Disclaimer: by no means does this blog imply that my friends are "fast" or "loose". Well, maybe some of ya'll...
It's week two in NOLA and we are busy making new friends. Cyre has an adoring fan/friend next door, Keller has several boys to call buds, Kev has reconnected with many former hang daddies, and I've met a wonderful group of women too. It feels so good to have my own group of friends, despite already knowing and loving several musicians in town. As one gets older, making friends can seem more of a task than just an experience and I'm thankful it's been such a positive experience for all of us.
Out walking the dog one day last week, the kids and I met a new neighbor also out walking her dog. It turns out she has an adorable granddaughter named Lilly who was ready to make new friends. The very next day, a beautiful, precocious, chatty southern belle turned up at our door ready to play. We've had the pleasure of Lilly's presence every day since and she's made fast friends with Cyre. Though she is friends with Keller, it's Cyre who she longs to play dolls with, discuss fashion, make phone calls and chase after. I'm sure once kids at school meet the new girl, the tiny Canadian and the funny one, Cyre will have a pack of new friends. I use the term pack loosely. Tween girls in a group sound and sometimes act like a pack of hyenas. I know; I was one.
One of my biggest fears in moving to New Orleans was that Keller would have a hard time making friends. Lots of kids don't always get him and his encyclopedic knowledge of wars, weapons and mummies. After six days of pestering his sister and his parents, we desperately called a friend of Kevin's with a son Keller's age and begged them to come over. Keller and Ray hit it off and ended their play date shooting a still video of a Lego war. The only thing I remember shooting at age nine was my mouth off, resulting in me not being able to play with Jennifer Renne for a full year. Yeah. Not a good one...
Just like Keller, our new neighbor Zeke has probably never met a stranger he didn't like. On Monday morning of this week he showed up at my door with an invitation to a red beans n' rice party that evening. His enthusiasm was infectious! I just had to come meet the family that produced such a happy, friendly kid. Since that day, the boys have been inseparable and totally unhappy when family commitments, meals and sleep interfere in their games. I am grateful and relieved.
Kev has reconnected with his former hang daddies and is up to no good already. The smart ass jokes and comments are free flowing and his sense of humor is once more in tact. What's different this time, is that he's more humble and appreciative of full time work. He's working hard at making his band the best it can be and the former Disney employee is in full force. Dress code, stage rules and rehearsals are now part of his weekly routine. What a change from disgruntled posties, threatening dogs and proper dismounts!
To my surprise, I've made friends within my first week here, something I absolutely did not plan on. My first move to New Orleans was rather lonely and it took me several months to make any real friends. This round, it's happened much quicker and I'm thrilled. Am I more open? Yes. Did I have the help of my dear friend Maria? Yes. But, I've made friends with neighbors too and on my own. It takes some chutzpah to walk into a stranger's home full of people and sit down at their table and talk. Thank god for the many years of sales and cold calls; I got me some chutzpah!
The ladies of the Algiers Book Club are a loud and opinionated bunch (their words) and just my cup of tea. I fancy myself both a dame and a broad and these women fit both of these descriptions. Though we'd just met, by the end of the night several of the ladies had asked for my resume, suggested places to take my kids and shared more than a couple of cocktails. We even danced together! I absolutely cannot wait for the next gathering and hope to see many of them sooner.
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
It's Eatin Time!
The fast is over.
We're back in NOLA, in the land of food and a glutton of amazing restaurants. I don't know why, but we just didn't eat out much in Charlotte and we've done just that every single day in the one week we've been back in New Orleans. Yes, there are a gazillion great restaurants here, but it's not like Charlotte was a complete wasteland. It just didn't seem quite as meaningful there.
It's weird to be back. I've titled this new blog full circle, cause that's how it feels. New Orleans is where I met my husband and where my life completely changed. (no need to cue any sort of Air Supply song; it's cliche all right, but 100% true.) I am mostly happy to be here, but somewhat apprehensive too. Starting over is tough anywhere, but somehow it feels like it might be harder here than in Charlotte. I was lucky in the Queen City, and very successful as a writer. I had a fresh start and could be anything I wanted. I don't quite have that luxury here. I'm somewhat remembered, but not as a writer. That just might confuse folks.
The kids are adjusting, but it's harder for them too. They had friends in Toronto, but not BFFs. Plus, they see them at least once a year since we travel to TO frequently. I'm not sure how often we'll get back to Charlotte and that's makes the sting of leaving that much more painful. Poor Cyre is sad, sad, sad about leaving her friends, her school and her Meredith. Truth is, I miss Meredith and the McVadons too. I can only imagine how she feels. Remember 12? Your friends were your whole world (I'm not far from that at 42!) and giving them up is like having an organ ripped out. Okay, a little dramatic; but, I swear all the moping is affecting me.
Keller is happy to be here, but missing his buds too. He is enjoying all the weirdness, the food, the music and le bon temps roulez here. However, I think he is mostly confused and a little bored. He doesn't have the freedom to wander the neighborhood, killing the Dutch. He can't run over to the neighbors houses at 7 am on a Sunday and bombard them with WWI weaponry facts. (don't you want to live next door?) Once the kids start school and he has a routine and regular people to talk to, I'm sure he'll settle down.
The best part though, is how happy my husband is. He's smiling all the time and no longer looks ashen. His walk has a bounce once more. He's grateful, thankful and humble too. It's a lovely combo, though I'm sure it will eventually get old. Playing music every day knowing he can take care of his family has turned his world around. It's the way it's supposed to be. I'm looking forward to that kind of experience myself.
So, off we go to eat more food. More later.
Meg
We're back in NOLA, in the land of food and a glutton of amazing restaurants. I don't know why, but we just didn't eat out much in Charlotte and we've done just that every single day in the one week we've been back in New Orleans. Yes, there are a gazillion great restaurants here, but it's not like Charlotte was a complete wasteland. It just didn't seem quite as meaningful there.
It's weird to be back. I've titled this new blog full circle, cause that's how it feels. New Orleans is where I met my husband and where my life completely changed. (no need to cue any sort of Air Supply song; it's cliche all right, but 100% true.) I am mostly happy to be here, but somewhat apprehensive too. Starting over is tough anywhere, but somehow it feels like it might be harder here than in Charlotte. I was lucky in the Queen City, and very successful as a writer. I had a fresh start and could be anything I wanted. I don't quite have that luxury here. I'm somewhat remembered, but not as a writer. That just might confuse folks.
The kids are adjusting, but it's harder for them too. They had friends in Toronto, but not BFFs. Plus, they see them at least once a year since we travel to TO frequently. I'm not sure how often we'll get back to Charlotte and that's makes the sting of leaving that much more painful. Poor Cyre is sad, sad, sad about leaving her friends, her school and her Meredith. Truth is, I miss Meredith and the McVadons too. I can only imagine how she feels. Remember 12? Your friends were your whole world (I'm not far from that at 42!) and giving them up is like having an organ ripped out. Okay, a little dramatic; but, I swear all the moping is affecting me.
Keller is happy to be here, but missing his buds too. He is enjoying all the weirdness, the food, the music and le bon temps roulez here. However, I think he is mostly confused and a little bored. He doesn't have the freedom to wander the neighborhood, killing the Dutch. He can't run over to the neighbors houses at 7 am on a Sunday and bombard them with WWI weaponry facts. (don't you want to live next door?) Once the kids start school and he has a routine and regular people to talk to, I'm sure he'll settle down.
The best part though, is how happy my husband is. He's smiling all the time and no longer looks ashen. His walk has a bounce once more. He's grateful, thankful and humble too. It's a lovely combo, though I'm sure it will eventually get old. Playing music every day knowing he can take care of his family has turned his world around. It's the way it's supposed to be. I'm looking forward to that kind of experience myself.
So, off we go to eat more food. More later.
Meg
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