New Thing #143: Caddy Shack

Joe wanted to play golf at Audubon and I love being outside so I decided to tag along and to entertain myself I decided I would be a caddy for a day. It ended up being a blast! I think if this whole Public Health thing doesn't work out I have another day job :)

watch out tiger

me with all my supplies

proof that I actually tried to hit a ball

my favorite part of the job!

New Thing # 142: Simple Pleasures

To put my not blogging simply: no internet access = blog neglect. These post-dated entries are a glimpse of what I've been up to this past month!

The last week Joe and I were in New Orleans we decided that we wanted to go out to dinner to somewhere he had never been. We went to Jacques-Imo's and had probably one of the best meals I ever eaten. Then at the end came a surprise, we were served dessert for no reason at all! I've gotten free dessert before because I knew someone working there or because it was my birthday, but this serendipitous surprise made the end to a perfect meal.

New Thing #141: New and Improved

I love Chick-fil-A. I almost reconsidered moving to New Orleans because we don't have one in the Parish. So, I have a Chick-fil-A rule--because I don't live near one (so I thought) I could have it whenever I was around one, which in the previous two years has been about 4 times a year. Being in GA recently I have abused my privileges, not to mention, there is a Chick-fil-A in each mall in an outlying Parish I only venture to if shopping is involved. Last night, when on said shopping venture, I decided to forego my traditional number 5 with a diet lemonade and chick-fil-a sauce and try the new and improved chicken salad sandwich at Chick-fil-A. In my opinion, the old chicken salad sandwich was the worst thing on their menu, well let me tell you, it is new and improved! There are actual chunks of chicken and it is on toasted wheatberry bread. Sadly, it has 500 calories, so as an RD I have to say eat them in moderation. Otherwise, way to go Chick-fil-A for being new and improved. 

New Thing #140: Brush Up

My aunt thinks that my uncle and I are strange because we walk around and brush our teeth. The kitchen, the living room, dining room, at the computer...much more time efficient if you ask me. I decided tonight to brush my teeth in an elevator, a place I have never brushed before. Sure, it is the one in our house, but it still counts, and if you are lucky I might call you from that phone one day.

New Thing #139: Rock My World

Sunday after church Joe and I decided to try somewhere new for lunch. In New Orleans that is easy, as I have recently learned there are almost 850 restaurants in the city, more than were open before Katrina. Being in the need for pizza we decided to try Rocky's. Tucked in between Byblos, a favorite, and Bistro Italia, another favorite, I often over look it. We had roasted garlic pizza on wheat crust which was pretty good. The funniest part to me was that they have drink specials on the weekend so I had a mimosa with pizza, definitely a first and I laughed about it the whole time. It was good but my pizza rating for New Orleans goes as follows 1. Slice 2. Reginelli's 3. Rocky's. Any other places please let me know!

me eating pizza in France...I really need to start carrying my camera around more for this blog!

New Thing #138: A Sweet Boutique

Saturday I went to Sucre in New Orleans with friends Mollie and Kristin who are moving away this weekend. It was a sweet time of fellowship in this amazing "sweet boutique" which serves decadent pastries, delightful chocolates, and rich gelato. You can guess which menu item I chose to have :). I recommended the toasted almond.

the gelato counter

New Thing #137: Mind Your Own Beeswax

Several friends of mine have tried ear candling. They rave of the benefits and how much better you feel after using this all natural method. Considering this is the year of new things, I decided to go ahead and try ear candling. Being the researcher that I am, I just "ear candled" one ear to see the benefits. So far, there are none. Supposedly all that is in the candle when you are done is from your ear, I won't be more descriptive than that, but obviously it is just candle wax!  I think the whole thing is a hoax and I will be going to Walgreens soon to get medicine for my ears.

my supplies

demonstrating the modern recommended method

New Thing #136: Why So Serious?

After waiting almost a whole week after it came out, Joe and I went with my cousin Grace to see the much anticipated Dark Knight. I must admit I have been really excited about this movie ever since the trailers first came out. Needless to say it did not disappoint! In my humble, non-movie critic opinion, I think it was the best super-hero movie I have ever seen. I mean who doesn't love Christian Bale? I will probably be seeing it again soon!

New Thing #135: Since 1916

Nu-Way in Macon is famous for two things--their hot dogs and their flaky ice. Considering I don't eat the former it was a must that I try one of the famous things at Joe's favorite Macon restaurant. So I had a drink with Nu-Way's famous flaky ice. I must say it was the best ice I've had, besides that in a snoball of course!

New Thing #134: Lowcountry

Tuesday, the day was spent in the lowcountry. Complete with a day at the beach on Pawley's Island, driving down Highway 17 through Charleston, and dinner in Folly Beach at the Sandcastle Restaurant. All the fried sea items you could want! The restaurant was a fun, no frills place on the marsh. Joe's sister asked me if I had my fill of fried seafood, and the answer is never!

fun at the condo with uncle joe, clary berry, and johnny burrito

New Thing #133: Starry Night

Two of my favorite things in the world are looking at the stars and the beach. Monday I was blessed to get both! Joe and I were at Pawley's Island with his family and we went out Monday night to look at the stars. Pawley's island is not commercialized so there were no buildings to block the view. I've always been on walks at night on the beach, but I have never stopped to look at the stars. So, for the first time I laid on the beach and star gazed. 

sadly, my nikon was not present to capture night shots so this clip art will have to suffice

New Thing #132: 2 eggs 2 pancakes 2 hours

Sunday morning after the wedding we all wanted to go to breakfast with everyone to spend some more time together. Someone recommended Vandy's, a local bar-b-que place that had good, cheap breakfast. The fellowship was wonderful, probably due to the fact that it was much longer than we expected, but it was nice to relax and visit with people I miss so much! So like the title says I had 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 dollars a piece, over a 2 hour period. 

sweet sam moody who I got to meet! as you can see he is patiently waiting with us, and his parents are training him up in the way he should go :)

New Thing #131: Statesboro Blues

Now, do not let the title of this blog distract you. I chose it simply because I have been listening to the Allman Brothers lately. Saturday Frances and I travelled up to Statesboro, GA for our friend Scott's wedding. I've passed through this town but never stopped so for the first time I spent 24 hours in Stateboro. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and a sweet reunion of old friends who are near and dear to my heart! We are all planning to get together each year on this day :)

jennifer, myself, and elizabeth plus baby who I can't wait to meet!

we bleed red and black

the groom himself

sweet jessicas

New Thing #130: Stirred not Shaken

Friday I ventured down to Savannah to stay with one of my favorite people in the world! Frances and I had dinner with her parents and some friends at a delicious Cuban restaurant and then we went to Lulu's, a chocolate bar, where I had a chocolate covered cherry martini, very good!

delicious dinner

we love chocolate!

I love the Thomas family!

New Thing #129: Láo lún

Ever since I have been little I have been intrigued by Chinese culture, art, and language. So, last Thursday I decided to learn how to write my name in Chinese. It turns out the process is much trickier than I though. Choosing a name in Chinese is a very intricate process based on the year you were born, desired personality traits, and family to name a few. There are these websites which generate names for curious American's like myself, but there are disclaimers of course stating that this may not actually be your Chinese name. So in China I am Lao lun which I am completely fine with because the mama panda's name at the Atlanta Zoo is Lun Lun and I like her. 

lao lun

lun lun

New Thing #128: A Piece of Heaven

Wednesday night Joe and I went to d.b.a to hear Walter "Wolfman" Washington. It was one of the most fun nights I have had in New Orleans. I found a piece of heaven including three of my top ten favorite things in the world: dancing, New Orleans music, and German beer. Tip--get there early and avoid the cover, this guy is amazing!

yes this glass says Munchen and yes I got way too excited. it is also filled with my new favorite German beer found in the US.

the wolfman himself. a special thanks to Joe who knew I would want such a picture for my blog.

New Thing #127: Shuck 'em Suck 'em Eat' em Raw

Acme Oyster, a quintessential New Orleans experience since 1910. Tuesday night I went with Joe's family to Acme Oyster, and I don't think there could have been a finer place to eat my first oyster. Yes, I have lived in New Orleans for over 2 years and I haven't ever eaten one!

the slippery suckers

easing my way in. technically I cheated by eating in on a saltine, next time right out of the shell!

taken by our awesome server whom Joe's mom took peach cobbler to the next day

New Thing #126: Au Natural

On my trip I got used to not wearing makeup. I didn't start wearing makeup probably until late high school and then didn't really start caring about it until my junior year in college. There have been times, mostly on mission trips, or when I've been sick that I haven't worn it. Now, you must understand that when I wear makeup, it usually consists of mascara, concealer, powder, and lip gloss. We are not talking about a big sacrifice here not wearing. So, not on a trip, or not sick, I decided to go one week without wearing any makeup. 

It wasn't that hard and I actually enjoyed it. I can tell from the pictures taken from the past week, but I'm sure most people can't. Not wearing makeup made my morning routine a whole 5 minutes shorter, it has cleared up my skin, and I have noticed that a large percentage of women around me that are my good friends don't wear makeup either, and they are beautiful. I would continue the streak as long as a could but I'm going to one of my best guy friend's weddings this weekend and being the semi-fashionista I am, I want to look pretty to go with my new dress and shoes :). Otherwise I'm beginning to appreciate my natural beauty.

not even worth it

New Thing #125: Fête Nationale

Or Bastille Day, or quatorze jullet, or the French National Holiday celebrated on July 14th, except in New Orleans, when we celebrate it on July 13th, because we can. This year our pastor and his family hosted a party, this being the first time I have celebrated Bastille Day. I feel this is very appropriate seeing I just spent time in France, two of my best friends are fluent in French, and one is living there this Summer. I have connections. 

Interesting fact, the actual siege took place on July 11, 1789...July 14, 1790 a feast occurred to celebrate the uprising of the constitutional monarchy...fast-forward June 30, 1878 a feast was set by official decision to honor the Republic (see painting) and another feast was held on July 14. Then some frenchman proposed to have a law making July 14 the official national holiday, it was passed and has been a day of celebration ever since!

my mom took this picture in d'Orsay when we were in Paris of Claude Monet's 

Rue Montorgueil, Paris, Festival of 30 June 1878

New Thing #124: Treasures of Napoleon

Saturday, we all went to the Treasures of Napoleon exhibit at the Louisiana Mint. It was such a great exhibit. Stolen from the exhibit website, some of the artifacts included: the earliest known letter in his has, the valise that brought him the signed Louisiana Purchase documents from America, the sword that proclaimed him Emperor in the Coronation Ceremony in Notre Dame, his personal map of the French Empire, and what I thought was the coolest, one of his legendary hats worn during battle. It was interesting to see his story, his life, and how he single handedly both reformed France and destroyed its freedom. He was a brilliant man with not so brilliant ideals. 

This picture amuses me--French exhibit, American flag.

Afterwards we headed over to Cafe du Monde for beignets and iced coffee. In the back you can watch beignets being made. I have been to Cafe du Monde many, many times but I have never seen that, it was like that Krispy Kreme in Atlanta, you get to see behind the scenes.

proof I went to Cafe du Monde because I forgot to take a picture and a poor attempt to copy erin's self-portrait skills

New Thing #123: Speed Uno

Friday night after the mission team dinner, Redeemer friends were trying to find something to do. With Mary's resourceful "rainy day games" box from her PE class we found two decks of UNO cards. So we decided to play speed UNO, or actually "Joe's version of speed UNO." As the game progessed, Joe would randomly "remember" certain rules. It was a fun game, that we all became progressive speedier at, and actually there are official rules (google them), which were pretty close to the version we were given :)

Uno the dog, Westminister Kennel Club champion, my favorite celebrity, and much cuter than a picture of a deck of UNO cards

New Thing #122: Scrabulous Scrabulous

Yes, when I read the title in my head I am singing it to Fergie's "Glamourous." Thursday I played Scrabulous for the first time. I think this is the MOST dangerous facebook application. Being a Scrabble lover, and word lover in general, I can see how this game will contribute to the demise of productivity. 

the culprit who introduced me to the game

New Thing #121: Cafe Reconcile

Wednesday, my friend Mary and I went for the first time to Cafe Reconcile for lunch. Again, it was fabulous New Orleans food that I missed! Baked chicken, baked macaroni and cheese and okra. Cafe Reconcile is a wonderful, faith based organization committed to rebuilding the lives of at-risk youth. Please visit their website and read their story here!

New Thing #120: Pile of Cards

I have always wanted to make a house of cards. Apparently, according to wikihow it is relatively easy. I followed all steps, even used a new deck of cards. Well, after many failed attempts I was frustrated, imagine that, and gave up. So I can't say that I was successful, but for the first time I attempted building a house of cards. Maybe another new thing will be when I actually succeed. 

the result of my fruitless efforts

New Thing #119: Barq's Has Bite!

To officially jump back into New Orleans culture after being away for 3 weeks, Joe and I went to Domilise's for lunch. There is nothing more New Orleans than a Barq's in a glass bottle and a po boy, eaten at the bar of course at Domilise's. Not my first po boy, obviously, but my first with a Barq's. I've decided there's nothing better.

not my picture, but someone actually has a blog devoted to Barq's, and provided me with this quintessential picture.

New Thing #118: You Pick'Em

Returning to New Orleans was welcomed back with a trip to Covington to pick blueberries! First time across the Causeway, first time to Covington, and first time blueberry picking in Louisiana. Blue Harvest Farms provided fun for all!

6 friends. 6 gallons of blueberries. 

New Thing #117: Little One

One the way back to New Orleans, Joe and I detoured to Decatur to meet Johnny. This became my new thing as Johnny was the youngest baby I have ever held! 

proud uncle

New Thing #116: Frogs, Friends, Family, and Fireworks

Don't you just love Fourth of July?! I think it might be one of my favorite holidays. The Futrells plus Joe met up with the Chupps plus Bryan for Pine Mountain fun! We all went to Erin's uncle's in Woodbury, GA for a cookout. Then the Futrell clan headed back to end the day with two of my favorite things, the Braves and fireworks!

 catching the world's smallest frog or at least the smallest one I've ever held, look closely, he's there!

sweet daddy

fishing with crickets as bait. needless to say I didn't do this new thing well...the cricket fell off and my line was tangled with kyle's. sense the emotion captured here.

bryan, erin, and joe watching kyle and I untangle

erin and I in Woodbury, I just love this girl, she is my favorite!

I was impressed with the fireworks setting on my camera, go little pink!

one requirement of someone I date: Braves fan :)