Operation: Make It Up to Machu Picchu Alive

     And the countdown begins....I officially have 16 days left to train for the trek-of-a-lifetime.  I have dubbed my mission Operation: Make It Up to Machu Picchu Alive.  For the past two weeks, I have ignored the stares and judgement from others at the gym because no, I am not fulfilling a New Year's resolution; I am training for something bigger than them (like 7,972 feet big)!  If it wasn't for this 4-day hike up the side of a mountain, I would still be sitting on my love seat (again, we can't fit a full-sized couch into our apartment), eating donuts, and indulging in yet another fictional novel, but instead, I am torturing myself with p90x, Insanity, and Zumba workouts, not to mention the healthier diet (goodbye, weekly Chinese food and pizza; bienvenidos, fruit and vegetables).

Currently, posting this picture all over the apartment.....including the refrigerator and the television.

     Today, I add stair-training to my regimen.  Yes, I plan on lacing up my hiking boots and hitting the least-traveled set of stairs in my building.  Why?  Because I would like to refrain from embarrassment when a passerby catches me in my hiking gear (backpack and all).  I will go ahead and leave my hiking poles in the apartment, for that might turn embarrassment into mortification.  I keep telling myself that if I conquer this, I can do anything! (Except maybe Mount Everest).

This WILL NOT be me!

This WILL be me!

Here's to 20 days (when I have successfully completed my Operation and am on a plane returning home)!

*Pictures taken from random people off of Google.

New Orleans, Louisiana

     With the frigid temperatures and the sound of the wind whistling outside, I thought it was appropriate to visit a time when the weather was a bit a different, and I was anywhere but my little apartment.  Last November, PDub spent two weeks working in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  I couldn't miss out on some southern hospitality, so I hopped on a jet plane and met my main squeeze in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans (a.k.a. Nawlins).  New Orleans is by far the most unique city in the United States with top-notch food, the bluesiest, jazziest music, a hopping night life, creole architecture, and gigantic plantations.  Many memories are made (and sometimes forgotten) in such a place.

We began our weekend with a plantation tour at the Nottoway Plantation House.

The house was completed in 1859, just prior to the beginning of the Civil War.

It is well-known for its completely white ballroom.

The front of the house overlooks the Mississippi River.

A gorgeous walkway on the backside of the house.

Tropical foliage....yes, please.

I love these trees.  You find them everywhere in the south.

Selfie!

We then headed for the warehouse district of New Orleans for one of the best meals I've ever had.  I've decided to start a top five list.....This was immediately added.

The phrase "street performer" takes on a new meaning in this city.

At every corner, you're guaranteed to have some great entertainment!

Just a' pickin'.  Walking around the French Quarter is probably my favorite thing to do.

The famous Grenade drink.

Cheers!

Pat O'Briens piano bar, never enter unless you expect to spend the rest of your evening there....drinking hurricanes and singing at the top of your lungs.

This tray-tapping man has been there FOREVER!

On our final morning, we sat here overlooking the Mississippi River on one side and the St. Louis Cathedral on the other, eating our beignets and hot chocolate (coffee for PDub) from Cafe du Monde.

With memories of warmer times.....

Santa Claus Crawls

     Every year, 50,000 New Yorkers dress up like Santa and flood the streets of Manhattan for one day that would instantly place them on the naughty list.  Among the sea of old Saint Nicks, you will likely spot a few Hanukkah men, elves, and Jesus.  Instead of crawling from pub to pub, the goal is to hit up all 5 sections of NYC, a task even the youngest of Santas with the Cadillac of reindeer cannot complete.

Times Square getting jolly.

Doubles Shark-Whisperer attended 2012's Santa Con.

     In D.C., we don't have such madness.  We merely choose an area, dress festively, donate a toy for a tot (we let them keep our tot), and crawl from pub to pub (oftentimes right next door).  Whether in NYC or D.C., the Santa crawls make for a merry good time.  Cheers to the naughty list!

Da group.

Silly boys.

Look festive ladies!

The only time of year moose ears become reindeer ears. (They aren't even ears....they're antlers....deep thoughts by JDub).

Quite simply a drinking device.

     Well, that about wraps up Christmas this year (pun intended).  Time for boring, cold January.....OH WAIT, I go to Peru in 3 weeks.....HIP-HIP HOORAH!!!!

These models were paid in belly rubs and puppy treats.