New Thing #242: Surprise!

I think that this is the biggest surprise I have ever pulled off. Last minute, I found a great deal on a flight, I purchased the ticket to come home for my mom's birthday weekend. I was going to wait to tell Joe but I needed his help picking me up. I flew in Friday, on her birthday, he picked me up and we headed to my parent's house. Knocking on the door, signs in tow, late that night I hear my dad "don't open the door"...my mom "they have signs"...my dad "don't open the door"...my mom "it's a couple"...my dad "don't open the door." It was hilarious. She was really really excited and it was a great weekend of relaxation and enjoying Fall!

four futrells reunited again

New Thing #241: Draw Two

As part of Kirsten's going away week, Mary and I accompanied her to Liuzza's, a Mid-City landmark in New Orleans which opened in 1947. Family owned and operated with some of the best Louisiana/Cajun food around!

signature 18 oz frosted mugs w/ abita amber

another new thing...fried pickles!

New Thing #240: HOPE

I am proud, that my new thing is living in a country with an African-American President-Elect.

I found this on a friends facebook page, and I think it sums up the greatness of this day:

"In 1787 the three-fifths compromise was struck and written into the US Constitution. In 1865 a civil war of which slavery was the key issue ended costing over one million lives. In 1968 a man with a dream was assassinated attempting to end segregation and the nation rioted. In 2008, a man was elected president of a country that was founded on the premise that he should count as three-fifths of a whole man, that fought a war attempting to keep him enslaved, and that burned and rioted when he was allowed into the same schools and given the same vote. Today is a symbolic day; a day that demonstrates great sins can be overcome; a day that should provide us all with great hope, regardless of our interests and policy views. May Christ's church raise up to make a statement just as symbolic and even more profound! It is time for the Christ's church in America to end its hypocrisy and seek God's glory among all nations and peoples."

New Thing #239: Yes We Can

For the first time on November 4, 2009 I voted in person in a voting booth for the President of the United States. This was a big deal to me, not only was I more excited than ever before to cast my vote in this election, but I enjoyed the excitement of casting my vote in person. I did however break the law by a) wearing paraphernalia with a candidate on it into the polling place and b) taking pictures seen below. No one stopped me...explanation, this is Louisiana. I was disappointed not to have an "I voted" sticker, but my excitement was enough for me!

ready to cast

 

its official!

New Thing #238: Practicing What I Preach

It angers me when people don't exercise their right to vote. I have always gone to the polls, or mailed in my ballot in some cases during in election, but I must admit I wasn't being the citizen that I should. I would only vote for the main stream items on the ballot. I will explain, I would vote for president, senator, congressmen, etc. but I would skim over amendments or propositions and not vote because I wasn't "prepared." This time it was different...I became a prepared voter. I researched amendments, school board candidates, judges and the like, so on November 4 I wouldn't leave any spots unaccounted for on my ballot.

New Thing #237: 50% Warrior 50% Lover

I took my cousin to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua, don't laugh it was a cute movie! I love animals and it was entertaining. Ridiculous at times, but entertaining. Don't judge, it was fun to watch!

New Thing #236: All Things Pumpkin

In lieu of Fall not existing in its true form in New Orleans I decided to host a pumpkin party. I must say the spread was amazing! Pumpkin breads, cupcakes, muffins, dip, poundcake, cookies. You name it, it had pumpkin in it, it was there...except for pumpkin pie, I think people wanted to be original. It was a fun night celebrating Fall with food and friends!

roasted pumpkin with chicken and delicious vegetables. I need to get the recipe!

food and friends

pumpkin ale and gourds