New Orleans Lady

Magyar, were you in Baton Rouge when it happened? You are currently at LSU right? I bet you've seen some enormous changes to the country living in Baton Rouge with double the population and traffic headaches there. Oh, I can tell you some stories about the whole experience..... not being able to talk to family members for five days, not knowing if certain family members were alive or dead, being stuck at a military facility where my husband worked with rescue teams and families who lost everything, washing policemen's uniforms because it was all I could do to pass time, sleeping on a hammock in someone's office I didn't know, meeting a brave mother who had a one-week old baby, talking to a man who was trapped on his roof for hours, etc. etc. I thought about writing an article on it, but there are just too many stories to tell and mine is weak in suffering by comparison to so many others. I'm waiting for "Katrina - the movie" to come out and Meryl Streep play Govenor Blanco or something and proceeds go to the rebuilding of New Orleans....(or will they go to new casinos?) :whip: I have always hated movies and things that made fun of Louisiana....i can't bring myself to watch all of The Water Boy even though I love all other Adam Sandler movies....but when you hear the "chocolate city" comments and you see the kind of people that are making decisions in the city there, you can't help but understand why they can't move forward and why there are so many problems. But anyway, I don't wish to talk too much about politics. I do feel for those people who are without everything and so desperately want to move back because for so many people - their community, their tight-knit neighbors was all they had! It's hard for outsiders to understand why they want to go back, but in many ways I can. However for me and my family, I have moved on......I guess for my own well-being, happiness, and sanity, I've just totally immersed myself in Buckeye culture here. I really do believe that I will have opportunities here that I won't have there. And I believe that i am here for a reason. Call me an Ohioan, call me a yankee. I'll never forget where I came from and I will always have family and roots there. But for me, my life is here now. I only hope that in time, those wonderful people will find peace and a community even if it's only within themselves (like I have) p.s. - ranting is good. we all need to do it sometime. :) p.p.s. - some personal good news - the roof on my home finally got repaired. After five months and two bad contractors who stopped returning phone calls, we got it done. Now on to the interior.... maybe by summer we can be done and sell it and stop paying a mortgage on it there and an apartment fee here. Yippee! Baby steps!

Quoted from Conovercourt - "When is New Orleans Lady going to see a real Ohio winter?" Ha ha! Actually I did experience a winter here. I was here when it snowed on Thanksgiving day and when it was 5 degrees in early December. But I was hoping for snow last week while my parents were in town. No such luck though. However, I am glad that there was no major snowstorm though to welcome me in my first winter here. I read all the horror stories in the paper that happened last Christmas. I don't think I would have dealt with that so well. Well, ya never know....i've already survived a hurricane, so what the hell!? Bring on the snow!

Nice shots! It's amazing how much more beautiful things in the city look on a sunny, bright day. Hey, where is that mural of the woman with the camera? On what building, street? ................................................ Future Photo Opportunity for you Daytonians - perhaps one of you can go to the 2nd street public market on Feb. 24th for their upcoming "Mardi Gras" event. Should make some interesting photos plus you'll hear some great music. I plan to be there. (If you go on a regular market day, try the German red wine from the market wine vendor and the garlic-cheddar or sin-a-mon bread from Big Sky. It's to die for...)

To ColDayMan - Hmm, El Mason is a great Mexican restaurant eh? I will have to check that out. I haven't enjoyed any Mexican cuisine here yet. Everyone keeps talking about Chipoltle but I have never been to those yet either. I actually enjoyed a damn good Cuban sandwich and Sangria soda at the 2nd Street Public Market today after I went on yes, another interview, in downtown Dayton. It was my first visit to the market. It was quaint and cozy and I did find a unique Christmas gift for a family member in Louisiana so it was a worthwhile trip. To Jeff - great tour. I have driven through some of the places pictured and I agree that Kettering is a neat, unique town. I love the different style homes that they have. Even its condos/town homes look so cozy and inviting. Where is that Hansel and Gretle house? I'd like to ride by and see that first hand. I was invited to go to that David Church when I was talking to a lady at Dorothy Lane Market. It's good to know it's "all faiths." I find that people here are very church-friendly, meaning that everyone new I meet invites me to attend their church. That is very new to me. As religious (and sinful) as New Orleans is, you just never really hear of people inviting you to attend church and join in on worship service. It's very interesting to see the mix of urban and suburbia, and old and new put in together. I personally enjoy house watching and like you, drive around and admire the homes and shops here. I just don't get out my car and take photos like you do, especially on a day like today.... BRRRRRR! :)

Now if only I could get my hands on some crawfish....then my life would be close to perfect. My husband wants me to make etoufee or creole for his work buddies but I can't find the stuff. And shrimp is about 7 bucks (or more) a pound here. I miss the good ole' days of paying 2.99 a pound for seafood in N'awlins. Good observations about the weather Jeff. Yes that was an experience with the rain/sleet/ice on Sunday morning when I woke. I thought I was Supergirl in the Crystal City with those deep icicles hanging from my car. My arms got a good workout from the ice scraping I did! Hey, I'm dreaming up some topics of interest for my freelancing thing. I started writing a list of things that I feel Ohioans should have warned me (a Southern Belle) before I moved here. Let me know if you think it is funny or feel free to add to it.... "Things that Ohioans Should Warn Southerns About Before Moving to the Midwest" 1. There's no need to chill wine in the winter here - simply leave it out on the table or near a window draft and it's ready to drink at anytime. 2. If you grew up below sea level, you may experience ear popping as you drive around Ohio. (No, you're not having a seizure or a weird spasm. Your body will eventually adjust to higher ground). 3. Forget doing push-ups in the winter - just scrape ice off the car for a complete upper body workout. 4. People aren't being rude by pushing their trash in the street. There is a reason that people spend hours piling leaves from their lawn into a mound in the street. 5. Replace "ya'll" with "you guys"; "where ya' at?" with "How are you today?"; and "make groceries" with "going to the store". That's all I have so far. It's a work in progress as I live here longer. I'm also thinking of writing some tips for getting to know a new community and moving successfully. Hey if you're looking for a laugh (New Orleans style), see if you can download the song "The 12 Yats of Christmas" by Benny Grunch and The Christmas Bunch. That will give you a sense of how deep-rooted New Orleanians speak. You'll also gain insight into New Orleans although you might not get all the humor in it. Well I'm off for now.....I'm going relive my youth (because I'm so old at age 27) :) by watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special on t.v. later my cyber-friends

Hey ColDayMan, no it was not the Paragon club....it was Carver's Steak and Chops. I realize that may be a chain around here but there was none in Louisiana. It reminded the husband and me a little of Ruth's Chris but was more affordable. We went there on Thanksgiving day and the service was impeccable. By the way, I was quoted in the life section of the Dayton Daily News yesterday, in Sharon Short's editorial column. I tried to find the link on-line for it but couldn't. I clipped it out and scanned it in. If any of you can find it, please post it here. Yesterday was a good day - saw my name in print being quoted then I got a call for a freelance writing gig. Now I'm just working on a full-time thing.... I need to get my Ohio drivers license by January. I guess I'll ty to go by and get an instruction book for the written test. It's been seventeen years since I took the test and should probably brush up on the knowledge. :) So if you see some crazy broad dancing around in a car near I-75 with a Louisiana license plates, it might just be me....

GEEZ, I feel kinda dumb next to you all - master's degrees, technical concentration, and such. My college was more like PCU. I did make some great friends there though.

I graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana in 2000 with a BA, concentration in English (translation: I had no plan when I finished). I am currently looking for employment in the Dayton or Cincinnati area. I am seeking the right opportunity to utilize my writing and communication skills with a fun company that is creative and open to new ideas. I have some past experience in Marketing and HR as well. I know that whoever I work for will get a kick out of me - my sparkling eyes, my dazzling smile, my Southern accent, and my sarcasm. If you know anyone looking for someone like that, send me a private message. If not, then I will soon be starting my own seminar...."How to make a living off being a professional interview-ee". :)

I talked to my parents in Louisiana today - they said they had temps in the 80's on the same day we were in the Teens here. :-o I drove in the snow for the first time Thursday night! I was a little nervous and clutching the wheel at first, but it really wasn't bad. I can hardly believe that I have been here in Ohio for four weeks now. In just that short amount of time, I have done a lot - gone on ten interviews, joined a gym, visited Frank Lloyd Wright's Wescott House in Springfield, went ice-skating at Riverscape Park, gone to two social outings to meet new gal-pals, found a dry-cleaner, did holiday shopping, and found a great steak place. Not bad, eh? I feel like I am on an extended vacation just having fun exploring a new place, but it is slowly becoming more like "home". I am thinking of writing an article on Northern hospitality (or Mid-western Hospitality) because it is outstanding thus far and could even surpass the Southern hospitality I grew up with. Well, I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. My husband and I enjoyed a quiet lunch at a local restaurant then saw the new Harry Potter movie. We couldn't get over how clean the theatre was - to actually walk down an aisle and not have your shoes stick to the floor or find gum under your arm-rest. Amazing! My ears are still popping at time while driving around, especially toward Cincy-Hamilton-Middletown. And I still marvel at how the people pile up their leaves in a neat mound and put it in the street. But it's great and I'm happy to be an Ohioan. Chao for now!

Welcome LaMichelle, It's nice to have a woman in the forum (although I did enjoy having you boys all to myself...wink, wink). Thanks for the suggestions. I actually did some research on Carillon Park. I saw they are looking for holiday help and volunteers so I sent them my information. I figure it may be a way to learn the history of my new community and also meet some people. I haven't heard back from them yet though. If you have some suggestions on other woman to woman things, let me know - things like (a) where to shop for clothes, (b) good place to get hair done, © best place for after-work cocktails, (d) and other fun activiites. I am starting to miss my buds from back home. I was always the social coordinator arranging Margarita drinks after work, bowling nights, or some other fun thing. I've gone on a few interviews and just trying to find employment right now. If you know a great place for women to work, please shed some light for me. I can't believe I already experienced snow flurries! It's going to be a tough winter for me. I guess I will just curl up with Sammy Cat (my orange tabby) and hibernate for a few weeks.

quote: "why not fix your clocks?" That makes me think of "Save the clock tower!" from Back to the Future! Nice photos. I enjoyed them. I may check out that antique shopping and eat a filet on a weekend.

Quote from PigBoy - "So, have any suspicious neighbors brought you pie yet, New Orleans Lady?" No not yet. I am in an apartment community and so far people seem to keep to themselves. I just saw one of my neighbors for the first time today. He looked a bit scary while walking his ferocious white dog. PigBoy, where do you live now? I'm new to the thread but I caught that you are from the Dayton area but now live elsewhere. Jeff, I assume you must still live in the area since you mostly post Dayton news and have photos of Dayton and area suburbs. I am grateful for that since your posts are so detailed and your pictures are phenomenal. Stop talking about breakfast places - you are making me hungry! I actually did drive by the damaged Golden Nugget. If it's that good, I sure hope it does come to life again. Maybe we'll try First Watch restaurant soon since I know where that is and The Original Pancake House has been good to us too on two occasions - saw the largest omelette in my life there when our friend ordered it after helping us move here. Jeff, have you ever watched the Dayton Daily Buzz on the WB station? And I thought New Orleans TV reporters were cheezy! :) Those people are funny. I just filled out a subscription to the Dayton Daily News so I can stay informed of the local happenings and news. We'll probably spend this weekend doing more unpacking but by next weekend, I hope to get out and do something fun somewhere close by. Have a fabulous weekend all!

Hi all, You probably thought I got lost some where in the Kentucky valley while moving here, but no sir! I am back. After weeks of no internet service, no cable televison, and no phone service, I am finally connected in again. It's nice to be back. :) The drive from Louisiana to Ohio was beautiful, especially driving through Tennessee and Kentucky. If only my damn cat would have shut up and quit meowing for half the commute. He's adjusting now though - after all, he is Garfield's cousin: a fat, orange, hungry tabby cat that just wants to be loved. Well, I am liking Ohio so far. The area of Ohio that we are in (Centerville/Miamisburg) is really beautiful. I’m getting used to my ears popping as I am driving up and down these hilly roads. The scenery is great. My husband and I are adjusting to apartment living – going from a four bedroom home to a two bedroom apartment is a big change. Slowly but surely, it is feeling like home. So far the people here are very friendly. Everyone has seemed to notice we are not from here – they say we have an accent. Go figure! The customer service here is phenomenal. Every restaurant and retailer wants us to fill out satisfaction surveys and they want you to be happy with your service, food, products, etc. That is a change from the “I don’t care” attitude we are used to around New Orleans. My husband started the job at Wright-Patt this week and so far it’s been just paperwork and introductions but hopefully he will be diving into the technical, geeky stuff soon because that is what makes him happy. I believe he is working on firewall-sidewinder stuff. I have gone on two interviews so far and am awaiting callbacks and pursuing other opportunities too. I interviewed in Cincinnati. It was only about 30 miles from my place so I guess it's a doable commute but a job in the Dayton area would be so much nicer. I wish I could get a writing job here. What are local newsletters, magazines, or other publications that get circulated around town here? In NOLA, we had New Orleans Magazine, The Gambit Weekly, and many others that you could get copies of in coffee shops. If you have any suggestions to the local media that I can tapp into, please send your suggestions my way The weather here has been pretty mild, even seen some 70's so I haven’t pulled out the big coat yet but I’m sure that may change in a month or so. It will be an interesting winter and holiday season but I am looking forward to a change and a fresh start. Funny story – my husband and I ate at a free-standing Chick-Fil-A restaurant over the weekend. We sat down to eat, and all of a sudden the entire wait staff yells at the same time “EAT MORE CHICKEN” which as know is their slogan. They all shouted and clapped after they said that. Isn’t that weird? We never saw people so happy to work in fast food before. Maybe it isn't that funny, but we sure thought it was. It’s like being in a toned down version of the movie “Pleasantville” here thus far. Several people have hugged my husband and I when we tell them we are from Louisiana and are Hurricane Katrina victims. If only I could use that to my advantage to get a job! :) It has been fun driving around town (and getting lost too), finding the places that many of you suggested in previous posts - saw the First Watch restaurant mentioned, and several of the downtown places too. Thanks again for all the suggestions. I intend to play tourist soon but need to first finish unpacking boxes. We found a Wal-mart that carried a few New Orleans food items, including Zataraine's. I was able to cook jambalaya this week. We're still looking for Blue Runner Red Beans. If we can't find it locally, we'll hit Jungle Jim's eventually or have family send care packages of goodies. So anyway, we like it here and look forward to what the future holds. Well I could say more, but I don’t want to bore you. From the New Orleans Lady turned Ohioan - who would have thought!

I'm back from Dayton - it was a wet, gloomy welcome weather-wise, but a satisfactory trip nonetheless. I'll keep this short as I am exhausted from the trip. I don't think my husband and I could have jam-packed any more into one day. We apartment-hunted, found one, signed a lease, found a storage unit, met with recruiters, took a city tour, ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner out, stared at trees, etc. etc. It was a very productive trip. I know I am going to love Dayton. I like it already. The most obvious, lovely differences between New Orleans and Dayton is that #1 - Dayton is a clean city and has no stench, #2 - the Dayton roads are so nice - no narrow lanes, no pot-holes, and no people with road rage (at least none that we say anyway), and #3 - Dayton has a real fall with beautifully colored trees and rolling hills. NOLA is just flat and isn't even green anymore thanks to Katrina. We didn't have much time to select restaurants that some of you recommended but we did stumble upon or was taken to these three places, which were all quite good - breakfast at The Original Pancake House in Centerville (great blueberry pancakes and coffee!), lunch at Longhorn in Beavercreek, and dinner at Smokey Bone's near the airport. All were great and different than what we have been to before. My husband's recruiter took us for a city tour - I saw glimpses of downtown Dayton, the Oregon district, Dragon Stadium, beautiful homes along Oakwood, technology centers in Beavercreek and near Wright Patt, and we drove past dozens of strip centers and shopping malls around the area. Our tour guide was Dayton born and raised so we felt like we were given a nice overview of the city. There was light traffic and every place only took about fifteen minutes to get to - a welcome change to our current situation. We took no pictures - too wet and gloomy. Well, I'll write more later. I'm exhausted. I can't wait to be there next week permanently. Thanks again to you all.

Thanks for invite ColDayMan - I will keep that in mind after we get settled in. Never in my life did I think I would be someplace close to see ice sculpture carving competition but wow, that is the coolest thing I have ever seen (no pun intended). I will definitely put that on the agenda of things to do in January and will check out Clifton Mill in late November as well. I won't have access to internet for a few days but I'll let you know my first impression of Dayton (rainy, gloom, and all) when I get back. Maybe I will get a few good pics while there to share on the photo forum but mine probably won't be as good as PigBoy and Jeff's. Alright boys, I may be seeing you soon. I'm packing for the 3-day trip and watching the movie "A Christmas Story" right now. It's making me anticipate my first REAL snow this winter....

Holiday festivals talk.... I received an Ohio travel and tourism book in the mail that I ordered off the visitor's bureau website.... yes, I know I am a cheezy tourist already. I see the Dayton and surrounding cities have a multitude of holiday festivals with Christmas lights, ice skating, and more. My husband and I will want to find something fun to do for Thanksgiving and Christmas as we will be away from our families. Are there any particular events or festivals that you recommend we stop in for? In New Orleans, we went to city park's Christmas lights where you can walk through the park or drive through them. We also did a Christmas brunch with family at a local restaurant favorite. If you have any fun things that you and your families enjoy, please share them...

To everyone - thanks so much for the replies! I haven't been on this site for a week - been so busy packing. I am making my first trip to Dayton this Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to apartment hunt. I will check out one or more of the breakfast places you mentioned. I guess I should bring a jacket and layer myself for the trip. I have a lot of winter clothes shopping to do once i get there. It's been emotional saying good bye to friends, co-workers, and family. I have a wonderful network of friends who shower me with attention and gifts (like my boss today who gave me a beautiful Fleur de Lis necklace as a constant reminder of New Orleans) But I am really looking forward to moving to Dayton. I know it will be an environmental and cultural shock for me going from such a Southern background to the midwest, but I know I will do great there since I am a very determined and hardworking individual. As you suggested on writing down my experiences in Ohio, I do intend to do so. I actually hope to obtain a job with The Dayton Daily News or one of the other Ohio Cox Publications since I am a writer and editor at heart. I'd love to write about my experiences - I could be a mystery shopper and food critic going around the new city comparing my experiences to the New Orleans famous cuisine and festivities. If you have any contacts with local publications looking for a reporter, writer, editor, or even an advertising person, let me know. Dayton here I come on Monday.... and then again permanently in just ten days....

Is it already that cold in November there? Have mercy, it's just now getting into the '70s here during the day and upper 60s in the a.m. I will need some sweaters and a heavier coat - guess I'll wait until our apt hunting trip there instead of raiding local department stores here. How cold does it typically get there in that part of Ohio? Friend of a friend told us we will see snow but it's not typical to get a blizzard or snow so bad you get trapped in your home for days. My husband lived in New Jersey for three years so he'll be fine, but it will be an adjustment for me. I won't miss Louisiana humidity though. On another topic....we southerners are always thinking of food... can you recommend any good casual breakfast places or brunch restaurants? Since breakfast is so overlooked during the work week, we like to frequent breakfast outings on our weekend....places that have omelets, bacon, pancakes, and coffee galore. Something more down-home and unique than a Denny's or I-HOP. Jeff, if you mentioned a place and I overlooked it, please forgive me. Getting off topic again...checked out the Dayton Dragons website. I bet we would enjoy a game but it does sound like it won't be easy to get a good seat. What a different scenario for us who could walk up to a Zephyrs game and still get a seat behind the dugout the night of the game. Dragons must have better seasons than Zephyrs. I'm not much of a sports fan and hate to watch it on TV, but I have always loved baseball. Hopefully in 2006, we can make a weekend trip to a Reds or Indians game. Who are the big rivals in sports there? It was in college, LSU vs. Auburn and Ole Miss or professional,The Saints vs anyone (since they were such losers). Any hockey in Dayton the area? I went to a few short-lived hockey games and found them interesting. How easy is it crossing into Canada from Ohio? Forgive my ignorance, but do you need a passport? I know it's not Mexico's borders but was just curious since friends are saying to visit the winter wonderland of Canada after I get settled. Sorry to be jumping all over the place....suffering a bit of insomnia since the hurricane. Looking forward to settling down soon.

Just wanted to add that I think it's funny to hear anything in Ohio claiming to be Southern. I only say this because I have a very good friend that is a former Louisiana History teacher. She is a true Southern Belle and tells me that anything above the Mason Dixon line is not truly Southern. However, my response to her was that as long as the hospitality felt "southern" in Ohio, then that was all I cared about. And so far, I have felt the Southern hospitality in this forum - you all have been very helpful. So thanks! :clap:

Wow, thanks for the education in culture and history on Ohio. You just saved me a semester in mid-western culture. I look forward to moving there even more now. I will be there permanently on Nov. 3rd so I'll just miss the fun Halloween festivities. Darn! Maybe next year. I guess with my own Southern/Cajun accent, I will fit right in after all. Everyone will think I am a foreigner while I will have to keep a straight face if I hear the slightest hint of a "Fargo" style accent. Just kidding of course. Louisiana is full of African-American, Latino, French, and its own Appalachian roots (hence our own capital city Baton Rouge which means "red stick"). My reason for bringing the topic up was for simply the sole purpose of my curiosity. I want to immerse myself totally in the culture there and write about my experiences (I long to be a published writer). This forum is great. Keep the thoughts flowing...i'm digging it!

I thought of a question that I was asked by a family member that I didn't know the answer to - Can anyone tell me the most dominant heritage of Dayton's area? Was it inhibited by Germans, Canadians, or some other folk? I was just curious. Coming from New Orleans, there is a melting pot of people there but it is known mostly for French inhibitants and Spanish influence (hence the famous "French Quarter" and "Spanish Square" of downtown New Orleans). I was just wondering if I should load up on my Cajun and Creole favorite dishes before moving here. Has anyone ever purchased these brands in the Dayton area - Zatarain's, Zapp's, Tony's Chacheres, and other prevalent New Orleans seasonings and such? If you have never heard of these, let me know and I will stock up my supplies before moving there. Thanks in advance for your comments.

Dear Jeff and Pig Boy, I can't thank you enough for your detailed responses. This really does make me feel like our move will be a good one after hearing about some great musical and performance events, restaurant options, shopping excursions, and day trips. I will read over your responses again and see if I have any further questions. I truly appreciate your input. I definitely enjoy ethnic foods like Lebanese and Greek, and my husband loves German sausage and beer. Actually we love all foods and in New Orleans, we could nibble on anything we desired. So it's nice to hear the Dayton area has a wide variety of selections as well. I do enjoy the performancing arts so I will check into the schedules and tours of the Victorian Theatre and others after we get settled. I wish we could be there for the Octoberfest or Halloween Festival but we won't be there until the first week of November. Let me know if there is anything fun to do during Thanksgiving since we'll be away from family. We will be enjoying apartment living for awhile so we can take our time and look for a house. Areas we will be touring soon for apartments include Beavercreek and Centerville. I don't think we'll settle in Dayton itself. My husband want to be closer to Wright-Patt for work obviously. I will be settling in, exploring the area, and steadily job hunting if my current employer doesn't keep me on remotely. I will check out the bike trails you mentioned. I am sure it will be more scenic then the flat concrete along Lake Pontchartrain where I used to ride. I want to re-read your posts and think if I have any more comments/questions. Thanks in the meantime for your honesty and help.

Hello Ohio, I'm from the big easy - yes a recent Hurricane Katrina victim, but not the ignorant folk as seen on television. Since the storm, my family and I have decided to relocate to the Dayton area after a great job offer at Wright-Patt AFB was presented to my husband. Coming from a city full of rich culture, fun festivals, and the most outstanding restaurants on the planet, I am nervous about moving to the Buckeye state (or known as Yankee-ville around my parts). After looking at this site, I am pleased to see that Dayton is chocked full of activities, rich architecture, and more. If you have been to Dayton or if you are a local there, please give me some tips on getting around, finding great restaurants, any thing to avoid, and any must-see or must-do's in the city. Thanks in advance for your help. Signed a wounded but not broken spirit from New Orleans p.s. - is there a Cafe Dumonde equivalent in Dayton? what about Bourbon street? - just kidding