FINALLY!!!!!!

After a month and a half away, I finally it back to the gym tonight!! If you're wondering, you can read about what happened here.

Today was honestly the best day that I could have gone back. My goal was yesterday, but I wasn't in the right mindset. Today, I kicked ass at work, accomplished more than I possibly thought I could, and had a vision in my head of who was going to be on that punching pad tonight. It completely exhausted me, which hopefully translates into a full night of sleep for me. Truly couldn't have been in a more perfect frame of mind for it.

I was so, so, so freaking nervous....it was almost worse than when I moved halfway across the country. I was more nervous than when I went to my first class. Why? Because after a month of pretty much wanting to die every class I went to (multiple times, even), I was finally making progress. I could do 25 pushups without stopping, even the ridiculous triangle ones (tonight I managed 15). I still haven't quite gotten the hang of bear crawls - though they were always the hardest for me....stupid long limbs...

I think I only wanted to die, really honestly give up, once. I know full well I'm going to feel like a 90 year old lady by Thursday, but I'm proud of what I accomplished tonight. I only have three skinned knuckles, but they're all the right ones - note to future self, bring your wraps with you next time. I'm shooting for the Saturday class as my next one, as I don't think I'll be ready for Thursday. I know it'll take time to get back to where I feel comfortable, but I'm really excited about tonight.

The great thing about Krav is that literally anyone can do it. I was a little intimidated by the kid in our class tonight, dude had more energy in his arm than I have in my whole body!! But seriously, anyone, any age, any body type, anyone willing to put in the effort (and it's a LOT), can learn this. Truly.

So, a year from now (barring further injury - yes, I learned my lesson about mechanical bulls!), I should be able to kill you with my bare hands. Not that I'd want to, of course, but I could. So don't mess with me.

Attention!!!

Married dudes. All of you. I need you to do something for me. QUIT HITTING ON ME. Just stop.

I don't care if your marriage is "broken", I don't care if you're "in the process of getting divorced", I don't care if she cheated on you, I don't care that your dog ate your homework. There isn't an excuse in the book that is going to get me into bed with you.

STOP FLIRTING WITH/HITTING ON ME.

I'm not perfect. I'm not even close. I've failed at this before, but never again. I won't entertain the thought, even for a fleeting moment. If you want to flirt with me, date me, kiss me, sleep with me, whatever with me, I'm gonna need proof that it's over. Signed, sealed and delivered. No exceptions. None.

[/rant]

Miss M Recommends

Rare Cuts and the St. James Cheese Company.

It's grilling day at my counterpart's house, so I volunteered to bring the meat. Now if only I could find a piece for myself...le sigh. Anyhow, I discovered Rare Cuts through the wonder of the internet. It's a local company here in New Orleans that sells restaurant quality meats - that you can cook yourself. There are certainly nights when I would kill for a Murray's filet, but want to do it myself to save on the cost. Finding a reputable meat shop can be quite the challenge. Grocery stores can be very hit or miss, so I've taken care of the dirty work for you.

I purchased a couple of mini filets and a pork tenderloin. They have everything from racks of lamb to veal chops to Waygu sliders (which sadly they were out of - boourns on that noise). They brought out samples of the filet and I thought I was going to foodgasm right there in the middle of the store - how embarrassing! Oh! And a MAJOR bonus - Saturdays they have free bloody mary's. FREE!!! I chatted with the gentleman for a bit (who's name I sadly didn't catch - he was super cute) about how their memberships work, how they started and their private dining room. So, I know where I'm having my birthday dinner next year if I'm in town.

In addition to finding a quality butcher shop, a quality cheese shop is also integral to my survival. The St. James Cheese Company is beyond quality. It's incredible. There was a line out the door the entire time that I was there. I bought their cheese board to go (please label them next time guys, I'm not a mind reader!), which came with delicious pecans, fresh grapes, and apricot jelly. We decided that the orange blue cheese was the best. I savored half of the Brie de Meaux sandwich, triple cream brie and ham - a delight...and the name was not completely lost on me. The bread was perfect - soft and crusty and the salad that came with it was to die for (the dijon vinaigrette is one of the best I've ever had).

There is a little patio nestled into the building, and seating inside as well. Every seat was taken and I was in the store for probably 20 minutes. It's a popular joint, with good reason, so if you can handle the wait, and the lack of labels, you'll be just fine. Since I took everything to go, I have to assume they explain what you're eating when they bring it to the table. In any event, their selection is incredible, the service is friendly, though a bit rushed; understandable given how consistently busy they are. The prices seemed reasonable to me, a bit higher than expected but the quality certainly overcompensated. I say yes to the St. James Cheese Company.

What I really like about both of these places is that they know what they're doing. They know meat, and they know cheese. And they do it exceptionally. So many times a restaurant or hotel or store will have so much going on that they consistently fail on executing the basics. Pick something you're good at, do it exceptionally, and you too will have a line out your door all day long. Now, off to find some wine to go with this cheese....

Next on my list to review...Theo's Pizza and the Creole Creamery (which I FINALLY found!!!).

Saturday, part deux....

At some point during the aforementioned Red Dress Run, I (or a caring kickball teammate) decided that I'd had enough to drink. It's happened before, and I'm sure it'll happen again. It's just the way life is. Given that I was in no shape to drive, another caring kickballer was kind enough to give me a ride home, even though it was completely the opposite direction. Mad props to Paul - have a great trip up to the midwest.

After several minutes, or what seemed like it, I was able to get my front door open, my AC turned on, my feet washed (they were covered in "French Quarter Goo" as one of my co-workers so eloquently put it), and crumpled into a heap on my bed. I had arranged with another co-worker for her to pick me up and get me back to my car at some point.

She picked me up around 8, and we went down to Cajun Mike's, our local hotel bar. My friend Cory was going out in the quarter with a couple of his friends, celebrating (though that may not be the right word) a divorce. Or as my friend put it, a reverse bachelor party. I knew what they were trying to get into over the course of the evening, and I wasn't intending to get drunk twice in one day, but these things happen. There was a trip to Coyote Ugly (which was incredibly lame and I need a new black strapless bra), Ryan's Pub, Pat O'Brians, more daiquiris, more dancing, and more laughing.

After a trip to Bourbon Cowboy, with the intention of riding the mechanical bull (which I KNOW is a bad idea), we all decided to head back to the hotel. I swiped a blanket and pillow from one of the beds, and curled up on the floor. What?! It was either that or the bathtub, and I didn't necessarily want to be woken up to any unpleasantness in the morning. After the boys got some wrestling out of their systems, they headed back out. I think one of them wanted to go to a strip club....I'm not really sure....a bit fuzzy by this point.

All in all, it was a super Saturday, one which will not easily be topped. My buddy Shawn, who absolutely loathes the city, said he had a great time and would definitely do it again. I don't loathe the city, but I will definitely be doing it again. Good times in the Big Easy.

Not to brag or anything.....

But it's pretty effing sweet to have a beer named after you (it's the first limited release one). They made it for me for my going away party and apparently brought it to a beer festival in Madison, WI. You may have heard of it. Hope you enjoyed it. :)