Jami Attenberg

I read everything Jami Attenberg writes and was delighted to find her blog whatever-whenever a ways back.

She's been working on her latest book while living temporarily in New Orleans. If you've only ever seen an official Mardi Gras parade, you're missing out... Here's a sample of the fun.

We visit New Orleans periodically, and I can't say I love it there. CA's only sib--LFW--resides in suburban NO and teaches at one of the universities, so we've heard her stories and seen some of this first-hand.

Crawfish are ubiquitous and delicious, so don't eat this little guy.

Our favorite spot for seafood is Harbor Seafood and Oyster Bar in nearby Kenner, LA. The very best Bloody Mary ever!

This spot is the definition of casual. Think: paper towels for napkins, sticky table tops, high chairs and booster seats for the kiddies. Counter seating available. Their seafood retail outlet is just next door. Delicious. Every time.

These photos from here.

Mardi Gras dog photos from whatever-whenever, Jami Attenberg.

Anti-Cupid? Or, wise words...

Loving this clever, tongue-in-cheek column in today's Chicago Tribune: Office romances rife with pitfalls, by Rex W. Huppke, I Just Work Here.

Love is in the air.

Either that or Dan over in accounting went a little nutso with the Axe Body Spray this morning.

Regardless, in the spirit of Valentine's Day and shameless column hooks, let's talk about office romances, the perils of workplace flirtation and the fact that this t-shirt really highlights my abs. (NOTE TO MY BOSSES: If you comment on my abs, I'll sue you faster than you can say "magnificent.")

First is the simple question: Is it ever a good idea to become romantically involved with a co-worker?

Answers and more fun here...

Rex Huppke is a very good writer. I love reading well-written anything.

WRITER'S WORKSHOP

Thinking about taking a 6-week on-line writing course. The course preview makes me think this is exactly what I'm looking for--a time-sensitive commitment that offers the flexibility I require (desire?!).

I'm going to let this simmer a bit and see what develops...

WRITING YOUR OWN STORY

Not a new thought, but a great reminder. You write your own story. YOU write your own story. Others may try to write it for you, but you CAN and will write your own story. Whether you surrender temporarily to someone's control or influence, you are still the author. You decide. Even ambivalence or acquiescence is your choice.


Very much the wisdom of Viktor Frankl--no one can take from you the choice of how you view each situation.

Victor Emil Frankl

I love it! What an encouragement to celebrate life and choose to enjoy the little odd moments and people. And, to cut your loved ones some slack as you determine what YOU want your relationship to be.

The difference was, Lottie thought, that she was old enough to understand the nature of the story: that everyone had one, but that it was thrust upon you as often as not. That what counted was what happened after that, the combining of the aftermath with the original story. Your mother is an alcoholic. Yes: and then?...For Love
by Sue Miller