Kokochi

First day in the French Qtarter

We basically walked around all day in the French Quarter. Dav used to live here - it was his first "city" experience out of NC as a young lad. Many good memories, so we poked around his old haunts.

Had a fantastic brunch buffet - shrimp, crawfish, fruit, sausages, jambalaya, and the best bread pudding I've ever had. Cost us $70 (!!) but it was in a gorgeous courtyard. Found a cool antique shop, and purchased awesome matching Russian hats (3rd pic), and Dav got another hat of who knows what origin (anyone??) along with the best Burning Man goggles ever.

Had freshly made lemonade, and enjoyed the perfect weather. Hot enough to relax and leave extra layers at home, with a touch of humidity, which I like. Problem is, I can't walk so much, so after a few hours, my back was killing me. I kept having to stretch, and have Dav go for a beer somewhere so I could sit (and pee).

Wedding is tonight in a few hours...

First night in New Orleans

Click to see video.

We arrived late Friday night, and by the time we checked in, grabbed a bite to eat, and headed out to meet everyone, my friends were trashed. It was hilarious to see them. 3 of them are moms, and having left their kids back home, were out to party it up for sure. So funny.

We arrived at a bar just as they were lining up to get on a machine bull thing that simulates a bull ride. It looked dangerous for men with pretty intense thrashing around, but I was flabbergasted at what they did for women: gently giggle the thing like a vibrator, or sway them so they slide back and forth. Men watched this with glee, as it basically looked like each woman was holding on to a giant vibrator. And the women paid $5 for giving that show to the men! At least my friends had fun, but they were too drunk to notice the entertainment they were providing.

Then we walked around the French Quarter a bit. Jodi (who flew all the way from Switzerland for this occasion!) wanted a burger. So we hauled over to a joint, but by the time her burger came, she was passed out. I love this picture Dav took of her head and the lonely burger.

It was fun catching up, and getting to mix English/Japanese, like old times. We all really haven't changed a bit.

Quiet and busy

Every once in a while I go into a "no blogging" state. I've been taking pictures, but then the moblogging function wasn't working for a while, and once pics get old, I don't like posting (feels more like an obligation vs. posting to share the moment).

But I've also been quiet inside myself...feeling the aches of Gargle growing. I like the increasing kicking, but my back and ribs hurt. And I get tired. So instead of coming home from work eager to catch up on blogging, I just want to lie flat on my back.

Plus, we've been busy preparing for a vacation! My friend Joie from high school (American School in Japan) is getting married in New Orleans, and 4 other old girlfriends will be there. A nice reunion indeed. I'm looking forward to having Dav meet us all as a group so Dav can get a peek into my past. When all together, our interaction slips right back to our good 'ol high school days.

We're also heading to North Carolina to celebrate Ele's engagement, as we'll have to miss the wedding since I'll be ready to bust around then. Then we head up to D.C. where my uncle Peter and aunt Karen live. They haven't met Dav yet so it's about time we visited.

So lots been going on, and that's why it's been quiet on Kokochi.

Ice Skating at Zeum

We went ice skating at Zeum for Flambe Lounge's fundraiser. Our friend Cheu joined us and we all went to dinner first, she dressed as a giraffe, Dav as a dalmatian bunny, me in some white stuff that I could still fit into. It was good fun to run around town dressed in costume, as we haven't done that in a while. I'm not an ice-skater, and was careful not to fall, but still had fun skating around. Then we played one round of bowling in the Zeum's blacklighted bowling alley. http://upcoming.org/event/66420/

Toni's tea party

OK, my night is made

Before "puttering" off to bed, I finally got to catch up on the blogs I love. And found this. Even if I'm frustrated or bored at home, deep down, I'm extremely and profoundly happy. I don't know how, but I've somehow managed to surround myself with amazing people and dear friends. They give me wonderful memories, treat me like a queen, and warm the depths of my heart so that I'm actually fine even on my tired & down days. So let me just shout out a big thank you to all in my life.

[I don't mean to be gushy and corny, but the above sentiment is true, and I feel it frequently. It's good to let it be known every once in a while. So thanks to my Kokochi too!]

Frustration

Today would have been the *perfect* day to go for an after-work drink with a colleague. We would have bonded over that drink. Alas, I'm not that into sitting in a bar sipping juice. And without that gentle buzz from a nice cocktail, the feeling of completing a day of work is just different. So I went home.

And tonight Dav is heading to SupperClub to see a local artist's performance. I'm very tempted to join, but going out late on a Wednesday night (which means I still need to muster up energy for 2 more full days of work) is not realistic.

But I want to go! And of course Dav should go. It's just frustrating that I'm sorta locked in this wholesome pregnant situation where I need to eat lots, drink healthy, and sleep a lot. It's boring, you know.

In exchange, I'll putter to bed and put my hand on my belly to feel the acrobats of Gargle.

Nicest compliment

Nicest compliment: "do you feed your cats something different now?"

Nick is our housemate's friend who used to hang out a lot but then went traveling. He is back visiting now, and asked that question.

His question first worried me, but Nick explained that he noticed the cats were much friendlier to him than before. He wondered whether I had switched cats, or was feeding them special food that made them more social! My cats are super shy, but once they know you are cool, they are attention addicts and will act like furry babies. They must now recognize Nick, and are comfortable enough to demand some petting. I had noticed when "the boys" of our house were eating dinner the other night that Waka was perched on the sofa meowing every minute. As I observed, I noticed all of them would absentmindedly pet her. She loved it.

All to say, I am glad others are noticing how adoring my kitties really are. I used to be the only one who saw this, and love to hear that others recognize it too. : )

St. Stupid's Day

Dressed up in our matching racoon/badger/tanuki outfits, we checked out the St. Stupid's Parade scene. We missed the parade, but hung out at the final gathering.

We'll head over to the after party soon.

Lunch with Rachel

Rachel came all the way into the city to take me out to lunch on Friday. She's moblogging too, and we both share a love with food and pictures of food. Later, after lunch, we came back to the office and shared 2 amazing chocolate cupcakes that she brought for us. Ain't she the cutest?

Thank you, Rachel. I really enjoyed, and appreciated it all!