Thursday thanks

This week, I'm thankful for the things that don't work out as planned.

For much of my young life, I obsessed over little details, trying to make sure everything happened exactly according to plan. Before a trip, I'd develop a packing list, then pack a day or two in advance, and double-check my suitcase at least twice before departing.

This expended a ton of useless energy and was more effective at making me anxious than it was at making sure I didn't forget a toothbrush.

Over the years, I've grown into more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type. I still usually pack the night before a trip (not as I'm running out the door to catch a flight), but gone are the lists and compulsive double-checking of luggage. Because, as I've learned, nothing catastrophic happens if I have to pick up a toothbrush at my destination.

In my former state, there is no way I'd have shown up late for Sunday's race. I'd have printed every page from the website to bring with me and read (and re-read) in the car, rather than enjoying the scenery on the drive.

I'd have spent an hour in the hotel's business center double-checking starting line information, weather, and the exact location of aid stations along the course, rather than wandering the streets of the Marigny neighborhood and finding a new jazz club.

Yes, if I had done those things, I'd have noticed that while the guidebook listed an 8am start, the website said 7. I'd have checked in with other runners to confirm the 7am start.

But...

Then I wouldn't have a story to tell.

Because those days where everything goes exactly as planned...

They're sort of boring.

Photo Journal: New Orleans

New Orleans is a city that I've been to many times, yet I always discover something new.

Jackson Square on a cloudy day.
The Rock 'n' Roll route passes by the park.

I would encourage anyone to brave the lines at Cafe du Monde and get some beignets. Then take your prize over to the steps across from Jackson Square, savor the pastries, and just watch the crowds. (This is a particularly pleasant way to carb load before a big race or to end a night out on the town.)

Some of New Orleans is downright spooky, in a ghost-story-by-the-campfire kind of way. Maybe it's the gas lights that cast an eerie glow, or maybe the city truly is haunted? Ghost-tour operators certainly hope we believe the latter!

Corn Fence Hotel - looks like it could be the setting for a Stephen King movie.

Skeleton seen through an office window in the Central Business District.

 Mostly, New Orleans is delicious.

Acme Oyster House - go at "off" times, or expect a long wait.
(But if you like oysters, it is worth the wait!)

Grilled oysters from Acme - one of their specialties.

And musical!
We found a jazz club we hadn't been to before and whiled away a couple of pre-race hours sipping coffee and listening to live music.

Maison - a jazz club on Frenchmen Street.

I also like to drop by the Ritz Carlton's jazz club* - it feels like a trip back in time.

*Side note: Unfortunately on this visit my friend C and I were accosted by a crazy lady who wanted us to be her "girlfriends for the night." She presented herself as a business traveler who didn't want to sit alone at the club, but then proceeded to ask really bizarre questions. ("Is that a Swatch watch you're wearing?" referring to my running watch... Um, no, lady. It's a Target special. And who asks questions like that anyway??)  She also talked over the music, but any time one of us would try to speak, she'd shush us because "Oh, I just love this song! Let's be quiet and enjoy it!" She told us about some wonderful boyfriend back home, then would float off toward the bar to scam a free drink off of some unsuspecting guy. So. Not. Cool!
Needless to say, when crazy lady left to use the restroom, C and I took the opportunity to disappear. But I digress...

And back to delicious:
I wrapped up this trip with a bloody mary and a cafe au lait - two local favorites.

Bloody mary and cafe au lait.
(No, the champagne was not also mine! It was, after all, still morning!)

What's your favorite city to visit over and over again?
And what about ghosts - real or a sham to separate tourists from their money?