Realization

I have come to realize that I don't have any support with my new adventure. My boyfriend seems to be the only one with high hopes for me, but that's because he has seen me be the obedient child for the longest of time. I'm always the one to do what mommy and daddy say, with occasional outbursts every now and then. Now, I'm 24 years old and I'm trying to stretch my wings, but my parents won't let me. Mostly it's my mom who seems to have a tight leash on me and she is having a hard time trying to let go. Sometimes, I wish I didn't have parents who cared so much. Sometime, I just want them to let me do my own thing whenever I feel like it. I don't mind having the occasional lecture, but when there seems to be tension in the air every time I mention what I plan on doing in New Orleans. It honestly makes me feel bad because I feel like I don't have their support.

I don't like it when my folks act like I know nothing about the city. Like I'm naive, stupid and I don't have any street sense. Like I haven't lived there before. I keep telling them over and over again, I know the safe route. I know the quickest route to St. Charles Avenue. I've even stooped so low into showing my mom the safe route using street view on Google Maps. I know which streetcar to take to get to the French Quarter. I keep telling them as long as I'm in a crowded area, I will be fine. Even though New Orleans has some crazy people, I'm pretty sure they aren't crazy enough to shoot someone in broad daylight in the French Quarter. From what I read, most of the violence isn't on tourists, but between neighbors. What gets me, it's the people who are afraid to stay in the city who always have negative things to say. I say you should stay in the city for more than a day yourself to make a judgement. Because everyone in New Orleans aren't gangbangers.

I also feel like they don't trust me, even though I keep saying I'm not going to go wander off in the night unless someone is with me. What are they going to do when I get myself a good paying job in another city that's bigger than New Orleans and much dangerous? Are they going to forbid me from taking that job? You can't run my life forever. I know I'm getting their acceptance now, but deep down inside, to be honest, they would drag me off the bus if they could.

All I'm asking for is some support and have an open mind and stop being so close minded. That's all I'm saying. I don't even feel excited when I discuss New Orleans with them, just because the support isn't there and they aren't happy with my decisions. I guess it also makes me feel bad because I'm always seeking approval and always wanting someone to be proud of me. It's funny, they don't even see the good in what I'm doing. I'm dedicating my life to service. SERVICE! Helping someone better themselves.

Why can't they be happy with that?

Short Intro and Thoughts

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my new blog. Well, I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Courtney and I am from Ferriday, LA. I've recently, not recently, more like two years ago I was bitten by the volunteer bug through AmeriCorps NCCC. I am an alumni who was recently in FEMA Corps for a few months as well. Currently, I am getting ready to start my next adventure in New Orleans, LA volunteering with the United Saints Recovery Project for 4 months. During my first year as a Corps Member, my team Moose 4 worked there during our first round and I absolutely fell in love with the city and organization. I told myself that I always wanted to go back and this is my chance.

Being from Louisiana, you would think I'd been to New Orleans dozen of times, but I honestly haven't. I can count on my hands how many times I've been to the city before 2011. Those 2 months I spent there in 2011, really changed my outlook on the city. In all honesty it's not as bad as any other major city in the country, but outsiders don't seem to realize that. New Orleans is a city you have to experience on your own. You have to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Walk with confidence, is what I've been told and have a plan of action. Don't wander around aimlessly. Also, if you plan on traveling at night use the buddy system and if your friends decide to venture off elsewhere without you call a taxi.

For me, I'll be in the city alone, unless I make some friends along the way. Because of this I don't plan on exploring the city during nighttime. Of course, I would love to experience the nightlife, only if I had a few people coming with me. Other than that, I will enjoy the daylight hours the best way I can and look forward to the days when my boyfriend comes down. You know, so he can be my personal bodyguard, lol. Besides, there is going to be a lot going on this weekend. It's Super Bowl weekend and it's still Mardi Gras season. So it should be interesting.