I think it’s about time for an update. For the past two weeks I’ve been in training for this volunteer thing I’m doing. The organization is called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Basically you get assigned a case with a child that has been removed from their home because of abuse or neglect. You meet with this child and research the case and then make recommendations in court as to what you think needs to be done for that child. Not as a lawyer or anything, they have one of those too, but since you only have one or two children you can find out things that their lawyer or case worker may not have time to figure out. Anyway, the stories about these kids are insane and it is definitely some real life shit. I’m super excited about this because it’s just such a great organization and everyone working there is really great. Plus, I get free breakfast every morning! Anyone that knows me knows I love free food.

Aside from starting my work with CASA, I also started Saturday tutoring at New Orleans College Prep. I’ve only been twice but it’s pretty awesome. When I went to orientation we got to sit in on the schools morning meeting since there is only like 150 kids. The principal was giving a speech and asked the kids to raise their hands if they knew someone that had been shot. Every single kid raised their hand. I mean these are 11-13 year old kids. It was definitely a reality check. Anway, I got assigned three kids, and will hopefully be with these three kids for the rest of the semester. I like that aspect of it because then you can actually develop a relationship. Its two girls and a boy and they are all in the seventh grade. They are very sweet kids, but it’s tough to get them to concentrate on school work. They are in school on a Saturday, so I can’t really blame them.

So, on March 18th I’ll be done training for CASA and then I’ll be back to substitute teaching. Then I might have some stories for you guys. I’m really dreading going back to teaching, and hoping I find a “real job”, real soon. Sorry I don’t have any crazy stories to tell, I’m still in the process of making friends. I did swing by a gay male strip club last night with a friend from work. I was only there about 5 minutes but a dancer tried to stick his hand down my pants. I figured that was my cue to leave. I know my DC friends will be happy about this one!

Anyway, I really miss Maryland and I can’t wait to visit in June!! The weather is getting warm here and the cockroaches are coming out!! They are huge and make me want to vomit. Just wanted to give an update as to what I’m doing, nothing crazy or anything. I need to find people that approve of getting extremely intoxicated and doing inappropriate things. Also, it is very depressing to have to watch Maryland basketball and have no one else around that cares. 