Homecoming

So this year marks 15 years since my college graduation and I have decided to go to my homecoming, as I did for my 10-year anniversary. On the one hand, I am excited. Excited to see old friends, excited to see New Orleans, excited to go on a trip. On the other hand, the very idea of seeing my peers makes me want to hurl. I'm not ashamed to admit that I am obsessed with my old college peers. I follow them on social media and take in their lives like junk food. Me on Instagram on any given day is the equivalent of eating 22 Big Macs back-to-back, inhaling without chewing images of weddings, gender reveals, promotions, home and car purchases, partying, traveling, etc. Sure, I understand that social media is simply an endless stream of someone's best moments. No one is posting images of eviction notices, being served divorce papers, or being diagnosed with a disease. However, I can't help but feel behind. I am 2.5 years short of 40 and single. The only thing I own outright is my debt. I am just now getting a MA degree. Once I receive it I will finally get to live at some standard of living...in middle age. A part of me wants to attend in a disguise but I have been told that my voice, figure, walk, laugh, and general energy is very identifiable. Everyone will know I am me, in a mask and black hoodie, trying to tiptoe through the crowd. I have seen the advertisements for the club parties that will be taking place. Honestly, the very idea of going to a club and standing for hours while watching people twerk makes me want to go lay down someplace. I'm hoping that my anxiety melts away the moment I get some gumbo in me and hug someone I haven't seen in years. If it doesn't, I can always post up in my Air B&B, watching my friends enjoy homecoming live through their Instastories. We'll call that a seclusion and chill. 

Super Bowl Sips

I know that many of you will be hosting parties for the Super Bowl tomorrow. I bet that you will be serving trays and trays of wings in an array of flavors, tons of dip, and a boatload of other goodies. But don't forget the libations! These recipes below are guaranteed to get any party started.

Dickelade

1.25 oz. George Dickel No. 12

4 oz. Lemonade

Lemon Slice

Add George Dickel No.12 and lemonade in -ice-filled glass and stir. Garnish with lemon.

Captain & Ginger

1.5 oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum

4 oz. Ginger (beer or ale)

Lime Wedge

Serve on the rocks and garnish with a lime wedge

Crown Royal Press

1.5 oz.  Crown Royal Deluxe

3 dashes of bitters

2 squeezed lemon wedge(s)

1 splash of lemon-lime soda

1 lemon wedge 

Serve on the rocks and top with lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a lemon.