New Orleans - Happy Anniversary

As I mentioned last month, June was going to be a month of celebrations. First there were birthdays, then came anniversaries and other milestones. I just realized the other day that I forgot to send my dad a Father’s Day card, sorry dad - you know I love you! My mom, aunt and cousin all celebrate their birthdays (consecutively) at the end of the month. No doubt, I help Hallmark hit their quota in June.

Parish and I decided to celebrate our second wedding anniversary in New Orleans. Our first anniversary was spent adjusting to a new state and getting used to the whole married thing. Now that we are settled and really like being together, we decided to hit the open road and head to the Big Easy. I had only been to New Orleans once, pre-Katrina, in college. I warned Parish that the city is really different and to be prepared to see a little of everything. After about eight and half hours in the car, we arrived at the Ambassador Hotel. I researched New Orleans hotels for about three weeks before we went.

I think I ended up finding the best deal – which included free valet parking ($40 value) and a buy one night, get one free special. And besides, when you’re in a place like New Orleans, how much time do you really spend in your room? We discovered we spent about a total of 15 hours. The last night we came in at 3 a.m.

The Ambassador is a historic hotel located about four blocks from Bourbon Street and about 10 blocks from the French Quarter. We walked off every piece of shrimp and spoonful of gumbo we ingested! I’m so glad I brought my tennis shoes, New Orleans is a pedestrian friendly city, everyone walks.

We were only there for two nights and one full day, but we discovered that was ample time to see and do everything. On our first night there, we headed to Bourbon St. and took in every square inch. I have never enjoyed people watching as much as I did on that strip. There are people of all ages, shapes, colors and everything in between. We enjoyed the traditional hurricane drink, which I’m surprised they didn’t rename after the devastation Katrina caused.

Speaking of Katrina, I expected to see some remains of the hurricane, but found the city to be in good shape. I understand that most of the damage took place in the Ninth Ward and areas closer to the levees. Nonetheless, the city was packed with tourists and locals and seemed to be recovering well.

The following day, we enjoyed the French Quarter and all it had to offer. We just so happened to plan our trip as the same time as the 23rd Tomato Festival. Vendors were selling tomatoes, trinkets, hats, and souvenir goodies galore. Parish and I were overwhelmed! We actually went back to our hotel and took a little nap before dinner. I failed to mention that it was about 99 degrees outside, with a humidity index of 1000 percent. After our nap (and lots of water), we headed back to the bright lights of the city and enjoyed an anniversary dinner and one more trip to Bourbon St.

Happy anniversary Parish, here’s too many more years and fun road trips.

June 8, 2009

I just celebrated my 27th birthday. I’m another year older, wiser and closer to 30. For some reason, 27 sounds A LOT older than 25 and 26. I don’t know why. Although, seven is my favorite number, so I expect good things to come from this year. I also realize that age is just a number and you are only as old as you think you are. I know, I know…but still, it’s kind of weird. I remember when I was little and birthdays were monumental events. Planning started months before the actual day and the excitement spread like a wild fire once you told your best friends about the affair.

When I was 11-years old, I wanted Barbie dolls and scrunchies. This year I’m hoping for a new Blackberry, designer eyeglasses and a day at the spa. What happened? I guess I’m just growing up, but I long for the day of invitation-only birthdays and themed decorations.
I once had a backward birthday. Everyone wore his or her clothes backwards and we even ate the cake before the pizza. I had a blast and I know everyone else did too.

I remember playing games in my backyard, the relay race that involved spinning around a bat 34 times and then carrying a bucket of water down the yard still makes me grin. When I got older and slumber parties were thrown into the mix, I was in heaven. Slumber party birthdays were the best – you could party all day and ALL night. What is better? I remember it was always a challenge to see who would fall asleep first. If I could hit a big rewind button, I would go back to a slumber birthday party.

I remember one birthday party I had a park, I think that was the one where we had a piñata. One of the advantages to being an only child, you can kind of have whatever you want on your big day (within reason). For instance, the live tigers and trapeze artist were out of the question.
For my 21st birthday, my parents threw me the best surprise party of all time at the neatest Irish Pub called Jack Quinns (in C. Springs). My parents planned quite a blow out. There was an Irish band, complete with Irish dancers. All of my family and closest friends were there. As long as I live, I know I will never, ever forget that day.

Last year, was my first birthday in Arkansas. I don’t really remember what we did. This year, we are combining my birthday (6/8) and our second wedding anniversary (6/15) celebrations and heading to New Orleans. I already know that will be a birthday for the memory books! I guess I just need to be thankful that God has blessed me with another year of living and every birthday is happy, because you are able to celebrate it.