Week. Over.

It's been a ride, that's for sure. I received my first groups, my first pop-up groups, my first frustrations, my first offer of a date (declined), my first concert tickets purchased, and first day of sweating out a hangover (literally).

I'll write more over the weekend, but I want to say that yesterday was somewhat of an epiphany for me. I've received a few e-mails and calls from friends expressing sadness that I'm not making the trip back in June, and that my trip in August is pretty much booked. I want all of you to know that whatever you're feeling, I'm feeling it 100 times worse. Those that know me well, know that the absolute last thing in life I want to do is let someone down. And I know I do it a lot. And every time it happens, it tears me up inside. I over commit myself and then everyone suffers.

I just want you to know that I'm sorry. I want to be there in June. And I want to be available in August. My entire life of friends and family are going to be crammed into two nights there, and it sucks. It really, really sucks. I know I'm going to forget something, or someone, and I hate it.

Sorry to be so morose today....it was a bit of a rough couple of days, and this morning didn't help the situation. I promise I'll be more upbeat in future posts. I miss and love all of you.

~Moe

Funny, the way it is....

Life is the most interesting, mysterious, enjoyable experience ever. Things change so quickly, in a fraction of the blink of an eye. Realizations that although some things are not as they seem, they more frequently are. It's truly a small world, and part of the reason for my change of locale was to escape it. And then I realized I can't. I'm exactly the same person, doing the exact same things. It's taken me less than three weeks to realize this. And the best part about it?

I love it.

I love that I have the guts to go for what I want. To take the worst possible situation and make the best of it. To see, to truly see, the good in everyone, even (and sometimes especially) the people you think are complete a-hole douchebags. I love that I'm doing exactly the job that I love, in a place that I love. I had lost the passion for doing this job before, and I needed to be away from it for a while. To experience more. I'm so much better equipped to deal with all the aspects of this job, and I've regained my passion for it.

I could sit here and be upset about my vacation being put on ice for a year, but I'm not. I know that the postponed concert will happen, and it will likely be 1,000X better because of the delay. After my trip to Target in the suburbs, I could be sad that I have to replace most of my worldly belongings, but I'm not. I know that I get new cool silverware and a shower curtain that I've wanted for a while. I miss my couch, and it would have been the perfect style. But it would have been too big.

So many opportunities present themselves in life, and if we don't jump at the opportunity, it just....passes us by. I see the status updates and the Twitter feeds of all the things I'm missing out on in Minneapolis, and then I realize there's a festival here literally every weekend. Greek Fest, Creole Tomato Fest, whatever, opportunities that I would miss in Minneapolis if I WERE there. And I wouldn't even know it, because I'd still be stuck in the same rut. I don't mean that to sound like it probably does. I mean that I'd be doing the same things, with the same people, in the same places. And here, I may be doing the same things, but it's different. And somehow, seems better.

I'll close by saying this: I TRULY hope that my friends and family, who I love with all my heart, come to visit me. So they can experience this city. It's really amazing. I hope that whoever reading this has a dream, and passion. And when they have the opportunity, they take it. They break out of their shell. They jump so far out of their comfort zone, they can't even see it.

Because if I can, ANYONE can. And you should. Ask yourself what it is you want out of life. And then go for it. Don't let anyone tell you can't, or that you shouldn't. Or anything. Just do it. You won't regret it, I promise. Not for one single second.

A friend of mine said something to me that was quite poignant - don't regret anything you've done, because at the time you did it, it was EXACTLY what you wanted. No regrets, no looking back. Only going forward.

One last thing: if you live in MN, please, PLEASE, quit complaining about the humidity and road construction. I'm tired of those being the only two things I see on Facebook and Twitter. Spend some time here in August and you'll never complain about either again. Besides, isn't that what you suffer all winter for? Humidity and road construction?

Not homeless!

Lease has been signed and delivered!!! I have a key! To an apartment! To my apartment!!! How flippin cute is this entrance!?!?!?

For those of you that have seen it, I KNOW how PERFECT my couch WOULD have been. It saddens me to a high level that I didn't bring it with me. It was TOTALLY a New Orleans couch. Not as much as the news of the U2 concert postponement, but greatly saddens me. But, we're being upbeat! Shuffle is reading my mind today, I'm excited to have my own place (as much as I love room service and our housekeepers, living at the hotel has begun to get old), to decorate it and make it my own. I'm excited to discover the neighborhood and hang pictures. To buy bar stools for the super cute breakfast bar. TO HAVE A DISHWASHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It really is the little things in life, friends. This one is huge for me, and I'm beyond excited. Work is going well; I have my first clients and I'm almost comfortable around here. I did have to cancel my trip back to Minneapolis in June however. The U2 concert was the reason the trip was planned in the first place. I'm ultra bummed out because there were plenty of other kick ass things I had planned (girly golf outing, Twins game, possible road trip to the Dave Matthews concert, spending time with an angel - in every sense of the word). But mostly missing out on the opportunity to spend a week with the people in my life that I love the most and my new nephew. He still hasn't arrived, but now I have to wait another month to see his sweet face. And when I'm back in August, I'm only back in the cities for a couple of days, so I know I won't get to see and touch and hug and kiss everyone that I want to. It will still be wonderful, and I'll get to meet and welcome a beautiful newborn to the family, I just wish I had more time.

So, having said that, I will be in Minneapolis on Wednesday, August the 4th, and Monday, August the 9th. Save the dates, peeps.

First weekend in the Big Sleaze...

And there was nothing sleazy about it. Friday after work, we were in need of cocktails, so my assistant and I headed to the local. We sat around chatting for a while when the douche from the previous evening waltzed in. Wearing a backwards hat. Sweet, sweet vindication. I love when I make good decisions.

A good friend of mine mentioned that he had another friend that just moved here. We had tried getting together the during the week, but couldn't connect. Anyhow, he said he'd meet us at the bar. In the meantime, another couple of guys had come into the bar, one of whom was also from Minnesota! Finally!! Backup for me!! I wasn't outnumbered by Saints fans!! The five of us laughed and drank and then departed. My assistant needed to get home, so C and I dropped her off. Then he decided he wanted to try his hand at being a "tour guide". So I capitulated and agreed to let him drag me down Bourbon Street. I had been there on a Wednesday, but that was nothing compared to a Friday night in the Quarter.

It's all really fuzzy, but suffice to say, we had some decent beers at the BeerHouse (I think that was the name of it), a Hurricane at Pat O'Briens (during which I NEEDED to call Andi and share the news with her, even though it was 1:30 in the morning and she was DYING to hear from me at this time), bought a "wish stick" at a voodoo shop, and then ended up a a blues bar. The last place was pretty cool. We were testing the theory of bars never closing around here, but only lasted until sometime after 4:30....what can I say, there were cocktails involved?! Suffice to say, I didn't really move out of my bed on Saturday. I ventured out for a bloody at Jean Lafitte's Old Absinthe House, and a gyro, and that was about it. Until 4 or so, when my assistant called again.

She was my tour guide for the afternoon/evening, and let's just say it was a MUCH different tour. We drove around in the Quarter, the Marigny, Mid-City, Bayou St. John and a couple other places. I showed her the house I was looking at and she agreed that it was adorable (more on that in a future post). It happens to be just a few blocks from THE Irish pub in NO - Finn McCool's. Irish as in, owned by Irish peeps right off the boat. A few pints of Guinness were had, and then it started...the whiskey drinking.

I do not generally drink whiskey. I do not generally do anything with whiskey except look at it with disdain. Or pour it out. I strongly dislike the flavor. In the last couple of years, I have been ok with drinking Jameson when it is the only thing in the house, or bar, or garage. I rarely enjoy it. However, when a "nice"* Irish guy that reminds you of Ireland buys Red Breast whiskey (which apparently is pretty good stuff), you drink it. And then you return the favor. And before you know it, you're extremely jealous of your sister, who happens to be a certified whiskey taster.

*in yet another future post, I will explain further the quotes surrounding the whiskey buyer.

Another friend had made an introduction to one of his friends, so I cleared with my assistant that it was cool for me to take off. Plus, I figured she was in good hands. So, off we went to Mick's for karaoke. Drinks were had, bad music was listened to, some good music was listened to and eventually I just needed to sleep....called a cab and made it safely to the confines of my bed, Sunday was pretty much a repeat of Saturday - minus the bloody. I did drink about three gallons of Gatorade though, and was still thirsty. Ordered a pizza for dinner, took a long, hot bath, and watched a ton of chick flicks. Of all the places to have a Sunday Funday, this is the place for it....I just wasn't having it yesterday. There will be many more opportunities, I'm sure.

Tonight will be another low key night. Hopefully picking up keys for my new apartment(!!!) and then watching the season (and series) finale of 24. Have a packed week of training at work, volunteering at work, and still figuring out exactly how I fit in around here. I'll get there. And then I hope all of you do too.

P.S. I WILL be at the Vikes/Saints game 9/9/10. It's official. My buddy bought two tickets and I have my name on the other one now. So, my offer still stands....I'm going to buy 4 tickets - first peeps to send me flight confirmations have first rights to purchase said tickets from me. I'll sell them for what I paid....though the one I'm going on is just south of $200. Do with that info what you wish!

Possibly the worst news ever....

Ok, so that might be a bit of an exaggeration. I just read that Bono (of U2 fame, for those that have lived in a cave for the last two decades) injured his back prepping for the upcoming tour and had to have back surgery.

The last time U2 came to Minny, I bought a ticket the day before the show for $125. I sold it the night of the show for $300. Anyone that knows me knows I have few regrets. This is one of them. When I heard they were coming back, come hell or high water, I was going to be at the show. I bought into the fan club so I could get presale tickets and I did. 2 GA tickets.

I bought my plane ticket yesterday. YESTERDAY. 6/25 - 7/4. So long as the concert isn't delayed more than a week, I will still be able to go. If it's rescheduled for any time after 7/3, I'm fucked. I know this is karma messing with me and I think it's bullshit. If I don't get to see them, the universe can go fuck itself for all I care. I KNOW I shouldn't have sold those tickets, but don't punish me like this!!! Please!!

Also, I wish Bono a very speedy recovery and truly hope it's nothing serious. Aside from enjoying their music immensely, Bono is a humanitarian in every sense of the word. I may not agree with all of his political views, but the man wants to make the world a better place. And he puts his money where his mouth is. I have mad respect for him and hope that he gets better soon.

Or discovers cortisone shots.

The more things change...

The more they stay the same.....

I'm glad my phone wouldn't let me write this portion of the blog - a few too many Guinness coupled with an irritated lady do not make for niceness. I checked out the apartment in the Quarter, and it was, as expected, quite the fixer-upper. I could see the cuteness of it, but the lack of laundry is really what made me say no. So the search continues.

One of my colleagues was having a day from hell, so happy hour was a must. I had an appointment to look at another place, but we were having too much fun, and so I rescheduled it for today. After my counterpart left, it was just myself and our assistant. We were laughing and discussing the plans for the rest of the evening when a cute boy sat down next to me. He had been in the bar before, and while I thought he was cute, the first thing I noticed was his height. Or lack thereof.

Anyone that knows me knows I'm a tall drink of water. I'm 5'10" flat footed and can frequently be found in 3+" heels. While I'm not opposed to dating someone the same height, I generally don't date guys that are shorter than me. Not that I had any inclination to think he'd even be interested, just throwing it out there. There have been exceptions to the rule, and it's not to say I wouldn't again, but my preference regarding the male species is that they are taller than me. I applaud Nicole Kidman for doing it for so long, but even she upgraded in the height department.

Eventually he introduced himself to us ladies, and apparently works pretty close to us (he also happens to have the same name as my sisters fiancé, so that's strike two). He challenged me to a Google duel with my iPhone (he works for Verizon) and I handily kicked his ass. As such, he bought us a round of drinks. My lady friend departed to some pool thing with her brother, and so I was left to my own devices with this boy.

Pool sounded interesting to me, so we went to some divey place called Chucks. On the walk over, he was telling me about some dating service and arguing about why it was ok for Clinton to get his knob slobbed in the Oval Office by some intern (he for some reason felt it was - strike three). Drinks were ordered, pool table was racked. He made mention of getting laid and I made mention of if he wanted to get laid, he was hanging out with the wrong chick and should probably find somewhere else to get tail. He apparently kept trying, but would not acquiesce to my request for at least a couple of dates first.

Here's where I get irritated. His exact words (or close enough since by this point things were a bit fuzzy) were, "I think you and I will be great friends.". Which I'm completely fine with!! Duh, I just moved here! Dating is the last thing on my mind, and even if it weren't, you're STILL shorter than me! So, my response, in typical me fashion, was, "That's cool. I don't usually date guys that are shorter than me anyway.". Apparently he felt this was a hit below the belt. I was simply stating a fact. When a guy says "I think we'll be good friends", a chick hears "I'm not interested in anything other than sleeping with you", which I had made VERY clear wasn't going to happen. Why is that so flippin difficult to understand!? I very clearly stated my intentions, and he gets upset and calls ME a game player?! WTF?!?! THIS, this is the precise reason I'm not dating! Men are too effing stupid! That's not to say I'm even remotely entertaining the thought of going the other way about it, but whatever.

So he gets huffy and leaves. I'm standing there, in complete disbelief that I've just been left in a bar, by a somewhat cute boy, pool cue in hand, and about ready to cry. I walk to the bathroom, look at myself in the mirror, and say, "He's not worth it. He's not worth crying over. You said what you needed to, and he couldn't handle it, and there's no sense in being upset over someone that's being an idiot.". I pulled it together, sat down at the bar, smoked a cigarette, thanked the bartender for taking care of us and walked out the door, head held high.

And there he is. Across the street on the phone (likely looking for a backup to nail). He crossed to my side of the street and anything he said, I really didn't hear. I just kept walking. I made it to the end of the corner and turned around. He was still standing there. Looking forlornly at me, I think hoping I'd come back. And so, of course, in typical me fashion, I did. He tried to pull me in for a kiss, but I was so steamed I was having none of it. I tried to stop being so emasculating earlier in the evening, but I just couldn't help myself. I pulled up the keypad on my phone and told him he had 5 seconds to give me his number or it was the last time he'd see me. And the countdown was on. He kept trying to speak, but nothing that came out of his mouth was a number. So when I got to zero, I turned around, wrested my arm from his grip and walked away into the night. Part of me hoped he'd come running after me, but the smarter part of me is glad he didn't. I didn't turn around once. And when I got back to my room, and put my head on the pillow, all was right in the world.

He said us meeting was fate, and while it may be, I still think he's a douche and doesn't deserve even the lowliest title of acquaintance.

On to happier things! There is a festival here this weekend called Bayou Boogaloo. I'm so in, it's ridiculous. Will report back on Monday. Have a good weekend all!

Apartment Hunting....

Well, I looked at my first apartment over lunch today. A 1 bedroom in the Quarter. Just shy of $800, including all utilities, a block off of Bourbon Street. While I don't know that this is the best idea ever, considering my social (re: partying) ways, I've never been much of a tourist, and cannot fathom spending another minute on Bourbon Street. I will to appease my friends, if and when they visit, but other than that, I will avoid at all costs. I may be a bit of a party girl (understatement of the decade?), but Bourbon Street just doesn't appeal to me. (I need an abbreviation for Bourbon Street....B.S. is just not going to work.)

It certainly wasn't the nicest apartment I've ever seen, but it would afford me the ability to sell my car, and walk or bike to work. It's a ten or so minute walk. However, I feel that the "touristy-ness" of the area might drive me a little crazy. There's a cute little courtyard in the back, where I could bask in the sun and read, and considering the location, it's surprisingly quiet. The one thing that's holding me back is the lack of laundry options. There are no machines in the complex, and no hookups even if I wanted to buy something. I'm willing to relax a lot of standards (see the Miller Lite I was drinking earlier in the week), but I just don't think I can bring myself to use a laundromat.

I'm looking at a place in Mid-City this evening. It's further away than I'd like to be ideally, but it's only a couple of blocks from the Canal street car and I can use that to get to work. It looks like a really cute house, so hopefully it'll be nice. I'm also looking at a place on St. Charles on Saturday morning - a SUPER cute building with lots of options for apartments. The only issue with this is that they're all studio apartments. I really feel like I'm past the point in my life where a studio is an acceptable living environment, but like I said, I'm into the relaxing of standards lately. Standards, not morals, mind you.

I'll use most of the rest of the day Saturday to drive around and hopefully find something. Our bartender suggested the Marigny district; not a lot of public transportation options, but certainly a bikeable distance. Though I'm not sure how badly I'll want to be biking with 100% humidity through most of August and September.

I've baffled quite a few of my colleagues with my disdain for driving to work, especially considering we get free parking. I don't know....I just don't care to drive for the most part. I've put less than 20K miles on my car in the last three years, and I really don't see the point. It's not a lazy thing, or a green thing, it's just a thing. One of many that make me a weird circus freak. Albeit one with pretty great legs.

One last thing. The local hotel bar has what is quite possibly the best Cuban sandwich on the planet. Last night we put bacon in it. Was. Amazing. Next quest? Wrapping it in bacon and somehow creating a Monte Cristo-like Cuban. I hope they name it after me. It is now my life goal to have a sandwich named after me. Ah, the little things in life.

Foodie in the Big Easy

A quick rundown of all the things I've consumed since arrival last week:

Goat Cheese on Brioche with hot pepper jelly

Shrimp Beignets

Buttermilk Belgian Waffle

Foie Gras Terrine

Shrimp Po' Boy

Beignets

Some kind of beans with Andouille

Crawfish

Cuban Sandwich (times two after tonight)

Cheese Steak that they forgot to put the cheese on

Poutine (and LOTS of it)

Green Seafood Curry

Abita Root Beer Float

A metric ass ton of gummi bears and cherries

Red Velvet Cupcake

Couple bags of Zapp's Potato Chips

Homemade mac and cheese

Gyros

More Beignets

After finding an abode to call my own, the next item on my list will be a gym.

Wa wa wee wa!

Hey hey!! For the first time in my entire life, I've moved away from home. I don't count the year I spent at Mankato State as being away from home (mainly because I was home every stinkin weekend), so this is quite the jump. I had a dream of moving to the Big Apple and instead I'm in the Big Easy. I will still get to Manhattan, but for now, I'm good here. I'll share the chronicles of the drive down, and everything leading up to it in future posts, but I'll give my first impressions of the city that's below sea level today. Once my computer arrives in a couple of weeks, I'll have more of an opportunity to be a regular poster and contributer.

My first night here was Wednesday. I checked into my new hotel and had dinner in the bar. After talking to Sam for a while, I decided to check out this thing called Bourbon Street. You may have heard of it. I certainly had, and it was everything I expected and more. I only walked a few blocks down, past a bunch of gentlemen's clubs, and found a bar with a live band and 3-for-1's! Seriously? Granted my Red Bull/Vodka was $16, but still....it was huge! And I'm not normally a size queen. The band was pretty good too. I made friends with an older couple (George and Susie, you're absolutely adorable!!), and a few guys that were in town doing some contracting work of some sort. We found an Irish pub (I'm a complete sucker for a good Irish pub) and played pool and then I headed back home.

Thursday I slept in, ordered room service, and met my new co-workers. They seemed really nice and I think I'm going to fit in just wonderfully. A friend of a friend picked me up and toured me around the city a bit. I really like the Uptown area. This weekend I'll do more driving around as I don't generally like sleeping while I work (or having the pen dipped in the company ink). Just makes me too accessible.

Friday I had some loose ends to tie up in Minneapolis so I went back for the weekend. Yesterday marked the first day on the job - touring around the building, meeting some of my new colleagues, an all afternoon meeting and a quick reception. I'd been hearing nothing but wonderful things about the Cuban sandwich at Cajun Mikes, and since I was unable to get one on Sunday (stupid wonderful crawfish boil!), I went back Monday. And it was wonderful. So were the people I was sitting next to. So wonderful, in fact, that I ended up staying way past my bedtime (completely missing my date with Jack Bauer), and laughed and laughed and laughed. Also, I will be back on Wednesday to try said Cuban sandwich with bacon. Bacon makes everything better, I say.

All in all, the first few days have been wonderful, and I'm excited to discover all this city has to offer in the coming years. That's right, I plan on being here at least three years. C'mon, I want to be at a Super Bowl dammit!! And hopefully the Vikings will be in it. There are a lot of things I will adopt about this city - po' boys, crawfish, jambalya, gumbo, Mardi Gras, Jazzfest, all the other Fests - but the Saints are NOT one of them. This girl is a Viking fan for life. Please don't beat me up because of it.

Lastly, I don't care what anyone says, Minnesota Nice is a farce. I was born and raised there, and it's a load of crap. It's more like Minnesota Passive-Agressive. Southern Hospitality is where it's at. Thanks for being so welcoming so far. I truly cannot wait to fall in love with this city and the people here.