Krewe du Vieux

This past Saturday I went to my first ever Mardi Gras parade- Krewe du Vieux! They were celebrating its 25th year as it wound down Royal in the French Quarter (Vieux Carre). Each sub-krewe has its own theme but the overall theme this year was 25 years Wasted. Each sub-krewe also had its own satirical political message. There were multiple brass bands walking with the parade. In keeping with tradition the floats were pulled by mules (those poor things). While almost every single float had a large penis on it and there was a big crowd of sperms walking in it there were also some very young children watching. I met up with some Yelpers and one of them was with her mom- which was very cool because I got tons of hints and history about Mardi Gras. And, I knew someone walking in the Jewish sub-krewe! I ended up getting hugged and kissed by strangers, dancing in the streets, and catching some throws. I got a plastic Krewe du Vieux to-go cup, a kazoo in lip shape, a whistle, a plastic rose, a wooden dreidel, bath salts, a drink coozie, and a doubloon! My favorite "throw" (they weren't actually thrown just placed on my neck) were the glass beads a girl gave me and I've been wearing every day since.

Here's some photos:

It was so much fun. I think everyone should experience Mardi Gras at least once in their life. I can't wait for the rest of the parades! There's a TON more coming up this week!

big decisions and some babbling

Wednesday! Half way through the work week..oh wait, I'm not working. Well then, half way through Ben's school week. Although I'm not working I am still trying to get stuff done. This week I cleaned my apartment top to bottom. It really needed it since we had both been so busy. Yesterday I ran errands, researched some possible adventures, and planned some new recipes. So far today I've slept in until 8, made coffee and plunked a big piece of chocolate in it, and added some pearls of wisdom to the yelp talk thread. But, it's early so I've got the whole day to plan something great. Staying at home not going out to work has already got me antsy so I'm taking up running again this week (at 70F it's more than warm enough here). I'm also going to sign up to volunteer at the LASPCA to walk the dogs around my neighborhood with "adopt me" signs on them!!

Yesterday I made a huge decision that involves taking a chance and doing something I love. It makes my tummy flutter to think of it. I'm excited and terrified and suddenly feel like an adult who is capable of creating a life wherever I find myself, taking risks, and balancing all this instability in my life while still having the most perfect relationship with the best man in the world <3 sigh... :) This time around being jobless i'm thinking positively.

But mostly, I'm still focused on Mardi Gras. This Saturday is my first parade - Krewe de Vieux!! I'm so excited. I even know someone riding in it- and he's throwing pink and black whips. I already know that I will not be getting one of those since you have to "earn" the big prizes :P

neighbors decorate with last years beads

Hopefully my next post will be a review of the splendor of my first mardi gras parade.