New Orleans

Jon and I made a short trip to New Orleans.  We had a great time.

It was our first time attempting to park in the public parking lots.  It was a pretty smooth drive in to the parking lot.  I thought it would be more of a challege to find a place to park, but it was not difficult at all.

Once we got the car parked, we had lunch at Hard Rock Cafe.  It was my second time eating at a Hard Rock, my first time being in San Diego on our honeymoon.  I have walked past the place countless times, but had never eaten there.  I always wanted to eat there, but just never got around to it.

After lunch we went for a walk around the French Quarter.  We started by making our way to the French Market.  It pretty much had the same old junk that they always sell.

We made our way back to the car, so we could get checked into the hotel where we spent the night.  We stayed at the Place d' Armes.  I chose this hotel, because it had gotten really good reviews on Trip Advisor.  It was #9 of the top ten hotels in New Orleans.  It was also in a great location.

The pictures and the website looked great, but it was very disappointing in real life.  The person working behind the desk was quite unfriendly.  We didn't really notice anything else, until it was time for us to go to sleep.  The bed was very uncomfortable and the pillows were lumpy.  I've never been so uncomfortable in a hotel.

I was reminded why I like to stick with major hotel chains.  My most favorite being Embassy Suites, but it is a bit pricey.  We really just needed a place to sleep and bathe.  It was in a great location, but that was really the only good thing about this hotel.

Last night we went on a Ghosts and Spirits Tour, which was fun.  I've been on better ghost tours, but I figured we'd give this one a try.  I was glad that Jon enjoyed it, because he was really excited about it.  We are going to go on another one with a different company next time.

After the tour, we had dinner at Fiorella's Cafe.  My family and I have eaten at this place for many years.  It is now under new management, so it is not the same.  I was sad, because I miss the old Fiorella's.  The food was so much better back then, however the atmosphere is much better now.

After dinner, we decided to go on back to the hotel.  We were tired, after a long day of walking.

This morning, we got up and had breakfast.  We checked out of the "hotel from hell" and brought our things to the car.

We rode the streetcar to the Riverwalk Marketplace.  There were still some cool shops there, but many of the old favorites are now gone.

We took a walk down Canal St. to Chartres St. and stopped in Crescent City Books.  This was a fun stop for both of us.  It's a really fun shop.  Our favorite out of the three bookstores we visited today.

We walked a little ways down Bourbon St., then found our way to Royal St.  We had lunch at one of my favorite places, Mona Lisa Cafe.  We had a great lunch!

After lunch, we walked around the French Market again.  I found some sunglasses.  Unfortunately, they are no longer 2 pairs for $5.00.  Many vendors are selling knock-off's of designer sunglasses, which does not interest me.  I want a pair of sunglasses that does not have these "wannabe" designer logos.  I was happy to find a pair of black cat eye's for $5.00.  They are perfect!

We had a great afternoon just walking around and enjoying the sights.  We stopped by Central Grocery and got a muffaletta to take back with us to Baton Rouge for dinner.

We made it home safely.  It was a great trip!

Exercise Routine

I think that I may have finally established an exercise routine!  Yesterday marked my first week of dedicated exercise. 

After many attempts, I think I may have finally found something that works.  I usually get bored, and exercise is just not fun for me.  I have started listening to my audio books while exercising.

This has been a source of motivation for me.  I love audio books!  I listen to them while in the car, and sometimes at home.  They are great to listen to while getting ready for the day and doing housework.  I have also started listening to them while I cook, since I don't have an open kitchen with access to the living area. 

My husband, Jon, has also been a very good influence on me.  As long as I have known him, he has had a regular exercise routine.  He has even gotten more strict with it, since he was having blood pressure issues.  His blood pressure has gotten much better, but he still makes sure he gets his exercise.

I have been doing 30 minutes on the treadmill.  I have 6 laps by then which equals to a mile and a half.  On Saturday, I started using the weights on my arms to give myself some upper body exercise.  I do this for about 5 minutes, because I don't want to over do it.

I am really hoping that I can stick with this program.  I hope to start seeing results real soon.

New Orleans

Next week we are going to spend a night in New Orleans.  I have been wanting to get away for sometime.  We cannot go on my weekends off, because Jon has to play for church on Sundays.  I figured it would be good to take most of Thursday off, and spend some time in New Orleans.  I have to go back to work on Saturday, so it is going to be a quick trip.  Jon will be in the middle of his fall break, so it was just a good time for both of us.

We are going to get there as soon as we can on Thursday, and spend some time in the French Quarter.  We are going to go on a ghost tour that night, and spend most of Friday there.

I am so excited!  Can't wait!

Wow!

I almost can't believe it, but I am blogging to you from work!  I was able to sign in.  It's only been a month and a half!  We shall see how long this lasts.
I hope everyone that is lucky enough to have a long weekend will enjoy it.  I have to work today and tomorrow, but will enjoy that Monday off. 

I have not been happy about working all weekend, but we can't always get what we want.  I do think that the library should close for the weekend, since most people leave town anyway.  If I had the weekend off, I would be so glad to get out of Baton Rouge.
Public library hours are very crappy for library employees.  Not so much for library patrons, because I do enjoy going to the library late in the evening.

I finally have a car again!

Yesterday evening after work, we stopped by Richards Honda.  I wanted to test drive a Honda Civic. 

I had been thinking about this car purchase for a while, but decided that I did not like the Fit as much as had thought.  It was a little smaller.

Jon and I realized last week that we needed another car.

I had originally planned to wait and buy the car on Friday, but I changed my mind for several reasons.  First, "my" car was on display near the road for everyone to see!  It was the last one in atomic blue metallic!  The last of 4 Civic LX's.  The only colors left were two red and one grey.  I did not want a red or a grey car.  I wanted atomic  blue metallic!

I drove "my" car and just fell in love with it!

Jon and I talked about it and I decided that I wanted to get it! 

When we pulled we back in to the dealership, I told the salesman we wanted to buy it!

Two hours later, I was the owner of an atomic blue metallic 2009 Honda Civic LX Sedan!  I am so happy to have my own car again!

First Week Back

I have been getting to work so much earlier now that Jon is back in school.  I have to find ways to occupy myself.  I am thankful for Internet and music.

Jon is teaching two music theory labs and has to go the class that is associated with it.  He is only doing dissertation hours and piano.  He is finished with all of his coursework.

Jon mentioned a new car search yesterday, so I guess that means I need to get back on it.  It is not the most fun that I have to get up and get to work so very early, but I don't mind doing it for him.  I was hoping we could do the one car thing a little longer.  I think we will have to probably start the car search process again.

Yesterday, Jon cut his thumb with a knife, while I was at work.  I had to tell him how to find the bandages while I was at work.  Luckily, I came across the first aid kit, so I told him to use it.

I have always been very nervous about him and knives, since his hands are very important to his career.  Maybe hand insurance isn't a bad idea.

We are cat-sitting my friend Samantha's cat, Minou.  She is a sweet cat.  My cats are very curious, but we do not let them bother her.  Minou is a senior citizen kitty, so she gets her own room.

I have the weekend off, so I am so happy!  We will probably start "phase two" of thank you note writing.  It will be nice to have that finished.

Random Thoughts: Food, Movies, and Travel

This week has not been too hectic, though it sure has had a few moments.

Monday evening, I made a yummy cauliflower soup.  It was pretty slow, since I made it in the slow cooker.  It wasn't cooking all day.  I put it on when I got home from work!

Tonight, I made another New Haven clam pizza.  It was awesome!  I have two more balls of Neo-Neapolitan pizza dough in the freezer.  So unless I decide to try another topping that is compatible with this type of dough, we may have New Haven clam pizza at least two more times.

This makes me want to go to New Haven, Connecticut or just any where in Connecticut.  I am sure that the fall time is the perfect time to visit this region.   I would have to go to Mystic and eat at Mystic Pizza.  Mystic Pizza is one of my all time favorite movies!

I have been enjoying music and my i-Pod.  Since I do not have my own vehicle, I do not have time to really listen to music.  I have missed it, but have started listening on the PC.  I listened while cooking tonight and it helped me enjoy it.

Lay Lady Lay is my new favorite song by Bob Dylan.  I am not sure how I have missed this one, but it fell through the cracks some how.  I am so glad I know it now!