Thanksgiving in New Orleans

Mom and Dad came down for Thanksgiving again this year. We made the usual: turkey, dressing, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and homemade cranberry sauce. It was enough to have the leftovers for 2 more meals. The day after Thanksgiving, I took them to Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au laite and a stroll around the French Quarter. We hit the aquarium where they had penguins, otters, and a white alligator, in addition to huge fish, sharks, and stingrays. Then for lunch, we had a muffaletta while seated on a bench on the moonwalk. (The moonwalk is like a boardwalk that parallels the Mississippi River--it is not a moonwalk like you would see at a fair.)

Saturday was spent putting shelving in my closets and watching the OU/OSU football game. Unfortunately, the game proved a formidable distraction which interfered with the shelving job, so we also had to make a few trips to the local Home Depot for materials before it was finally completed. . . .

It was a good holiday and I look forward to doing it again over Christmas.

The Mighty Has Fallen

I don't consider myself a full-fledged tree-hugger, but I do have a certain appreciation for nature. I had this pine tree in my front yard that occupied a rather awkward position right in front of my house. The shade it provided prevented my grass from growing; the needles it shed littered my azalea bushes and made mulching useless; and it dropped pine cones all over the place. Not to mention the fact that if another strong hurricane came through, it was positioned to do serious damage to my house if it fell. Sadly, the tree had to go.







One day I was approached by a specialist whose keen eyes saw I might need that tree removed. The estimate he gave seemed fair, for a tree so large. I took a few weeks to think about it and decided to do it. I called yesterday and they made my appointment for this morning. Not much time to say goodbye to a tree that had so far survived a clearing for a major housing development (I wonder why they let the tree stand where it did in the first place) and a major hurricane.

So now it's noble trunk lies in my front yard, awaiting being chopped up and taken away. I thought it appropriate to gather a few needle and pine clusters to display as a memorial to so stately a tree.

Tales of the Macabre: Part 1

"Today is Monday 16 October 2 a.m. I killed her at 1 a.m. Thursday 5 October, I very calmly strangled her. It was very quick." This ghastly entry written in Addie Hall's journal grimly described the fate of the journal's owner.

Two days ago, a man jumped from the eighth floor of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. A surveillance camera records his final moments of life as he makes numerous unsuccessful attempts, pacing between the patio and the terrace railing, before finally committing himself to the act of jumping. In his pocket was a note, written by himself, sealed in a plastic bag to keep it unfouled. The note was intended to lead police to an even more grisly scene.

"I had to take my own life to pay for the one I took," wrote Zackery Bowen, of his girlfriend Adriane Hall. When the police arrived at the apartment, they found a scene not even Hollywood would dare depict. Two pots were on the stove; one contained the badly burned, unrecognizable head of Addie Hall, and the other contained her hands and feet. On the counter, next to the stove, were carrots and potatoes, chopped as ingredients for a stew. In the oven, on trays, were her legs and arms; one of the pans actually had some seasoning sprinkled on the parts.

After strangling his girlfriend, the murderer lived with the corpse for a full day, even going to work at one of the local bars. He decided that the best way to dispose of the body was to dismember it, so he placed it in the bathtub and set about his grim business. The police found the rest of her body in a trash bag in the refrigerator. In the meantime, the murderer had lived with the remains of Addie for almost two weeks. The details of the murder are graphically detailed on eight pages of Addie's journal, found on the scene. However, there is no evidence that the killer resorted to cannibalism.

The two had met on the eve of Hurricane Katrina, both being determined not to evacuate. Addie gave refuge to her future killer and they apparently fell in love at first sight. They soon became media icons, being only two of a handful of individuals who refused to leave their French Quarter lodgings. At the time of the murder, they were living in a one bedroom apartment above the Voodoo Spiritual Temple and Cultural Center. As the city got back on its feet after the storm, their relationship started to unravel, possibly due to heavy drug and alcohol use--both were booked on first time marijuana possession charges afterwards, though at different times.

The killer claimed to have no remorse for the act of murdering the woman he supposedly loved. If it was not some form of remorse, what drove him to finally force himself to jump to certain death?

What drives someone to such madness?

Special Report on the State of the Season

This would not be a true diary of an Okie in exile without an entry discussing the state of affairs with the Sooner football team as it now stands. Lady Luck has turned her back on the Sooners in a series of, shall we say, unfortunate events. First, it started with the loss to Oregon by horrendous, incompetent officiating. That display by the PAC 10 officials supports the concept of drug-testing for referees and instant-replay "specialists" as much as for the players.


Then came the loss to Texas, which is always a sad day. . . .








. . . now today's sad news about Adrian Peterson breaking his collarbone and being sidelined for the rest of the season. Our victory over Iowa State was dearly bought. This unfortunate event is even more lamentable for it happened after Peterson beat Quentin Griffin's record for rushing yards with a total of 3,968 yds. Peterson was also a hopeful (again) for the Heisman Trophy.

Is the season over? Will he return for his Senior year or leave us to go pro?

A Tale of the Ant (The Terror of Anaphylactic Shock)

It promised to be an excellent weekend. My belly was full of barbecue from lunch; we had been secured from work early; and I had just left Starbucks, having finished a novel while enjoying a pumpkin spice latte. When I got home, I started watering some mums I had planted the previous weekend. As I was standing there, holding the hose, I felt a stinging sensation around my ankles and saw that I was standing on an ant bed. I quickly washed the ants off with the hose and noticed that the burn was a little more intense than the ant bites I had experienced in the past. However, I thought it no big deal and continued my watering chores with my other plants.

After finishing up, about ten minutes later, I came inside intending to soak my ankles in water and Epsom salt, but when I walked into my bathroom, I saw that my face was an unnaturally deep red. I thought it odd, but thought it might be from the heat and/or a little dehydration. However, as soon as I sat down on the edge of the tub, my heart started to race. I immediately got up to go to my bed to lie down and felt nauseous. When I reached my bed, the airways in my nose became completely blocked and it felt like my head was going to crack open from the sudden onslaught of severe congestion.

I debated calling 911, but not for long. At this point my heart was beating so hard and fast I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I made the call, and noticed I was having a hard time speaking. From there, things got worse. While trying to keep myself from panicking and causing more stress to my body, I had to try to remain calm after being disconnected by the 911 operator. It took five tries to get the operator back on the phone. And after having requested an ambulance before being disconnected, the same operator asked if she needed to dispatch an ambulance on the second phone call. She patched me through to the EMTs who advised me to make sure my front door was unlocked. After walking to my front door, my vision left, in a kind of bright, swirling, psychedelic experience. Luckily my couch was near because I was on the verge of passing out. I was also advised to lie on my left side, which seemed to help. Shortly thereafter, the EMTs finally arrived and wheeled me out of the house and into one of two ambulances. Once they put the oxygen mask on me I felt I would be okay.

I was released from the emergency room a little after an hour, being given some meds via IV and a breathing treatment. However, I wasn't home ten minutes before I had another "spell" wash over me, and decided to drive myself back to the emergency room. After blood tests, an EKG, and a chest x-ray, I was back home, exhausted, but afraid to let myself fall asleep. Eventually I did, around 0300 in the morning. I woke Saturday feeling achey, a little depressed, with a sore and tight chest, and stiff ankles. Needless to say, I spent most of the day in bed. I had a few more "spells" over the next couple of days but was assured by the doc Monday morning that it may just be the drugs still in my system.

On Tuesday morning, while sitting in my Master Gunnery Sergeant's office with the Lieutenant Colonel, I watched as an ant crawled up the wall next to me, and noticed my boss flick a couple off his arm. That, of course, provoked comment and I was asked where I kept my shot in case of an office emergency. (The doc had prescribed epinephrine, a shot I'm supposed to keep on my person at all times in the event I get stung again.) Naturally, I had left my meds in my truck up two decks in the parking garage and immediately went into panic mode. By the time I got up to my truck, I was in the midst of a full-fledged panic attack with the same symptoms I had experienced that night--just not as severe. I waited to get back to my office, debating on whether or not to take the shot, but took my benedryl instead. My Master Sergeant sat with me for a few minutes until it passed. I was extremely shaky and he said my face was a deep red. I went in to see the doc the next day and she referred me to an allergist for possible immunotherapy.

I have six, barely noticeable sting marks around my ankles. Considering the size of an ant, it is incredible how such a small amount of venom can affect the body. It is also humbling to see how the mind reacts to traumatic events. I knew I had not been stung in the office (they weren't even fire ants) but just the sight of an ant triggered the panic response in my mind. The worst part was when I was alone in the parking garage when I went up to get my medication. One of my first thoughts that night was that I was going to die alone. I still continue to have panicky, anxious moments, but I guess it will take time to put this behind me. Although I can't ever put it too far behind me because I always have to be prepared for another incident, living in the fire ant capitol of the United States.

When Lovebugs Attack!

These little pests are all over the place down here! The first time I saw a pair flying around I thought, "what an odd looking bug." It wasn't until I saw one land and looked a little closer that I realized they were attached. Apparently, they come out in full force during this time of year and cover most everything outdoors. One of the Master Sergeants I work with advised me to coat the front of my truck with baby oil to keep them from sticking to the paint because they can apparently cause damage to the paint. But they are certainly interesting to watch, especially when flying--sometimes they aren't completely in sync with each other. There have also been sightings in Oklahoma, so beware!

Crazy? Or: Bored In New Orleans?!

For two weeks now, I've been considering starting another Master's Degree. Why? Who knows! I like pain? I thrive for the constant, never-ending, questioning of my scholarly abilities? My parents would probably agree with this assessment, but if I were married by now, I wouldn't have time to come up with silly schemes like this. But, the truth is this: I think I would like to get a Masters in the American Revolution. I cannot deny that I feel blessed in being a citizen of the most powerful country of the world. Call it hubris or adrogantia, especially in this day and age of America-bashing, but no one can deny that, like me, the Romans felt the same way about their empire and had every reason to do so.

The American Revolution was glossed over in the one American history class I took in high school. Things didn't get much better when I went to college either. It wasn't until I started studying the American Civil War that I realized the pivotal part the Revolution played in the nation's founding and the nation's conscience almost one hundred years later. Nor did I realize how much the Revolution and the nation's founding left undone that the American Civil War resolved. Like my all-time favorite, the late Shelby Foote said, "the Civil War defined us as a nation." Precisely because the Revolution and the framing of the Constitution failed to do so. Sure, it was a start, the Revolution was the first time American volunteer soldiers were conscripted to fight for their country; and the Constitution defined the nation as the United States (vice united states); and America was defined by its love of individual freedom; but nothing was done for the African, and the American Indian was pushed aside once its usefulness was exploited, and it took the blood and suffering of the Civil War, led by the greatest President ever, Abraham Lincoln, to forge the nation into what it is today.

Even with the unfinished business of nation-building, the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers offer a fascinating glimpse into this nation's true history, it's birth, it's very essence. Nowhere have such a handful of men been gathered and have succeeded in forming something that would shape the course of the world and human events for hundreds of years (God grant, we have hundreds of years more to come!) This nation has not since seen, and probably will not see, the nobility, honor, and integrity imbued by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. To them, the business of the day was not politics as usual but something much more significant and enduring. Something to last for all times, something to exceed even the Roman Empire.

Meetings May Now Have a Different Meaning

I used to tire of meetings. Marines, especially senior officers such as Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels love to hold meetings, sometimes for the sole purpose of hearing themselves talk; and, other times, just to fill up their calendar. Seriously. My biggest pet peeve is when someone takes the floor and takes half an hour to say something that should have taken no more than five minutes.

My boss, at the prompting of his two Captains, decided to hold a meeting Thursday morning at Cafe du Monde in the French Market. Cafe du Monde is known for its coffee and beignets, and serves little else. Their Cafe Au Lait is better than anything you'd get at Starbucks and the beignets sinfully delicious. Beignets are square pieces of dough fried and dusted with powdered sugar. They taste a lot like a funnel cake.

After an hour-and-a-half of enjoying the atmosphere and delicacies, we finally got down to business. The actual meeting lasted only about thirty minutes, but it was the most enjoyable thirty-minute-meeting I've attended.

Meow!

This is the latest acquisition to my growing cat collection. It is post-1950, since it shares the same mark as another cat in my collection. It is painted in a moriage style and is a bit more elaborate than the others.

Sightseeing

I took my second boat ride across the Mississippi yesterday morning, courtesy of the US Navy. Dental is located on the west bank on the Naval station and they operate a shuttle between the two banks. It was a rather nice morning boat ride, although a bit on the warm and muggy side. Fortunately, I get to take another one later in the month to get a cavity filled. I wish I had a picture to go along with this post, but aside from looking exceptionally foolish to others, I wasn't sure if it would be considered a security violation since a Navy ship was berthed alongside the pier.

Today I had a chance to see the Market District in the French Quarter. But only briefly. . . . I was more concerned with breathing at the time to care about sightseeing. The new boss of the Logistics branch thought it would be motivating to take everyone for a run (typical practice for new bosses.) While not acclimated yet, I decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I just succeeded in looking pathetic. . . . in front of everyone. Anyway, while running by, I got a glimpse of it and thought it definitely worth exploring at my own leisure.

Once an Okie, Always an Okie

The Land Run Monument in Bricktown, OKC

Day Thirteen

Though not my first day in this new land, its strangeness was made evident. I have been here thirteen days and am still experiencing some culture shock. I awoke to a magnificent thunder and lightening storm before dawn; something I had not experienced while in the East but fairly common in Oklahoma. What made this occurrence unusual to me was the fact that not a drop of rain fell in the hour or so it lasted. The sun came out with the dawn, but retreated in the early afternoon before the daily rainshower.

The natives are also an interesting lot. I was completely dismayed with their behavior the first few days I was here. I was expecting the stereotypical deep south laziness, slowness, and/or complacency, but experienced instead downright rudeness, hostility, and meanness. However, in my most recent outings, I have seen that this behavior may not be typical.

Their driving customs also confound me. Drivers here use their horns liberally and it has gotten to the point that I don't know what I'm being honked at for, nor do I care. Red lights and stop signs are treated as suggestions and yield signs completely ignored. Just this morning while approaching a drawbridge, I saw that the light was red and stopped--I watched as everyone else flew by in the other lanes, so it did not take me long to do the same (after being honked at.)

I have met a couple of my neighbors and will tell of my encounter shortly.