Next stop, New Orleans, Baby!

I just updated my "Next Trip" Countdown ticker on my blog.  And yes, you read that right.  I'm headed to New Orleans!! Squeeeeeeeeeeal!!

First time there for me.  I'm so excited, that I even started reading an Anne Rice novel! hahah! Interview with a Vampire was unavailable at the time at the library as an ebook, so I chose the The Vampire, Lestat.  The reason I never read these novels when they were the popular thing to do, is because I'm easily scared and maybe a little superstitious.  OK, a lot superstitious.  But I'm already a quarter into the book and no bad dreams yet!  I guess it helps that it's written from the monster's point of view and not the preys.

I'm only going to be in New Orleans for less than 48 hours, so I'm going to need to plan this well to get the most out of my trip.  Bar hopping in the French Quarter is a must.  We arrive at 8pm Saturday night, so it's straight to Bourbon Street.  I'll have all day Sunday, so I think I'll be doing a walking tour of the City or Cemetaries, then maybe visit a fortune teller or medium.  I still have a few days to do my research and planning, but any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

No Regrets

It's a beautiful President's Day Weekend in the Valley of the Sun.  Brian and I are off to Lake Pleasant to visit our boat, No Regrets.  I'm actually going to scrape off the "Four Winns" brand sticker and finally put her name on today.  You know it's unlucky to have a boat with now name and we've had her since July last year.

The lake has been quiet and calm lately, so today should be the perfect day for me to learn how to drive the boat.  Sounds like fun, right? Well, actually, I'm pretty nervous.  The last time I tried driving the boat, I was freaking out.  Every time I would hit a wake, I'd slow the boat down suddenly.  And if there was a boat within a half a mile, I'd freak and wonder, which way is that boat going? Am I in his way. Is he in my way? What should I do?!!!

Ack!

Well, I know if I were younger, I'd have no fear of this. I'd welcome it with open arms.  I was eager to learn and try anything new and exciting.  I learned how to drive stick shift just for that reason.  I enjoyed the thrill of being on a San Francisco hill and trying to get it smoothly into gear from a dead stop.  I need to channel that adventurous, thrill-seeking teen inside.

No Regrets is the name of our boat and that's how we need to live our lives.  How can I call myself a decent boat owner if I can't even drive her?

Wish me luck!