Its ON.

Like there was any doubt. Okay maybe for some....but I had faith.....I am getting some crawfish bread in just over 3 months. YUMMY!!

Jazzfest announces plans for 2006 festival
Quint Davis announces Jazzfest 2006 Photos of the press conference and 2006 poster Producers of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival today announced dates for the 2006 Heritage Fair."Ladies and gentlemen, it's on," proclaimed Quint Davis, producer/director of the springtime musical extravaganza and president of Festival Productions Inc.-New Orleans.The annual festival will take place on its traditional last weekend in April and first weekend in May, April 28 through May 7. The festival will be held Friday-Sunday on each weekend. Missing this year is the Thursday date of the second weekend, typically the least-attended day of the festival.Jazzfest will be held at the New Orleans Fairgrounds -- its usual location -- despite the closing of the facility for the 2005-2006 racing season due to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.This year, for the first time in the festival's history, Shell Exploration and Production will be listed as a presenting sponsor.The only performer announced Tuesday is New Orleans R&B legend Fats Domino, also the subject of the annual poster, painted this year by James Micholopoulas. The remainder of the lineup will be announced before Mardi Gras, said Davis.Festival Productions Inc. will again this year be working with AEG Live, the nation's second highest-grossing concert promoter. AEG will continue to bankroll the festival, as it did in 2005.Tickets for the 2006 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival are $30 in advance and $40 at the gate. Advance tickets may be purchased through the festival's Web site or TicketMaster.com. Today through February 15, tickets to either Friday date can be purchased at the New Orleans Arena box office for $20. More ticket information, including VIP packages, is available at the festival's Web site.

So it begins...

I had a dream last night that I turned on the Superbowl at 5:29 PM and they were already into the halftime show, and that the score was 24-0. Seahawks down. Okay so um...the first half took less than an half hour to play....and I started to cry. please, please, please!! Let this dream be wrong.

Bored so I shall do this...


Got this from Zoot's site....thought "why the hell not"

my five guilty pleasures:

1) People Magazine. I need to get this every week and read it cover to cover. Nothing like some really stimulating celebrity gossip each week right? And it just HAS to be true to be in the People.....

2) Hot Wings. I could eat them for every meal. Any meal. All day long. And chicken tenders. Pretty much anything chicken. I am a chicken.

3) When I listen to a broadway cast recording, I sing along with every song and most every time I picture myself in one particular role, singing the hell out of it and stunning everyone in the audience with my stellar performance. (in reality I can't keep tune, think American Idol auditions but much much much worse)

4) I can watch Father of the Bride Parts I and II over and over and over again and will still get all misty eyed over both of them....every.single.time.

5) I actually do like to walk down Bourbon street from time to time....its so much fun to people watch, with a daquari in hand...I know "locals" aren't suppose to like it that much but I really do have fun.....people watching should be a sport.

Frustrations

I have been temping for a company since beginning of Nov. My main job is to answer the phones. The phones don't ring a whole heck of a lot. Maybe 5 times in a half hour. Give or take. They started having me do some extra things, which when I am given those extra things to do, I get them done. It never takes me that long. Like right now? I am caught up on everything. With nothing to do. Not even any busy work. Its all done. Even that kind of stuff you put off doing because you just don't want to do it? Done. So today, as the guy I share the office with was moving back to another space he tells me that the manager was complaining to one of the other guys here (the guy right below him) that I never seem to be doing anything other than emailing or playing solitare. Well what would he like me to do when I really and truely don't have anything else to do? Seriously. Sit here and look at the walls? Would he rather it look like I am doing something productive so when the customers walk in, they think I am working??? Or does he want me to sit here with my fingers up my nose? They all keep saying they are going to give me more work to do, yet I haven't seen any of this extra work. And when I ask about it...they say it will be coming. But nothing. I enjoy the hours, the hours are nice....but that isn't worth it is it? I need to be kept busy....

The bags...oh the bags.....

I am getting old. I don't know how the boys do it. They are crazy insane. Must be part of the reason why I love em. Friday night at Tipitina's they opened for the Rad's. They also sat in on the Rad's sets. While I had fun...I felt the set was a little "off" not that it was bad or horrible or anything, it just was "off". It may have just been me of course. I love the Rad's fans. They are so much fun and crazy. I had a good time talking to alot of them both nights. Friday, it was after 3 when the sets ended....by the time we got back to my house it was after4. I realized at that point that I had almost been up for 24 hours. I didn't move much on Saturday but to sleep and get some food. Watched a little TV and felt extremly guilty that I didn't make it to the AWK site. I didn't think I would be much help with my headache (not from drinking). I found out later that Craig made it there, and played a gig with the Storyville Stompers and made it to Tipitina's that night. The man must be made of steel. Saturday night's set by the guys was much better. I heard songs that I hadn't heard in a long time, and some I haven't heard at all! (at least played by Bonerama) I had a good time that night. Apparently someone else did as well...the gentleman had so much fun he passed out! It was a mini-drama right before the Rad's hit the stage. They had to carry this guy out front, try to get a few people on the phone including 911 and several people's phones kept cutting out. I was trying to call one person, who at that time was onstage introducing the Rads, someone else eventually got 911. Luckily there was a doctor coming in to see the Rads and was able to help a bit. The guy had forgotten to take his insulin shot or something. Within a few minutes he was standing up and talking...I didn't see him come back in, and the show continued. It was a bit of excitement beyond the music. Matt had a couple killin solo's during the Rad's second set that really set the place on fire. Of course so did Mr. Mullins. At one point, Dave Malone said "that is a fuckin TROMBONE!!" yeah you right. So the bags under my eyes are totally worth it.

Any Takers??

Who wants to bet if I will make it to the bus on time this afternoon?? What me have a gambling problem?? I don't know what your talking about...just cuz someone else is scared to make a bet on the superbowl....*cough*mullins*cough*

More Bus Fun!!

Remember yesterday when I mentioned missing my morning bus cuz the driver decided to leave early? Guess what happened on the way home??? Bus was at the stop when I got there, usually have a few minutes to wait, and as I was about to cross St. Charles to board the bus?? He left. I actually had to cross St. Joseph first...then St. Charles...and there was traffic coming and car dodging happening...and I missed it. I had to stand there for 30 mins for the next one.

So I did look up on carfax.com (thanks commentor!!) and well there has been no previous issues with this car. The car was sold at a auction....there is a title # listed when it went to the dealer....but after that...nothing...not even that it was sold. Lisa sent me a link to some lawyers here in NOLA that are taking pro bono cases...may see if anyone is interested. I don't want to have to deal with this. I don't want to be an adult anymore okay?? ;)

On that note....Bonerama is at Tips tonight opening for the Rads. I am gonna go, sell merch and have fun. WHEE!! And I get to listen to WWOZ at work since the guy I share the office with is out today!!!

Car Woes

In the ongoing saga with my car, the first place I contacted pretty much told me that they can't help me. I have contacted another agency in hopes that something can be done. Does anyone else have any ideas? The skinny of problem is, bought the car in TX just over 3 months ago. I bought the car so I could get home and have transportation since public transit wasn't in full swing yet. 2 days after paying cash for an AS IS car, I drove home. The car started to overheat, I replaced the radiator cap on the trip home. Car was semi-okay, still was overheating and I would about once a week add coolant. That seemed to be okay, until recently when it now starts smoking out the hood and the tailpipe. Could be a hose, could be the thermostat, could be a cracked engine. There are several other "could be". So why I haven't taken it to a mechanic? Besides the idea of it eating up all my $$? It could be because I don't have the title to the car!!! 3 months later, no title. So even though the car is in my posession, and I paid the $$ for it...its still not technically mine. I don't want to go pouring more $$ into a car that isn't mine, and has been giving me problems from the get go. Am I just totally screwed or is there someone out there that knows something I don't know. Any help would be appreciated.

Time Warp?

There was either a time warp when I left my house this morning or the bus driver was in a damn hurry. I walked out the door at 6:39 to catch the 6:48 bus. For once the bus was already sitting there. It usually take me about 4 to 5 mins to cross the park. This bus usually shows up about 3 or 4 mins late, which is no biggie as I still make it to work on time. As I was crossing the park....the bus left. About 8 to 9 minutes early. Um...okay. Now this could have been the first bus of the morning, and it was running really really really late or it was the correct bus, a newer driver and they got confused and left. I had to make a decision at this point, do I wait to find out if it was the earlier bus running late, or catch the Claiborne bus? I caught the Claiborne bus and ended up walking from Poydras all the way down to my work. It was a nice walk...and lord knows I could use a walk, but it was cold. At least it wasn't raining and the sun was coming up. I got to work super early as well. Even with the walk. Now I need to decide if I just want to do the walk every morning or not.

Hump Day

Its sunny, low humidity, and the week is half over. Tonight is free pint glass night at the Bulldog. There is a big basketball game on (according to one housemate), and we are *this* much closer to Mardi Gras. One of my co-workers was dancing and saying "its Mardi Gras!!". This is the type of person you would never expect to see dancing in their work area. Its in the air, its nice to see a festive spirit returning to people. For the count, I have only heard "Mardi Gras Mambo" twice so far this season....those who know the song totally have it stuck in your head now dontcha??? All together now: "Mardi Gras Mambo, mambo..."

If I were a Stripper

Your Stipper Song Is

Dirrty by Christina Aguelera "Too dirrty to clean my act up If you ain't dirrty You ain't here to party" You're so dirty, you make Christina look clean.

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatsongshouldyoustriptoquiz/">What Song Should You Strip To?

Home

Let me preface this by saying its another slow day here at work. Yesterday my "boss" was out most of the day, today the program we use to enter items in isn't working. I am bored and decided to do this...also a small rant. I don't think the girl made my soy latte with soy at lunch....cuz well the tummy isnt happy. Maybe its punishment from last weeks "bad sushi" day. ;)

Alot of people ask me "Where are you from?" Especially down here. I am from my parents. Two wonderful and amazing people. My father is Native American and French. My mom is Irish. Nice combo right? No wonder I am such a lush. Techically I was made in Montana. Born in Helena, MT and moved very soon after that to Missoula, MT. For the first 10 years we lived in Missoula. I remember lots of snow, making forts in the field across the street from the house on Agnes, making leaf "houses" in the front yard on Agnes, Grizzly Football games, Grizzly Basketball games, watching the hill burn several summers in a row...one time when I was at a girl scout camp on the hill, crazy times with my mom's sisters and their families. Double Front Chicken, which in my opinion is STILL the best fried chicken anywhere. Missoula provided me with a very safe and secure feeling. I may have not realized it at the time, but it did. (heh as I type this I remember there was a serial killer in Missoula, he worked at one of the local furniture stores and would stake out places/people when delivering the furniture. He delivered at our house. My dad remembers talking to him and we were most likely crossed off his list when he and my dad talked about the busy street next to the house and how one of my dad's b-ball buddies was on the police force who liked to drive by and shine his lights in the house)

When I was 10, my dad was ready for a change. He moved us out to Roseville, CA. At that point in town we were in a new housing development with lots and lots of empty fields. Today none of those fields are there, but there are plenty of small strip malls and shopping centers. The school we went to was K-8. I was a little let down. I had been looking forward to going to the Jr. High School in Missoula, where my sister had been. Instead I was stuck in this little small school, our class room was shared. 5th and 6th graders. What I remember of my time in California was lots of swimming, walking to the local grocery store with my best friend Vanessa, perfume fights in the drug store, riding our bikes past the "cute boys house's", later we would drive our cars past. Cruising on Greenback. Lots of football games, band competitions, parades. I was a member of the colorguard. My sister had been in the band, then the colorguard as well. Before I went to HS, I had spent alot of time with the band. I also started performing in the plays done while in HS. At that time, I was also very big into the hair metal bands. Poison, Def Leppard, Cinderalla. The bigger the hair the better.

When I graduated from HS, I was ready to go back to Montana. My parents were shocked that I was going to college because I was not a big fan of school. However for as long as I could remember, I was going to go to the University of Montana. It was the only school I applied to. So at the end of the summer, my mother and I packed up my car and drove back to Missoula. My dad was already in Bozeman as again, he was ready for a change. He went up early my senior year and established residency. He met us there, I got settled into my dorm room and off they went to Bozeman. The four years that I was back was more football, even more basketball, plays out the wazoo and sneaking into bars. Namely Stockmans. My last year in college I rented a house with two friends, the house happened to be a block from one of our old houses on 9th. Just down the street from my aunt's house. My parents moved to Seattle, WA somewhere in this time frame. My sister, her husband and myself all graduated from college a week apart. They graduated from Montana State (boooooo bobcats) myself from the University of Montana. With a degree in theatre in my hands...I moved to Seattle. Hey it was free rent, and there wasn't much theatre going on in Montana.

I spent the next 7 years in Seattle. I dove right into several local theatre's working as a stage manager. 7 years straight. Show after show after show. Not to mention having a day job to pay the bills. I would have an hour and half commute in the mornings to the city for several years. Then one day my parents decided it was time to move again. I however didn't want to go to Colorado. I stayed behind and continued on with my theatre work. The commute became much easier during this time as I moved into the city, first living in the Queen Anne area then on Capitol Hill.

One year, I took a trip to New Orleans during Jazz Fest. I fell immediatly in love and knew I had to go back. I did. Again and again and again. Finally I decided that I really belonged there. One year and 5 months ago, I packed up the U-haul and with the help of my Brother in law, I moved across country. I have never, ever felt more at home or content as I do here. So when people ask me where I came from, or where home is? It is here. It is New Orleans.

See Why I love him???

Harry, Branford, Ellis and a few others are making a home for NOLA musicians....here in NOLA. As it should be. Yesterday they were in town (damn it I missed Harry!!) at the space where the village will be located. I did go to look in the Quarter even though I *knew* they would be in the 9th Ward. I figured it was worth a shot anyway right? Here is the full story from NBC Nightly News. That is so cool and so needed. A way to bring the music back.

On that note...do ya think I have had enough of Bonerama yet? I mean so far this year I have seen them....5 times. They play twice this coming weekend. Again at Tips, opening for the Radiators 29th anniversary shows. I am not sure if I am doing merch. Mark isn't sure if he wants to sell it (ie bring it with him) he said "just come have fun". When do I NOT have fun at a Bonerama gig. Even if I am not right in front dancing...I am getting to chat with some of the best people...telling them all about the band, getting them to buy the cds....some of my closest friends here in NOLA were met that way. Its a mutual bond.

Recommendations please!

Its a little slow here at work right now....so I am looking for some new blogs to read...who do you suggest?? I already read the "biggies" Miss Zoot, Dooce, Rockstar Mommy, Amalah....is there anyone out there that you just HAVE to read everyday???

A New Friend

Since the car is dead, well not dead but not safe to drive, I have been back on the ole bus. There has been this guy waiting for the bus every morning. An older gentleman. He works at the Hilton. The other day he met Paris Hilton's uncle...he was very excited about that. Every morning the conversation is the same. As soon as I walk up to the stop.

"The Tulane bus hasn't shown up yet"

"Is it almost time for our bus?"

"The bus over there comes 5 to 7 then our bus should be here right"

"There is the Claiborne bus....it will leave right before our bus"

"do you see the bus yet? I think I see it"

Usually the words are changed a bit but the questions are the same. Its not just me he says this to either...its anyone who walks up to the bus stop to wait. He is harmless and I see other people a little freaked out by him. He is just happy to be at the bus stop I think. Its kinda cute.

Going to the Superbowl

Pictures

Here are some pictures from the tribute show. I am going back to bed now...

Oh my hell.....

Being this tired is so worth it. Last night the music started at 8. It finished at around....2:25 AM. I think. All I know is I got home at 3:30ish...fell asleep for an hour woke up thought that I had overslept and freaked out a bit before I realized I had another hour to sleep. I got up at 6 and was at work on time. I am so freakin tired. I have had 2 cups of coffee and a coke already. I am starving but am afraid to eat because it could put me in some sort of sleep coma. But as I stated, it was worth it. To see all those people there, coming together for Brian, Missy, Hollis and Taylor, not to mention the other family members. It was a fitting tribute to a man of such talent. Kindness. He really did have a beautiful soul.

Vereee Interesting.

found on consumer fraudalert

I bought a used car from a dealer a year ago. I have contacted him many times but I have not yet received the title or any record that the title has been applied for. What can I do?
This is a very serious problem which may be an indication of even bigger problems.
The law requires the title to a used vehicle to be transferred immediately. This is particularly so if you pay cash (yep I did this) for the vehicle. Never pay for the vehicle in full unless you receive the title at the same time or are at least given a chance to inspect the title. The potential problems are serious.

The law allows a car dealer twenty (20) working days to prepare and submit the application for certificate of title. (Wed will be 3 months) All fees collected from you should be paid by that time as well. Car dealers sometimes run into problems with a title. They could lose the original title, the person that sold the vehicle to the dealer may be late in delivering the title or even more sinister problems can occur. A delayed title is often an indication of:

a) an odometer disclosure problem;
b) a wrecked or reconditioned vehicle;
c) a fraudulent title to a stolen vehicle; or
d) financial problems of the dealer.

A licensed car dealer must post a bond with the State of Texas in the amount of $25,000.00. The bond is to compensate anyone who buys a car from the dealer but does not receive a title or anyone who sells a car to the dealer but does not receive payment. However, the $25,000.00 bond is often insufficient to cover more than a couple of transactions. Act quickly because recovery on the bond is “first come- first served.”


I contacted the website...already had a short response....asking how much I did pay and did I have a receipt. Yes and Yes.

Vereeee Interesting


My car woes. So its been sitting in front of the house for about a week. I drove it around the block on Monday morning and it was making weird noises, so my fantastic roomie gave me a ride. I have asked around to a couple of friends about a good mechanic. I mean smoke coming out of both ends, and the hood not latching all the way can NOT be good. I have heard everything from "Its just a hose, thermostat, or a cracked engine head/block" I have no idea what the real problem mechanically is. I have been back to using the bus and mooching rides off of people. Where I don't think I can do anything about the car mechanically, I bought it "As Is" I do think I have another course of action. The place I bought the car from? Has yet to send me the title to the car. I paid cash. No title. They said it was going to take about 2 weeks. Next Wed we will be entering into Month #3 with no title. The first time my temp plate was about to expire, I called and was told the manager I had dealt with was no longer with the company. (Red flag #1) they sent me another temp tag (red tag). This one I receive 2 days before its about to expire. I call again, this time I ask to talk to a manager. He tells me that they will look into where my title is and call me back. In the meantime they will send out another red tag. (Red flag #2) no call back. Third time I call, the girl answering the phone tells me that they will send another red tag (expires today) and that the owner's briefcase was stolen and he had car titles in the case. Most likely mine was in there and they are working on recovering it. (Big old Red flag #3) They would let me know when they had it. I still haven't heard anything. I have done a bit of research with the help of google and I found this:

[b]I bought a used car from a dealer a year ago. I have contacted him many times but I have not yet received the title or any record that the title has been applied for. What can I do?
This is a very serious problem which may be an indication of even bigger problems.
The law requires the title to a used vehicle to be transferred immediately. This is particularly so if you pay cash for the vehicle. Never pay for the vehicle in full unless you receive the title at the same time or are at least given a chance to inspect the title. The potential problems are serious.

The law allows a car dealer twenty (20) working days to prepare and submit the application for certificate of title. All fees collected from you should be paid by that time as well. Car dealers sometimes run into problems with a title. They could lose the original title, the person that sold the vehicle to the dealer may be late in delivering the title or even more sinister problems can occur. A delayed title is often an indication of:

a) an odometer disclosure problem;
b) a wrecked or reconditioned vehicle;
c) a fraudulent title to a stolen vehicle; or
d) financial problems of the dealer.

A licensed car dealer must post a bond with the State of Texas in the amount of $25,000.00. The bond is to compensate anyone who buys a car from the dealer but does not receive a title or anyone who sells a car to the dealer but does not receive payment. However, the $25,000.00 bond is often insufficient to cover more than a couple of transactions. Act quickly because recovery on the bond is “first come- first served.”[/b]

I contacted the website where I found this answer Consumer Fraudalert to see what my next steps are. I have this car sitting there...paid in full with cash and I don't techinacally thing its mine yet....without the title....and its ain't running. Keep your fingers crossed for a quick answer from this place....

Wacked

So far today my emotions have been on this rollercoaster and I doubt the ride will end at any time soon. For once it is NOT pms. Just life. I am excited and nervous. Pajama Game opens up its previews today at the American Airlines Theatre. It is Harry's first time performing in a Broadway show. So I am excited and nervous for him. I am hoping that the reviews are good. I want to see him do good in this arena. Just because, well its two of my "passions" together.

Then I get really sad. Tonight is the tribute show for Brian at Tips. It is going to be a celebration for him....at the same time it will be hard. Almost like its time for the final goodbye. No one is ever ready to do that, or really wants to.

I guess its more of a carousel then a roller coaster. get it?? get it?? bueller? bueller?

How do they know??

I was just directed to the AWK website...hadn't looked at it yet this week....and it was pointed out to me that they have pics of the members up...and titles. Now I wish like hell I could remember what I said...or did to deserve my title. It rocks.

Not at stupid as I thought....

Topsy Turvy

I could talk about what every one else is talking about, steamed about, angry about, bitter about, Nagin's MLK speech. But I am not going to. Everyone is so set in their ways about what was said...that well I am not going to focus on it right now. I have my views, have stated them to some people and that is that. Nerves and emotional states are teetering on the ledge of a very high building and its not going to end up good.

So therefore, I will go on about my past weekend. I posted the link to my pics in the last post. Last Thursday morning I was out at the airport nice bright and early. For once the connection in Atlanta went smoothly. I was in the city of brotherly love by 4. Lisa and Marisa met me at the airport and then we headed out to Marisa's local haunt for my first cheesesteak and beer. We then got all dolled up to head out to see Bonerama's gig. It did kinda look like a bingo hall. But it was fun. I got to see Diane, last time I saw her was...I believe FQF but I may have seen her since then. She is a big Bonerama fan and has helped me in the past (at FQF) selling CDs at Craig's solo gig. I didn't know she was going to be there so it was a nice suprise. The guys sounded good, and there were some smiles that I hadn't seen in a long long time that I was glad to see. While Marisa thought it was spring like weather that night...I froze my ass off. It probably wasn't that cold, but my body is used to warm weather now.

Friday morning we did a whirlwind tour of Philly. And I mean whirlwind. It was perfect. In 2 1/2 hours we saw Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, Ben Franklin's grave, the Rocky steps, Geeno's and several other places. By 4:30 we were on a train out of Trenton, NJ heading towards the city. After what felt like 500 miles pulling our suitcases we finally found our hotel. It was located blocks from Penn Station, Empire State Building, and Macy's. First order of the night? Finding beer. It all pretty much went downhill into the crazy funland. I had lots more to drink that night, had an amazing time seeing everyone and just enjoying the music with all my friends. Not that any of us actually DID fall (that I know of) who in their right mind puts stairs UP to a bar and UP to the toilets??? Seriously. The fact that none of us did fall was a small miracle. It ended up being a VERY late night....and the morning came way to early.

I had the city to see however. Kristy, Lisa and I hit the Empire State Building, Macy's, Broadway, the Old Navy bargin basement, and several other places before it was time for a nap. I slept off and on for about an hour....until I remembered that my Seahawks were playing. I made everyone watch the last half of the game.....I yelled alot. After a victory drink (okay the drink was really to try to make me feel a bit better) we dolled up again and headed back to Coda for more fun and music. The best part of that night?? Was the "I'll Fly Away/Didn't He Ramble" that lead right into "Bone Up" all in honor of Brian. It was emotional for alot of people there.

Sunday dawned and it was a miracle I made the plane. Time just slipped away. I was taking the bus from Penn Station. Which was really a shuttle to Grand Central then to LGA. I got to the Delta Counter when they were announcing the final boarding call. I slept most of the way home....It was a whirlwind and I wouldn't change a second of the trip. It was exactly what I needed, to hang out with my friends and have fun. Seeing the snow on Saturday night was nice too....and for the first time (out of two trips) I saw the sun in NYC. Its the small things really....

25 Questions

I grabbed this from Lisa....home today from work and watching Queer Eye so I thought I would also do it:

25 questions that no one would EVER think to ask.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Oh HELL no....

2. How much cash do you have on you?
$20

3. What's a word that rhymes with TEST
Pest, the plumbers that are here....

4. planet? Uranus. hehehehehe

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list?
Fiona...from Australia

6. What is your favorite ring on your phone?
"Talk Dirty to Me" by Poison

7. What shirt are you wearing? big old pink t-shirt

8. What do you label yourself? drama queen

9. Name the brand of your shoes you're recently wearing? not wearing shoes, don't wear them if I don't have too. Wearing socks to keep the toes warm right now.

10. Bright or Dark Room? Dark. So I can sleep

11. What were you doing at midnight last night? Having a glass of wine at The Spotted Cat listening to the New Orleans Jazz Vipers with several friends

12. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
It was from my friend Craig.

13. Where is your nearest 7-11? um..don't think we have them here. Circle K is down the street.

14. What's a saying that you say a lot? Whatever....

15.Who told you they loved you last? My mom

16. Last furry thing you touched? Liza Jane

17. How Many Drugs Have You Done In The Past three Days? none.

18. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? One a disposible camera

19. Favorite age you have been so far? 29

20. your worst enemy? Myself

21. What is your current desktop picture? Matthew McCounghey and myself

22. What was the last thing you said to someone? "All the crap that landed in the attic from the roofing is now on the floor outside my room

23. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly, which would you choose? Duh - million bucks. Is that really a choice?

24. Do you like someone? Yes....

25. The last song you listened to? Well some...cheesy song is on the ending of QE right now.....

Pics from Philly an d New York City

Here is my pictures from my weekend of fun. Enjoy.

Stop the Flooding

Very cool blog that has just been created. This is a chance for a lot of people to come together and do the right thing, not to make this about political agendas and all that other nonsense. Just get the help where it is needed.

Stop the Flooding

Blur

The weekend was fantastic, a lot of fun and so worth everything. It truely was just what I needed. I am still trying to wake up, there was maybe a total of 11 hours sleep from Thursday to Sunday...lots of drinks, walking, shopping, music, laughs and general craziness. Pictures later tonight.

Only a few more hours....

I am doing much better after a little venting here. I added coolant and oil to my car just a few minutes ago at lunch. Hopefully that will be enough for me to make it home. And then to the airport tomorrow morning. Cuz man oh man I am starting to get excited for this weekend. Or its coming on full force now or something. Tomorrow it will be Philly, hanging out with Lisa and Marisa, who I am convinced is just slightly crazier than us. I mean crazy in a good way of course. While we haven't yet met in person we have this uncanny way of dressing alike. I don't mean in similar clothes....but the actual same shirt!! We should own stock in Old Navy or something. Maybe Lisa should be afraid....or maybe Mullins should be afraid.

Friday we will see some of the sites of Philly, since I have never been there then we hop a train to NYC which we either leave from the lovely Trenton or stop there. I am still unclear on that. They just need to get me on the right train...that is all I care about. At some point we are going to do a little ball gown shopping for Mardi Gras fun. At least those of us not deemed worthy of well....she knows. Of course the music of Bonerama tomorrow night, Friday night and Saturday night. Throw in a little bachlorette party fun and it sounds like just what the Dr. ordered.

I just tried a piece of Trident Splash....peppermint with vanilla flavor....hot damn this is a good piece of gum. Only 1 hour and 45 minutes until vacation!!!

I need a drink

Why is right before I head out for an exciting trip...things tend to fall to shit? Is it so I will appreciate my vacation more? (Like that will be hard) I don't get it. This week has been a real sucky one so far. Just a bunch of things piling up on top of one another...some big...some not so big.

• My back is hurting like there is no tomorrow. Most likely caused by the weird way I was sitting yesterday and today as I pulled numbers and wrote them down.
• As much as it pains me to say this...I do really need a break from NOLA. Even for 4 days. The stress everyone is under, the mold, the idiots in charge, the traffic (yes traffic) just everything. To walk away and try to forget for the first time in almost 5 months.
• My eyes. I was suppose to have an appointment today to see how my eyes are doing. I had them both lasered to close up small holes in the retinas back in June and July. Follow up appointment was today. I couldn't make it because I don't have insurance right now. The day I called to cancel, they called me to tell me that the doctor wouldn't be in today. And I seriously need to have an appointment. I am seeing more floaters and flashes. More some holes in the retinas. :(
• My car. I bought it as is from a dealer in TX. On Oct. 25th. I still have yet to receive the title from it. It overheats. I add coolant about once a week and its okay. Until this morning. When it was smoking out the tail pipe AND the hood. Which won't officially close all the way as of yesterday.

There are many other things. Its just life happening I guess. Roll with the punches and keep on truckin or something. Luckily a co-worker is going to go look at my car later and see if he can tell what is fully the matter. Hope its just the thermostat. If its a cracked block I am royally screwed.

So yeah....I need a drink.

Gonna be a Follower




Not only am I totally jumping on the "blog" wagon...I am stealing the same little button Lisa used. I mean how could I NOT??? If you are out there reading...let me know!! Time to de-lurk please. I will be adding back my blog roll soon....as well as a whole new site/design...may not be for awhile....so don't get your panties in a bunch!!

Only 1 1/2 work day until I head to Philly then to NYC for some much needed girls fun...oh and yes seeing Bonerama.

Stupidity

I am so freakin angry now it isn't even close to funny. This guy comes into the office just a minute ago....wants to make a delivery but everyone is at a meeting right now so he has to hang for a few minutes. No problem. We are just kind of talking about the hurricane and the typical "how did you make out" It was all fine until this asswipe says "at least all the blacks are gone" It took every ounce of my being not to throttle the guy and try to be somewhat civilized to him. He tried to back track because I know he saw in my face that I was beyond pissed. Then he starts saying how now that all are gone the drug dealers aren't here either. That is total and complete bullshit. Then he proceeds to say how his neighbors and him wanted to get trailers (and that they had the money so they didn't need the FEMA ones) and start their own subdivision in City Park, just the Lakeview people. "But Nagin wouldn't let us because it was discriminotory" then he back tracks and says it was "a city council person" I know these people (and I use the term loosely I don't think they should be deemed in the human race) are still here in the country, especially in the south. People with the ignorance and stupidity to make comments like that don't deserve anything. Makes me sick.

My Baby

Really hates having her picture taken.


So glad to see after having her bed for a year and a half she is finally using it.


as I type this she is climbing into library bookselves. She rocks.

Cleaning Up

Both Saturday and Sunday were spent at Dr. Michael White's house again. Still cleaning the cds for him. I think we got about another 600 done. There are two huge boxes left outside and some more in the house. I went into the house yesterday and can not even begin to describe the mold and the colors they are creating in his house. I had a headache within 5 mins of being in that house. There are still at least 3 rooms to be cleaned out. We decided yesterday, there is no point. At least not right now. We will get the rest of the Cds out, then wait to hear if the house is to be bulldozed. Which is a very high probablitity. His house backs up to a canal and they are going to supposedly bulldoze all those houses and build the levee/canal out 40 feet. Andy did find (we are 95% posititive) Sidney Bechet's sax mouthpiece. It was very surreal to stand there and hold that.

What was even more surreal was at the end of the evening yesterday. We stopped working close to 6, it was dusk so you could still see....but barely. Everyone else who had been out working this weekend had left for the evening. It was just the 3 of us. To stand in the middle of the street and look both ways and not see a single other soul, it was creepy, scary, and sad. That is how it looked right after the storm....right before the breeches/breaks. (whatever you chose to call them) Then a rush of water.....it is hard to wrap my mind around all of this still. To be carting out someone's belongings, dumping them on the front lawn....I know we are helping in a big big way....to have to do this on your own has to be beyond devastating.

On much lighter note....I have found, with the help of Sheik, Po'boy heaven. I kid you not...this is the best Po'boy in the history of the world!!! I made him go back yesterday with me....and it was closed. But I will be back there....I will eat more of the goodness.

I also have pics from Friday night...the 12th night celebration....I had my first piece of King Cake. Sugary goodness.

Here it is

What does it Mean to you?

I keep meaning to post the picture of my new tattoo. It is a Fleur de lis, done in purple shading. Its on my right outside ankle, beneath my music notes. I didn't do the typical yellow, green and purple, because on the inside right ankle I have my star turtle tattoo and it has yellow and green. On Tuesday I was showing a co-worker the new tat and he said "Your a Saints fan??" I said, "That is not what this means" Later that day he said he asked a few people "When you see a Fleur de lis, what do you think it means?" Two of the people said the Saints, one other said "The city of New Orleans." The next day he told me that the following article appeared in the TP in which it discusses very briefly the Fleur de lis.


Flag wavers Locals are showing their true colors
by flying fleur-de-lis banners
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Angus Lind
Ever since David Huete moved into his house on Prytania Street in January 1997, there has been a flag flying from his front porch at almost all times.
"I put flags up on holidays, special occasions, whatever," he explained.

These days, like a growing number of Orleanians, he and his wife, Maria, are flying the tricolor flag of the city of New Orleans: brilliant crimson at the top, a larger white field with three gold fleurs-de-lis in triangular form in the middle and a blue stripe at the bottom.
Huete, a Shell Oil Co. engineer for 30 years, is as New Orleans as one can get. Sporting a Mandina's Restaurant T-shirt that proudly states, "No Tank Tops. No Credit Cards," the Jesuit High School graduate said he flies his New Orleans flag during Carnival season (along with a Mardi Gras flag), on Jan. 8 (the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans) -- in short, to mark "anything to do with New Orleans."
Not surprisingly, it has flown at his house every day since the Huetes returned from their Katrina evacuation to Houston, and it will continue to do so. Huete looks at the city flag as the symbol of the spirit of New Orleans coming back.
"The subject I never get tired of talking about is New Orleans. I work with people who come here from all over the world. And what I see is how few people have a sense of place and home. And I feel sad for people who don't feel that drive to come home," he said.
"That's why it's so important to have a home to come home to. And that's why I fly that flag."
Huete has two brothers who served in the military, one who is still on active duty, another brother who is a government employee and another who is a priest. Like many locals, he said he has been disappointed with the slow response to the devastation from Katrina.
"I didn't think America was the kind of place that didn't take care of its own. An America that leaves New Orleans behind is not an America I want to live in," Huete said.
Local lawyer Warren "Butch" Greenwood, who is flying his city of New Orleans flag above the American flag at his home on State Street, agrees. "I'm more proud of my little city than my national government, and I'm not alone," he said. He sees New Orleans as "one of the jewels of the American crown." But . . .
"There's a time in everybody's history when you have to make a stand. It's a question of pride. I never put flags above the American flag, but that's where we are right now," Greenwood said. "I'm embarrassed about our country."
Greenwood's neighbors, Mignon and Joseph Constans, the latter a VA Hospital psychologist, feel they are doing their small part to sustain the city's spirit. "We're so fortunate to be home, but it's sobering to be back," she said. Her dad, Russell Guerin, who lives on Bayou St. John near the Fair Grounds, "thinks everyone should fly the flag so the national media can come see it."
Another Prytania Street flag-waver is Julie Calhoun. "My mother-in-law drives by and tells me it's so beautiful, and I know she's not talking about my house," Calhoun said. She and her husband, Patrick, fly their city flag as "a sense of pride. I love seeing it," she said. "I'm an Orleanian and proud of it. When we were in Atlanta, we said we need to go home and take our city back."
And fly the flag.
"The spirit of New Orleans is really showing up here," said Jack Matranga, owner of the Pennant Shop on Metairie Road. "It's almost like the surge on U.S. flags after 9/11. The people feel they want to fly it so we're not forgotten."
When Mayor Marc Morial was in office, Matranga said, he found in a safe at City Hall the original drawing and specifications for the flag, which was designed by Bernard Barry and Gus Couret, according to the sketch. Matranga has a copy of it.
The official flag was adopted by the Commission Council in 1918 in honor of the New Orleans bicentennial celebration. Ida Barrow, a public schools drawing teacher, was responsible for the idea that the city should have a flag. Mayor Martin Behrman liked the concept, and a committee was formed to select the winner from some 300 designs.
According to the Louisiana Historical Society, the first flag was sewn by the "Betsy Ross of New Orleans," a Mrs. J.R. Bonneval, and it was raised over City Hall on Feb. 9, 1918, on the 200th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans.
"It is a beautiful flag," said Matranga, whose parents' flag and pennant shop began operation on Baronne Street in 1930. "We made it through the Depression and World War II, so we weren't about to stop for Katrina," he said. The shop was closed for about six weeks until electricity was restored -- "It's the longest we've ever been closed" -- and since then about 80 flags have been sold.
Flags flying in the city have been purchased from other outlets as well, including City Hall, Brad & Dellwen's Flag Shop on Magazine Street and the Kitchen Witch on Toulouse Street in the French Quarter. (The city of New Orleans Web site lists the flags at $60 for a 3-by-5-foot indoor flag and $75 for a 4-by-6-foot outdoor flag. To order, the site instructs buyers to e-mail the mayor's communications director, Sally Forman, at sforman@mayorofno.com.)
The colors of the flag have specific meanings. The white field is the symbol of purity of government from which alone justice and equality can flow. The crimson or red stripe at the top represents fraternity, and the blue stripe at the bottom stands for liberty.
The white field of purity is five times as large as the stripes of fraternity and liberty because it is the mother of both, and the combination of these three fundamental principles of good government constitutes democracy.
The three fleurs-de-lis represent the birth of New Orleans. The red, white and blue are the colors of the American flag but are also the colors of France -- and since New Orleans is the daughter of both, they were grouped differently to constitute a new and separate entity, which became the flag of the city. (Also, the flag of Bourbon France was white with gold fleurs-de-lis.)
In the 900 block of Eleonore Street, Karen and Brooke Duncan III put up their New Orleans flag on Nov. 1. Karen Duncan said they felt the need to express their support for the city, "a confused city. It's like having a crazy sister -- she's crazy, but she's my crazy."
Meanwhile, in the 6000 block of Camp Street live Martine and Kevin Wiseman, the latter an instructor of Microsoft networking classes at ITT Technical Institute in St. Rose. In an apartment in the same house is his uncle, retired Fair Grounds Hall of Fame jockey Johnny "Uncle Bubby" Heckmann, who always flew the American flag.
About two years ago, alongside the American flag, they began to fly the New Orleans flag on election days and other New Orleans special occasions. "Just a little civic pride," Kevin Wiseman said.
A hurricane named Katrina changed all that.
"We're leaving it out for good," he said. "And for strength."

This has gotten me to thinking what does the Fleur de lis mean to other people? When you see the Fleur de lis do you automatically think of the city of New Orleans? Or do you think of the New Orleans Saints? Or of something completely different. For myself its the City of New Orleans. I decided to "google its ass" to find out the *true* history of the symbol. It seems to be a highly debatable topic....how long its been used, who has used it and what it stood for. It seems to me that it can mean whatever it means to each individual person, be it for the football team, the city of New Orleans, religion, Mardi Gras, Royalty, the list seems to go on and on. Here are a few links I found interesting http://www.heraldica.org/topics/fdl.htm and http://www.fleurdelis.com/fleur.htm

So what does it mean to you?

More on Brian

I received this today from my friend and fellow Arabi Wrecking Krewe-er Bill. He did a very nice job putting everything down in words.

Another Loss for the Crescent City
H. W. Phillips

Sprays of flowers formed the back drop as Mark Mullins, Bert Cotton and the other members of Bonerama performed a rock and roll eulogy. Big Luther Kent wept in one corner; George Porter bowed his head in another, both were part of an overflow crowd that included many of the preeminent musicians in New Orleans. They were there to pay their respects to Brian O’Neil, a gifted musician, songwriter and arranger, and by all accounts, an even better friend.
The music didn’t stop after the tribute from Bonerama. Singing without a microphone and with only an acoustic guitar, Deacon John transfixed the crowd with a haunting version of Any Day Now. David Torkanowsky displayed his chops on the organ as he accompanied Topsy Chapman who sang a spirited rendition of the gospel standard Gloryland, which had many in the crowd clapping in time and singing along. Following the indoor musical tribute, players from the Dukes of Dixieland and the Storyville Stompers joined with Kirk Joseph and Brian’s mates from Bonerama to march down St. Charles in a brief but spirited second line that struck just the right note on a brilliant blue, crisp December day. The parade concluded with Wesley of the Storyville Stompers, who represents the elegant apotheosis of New Orleans grand marshals, leading a spirited sing along of Didn’t He Ramble, the traditional last song at a jazz funeral replete with memories of past adventures.
Rick Trolsen, a neighbor and former band mate of Brian’s, lauded his friend’s zest for life and many accomplishments. “From the late eighties to the early nineties he was the musical director on several riverboats, where he was in charge of a band of colorful pirates. He had to write shows and produce them and that’s a big job, but like everything he did, he gave it one hundred and fifty percent. He had a talent at smoothing things over, particularly musically, and getting guys to work together.” Rick, who helped found Bonerama, but then left the band to pursue other musical interests, will be filling in for Brian for the immediate future, a future which is becoming increasingly busy as the band grows both musically and in popularity. Rick will not be playing the bass trombone, however, which Brian played in the group which normally features four trombones and sometimes as many as five. “It is going to be almost impossible to replace Brian’s sound. Other than Bonerama, he was used to playing and soloing on the tenor trombone” (the commonly used instrument so prevalent it is usually not necessary to identify its range) “and he transferred those skills to the bass trombone. Not many other bass trombonists have that skill.”
Bonerama performed their first show since Brian’s passing at the grand reopening of the House of Blues on the Wednesday after Christmas. The NBC national news did a piece on the opening featuring Fred Leblanc, front man for Cowboy Mouth, the headline group. But many in the crowd came to see Bonerama, and for the first number they were treated to a ten minute version of Edgar Winter’s Frankenstein with Bert Cotton playing a feedback drenched solo that showed he is tossing his hat into the ring for the now far flung New Orleans guitar heroes. (Bring them all home!) Mark Mullins unleashed a new showstopper with a version of Professor Longhair’s classic Hey Now, Baby, which many years ago had been appropriated by the Meters and renamed Cabbage Alley. Bonerama’s version leans on the Meters reincarnation which allowed for interesting musical spaces and inspired soloing that seemed to reference Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew. The highlight of the evening was the band’s performance of Bone Up, one of Brian’s compositions, which has an infectious sixties James Brown sound that highlighted Brian’s R&B roots, honed, no doubt, during the many years he spent playing with Wayne Cochran and Luther Kent.
Brian was an accomplished pianist and fine singer, and he had a heart attack while performing at a solo gig. He was only fifty years old. Mark Mullins said, “He had such a great voice and that was one of the things we wanted to take more advantage of. I think his untimely death has made everybody think of all the things we didn’t get to do.”
The pristine weather and splendid music on the day of the funeral inspired Bert Cotton to tell his girlfriend, “Things like this don’t happen everywhere.” Later he elaborated on that point. “I think everybody in the band looked to Brian to tell us if something wasn’t right with our playing or anything else. He had the maturity and the musicianship to help us make sure we kept it going. And we are going to miss him on a number of different levels. But his funeral was such a celebration of life; it’s helped me a lot. I think it has given us all the strength to get where we are going without him. But he will always be a part of this band.”

Twilight Zone

My cat does not like Tuna juice. What in the hell is up with that?? She is NOT normal. Maybe that is why I love her so much. Last night I was making my lunch for today. Normally I am never that prepared, but I am trying to be good. It was about the time that Liza Jane gets her little snack so I decided to give her the tuna juice, first time I have done that. She sniffed at it and looked at me like "What in the hell is that shit you just put on my food" Max, the other cat in the house, came charging in and ate it all. Liza didn't care, she had walked away from it. I tried to give her a piece of chicken. No can do, don't want that. She did however eat some bread. My cat loves bread, pasta and sometimes cheese. She is weird. A little carb kitty or something.

Getting back to the making my lunch, being prepared thing. That is just weird for me. I even COOKED dinner last night. Carrie asked me when I got home if I wanted to go to Wendy's with her for a burger. I didn't do it. I cooked a very yummy meal that was portioned and everything. I went to the grocery store and not one bad thing made it into my cart. No hot wings, hot dogs, cookies, chips....lots of fruits and veggies. Wow. Let's see how long this will last.

Weird Ass Alien Dream

Ever have those dreams that just won't go away for hours after you wake up? I had one of those. Last night I dreamt aliens landed here on earth. I don't remember where exactly I was, it wasn't a house I had seen before. However it was the house was apparently my parents. I think there had been a storm or something...I had been asleep (see I am so tired I am dreaming of sleeping) when my mom came and woke me up and said that aliens had landed nearby. We were watching news reports, it was scary, exciting and crazy. They didn't have pictures or videos of the aliens apparently it was one ship. A small ship. We decided to go see the aliens, because I mean come on who wouldn't want to??? So we went to a different room in the house where apparently they were. They had set up in this room that had glass in front of it so we could see them and they could see us....there was a dad, mom and 3 kids. They looked exactly like humans, except for a weird nose....kinda like sagging scaly noses. They were excited to see humans and had decided to make a family trip here to earth to check us out. I have no idea why I keep coming back and thinking about this dream. Maybe it tripped me out? I blame the white russian I had to drink last night.

Dark Side Minus One

Last night Adam, Carrie and I headed out to the Baton Rouge area to have dinner with two of my most favoritist people. It was alot of fun, nice and relaxing. Even if almost everyone was in bad moods when we got there...it quickly cleared up. Gayle and Hank always make me laugh. Even if I didn't get to hear all the stories because someone wouldn't finish them. ;)

If I am at home for more than two minutes today I may post the pic of my new tattoo. Maybe even a few of my very cute and sweet kitty who has forgotten who I am. I have had a lot of fun this past week, but I am damn tired. The big plans this evening are grocery shopping (starting that scary word today, you know the one "diet") and taking down some Christmas decorations. That may wait until this weekend though. I don't know. I really just want to sit down and read. Since I read 58 (?) last year I am challenging myself to read 68. I think I read a page yesterday. I better get my butt in gear. However what I just bought today, may not help in anyway. I finally sucked it up and got Tivo. Now I won't miss any more eppies of Scrubs, Will and Grace, Lost, anything with Harry, How I Met your Mother, and whatever else I get sucked into watching. I really can't wait to see Skating with Celebraties. I have a feeling I will be laughing my ass off while watching that one.

Must be all the ink

This morning I didn't want to get out of bed. I got 8 hours of good sleep. So far today I don't feel like I have slept at all. Eyes doing that fun burning, just close and sleep for a few minutes feeling. That and I am really really dizzy today. My body is so messed up with the sleep thing right now it isn't even funny. By the time I get back to a "normal" schedule I will be heading to Philly/NYC and it will all be shot to hell. So goes it for a good time. Yesterday was a need to make a "change" day. I colored my hair in the morning. I took out all the red highlights and am now just have dark brown hair....way more my natural color. Maybe a tad darker. I don't think anyone will really be able to tell, but I sure can. Then in the afternoon? I went and had this done: well hell I can't post the pic right now for some reason..but I got a new tattoo. Up to #5 now!!!

More Pics

I took my roomie and Carrie out to the 9th ward on the 31st of Dec, we took Adam to see yesterday. I don't think anyone can full grasp what is going on here until you stand in the 9th ward...and there is dead silence, till you see, smell and feel the destruction. I tried to caputure it anyway. So here are some pics

New Camera

My sister got me a new camera for Christmas....finally back to digital. I was downloading some pics I took of the animals and there were some random pics on there....not sure where they came from but the guys look familiar. ;)

Who is this dude on drums?
This guy seems nice
This one does too.
They gotta be cool if they have a trombone player.