Nola Update: Saints and Fat Tuesday

Hey guys,

I'm doing good in New Orleans. Work is for long hours as usual, but it's good being busy. Working in an office has its perks, but I often miss the simplicity of just merely taking orders and keeping my head in my work. There's been a ton of changes in my work environment since even this last September when I started, so my coworkers are all adjusting at once. I'm being vague, yes, but going into detail is sure to bore most and nobody needs that. As always, I'm happy to be a part of something much larger than myself.
The city has been a thundering crescent dream (if that makes sense) or a better way to put it, has been on a never ending high since it became Mardi Gras season and the Saints football team made their way to the NFC championship all the way back on January 16th. I watched the NFC championship game in my house and afterward the fireworks, car horns, and screams throughout the city reminded me of the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, or what it must have been like to win WWII. The energy here is always contagious. After Mardi Gras day, the strangest feeling settled in: not having any huge event to look forward to.
It's taken me a while to settle down into normal life again. Working a lot and reading a good book helps with that. This March (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!) is going to be an exciting time, but for a different reason: Allison is coming into town the 10th til the 23rd, Dan and Sam are going to be here from the 20th til the 26th. There's even a chance ol Steve Pondelik will venture this way because he's looking for somewhere to work on a thesis paper (not sure if nola is the best if you want less distractions).
Having people from home will make the spring break volunteer rush at my work seem like no big deal- Jim and Tina came last year and we had an awesome time, despite my being so worn out. I love and miss everyone, and wish I could visit more often. My next planned trip to the great plains is going to be in early June, for Allison's commencement from Knox, which I think y'all should come to.
Is anyone else in complete awe that it's already March? 2010! Time is one crazy thing. And Tina is going to study in Prague!? Blows my mind.

Stay sharp.
Tony