Get out of this place.

Rich and Shelley wouldn’t let me in the picture with them, so I found a way. Happy Birthday, Shelley Brown.

New Orleans, Louisiana. 5.11.2012.

I like having a former stylist as a drinking buddy because sometimes when I show up to the bar, she pulls out the Swiss Army Knife on me and trims my mustache. Thanks, Shelley.

New Orleans, Louisiana. 3.12.2012.

Shelley came over so she and Liz could make fun of how much I spent on a Halloween-costume top hat last year. And apparently in an effort to make sure it gets worn enough to justify its cost, Liz is going to wear the hat when she washes dishes now. Whether or not her belt buckle actually gets used enough to justify its cost is another matter.

New Orleans, Louisiana. 1.30.2012.

People all across the country are tuned in to the biggest college football game of the year being played a few miles away. The city has been engulfed in phrases like “Roll Tide!” and “Tiger Bait!” for about a week. Meanwhile, I’m having a girls’ night with Shelley and Liz, playing poker and using Scrabble tiles as chips. And that’s okay. Maybe.

New Orleans, Louisiana. 1.9.2012.

Welp…I’m officially 30 now. And Liz nearly gave me a heart attack when she arranged for 10 people to surprise me when we showed up for our dinner reservation. Coleen, Jessica, Laura, Melissa, Shelley, Whitney, Josh, Kelly, Carrie, Daniel. Thanks for coming out. So long, Twenties…

New Orleans, Louisiana. 1.8.2012.

SIDENOTE: Kaia turns eight years old today.

Eye patches aren’t just for eyes anymore. Perhaps Coleen and Shelley are involved in a silent protest because Pal’s forgot to cook the wings for Wings Wednesday. And perhaps they kept up their protest until Pal’s provided a huge vat of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

New Orleans, Louisiana. 11.16.2011.

Prom poses with Josie and Shelley at the Creative Writing Workshop’s annual Rosa Park Party. I have no idea what the party is about, but there’s food and drink, so I dressed up and went.

New Orleans, Louisiana. 11.12.2011.

Shelton, Shelley, Tommy Kicz and Chosa. It’s amazing what you find out about people playing Truth or Dare Jenga. Also, it’s amazing that being an adult means playing the same games I played when I was a kid, but with Jello-O shots. (I’ll save my sister from having to comment by adding that “I don’t think this behavior actually constitutes being an adult.”)

New Orleans, Louisiana. 11.10.2011.

Me: Shelley, I forgot to take a picture today, I need to take a picture of this wall art.

Shelley: That’s your photo of the day?

Me: Unless this one of you turns out better.

Shelley: (Ridiculous look.)

New Orleans, Louisiana. 10.21.2011.

Watched the Saints beat the Bears at Parkview with “Shut It Down” Shelley Brown. That’s how you Sunday, people, that’s how you Sunday.

New Orleans, Louisiana. 9.18.2011.