On Being 28 and Single

Another birthday has come and gone. Frankly, if I hadn't taken the day off of work it really would have felt like just another day. Yes, it was fun to go to Pappadeaux with my friends as well as my parents the night before even though this lead to the inevitable "what about that guy or the other one" from my mother. How do I tell her that I've been interested in pretty much each one of them at one point or another over the last few year and it's always come to the same thing - they're not interested back. I'm still friends with all of them and don't know what I would do without them in my life, but in the long run I am as single now as I was 28 years ago - in some ways more so. I crave company but end up doing most things on my own. I have to decide every year if I'm going to sign yet another year long apartment lease in or pack everything away for another move. I have to find ways to earn my own living as well as maintain a home because there is no one else. I have to search for someone to listen when I have something to say (and 90% of the time I end up being the one that listens rather than being heard). When things go wrong I only have myself to blame. All you get by reading this blog is the ramblings of a crazy person. There are no accomplishments, no growing children, no tales of happy moments with "that special someone". The adventures have ended. If you want to continue wasting time reading these ramblings than stay tuned to find out what comes next.

For Grandpa

Mayhoffer/Baron/Norris Family

Thanksgiving 2007

Last family picture with Grandpa

Three years ago today my Grandpa, John Mayhoffer, passed away at the age of 82. I think about him every year at this time. He was quite gruff at times but we still love him. He was a smart man and a hard worker. He did a lot with his life. Though he was harsh with his words on more than one occasion I still miss him. I wish I could have spent more time with him. I know my Grandma misses him too. I'm glad I still have her around, but at 89 we're not sure how much longer she will be with us. I want to spend more time with her while I have the chance. For that to happen some other things will have to change. That means more difficult decisions for me, but I hope I can make the right choice that can help me feel like I have a purpose in life again instead of dreading each day.

Where's The Escape Button When I Need It?

I have really been thinking about what direction my life is headed right now and I have come to the conclusion that the major part of my life - my job - is dragging me down more than helping me out. Yes, it is a regular paycheck, but at the price of my sanity and losing focus on the important things in life. Since I have started this job I have forgotten important dates (such as when bills were due) and put off things that would help me in the long run. I cannot continue in this. I need an escape. So, I am thinking about other options I can do that will not drive me insane as much as this job and give me the time I need to find something more along the lines of my fields of study. There needs to be some changes in the next few months in order for me to feel like I am doing something worthwhile with my life. Things are going to change - I'm going to make them!!!

All we hear is...

I listen to the radio alot more than I used to since I started this job. Getting to listen to music most of the day is about the only thing that keeps me partly sane while I'm at work. Occasionally I will share the lyrics of the songs with one of my friends at work, but most often I keep them to myself. There are a few newer songs out there that when they come on the radio I will turn up the volume ever so slightly. The following are a few of those songs.









There is so much more I could say, but I don't think I can really put things in a very positive light right now. It's my least favorite time of year. I thought this upcoming holiday was starting to grow on me, changing me from being so jaded. Then reality hit me again and I remember why I dislike this holiday. Give me Christmas or St. Patrick's Day any day. You can keep Valentine's Day!

Apparently, I Know How to Throw a Fun Party

Since I moved to Colorado in the summer of 2007 I've had to find ways to continue enjoying the things I love about Louisiana. One of those things is Mardi Gras. I love the Mardi Gras season and really like being able to share this holiday with my friends who have never celebrated or even heard of Mardi Gras before. A quick word about the Mardi Gras season for those who don't know - the Mardi Gras season is also known as Carnival and starts on January 6th (Epiphany or Three Kings Day). The season goes until midnight on Mardi Gras day which can be as early as February 3rd and as late as March 9th. This year Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) is on March 8th.

This is my 4th Mardi Gras here in Colorado and many of my friends have come to anticipate my Mardi Gras parties. I've had 2 each year so far (one with lots of people and one with not so many). My first party this year was Friday night and it was a packed house - literally! I made a pot of Gumbo and a King Cake. Everyone just talked and enjoyed playing games. We ended the night with the Princess and the Frog - an excellent Mardi Gras movie!

This is my Gluten-Free Chicken and Sausage Gumbo



Another successful King Cake

Barbie found the baby!

Even though Tom has never been to a Mardi Gras parade certainly caught the spirit of my party

This is one of the least flattering pictures of me ever taken, but it just screams Mardi Gras. Sam holding a red plastic cup, me looking drugged/drunk, and Ryan grinning away pretty much sums up Mardi Gras. The funny thing is this was a Mormon Mardi Gras party so no alcohol or drugs, just a crazy fun time!!!



Everyone told me it was loads of fun. I'm still recovering, but I'm so glad I did it! Now, when to have the next one...