"Prepare for the Worst, Hope for No Secrets"

Well, looks like I got my wish as far as getting a few extra days off work. Issac made his way to my neck of the woods; fortunately, all my friends and family remained safe. The weather really wasn’t terrible, just strong wind and lots of rain. We lucked out compared to the cities around us. My dad however was prepared to take on Katrina, boarding up our front door, and retaining enough gas to launch the next Apollo mission.  We did however have plenty of beer and wine. Nothing like the lights going out, and you getting a little tipsy to help make the time go by faster.

Im not sure if you have experienced a hurricane; this was my first one since Katrina and I felt a little out of the loop. During Katrina, one of my friends got power back fast, a bunch of us slept over there and re-watched One Tree Hill episodes for a week. I was in Oxford during Gustav, which really hit Baton Rouge hard. It left my dads house without power for about 7 days. They had a generator and all of the essentials, but here is where I should mention he was housing an 80-something year old couple, 2 kids under 8, and a another couple going through a divorce no one was aware of. Note to self: what’s going on inside during a hurricane, can be far worse than what’s going on outside. 

This, of course, was Fritz’s first hurricane. He really didn’t seem to phased…

I’m surprised how mellow he was, considering he was inside all day. I guess if I felt like I was going to be blown away while using the bathroom I probably wouldn’t hate taking a breather from it either.

This weekend I am in Vicksburg for my nephew’s first birthday. Hurricane or not, my sister would have had me swim here if I had to...

Hangover Shmangover

Have you ever had one of those mornings you wake up so hung-over you swear to all type of gods you're never drinking again? Then by noon you’ve already popped a top, and you and your roomie are already mapping out your plans for the night. It’s that “hair of the dog that bit you” line that you follow through on because the thought of missing out on the party is far worse than dry heaving on all fours in the parking lot, (true story).

Since it’s that time of year where college friends are reuniting and football season is vastly approaching, and you can relate to said scenario – then take a look at my own personal remedies that may help get you through the next few months. It may not revive your liver, but it should get your groove back for round 2. (and even if you're not up for round two, this will at least get you feeling somewhat normal again).

1. CALL THE DINOSAURS. If you’re anything like me you HATE this step, but in reality it will make you feel a million times better. If you have the urge when you wake up, just get it over with. Otherwise, more often than not, that urge will come racing back sometime later that night and you’ll end up puking on the bar before you make it to the bathroom, (also a true story).

2. CAFFEINE. Whoever said Sprite settles your stomach was wrong. Get yourself some coffee or a coke. My preference is a Dr. Pepper. McDonald’s if I have a choice. (Something about their fountain drinks that make you want to have a hangover).

3. GREASY FOOD. Grab yourself a burger, pizza, a burrito; whatever floats your boat. If you partook in step 1, then don’t feel so bad about calories – you just lost everything from the night before. Sometimes the thought of food may make you want to get sick all over again, but you need to push through. Trust me, some substance will do you justice.

4. BLOODY MARY. I don’t know if its being from the south or because Vodka and Zing Zang Mix is a staple in my parents house, but a Bloody Mary can make all your troubles disappear. Whoever named this was genius because this is the Holy Grail of hangovers. Grab yourself one with lunch and move on to step 5, and you will be well on your way to recovery.

5. NAP. Im not sure what it is about a hangover, but it never fails that you're awake earlier than the garbage man. After you eat, climb back in bed for a little siesta. When you wake up start chugging water and get yourself rehydrated!

There it is – they may not be the most logical steps, but it works like a charm! Let me know if you have your own special remedies, or if you’ve just started chugging beers just to see if my ridiculous-ness is really genius-ness!