City Park - New Orleans

Here is a favorite spot for me and mine! Sadie absolutely loves this place. It is a huge park near downtown. It has lots of cool trees to climb, a small amusement park, the Story Book park, ducks and even a museum!

If there is a weekend that is warm and sunny, you can find us here. When my other two girls were here, Darby and Chloe, we all ventured down to the park for a picnic and fun.

We brought Darby's friend, Jessi, with us and there was much tree climbing and merriment that ensued! Even in this concrete jungle you can find a piece of paradise; grass you can walk through barefooted, trees that are worth your time climbing

and a peace you don't find in the hustle and bustle

of the city.

There are other parks, in fact there are several other parks, but this is my favorite.

Elvis Spotting - Mardi Gras Style

HAPPY MARDI GRAS

In an effort to jump on the "I saw Elvis" band wagon... I give you Elvis, N'Awlins style.

Yes, it is that time of the year in the jungle. Strange creatures roam the streets, throwing beads, stuffed toys, cups and sometimes even undies (yes, undies) from decked out metal machines that trundle along the crowded street. There, lined up, brimming with anticipation - are the people. Ladders rigged as seats, bags ready for the promise of loot and kids and adults waving their hands frantically, all for the ultimate treasure.... BEADS (the bigger the beads, the better!).

I actually truly enjoy this aspect of New Orleans. When I tell people about Mardi Gras, I don't think they truly get just how serious the local natives take their festival. The ENTIRE town shuts down. Especially the pinnacle day, Fat Tuesday... TODAY! When I say shut down, I'm not just talking about the small mom and pop stores, I am talking everything! The concrete streets become filled with color, sounds and people. You are surrounded by strangers that in an instant can become your 'parade' buddies!

START EM' YOUNG!

This is where it all starts folks. At a young age the children of the jungle are taught the secrets to getting those all coveted beads. Be cute, raise up your arms and yell at the top of your lungs..... Of course if they are anything like my girl here, all that isn't even necessary. Half way through this particular parade, she was sitting on a upturned milk carton and complete strangers were catching beads and handing them to her... Boy is she good!


So, what is a country girl to do during this week long ritual... I grab a friend and join it of course! Hey, I may be country, but I know a good party when I see one!

Let Me Get Started

For those who know me, you realize this is an old picture of me. For those who don't let me explain, I now wear khakis, have a couple more stripes and they call me Chief!

I picked this photo becuase it was a turning point in my Naval career. This was my graduation picture from Master At Arms (cop) school. Prior to that I had been a Corpsman for 11 years.

I am currently serving in my 18th year and have loved every day (okay, not every day but who really does). I am proud to stand up and say, "I served". I have made some totally awesome friends. Friends, I'm finding out, that stick with you throughout the years. I know it doesn't seem so hard; but think about it. We, as Sailors, Marines, Soldiers or Airmen, move (normally) every three years. New state (or country), new home, new start. It's not always fun leaving people you have worked with for three years, bonded as only those who serve can bond. We work, fight, live and die together. We are criticized, together. We protect those who cannot protect themselves, together. We are unique and I don't care if that sounds conceited, because its true. There are those who can serve and those who can't. Those who can ensure the ones who can't have the freedom to pursue whatever they want. So again, proudly, with every ounce of heart and soul I can pour into written words..."I proudly serve in the United States Navy". Okay, now I am off my soap box. Sorry, sometimes I go off on tangents so bear with me throughout this blog.

I have three beautiful children who somehow manage to love me no matter what. I have a sister, dad and mom who support me in whatever I do, though at times throughout my 37 years I am sure one of them, at one point, wanted to throw me in a closet and lose the key!

I am a country girl trapped in this concrete jungle people like to call the city. I yearn for grass under my bare feet, the feel of running full speed on the back of my horse across a pasture, the smell you only get out in the country and my step mom's country cooking. *sigh* But here I be, wearing shoes cause concrete hurts, the only horses I see are the ones running around a track, all I smell is stale alcohol, jet fumes and not-always-so-clean people. And I have to cook myself..... Do you see the sad, sad comparison?

But, as I said, I am at the beginning of my 18th year in the Navy. In two more years I can retire, and I plan on doing just that. I am currently enrolled in college for my RN degree. I have dreams of flying around on a helo while patching people up.

So, there is me. Believe me, lots more but I don't want to bore you and I have to get up because my leg and butt have gone to sleep. So, until next time.