New Orleans...back on the map?

As I watch the grand re-opening of the Louisiana Superdome and the NFL game between the Saints and the Atlanta Falcons, a part of me can't help but to feel a bit weird about the unfolding scenario.

Looking back to what transpired with Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it caused for the residents of New Orleans, one can't help but to wonder what the residents who were placed in the Superdome are feeling at this moment. Sure it's great to see the city and its residents slowly getting back on their feet. But to see the building, filled with cheering fans celebrating a football game; seems bittersweet, considering that just over a year ago, the same building housed multitudes of people, stranded, hungry, sick, unclean and festering in the black clouds of death.

So while it's great to see the building restored to its former glory, it still seems a bit weird.... Especially in light of the fact that they spent almost $200 million dollars (most of it in FEMA money) and worked around the clock to get it done, while literally blocks away there are still huge sections of deserted neighborhoods with destroyed homes. Call me crazy, but there seems to be something wrong with that picture. Just sayin' what many of you are already thinkin'.....

*ON A SIDE NOTE: On my way back from a nice walk, I was reflecting on yesterday's activities. That being said, I've come to the conclusion that while I enjoy working on Sundays and everything that comes with it (great friends, camaraderie, laughs, etc.), a part of me also hates it. Why? Because I feel like I miss out on a lot of good stuff that takes place because I'm so busy tending bar. Maybe that's the selfish side of me speaking out, but I do enjoy hanging out with the crew. They are good people and part of me can't help but to feel a bit envious at times when you hear the laughter and watch the hi-jinx unfold and you have to be the bystander because of your duties. It's almost like being the fat kid on the sidelines during the dodge ball game. (oh wait a minute... must have been looking at the yearbook again). But then again, you have to take the good with the bad I guess. I'm paid to make sure everyone is having a good time, even if it means sacrificing your own fun (which isn't really the case, but you know what I mean).

Just having a selfish moment.



NUFF SAID