New Thing #204: All Grown Up

After much anticipation on the last day of September I was offered my first real job! By real I mean 9-5, benefits, paycheck at the end of the month job. I must admit I won't know what to do with myself after being in school for the past 20 years. For readers unfamiliar with said job, I will be a program coordinator for a nutrition research study. I am working for the Prevention Research Center, a CDC funded center, housed at Tulane. We are working with a local corner store to increase fresh fruits and vegetables in low-income neighborhoods, something direly lacking in New Orleans! I am excited about this opportunity!

New Thing #203: First comes the library, then comes ordering online, then comes...

One day as I was perusing on amazon.com I came across a button that allowed me to preview a book I was interested in purchasing. I never used this before because I thought it just allowed you a glimpse of the book. For some books it does but for the particular one I was interested it had the whole book! So for the first time I used the Amazon online reader. I must say at first I was delighted to read a book I wanted for free but soon became saddened at the realization of where technology is taking our "book culture." Some of my fondest memories as a child are trips to the library and that good ole' library book smell. I love libraries and spent my college years studying between the quiet dusty stacks. I think this new thing has inspired another, getting a new library card.

New Thing #202: Daily Lauren Puzzle

I love crosswords. I have books and books that I have been given as gifts or that I purchased beginning when I was probably about eight. My mom even gave me a computer program one time to make my own crosswords. I never used it, but lo and behold you can make them for free on the internet. So, I made my own crossword. I decided to make it about me, so have fun seeing how many questions you can answer. I think probably my mom or oldest bests could answer all the questions. I apologize for the ghettoness of viewing the puzzle...

New Thing #201: 3 Years Later

Saturday, we had a work day with church since we haven't had teams here in a while. A group of us went to gut a home purchased by a church member to renovate and rent/sell to first responders. I have gutted homes before, but this was the first time I gutted a house where none of the personal belongings had been removed. It was the home of an elderly woman whose home and business were in her house. She was a seamstress and that was the part that Cam and I cleaned out. Dozens of spools of thread, buttons, patterns, bolts of fabric...all being tossed in a dumpster. Pictures lying on the floor with water marked edges.  It was very sobering to be reminded of the devastation that Katrina caused. The stealing and ruining of lives and belongings. The response was also unnerving. The next door neighbors were complaining about the debris on the side of the road to be picked up. Like it would have been better to have a moldy, infested house next door instead of rebuilding. It was a somber reminder of the work that is still left to be done and how the effects will last a lifetime. I was glad to help out and I encourage everyone to keep New Orleans in their thoughts and prayers!

masked and ready to gut

New Thing #200: This One Tastes Like...

My very creative friend Kirsten threw a chocolate tasting party for our friend Emily's birthday. There were nine different types of chocolate ranging from milk chocolate to 86% cacao. The best part was eating the chocolate of course, but also hearing peoples reactions. For example, the most disgusting 82% was responded to with comments such as "this tastes like olives," "eww licorice," and "this should be illegal." Being a chocolate lover, most of them were absolutely delicious! It was a wonderful time of fellowship, laughter, and over indulgence. Thanks to Kirsten for planning and supplying the pictures for this post!

the beautiful spread

each labeled. this dark culprit was the "olive" tasting one

cheers to the birthday girl! 

New Thing #199: Share the Road!

I love riding bikes. I received my first bike for Christmas when I was five and have loved it ever since. I rode my bike to class in in college, I love riding on trails, at the park, etc. Today I needed to be somewhere just a mile from my house so, considering 1) I don't like driving and 2) gas is about a million dollars, I decided it would be a good first time to ride my bike as a method of transportation here in New Orleans. Let me just tell you it was one hellacious experience. My street is one way and very narrow with cars parked on both sides. Cars driving down would practically run me over just so they could get to their destination that was oh so more important than mine. So I decided to cut over and ride through Tulane's campus. Even worse. Oblivious college students texting, calling, walking in the middle of the road. And the worst part was I was stared at like I was in the way. Not to mention the pot holes were a little to much for Blue (yes I named my road bike) with his skinny tires. I think we will stick to trails and parks from now on. Enough ranting, but I now have a new appreciation for bikers. Please, share the road!

New Thing #198: A N'awlins Welcome

My friend Susan and I were going to help a cousin of a former church member move in--essentially helping a new New Orleanian. Susan had a great idea that we make a New Orleans welcome basket to give her a taste of classic New Orleans favorites. Complete with items ranging from Crystal hot sauce to Hubig's pies it was so fun to make! Now I know all of you want to move to this wonderful city just to get this basket of goodies :)

New Thing #197: Cakesters

Yes, more junk food. Ever since this "snack" came out I have been wanting to try them. Living with a teenager gives me accessibility to such items. So tonight I tried an Oreo Cakester, and as the package says I must agree that it was deliciously fresh. It tasted kind of like and oreo cupcake so I'm not complaining. Plus cakester is one of the most awesome words I have ever heard. I think I will start using it in everyday conversation. I however do not have the metabolism of a teenager so I will not be eating them for my snack everyday. 

New Thing #196: Duoz

While being a bum at my parent's house, after sleeping late I decided that it would be a good idea to have Cheez-Its for breakfast. Not to mention they were the New! Duoz with zesty queso and cheddar blanco, I highly recommend them, despite the horrendous spelling of the word duos. This is what unemployment has done, a dietician eating junk food for breakfast :)

New Thing #195: Single Number

Sudoku, meaning single number in Japanese, was popular in Japan in the 80's and became an international hit in 2005, according to the widely acclaimed wikipedia. I have found much entertainment in these puzzles for quite a while now, doing them everyday, at least up until level 3. Sunday, I completed a level 4 sudoku! After learning the strategy to these logic puzzles I figured out how to solve any level. Time well used I must say!

four fingers for level four

the masterpiece

New Thing #194: Golf Pro

Let's just say the first time I played golf I was more than terrible. Thanks to two parents who played I do have putting skills, but my driving skills were beyond non-existent. When I was in Georgia I went to "play golf" with Joe, which meant driving the golf cart and dropping a ball every once and a while to putt. For some reason I decided on the second hole to try and hit the ball off the tee. On my first swing I could tell I might just have the hang of it. A few holes later I got my first par! It was very exciting with my second drive landing the ball about 4 feet from the hole. When I called to tell my brother what happened he said "were you playing mini golf?" Joe had a pretty good round too, and as you can see from the picture all I wanted to document was my achievement, lets just say the other holes were good practice. Additionally I have been promoted from caddy to associate :)

New Thing #193: "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse"

Finally, after many many people trying to convince me to watch this movie, I watched The Godfather. I mean apparently this movie is a big deal--best picture, best actor, best screenplay, and it is listed as the second greatest film in American cinematic history. It did live up to it's expectations and now I have to see the other two to complete the trilogy. Another added bonus, now I will get all The Godfather references in You've Got Mail...always comes back to a chick-flick for me :)

New Thing #192: Tea for Wisdom

Somehow in my new love for tea, I have missed The Republic of Tea. While at lunch at Market City in Macon I decided I needed to remedy this situation so I had blackberry sage black tea. Let me just tell you, it was wonderful! No added sweeteners needed. Supposedly this tea is for wisdom, and I must say I feel wiser for drinking it. I can't wait to try other flavors!

deliciousness

New Thing #191: Homeopathic

The day before I was supposed to leave for my trip to GA I started feeling bad...scratchy throat, runny nose...I could feel myself getting sick. There is no way I was going to be sick so I decided to take action. I took a Zicam cold remedy rapid melt tablet...say that five times fast. This tablet is merely a marketing scam consisting of vitamin C and Zinc, just labeled as a "homeopathic" cold remedy. I don't care if I fell into the Vitamin marketing trap, it worked and I felt better, or at least the placebo effect of it did, and that's all that matters!

still trying to figure out why photo booth takes pictures like a mirror

New Thing #190: CXC

Somehow in elementary or middle school I missed the lesson on Roman numerals. I was either absent or in the bathroom, but somehow I didn't get it at all. This omission in my learning has become a hindrance in my ability to complete my beloved crossword puzzles. So, I decided it was time to memorize the Roman numeral system. There is even a website now that converts them for you, but as crossword purist I will not resort to that! Memorizing them is a task I am still working on, but now I will be able to complete crosswords without guessing!

my sense of humor

New Thing #189: Cosmo Natural

Our new favorite drink at Calhoun St. is the cosmopolitan. I looked all over trying to find a good mix for my Aunt for her birthday, and finally I found one at World Market. In an effort to avoid additives and processed foods, they make all natural cosmopolitan mix, hence drinking a 100% natural cosmopolitan! Complete with these stylish new cosmopolitan glasses it makes for the perfect after work cocktail.

New Thing #188: Shop and Fly

One of my favorite ways to pass the time on an airplane is to look at all of the ridiculous inventions for purchase in SkyMall magazine. On my many plane trips this Summer I did however come across items worth purchasing, one being a perfect birthday present for a friend. So, although not in the air, I purchased something from SkyMall magazine. 

the puppy porthole, not what I purchased, but my all time favorite item in the magazine

New Thing #187: La Dolce Vita

After being separated for an entire Summer, I was reunited with one of my best friends Rebecca! We enjoyed lunch at Fellini's Cafe, a delicious restaurant in Mid City. This is one of my favorite parts about this "new thing" journey, enjoying all the great restaurants in New Orleans! I had a delicious lavash roll with roasted chicken, spinach, artichokes, feta cheese, mushrooms and garlic. I definitely will go back!

New Thing #186: (504) Ever

After living in New Orleans for over two years I decided that it was finally time to join the 504 area code. This "relocation" process as they called it at the AT&T store was far less painful than renouncing my GA citizenship when getting a LA license. I think I have come to terms that this is my home now, albeit my roots are in GA, and with texts, emails, and facebook the change was seamless! I found this today, and now I need this awesome t-shirt...check out all the awesome stuff at www.dirtycoast.com!

New Thing #185: Half Way!

It is true that today I am half way on my journey to complete one new thing each day! I must say I am quite surprised it has lasted this long. In an effort to make this midpoint monumental, today, on my half birthday, I decided to run in the Mardi Gras Marathon! Joe is going to run in it as well, so I decided this was a good year to do it. I have always wanted to, and this year I can't make up excuses...and so the training begins!

caitlin and I after finishing 6.4 miles...only 1/4 of the distance I have ahead of me!

New Thing #184: Finally a Muggle

I had an over ambitious Summer reading list, and while I read a lot of them I never made it to some. This book series has been on my "to read" list for a few years now, and with unemployment, I thought this a perfect time to begin reading the Harry Potter series. I have enjoyed all of the movies and so far I am enjoying J.K. Rowling's writing. Go Gryffindor!

New Thing #183: All You Need Is...

I'm not a sappy person, but this year is about doing and being things that I am not usually so I wrote a love letter. I won't go on and on, but I think expressing your emotions may just be all it's cracked up to be.

the 'LOVE' logo originally created by Robert Indiana for a Christmas Card for the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1964. It has since become a stamp and statues around the world, including one right here in New Orleans in City Park!

New Thing #182: Officially a Graduate

Approximately 3.5 months after graduation, I received my Tulane diploma. In true form it took me that long just to walk the 0.5 miles to pick it up, but I am proud to finally have it. When crossing the stage I received a paper stating "participant not graduating," after being cleared up it was actually funny and I think I should frame that one as well. 

the official document

the imposter

New Thing #181: The Bank Job

A bad case of bronchitis led to a lazy new thing. I watched The Bank Job with my Aunt, and watching this movie confirmed something I have always known about myself. Aside from morals, I would want to be a bank robber. Not just any bank robber but these guys who pull of these great heists. I think I have been watching too many movies, but I always find myself wanting them to get away with it, and the intricacies of planning these jobs are always so intriguing. So if ever you are asked what I would be, aside from morals, it would be a thief. 

New Thing #180: Recipes Made Easy

My Aunt and I spent a couple of hours one Saturday watching Food Network. One of my favorite shows is Everyday Italian. After than came on a show called Healthy Appetite. Even before we looked it up I could tell the host was a dietician. Sure enough she was! My Aunt and I saw a few recipes on these two shows we wanted so I went to the Food Network website and downloaded recipes. Let me tell you, the days of watching cooking shows and writing down recipes are over! There is no effort involved, you can even print out the recipe in recipe card format! We made stuffed peppers from Everyday Italian and curry chicken salad from Healthy Appetite. Both were delicious...thanks Giada and Ellie!

New Thing #179: SHARK!

Back in New Orleans with a room not occupied for over a month to clean, I used my Aunt's Shark Cordless Sweeper. Very similar I am assuming to Marty's Swivel Sweeper, this thing is great for hardwood floors! It work's just like a vacuum and you can empty the dust without even touching it! Now only I would get this excited about cleaning supplies.

New Thing #178: Itsa Calzone!

One good thing that came out of Gustav was that I had the pleasure of Mary getting to spend a couple of days at my parent's house in Marietta. On the last night before we were going to head back to New Orleans we made homemade calzones for dinner for my parents. Of course Mary's first trip to Trader Joe's created the perfect opportunity to collect the ingredients, and boy were they delicious!

making a face print in the garlic dough as suggested by our cashier at trader joe's because it smelt so good :)

the delicious ingredients

the chefs at work

New Thing #177: New Uses for Old Things

Real Simple is one of my favorite magazine. The fact that the byline on the cover states "life made easier" makes me want to read it immediately. This month they had readers submit double duty household items. With the help of a fellow Real Simple reader I used a post earring to fix my broken glasses. What a quick fix! It actually works and only if you look closely do you see a mismatched earring instead of a screw on my favorite sunglasses.

New Thing #176: Say AHHHH

Due to something blooming in Georgia and my lovely allergies I managed to get laryngitis in the Summer! Usually I will get it in the Winter, when it is cold, due to a cold, but no I had to be different. This picture describes exactly how my throat felt...

New Thing #175: Best Biscuit in Batesville

Labor Day I went to breakfast with Joe and his grandmother to the Old Batesville General Store for breakfast, and like the title of this blog says I had the best biscuit in Batesville. Although Batesville may not be the most populated town it was honestly the best biscuit I have ever had, and it was a good excuse to eat honey which I love!