Weekend Update: Football, Costumes, and Family.

"NOLA is special, but when you've got the best friends around, it's outta this world..." My friend, Daph, tweeted this message yesterday and it's a great way to sum up an incredible weekend.

The weekend rundown:

• Drinks Friday evening at Phillips with Peter and Jered followed by Slice for dinner with Ed joining us! After a long (but incredibly productive) week in the office, it was much needed.

• My first (I think?) TU football game on Saturday at the Dome. With a win over Tulsa, some pre-game tailgating, and drinks following at Tracey's, it was a perfect afternoon. I enjoyed my time with Daph, Ed, and Molly. I must say that being in the Dome, I became more excited about TU building their own stadium on campus. A smaller stadium will no doubt increase buzz and energy around the team and tailgating here on campus (in my opinion) will be far superior to the parking garage at the Dome.  

• The Halloween New Orleans XXX Party benefiting Project Lazarus at Mardi Gras World Saturday night. I dressed as a ninja/Zoolander, Ed as a nerd, and we danced the evening away. Some of my favorite costumes included the Meter Maids and the Southwest Airlines flight attendants who threw out peanuts to the crowd. They were just too funny! The Spice Girls were also a hit. I'd never been to that part of Mardi Gras World (essentially just a big open warehouse) and though the venue felt small at times, overall I think it worked well. Tourists staying downtown may have disagreed since it wasn't necessarily the easiest venue to get to but it was an easy cab ride away. We didn't make it home until close to 3:30 am making it one of my longest nights out in forever but well worth it!

• Sunday dinner at home celebrating Jeff's birthday. From the rack of lamb to the sides and apple pie for dessert, we feasted. I love, love, LOVE spending time with Victoria and always enjoy hanging out with my brother and sister-in-law. 

I'm going over to a friend's tomorrow evening for a pumpkin carving party and will be spending the week preparing for my conference next week. Excited to re-connect with friends and meet some new colleagues in the field.

Cheers.