowdy area, complete with mechanical bull! We basically started and ended there every night we went out. Ok, this is beginning to sound like an itinerary. I am going to give the highlights. Thursday night was continued fun with throwing and catching of beads and meeting interesting people. We did call it an early evening (midnight or so) in preparation for the following night. Nina, Rene’ and I did get to visit the Aquarium there. Rene’ had heard it was incredible and well I am always down for stuff like that. It was fun, because well, we can always make something fun, but not as cool as we had all hoped. The sea otters were so cute though. I think I want one now. Maggie was trying to leave on Friday to get home to her boyfriend but couldn’t get a flight out. Which turned out to be a good thing. She had never been to Pat O’Briens piano bar and we introduced her to Hurricanes. She was sufficiently snockered by 4pm. She was hilarious. She couldn’t get over the fact that she was sloshed and it was still daylight. Silly girl. Rene’ and I also decided to order Bloody Marys at Pat’s because they said they were voted best in the city. I mean, with advertising like that how can you refuse. I forgot how much I loved them! I am hooked again and may have to enjoy one a little more often. Friday night on Bourbon was definitely more insane and tons more crowded. After all it is Mardi Gras weekend and now the locals are off too. We started back at the Saloon which proved interesting. Met some nice guys there and they provided entertainment for a while. Moving on down the street we caught more beads and braved the enormous crowd. Man, it is just insanity and you should wear a crash helmet going down the street because you could get a concussion from the beads being tossed. The streets were littered with strands of broken beads and it made for some very slippery walking while you are trying not to lose the girls you are with, oh and hold you beer too! Some guys threw Rene’ and I some really good beads from their balcony and I caught mine but some jerk (tall jerk) grabbed Rene’s right out from her and then took off. We charged after him but he was just a little prick and his friends were crude. We were pissed. I mean it was just such poor form. It is all supposed to be fun man! Aside from the occasional wiener, a great night was had by all!
The last day we were there both Nina and Maggie had flights out to home. Maggie to Kentucky and Nina to Kansas. Rene’ and I said our goodbyes to them and checked out of the hotel. The trip wasn’t over yet because we had tickets to see Cowboy Mouth at the House of Blues. Well, for anyone who knows me knows how much I love Cowboy Mouth and an opportunity to see them in there home town was one I couldn’t pass up. We figured we would park the car again and amuse ourselves until 10pm when CM went on. Yea, well we strolled by the HOB to make sure we knew where the venue was and found out the band wasn’t going on until midnight! Yikes! We were planning on leaving after the concert for our 10 hour drive back to Florida. Oh, we had a long day and a lot of coffee in front of us. We did do a sufficient job keeping busy though. We did some shopping, stood on a long line for the famous Muffelatta, and had another Bloody Mary. Once Cowboy Mouth came to the stage, my energy was instantly restored! They are such great performers live and they sang all the good songs. Definitely worth the wait but man was I hating them on the drive home. So tired! That was really a silly idea but like I said earlier, this was a quick budgeted trip and it all worked out in the end. It was a great trip and kudos to Nina for the terrific idea! Check out all the picks. Oh, don’t forget people….today is Fat Tuesday, so get all your indulging in now!

Love is in the air....

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Love the one your with!
(thanks for the image Jess)

People do the weirdest things!

Well, I know it has been far too long for a blog but I know I suck. We will discuss that further at another time ;-)Something happened Monday that I just have to talk about. Ever since I can recall I have been fascinated with the space program and those lucky individuals who get to ride aboard those hurtling lawn darts into oblivion. My fascination has been tainted. As some of you may have heard, early Monday morning one of NASA’s finest was arrested in Orlando airport on attempted kidnapping, burglary, and a slew of other crimes. As of today attempted murder has even been added. Astronaut , who few last July 4th for the Shuttle program’s triumphant return to flight, was taken into custody for assaulting a Patrick Air Force Base Captain by the name of Colleen Shipman. Oh and did I mention it was all over a dude!!! Yea, you know how much I cannot stand when people do stupid crap over an old flame (or recent trist), not that we all aren’t guilty of some silliness, but this is ridiculous. Mrs. Nowak, that is right I said Mrs. (with 3 kids as well) drove for 12 hours Sunday from Houston to Florida, wearing "baby diapers" to limit bathroom stops, so she could catch Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman at the Orlando International Airport and confront her about her relationship with space shuttle pilot a William Oefelein. Donning a wig, glasses and a trench coat to disguise herself, she followed Shipman from the airport terminal to a dark parking area called the Blue Lot. Nowak rushed the woman's car, tried to get inside and then attacked her with pepper spray before Shipman sped away to find help. Police said they saw Nowak try to dispose of a duffel bag containing the wig and coat, as well as a BB pistol, steel mallet, 4-inch knife, rubber tubes and plastic garbage bags, among other things. What a looney toon, right?! Even better, Nowak characterized her relationship with Oefelein as "more than a working relationship but less than a romantic relationship.” Huh? So, you weren’t even getting any?! What were you thinking lady?!?! Ok, I cannot give enough question marks or exclamations for the confusion I feel for this situation. There is nothing in the world that would provoke me to carry out the course of actions this woman took. I mean, I thought astronauts were supposed to be psychologically sound so they don’t go bonkers up in space. How did this one slip through the cracks!? This woman has basically taken her distinguished career and her family and thrown it all away. I really wonder what people are thinking sometimes. Check out the links to the astronaut bios and Florida Today for the story.