Residency is going well, or as well to be expected, I think. Days seem to drag a little, but that could be that my ignorance is just so painful at this stage. I keep telling myself that someday I WILL memorize the dosing for Tylenol not to mention other important things but until then, I will need a trusty guide.
Anyway, I finally got 2 whole days off in a row off (this is a small miracle in my world) and Andy and I decided to make an exotic rondevouz in New Orleans to hang out with my brother, Chris (yes, the Crawdad King) and his girlfriend, Lisa. It was like an extended double date but totally 100x more fun than you have ever had on a double date. The only down side? In order to get a whole weekend off, I had to work a 30 hour shift prior to flying to NOLA and then work another one pretty much as soon as I got back. Whew! It was a whirlwind but so much fun!
Friday night was pretty chill but early Saturday morning we arose to observe the running of the bulls, New Orleans style. What does that mean, you say? Well, here are the bulls:
AKA the roller derby girls of New Orleans.
This bull was the sound system. He also occasionally blew steam out his nose.
By the time the running was over, it was almost 8am and clearly time to start the drinking with a walking beer. Oh yeah, the lack of an open container law in N.O. is brilliant in terms of promoting partying.
we decided to try to get out of the sun and the heat with a little steam boat tour along the Mississippi.
paddles of the paddle boat
After the steamboat ride came more walking and then FANTASTIC po'boys.....I love me some oyster po'boys. Andy, the infamous Yankee, had never had such a sandwich before and I'm fairly sure we successfully converted him. Saturday we caught some live music from Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes .... which was a great band and had some very devote groupies.
AKA the roller derby girls of New Orleans.
This bull was the sound system. He also occasionally blew steam out his nose.They chase the worthy citizens of the city down the streets of the Quarter with their trusty bats.....kinda a rough way to start the weekend, if you ask me.
The Rolling Elvi, a group of Elvis impersonators on bikes, were also a highlight of the running.
The Rolling Elvi, a group of Elvis impersonators on bikes, were also a highlight of the running.By the time the running was over, it was almost 8am and clearly time to start the drinking with a walking beer. Oh yeah, the lack of an open container law in N.O. is brilliant in terms of promoting partying.
After a long morning stroll throughout the Quarter,
one of the beautifully painted doors in the French Quarter
one of the beautifully painted doors in the French Quarterwe decided to try to get out of the sun and the heat with a little steam boat tour along the Mississippi.
paddles of the paddle boat
In addition to seeing some of the historic sites of New Orleans, we also got a much better sense of the path and aftermath of Katrina. 
And, of course, there was drinking (can't you tell?!).
And, of course, there was drinking (can't you tell?!).Next morning, up early again and out crabbing....which is amazingly straightforward. The high tech equipment required is raw chicken parts and string. Yup, highly technical. It does require some skill of snatching up crabs with a net, but all that takes is a little time.
Chris also was coronated as the Red Fish King after snagging this beautiful red fish with the same limited equipment:
Ok, maybe that's not exactly how it happened, but what's the difference?!?!
The bayou was beautiful..but somehow I still couldn't help thinking about an alligator lurking in these waters.The real rewards of our day of slaving in the sun with Bloody Marys......
Sadly, before the crab juice was even dry on my chin, it was off to the airport, back to Bham and then shortly back to the Children's Hospital. Now, time to plan the next fun trip.Stay tuned for more NOLA pics....they are currently being held hostage in my camera.
