Welcome

Hello loves. So here I am. On this amazing adventure. I picked up everything and moved from cold, snowy Wisconsin to hot and humid New Orleans. And I couldn't be happier or more scared or more excited. I'm writing this to share with you my journey through Nola - a day-by-day account of my life in the French Quarter for the next year. So join me on this adventure for the next 365 beautiful, terrifying, wonderful days. 


So. I'm sure you have some questions. I'll try my best to fill you in on what prompted this crazy decision and where I've now found myself...


First things first. Why move at all?

So everyone knows that I had it made living at my parents' house in Marshfield, Wisconsin rent-free. No bills were nice. But seriously, at 28, do you want to live with your parents? Even if they are incredibly fabulous and generous and amazing? No. Sorry. Not for me. I've always been an independent soul - ask John and Jodi about their vivacious and impulsive eldest daughter...I'm sure they have plenty of stories. I love my hometown. Don't get me wrong. But my wheels were spinning and it was time for me to move on. 

So, why Nola? 

I was going to move to Chicago. Was looking at apartments and telling anyone that would listen that I was moving there. But then, I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans because of a work trip and fell in love. I fell in love with the history and the buildings and the cobble-stone streets and the food and the people. I knew this was it. Where my next step was. Where my new beginning is. 

Um. Ok. So, why the French Quarter? 

I know there is no such thing as a stupid question, but seriously, this is one of the dumbest. Why not?? It's the French Quarter. It's the heart of the city. It's beautiful and smells like amazing food all of the time and jazz music plays from some place down the street all day and it's just the right amount of odd. I feel at home here...it is me. My personality come to life in brick and mortar and iron. 

Ok. So we get that you love the Quarter. But you know it gets hot there right? Like unbearably, disgustingly hot? 

Yep. Got that. I know it gets a bit warm. And yes, I know that is an understatement. Summer down here in the South is hell. Trust me. I know. Don't forget I lived in Houston, Texas for a few years. Jumping into a swimming pool at the end of August is like jumping into bathwater. It feels like you walked into an oven when you walk out your front door. Everything is sticky and sweaty and hot. And the only break from the heat and humidity is the God-bless-it central air conditioning. Yes. I know. It gets hot. But it gets cold at home. Like, can't-feel-your-fingers-and-toes-and-think-your-nose-is-frostbit kind-of cold. Where the only break from the snow and sub-zero temps is the God-bless-it furnace and fireplace. I think I can handle it. 

Well. You know you have to watch your back. It's super dangerous - the crime is terrible, right? 

Um. Yeah. Every city in these amazing United States has it's share of crime. It happens everywhere. But the Quarter is one of the safest places in the city. It has to be. How would this town keep it's economy going if their #1 tourist attraction was shady? There are cops everywhere here. I feel so safe. Ask Jodi - do you think my mom would have left me here if it was sketch? Nope. She wouldn't. So don't worry about me, loves. Not only do I have a vicious guard dog named Maryjane, but you'll find me walking with a box cutter just in case. 

Speaking of Maryjane...what about her? Does she like it? What if you go on the road for work? 

Oh. Goodness. Don't even worry about this dog. She's in love even more than I am. As we speak, she's curled up on a patio chair on the balcony surveying her domain. This bitch loves it. She loves walking and smelling new things and other dogs (surprisingly). We found a dog park a few blocks away that she actually seemed to enjoy. Her vet is right in the Quarter and he comes highly recommended. And when I go away for work, she'll stay at Camp Bow-Wow and have all the fun in the world with her fellow "campers". Yes. Seriously. They have places like that. I think my girl will be just fine. 

Ok. So you have your dog. But you don't know anyone there, right? Won't you get lonely? 

This was the toughest part of moving here. Not knowing anyone. But I knew I would be ok. The people here are amazing and welcoming. I know I'll get lonely, but I've already met some fabulous people and it seems that just about everyone I know from home knows someone who lives here. I'll make friends and maybe even meet some great guy who sweeps me off my feet. We'll see. 

Ok. Most important question. When can we visit?!?

You are more than welcome whenever you want to come down to this fabulous city. There are music fests and parades all the time. I have a spare bedroom and have been known to be a super great hostess. So, buy your plane tickets, put on your party pants, and come visit silly. 


I will truly miss everyone from home. You are my favorite people in the world. But you became my favorite people by loving me and supporting me...just like you've done with this move. So thank you for helping me keep my courage and yelling at me when I doubted myself. I couldn't have done this without you. 

Much love. 

Ali