Dear Little Hoodlums,

I was thrilled to be asleep at 10:30 on Friday night- I’m a real party animal these days. Go on, laugh at me for being so lame. When you decided to to wake me from my sleep by playing “Ding Dong Ditch” or “Ring and Run” I laughed the first time. After all, when I was in high school, my house was the victim of this multiple times over the years. And to set the record straight, I may have partaken in this juvenile prank one time or the other (shhhh). When you decided to go to a different door about 15 minutes later – OK – you were pretty tricky. At 11:00 on the third attempt – I was getting quite perturbed. Like a crazy woman, I opened my front door, saw your 2 little male heads in my neighbor’s bushes, yelled at you that this was not funny anymore and people in this house needed their sleep. I went back to bed as I was freaking exhausted – long week. And you are damn lucky Chulo the Super Dog did not come get you as he was barking like a lunatic. I was back asleep and you rang 2 more times – get a life kids – is this really that entertaining?

Now the Toyota Sienna Mommy Van that I wish I could get rid of as it is ohhhh so not cool (but I have to get a wheelchair in and out now, so my next car is on hold), is not in perfect condition. Trust me little hoodlums, I hate my Mommy Van! I’d like to say that I try my hardest to defy my age and look my best and I could not feel less glamorous in this rolling piece of practicality. There are some scratch marks from bikes from the kiddos and a couple of shopping cart scrapes that give it that true Mommy coolness. A couple of weeks ago, someone even put a nice key mark on the driver’s side. Not sure when or where it happened grrrr….. My van often reminds me of this video below too!

So yesterday, I loaded my dad and my kids in my ultra sexiness on wheels to head to lunch. My little garden flag pole was mangled – no biggie – you guys were so tough showing your strength – I bent it back in no time (I may be small but I am strong too). Driving out I stopped chat with a couple of neighbors to see if they had seen you and they pointed to the sexy mobile and I said – ya I know (thinking they were talking about the bike scratches). After stopping at a store with my friend who I also picked up, we were heading back to the car and low and behold, there on the side of the car was carefully scratched in with a key, the words “Fuck, Ass and a lame picture of a penis.” I am so impressed you know these words, seriously and I’m sure your parents would be proud too. As for the penis picture – a 3 year old could have drawn that, so I suggest you not pursue a career in art.

The police came to the house after I returned from lunch. When I was filing my report, he scolded me for not calling when you started ringing the doorbell. Honestly, I said, I think the Mandeville Police have more to do than waste their time with dealing with this nuisance kid stuff. He also said you knocked down a mailbox on the block and no worries, all the houses here will be getting a letter to see if anyone else had any damage. The more stuff we have against you – the better! Just so you know little hoodlums, you damaged 3 panels of a van and now I have to file an insurance claim- that will cost a lot of money. And don’t think I will show mercy on you when you get caught. Last year, 4 little bastards broke into 6 cars in the neighborhood and got caught. I was more than happy to go to court over the GPS stolen out of my mommy van in the driveway! And yes – they paid to replace it.

What you should be most ashamed of, is knowing the psychological damage you are putting me through. Getting in my van is embarrassing enough, and now I have to refer to it as the “F mobile” or the “Assmobile” too.

V/R

Greta, the beeotch who will track you down and teach you a lesson!

First off, if you do not have a Groupon account – click here and get one today. It is totally free. Once a day you get an offer for a local deal in your area. Read the details before you buy, but some amazing stuff and there are only a limited number of each of them – so be quick. Anyhoo, I purchased a Groupon for Megumi Restaurant for $20 which covered $40 worth of food and drink. Some do not include drink, so again….read before you buy. I like trying new places and has a husband who is Mr. Meat and Potatoes, so this was my trick to get him to go somewhere different (evil laugh inserted here). Megumi has 2 locations close to my house, so I emailed my favorite Northshore sushi connoisseur, Karen to decide which location was best for Saturday night. She suggested the Highway 22 location in Mandeville.

The atmosphere is very family oriented. This was our date night and because neither of us had ever been before, were a slightly disappointed it was not a little cozier for a date. Well, who cares – kids were not with us and a good time to enjoy ourselves. They have a HUGE menu with lots of cooked dinners in addition to their ENORMOUS sushi menu. It was actually overwhelming. I can’t remember the both of use ever taking that long to decide!!! It may have been helpful if some were starred as favorites or something, so I could have narrowed it down a little quicker. Instead, I started looking around and asked one table what they had (ya – you know me too well)! Clear soup with noodles served to us as soon as we sat down. A little odd, I would have liked to wait a few minutes for that – or at least until I ordered a drink. We decided on tempura calamari and shrimp dumpling for appetizers while still mulling over the menu. I would have gone for sashimi, but after seeing all the gorgeous displays of rolls served, I knew I had to get one! Hubby does not do sushi and I was starving – so I ordered the Geisha roll, which the waiter said was a good choice. It had tuna, salmon, rice, sesame seeds, asparagus and chives. It was phenomenal. Hubby had a grilled shrimp dish and Yakatori skewed beef and Kirin beer. He was perfectly happy and loved everything. This will be a place I will come back to with friends or maybe the kids. I might be able to even twist hubby’s arm to return too:)

On the way home we decided to stop for a drink. Obelisk is a local wine bar/art gallery and though I pass it every day, never ventured in. It was absolutely perfect inside – great atmosphere, perfect use of space, unique lighting, couches, spaciously spaced tables and a big beautiful bar and to make hubby happy – television with the football game on! The bartender (d’oh did not get his name) was awesome and we arrived during 2 for one Martinis. Hubby got your basic dirty one and I got the Flerutini with raspberries. It was a perfect drink – not too sweet, but sweet enough. The artwork being displayed was of Cindi Guillot, who actually invited me to her opening there but I could not attend. Her stuff is simply amazing! Here is her personal website. We left before the band started playing (had to get home to the kiddos), but will certainly return there! The patrons and the bartender educated us about all that goes on there and the history of the place – a great find for us!

Hubby and I have been really trying to stay close to home for quick nights out on either a date night or with the family.

Cafe Lynn
Traditional Louisiana food perfected in my backyard! Seriously, I pass this place every day and it has never looked inviting to me. After all, it is an old BK and inside it still reminded me of one – with the addition of the white tablecloths. But my neighbors swear by it as does every person who has dined there. Hubby usually wants to head to the Southshore for date nights, but I begged him to stay local and try this. Well, we LOVED IT! Now, we were very lucky the room was not full as I would not have enjoyed someone sitting so closely at the table next to us. The service was very good and we enjoyed the entire meal, the proximity to home and thought the prices were reasonable for this type of quality dinner. We will be sure to become repeat customers and maybe even try them for lunch! This is not a restaurant I would consider bringing the kids to – not for them but perfect for couples!

The Barley Oak
Old world decor done perfectly to this lakefront addition. We loved the beer selection and found ourselves a couch in front of a TV sipping away. A great place to hang out with friends or as a couple and have a few cool ones!

Louie and The Redheaded Lady
Besides us having to wait way too long…we all really enjoyed the breakfast there. It is not a $ or traditional iHop style breakfast place, but rather Southern and delish – so very unlikely we will be taking the kiddos back there. And yes – they are getting ready to open one in Covington too. I have enjoyed lunch there as well.

Beach House Bar and Grill
We had been there when it was Lucy’s and were always disappointed. I wanted a nicer date night, but hubby won with true casual. Now the food was delicious and the service was very good. This is a great place for casual dining, having a few drinks, watching a game and bringing the whole family..not for a romantic dinner (LOL). And nothing beats dining outside on their huge porch. My only recommendation is that they provide flashlights to read the menu. Thank goodness for iPhone flashlights:)

Ristorante Carmelo
We decided to have a family night and headed to Carmelo. It is right across the street and was on our list of “must tries.” I will give this review a break as they obviously had issues that night that they need to work out. They had a wine party going on in the next room and the main dining was obviously short on staff. We waited…and waited…and waited…. You know how fun that can be with kids. We enjoyed the food a bunch but the service left us with a bad taste in our mouth. Will have to give it another try later.

The Wine Loft (previous review here)
We bought a coupon from Restaurant.com and popped over there for appetizers and drinks. The food was delicious and the portions were huge! And of course, they have an excellent bar! We were also able to catch a game and early in the evening it is pretty empty. A great place to get cozy and relax!ta

So the little angels had a day off from school on Friday October 1st for St. Tammany Parish Fair School Day. They have all kinds of events at the fair and offer a $15 ride pass from 10-3 that day. Once again, I was coaxed into going and once again – said NEVER AGAIN! To be fair, I will tell you the truth – I am not a fair person (I can see your look of surprise). Never have been – never will be. I like amusement parks – but fairs – nope. As for fair food – not so much a fan either (thought I toyed with the idea of a fried Oreo & passed). Now the kiddos all had a fabulous time, despite some whining and one getting sick for the second year in a row. OK – I admit – people watching is fun…but beyond that – fairs are just not my cup of tea. And yes…I have been to fairs all over the country with the kids from the time they were babies. Heck – they love seeing all the animals and I remember very cool shows at the Austin Fair. Anyhoo – I spoke to my neighbor (a former St. Tammany Parish teacher) about the time-honored tradition of the kids having school off for the fair (I was not quite getting it). She said it was a great thing for so many of the outlying Parish communities where the kids are really into their animals. OK – I guess I get that. For the rest of the kids – a day off and time to see their art exhibits and have fun. OK – I am not really a picky or high maintenance person (my husband will confirm) – but filth is never necessary. For the second year in a row I took a picture of the trash can overflowing at the fair with garbage on the ground. I really do not think it is too much to ask for 2 things from a fair: (1) cleanliness – hire ground crews fercryigoutloud and (2) safe rides. Ugh – seeing rust on the chair swing chains made my stomach sick. So listen up St Tammany – I am all for keeping time-honored traditions, but PLEASE do not let the basics fly just because, “Fairs are always that way.” We can do better!

Picture from 2010

Picture from 2009

“Friends of Eddie Price” fundraiser! OMG -this landed in my inbox and all I could say is….this is the funniest joke ever. Now please come over and put my jaw back in place as it has been on the floor since I found out it is for real. I am talking about a local fundraiser for my former Mayor, Eddie Price, who is headed to the Federal Penitentiary for stealing from the taxpayers! Give me a freaking break! Make your bed – lie in it! As for those who attend, donate or are with Alpha Plan LLC collecting on his behalf…no comment. By the way, I was emailing with a friend this morning about the best ways to help the family of wounded Marine who was shot in the head. Puts things into perspective huh?

(click on image for full size)

The link can be found here if you still think I am making this up!

VOTE VILLERE!!!!!! See my previous posts on this here and here.

I could not resist sharing this little poem from the forums today (typos and all).

14670. Twas the Night Before Election
by shoerack, 3/26/10 2:53 ET
Twas the night before the election and all through the city all the creatures were stirring especially ole Tribly. The postings were made and the voters now know how incredbly guilty of taxes she paid low. The chairs were all empty at frequent restaurants and bars, the crooks were over at Tribly’s scheming to cover the scars. The St Tammany Parish Schools are still numner one in the state lets hope Villere is elected and makes Mandeville a better place. Ive almost had accidents at intersections where Trilbys big signs blocked my view, certainly if an acident happens Trilby will be sued. I hope it wont be a situation where I have to take a number and stand in line, especailly if I happen to break my old spine. Trilby give it up because even if you win there wont be day where someone’s not out exposing your sins.

Pass me the bucket and the boots Jack! And the Assessor, Core…well if you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem! Warning, this video will promote immediate gag reflexes…bucket should be handy! Way to find the back door and rob the citizens blind. You must be so proud.

Here is the article to go with the video. Also, don’t miss this post and this one either…good wholesome goodness in Mandveille.

Seems not everyone in Mandeville can be trusted under the assessment “honor system”. See here and here. Yes, this may have something to do with the Mandeville Mayor’s race and connecting dots….

As of right now, Casa de Perry is paying pretty high taxes because our home was assessed in 2007 when home prices were at an all time high. Grrrrrrrr

I report…you decide…talk amongst yourselves and don’t miss everything below this!

This selection is from the website Mandeville Mayor’s Race

Thought this blast from the past Legend of Billie Jean clip worked nicely here.

4/21 edited for personal gain:) Hey a blogger needs to make money.

Anybody but Trilby (copying a recent New Orleans council race campaign).

A lot of people, including my husband, have asked who they should be voting for as the next Mayor of Mandeviile. If you dig back in my archives, you will see that I was one of the people fueling the recall for our former criminal Mayor, Eddie Price. When I play politics, it is not a personal attack on an individual, but a matter of better government. I hate dirty politics, but appreciate fair discussion. Now trust me, I saw a lot of dirtiness during the recall.

During the recall, I watched Trilby Lenfant sit on the council and never “stoop” to make a statement regarding our efforts or to sign it. Hey Carla, I’m still waiting for you to return that phone call too. That speaks volumes right there! She then proceeded to do some BS grandstanding that I witnessed in person and wished I had my boots on for. Yet she is for government reform? Puhleeze! She is forever muddied by the dirty waters of Eddie Price and for that, she will never get a vote or endorsement from me. She has all the big money behind her campaign (that should be a red flag to voters) and has run a great campaign. Her mailed out “scrapbook” certainly cost a pretty penny as has the mass amount of repetitive mailings and the abundance of large banners. She will most likely win because of her campaign and the inability of many people to connect the dots that she is as much as part of the problem of the City of Mandeville’s government as every member who currently sits on the city council.

If you are undecided or thinking of sitting home, I ask for a vote for at least a fresh slate.

Update: here is the link to the Mandeville Audit PDF

Donald Villere will be getting my vote. I have not participated in his campaign nor do I know much about him. The fact that he has not sat on the City Council makes him the most desirable of the two candidates!

Early voting has begun and ends the 20th. Click here for all the voter information. Voter’s registration information is here.

A website against Trilby but without an author’s name attached is here. As a blogger who has never hidden her identity, you know that bugs the tar out of me!

Ask ANY resident of Mandeville if corruption exists in this once sleepy bedroom community and their answer is always the same – YES. Our own Mayor has resigned, is in hot water and may do some time in the pokey. Now comes the scramble for the City Council to all wash their hands as we are getting ready to elect a new Mayor. Yes – they are ALL part of the problem and not the solution. It would be wonderful if we could start all over tomorrow with a fresh crew. Interim Mayor Bubby (what we also call a Jewish Grandmother) is at the helm and determined to pick a police chief before he leaves and it looks like there are some decent resumes in the bunch. Of course, politics as usual so do not expect the best candidate to get selected. Anyhoo, the new Mayor will get to choose again in a few months and may not necessarily want Bubby’s pick. And we all know that Ms. Lenfant will run for Mayor and probably do pretty well because she has tried to stand out as the “reformer” of the group. She will also do well based on the “name recognition game. NO – I do not buy her Academy award winning performances! Jerry Coogan is rumored to be running too and all I can say is – OY! I love this editorial today as the obvious is pointed out on some of the corruption and resistance for transparency. Give me a flippin break! There are lots of rumors of potential candidates and after the new year, I expect we will have a quick idea who is in the game! Stay tuned as I’ll be blogging about it!