fraternities I have joined (the past 2 weekends)

Two weekends ago, I walked into the first 3 days of a 6-day leadership training seminar. I knew absolutely no one, and within the first 2 hours I was feeling overwhelmed and like I had joined a cult.

• there was a strict dress code, which varied based on where you were and what the leader was wearing
• there was frequent singing
• there were lots of little rules- where you could sit, when you could sit down, in what order you lined up
• there was little free time

Sounds like a nightmare, right?

I'll admit, by lunchtime on the first day I was seriously wondering what I had gotten myself into.

But, as is the case with fraternities, strangers quickly became friends and by the end of the weekend it felt like the real world no longer existed. It was exhausting, but I felt supported and the expectations were clearly laid out.

This was Wood Badge, the premier adult leader training session for the Boy Scouts of America, and I can't wait for next month when we complete the second half of the course.

3 days later, a 5 hour trip with my husband turned into 7 because of traffic, and when we arrived at the hotel there was a problem with our reservation and we had no room for the night on a weekend that every hotel in and around the city was booked.

We went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, y'all.

When you live in Louisiana (even if it is the exact opposite corner of the state), you might as well do it right! I'm into taking advantage of every opportunity while we are stationed here, and through his work, hubs managed to get invited to one of the major Mardi Gras balls in New Orleans.

I found myself a formal-length gown for Sunday night, but for the rest of the weekend I had no idea what to expect. The word most frequently used by friends to describe New Orleans is "dirty" and I was expecting to be immersed in a lecherous, filthy and not-entirely-safe pit of debauchery, I had no plans to like New Orleans. I just wanted to make it through the weekend.

We managed to get a room at a different hotel on Friday night and were blessed to be traveling with one of Matt's co-workers who used to work in the city, so we at least had half a clue about things like where to park.

Once again, there was a dress code for the weekend that varied based on where you were. In the streets, everyone was wearing purple, green and gold as much as possible. Funny hats, beads, masks, tutus, and full-on costumes were the norm. 

We did a LOT of walking, collected a lot of beads, and ate some really amazing food. The city is beautiful; there is a lot of great architecture and no shortage of unique shops to pop into. Yes, Bourbon Street was pretty gross, even before 10 am, but there was nothing obscene and I did not feel unsafe at all while I was in the city.

Mardi Gras really is a thing unto itself, aside from anything else going on in the city. There is a parade route where people literally camp out all day to watch the various Krewes roll by. We accidentally strolled onto a corner of the route and found an immediate sense of community. There were people of all ages, locals & out-of-towners. Everyone was very generous, sharing chairs, offering beers, and distributing the immense quantity of beads that were thrown.

I didn't love New Orleans the ways some people seem to. I'm glad I went, but I don't feel compelled to go back. But Mardi Gras... THAT was fun! I can see why people come back every year to celebrate. While it is a hassle to navigate the city with so many roads blocked off for parades, and parking was ridiculously expensive, I wouldn't hesitate to go back for Mardi Gras weekend, especially now that I know to bring a cooler, chair, sunscreen, and bags to collect beads.

As for the ball itself, let's just say it's not anything that Cinderella would recognize as a ball. This is how I summarized it:

Imagine you're at a rave, but everyone is wearing tuxedos and ball gowns and pulling coolers full of alcohol. And the Main Street Electrical Parade rolls through an indoor venue, with each float throwing the entire contents of Oriental Trading Company at you. And most everyone is drunk.

That's a Mardi Gras ball.