Carb Fest 2010

I've made an executive decision. I'm seriously going on a diet. South Beach to be exact. My dad went on this diet a few years ago. He lost about 50 lbs. He's gone back on it in full force over the holidays and has lost 8 lbs in 6 or so days.

Starting Jan. 1, 2011 I will give up carbs, sugar, alcohol, potatoes, etc. for a good while. I stepped on several scales recently and it wasn't a pretty number.

In addition to this diet, I will return to spinning and the treadmill and perhaps some weights.

In the mean time I plan on loading up on carbs, sugar, and alcohol. Herby K's, momma's gumbo and potato salad, and my final meal of the year at Chianti's.

Cheers!

Gleek

I'm about to embarrass my adorable boyfriend like a mom embarrasses her 12 year old daughter by asking (loudly) what kind of feminine product she needs? The super ones, honey ... because of your HEAVY FLOW?

Anyway, back on point. Let me set the scene. I was laying in bed covered in puppies. Aaron lingering lingering lingering the bedroom on his way to the bathroom before getting ready for bed. He turns on Florence and the Machine and starts clapping along, then playing air guitar, then he goes into full on Glee mode. He starts doing this hand extension across his chest while bending his knee. He claims this move as the signature Glee move. With a super smile on his face. Then he goes into Finn mode by claiming he is in high school, he plays football and likes to sing. WHY IS LIFE SO DIFFICULT?!? Then proceeds with the signature Glee move and into another made up dance move where he snaps with some kind of high kick. Guys, I don't know what was going on in my bedroom. But I know I want more of it. Every night.

He's my favorite. Forever.

Epic Park Day Fail

Shreveport, Louisiana has perfect weather today. PERFECT. In addition to the extra hour we got from daylight savings time, the sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky, and the temps were in the low 70s. After lunch with my parents, Aaron and I decided to take the pups to the park next to the Red River.



The dogs loved walking around the park, stomping in the leaves, and chasing bugs.

Aaron wanted to teach Penny to play fetch with the frisbee. Since Penny is new to the family, we weren't sure if we could let her off her leash. I threw the frisbee, and Aaron ran with Penny on the leash to catch it. Next thing we know, Penny is off her leash and chasing after the egrets in the runoff from the river. We chased Penny up and down the banks of the river runoff. That dog has mad sprinting skills. For a moment I really thought we were never going to get her back and almost broke down into tears. We screamed her name. Asked her if she wanted a treat. Did every trick in the book. She wasn't interested. Aaron chased Penny for a good 45 minutes, then had to make a trip into "uncharted" woods, and finally emerged with our soaking wet, mud-covered dog in tow.

Next time we will know to never let that damn dog off the leash.

Spinning

So, I have committed myself to a 5:30 AM spin class two days a week. DID YOU HEAR ME?! I have to wake up at 5ish two days a week. This was the first week. And let me just tell you about it. My boss and I got the idea last week to go to this class. Now I feel that I can't let my stinking boss down. Therefore I drag my ass outta bed at 5:00 AM to get dressed, drink water, get my butt to the gym, set my bike up, and start pedaling. Y'all this shit is hard. I feel like I am going to die. Then I get this adrenaline rush. And I kick that bike's ass. Then I die again.

My instructor is a 65 year old retired Marine (ok I made that up, but he could be). He tells the class of 7 - mostly of older women - to KEEP IT UP! Come on ladies 30 MPH THAT'S QUICK!

I am pretty sure my behind is chaffed. I learned today that I need biking shorts. According to the 50 year old lady next to me ... you can't make it in the class without bike shorts.

And here I thought I had enough padding back there to begin with.

September Plans

September, September, oh how I am so glad you have finally arrived!

Here is what I plan to do with you:

NOLA weekend to see her this week. Attractions to include: VIP NFL Kick-Off parade and concert featuring Taylor Swift and DMB, eating a million, shopping at Anthropologie among other shops, Davenport Lounge, Frenchman Street, and all the fun you can cram into four days.

Season premieres of my favorite shows.

Racing for the Cure for this amazing woman I have never met. Read her blog. Share her story. Grab a tissue.

Playing in a work-sponsored softball tournament to help support the American Heart Association. I've already requested matching shirts to be made, and I will be sporting the cutest dang baseball pants/socks combo anyone could ever have.

Anxiously awaiting the cooler weather so I can wear my new shoes (here, here, and here). I went on a mini shoe shopping spree this weekend.

Burn my fall candles, bake my fall treats, and sip my fall drinks.

September, thanks for hurrying your ass up. I can't wait to enjoy the shit outta you.

Love,
Jordan

I Hate Month Number Eight

August can suck it. Maybe that's a little harsh, but I am just not a fan of this month. Now or ever. Nothing fun happens in August (with the exception of my Lydia and Megan's respective birthdays).

And it's hot. Really, really, really hot.

As I have mentioned, the past few weeks haven't been my favorite. Between bat issues, sick pup issues, sick Jordo issues, general life issues, and OMG THE HEAT issues ... I am just over it. I'm ready for a fresh start, a new month, a new season, and a new attitude.

Here's to making it through the last week and a half of August and to welcoming in September!

Temper Tune

I'm sure everyone and their mom has heard of this band and song. But it's my new favorite thing.

Enjoy.

Be Happy.

In traditional Jordo fashion, I write, I don't, I make a list.

After the week I had last week, I am in need of some happy things.

Ta-da things that make me happy!!

Shane-N-Bake Chicken
College friends
Anne Taylor Loft
Cilantro-Jalapeno hummus
The Decemberists
Cheese plates
Liz Lemon
Indian food
Eat. Pray. Love.
Pencil skirts
Waxed eyebrows
Bethenny Frankel
Calling Kate's "house" line
NYC wishful thinking
PDX positive thinking

iMovie Virgin

Let me just tell you about this thing called iMovie. I am sure anyone with a Mac knows about it, and even those without one probably know a thing or two. You can make slideshows to MUSIC!! I know, I know, I am so behind the times. Welcome to 2010 Jordo. Anywho, I stumbled upon it and this is how I popped my cherry.

I am sure we all remember my Portland/Seattle trip. Now it has come to life with The Decembersits as the soundtrack. I'm not sure why I chose this song. Maybe because The Decemberists are from the Pac Northwest, or because he talks about making a home on the water, or probably because there were not many options to choose from on this particular computer at the moment. But I just love this song, and I just hope the song isn't about having a terrible vacation.

Summer Rant and One Word Sentences

I am so flipping tired of summer. And it's only the first day of summer. Today. I am so over it. Being sticky. Hot. Sweaty. Miserable.

Can I make any more sentences with just one word? Sure.

Anyway, I am sick of the heat. I am sick of the humidity. I need Portland. Right. Now. Can I move there next week?

Also, I've had a few beers. I think I should blog more often with a few beers in me.

The End.

GNO

This past Friday me, Emily, and Erica decided to have a ladies night. We were all in need of some female company and conversation. We had a nice adult dinner at Wine Country with adult conversations about relationships, friendships, and OMG HAVE YOU TRIED THIS CHEESE?! After dinner we saw Sex and the City 2. And what happened next was, well, completely amazing.

Erica got this idea to go to Strange Brew earlier in the evening. We deicided to visit the old stomping grounds after the movie.

Little back story. I used to frequent this bar very often about 3 years ago. If you remember, 3 years ago I was a mess. A desperate for male attention and drunken mess. OK, so maybe I wasn't that bad ...

I used to drag Em out with me in hopes of meeting a fella, and so I wouldn't feel so bad about being at home on a Saturday night when I was single. I haven't been back in about two or so years. Man that Em was such a trooper back in those days.

BUT we thought for old times sakes and since Erica had never been ... what the hell? They have good beer, right?

So, we went. We grabbed our beers and a table. Earlier in the night Erica and Emily were reading Texts From Last Night to each other. We had also been listening to the 90s station and heard some great hits from Kathy Troccoli and Phil Collins. Well, why not combine the two and send random people text messages about meeting Kathy Tracolli or that we are listening to Phil Collins. Oh, and said people we sent texts to were from other people's phones. So they had no idea who we were or what we were talking about. It was immature; it was fun. We needed a laugh. And we had 2 beers in us.

We stayed out until 1:30 drinking, laughing, texting, and having a fun girls' night out.

I Left My Heart in the Pacific Northwest

For the past three years, I have promised Kate Nipper a trip to Portland. I always had plans of going, but never made the full committment. That all changed last week. For the past 5 months or so, Aaron and I have been hardcore in our efforts to save for our week-long vacation to Portland to see the Nippers and Schaffers and a little romantic getaway to Seattle.

I can't put into exact words how much fun we had and how this trip changed our lives, so I'll just make a list.


We were greeted by Merritt's face at the airport.


We learned what "Gaboo! Gaboo!" meant from Lily (Gimmie! Gimmie!).

Watched the finale of LOST with the Schaffers after traveling across the country. POLAR BEAR!

Irina took us to The Grotto for the full-blown Catholic experience and some scenic views of Portland.


Saw a shit ton of trees. Big, tall green ones.


Discovered why The Kennedy School is famous for it's tater tots.


Appreciated VooDoo Donuts and Twin Peaks at the same time. Diane, these donuts are quite spectacular. Also, the coffee, outta this world.

Learned that The Great Northwest accepts all flavors of manlove.


Got tipsy and played Rock Band with the Schaffers in our PJs. Found out that Irina knows all the words to some terrible 80's rock song. "Love will find a way just give it time TIME TIME TIME TIME!"


Taught Lily how to put on makeup, the deliciousness of chocoate gelato, and how to say her favorite aunt's name .. "J!"



Fell in love with the Space Needle.


And then fell all kinds of in love with his face for the billionth time.


Shopped. Shopped. Shopped.

Vinyl. Vinyl. Vinyl.

Clothes. Clothes. Clothes.

Ate the very best breakfast at Pike's Place Market.

Thought I had coffee at the original Starbucks. Then while showing Kate my great shot of the "original" Starbucks, was quickly informed that it was indeed, not.

Ran out of gas while exiting the Interstate with the Nippers. Peed on the side of the road. Laughed uncontrolably. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!


"Climbed" a mountian/waterfalls in peep-toed flats. Turns out Kate Nipper is always right. Tennis shoes are always the best option when exploring nature.


Thought for a brief moment that Aaron loved SWIRL! more than he loved me.


Showed Kate how to get Google on the phone and then how to Shazam all over the place.

Got lost in the West Hills, attempted to sniff a flower that was "too tight to smell," and tried to talk Kate through the worst gas bubble in the history of gas bubbles while she was driving. Ouch.

Sang Mates of State with the only person I know who really gets it like I do.

Figured out that I am not very photogenic.


Witnessed the beginning of a true man friendship, manship (?) between Matt and Aaron. I'm pretty sure they made love Boyz II Men style on top of a mountain.


Realized that I would go to the ends of the earth for these two.



Ate, drank, and was merry to the ultimate 90s playlist in the company of some of my favorite faces.


So, when are we going back?

RIP Mr. Bojangles

Yesterday, Tuesday, April 27, 2010, my step-grandfather passed away. I will always consider Walter Stopak a grandfather. He stole my Mamaw's heart over 10 years ago on their first date. He took her out to dinner, then asked her to marry him and promised her he'd buy her a Cadillac all on the first date. She never got the Cadi, but I think she got something better instead.

Walter was one amazing man. He took care of my grandmother and taught her how to enjoy life. He would cook her every meal, mow her lawn, grow fresh veggies, and love all of her grandchildren as if they were his own. They lived in a cute house in Bossier that overlooked a park. The two of them loved to sit on the back porch, drink coffee, and enjoy being together.

He told us countless stories about his time in the "Force," and always let us know the latest gossip from the BX. He grew the best tomoatoes you will ever eat, and would always be interested in every single thing you have to say.

I know my Mamaw will miss him dearly, as will I.

Book It

This past weekend The Boyfriend and I decided to have a mini getaway to Dallas. And by mini getaway, I mean an excuse to spend an entire day at IKEA, aka, HEAVEN ON EARTH. The plan was simple breakfast at Cafe Brazil (where I was determined to try something other than MIGAS!), and the rest of the day in IKEA.

After breakfast at Cafe Brazil (I had the veggie omelet - a new fav) and the millions of dollars we spent on tolls, we finally arrived.

We wanted to get a bookcase and some small things for the kitchen. We had a budget and a plan.

We found a few options for a bookcase, our minds exploded with ideas for the living room and bedroom, and I somehow managed to break a ceramic pot (whoops!). With two different bookcases in mind, we headed to the bottom floor. The Boyfriend had in his head exactly what we were going to get. A plain and simple bookcase. I, on the other hand, wanted the modular funky looking bookcase. I decided to let him win this one since his bookcase was cheaper and he was really making an effort to decorate.

As we were walking downstairs he informed me that this bookcase was going to be for all of our books and DVDs that don't have a home. Ahem, excuse me? We will NOT just shove books and DVDs haphazardly on a shelf. The argument continued as we tried to find the one he wanted. Lo and behold, they were sold out (I suppose all the men in the DFW area needed a place to pile all their crap). So, I won. We got the modular bookcase I've wanted for years.

And sure, it only holds a few books and the start of our new vinyl collection, but it is also the new home for all of my BIRDS!!!

Let me know what you think!


Also, after putting together the new bookcase, we decided to rearrange the living room.

Goals

Put it down on paper - err, the Internet?

Here are my goals for 2010:

Start a vinyl collection
Purchase this new album for said collection.
Lost 15 pounds (see previous post).
PDX!!!!!
FINALLY pay off the credit card from hell.
Purchase a new car.
Go on lots of road trips with her face.
Redecorate my bedroom.
Finish Sopranos and LOST.
Learn to paint.
Teach Margot to roll over.
Ride bikes.
Learn to swim.

It's a good start.

6 weeks

Last Wednesday I gave up alcohol and sweets (candy, cookies, ice cream, brownies, etc.) for Lent. This is going to be a loooonnnggg 40 days (don't forget Sundays! I swear I'm not going to cheat on Sundays).

In addition to giving up everything that makes me happy, I am going to work out Monday - Thursday for 6 weeks.

My goal? To lose 2 pounds a week for grand total of 12 pounds - 15 if I'm really lucky.

Here we go, y'all.

Snow Day!

It snowed today! Almost ALL day! Unfortch, it didn't stick. But it's supposed to keep up all night.

Something about those white flakes falling from the sky that makes everyone feel like a kid again. I stood outside my building with my mouth wide open trying to taste the snow.

Tonight, I am staying in doing laundry, watching my stories, eating with my boy, and enjoying the rest of the snow falling from the sky.

SNOW!

this place

i like this place i'm in right now. it's nice and cozy.

i'm not completely insecure. i'm not trying to win back the man i thought i loved. i'm not completely devestated that he doesn't love me back. i'm not so stressed at with work that i can't even enjoy the time i'm not there. i don't feel completely alone and that the world is against me. i'm not any of the things i was about 2 years ago.

see that girl in the picture up top? even though i was having a grand ol' time dancing with some of my favorite dance partners, i was one scared little girl.

today, i'm with someone who loves me just as much as i love them. i'm confident in who i am and starting to be confident in who i want to be. my work is good. although, i do wish i had a job that was more fullfiling and one that i was a bit more passionate about. i'll find that dream job one day. i love coming home to my precious pup and my wonderful boyfriend. i have the MOST fabulous friends in the world. things are just good.

hey, my credit card may not be paid off, and my checking/savings account isn't exactly where i'd like it to be, but i know it'll get there. i'll lose these extra TEN POUNDS i gained. it'll al happen. it's all happening.

i love my life and everyone in it.

Hi.

WHAT?! Almost TWO months have gone by since my last post? Geeezzzz. Well the holidays happened.

I ate, partied, loved, welcomed, and had fun a million.

I'm pretty happy to see January go. I'm never a fan of that month. It's so depressing. Holiday hangover. It's damp, cold, and dark outside. Annndddd I was pretty much a bitch the entire month. Thankfully my cat doctor gave me some new meds that will hopefully make me not feel like a raging lunatic.

Today was the first day of February, and it was a pretty fantastic day.

I suppose a few good things happened in January:

Emily and I rededicated our Monday nights to The Bachelor.
Aaron and I set a date for our Portland trip in May.
We got Netflix.
Finally decided on curtains I like for my living room.
Decided that I am going to buy a new car once my credit card is paid off.
Did my taxes.
Hung out with my Lyd for an entire Saturday before she moves to New York.
Got an iPhone - WWWHHHAAAATTT?!?!
Ate at India's almost every day.
Chopped off my hair.
Said goodbye to The Late Show with Conan O'Brien. Tear.
Started working out again.
And my college roomie, JULES!, did this for me: