Likes and Dislikes

Today we are going to have a little conversation about some things that happened yesterday in the land of Vickysburg.  (I tried out V-burg, but RJ immediately made a gross comment, so I don't think that nickname is going to stick).  Anyway, one of these happenings was GREAT, and one of them was NOT OK.  Get ready to be jealous, and then appalled.

***Note- this stuff actually happened on Wednesday, but yesterday I decided to post something about the hurricane instead of just prattling on about my life's random (and embarrassing) events.
  
GREAT: 

The DMV in Vicksburg is NOT your traditional, terrible, nightmarish DMV.  It is simply the "Tax Collectors Office" in the Vicksburg Courthouse.  I went there yesterday to change my car registration and last name.  I'm officially an Alexander now!  So exciting!  I would show you the new license but Vicksburg is a little behind the times, and I'm rocking the black and white paper copy at the moment.  ANYWAY, there was NO line, no "take a number and wait"... in fact there was no one in the room at all, except 4 nice ladies all ready and waiting to help.  I walked in and one of them immediately said, "Can I help you?"  I went to her station, handled my business, and was out the door within 7 minutes!!  No lie, less than 10 minutes to register my car, change my last name, and get a new license.  That is just unheard of!  Oh, and there was plenty of street parking right in front of the courthouse (seriously, RIGHT IN FRONT), and it was FREE.  Come to think of it, I haven't seen any metered parking in this "city" at all.  I know you are all very jealous right now, and you probably should be.  The next time you have to go to the DMV, I suggest coming to Vicksburg.  Even though that probably wouldn't help you, not being a resident and all, but still.  This proves that there are things worth moving to Mississippi for.

It's official- Team Mississippi.

NOT OK:

APPARENTLY, at Parkside Residences, maintenance workers can just help themselves to your apartment, without a care in the world.  And they don't even consider the fact that you might not be wearing pants.  Let me back up.  The other day I saw a sign posted near the mailboxes saying that the complex would be conducting "routine inspections" of apartments on Wednesday, August 28.  Being the airhead that I am, I didn't think much of it.  Big Mistake.  Yesterday I had just awoke, and was sitting on the couch watching a little Live with Kelly and drinking my coffee, when I heard a knock.  At first I thought, "Wow, UPS is early!" but then I realized "Shoot, it's probably that blasted home inspection thing".  Before I could even get up to put some pants on (who sleeps in pants?  I did have panties and a tank top on though, don't worry), I HEARD THE DOOR OPEN.  Those bastards just keyed themselves in!!!  Can you believe that?  "Hello?  Maintenance!" A guy called out.  Being practically naked, I immediately pulled a blanket over myself.  "Um, hi?" I answered.  "Just doing our routine inspections," he said.   Then he proceeded to wander around the house and poke his nose into each room, checking light switches and jotting things down on a notepad.  I was feeling SO uncomfortable and really awkward just lying there on the couch, so I wrapped the blanket around myself and stood up.  "Having any problems?" he asked.  YES, I thought.  YOU JUST LET YOURSELF INTO MY HOUSE WITH NO WARNING!!  THAT'S MY PROBLEM.  (Come on guys, how was I supposed to know that when they say "routine inspection" that means "I'll just let myself in whenever I please"?)  "No, no everything's great!" I chirped, hoping he would just GTFO.  Which he did.  The entire painful experience really only lasted about 120 seconds, but it was still SO awkward.  And he kept looking at me in a weird way... I think he knew I was pant-less and bra-less.  The WORST part is- I was so shaken about being walked in on almost naked, I completely forgot to whine about the decrepit dishwasher which is basically worthless, and the fact that RJ has to hammer the air-conditioning once a day to get it to start up after it shuts down.  UGH.  I really don't think this whole process is even legal, and plan to do some investigating into this little matter of HOME INVASION.  RJ laughed when I told him the story and said its in the lease (that I clearly didn't read) that they can do that.  But I am highly doubtful about the legitimacy of this nonsense.  Whatever happened to knocking, and then WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO ANSWER THE DOOR?  I have rights!  Don't you agree?

Except for when people let themselves into your house...

I can think of about 4 more "GREAT/NOT OK things" but this post is kind of "rambly" so I'll save them for a part II.  Spell-check tells me that rambly is not a word, but it should be so I'm using it anyway.  Later peeps!

Goodbye Isaac

I'm so happy and relieved that the damage to New Orleans from the storm was minimal.  But my heart goes out to the people in St. John and Plaquemines Parish.  The pictures on CNN are frightening.  I can't even imagine what those people must be feeling and what they are going through.  I wish there was something I could do, they do not deserve to go through this again.

Here in Vicksburg, things are fine.  Lots of wind and heavy rain, but nothing too dramatic.  Our power flashed on and off for about 2 hours this morning, but seems to have decided to stay on as of late.  RJ was told not to come into work, so we are hunkering down and doing what we do best- having a lazy day, complete with Netflix, macaroni and cheese (homemade thankyouverymuch) and a glass of wine at 3pm.  (If you can't day-drink during a tropical storm, when can you?) 

My thoughts exactly

Haha

I know how lucky we are, and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is not as fortunate.  Goodbye Isaac.  Move it along, you won't be missed. 

Do you know what it means...

St. Louis Cathedral

Today I find my mind wandering to the city I love, and the people who live there.  As Isaac gets ready to make contact with New Orleans, I check the weather updates every half-hour, and wonder what my old students are doing.

I know both they, and the city, will be fine.  New Orleans is tough, and has been dealing with hurricanes longer than I could even imagine.  And my kids may just be even tougher.  It's more that... I wish I could be there.  I know it sounds crazy, as people are facing power-outages and flooded streets.  Today RJ remarked that he was glad we didn't have to deal with all that anymore.  But I can't say I feel the same.  I love New Orleans, storms in all, and would gladly trade the hassle of hurricane season to live there again.  

I am lucky enough to have been a resident for 4 amazing years, but to be honest, it wasn't nearly long enough.  Quite simply- New Orleans is a very tough city to shake.  I read this article the other day, and something he wrote really stuck with me:  "The city gets into your bones, your blood, your soul..."  It's completely true, and I couldn't agree more.  

The culture and the pride you experience and feel when you're in New Orleans is unlike anywhere else.  Everywhere you go there is something to see, something to eat, an event to take in, or even become a part of.... The lights and glitter of Mardi Gras don't even make a dent into what the city truly has to offer.  

If you visit New Orleans, there is no way to describe a "typical day".  You might find yourself wandering the streets of the Quarter, stopping to listen to musicians as they play.  You will delight in the fact that you can walk with a drink in hand, as you take in the architecture and history that is all around.  No matter where you stop to eat- it will be a good meal.  You may stumble upon a second-line and join the parade, because, why not?  Even if you aren't visiting during Carnival Season, someone will probably throw you some beads.  (And no, you won't have to show your boobs).  And with a state that has over 400 festivals a year (so an average of more than one A DAY), you won't need Mardi Gras for it to feel like a party.   No matter what, the energy of the city is palpable and always present.  

Uptown is quieter, but has just as many sights to take in, with old mansions lining the streets, and cemeteries just around the corner.  The sidewalks may jump up and bite you, but you can be certain that there will be a friendly person on their front porch asking if you are ok.  Then they will send you on your way with an "alright baby" and a wave.  

Only in New Orleans will you stop your lesson so your kids can peer out the window to watch the random Jazz Band marching in the streets below.  Only in New Orleans do people dress up just as often as they wash their car.  Only in New Orleans can you sneak into the after-party for a Krewe of a parade, and no one seems to mind.  "The more the merrier" (and maybe a little bit of "who cares!") is truly the motto of the city.  Only in New Orleans will you find a Catholic church coexisting peacefully with the voodoo shop across the street.  And only in New Orleans will you find a place that continues to be ever resilient, and has a spirit that shines so much brighter than its flaws.

The city is not for everyone, that I understand.  And it would be ignorant of me to pretend it has no faults.  I'm sure for some, New Orleans may just be too much.  But for me, it was just right.  It was more than just a place; it was a feeling I got when I lived there.  It's the feeling I get when I visit. 

It's been said that there are two kinds of people in this world- those who live in New Orleans, and everyone else.  Here's to working my way back to the former.  I love you NOLA.

Just your typical tree after Mardi Gras

The oldest public market in America....

The Quarter... NOT Bourbon Street. Obviously.

My old school

Block Party with the 610 Stompers!

Best muffalettas in the city...

My favorite time of the year, with some of my favorite ladies!

Mardi Gras brings out the best in everyone!! :)

The drivers of these carriages are very friendly.  Once, on a field trip with my kids, one of them gave us a ride around the block for free.

Art in the Quarter

Just another day...

Canal Street after the Saint's Superbowl win.  One of the best nights ever.

New Orleans' architecture

 

Go see Steamboat Willie... he's my favorite.

The Red Dress Run

St. Patrick's Day Parade! One of the very best!

<3

Scavenger hunt around the city...

Street car on St. Charles

Meet me in NOLA, I'm planning my next trip as we speak! :)

PS... If you're going to do a meal right in New Orleans, it should be at one of Uptown's hidden treasures such as Atchafalaya, or Gautreau's.  And though it might not be a "hidden treasure", you should never pass up a meal at Jacque-Imo's.

And check out this list for 100 essential experiences you shouldn't miss!

This week's pictures

RJ using his "Gin and Titonic" ice cubes to make a drink.  My friend Sal got us these for an engagement present and he is obsessed.  They're ice cubes in the shape of ships... and he is highly amused every time he uses them. :) 

I was feeling nostalgic, and missing my girls, so I made a Bachelorette night memory box.  I had the best time ever at my Bachelorette party.  Thanks to B for all the fun props, and to my friends and family for making it a perfect night.

Two of RJ's favorite things.  I was missing him when he was at work one night, so I ate some cheese-its and drank his favorite beer to feel closer to him.  Is that weird?

Our friends Meg and Dan got us this amazing sign for our wedding.  I am obsessed with this style of New Orleans artwork, and plan to purchase more as soon as possible.  Doesn't it look great?

Celebrating 1 week of marriage with good food, good drinks, and the Seahawks game!

Confession time- this is the wine from our wedding box.  Don't judge, it was sort of a wine emergency.  Apparently we couldn't even be bothered to find two wine glasses.  At least we drank it together?  And we listened to a CD that RJ made me like 6 years ago, so it was totally romantic don't worry.  We plan to find the wine from our reception and replace the bottle.  Hopefully that one makes it longer than 10 days...

I found this CD in my memory box.  RJ sent me this Valentine's Day 2006.  Sounds very romantic, but there is actually an alarming amount of N'SYNC/New Kids on the Block on it...

Our child- NEATO.  This thing is so awesome.  Seriously, go get one.  It vacuums the house every day, and leaves tracks in the carpet.  It makes me look like the best wife ever, and I don't have to do a thing.  It's also really smart and maps out its path so it never runs into/over things.  And it's not very loud.  RJ can talk for hours (no, really, HOURS) about the advanced technology of NEATO, and clearly he's rubbed off on me.  Scary.  This is an investment you should make though- your house will feel so clean!!  Plus it keeps me company when RJ's at work.  Don't judge.

New obsession!! So good. RJ and I can power through this jar like nobody's business.  We joke that our first child is going to come out as a pickled vegetable.

Just doing a bit of decorating with the gorgeous bouquet that my friend B made.  (This was a week later- those flowers are survivors).  B doubled as a bridesmaid and a florist at the wedding, and quite frankly, was amazing.  I told her she should go into business.  I also thought the cup she bought me adds a nice touch.

This is what I woke up to yesterday morning.  That little wanker....

Heehee. I told RJ I was going to put this on the blog and he said "Don't you dare."  Oops.  Mostly I just wanted to show you the awesome shirt I got him for his commissioning present.  It pairs quite nicely with my "Knope 2012" shirt.  We are such a cool couple.

Thank you notes have taken over my life, and I didn't even have a traditional wedding!  How do most brides do it?

RJ showing me how to clean NEATO.  I really think he may love it more than he loves me.  Don't ask him about getting one unless you have at least an hour to hear why it's the coolest thing ever.

Cutest wedding gift ever.  His and Hers glasses from our amazing friend.  The note says, Congratulations Team Ryan!! Whit always was Team Ryan... she's a smart one, I tell ya.

Truffle Brownies!

Last night, to celebrate being married for 2 weeks, Ryan went to work (BOO), and I made Oreo Truffle Brownies.  I saw them on Pinterest a couple weeks ago and haven't been able to get them off my mind.  RJ loves brownies, and I love truffles and Oreos, so it seemed like a match made in heaven.

I got the original recipe from here, but I changed a couple things. (You should know- I think she touched up her photos, because I followed her truffle recipe exactly, and mine didn't end up looking all mocha fudgy like that...)

First- I did not make the brownies from scratch.  My domesticity has limits.  Mostly I just didn't feel the need because I know how to make AMAZING brownies from a box.  And I am about to share the secret with you.  Trust me, these brownies will be the best brownies you have ever tasted, and you will say to yourself, "Homemade brownies? I laugh in the face of them. HA HA HA. (Evil laugh)".  I learned this trick from my old boss, who would always bring these INCREDIBLE brownies to work for people's birthdays.  I couldn't believe it when she told me they were from a box.  I asked her what she did to get them so moist (I really hate that word, but it's hard to think of a substitute for it when describing baked goods) and chewy.  She told me that the secret is to separate the eggs, whip the whites, and then stir them in.  (You still include the yolks, mix those in before you add the beaten whites).  Follow the recipe exactly, except stir in the egg whites separately after you have beaten them.  Works like a charm, promise.

Mix together everything but the whites

Beat the whites

Just until they're foamy and thick

Add them to them to the mixture

Combine it all together

Bake away!  Best brownies from a box you will ever eat!

So armed with my secret brownie making skills, Duncan Hines and I did just fine.  And the truffle part is so ridiculously easy it's not even funny.

Grind a package of double stuffed Oreos (minus about 7-8 cookies that you need to save for the crumble topping/eating while cooking process) in the food processor.  Dump the cookie crumbs in a bowl and stir in about 1/4 cup of cream cheese, and 1/4 cup of cream cheese frosting.  The frosting can just be from a can, no need to go all Barefoot Contessa.  You can add a little more or little less of the cream cheese and the frosting, depending on how many cookies you used, and the consistency you prefer.

Don't forget to save some to eat crumble for the topping

I love our food processor.  My September goal is to actually use it to cook something, not just in baking.

Perfect consistency!

Part frosting, part cream cheese- reduced fat, might I add, so this recipe isn't going to make you feel guilty! :)

 If you looked at the original recipe you will see that I improvised on the frosting part.  But I tasted the truffle mixture before I added the frosting, and it definitely tasted better after the frosting was added.  You don't want to add too much though, because the inside of the Oreos act as frosting already.  That's why the 1 to 1 ratio should work just fine.

Oh, I also got mad that my truffle layer wasn't looking as "fudgy" as hers was, so I melted some chocolate chips and threw those in too.  It tasted even better/richer after I did that so I think it was a good call.  And now this recipe can practically be called an original.

Melted chocolate chips make everything better.  Gram taught me well.

After the brownies are cool, spread the truffle mixture on top, sprinkle with Oreo crumbles and voila you are done!  Easiest fancy looking recipe ever.  The original recipe also calls for melting chocolate and drizzling it on top, but I skipped that part.  The 3 layers seemed rich enough to me, and I was feeling lazy.  But I'm sure that addition would only make them even better!

Spread the truffle mixture on

It will look something like this...

Best part- crumbled Oreos on top!!

These taste amazing, in fact, I even had a dream about them last night.  But heads up- they are RICH.  One is more than enough.  I am making RJ take them to work tomorrow so I don't eat the whole pan make myself throw up.  Hope you like them!

These would be great to bring to a party.  Teachers- I would not recommend giving them to children.  A little too rich.

These brownies look a little cake-like in this picture, but that's only because I baked them in a small pan.  They are actually the most soft, fudgy, moist (ew, sorry) brownies ever.