The Great Return

Hey y'all!











No, I didn't die.  Some of you were concerned and checked on me, which I appreciate. As for the rest of you.....FOR SHAME. 

Just kidding.

Seriously though, sorry for my extended absence.  I have SO much reading to do.  I have to catch up on what you guys have all been up to lately.  I've just been so busy the past few months that I've barely had time to catch up on my DVR'd shows.  That's busy. 

So, what have I been up to all this time, you ask?  (Even if you didn't ask, just go with it)

Well, in January I volunteered to be on the committee for my ten-year high school reunion, and that has taken up an enormous amount of my free time - way more than I originally thought it would.  It's a very involved process, much of which the majority of my former classmates have no idea.  There's venue selection - which is ridiculously expensive and a contract must be signed for several THOUSAND dollars - which is no easy decision, then there's the food, band, decorations, theme, keeping up with the Facebook page (my job), people-finding (which thanks to Facebook is impressively easy now) invitations, t-shirt design (another of my jobs), pre-reunion functions, blahbety blah blah.  I'm starting to think I should be getting paid for this.  Whoever made up the word "volunteer" should be shot.  With a bazooka.  Or a cannon. 

Anyhoo, I also started the Spring semester in January, which is going extremely well thus far.  I have some pretty interesting classes, such as Early American History, Art History and Sociology; and some not-so interesting classes, such as Early Civilization (BORING) and Geography of US and Canada (not so bad, I just hate maps).

Aside from that, I've just been busy with the usual - hubs, kiddos, job, etc.  

On a much more exciting note, I have three awesomely fantastical and fantabulous events coming up:

March 13:

RASCAL FLATTS

Chicka chicka yeah!  The original date was in February, but the Flatts got stuck in Texas due to snow (I know, snow in TEXAS?!  Come on!) and had to be rescheduled.  This will be my second time seeing them in concert, and they're fabulous, so I can't wait!

As if that concert wonderfulness wasn't enough....

April 9:

LADY GAGA

I say it's a graduation gift for my younger cousin, but I really do want to see her live.  It's going to be freaky and kinky and dirty and I can't wait!

Despite my excitement over the two concerts, neither can even come close to the absolute, six-year-old-on-Christmas-morning, Richard-Simmons-workout-video, over-the-top, complete and total anticipation over what's coming in May:

WASHINGTON, D.C.

I cannot accurately express my excitement over this trip.  Five days and four nights in my nation's capital.  I will have the opportunity to be THISCLOSE to the original Declaration of Independence (among other historical documents), walk through the Library of Congress (a bookworm's dream come true), stand in front of the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and so many other monuments, as well as explore a few of the massive Smithsonian Museums and see pieces of history right in front of me.  I've already warned Hubs that I may cry.  More than once.

I've always loved history, but my delight over this trip has solidified my decision to teach history.  How can I not attempt to pass on this affection to young, impressionable minds?  I can only hope my appreciation of history will rub off on my future students. 

So, this is a warning, I will be talking about this trip A LOT over the next two months.  I promise I'll try to keep the enthusiasm down as much as possible. 

Also, it's currently Carnival Season in Louisiana (aka MARDI GRAS).  That means lots of king cake, parades, beads and a break from school.  I have the entire week off next week.  I plan to spend it working on two essays (there's no real break from school), Spring cleaning, doing some Washington research/planning and shopping.  Lots and lots of shopping.  (Don't tell Hubs.)


Well, it feels good to be back, and I'm going to try and make a valiant effort to keep up with blogging, because I really enjoy it, especially reading the posts of my BBBs (Blogging Best Buds).  I've missed you guys!

Love, peace & chicken grease, y'all!

Final Thoughts of 2010: A Recap

Wow, 2010 has been a crazy, fun-filled, full-of-surprises year for me.  I've been unbelievably blessed this year and my family has been as well.  I can't believe tomorrow will be 2011.  I remember being in junior high back in the mid-90s and people would say, "I bet by 2010 we'll be driving flying cars and have robot maids."  Not quite.  Although Joan Rivers is fast becoming creepily similar to Barbie - in her 60s.  I bet she'll be the first robot chick.  With lip injections.

I figured the best way to recap the year is to just list the high points of the year for me.  Some of the events are from other people - sports teams, celebrities, etc., but they all contributed to making this year an awesome one!

January 24, 2010 - NFC Championship game at the Superdome in New Orleans with my New Orleans Saints beating the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 in overtime after Garrett Hartley kicked a beauty of a fieldgoal.  Saints going to the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history!

February 7, 2010 -  My New Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Superbowl XLIV.  Who dat! Bless you boys!

 

 

 

February 9 - Parade held in New Orleans celebrating the awesome season of our Saints kicks off Mardi Gras Carnival Time.  Attended too many parades and nearly froze to death in the process, but had a ball.  Laissez les bon temps rouler!

February - Winter Olympics are always fun, but the US tore it up this year! I loved watching Bode Miller, Shaun White, Julia Mancuso, Evan Lysacek, Apollo Ohno and Lindsey Vonn do their thing.  I don't care what the sport is, I'll watch it!

March - Took a short four-day trip to Tennessee to visit the fam, and had a great time.  Went to my most favorite place in the world, Cades Cove. 

April - Made the decision to return to school.  Thought I was crazy.

May 6 - My birthday!

The summer was basically spent with me reading People Magazine and US Weekly, watching Friends and Dexter reruns and wondering if they really would send Lindsay Lohan to jail this time....

August 18 - First day back at school.  I was terrified and thrilled.  So glad I went back!

September 1 - Celebrated my three-year anniversary with the Hubs.  Yay!  I also hit my 100th post milestone that same week. 

September 2 - NCAA Football Season began.  Yes.

September 9 - NFL Season officially begins in the New Orleans Superdome with my Boys hosting the Minnesota Vikings.  My boys won 14-9.  Again, Who Dat!

For most of September, October and November I did a lot of studying and watching football.  That's about it.

December 9 - Took the last final of my first semester back at school, finished out the semester with a 3.68 GPA and made the President's List.  Wohoo!

December has been nothing but Christmas, Christmas, Christmas! 

Had a wonderful time with my family this year, as we do every year.  My girls had an awesome Christmas and received way too many gifts.  We were definitely blessed.

In retrospect, the year was kind of uneventful if you take away the sports excitement.  It was still a good year though.  My babies are healthy, I love my husband, my family is well and all is good in my hood!

What was the best moment of 2010 for you guys?

I wish you all a blessed, wonderful and happy new year! Salud!

Also, a huge THANKS to my guest bloggers for the week.  You guys rock my socks off! Love y'all!