Big easy....Big no no

One of the perks of getting my Ph.D is that it has come with so many blessings! I applied with the anticipation that I would be selected as a Robert Wood Johnson Fellow which would afford me, essentially, an all expenses paid doctorate degree. I get my tuition, fees, books, and equipment (computers/printers/ink) paid for and another great perk is a travel budget. Yes, a travel budget. I have to attend a few health policy related conferences per year but its all on the RWJF dime - free conference fees, airfare, hotel, food, and per diem.

Justin and I have always wanted to go to New Orleans but, for some odd reason, never have gone. We found a conference there the first week in October and so we were super excited. All of the arrangements were made - we were staying at the Marriott on Canal Street - we selected our flights - researched all the super cool things we were going to do......

.....and.......

then......

The girl got sick....she's been teething and acquired a really bad ear ache --- therefore we definitely could not fly. We decided to drive....this did not pan out either....a 20 hour car ride with a teething, earache-ing 7 1/2 month old  is NOT a good idea. I think the following picture shows evidence that she did this on purpose (just kidding - she's been miserable poor thing)

So the Big easy was within our grasp....and for free nonetheless.....but it ended up simply being a big no-no.