The long drive down South

I've had intentions of starting this blog for some time now.  My first post was going to be written during the long drive from Washington, DC to Natchitoches, LA.  This didn't happen.  In fact I've been living in Louisiana for almost 3 weeks now and I am just now beginning to write.  I think you'll enjoy this post more than the one I would have written during that first long day of driving.

That day was a flurry of emotion.... ask my husband.  Tears. Excitement. A few more tears.  I was excited to begin a new journey together with Paul, but sad to be leaving my friends, job, and the life I knew in DC.  For those of you who don't know, I have spent the last four years as a member of the US Army Field Band in the Baltimore/Washington area, and my husband has been teaching at Northwestern State University in Louisiana.  We have been living an unconventional life, but making it work.  We have finally decided to pull the plug and live in the same place... in this small Louisiana town.

What I would have written on June 29th would have been about my experiences with my friends in DC and my expectations of what was to come in LA.  While this is certainly not a negative approach, the past few weeks have already given me time to reflect.  Today I decided to begin this blog and dedicate it to my two families (and I don't mean to anyone I'm actually related... though I love you all too.)

First I owe so much to my family of friends in the band and in DC, as they have gotten me through many travels and lonely times away from my husband.  I miss you all everyday.

I am also indebted to my family of friends here in Louisiana, as they will help teach me the ropes and have already done so much to help me adjust to Southern life.  (If you are not pictured here, don't fret, there will be many more posts to come... I have yet to build my collection of Southern photos)

 This guy will certainly have an influence!

Because I live many miles from my Ohio roots, I have, and always will rely on these families of friends. Always.  This blog is aimed at entertaining the masses with stories of culture shock, realized by my midwestern self.  You may also, from time to time, get a musical, travel, or guest blogger post.  I had a long drive South to start racking my brain for things to write about, and as the scenery and climate changed and I got closer to my new home, I knew I would have no shortage of material.  So here we go....