Bay to Breaker Bandits

We were bad, but I don't feel bad.  Sunday, we hopped in the Bay to Breakers race without registering.  I don't encourage you to run races without paying but if you're going to, this is the one to do.  You'll walk away feeling guilt free.  I don't even know how to describe this race but I told John and Sara it carried the same concept as the mullet haircut--business in the front, party in the back.  The runners that actually cared about their race time and maybe setting a PR lead the pack while all the party people, who I'm sure had no intention of running, lingered on the course getting intoxicated, taking advantage of the road closures.  I had never seen anything like this in my life. Everything you've heard is true.  The traditional tortilla tossing, the costumes, a frat party that stretched miles and miles, and don't let me forget the nudity.  In fact, I couldn't if I tried.  I believe we tallied 37 naked guys, 5 naked girls and zero hot naked people.   The walk back to the car made for great people watching.  It was truly unbelievable, ridiculous,...CAAA-RAZY.  And people actually brought their kids to this event...something I definitely wouldn't recommend. 

{Fell Street}

{Lifeguard station...in case you end up drowning in your own vomit}

{Free Shrek ears on the course...I tried}

Overall, it was a great run and scenic, in more ways than one.  Would I do it again?  Yes. But don't look for me in the middle of Fell Street with a beer pong sporting a kitschy costume.  Maybe I'm getting old or maybe the drunk off your butt look before 9 a.m. doesn't appeal to me...(because really, no one out there made it look attractive)...I guess it's just not my style.

Spring Break in the Big Easy

I know Spring Break happened over a month ago...but better late than never.  Let me begin...

My sister, Missy and her family moved to Louisiana two years ago.  It was a huge move that resulted in us enduring months of separation anxiety.  Prior to moving to Lousiana, they lived a short time in Vegas.  Her living in Vegas wasn't so bad--the flight was short and sweet.  And now that they practically live across the country, it is more difficult to visit.  So for Spring Break, we decided to spend a whole week in the Big Easy.

We absolutely enjoy our time in Lousiana and when you're having fun...time flies!  This last visit, we spent less time sightseeing and more time just hanging out...which was nice...really nice.

What I really looked forward to is quality time with my BFF.  My sister is my best friend. We were both counting down the days for this trip and were wishing for "just two more days" when the last day fell upon us. It's really the little things I enjoy and miss doing with her. Doing our hair and makeup together (Bonus: sharing hair and makeup products), making delicious treats in the kitchen, sitting on the couch sharing a blankie and watching TV while providing commentary to one another,shopping, talking and being with our kiddos.

Speaking of kiddos, my sister has two beautiful babies, Drew and Olivia, and  I often refer to them as my babies--granted my sis gave birth to them but hey...my blood runs through their veins!  They are both super sweet and smart and kept us entertained.  We talked, we laughed, we played, we sang and "ta-da'd" the whole week. Sigh.. Kaelani loved being around the babies and I was impressed by how great she was with them.  She was such a great helper.  She didn't complain or whine once and was eager to entertain them, give them baths and feed them.  She was so sweet and it gave me a sneek peek on how wonderful she would be as someone's big sister...wink,wink.

Now, I can't blog about the Big Easy without talking about the food because OH. MY. GOD. the food is so delicious! I always look forward to eating when I go there and expect to leave a little heavier.  The great thing about coming during Easter is being able to enjoy a crawfish boil.  My brother-in-law's family are wonderful and awesome hosts.  They put on a crawfish bowl where we stuffed our bellies beyond delight and subsequently into a food induced coma.

I am not a contributor to tripadvisor.com or anything but decided to put a little list together of places we enjoy and I recommend visiting:

Oak Alley Plantation-please have a mint julep-and another...for me.

French Quarter, Bourbon St.-bar,bar,bar, what is that smell???, bar, bar, bar.

Cafe Du Monde for delicious famous beignets, Cafe au Lait, and for the powdered sugared mess you'll leave on yourself...and you won't even care.

Jimmy John's- #9 is to die for and yes-you do want to add peppers.

LSU- The campus is gorgeous and flanked with grandious homes.  A GREAT place to run.

Global Wildlife Center-  Do they even have a place like this in Cali?  This place is awesome.  A chance to get up close and personal to tons of wildlife and feed their seemingly bottomless pits.

{My sis and her kiddos}