Joy in the Crescent City

People driving down Perrier Street in New Orleans last night were met with an unexpected sight. They witnessed a balding man in his mid-30's doing some sort of jerky, uncoordinated, boogie down dance in the middle of the street. He danced the way someone might dance during a Friday night tent revival in Mississippi. He didn't seem drunk and there was no music playing. He looked like he had just scored a touchdown, but it was the second week of May. He tried to do a handstand but that didn't really pan out. Who was this man and what had driven him to such joyous, awkward celebration? Well, that was me and I was celebrating the fact that we finally found a place to live. Yes, the search is over. The eagle has landed. Amen.

(I wasn't really dancing. It was way too hot to dance in the street yesterday.)

We didn't just find a place to live. We found a SWEET place to live and it was well within our price range, in a safe area and full of that architectural charm New Orleans is known for. We also have two off-street parking spots. That is almost unheard of for renters here in New Orleans. I feel a little like kicking myself in the butt for all the bitching I did about finding a place to live. (I am not limber enough to kick myself in the butt...bad knees.) Yes, it certainly was hard and we looked at six billion places (that's a high estimate) and we met some freaks along the way and learning a new city is a challenge. But, it worked out and I should have just known that! I swear, if someone ever invents a time machine, they are going to sell a ton of those things.

Here is a picture of our new abode:




We have the upstairs section of the house and it includes a huge front porch, a backyard, working fireplaces and tons of storage. Here's the best part. We can't move in until July 15th because of all the "improvements" the landlord needs to make. Like what? Well, there was a brand new refrigerator and a brand new stove both sitting in boxes that he will be installing. We can walk to the streetcar and are close to a small park and very close to tons of great bars and restaurants.


It's just great the way things work out sometimes. Sometimes they don't, of course. But you have to take your small victories and spike them in the end zone and do your terrible touchdown dance. And, of course, you have to use them like a shield when you got knocked down in the dirt. That will happen - guaranteed! I read somewhere that today is the anniversary of Bob Marley's death. He used to sing that great line "every little thing's gonna be alright". Thanks, Bob. Thanks, New Orleans.

Thanks for reading.