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Published: September 2nd 2009
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New Years in the Quarter
We ate, we drank, we were merry. The last blog may have been a bit deceiving...Titled "Final Blog" and all. But that was the final blog of 2008...this is a dawning of a new era!!!
Shall we fly through the past eight months together and catch up? No? Okay, go back to your picking dirt out from your fingernails or deciding what to have for dinner when you know its gonna be Ming Wah for the third night in a row. Oh, you're in? Okay, here we go...hang on.
January
Colder than I thought it should be, New Orleans presented itself as an irritatingly innavigable crescent shaped city whose stores were hidden from sight and run by less than enthused staff. Fortunately, this month had a significant highlight...my bestest friend, MirPie, you will remember, came down to ring in the new year. Together we braved the crowds of Jackson Square in the French Quarter and watched the Fleur De Lis drop on the brewery. Magnifico!!!
February
Mardi Gras. I dare not leave it up to your imaginations, though my reputation may fare better that way. I brought home 2 bags full of beads,
Me and Shalina at Muses
Making new friends in NOLA is a breeze, especially with roommates like mine. Shalina is a friend of Preets and showed me how its done at Mardi Gras...much more graceful than I executed the event. coconuts, stuffed animals and shoes...all without rehashing my Santa Cruz incident. Unfortunately I took the kick a daquiri has for granted and spent some time repenting....not pretty nor worth it. I recovered, but doubt I'll have a high octane daquiri again in this lifetime.
March
I spent this month working on my patience and figuring out God's purpose in my placement in Tulane School of Social Work. The move became harder. Difficulty finding friends and peace;I truly had to fight for my joy. It was a fight well worth it. I was fortunate enough to be able to head back to the Texas fam for Easter and was caught completely off guard by my sister's surprise visit. She and Dave made it down for the weekend and all us cousins got some quality time together. Eva was fresh out of the oven and the kids were as amusing as ever. Jokes about the hot tub never got old...really.
April
Another visitor! Stephanie came down this month to visit and make a trip over to see her sisters. We had a blast driving over to
Easter guests of honor
Silly times. We had a lot of fun. Georgia. The weather was beautiful going in and we broke the trip up in little sections. We first went to see Michelle, Evie and Jed in Lakeland Georgia taking a day trip to Tallahassee for dinner and shopping. After some good sister time we headed down to the oldest town on the southeast coast: St. Augustine! This pirate town was amazing 😊 We stayed in a pirate-themed hostel (worth the trip alone) and bummed around the beaches and the old Fort Castillo. We headed even further south for Orlando to visit my old Muki friend, Kyoko! Visiting Cocoa Beach was beautiful! We enjoyed oysters on the halfshell at sunset and were blessed to see a dolphin in the bay. What a trip!
May
My first trip home. Stellar! Though things have changed dramatically since my parents divorce and some challenging obstacles, it was great to see family and friends! Whereas the last couple of months had been a drought of joy and fight for faith, I was so blessed to be completely overwhelmed by God's divine intervention during this trip. He made clear to me while I was home that He has a very
Cocoa Beach
We made a windsurfer friend who wanted to be our photographer. We were happy about this. special plan specifically for me and I have no reason to lose heart. (I pray you have this experience soon...ask and you shall recieve!) The re-connection with an old friend and continued deepening of my current friendships filled my spiritual tank before I headed back off to the south.
June
New Orleans could see the difference in me. I couldn't keep myself from spilling out the joy within me if I wanted to!! I was further blessed to have my cousins Windy and Jami come down to NOLA for a visit. We had a blast tooling around the quarter and tromping in the bayou of Jean Lefitte. We had our fair share of greasy southern food and late night talks. I loved every moment!
July
Hot and getting hotter. I mostly worked...and played...and schooled. My bike got stolen. I floated down the Bogue Chitto river. My belly burned. Stephanie came at the end of the month for a quick visit and we drove to Georgia. We did have a chance to look around New Orleans a little more. She got to see the Lower Ninth Ward
and the City Park Museum. We joined her sisters and spent a day in Atlanta touring the Coca Cola factory. Then she embarked on her own journey with her sisters and I came back for school. I stopped at Old Navy in Montgomery.
August
Second trip home since I left a year ago. Thats right, a year. Can ya believe it? It was quite the trip. There were some highs and lows, but I know God was all over every bit of it. Every converstation, every tear, every laugh. What a precious time. I'm so thankful I got to be home for this. Chats with my sister, rubbin' Randa's belly, Breakfast with Steffie, walks with David (discovering my new favorite song), and countless hugs from my friends and fam.
September
Tomorrow I head off to India. Darhamsala, just northwest of Delhi. What will I do there, you ponder? I'm not sure. If you've ever been on a trip you probably know that the itinerary is the first thing to go....so I'll fill you in as I go, if I have internet access. I love and miss
Jaques Imo's
Yes yes...that's Jack. And us. Takin shots. Good times :) you all! You'll be in my prayers as always!
XOXO
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Randa Roo
non-member comment
Oh, Jaqueline Carouwack...
My bestest, craziest, LOVLIEST FRIEND! I am sooo excited to live vicariously through your newest journey! I hope India is filled with amazing experiences, people, and some good old fashioned soul searching. Hope we get to hear from you while you're there, know that you're missed by people here! LOVE YOU!!!!!