When people tell me *cough* Europeans *cough* that the US has no culture, I tell them to visit New Orleans. Here, the prevailing misconception that the United States lacks cultural depth dissipates as the city proudly showcases its French, Cajun, Creole, and African heritage—a blend that defines its uniqueness.While my first few visits were extremely hazy and pretty much consisted of overindulging in the city’s food & drinks & parties, the more I go, the more I discover new things to fall in love with.

HI - i’m back from the dead, though I have been very much still #LivingTheDrea.

The quick update of what’s been going on since I last wrote, which was right at the precipice of my 30th birthday. I am now in my **gulp** mid-30s, which maybe makes me middle aged??!? At the very least, I’m definitely not a part of Gen-Z, no longer hip and cool, rocking my side part and skinny jeans 4everrrr, and looking up terms on UrbanDictionary cus I donno the slang nowadays.

OKAY i’m the absolute worst — so here’s my annual “i’m going to start writing again” post, BROUGHT TO YOU BY MY FRIKIN 30TH BIRTHDAY…

YES — i’m turning 30 (even though i still feel & look like a child!!!) In a blink of an eye, i’m entering my third decade of life filled with anticipation, excitement, and of course, a bit of dread and a twinge of anxiety. AND I AM RIDING THIS EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER WITH MY HANDSUPPPPPP BABYYYY!!!

γεια σας aka Yassas (pronounced "YAH-sas" which i initially mispronounced as “yasssssss”) means helloooo in Greek (when speaking to more than one person or formally and obvs im totes superrrrr formal!!)