Over the Counter

How ya'll are?

Last November, when I was building this site and talking with Susan at FAMA about writing Over the Counter again, the whole thing seemed like a good idea. I was getting back into the hobby I found I missed, I felt I was rested and ready enough to start writing about it without running dry again, and most of all, I felt like I had enough time to put it all together and give it the time it deserved and required. Hah.

One of the things that I had to do after closing the store was decide all over again what I wanted to be when I grow up. I'd actually begun the career transiton years ago, but it kind of has come to a head this spring. Besides working full time, I'm also a graduating college senior (again) hustling to get all the last minute projects and papers handed in. I also had what folks call a "landmark" birthday (that's a nice way of saying "You're really getting old!") that my wife decided was appropriately celebrated with a week in New Orleans at the French Quarter Festival.

So there I was, a geezer skipping out on school, work, and my FAMA obligations, to spend a week in the sun, soaking up all the jazz, gumbo, etouffe', zydeco, coffee and beignets I could desire, and a world class aquarium at hand, to boot. Happy birthday to me! I offer this not as an excuse, but as an explanation as to why I've been slow answering your emails and updating the blog. To clear my calendar for a week in the middle of what has turned out to be a very hectic time, I had to spend many extra hours both before and after the trip to meet obligations, and it ended up that something had to give. While I regret falling behind, I'd do it again tomorrow if I had the chance. And I'd recommend the trip to anyone. Starting the day with beignets and coffee out in the open air is addictive, and the mix of jazz and gumbo is good for the soul, ah gay-rahn-tee.