Living in Louisiana, there are a few things you expect and are accustomed to. The centerpiece of those issues is, by far, the heat. However, when I looked over at my iPhone's weather app and read 101 degrees I was disheartened. Not included was the heat index, which added about 5-8 degrees to the massive temperature. My overall feeling was mainly attributed to the open flame a friend and I were standing next to. You see, on this day we both had the brilliant idea of hosting a BBQ. This really was not a bad idea to begin with, seeing as how it's quite difficult to pass on an opportunity to kick back a few beers and hang out with friends all while consuming some of Louisiana's best tennessee whiskey burgers (toot toot!). If the heat was something we had to get over for this to happen, then it would just have to be done. However, It was not long before both of us had to make a wardrobe change. None the less, we went on with the event.
Triple digit days are not a rarity in Louisiana by any means, but it was the time of year that was unusual. Louisiana reaches its heat apex in mid July; not the beginning of August. Regardless of time of year, this seems to be one of the hottest summers in recent memory. It seems as if everyday I break a sweat just by stepping out of my car. By the time I complete the five minute walk from my car to work my back is nearly drenched. For those outside of Louisiana know this, sweat does not work down here. The humidity is too high do the sweat to evaporate and cool you down. Speaking of water, did I mention that Louisiana is probably the only place int he country that can get to 90 degrees immediately after a brief rain shower. If the saying if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen is true, then Louisiana would be the head chef.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
I Remember When.....
When I was younger, life seemed so much simpler. The only worries on my mind were, what time does the street light come on, what my mom was cooking for dinner, and how to avoid going to school tomorrow. Far from my mind were the rigors of college life and the complications of establishing an adult life. It’s funny how things always seem more valuable when they’re no longer there. This was the thought that raced through my mind as I was reminiscing about my childhood with an old friend. As I try to reflect on the twenty one years I’ve been on this earth, my adolescence seems so distant, slowly slipping away in the rear view mirror of my life. The main reason for this disconnect can be blamed on the tremendous changes my home town of Baton Rouge has experienced throughout the last decade. Concepts that were once considered a staple of Baton Rouge living are now no where to be found, and memories that once engulfed the city are hardly recognizable today. For the next couple of weeks, I will be attempting to revive the life I once knew, while hopefully setting stepping stones for future children who will be growing up in the Baton Rouge area.
I’ve always been drawn to simple things. There is no clear explanation on why this is, but I just know that it’s always been the simple things that have attracted my attention. You could compare me to a kitten with a ball of string.
One of these simple childhood memories I dwell on is waking up on a Saturday morning and going to make groceries (I know I said “make groceries but that’s a story I’ll save for another time) with my mom and little sister.
This was before the time of the ultra chic Target, where the only place to purchase groceries was Wal-Mart or Albertsons. The convenience of the store also played a role considering that the nearest store was less than five minutes away.
This weekly trip to the superstore was something I always looked forward to for several reasons, one of which included always leaving with a cool new toy. More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to bond with my family. I cherished the car rides spent to and from Wal-Mart, and the funny conversations between my mom and I were always enjoyable. Of course the sibling debates that took place were a necessity and always epic. The mornings spent in the superstore were some of what has shaped not just me as a person but my relationship with my family.
I have always enjoyed the company of others, and this trip to Wal-Mart is an effective way to satisfy that desire. For those of you who have ever been to Wal-Mart, this feeling should be very familiar. However, for those who have not had the pleasure of experiencing Wal-Mart on a Saturday morning, do yourself a favor and go. You will witness everything from the mom yelling at her child for wanting skittles at the checkout counter, the guy with the mullet just stopping by to pick up a six pack to get the morning started right, and the people still wearing pajamas from the night before. Wal Mart is definitely a good people watching venue. With all that said, it still managed to feel authentic. Then there was the inevitable meeting of a family friend. Baton Rouge is not the smallest city ever, but somehow the phrase, “it’s a small world” still applies. My mom was bound to find someone she knew and have at least a 20 minute conversation. My sister and I would humor ourselves by guessing how many times she would say, “Well let me get going," only to think of something that kept the conversation moving forward. Next was the phrase, “Are these your children?” and then, “They are so big!” If you were anything like me then you did not want anyone referring to you as a child. So for someone to acknowledge the fact that I was growing was a plus.
Next was the most important part of the weekly Wal Mart trip. I HAD to push the basket. Pushing the basket gave me some sort of power. Although I could barely see over it, it just felt important. It was my duty to keep it close and accessible to my mom at all times. There were times where there was something I really wanted to look at and my mom would say it was alright to go. However, due to the fact that I was the keeper and protector of the basket I had to wait for her.
Again, it’s funny to think about how something of such naive nature could bring so much joy to an individual.
I’ve always been drawn to simple things. There is no clear explanation on why this is, but I just know that it’s always been the simple things that have attracted my attention. You could compare me to a kitten with a ball of string.
One of these simple childhood memories I dwell on is waking up on a Saturday morning and going to make groceries (I know I said “make groceries but that’s a story I’ll save for another time) with my mom and little sister.
This was before the time of the ultra chic Target, where the only place to purchase groceries was Wal-Mart or Albertsons. The convenience of the store also played a role considering that the nearest store was less than five minutes away.
This weekly trip to the superstore was something I always looked forward to for several reasons, one of which included always leaving with a cool new toy. More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to bond with my family. I cherished the car rides spent to and from Wal-Mart, and the funny conversations between my mom and I were always enjoyable. Of course the sibling debates that took place were a necessity and always epic. The mornings spent in the superstore were some of what has shaped not just me as a person but my relationship with my family.
I have always enjoyed the company of others, and this trip to Wal-Mart is an effective way to satisfy that desire. For those of you who have ever been to Wal-Mart, this feeling should be very familiar. However, for those who have not had the pleasure of experiencing Wal-Mart on a Saturday morning, do yourself a favor and go. You will witness everything from the mom yelling at her child for wanting skittles at the checkout counter, the guy with the mullet just stopping by to pick up a six pack to get the morning started right, and the people still wearing pajamas from the night before. Wal Mart is definitely a good people watching venue. With all that said, it still managed to feel authentic. Then there was the inevitable meeting of a family friend. Baton Rouge is not the smallest city ever, but somehow the phrase, “it’s a small world” still applies. My mom was bound to find someone she knew and have at least a 20 minute conversation. My sister and I would humor ourselves by guessing how many times she would say, “Well let me get going," only to think of something that kept the conversation moving forward. Next was the phrase, “Are these your children?” and then, “They are so big!” If you were anything like me then you did not want anyone referring to you as a child. So for someone to acknowledge the fact that I was growing was a plus.
Next was the most important part of the weekly Wal Mart trip. I HAD to push the basket. Pushing the basket gave me some sort of power. Although I could barely see over it, it just felt important. It was my duty to keep it close and accessible to my mom at all times. There were times where there was something I really wanted to look at and my mom would say it was alright to go. However, due to the fact that I was the keeper and protector of the basket I had to wait for her.
Again, it’s funny to think about how something of such naive nature could bring so much joy to an individual.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
3 Tips For Newcomers To Baton Rouge
Many prople travel. Many people also have no clue what goes on outside of their home town. Put those two together and it makes for a toursist/new resident that sticks out in a crowd. Aside from the occassional lost bag at the airport or the bad directions given by a family friend who told you he knows all, many people will agree that there is not much worse than actually looking like a tourist. Well for those of you who plan on visiting the wonderful city of Baton Rouge, here are three helpful tips to ensure you maxamize your stay.
1. If you define yourself as a casual football fan, keyword being casual, step your game up. Football is life in Baton Rouge, and LSU football is king. Game day starts well before kickoff. LSU fans from all over Louisiana converge on the city Friday afternoon to begin the festivities. The smell of grilled meat, of all kinds, and the ringing of “tiger bait” in your ears, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a Saturday afternoon in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge breeds a different kind of football fan; the type that will offer you great food regardless of your team affiliation, “tiger bait” a six year old, and beat you in a game of washers without spilling a drop of beer. Tailgating isn’t just a past time in Baton Rouge, it is a profession. Much thought is put into the pre game ritual. Entertainment systems, DJ’s, mascots on a spit, full sized electric fans, and RV’s of all sizes are commonplace anywhere around Tiger Stadium. By the time Saturday night rolls around, the crowd is in full swing. They do not call it Deaf Valley for no reason. Tiger Stadium is among the loudest in the nation, especially when a rival like Alabama or Florida is in town. If you somehow manage to snag student tickets consider yourself warned because anything goes in LSU’s student section. Nothing is off limits, but expect to have the time of your life. From the time the team takes the field to the singing of the alma mater to end the game, Tiger Stadium is electric. As the saying goes, “It never rains in Tiger Stadium.” Saturday night on the bayou is definitely a unique experience that has to be seen to be believed.
2. Stomach exercises are a must if you plan on making it in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge natives make it a point to find any excuse to cook. Everyone is the best chef in Baton Rouge, or at least that’s what they will tell you. However, once you’ve had a taste of their food, each one will become your new favorite chef. The cuisine in Baton Rouge is definitely one to savor. The combination of unique flavors coupled with the extensive amount of local restaurants makes for a food lover’s paradise. Many nation wide food chains have gotten their start in Louisiana, such as popular chicken finger joint, Raising Canes, and everybody’s favorite fried chicken chain, Popeye’s. It is vital that you explore your options. Much of Baton Rouge’s best food is found in what you would call “hole in the wall” locations. Make your way to places like Raul’s, Chelsea’s, South of Philly, or my mom’s house you will definitely understand what I mean. The phrase, “big things come in small packages,” definitely applies to these locations due to the fact that these small places pack huge flavor. One thing is for sure, when packing to spend time in Baton Rouge, you should definitely make sure your appetite is included.
3. If you’re planning on coming to Baton Rouge for an extended stay, to prepare for the traffic you must dump the truck. Contrary to popular belief Baton Rouge is, for the most part, a very urban area. There is no need for a Silverado with 45 inch tires and a lift kit. That truck will spend less time swerving through mud, and more time looking down on people in traffic. Recent events such as Hurricane Katrina and certain renovations have caused an influx of people to move to the city. Of course, with more people comes longer drive times and denser traffic. Driving a huge truck on the traffic filled streets of this city would only serve the purpose of wasting gas, and showing other people your country roots. I know you may be thinking, “the bigger the tires, the bigger the man,” but such is not the case here. Those tires will only force others to talk about you as you awkwardly park at Wal Mart or any other local superstore.
1. If you define yourself as a casual football fan, keyword being casual, step your game up. Football is life in Baton Rouge, and LSU football is king. Game day starts well before kickoff. LSU fans from all over Louisiana converge on the city Friday afternoon to begin the festivities. The smell of grilled meat, of all kinds, and the ringing of “tiger bait” in your ears, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a Saturday afternoon in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge breeds a different kind of football fan; the type that will offer you great food regardless of your team affiliation, “tiger bait” a six year old, and beat you in a game of washers without spilling a drop of beer. Tailgating isn’t just a past time in Baton Rouge, it is a profession. Much thought is put into the pre game ritual. Entertainment systems, DJ’s, mascots on a spit, full sized electric fans, and RV’s of all sizes are commonplace anywhere around Tiger Stadium. By the time Saturday night rolls around, the crowd is in full swing. They do not call it Deaf Valley for no reason. Tiger Stadium is among the loudest in the nation, especially when a rival like Alabama or Florida is in town. If you somehow manage to snag student tickets consider yourself warned because anything goes in LSU’s student section. Nothing is off limits, but expect to have the time of your life. From the time the team takes the field to the singing of the alma mater to end the game, Tiger Stadium is electric. As the saying goes, “It never rains in Tiger Stadium.” Saturday night on the bayou is definitely a unique experience that has to be seen to be believed.
2. Stomach exercises are a must if you plan on making it in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge natives make it a point to find any excuse to cook. Everyone is the best chef in Baton Rouge, or at least that’s what they will tell you. However, once you’ve had a taste of their food, each one will become your new favorite chef. The cuisine in Baton Rouge is definitely one to savor. The combination of unique flavors coupled with the extensive amount of local restaurants makes for a food lover’s paradise. Many nation wide food chains have gotten their start in Louisiana, such as popular chicken finger joint, Raising Canes, and everybody’s favorite fried chicken chain, Popeye’s. It is vital that you explore your options. Much of Baton Rouge’s best food is found in what you would call “hole in the wall” locations. Make your way to places like Raul’s, Chelsea’s, South of Philly, or my mom’s house you will definitely understand what I mean. The phrase, “big things come in small packages,” definitely applies to these locations due to the fact that these small places pack huge flavor. One thing is for sure, when packing to spend time in Baton Rouge, you should definitely make sure your appetite is included.
3. If you’re planning on coming to Baton Rouge for an extended stay, to prepare for the traffic you must dump the truck. Contrary to popular belief Baton Rouge is, for the most part, a very urban area. There is no need for a Silverado with 45 inch tires and a lift kit. That truck will spend less time swerving through mud, and more time looking down on people in traffic. Recent events such as Hurricane Katrina and certain renovations have caused an influx of people to move to the city. Of course, with more people comes longer drive times and denser traffic. Driving a huge truck on the traffic filled streets of this city would only serve the purpose of wasting gas, and showing other people your country roots. I know you may be thinking, “the bigger the tires, the bigger the man,” but such is not the case here. Those tires will only force others to talk about you as you awkwardly park at Wal Mart or any other local superstore.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Dating an Athlete: Is It Worth It?
In an effort to understand relationships and how they work, I am going to start a relationship series. For the first piece, I decided to focus on relationships with an athlete. The inspiration for this particular topic came while flipping through channels a couple nights ago. I noticed that on about three channels were shows that portrayed either an athlete looking for love, or a woman’s perspective while dating/married to an athlete. While watching these shows a thought occurred to me, “Why would anyone pursue a relationship with an athlete?” The things some of these women went through, even as a guy, I just had to ask why. It seemed that huge sacrifices had to be made, on the woman’s side, in order for the relationship to even have a chance. The fact that your partner would be on the road constantly seems like it would pay a heavy toll on both parties. The trust factor would definitely have to be high. I decided to go to a primary source on this one. I have a friend, B.K, who has been in a relationship with an athlete for quite a while. I wanted to get her opinion on dating an athlete
-So talking with some people, they feel like college relationships are a waste of time. How do you feel about them in general?
-“I feel that as long as the two people are compatible then it is fine. College relationships can be a big support system.”
-Do you feel like a relationship could be a distraction at all?
-“Yes, especially if you have other important things in your life like demanding jobs or school.
-How do you manage that distraction and keep it healthy?
-“Im lucky because I can study last minute and still do well for the most part. Most of the time though, I end up choosing the relationship over anything else I have to do.
-Any advice as to how to keep the relationship from becoming too big of a distraction/
-“Just make sure you get your priorities straight. You should be able to realize when things are failing and getting to the point where they need to be fixed and focused on more and do that.”
-How is it dating an athlete?
-Honestly, the biggest problem is the sport. He has practice every day, games all the time, he has to meet 3 hours before the game and stay after for meetings. It takes up a lot of time. It goes back to choosing the relationship over a lot of other things because if I don’t, I may not ever see him.”
-How would you advise people to go about that?
-“You just have to make sure you have someone that is willing to make it work. If he didn’t try to see you, it wouldn’t work. You have to gauge how important that relationship is. Do not force them to choose between the two. That person has to be able to tell you they are going to choose. We were dating before baseball ever became serious, so there were already feelings there. That gave us both more incentive to work on a relationship.”
-Would you say you sort of faded into the background?
-“Yes I would, but me knowing that and accepting that makes the relationship better.”
-What about dating a guy who attends another school, does that affect anything?
-“Not really in our case since we’re in the same city, but if you’re in different cities or states I can see how that would affect a relationship. If you could make it thought, that says a lot about you.”
-What would you say to the person out there that feels like he/she has to been in a relationship?
-“Don’t. The person that feels that way would be more likely to jump into an unhealthy relationship, more likely to settle for anything, and more likely to get used.”
-Do you have any other advice out there for people who may be in your situation but don’t know how to handle it?
-“If you’re not willing to compromise the relationship is going nowhere. And Yelling doesn’t help!”
-So talking with some people, they feel like college relationships are a waste of time. How do you feel about them in general?
-“I feel that as long as the two people are compatible then it is fine. College relationships can be a big support system.”
-Do you feel like a relationship could be a distraction at all?
-“Yes, especially if you have other important things in your life like demanding jobs or school.
-How do you manage that distraction and keep it healthy?
-“Im lucky because I can study last minute and still do well for the most part. Most of the time though, I end up choosing the relationship over anything else I have to do.
-Any advice as to how to keep the relationship from becoming too big of a distraction/
-“Just make sure you get your priorities straight. You should be able to realize when things are failing and getting to the point where they need to be fixed and focused on more and do that.”
-How is it dating an athlete?
-Honestly, the biggest problem is the sport. He has practice every day, games all the time, he has to meet 3 hours before the game and stay after for meetings. It takes up a lot of time. It goes back to choosing the relationship over a lot of other things because if I don’t, I may not ever see him.”
-How would you advise people to go about that?
-“You just have to make sure you have someone that is willing to make it work. If he didn’t try to see you, it wouldn’t work. You have to gauge how important that relationship is. Do not force them to choose between the two. That person has to be able to tell you they are going to choose. We were dating before baseball ever became serious, so there were already feelings there. That gave us both more incentive to work on a relationship.”
-Would you say you sort of faded into the background?
-“Yes I would, but me knowing that and accepting that makes the relationship better.”
-What about dating a guy who attends another school, does that affect anything?
-“Not really in our case since we’re in the same city, but if you’re in different cities or states I can see how that would affect a relationship. If you could make it thought, that says a lot about you.”
-What would you say to the person out there that feels like he/she has to been in a relationship?
-“Don’t. The person that feels that way would be more likely to jump into an unhealthy relationship, more likely to settle for anything, and more likely to get used.”
-Do you have any other advice out there for people who may be in your situation but don’t know how to handle it?
-“If you’re not willing to compromise the relationship is going nowhere. And Yelling doesn’t help!”
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Pretty Wednesday!
During my time at Southern University my freshman year there was one tradition I managed to take away, Pretty Wednesday. Every Wednesday most students would semi dress up for class. Due to the fact that I really enjoy fashion, I was naturally drawn to this tradition. Although I am no longer a student there I still make it an effort to keep it alive. Every Wednesday I will be posting an outfit for you guys. You can do as you wish; disect it, use it for inspiration, etc.
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Camping Trip That Wasn't
Well the gang came up with this idea that a camping trip was necessary to ease the rigors of a tough work week, and promote a healthy bonding experience . The plan was to go to Chicot State Park in Ville Platte and rent a cabin for a night. Let it be known that I had my reservations. Due to the fact that we all had to work during Spring Break, the weekend would have to suffice. However, the park has a policy which states that if you want to book a cabin for only one night you must show up the day of. The crew finally broke me down and I decided to go in the first group to reserve the cabin. There seemed to be a good sign from the beginning; birds were chirping, the sounds of Lifehouse and Nickelback cut through the air, and best of all, I was't driving. Upon leaving a McDonald's in Port Allen, to feed "the beard" (you know who you are), we received the blessing from three Nuns. As the first video shows, all went well on the way up. It was a nice and peaceful ride, thanks to our wonderful woman behind the wheel. Shiggidy provided a few nice anecdotes of his times spent in the backwoods of Louisiana. Being that I am somewhat of a city boy, I found some of these stories to be somewhat foreign and rustic. However, all in all, the ride served to ease my nervousness of the overnight stay that was ahead. When we arrived we soon found out that camping was one thing we would not be doing on this Louisiana Saturday night.
The Great Title Saga (Reward Possible)
Hello World,
I am struggling to come up with a nice title. In an effort to provide some reader input I am creating a contest. I would like for you to provide any catchy and interesting titles that I can use. Let's try to keep them appropriate but use your imagination. Still working on a possible reward for the contest winner, but I will let you know as soon as this quandary has been solved. I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with.
I am struggling to come up with a nice title. In an effort to provide some reader input I am creating a contest. I would like for you to provide any catchy and interesting titles that I can use. Let's try to keep them appropriate but use your imagination. Still working on a possible reward for the contest winner, but I will let you know as soon as this quandary has been solved. I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with.
Welcome World
Hello World,
For those of you who do not know me or do not have a personal relationship with me, I'll take this time to introduce myself. My name is Brandon, and I am a college student at THE Louisiana State University (Get'em Tigahs!). As you will come to see, I am a very charismatic, friendly guy who loves life! I embrace the great things and strive to search for the positive in any negative situation. I speak my mind, but at the same time enjoy hearing different perspectives of every issue. I look forward to sharing my opinions while enlightening others on issues that affect my generation. I feel that it is not often that issues that affect our generation get covered. For this reason, i will strive to provide this audience with topics/pieces that are thought provoking, timely, and most of all fun. I also look forward to any comments you may have regarding this blog or any of the multitude of topics I put forward. So until next time, peace and blessings!
For those of you who do not know me or do not have a personal relationship with me, I'll take this time to introduce myself. My name is Brandon, and I am a college student at THE Louisiana State University (Get'em Tigahs!). As you will come to see, I am a very charismatic, friendly guy who loves life! I embrace the great things and strive to search for the positive in any negative situation. I speak my mind, but at the same time enjoy hearing different perspectives of every issue. I look forward to sharing my opinions while enlightening others on issues that affect my generation. I feel that it is not often that issues that affect our generation get covered. For this reason, i will strive to provide this audience with topics/pieces that are thought provoking, timely, and most of all fun. I also look forward to any comments you may have regarding this blog or any of the multitude of topics I put forward. So until next time, peace and blessings!
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