What size dress do you think I need?

One day, while I was working hard as a recruiter at the best university in the world, I got a text from Cory telling me he wanted to register for this 5K fun run in New Orleans called Red Dress Run. The premise is simple: everyone, including the men, wear a red dress and partake in the "run" through the French Quarter. All funds raised go to charities around the city; the kicker, it starts at 9am with the tapping of the first keg and goes until 5pm. This seemed up Cory's alley, and I love New Orleans, so we signed up. 

After registering for the run, I got another text from Cory, one that I'll never forget. 

Cory-- What size dress do you think I need? 

Brooke-- **laughing hysterically** I really don't know what size you'd need, but if we need the same size, I'm going to die. 

I had no idea it would become a yearly tradition for us. We should be attending our 7th Red Dress Run this weekend, but alas, the 'Rona has ruined another holiday for us. 

History of Red Dress Run: Every year on the second Saturday in August, the New Orleans Hash House Harriers 

(a local "drinking club with a running problem") host this event, which is a charity "run" in the Crescent City. The runners, with drinks in hand, continue their route through the French Quarter and spend the rest of the day drinking and eating. For about $50, you get to participate in the event, getting all the beer you could want for the day, the run (of course), lunch from local vendors/restaurants and live entertainment.  All funds raised are dispersed between local non-profits around the city, and so far, the group has raised over 1 million dollars for local organizations. 

A few of our favorite things about Red Dress Run: 

1. I mean, I get to see my 6'5 husband in a red dress and it literally makes my year every time he walks out in it. Our first RDR, he walked out of the bathroom and said "I see why you ladies wear these things-- it's so easy to move around!" 

2. The whole day is always so much fun. I mean, it's beyond hot (August in New Orleans) but after that first hour or so outside, sweat is just part of your outfit and you go on with life. The beer starts flowing at 9am, and if you're judging us for drinking at 9am, as the famous poet said "You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning." - Cory O'Bryant. He also started a tradition of stopping at Brothers and getting a fried chicken wing and Powerade to get the day started. 

3. In year 3, the run moved from Armstrong Park to Crescent Park, and it's along the Mississippi River and under a huge pavilion-- the breeze is so nice and it's a great location. Last year, since we had moved to New Orleans, we got to ride our bikes to the Quarter to get the day started. 

4. The food is always part of my favorite-- it's over 20 restaurants/vendors from New Orleans and I love the smorgasbord of all different types of meals to choose from. There's usually sno-cones and other treats to help cool you off. Also, the bands are always a good time. Year 1 was Cowboy Mouth, which started my small obsession with them. 

I am so sad that we cannot go this year. But, you best believe I'm going to spend my Saturday on our front porch, in my red dress, drinking a beer or two, wishing for days when social distancing wasn't an everyday phrase. I long for the time when random people could touch me with their sweaty arms and spilling beer all over the place while rocking out to a cover band singing "Sweet Caroline." 

Red Beans and Ricely Yours, 

B