For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move. – Robert Louis Stevenson

I have the travel bug BAD. I’ve always enjoyed traveling, but it seems the older I get the more I want to pack my bags and head out on an adventure. This could be genetic; my grandmother LOVES to travel. I’m sure if I called her up right now and said I need a travel companion to _________ she would have her bags packed before we got off the phone.

Our next trip is to New Orleans. We’re going for a friend’s wedding, but will be staying a few extra days so we can explore the city. We’ve never been to NOLA, but always hear what a great place it is. Almost everyone I’ve talked to that has been to NOLA has provided a recommendation on where to go, what to do, and what to eat. I’m starting to seriously plan the trip and am ready to compile all your recommendations. So, if you have been to NOLA and think there’s a place(s) we absolutely have to visit, leave me a comment and let me know where and why.  I’m anxious to read all your suggestions and I’ll be sure to let you know where we actually visit.

A week or so ago our sinks clogged. Hess and I have a house built in 1952 so our bathroom and kitchen sinks are connected and there’s a curve in the pipes that makes it difficult to get unclogged without a professional. Luckily, my parents recommended Brad the plumber who came over and fixed the clog.

We’ve had several plumbing issues this last year and this one was the final straw; we have finally decided to remodel our bathroom. I thought I’d take a before picture and post it here and then post the after once it’s completed (hopefully by the end of summer). Financially this sucks, but I know we’ll be so much happier once it’s done. These pictures really don’t show the full extent of repairs/updates we need to complete.

The floor is stick-on tile and the walls are two different colors right now.

The window in the shower will be a block window when we are finished.

The first day of spring has finally arrived and the plants around our house have begun blooming.  The first crocus to bloom (pictured above) came up when there was still frost on the ground.  It’s amazing to me this delicate flower managed to survive the cold.

The 21 day challenge hasn’t been much of a challenge.  The only time I felt a tinge of upset was when the Oscars were on.  Otherwise it’s been relatively easy.  When the 21 days are up I think my habit will officially be broken. I’m definately more mindful of how I’m using my time.

The next 6-8 weeks will be very busy for me.  I’m wrapping up two grad school classes so I can start my thesis in the summer.  This week I will be immersed in research for a paper I’m writing in my Democracy class on women in the workforce.  I hope to share my questions, thoughts, concerns, etc. here so stay tuned.

Experts say it take 21 days to change a habit.  I’m not sure if this is true or not, but I have an awful habit I need to break.  Most people don’t know this, but I LOVE television.  I can watch hours and hours of TV.  I watch reality shows, sitcoms, talk shows, late night shows, comedy specials, movies on tv, reruns of classic tv…you get the picture. The problem is I often come home from work and immediately start watching TV. In fact, the only reason I’m not watching TV right now is Hess (my husband) has demanded the TV.

I realize coming home and sitting in front of the TV is part of a bad routine.  On weekends I don’t do this and when I’m somewhere without a TV I don’t really notice it’s missing.  In fact, in September 2008 when the electric at our house was knocked out by hurricane Ike for seven days I didn’t even miss the TV.

Ultimately there are only about five shows I really like to see so I’ve decided to try to break this habit once and for all. I’m going to go 21 days with only one hour of TV a day (try not to fall out of your chair Hess).  I’m not cutting out all of my TV time because ultimately I want to learn to manage my time with the TV more effectively.  I’ll track my progress here so you can follow along. Wish me luck!

On February 4, 2010 I became and Aunt for the first time! My nephew, Spencer James Harper, was born to my brother Brandon and sister-in-law Amanda.  I’m very excited to welcome him into the world and look forward to getting to know him.  At Amanda’s baby shower I gave her and Spencer a Bob Marley lullaby CD from local store What the Rock and I guess he’s been loving it.  I knew he would have excellent taste in music!

Here’s a picture of our newest family member & his Daddy: