Mitchell - The Hand of Whomever You Feel God Is

Back safely from the dangers of Bourbon Street. We had an awesome weekend - and just I suspected, as soon as we landed, I was happy to be there. Nothing like a New Orleans debauchery to make you forget your troubles. The good news is that we didn't burn the candle at both ends. We really rested in between the festivities so I don't feel like I need another vacation.

The V-day event was amazing. Women and Men from over 40 countries participated. Oprah didn't show, but there was an actress from Dallas, Liz Mikel who took her place and basically walked off with show. So moving, funny, and real.

We were able to tour the Lower Ninth Ward. It is still incredibly sad. Most of it has been bulldozed, and what's left standing is completely uninhabitable. We had an incredible experience while there that tells you life leads you to the perfect spot at the perfect time. We were looking at the model house that Brad Pitt is helping to build - just found it really. A nice couple drove up to do the same. Turns out, they lived in the lower ninth, are rebuilding, and their daughter went down to V-day in the bus that Randi Layne (who was with us) and the Chelko Foundation paid for from the Oscar Fundraiser! With tears all around, we all hugged, said a silent prayer of thanksgiving, and the Hamilton's (who are visiting their son as he graduates from GA Tech this weekend) promised to come have a meal at MetroFresh on me! This is the hand of whomever you feel God is!

New Orleans - more than anyplace I have ever been, is filled with fun-loving, hysterical, kind people. We had a waitress at DESIRE, a Bourbon Street Café who still is making me laugh. We wanted to change tables, so I went to ask her permission while she was talking to some other customers. She turned around and, appropriately, READ ME THE RIOT ACT FOR INTERRUPTING. "Do you not see I am talking to these people?" Oh my god - she was totally right. I was totally rude, and my mother would be SO ashamed. I cowered back to my seat, apologizing all the way! We laughed all night long about that. Later, as we left the restaurant in the rain, Joanne said, "Stay right here under the awning." At which point she ran down the street in the pouring rain to find us a taxi. She returned in the front seat of a cab with a Cheshire Cat Grin. Hugs all around and we have a new best friend on Bourbon Street