I'm Just Full of .... Ummm .... Questions

[mrdreamjeans]

A couple of nights ago there was a news story regarding Houston’s SPCA. They’ve instituted a policy which is generating some controversy. Folks who want to drop off their unwanted pets, must now schedule an appointment and speak with a counselor when bringing their animals into the shelter. The counselor visits with the owners and animals, accesses the chances that the animal will be adopted, determines the owners’ reasons for wanting to leave their animals behind; the counselor then discusses options, including a likelihood that the pet will be euthanized.

The SPCA has a 43% adoption rate, but wants people to understand how their decisions affect the lives of their pets. Other centers in Houston still take in strays, no questions asked and some of them are “no-kill” centers. What do you think of the Houston SPCA’s policy? After hearing the options, about 9% of the people are taking their pets back home.

As most of my friends know, I love to travel. Decades of living out of a suitcase hasn’t soured me on taking trips or touring. I’ve always looked at my tours in Broadway musicals as a really fine way to visit my favorite cities and friends, whilst being paid to do what I love the most. A few minutes ago, a commercial aired for a new television series set in New Orleans. I realized that New Orleans, a city that once held great appeal for me, is no longer a preferred destination. I’m not interested in visiting any time soon.

I’ve played the Saenger Theatre in the Big Easy many times over the years and if the schedule had held, “Evita” would have been playing there when Hurricane Katrina struck the city. My question - How do you feel about visiting New Orleans? Do you have plans to attend any of the French Quarter’s annual events? Does the city remain a destination for you?

Most of my life I’ve been comfortable with being alone. I don’t mind eating alone in a restaurant, especially if I have a good book. I’d prefer to attend a stage show with a date or friend, but I’m at ease with seeing the entertainment by myself. I particularly have an aversion to going out to a bar in a pack. I'm solo. It works better.

I usually hit a club, assess the fun quotient in minutes, stay if there is dancing or there’s someone who captures my attention. But if a club allows smoking (still possible in Texas) or the whole point of being there is drinking, I’m usually gone within minutes ... No S&M (Stand and Model) bars for me. I don’t require the usual hand props to enjoy myself. Also, I won’t stay at a bar or restaurant at all if I don’t have safe, convenient parking. Maybe it’s my age, but my car or truck is more important to me than being seen in a trendy place:)

Yet, I’m funny about movies. I don’t usually go unless I have a companion with me. My nephews are away this weekend preparing for the beginning of classes at their respective colleges and my folks aren’t interested in seeing “Stardust” which I really want to see. So, my questions are: Are you comfortable going places alone or do you prefer a group? Are you like me ... comfortable in doing some things alone, but have other activities you prefer to do with friends?

I know, I know ... I’m just FULL of ...... umm ..... questions:)

Comments

Answers

[gryphons-hole.livejournal.com]

1. I like the sounds of the policy. I like that they are bringing the responsibility of the person's action up to the table. People should know that they aren't just sending their pet on an extended vacation because they have become inconvenient.

2. New Orleans is still a wanna-go place for me. I have never been, so at least I won't fall pray to the whole "oh, look at it now" effect...

3. I think I can safely be either in many things, although some outcomes are different. For bar outings, I won't go out in a pack when I am in a cruisy mood, if I am on the hunt... Going out in a group is just for that, to spend time with the group...

Movies, I split about fifty-fifty... In fact, if I want to specifically do something all alone, seeing movie in the afternoon is one of my first choices...

Re: Answers

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

1. I completely agree with your second sentence. We shouldn't have pets unless we are prepared to provide consistent, loving care ...

2. "Oh, look at it now" ... That is precisely why I can't picture myself going there anytime soon. I dated someone for 8 months and spent every other weekend in New Orleans for most of that time ... I've toured in four shows there between 1980 and 1997, spending weeks in the Quarter ... enjoyed two Mardi Gras celebrations and one Southern Decadence and spent quality time there with gotmoof as we were first getting to know each other. I can't erase those memories ... I won't erase those memories ... so, for now I'll live with them.

3. I should have been more specific about the topic of going to bars alone. Up until 10 years ago, I was always on the hunt and that requires a solo effort:) I've moved away from that andnow, it's more a matter of convenience. I don't like crowds, so I stay way altogether.

HUGS!

OK:

[gotmoof.livejournal.com]

The Houston SPCA policy makes sense. It sounds like it allows them to interview the people who are dropping off the pet to assess what kind of problems they are facing and if the pet can be easily readopted, or to warn them there is a chance that the pet will be put down.

Not the best option, but not all pets are able to be readopted, and not all cute, loving available pets can find homes.

New Orleans always holds a special place in my memories. I'd certainly like to visit it again- but these days I am more of the feeling that I'd like to travel and visit new places. Even going back to SF, which I would like to, isn't a high priority anymore.

Then again, who's got the money to travel?

Doing things alone versus a group. I'm so used to doing most things by myself that it really doesn't bother me to go out to eat and bring a book to read by myself. Granted, its more fun to be able to do it with a friend- like you are with a movie, but sometimes its just nice not to have to compromise your idea of a good time with anyone else.

So it all depends, for me.

Re: OK:

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You got their policy in a nutshell ... that's exactly their reasoning. I would be interested in knowing what the statistics are for the SPCA in Minneapolis/St Paul.

As to New Orleans ... It will always hold a special place in my memories because of the time we spent there in late 1997. Out of dozens of visits, seeing the city with you, meeting your orchid friends, sharing you with Linda and Gaby ... It all added up to my favorite time there.

I was just thinking the other day that I should just pick up the phone and call the rug weavers, Walt and Ronda, and see if their business survived ... and also check in with Bernadette Pinel at La Belle Gallerie. (I'd love to know what the painting "The Visit" is worth now:) As to money, we'll get you to new destinations somehow. Gotta come up with a plan to make lots of money:) Phoenix isn't out of the question if you have a place to stay!

I'm used to doing things alone too .. it usually doesn't bother me, but I do miss going to the movies with you or to a Broadway show or to dinner. We'll rectify that soon enough, right?!

HUGS!

[bigredpaul.livejournal.com]

I like the policy, but they should still adopt a no-kill policy.

New Orleans will be on my visit list for a long time to come - I've never been so I can't check it off the list until at least then.

I am content going places alone, as I know that I'll find enjoyment one way or another.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I would like to see more shelters with a "no-kill" policy, but in a city of over 4 million people, I'm sure if that is realistice. I really don't know if a 43% adoption rate is better than average. Do you know what it is in your neck of the woods?

New Orleans is a wonderful city, unique for its cultural history, live and let live attitude and sense of fun. If I go back, I know I won't be able to avoid comparing it to what it was pre-Hurricane Katrina in the same sense that I can't help remembering the Castro in the late 1970's. I can't erase important memories.

I love your attitude about going places alone. It is ultimately up to us to make our own good time.

HUGS!

Almost a meme, but not quite...

[blt4success66.livejournal.com]

Yes, you are full of questions, but they're easily answered...

1. The Houston SPCA should be ashamed. While I understand why they are doing it, it's not fair to the pet if it's unwanted or could be potentially abused. Just take the poor thing and adopt it out. I would hope that any pets they adopt out are fixed.

2. I have no desire to visit New Orleans anytime soon. I thought I would before Katrina but in post-Katrina? I'd rather go to NYC.

3. I value my alone time. I don't mind going out to eat by myself or do things on my own. However, I do appreciate having time with friends...if I had any. (JK)

Re: Almost a meme, but not quite...

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'm glad I didn't drift over into meme territory:) I truly am interested in these topics and others feelings about them.

The SPCA does take the animals in and tried to adopt out the adoptable. Many of the animals they get have behavioral problems (which I'm sure we could make an argument that their problems stem from their treatment by humans). I'm no expert .. the figures I pulled are from the news story. However, I think a 43% adoption rate is normal to slightly above at shelters like this. It is more likely that the animals will be put down.

I too value my alone time, but I do make myself available to my friends and to making new friendships. I know you are in a difficult situation ... but if you reach out, I truly believe there will be someone who will offer the hand of friendship.

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

Houston's SPCA policy - I guess I can understand why they are doing it, but in the end it's up to the person who is giving up their pet.

New Orleans - One of my favorite cities to visit now than ever. I'm a Louisiana boy, so going to New Orleans is still a favorite past time of mine.

Alone or in groups - I can do either. There are times when I love going to a restaurant by myself and a book. I don't care how that looks, but I like it at times just to have time to myself. But that doesn't mean I don't love going out to dinner with a group of us like our Tuesday night dinners. It just all depends upon my mood.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Alone or groups ... sounds like you enjoy a healthy balance of both.

I've been to New Orleans too many times to count. Even dated a cajun New Orelans boy for 8 months back in the mid-80s ... My oh my did that boy have assets:) I'm getting a lot of feeback that the city, even the Quarter, is still only a shadow of itself and very dangerous. Do you think this is an exaggeration? I'm only going on the word of acquaintances who've spent time there in the past year.

I think the people who run the shelter want to make it clear to the people who just want to dump their animals there and walk away with a clear conscience, that their actions have consequences, mostly death, for these animals. I do know that the number of strays brought to another of the main shelters has increased 300% since the SPCA instituted their new policy.

HUGS!

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

I've been back to New Orleans three times since Katrina paid her visit. I went two weekends in a row last year around Decadence and back again for Mardi Gras. They city has changed. I will be the first one to admit to that. Some of the stores and places decided not to re-open, but other said this is my home, bring it on. But it is still New Orleans. The city I love and love to visit.

Well you are right. I think some of these families that drop off their pets are just trying to do a quick fix of the situation and not really knowing what could possibly happen to those pets.
Hugs

Bring on the Resurrection of New Orleans

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your take ... I appreciate those folks who have an indomitable will to bring their city back to its former glory. Course, it would help if the local government (ie mayor) had more on the ball. (Just my personal opinion)

I'm glad that you love and appreciate New Orleans so much ... At one point your city and I shared a similar nickname ... "The Big Easy" ... LOL! (I'm sort of kidding:)

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

I agree with you. The mayor needs to get off his ass and actually do something. Stop trying to blame everyone else.

I think everybody in the gay community has shared that particular nickname!! :-)

[macduff131.livejournal.com]

i can understand why the SPCA has the policy. so many adopted animals go right back to the shelters because they don't know what they're getting into. at the same time, i can also understand why people have a problem with the policy.

i've never been to NO. i'd like to go one day to see it, but i don't know that i have any burning desire to go.

i'm good on my own with some things...seeing a show and whatnot. but dinner, bars, and movies i have a really difficult time doing alone. i'm far too self-conscious to go to a bar alone. if i'm otherwise occupied, i can do dinner alone. and i have gone to the movies by myself...but they're so much more fun with other people.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'd say more than 50% of the meals I've eaten in a lifetime have been alone; and as I've said I consider it optimum reading time:) As to bars ... I can count on one hand the number of times I've actually gone to a bar with friends ... I may meet people there, but I nearly always go there on my own. The only time I've closed a bar down was when I was having an blast on the dance floor.

I've never understood how people could cruise with their friends there to watch! :) I value my provacy too much. Since I don't drink, I find the standing around in a bar while others do so, screaming over music to make conversation a pain. Watching people I like very much act foolish by drinks' end is at the bottom of my list of fun things to do.

So, when I come visit .. we either have to go to dinner with a small group of friends, attend theatre or maybe go CW dancing. I'll enjoy all ... and I'll enjoy Jeff and you, but then you'll be able to escape me and get to the bars. You have public transportation options that we don't have here in Texas:)

[mountdfw.livejournal.com]

1) I applaud it. People seem to have too much of a "disposable" mindset -- Rover made a puddle in the house, so he HAS to go to the pound. This forces them to acknowledge that the animal they're discarding may wind up dead because of it. It brings some sort of accountability to the two-leggers. On the other hand, some people are just going to drive Rover out in the country and kick him out of the car, instead of "being lectured," so I can see where this has the potential to cause as much suffering as it attempts to relieve.

2) Even before Katrina came to town, I didn't really have plans to go back to New Orleans. I've been a couple times, seen the touristy stuff, eaten the food, got blown in the Rawhide... what else is there??

3) I mostly prefer to go places alone. I don't mind going somewhere to MEET the group, but I like having the option to bow out when I choose, instead of waiting for my carpool to finish up. I love taking a book to a restaurant and killing a few chapters over my Colorado omelette. I'm about 50/50 on movies, since I like to discuss the movie on the way home (or out for food/coffee after), but I'm the kind of person who makes comments during the movie, speculates about plot points, etc. -- I know it bugs some people to go with me. The exception to the rule is places with a perceived "standard mode of behavior" that I'm unfamiliar with. (for instance, the one and only time I've gone to a bathhouse, I had a friends who knew the ropes go with me for 'immoral support' and to make sure I didn't embarrass the hell out of myself.)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I pretty much agree with you right down the line. The story I watched made the very point you have made as to the reasons the SPCA insituted the policy. The one weakness is that it does discourage the kind stranger who will bring in a stray, so that it's off the street and can find a home. That business is way up at other shelters because of the SPCA counseling policy.

As to New Orleans ... that's pretty much what there is to do in New Orleans (including the Rawhide:) I've been to Mardi Gras a couple of times, but really hate drunken revelry, so I couldn't wait to leave. I did spend several weeks there a couple of times with shows, made friends with a couple of artisans and gallery owners, spent some quality time there with gotmoof about 10 years ago, but can't seem to generate enthusiasm to go back. Maybe more time will do the trick ....

As you've said, I too am happy to meet a group of friends out, but I want my own wheels. I have a tendency to feel claustraphobic unless I know I have a wait out .. as you've said, "the option to bow out when I choose."

[mountdfw.livejournal.com]

My other reason to not go back to NO, is that there are a lot of memories with my ex tied up there, that I'd rather STAYED there. Also, 95º and 80% humidity. *DIES*

[torimode.livejournal.com]

I think the Policy in Houston, would act as a deterrant for most people thinking about dropping their dogs off at a shelter. I think most will think it is too much of a hassle, and will probably just dump the animals off in the streets.

I went to New Orleans a few times before Katrina hit the city. I went for mostly New Years Eve celebrations, my birthday one year, and a couple of times for concerts (Depeche Mode, Radiohead, and Sarah McLachlan). I used to really enjoy my get-aways there, b/c it's so different from Birmingham. But since Katrina, I haven't had any urge to visit. I would like to go back say maybe New Years Eve, but I think going back during Decadence would be too soon, still.

I have gone to clubs, movies, and restaurants alone in the past. Especially when I first started college and hadn't made many new friends. But now I prefer to go with a friend or two. I never really go to the movies anymore b/c it is so expensive, but the StarDust movie does look excellent, and I've always been a fan of Neil Gaiman

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your feedback and welcome to my journal! The flaw in the policy is that it does discourage folks who might bring in strays ... and making an appointment does discourage those who aren't strong on responsibility anyway. The SPCA is finding that about 9% of the people who come in with their pets do take them back home, try to be better, more responsible owners.

I happened on Decadence one year because I was in town with Phantom of the Opera. I still remember some guy laying on a bar counter having hot wax dripped on him. I couldn't help thinking, "Gee, I wonder if he left the house tonight knowing he'd be showtime for a bar of leering men." LOL!

I often attend movies in the later afternoon to take advantage of discount prices on tickets. Do you have that option? I am going to see "Stardust" even if it has to be alone.

Take care!

[torimode.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the welcome! Yeah, we have the option of discount matinees in the afternoon. I just much rather wait until most movies come out on dvd, but of course there is the occassional exception!

[bookbear.livejournal.com]

SPCA: Sounds like their policy is going to scare off a lot of people from just dropping their pet off and running. I'm guessing more will wind up on the side of the road or "home euthanized."

New Orleans: It's my dad's home town, the place where I lived while going through puberty, finding sex, and coming out to some friends, and my "emotional hometown." So I have much more of a connection to it than those who just like to visit it for the food and fun. I was there in January of 2005, the year of Katrina. So, I don't know when I'll get back to visit. It may be too hard.

Out Alone: I'm not uncomfortable doing things alone, I just don't like it. I'd rather get food for take-out and eat it in front of a good dvd. Bars I am more willing to do alone. Never go to a movie alone; that would just feel pathetic.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Whew ... I'm glad I go to movies with people. I wouldn't want to be pathetic. *grin* I'm not uncomfortable with doing things alone at all either. I prefer not being on anyone's schedule other than my own:)

I've spent a lot of time in NO with shows and dated a guy from there for most of 1986-7. It's special in the way that SF is to me. It feels the most like going to Europe that you can without actually going to Europe. It has always been a destination for me, not a place where I would live. (I think we all have those places we savor for their unique qualities.) But I do have to admit, the idea of going there and seeing New Orleans with open wounds does not appeal to me. I was at the New Orleans airport in April, but didn't go into the city.

The SPCA is not the only shelters in Houston, but it one of the main players. The spokeswoman was really clear that they want people to really think before they turn over their animals, because the reality is most likely death for their abandoned pets.

[gav-and-rog.livejournal.com]

Howdy..

1. I like the policy, but I think there should be more up front questioning of people when they get a pet. It's a very complex situation, but would you prefer to euthenate? a pet or have them take the pet home and then let it run away to get run over, or worse, drowned or some such thing that some owners will do (tragically IMHO). However, if 9% of pets are being taken home, then that hopefully is a good thing.

2. Yes, I would go to New Orleans if I had the chance - but getting to the USA is going to be a hard thing to do in the next couple of years due to work and money commitments.

3. Depends on the club and what's happening. I'm not that much into them at the moment, but I do want to find a dance venue with the music more to my tastes though. I do like to see my friends when I'm out though.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I like to see my friends when I'm out too. I just don't want to arrive with them and have to wait around if I'm not having a good time. I usually go to dance, often don't drink more than a single cranberry juice or coke in an entire evening ... so, I'm sure my friends who enjoy their refreshing libations as the point of going out are happy to see me exit early:)

As to pets ... I just wish that folks would be more responsible on the front end of things as you've suggested. I would love to have a dog, but want to make sure that I'm in a living situation that is a happy one for the animal ... and for me. I won't get a pet until I can be consistent and completely responsible for its care.

As far as travel goes ... Your country is a long-desired destination for me. I hope to find the time and money to do so within 5 years ...

HUGS!

[gav-and-rog.livejournal.com]

So true, going out with friends can be a really fun night out, but it can also be not so much fun. It depends on what happens with the friends, who else is around blah blah blah. But we don't drink much - not that we're against it, or recovering alcoholics or anything, we just don't drink a lot so there's onlly so much water or coke you can drink and I think there's something in coke that makes my tummy not so much fun after a while :) Anyways, most Saturday nights now I feel like not going out - we have bought so many dvd's (over 700) that there's heaps and heaps that we still have to watch and they're not going to watch themselves.

Owning a pet is such a complex issue in terms of up front purchasing, and the other end, when it's found that the family can't cope with the owning of a pet. People will feel incensed and probably feel that their rights are being questioned. I get really upset when I see some of the news items that you see - the latest one tonight was that a farmer killed a couple of dogs from the neighbours property because they came onto his and started attacking his sheep. Sad that the neighbours couldn't get a strong fence to keep them out. But my congratulations to you on being a potential responsible pet parent (not owner - that's so bourgeois hehe). We are thinking of getting a couple of dogs but want to make sure that when we do that our lives are such that we will be around to do regular activities such as walks at regular times, make sure our fence is up to scratch, etc.. you know.. also be a responsible pet parent.

We were hoping to go on our holiday overseas this year in October but a few things led to us deciding to put it off to April. My fear is that we'll do it again in April and we still haven't decided where we're going. Italy is definitely in there but it's only a few hundred dollars more to go around the world, and so we keep going back and forward about what to do. Each day costs more money, even if we visit our friends in the States, and there's the issue about someone looking after our two cats while we're away, and since I'm a contractor, I only get paid for the hours I work so the longer I go away, the more I don't get paid! The problem with Australia is the location - it is a flight and to a lot of Americans, it's a lot of money to fly when there are other locations within shorter and cheaper reach. But fingers crossed, and get a savings plan together then you never know you're luck in the big city )

Pet-Parent-To-Be

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

It is my understanding that in Seattle there is an ordinance on the books that says you are not to refer to yourself as a pet owner, as it connotes slavery for the animal. The politics are a bit granola-ish for me, but I was looking for a better term when I wrote this post. You have me the perfect phrase .. Pet Parent! Thanks so much!

HUGS! I appreciate that you took time away from those 700 DVDs this weekend to read and comment on this post:)

[scottokc.livejournal.com]

1. The Animal Planet cable channel has a program called "Animal Cops" from different cities, and Houston is one of the cities featured. I don't know if that's made a difference in the number of adoptions or animals dropped off. I think the policy is good, since there are other options for dropping off unwanted animals.

2. My parents took me and my sister to New Orleans when I was a teen. It seems like the city was dirty. I have had no real desire to visit New Orleans since I became an adult.

3. I'm comfortable going most places alone.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

1. I've watched several episodes of Animal Cops and they just make me angry at the cruelty and stupidity of the human beings who neglect and hurt these animals. ARRGH!

2.I hear you, but your comment about New Orleans interests me in that I wonder how you feel about other cities with such a rich history. If dirt rules out visits, then you will miss much of what is wonderful about Greece, Turkey, Italy, etc ...

N.O. is one of our oldest cities and naturally reflects the wear and tear of its age, of its hot and humid climate. I see the dirt you refer to, but I also see the incredible architecture of the Quarter, revel in the stories the walls have to tell , savor the lush vegetation and so enjoy the people who live there. It's the same kind of feeling that I have in Italy, Austria and parts of Germany. If walls could only talk.

I hope for New Orleans complete recovery ... and for smart, knowledgable folk to be in put in charge of protecting the city and its infrastructure from another natural disaster. It's not going to happen with the current idiot they re-elected as mayor.

3. I think it takes confidence to do things alone ... to be comfortable with one's own company. We share that ...

Off-topic ... Good luck with the beginning of your training tomorrow!

HUGS!

[scottokc.livejournal.com]

1. At least they show them going to court and being punished in some way.

2. I was a teen when we went to New Orleans, so I don't know how much that affected my opinion of it. I might enjoy it more as an adult.

3. I've always been pretty much a "loner". I pretty much have to go places alone.

I'm a little nervous about the new job, but am looking forward to the training.

[abearius.livejournal.com]

New Orleans needs the tourism bucks. It's not much on the national media any more, but there is still a ton of work to do before the city is rebuilt. I was there a few years ago and would probably go back.

Many years of living as an urban anchorite have accustomed me to doing just about everything alone. Movies? No problem. About the only thing I avoid doing alone is having dinner at a fancy restaurant. It just seems too lonely to enjoy all that opulence alone.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Jeff ... "Urban Anchorite" isn't a term I'd heard before ... very nice. I will probably go back to New Orleans, but it isn't a priority. Most of my time there with shows has been in Wnter when the weather was temperate. Climate is a strong factor in why I choose cities or areas as a vacation destination. If I want to visit a city that makes me feel like I'm visiting Europe, I now pick SF, though New Orleans is only a five-hour drive away. Also, other than Noel, a guy I dated for 8 months in the mid-80s, I know few people. Many of the folks I know have passed away and I'm not up to visiting a city with personal ghosts right now.

I agree that opulence should be shared:)

Good luck, by the way, with your impending move! I'm following along as you take the steps. I find it fascinating that you've been in one place for so long ... I think you said 23 years. The longest I've lived in one house since I moved out from my parents as a young adult, is 7 years. Even then, I was touring and only living in my home a few weeks a year. Even then, I moved my parents in to take care of my house because I was gone so much. It's a topic I'd like to explore ... why some people create a home and live there for years and others are continually on the move.

HUGS!

[bookish-cub.livejournal.com]

I miss New Orleans. Steve and I are planning a trip there sometime over the next year. I haven't been back since I moved up here last summer.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad that you commented ... I hope my question doesn't come across as bashing your hometown. To the contrary, I've always saved New Orleans as a special place to visit, an escape, a cherished destination. I was surprised at my reaction that I didn't feel drawn to visiting anytime soon.

Where do you think NO is in terms of recovery from Katrina. How do you measure the progress? I would be very interested in knowing how you feel, as a native, about New Orleans in the aftermath of all that has happened.

HUGS!