Who are you? Who-Who? Who-Who?

Hi readers! I've noticed a lot of new readers in the past week or two.  I'd love to hear from you!  I'd love for you to leave a comment noting how you found my blog, what your blog address is, your favorite blog, or just something about you. 

Remember when the "25 things" post was going around facebook?  I loved that!  So I thought in the spirit of hellos and introductions, I'd post my 25 things so you could get to know a little more about me.  What's one of your 25 things?

1. I hate sponges. Ick! They gross me out. I always feel like you’re cleaning the dishes with something dirtier than they are. The thought of hand washed dishes gives me chills.
2. I love fine dining and Top Chef. They go together b/c when we go to a nice meal I like to play Top Chef and say things like “mmm, what a nice balance of flavors” or “it just needs a little salt and some acid would have helped.”
3. We watched the documentary “The War Room” in civics class my senior year of high school about James Carville and George Stephanopolous about running the Clinton campaign and from that point on I wanted to be a speech writer/campaign organizer. Maybe one day!
4. Speaking of writing, I have a bad habit of writing letters to people when they publish things I don’t agree with (Walter Block) or to businesses when they consistently provide poor customer service (airlines!!). I think I wrote three letters in the last month.
5. I love the Saints – although it is usually a love/hate relationship. I’m not sure whether this is reflective of my persistence, my naïve idealism, or sheer craziness, but literally at the start of every September I tell my dad (and now Mark) I really think this is the year. Poor Mark – to have brought someone into this through marriage is really cruel. We’re so crazy we keep our season tickets and travel to half the games. (CAN YOU TELL THIS WAS WRITTEN BEFORE THIS YEAR!!!)
6. I love most sports (hockey, boxing, and soccer are the main exceptions). I don’t count Nascar b/c I consider it an event not a sport. I have always wished I was born a natural athlete. Although I’m a terrible sport – so maybe it is better I’m not. I guess I’ll stick to watching it on tv and the summer kickball league.
7. Mark and I met Drew Brees at Saltus River Grill here in Beaufort of all places. Can you imagine!! Of all the famous people in the world to sit at the table next to us, it is my hero Drew Brees. He’s also my facebook friend – so Drew if you’re reading this – hi from Beaufort!
8. I give up shopping every year for Lent. But I think I make up for it pretty quickly there after. I’m really bad about going to Church but religious about not breaking my Lenten sacrifice or meat on Lent Fridays. Some things they teach you at Catholic school sticks with you like glue.
9. I love hip hop. Especially local rap from New Orleans – you know you do too! I’ve seen most of you at the Gold Mine.
10. My first concert was Kenny G. How embarrassing. It was my grandmother’s birthday present from my parents and we had to go as a family. I thought I’d rather die than be seen there. I always wanted to say my first concert was New Kids, but nope it was Kenny G.
11. I got a C+ in Intermediate Accounting my sophomore year in college and my parents made me take out a Stafford loan so that I’d appreciate my education. Now every month I have to debate whether going out 21 nightsin a row with Heather was worth it. I still think it was – ahhhh Madigans!
12. I love New York! No matter how many times we go there I could always go back for more! I think the West Village is my favorite part of the city, but I love exploring new places and things to do there.
13. I would love to open up a cupcake shop or similar type of patisserie with my sister when we move back to New Orleans. Who knows if this will happen, but it would be my dream come true. I’d love to have seasonal items that you can only find for a short period like gingerbread muffins with a cinnamon frosting and candied ginger crumble.
14. I am a hypochondriac to the highest order. I can’t watch shows like ER or House because I convince myself I have whatever the person on tv has. Thank God I married a doctor or I’d be in the ER all the time.
15. I hate driving trips. I get really restless and bored. I’m trying to get better about that seeing as the only direct flight we have are to Dallas, DC, and NYC, but I’m still not very excited by the thought of more than a two hour drive.
16. I cannot tolerate people who are rude to waiters. Being so is a characteristic that I think says all I need to know about someone.
17. I took ballet for almost half my life but haven’t been to a class since college. It’s one of the things I want to get back to when we move back to New Orleans.
18. Being at the Superdome the night it re-opened for the game versus the Falcons was one of the greatest moments of my life. If I think about it too much I’ll cry. I have a feeling on this I am not alone. Oh man, when Gleason blocked that kick the people above us starting shaking their beers and spraying it like champagne on NYE. It was a night I feel so lucky to have been a part of! (AND NOW THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP TOO!!)
19. I love board games. Any and all of them. Mark doesn’t really like playing them, but he’s willing to every now and again.
20. I had a bad attitude toward the military b/c I knew it would be the reason I would have to leave New Orleans, but being a part of it has been so absolutely incredible that I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. I am humbled every day by the number of young men and women who have chosen to sacrifice for our freedoms, especially at this time in our world. I go to the commissary at Parris Island (where all Marine recruits this side of the Mississippi train) every Sunday and not once have I left there without the overwhelming feelings of pride, humility, and gratitude.
21. I have loved every second of our life in Beaufort. That coming from a girl from New Orleans speaks volumes of the community here. We have met the most amazing people here who I can’t wait to spend a lifetime knowing.
22. I ride in a Mardi Gras parade – Muses. One day I’d like to be a float captain. I spend countless hours putting glitter and decorations on shoes to be handed to strangers on the street. It is the most amazing experience every year. It never gets old. I love the excitement and the sentimentality of the whole thing. You’re never too old at Mardi Gras! Growing up I thought Mardi Gras was a national holiday like Christmas. I never understood why others kids had school or why there weren’t re-runs on.
23. I am very close to my family. And I am very protective of them. Say what you want about me, but say anything about them and I’ll never forget it.
24. I have the best husband ever! We truly do have such a great life together, and I know I’m not the most easy going person in the world, so I think most of it is attributable to him. I am always so proud of him, but especially when a patient of his makes a point to tell me how wonderful of a doctor he is.
25. I love New Orleans more than I can put into words. I truly believe that it is more of who I am than where I am from. The sound of a trumpet playing or a drum beating, the smell of butter and flour cooking together when you’re making a roux, the sight of flashing lights off in the distance that tell the parade is on its way. It’s not a place - it’s a feeling and an experience and a way of life. It’s unique and not easily understood but it’s ours and we will do anything and everything possible to appreciate it and to protect it. And all we ask is that you do the same.