Spider Monkey

I broke down and started reading Twilight.

A few weeks ago Emily and I watched the Twilight movie, since we had nothing better to do in New Orleans on a Saturday night. I know, we are totally cool. Intrigued, we watched the entire movie. We made fun of the corny lines and fell in love with Robert Pattinson (who wouldn't? he's absolutely GORGEOUS!)

Every time I am in the bookstore, I am always tempted to purchase the book. Then last week a girlfriend (who absolutely loves the series) said I could borrow the books while I was on the beach.

So, I started the book, and I love it no matter how cheesy and ridiculous it is.

slump

I need to start writing some more. A friend from college emailed me the other day and asked me if I still did any writing. My response was if you count my twitter updates ... lame.

I always think in order to write something on here it needs to be entertaining to THE MASSES THAT READ IT. Therefore I will quit writing mid post. Now, I'm going to just write just for me. Blah, see this is boring. But I'm writing.

And nothing gets me in the mood for writing than making a list of things that make me happy.

Sundays.
Criminal Minds.
Hummus.
Lite and Fit Yogurt.
Morning cuddles.
Margot Tenenbaum Marshall Harris.
Reading about pregnancy/labor/parenting even though I do not have a case of baby fever and don't plan on having kids for at least half a decade.
Quoting Twilight.
When my bed is made.
Proposal stories.
Skirts.
Status updates.
Cupcakes.
Mojitos.
Fresh tomatoes.

money, money, money ... MONEY!

I have never been good with money. It always burns a hole in my pocket. Since that first day when I was 16 and my dad took me to get my first checking account until today 9 years later, I haven't learned a thing.

Yesterday I took a look at my bank account balance and it was sickening.

So. I made a decision. One I am going to keep to. I vow to FINALLY be better with my money. I told Aaron to put me on a financial diet. He made me promise to actually go through with what he says and not just think it's a good idea. Also, a friend recommended this site. I am going to give it a try and see how it works.

I have a credit card to pay off. A savings account that needs some major beefing up. A checking account that needs some TLC. And a piece of mind that needs some settling.

This is my solemn vow.

To my dearest friends, this means no more daily lunches out, many trips to El Compadre and India's (although I will miss it so), and weekend shopping trips. I will allow myself some treats now and then. But instead of paying a million dollars on dinner and drinks, why don't we put luck it and save some major bucks?

Help me. Please let me know any financial tips that have helped you. I desperately need it.

This twenty something thing is not as easy as it looks.

NMR

Jordan
i have to tell you something only you can prob appreciate

Katie
go.

Jordan
so the other night aaron was in the bathroon shaving is manly mountain manish beard off

Katie
yesh.

Jordan
when all of the sudden he comes running in the room butt ass naked with a mustache, straddles me and tries to make out with me
oh and i should mention i was laying on the bed and he leaped on top of me

Katie
I totally appreciate that.

Jordan
i knew you would

Katie
I WANT THAT.

Jordan
after it happened, all i could think is that would be something that matt nipper would do

Katie
it so would.
I covet that.
I love Aaron.

Jordan
i do too

Katie
I hope he's cool with humping.
that's the kind of shit you need to blog, miss cinco de mayo was my last update.

Jordan
yeah ... my computer has been on the fritz, so i haven't updated in a minute
but i think that'll be my next post

Katie
please post a picture that matches the description.
also, I'm about to write on his wall.

Jordan
ok, but beware his mom is his friend on facebook
i mean she's pretty cool and all

Katie
shooot.
um, let me send it for your approval ...

Jordan
lol ok

Katie
will you please naked moustache hump me next time I see you?

Jordan
do it
lol

Katie
done.

Jordan
hahaha
oh my god i miss you
speaking of wieners did you get my bday card?

Katie
yes, I did. thanks, love.

Jordan
you're welcome! sorry its late
and that it didnt have a present attached

Katie
it was sort of on time, I think.

Jordan
you'll get a present or two from me next time you see me

Katie
so here's the deal.
I can't get over this naked moustache hump.
it's so awesome.
like ... it could be a patented Matt Nipper move.
but ADH did it first.
so ... it's his. The NMH is all his. And I love it.

Jordan
lol because he's that bad ass
it's the ONE thing that he can do first before matt

Katie
That would have turned me on so hard.

Jordan
NMH?

Katie
I bet he's got plenty of things.
naked. moustache. hump.

Jordan
oohhhh right

Katie
short bus, Jordan.
you're riding it.

Jordan
sorry
im totally riding it

Katie
you've heard about what happened after Matt and I saw Dukes of Hazzard in the theater, right?

Jordan
i got confused .. lol
umm i dont think so
if so, tell me again

Katie
I went immediately to Target and purchased a pair of cowgirl boots.
I went immediately to Target and purchased a pair of cowgirl boots.
Then home.
Where I put on the boots.

Jordan
and only the boots?

Katie
a "holster" ... (abercrombie belt)
and I grabbed a nice 22 pistol out of the bedside table.
and commenced to get my hump on.
so I'm riding matt and I'm all into this bullshit where I think I'm Jessica Simpson.
and Matt's like, "Uh, Kate? Can you put the gun away?"
It was awesome.

Jordan
HAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAAHA
oh my god. you are awesome

Katie
I don't even have to try. It just happens.

Jordan
i know, i know
i wish that's how yall made merritt
lol


So, living together is the best time of my life, and I am going to rent Dukes of Hazzard ASAP.

moving week

I just had a wonderful idea for a blog entry while going through hangers ... and like that it was gone.

This week is the big move in week -- eek! Sunday we cleaned the apartment from top to bottom. Baseboards and ceiling fans included. My hands were sore the next day from scrubbing. So was my back. And pretty much every other part of my body. But we have a sparkling clean quadplex in the charming/ghetto Highland neighborhood.

Now, I'm going through my tons of clothes, shoes, books, pictures, stationary, dvds, etc, and wondering how on earth this is going to fit. We may not have enough living room furniture, but I am sure we will have more than enough crap.

Our new shower curtain arrives this week, and now we are trying to decide on chairs, rugs, and something to hang over the mantle. That doesn't even include the bedroom and other wall decorations.

All ideas welcome since I am terrible at this.

Aaron David Harris.

Things I've learned about Aaron (pre-move in date):
He doesn't like to do dishes.
He won't go in public in gym shorts, and doesn't think it's "appropriate" if I go to Wal-Mart in pj pants -- even if it's ONLY to pick up ONE THING.
He's very good at finances and budgeting.
He doesn't make the bed.
He always likes to hold my hand.
He will rub my feet anytime I ask him.
He doesn't mind when I don't shave my legs.
He's unexpectedly has a lot in common with my dad.
He likes to eat shrimp tails.
He has the absolute cutest smirk.
He talks to pets like they are human being.
He's not exactly open about his feelings.
He has the best 5 o'clock shadow.
He likes the most disgusting horror movies ever created.
He likes to drive on road trips and when I'm fed up with crazy Shreveport drivers.
He's almost as stubborn as I am.
Have I mentioned that he doesn't like to do the dishes?


And he makes me laugh all the time.

done.

I've almost had it with ANTM. Especially Tyra.

free fun

Aaron and I planned to see King Tut in Dallas last Sunday. We got really excited about it. Budgeted for it ... a little. Sunday came. We got up early and were dressed and ready to go by 9:15 a.m. I got online to check for directions, and I noticed something about buying tickets early. Turns out you can't buy tickets the same day.

We were sad for a second, and then decided to make the most of the beautiful Sunday in Shreveport.

After lunch with his parents, we headed to Riverfront Park where Aaron made me DEFY THE LAW by jumping a fence. We were almost blown away by the wind.


Then azaleas exploded all around Aaron.


And we made friends with a catfish.



Then we found some local celebrities outside the Municipal Auditorium.



After making all those friends, we took a stroll at Norton Art Gallery.


Then we took a drive around Cross Lake and had a snack (guacamole of course) at Cantina Laredo on the porch. Perfect day.

King Tut will just have to wait for a few weeks.

it's official

I'm going to move in with Aaron.

I'M MOVING IN!!!

I told my dad today. It was a very short convo. I think he needs some time to process it. I am extremely relieved.

Aaron and I have been talking about decorating, furniture, and how Aaron needs to learn to pick up clothes off the floor and not leave beard hair in the sink. And I need to learn that if dishes don't get done 2.5 seconds after dinner, IT WILL BE OK!

I'm sure there will be lots of adjustments. But I am very excited. I've never lived with a boy, let alone a boyfriend. I've done lots of thinking about it. It wasn't a decision I took lightly.

I move in the second weekend in May, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.

more updates

1. I am reading this book by this lady. And it's pretty much amazing. I want to be her when I grow up. I could go on and on, but I am just going to leave it at amazing. You'll just have to see for yourself.

2. I'm still obsessed with avocados. Tonight I had a chicken taco (made by my adorable boyfriend) and I put guacamole AND fresh cut avocados on it. THEN I had chips and guacamole as well as chips with fresh avocados on it. Obsessed ladies and gents.

3. I failed to mention on the last update post that I was in a wreck last month. It could have been a very bad accident. I am ok and so is Aaron. Moral of the story is that SEAT BELT SAVE LIVES. Seriously. Buckle up. My body would have been thrown through a windshield had I not been wearing mine.

4. I have been extremely gassy the past two days. It's not like I am a tooting machine or anything. Just gassy. Bleh. I blame MT.

5. I need a good, effective face washing regimen. Any suggestions? Apparently mine isn't cutting it.

6. I keep having dreams about people from high school.

7. I can't remember the last time I felt anxious.

8. Apparently my body hates the sun, and in the past year I have formed some kind of allergy towards those warm rays of golden sunshine.

9. Did I mention I love avocados.

10. I'm tired of hearing about the economy. Let's talk about kittens and sunshine instead.

Update Central

1. It's spring and my heart is so happy, my allergies, on the other hand, are not.
2. I have a new obsession with avacados. I could eat them every single day.
3. I've stopped drinking coke. Not completely, but mostly. Movies and an extremely long afternoons are the exception.
4. I'm growing out my hair again.
5. I am so in love. Truly, madly, deeply Savage Garden style.
6. I'm moving in with Aaron in May.
7. I've paid off a quarter of my credit card debt.
8. Haven't lost a pound.
9. If I don't see John Mayer this summer in concert, I just may die of a broken heart.
10. I saw NKOTB with some of my favorite people, and it was amazing.

(Lindsay Adkins not pictured)

problem

If they put that drama-queen Tatiana as a wild card pick in the top 12 then I just may give up on American Idol. Maybe not. But I certainly won't be happy about it.

Ugg, I can't stand her face.

Ouchies

It seems that I may have kidney stones. I have to get a CT scan next week to find out for sure. All I know is that I have a dull pain in my side, and I don't feel like dong anything on this beautiful weekend. This blows, and I feel like complaining to anyone who will listen.

Wwaaaaaaaaaaa waaaaaaaaaaaa!

good read

I'm a pretty big fan of bad TV, but I'm an even bigger fan of people who enjoy it like me. Even if you don't watch these awful shows, you should check out TV Watch section on Entertainment Weekly's website. I really like most of their articles, actually.

Here is a recent post from this week's episode of The Bachelor. I've found the more terrible the show, the better the article.

I particularly like the Grey's Anatomy, The Bachelor, American Idol, and America's Next Top Model's recaps.

hope

So, today was a pretty awesome day. Even though I didn't get a chance to watch the inauguration due to work and meetings, I was excited the entire day. During my workout at lunch I looked up on the TV screen and saw the Obama's walking the Bush's to the helicopter. Then as George Dubya stepped into that helicopter waved his last goodbye, and shut the door, I felt relieved. I think most of the country did.

I'm excited about the possibility of change. It's about time.

I'm proud to be an 'Merican.

Merry Christmas!

I hope you have a merry holiday! (Please excuse the not so cute face)

Fit.

Today I started my new fitness regime. Yep, I'm working out. And I have a semi-personal trainer. And a work out plan. Apparently I need to lower my body fat, and my BMI indicates that I am slightly overweight. Also, Curry (my personal trainer) says I have noodles for arms. The plan is to lose 11 pounds, but I'm shooting for 15. And I'd like to do more than 10 pushups.

Since my life isn't a big whirlwind of long-term relationships coming to an end, back to start then back to an end again AND I am not at a job where I am under an extreme amount of stress and pressure, my stomach likes to eat again. And it likes to eat a lot. Seems as if you don't have a bit knot tied up in it from stress and being upset there's room for food. I guess I'm fat and happy, but not for long. I refuse to buy all new clothes, and I refuse to continue to be a lazy bum.

Also, another change in my life will my my financial situation. The achievable goal is to pay off my credit card by March/April. My reward will be to take the money spent on paying credit cards and put it towards a trip to PORTLAND!

I'll let you all know how I'm coming with getting physically and financially fit.

put a ring on it

If I had one wish right now it wouldn't be to win the lottery, go on a month-long trip through Europe, world peace, or even to get this country out of this economic mess. Nope, it would be to be able to move like Beyonce in this video.

Call me selfish. I don't even care. ARE YOU WATCHING THESE MOVES?!?! Hot damn.

bss is for lovers

I'd just like to announce to everyone that I AM GOING TO SEE BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE!!!

Holy shit, I can't believe it. The boyfriend and I will venture to Dallas January 30 and get our minds blow. I can't fucking wait.

This will be my third time seeing them and Aaron's first. I'm popping that BSS cherry of his, and it's going to be incredible.

Seriously. Go see them if you get the chance. You won't regret it.

Whatever happened to my lunch box?

The past few days I have been listening to a lot of old school John Mayer. Freshman year of college, anyone? These songs are just so dang good, and it has me on a major nostagic kick. I just want to jam to some Coldplay, Howie Day, and maybe some Guster thrown in there. Listening to John sing about St. Patrick's Day and 3x5s makes me think about morning naps between class, George Forman grilled ham and cheese, Ruffles and French onion dip, and singing Tenacious D the entire way to Lafayette.



This was SIX years ago.

sign me up.

Recently I have become OBSESSED with staying in an overwater hut in Bora Bora. Did you hear me? OBSESSED. First I need to pay off my credit card, visit my Kate in Portland, move to Austin THEN save up enough money for Bora Bora.

OR.

You could pay for the vacation.

Please? Thanks so much!

happy things

Fall.
The O.C. marathons -- Caaallliiiffooooorrrrnnniiaaaaaa here we coooooooooome.
Spending too much money at Old Navy.
New job.
Death Cab for Cutie.
Ned and Chuck.
Sunday picnics.
Hand holding.
Moose tracks ice cream.
Cowboy boots.
Leggings.
Cardigans.
PJs before 9:00 a.m.
Relationship blankets.
Pumpkins.
Cheese spread.
Cafeteria salads.
Ruffles - chips and fashion enhancement.
Boys in sweaters.
BBQ sandwiches.
Beasts.
And his face.

holy crap

About a month ago I made the biggest decision of my life. I decided to quit my job of almost 2 years.

I had never been completely happy with my job, and in recent months I was growing to hate it. I was completely stressed out, and I didn't feel like I was doing good enough. I tried really hard, but it was never good enough. And honestly I didn't care. I wasn't passionate about it.

The stress was taking over me. From the moment I woke up until the moment I fell asleep I was stressed. I'd wake up with a terrible knot in my stomach. I'd go to sleep with that same knot. I'd try to forget about work at night and on the weekends, but the anxiety took over.

I was expected to work late hours and come in early (on my last week there I came in at 6:00 in the morning -- wish I was kidding). I know it may seem like I had the worst job ever. I didn't. It's a really good job, but it wasn't for me. I wasn't willing to make my job my life. I didn't want to make the scarifices.

So, I looked for something, anything else to do. I found a job. They hired me.

Then I almost shit my pants. Was I making the right decision? Would I like this new position? What if they are mean? Am I going to be good enough? When will I get paid? Ahhhh!

I mean I worked for amazing people who really cared about me and my well being, but they didn't know how unahppy I was. I walked down the hallway, shut my boss' door and let it all out. I told her I was offered a new job, and I would be leaving in 2 weeks and how unhappy I had been. I explained how I didn't feel successful and I wasn't passionate about my work. I was letting my clients down, my bosses down, and myself down. She completely understood and said she wanted me to be happy and thanked me for being so honest.

Two weeks later I started my new job. It's not my dream job (ACL Fest are y'all hiring?), but it's work that I think I can be successful at. And I am really enjoying it. That's all I really need right now.

lights out

You never realize how much you rely on electricity until you lose it. I guess it's like that with most things. But electricity is seriously amazing. I am so glad that after 2ish days of no lights, AC, Internet, refrigerator, blow dryer, straightener, washing machine, and dryer, my life can get back to normal. I am not going to take this shit for granted. No more washing my face by candle light and holding a flashlight on my chest to be able to read my totally awesome book, Stori Telling by Tori Spelling (shut up, I like it).

Now, I am going to fully enjoy my electricity by watching The Hills (shut up again), surf the Internet, and sit in my 70 degree house.

explanation?

I've experienced a shit ton of emotions the past month. Happy, sad, scared, anxious, nervous, loved, silly, fun, flirty, etc.

I feel it all, I feel it all as Miss Feist would say. I wish I could explain all of them in words on here, but some of them are too private and some this is just not the place.

I haven't forgotten you blogger world. Just trying to think of the words to describe what's been going on both good and bad (most of it pretty fucking amazing).

I'll be back soon, boos.

<3

Emoticon

I can't stop smiling. Can't stop it.

:)

so, i met someone.

And I think he's pretty awesome. He's funny, kind, thoughtful, smart, friendly, an excellent listener, and not a douche bag. He's tall, dark, handsome, and plays the guitar. He makes me smile pretty much every hour of the day. What more could a girl ask for, right?

Well, there is more. He sings the boy parts in Mates of State songs while I sing the girl parts. He likes Wilco and Broken Social Scene almost (ok maybe just as much) as I do. He understands my undying love for Jeff Tweedy and is ok with it.

He opens doors, buys my ice cream when I've had a bad day, and holds my hand. He picks me up for dates and doesn't mind that most dates include my friends.

He hates spiders but isn't afraid of roaches. Good thing spiders don't scare me, but just the mention of a roach and I am completely freaked out.

He is probably the only person on this planet that can touch my feet without tickling them.

He has the friendliest smile I have ever seen, and he does this thing with his mouth when he doesn't know what to say that is so adorable it makes me want to die. He says cute things like "gnarly punk band" and "So when can I call you my girlfriend." He sends me vomit worthy text messages every day and put me as his #1 friend on myspace.

He puts his hands in my hair/face when he kisses me, and it took him forever to finally grab my ass (sorry JJ and Matty!).

He claims he won't take me to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Part 2, but I know if I really wanted him to, he would. Just as long as I would promise to watch some horribly gross horror movie with him.

But the best part is that he thinks I'm pretty dang amazing too.

Yeah, I think I'll keep him around for a while.

all you gotta do it beach it up!

This week the Marshall fam is taking a vacation to Orange Beach. We will be here until Sunday. Already it's an amazing trip. AND two of my best friends from high school who I never see anymore are down here on vacation too. Amazing. Right now I am blogging from the balcony looking out on the beach. I hope to blog a lot from the beach with family quotes, what's been going on in my life, and to just be all up in your face.

It's going to be a good week.

Hakuna Matata

I pretty much love my life right now. It's amazing. I'm pretty stoked about how things are going, and I have been for some time now. Now, because you love it so much, a list of things that have contributed to me being oh, so happy.

Bartlett Pear candles from Bath and Body Works.
Late-night text messages.
Hazelnut iced-coffees from McDonald's even though they sometimes make my tummy hurt.
Spin the Pen.
Tuna salad, always and forever.
Saturday night Sprite runs/middle of nowhere drives.
Summer time.
Swings.
Getting $400 phones for free because you have the hook up.
Head scarves.
Eyeliner.
Kathy Griffin.
Mates of State.
This movie.
KFC.


Oh, and last but not least the return of Boyz II Men in my life.

dead, dead, dead

I dropped my phone in Kool Aid tonight. And I am pretty sure it's a gonner. Please email your phone number to me at jordan21@gmail.com if you want me ever call you again.

RIP Palm Centro.

Aloha

Last Thursday afternoon my phone rings:

"How much do you love me?"

"Umm ... Wait, are you driving?"

"I'm in Alabama."

"Are you coming to see MEEEEEEE?!"

"I'm dropping of Lindsay at my parents' and thinking about coming to Shreveport on Sunday to see some friends."

And he did. And the four of us drank Superior margs just like but not really at all like old times.

Have fun in Hawaii, friend.

At least I didn't fall this time.

I saw Radiohead last night. Did you get that? I saw RADIOHEAD last night. It was amazing. I'll admit it, I am not the biggest Radiohead fan. Emily Turner, on the other hand, is. Do you know how awesome it is to experience a show like Radiohead with someone who enjoys Radiohead as much at Miss Turner does? I can't even explain it.

Here is the set list I found of all the songs they played last night. Go on, be jealous.
All I Need
There There
15 Step
Bangers and Mash
Nude
Pyramid Song
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
The National Anthem
Dollars and Cents
Faust Arp
Videotape, A Wolf At The Door
Optimistic
Reckoner
Everything In Its Right Place
Idioteque
Bodysnatchers

Encore:
Fake Plastic Trees
Jigsaw Falling Into Place
House of Cards, Exit Music (For A Film)
The Bends

Encore 2 (that's right, they played two encores):
You and Whose Army?
Paranoid Android

D.C. to the Max

Last Monday I returned from Washington D.C. where I saw one of my favorite faces on the planet, Miss LeAnn Russell. She moved up there in January and since she day she left I have missed her desperately.

I was only in D.C. for a few days, but let me just tell you I loved it. Maybe it was because LeAnn lives on G Street, or the fact that there are cute boys in suits walking everywhere, or perhaps that you can do tons of shit for FREE, or all of the Asians all over the place, whatever it is I think I found yet another reason to move to the East Coast.

My love for Asians was born in D.C. Matching bucket hats? Too cute for words.


Also a new hobby of taking pictures of other people's children. Creepy? I think so. Who cares.


Here is a list of fun things KLR and I did in our short time together:
-Ate delicious Mexican food, minus queso -- seriously who doesn't serve queso?

-Got tips and sang/danced our hearts out to 80s and 90s songs. I've blessed the rains down in AAAAAAFFFFRRRRIIIIICCCCAAAAAA!


-Saw the dino bones.


-Almost got trampled over by Anti-Nazis.


-Learned the fine art of asking strangers to take our picture.

-Witnessed a proposal .... and lingered a little longer than appropriate.


-Had a photo session with tulips.


-Fell in love with Abraham Lincoln.


-Got a little emotional at all the memorials, exhibits, wedding proposals.

-Hung out on/near the Capitol steps at night.


-Made up facts about D.C./Asian gardens.

-Discovered the best museum on the planet. It's called the Newseum and you should go to it before you die.


You can check out more pics here.

I can't wait to go back!

just like that.

Happy tax day. Enjoy.

on my own.

Umm Magnolia is the cutest person ever.

I can't tell you how excited I am about the new Matesies album. It's gonna be pretty much AMAZING. And they will be at ACL Fest! I am certainly going to be front and center dancing my ass off while my crush on Kori grows exponentially. Creepy? Just a little? Well, I can't help it if I think she's hot when she sings and dances. Who wouldn't think she is hot is my question?

across the house convo

"Jordie, did your tivo tape the Rock of Love clip show?"
"Yeah."
"Good."

Does my dad rule, or what?

HEY! little kitty, you're so pretty.

Lyd is right. Life is too short to be worrying who isn't calling you or who doesn't want to hang out with you or who isn't treating you right.

It's about the people who do call you. The people who want to know how your day was. The people who want to spend time with you. The people who treat you the way you deserve to be treated. Those are the folks who really matter.

Here's to more Lafayette lunches.

lost and found

Got a new attitude. Trying it on for size. We'll see if it fits.

Can April 18 get here any faster?!

ASAP

I need a new attitude. You know where I can find one?

five.

5 things everyone knows about me:
1. I abreev and/or add sies to most words.
2. I can't swim, therefore I don't like anything to do in the water.
3. I rarely clean my plate.
4. I have a nice ass.
5. I am a terrible speller.

5 things few people know about me:
1. I can't stand it when people put any type of cotton or really any kind of material in their mouth. It makes my teeth hurt.
2. I've never smoked a cigarette. Nope not even one.
3. Toilet paper commercials completely gross me out.
4. I unintentionally take the longest route possible to get places.
5. I am extremely self conscious about my legs.

5 things most people don't know about me:
1. I am afraid of reading aloud in front of people.
2. I am exceptionally talented at hovering over a toilet.
3. I have to sleep with a glass of water next to me ... you know, just in case.
4. I tend to judge people solely on their smile. Bad smile, they don't stand a chance.
5. I slept with my Cabbage Patch kid, Angelina, until I was in high school.

long locks no more.

I cut all my hair off!


You like?

It's perfect.

Today was the most perfect day.
Perfect people.
Perfect places.
Perfect food.
Perfect swings.
Perfect music.
Perfect conversation.

Days like this should not be so few and far between.

another positive list

These always make me feel better.

Here we go. A short list of things that make me happy:

Pretending to be a lead singer in Rock Band.
Car dancing to FOB.
John Mayer, always, every day of my life.
Long distance friendships.
Facing things alone.
Lydia Earhart.
Radiohead tickets - yep, I got some!
Manicures.
Touch screens.
Tuna salads.
American Idol.

Movin' On

That's what I'm doing. I have to. It was a good try, I suppose. But apparently not enough, huh?

Deep breaths. It'll get easier each day.

I got this again, boo.

Amy Winehouse: Yes, Yes, Yes

I don't care what Natalie Cole says. I think Amy Winehouse deserves her Grammys, dammit.

That album is amazing, and if you don't own it, then go buy it. And if you can't afford it, I'll burn it for you. I love it. I just hope she doesn't kill herself before I have the chance to see her in concert.

P.S. I miss KLR's face more than Amy misses her Blake incarcerated

be here now.

I miss Sunday afternoons, laughing, talking, and bonding.

I miss COL high scores, sleep overs, Jim Miller Road chants, understanding, top 5 lists, talking points, face, love, tapes, and MOS cuddling.

I miss Old Navy trips, monkey gossiping, wedgies, plate tectonics, park days, editing, and candle lighting.

I miss tickle, tickle, outfit planning, shrimp busters, lunch dates, Weeds, sies, house hunting, car dancing, and exceptional friendship.

I miss John Mayer pump up sessions, room to room IM conversations, dance parties, Conan, and cough syrup chugging.

I miss road trips, pj pants borrowing, lazy mornings, DVD marathons, Saturday Sundown lunches, dancing, late night conversations, lip synching, and unconditional love.

five.

5 things everyone knows about me:
1. I abreev and/or add sies to most words.
2. I can't swim, therefore I don't like anything to do in the water.
3. I rarely clean my plate.
4. I have a nice ass.
5. I am a terrible speller.

5 things few people know about me:
1. I can't stand it when people put any type of cotton or really any kind of material in their mouth. It makes my teeth hurt.
2. I've never smoked a cigarette. Nope not even one.
3. Toilet paper commercials completely gross me out.
4. I unintentionally take the longest route possible to get places.
5. I am extremely self conscious about my legs.

5 things most people don't know about me:
1. I am afraid of reading aloud in front of people.
2. I am exceptionally talented at hovering over a toilet.
3. I have to sleep with a glass of water next to me ... you know, just in case.
4. I tend to judge people solely on their smile. Bad smile, they don't stand a chance.
5. I slept with my Cabbage Patch kid, Angelina, until I was in high school.

Boo Hoo

Every morning I wake up, get a shower, wash my face, and brush my teeth, turn on GMA and listen to it while I put makeup and get dressed. And 3 out of 5 mornings I tear up. Damn GMA. Whether it's a segment about a toddler surviving a plane crash or Robin Roberts walking down the runway and finally feeling pretty after battling breast cancer, I can't hold the waterworks back.

I don't shed a tear at Phantom of the Opera, but just turn on a little GMA and the tears can't stop flowing.

nights don't get much better than this

-Coffee with Paul, Lane, and the Larys.
-Making plans to go to ACL Fest with Lydia.
-Talking about breakups and hookups with Dad, JJ, and Matty.
-Seeing that Wilco is playing a show in driving distance.
-John Mayer's ass.

true love

This makes me happy.

leap year

It's 2008.

It's going to be fun.
It's going to be weird.
It's going to be good.
It's going to be new.
It's going to be positive.
It's going to be grand.

Here's to 2008.

that's what she said.

I can't stop watching The Office.

When it first came out I didn't want to like it. I ignored it. Even though John Krasisnki is absolutely amazing. No matter how many people told me how good it was or how many awards it received. In comes Emily Turner and her Office obsession. I swear she said I couldn't be friends with her if I didn't like the show. Ok maybe not. But I did start Tivoing the reruns on TBS.

Then ... this past weekend it all went downhill. I bought seasons 1,2, and 3. And really, I can't stop watching it. Really since Wednesday I have gone through season 1 and 2 and half way through with season 3. Why have I spent 10 or so hours in front of the tv? Maybe because I may have strep throat? Maybe because I don't have a life? Maybe because I like watching Michael Scott dancing? Maybe because I can't stop falling in love with Jim? Or maybe because the show is so freaking good. I think so.

Hug it out, bitch.

Mmmm

Hi. I am still here. Not much to say, I guess. Or I am just lazy. Maybe a combination of the two.

I have become obsessed with Drumsticks and David Beckham. Can I have a piece of David Beckham's drumstick? Delicious!

ready, set, go.

I'm ready to talk about it.

Let me break it down for you. Here it goes. Me putting it all out there.

Back in May a lot of things went down. I made a decision to try and fix my relationship with PCM. By doing that, I decided to take a break. That break became a bit more permanent than I expected. Like I said. He decided to do what was best for him, and I did what was best for me.

My life changed completely. My emotions were so raw, so real, so incredibly painful that I couldn't put into words how I felt. I just couldn't do it.

Let's get things straight I was not a very independent person. How was I going to live the rest of my life without him? We had so much fun together. It seemed like every part of my life he was a in it. Those pj pants. He bought them for me for Christmas. My favorite TV show. We used to watch marathons for days at a time. Friends. Over 60% of my friends were his friends too. I couldn't escape him. But I had to. See, that was the problem. I lost myself in him. I didn't know who I was without him. How did I get this far deep?

I got distracted with other things. I picked up the pieces of my heart and started my life as a single twentysomething.

I did things on my own. Sure, I missed him. But I was starting to like me. I'm a cool person. I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. Who I wanted to be. I had to make myself happy. Not worry about what made someone else happy.

I started to move on. I thought we were done. Never getting back together. I was fine, really. I was on my way to getting more than fine.

Then.

We saw each other.

A group of friends met at a bar. It was awkward seeing him. For the past few months he was just this idea in my head. In my head he stayed home every night and was sad about his life because I wasn't with him -- haha. He wasn't a real person who goes to the same bar as me.

I sat down. He sat next to me. I leaned over to ask him something, an hour later we joined back in with the group conversation. Chemistry was still there. Everything was still there.

It was all still there.

What did that mean?

We both didn't have a clue.

We talked some more the next night. Got shit straightened out. We kissed.

Yep, it was all still there.

We still didn't have a clue what to do. One big issue was still there. An issue with only one solution. We went on a few amazing dates. It was all still the freaking same. But I decided this dating business wasn't the right thing for me.

All or nothing, PCM.

You figure your business out, and I'll get mine.

So, we are friends right now. Friends with amazing chemistry and an amazing history. Friends is fine for now. Friends figuring it all out.

So, now the feelings aren't so raw. And I have enough strength to talk about it. I'm not scared shitless. I'm in a good place right now.

There you have it.

Awwww, SNAP.

BF

Did you see Grey's Anatomy tonight?

You know one of the last scenes when Izzy walks into her house and George is sitting there? And she and George say something like this:

Izzy: I'm in love with this incredible guy, and we are having problems. And my best friend, he would know what to say to me about it. I need to be able to talk to my best friend.
George: Why isn't this easier?
Izzy: I don't know.
George: Well, I want my best friend back.
Izzy: Me too.

I know exactly how that feels. Exactly. I'm sure most people know what that is like.

The thing is that while it really sucks, you make a new best friend. You find a new person. Not right away, and it takes a couple of tries, but you do.

You make it. Just give it some time.

But sometimes you still just want your best friend back. And that's ok. Time will heal that, too.

see, smell, hear, taste ...

There are a lot of pros and cons to being single. Sure, I am probably going to save a few hundred or so dollars at Christmas time. And, yeah, I don't have to worry about feeling guilty if I flirt with another guy.

And most of the cons I am fine with. Driving myself home after going out. Solution: talk on the phone or put on some really good music. Not sharing a bed. Solution: pile some pillows and cuddle up, or just spread out becuase I get the entire bed to myself.

But there is one con that is really bothering me. I blame it on my addiction of Pushing Daises and the one thing Ned and Chuck cannot do: touch.

No one touches me. No one hugs me on a regular basis. I don't have any hands to hold. I don't have any one to play with my hair. I don't have anyone to scratch my back after a long day. No one to lean on when my back hurts. I miss the invasion of personal space.

Come invade. Come scratch my back. Come hold my hand.

no, no, no

Do you ever feel like you are just fooling everyone? That one day they are bound to catch on?

Yeah, me too.

I am the sober Amy Winehouse in a second life. I was born to wear that much eyeliner.

boo.

All you need is love.
Love.
Love is all you need.

<3

burrrr rabbit

It's freezing outside! Ok, so it's not freezing -- it's just barely cold. But jacket cold. Maybe heater cold if you are a pansy like me. BUT! It's not hot. It's not even mildly warm. Ok, I'm saying it's cold.

IT'S COLD! Yay!

Oh, and this weekend I am going with two of my favorite gals, MT and KLR, to Dallas. Woohoo! Be very jealous. We are going to shop, stay at a fun/semi-fancy hotel, eat, and go see Maroon 5 (don't make fun!). Yep, you should be very jealous. We are amazing, and you are sad that you aren't going with us.

seriously.

I can't stop eating. Really. I. Can't. Stop.

The past week or so, I have been on a non-stop eating binge it seems. I'm blaming the womanly time of the month (tmi? sorry). This better stop soon.

What's for dinner?

beantown blues

I miss Boston.

Watching the Sox win game 6 of the ALCS followed by this week's Boston Legal made my heart ache for that place. The Commons, Newbury St., Steak Bomb, Beacon St., Wrap, Charles River, cemeteries, the North End, crazy homeless people, accents, over-priced meals, The Upper Crust, CVS, scamming the mass transit, window shopping for clothes I will never be able to afford, the Pru. I miss it all.

I want to go back.

I need to go back.

This is probably my favorite spot in the world.

5.0

Five years ago today I sent this text message -- "Can we talk?"
He thought I wanted to call things off.
Turns out, I wanted to call things on.
We had a really good 4.5 years. Amazing, really.
We are good now. Friends?
Maybe we will stay friends, maybe we will get back to "us." I'm not sure on that answer right now, but that's ok. We'll figure it out.
I am so lucky that for the past 5 years Patrick has been in my life. He has taught me so much about myself, about how strong I can be, about being a friend, about believing in myself, and most importantly how to have fun.

To five more years of here poochie poochie faces.

Season for thanks.

Things I am thankful for today:
My amazing mom.
Lunch traditions.
Project Runway marathons.
Waking up early.
Good girlfriends.
The Beatles.
Mix CDs.
Vegetables.
Honesty.

I'm sure there are more. But those are the important ones for the moment.

<3

shut up

Please. Just shut up.

I cannot stand it when people come in during the middle my favorite show and start asking questions. Especially when they haven't seen any episodes of the season. I cant take a simple question here and there, because, I even forget some stuff. But to come in being all loud and asking questions that you would have known had you watched any episodes at all and then repeat the question when no one has answered you. Don't you get it that we are trying to pay attention to the show, and I don't know it may be an important part? Just shut your face, please.

What's next? Asking me to sit down during a concert? Oh, yeah. Been there done that.

You know what I'm saying, b?

Can we watch the MOS dvd together curled up on a couch?

:)

Things that make me smile.
Diabetus.
Bad acting on Private Practice where a man kicks his dead wife's grave, then pets it.
White Zynf.
Planning birthday parties.
Tuesday night catch up sessions.
Impulsive WalMart shopping trips.
Gmail emoticons.
Myspace stalking.
Top Model makeovers.
EW.com TV Watch.
Salads.
New love for raw red onions.
Peep toe pumps and flats.
Hoodies.
KLR.
Robin Roberts.
Feta cheese.
Any kind of cheese.
Big Sam.
Bangs.
Love.
And of course, MIGAS!

No one ever tells James Bond which way to go.

I am at home at 4:45 watching Notting Hill. I love it. I miss afternoons to myself. I can get so much done. Like blogging, watching TV, snacks, going to the dr. only to have them reschedule because she has to deliver a baby (by all means don't let me stop you from bringing a human being into the world), getting the hanging down plastic thing on my car fixed. See? Lots of stuff I can get done.

I really do miss being in college. Naps, no worries, being surrounded by friends, grilled stuffed burrito nights, front porches, staying up late, Japanese food trips. Yep, I miss it. But I am starting to like this life.

Today was my one year anniversary at work. I celebrated it by taking the afternoon off for a half day sick day. One year. Already? Geez. Sometimes I feel like I finally have some sort of grasp on my job, and some days I feel as lost as I did one year ago.

things.

-If you haven't watching the new ABC show "Pushing Daisies," then go to abc.com and watch it online. It's amazing. Very Big Fish-ish. The boy is cute, the girl is a Zoe Deschanel twin. And pies and raising people from the dead are involved. Amazing.

-Speaking of TV. I am loving the fall lineup. Grey's is coming back to its roots. Not quite there, yet, but it's on it's way. Desperate Housewives is looking like it's going to be a good season. And Boston Legal. How much do I love Boston Legal? AMILLION! That's how much. Seriously, go rent all of the seasons, or just start watching this one. You will fall in love. It takes place in Boston, William Shatner is in it, AND AND a cute British girl is the new lawyer. She rocks my world. And then there are the old stand bys ... ANTM, LA Ink, Ugly Betty, and you know my thoughts on Dancing with the Stars.

-My mom was home this weekend. It was a much needed visit. We just hung out and cooked the entire time. Oh, and watched Dancing with the Stars. Apparently, we can't get enough. I will be sad to see her go tomorrow. But it'll be ok.

-I'm about ready for the holidays. Or at least some cooler weather. Target has some pretty cute jackets, and I want to be all up on it. Come on fall breeze, where are you?

-I have a slight, ok not so slight, obsession with social networks. OBSESSED. I can't stop. I need to take control over it. I don't know what it is about facebook and myspace. I just constantly check it. I'm going to work on it.

-I need some new good reads. Any ideas? I want like good meaty reading material. Something to feed my mind.

-I'm ready for my life to be settled. I haven't been settled in about a year. Things will look like they are settling, and then bam it gets all stirred back up again. Just ready for something stable. It's coming soon. I'm excited about it.

-My grandmother is absolutely fabulous. I love her so, so much.

America's Next Top Dancing Mom

I just cried while watching America's Next Top Model.
Yes, you read that right.
I just cried while watching America's Next Top Model.
What is wrong with me?

Poor Heather.
Heather suffers from Asperger's syndrome and of course the other girls picked on her. No surprise there. So, Heather turned to her mom for some advice. She couldn't hold back the tears. Her mom told her to keep her chin up, and like any good mom, be kind to the other girls. I suppose Heather's need for her mom's comforting words may have hit a little close to home.

I called my mom tonight crying. Balling actually. My mom moved about 2 months ago to New Orleans. It's been an adjustment to say the least. I couldn't hold back anymore how much I missed her. I cried, she cried. Then what did we do to make ourselves feel better? Discuss this season's Dancing With the Stars. Oh, ABC's fall lineup. How I have missed you so. Mom and I may be 333 miles away, but nothing will cheer us up like a good C-list celebrity Fox Trot.

Period.

Standing in an obnoxiously long line at Albertson's.

Painter Man: I'm not ready for that self check out, just yet.
Me: Oh yeah? I would do it, but I have this motion to bottle of wine in one hand, while trying not to drop bag of chips and two boxes of feminine products in the other.
PM: Ha, yeah.
Manager: I'm going to open this register, just follow me.
I follow PM to the open register. PM motions me to get infront of him in line.
PM: You ... um ... have ... less items than me. Go ahead.
Me: Thanks!

I feel it all. I feel it all.

One week.
Lots of things can change.
I'm liking it.
It's been an interesting summer.
School's back in session, boys and girls.

This lady

And this lady

Are my memory makers.

bonding

Even though I just moved into my new apartment, tonight I am sleeping on a matress in my parent's room with my brother. Why? Because my sink is busted and some guy is coming at the butt-crack of dawn to fix it, and the ac is out at my parent's house -- except for the unit in their room.

Lots of stuff going on in my life. I can't even put it into words at the moment. I will soon.

For now, though I am going to bed at 9:45 p.m. on my parent's floor.

Goodnight.

Thanks.

Thank you. Yep. You.
Thanks. I appreciate your face. All of it.

I have been completely selfish the past few months, and you have allowed me to do that. You put my needs in front of yours. You listened to me. You heard it all. You were a pillar of strength whether you knew it or not. Thank you for letting me get through this. I made it through the other side. I am better because of it. I am great, actually. I'm on the right track.

Thank you. I can't say it enough.

Now, it's your turn. I promise to be a good friend to you. I will put you first now. It's your turn, baby.

Let's go have some fun, and eat some tacos while we are at it.

Story of my life.

You know that dream you have where you are naked and you run into your ex-boyfriend for the first time since breaking up and he is with a girl you are less than fond of as well as his friend who never really liked you anyway at a concert the two of you were supposed to see together and after you talk to him you turn around and fall on your ass?

Yeah, that dream became a reality Friday night -- except I wasn't naked. So, I guess that's a plus.

I just picked myself up from the fall and walked away. I really think it is a metaphor of the past two months of my life.

It would only happen to me, and that is what's so great about my life.

Jage

This past weekend my brother, JJ, and I hit the road for Lafayette/Baton Rouge/Denham Springs. Spending 10 or so hours alone with JJ was the top ten hours of my life.

We said it all by singing someone else's words. Those words became our dialogue. He understood me, and I understood him.

I never realized how much I missed being around him. I didn't realize how much he already knew about me without me having to explain it all. He got it. My little brother is all grown up, and I am really enjoying the person he is becoming.

Just give me JJ, Jeff Tweedy, and the open road, and I'll be just fine.

Got it.

I am feeling pretty good these days. Most days I am feeling pretty good.
My life makes me laugh. I laugh at my situation all the time.
My life is pretty fun, right now. I think I am happy with it.
I just figure I have two choices, be sad and feel sorry for myself all the time, or go out and be happy. I have chosen to be happy. At least make the effort, put the right foot forward to being happy. And that's what I am doing. Sure it's not always going to be easy, and I won't always feel this good. For right now, though, I am good. I have an incredible group of friends, and my family rocks my face off.
I'll just laugh at myself and be happy with what I got.
I got some pretty amazing shit.

Pride.

I weigh 127 pounds. I haven't seen this weight on a scale since high school.
It's not something I am proud of like every one seems to think.
"Jordan, you look so good. I am so proud of you."
Proud of what? Proud that I have been too upset this past month to even have an appetite? Proud that the only thing I feel like I can control is what goes into my mouth?
So, yes, I have lost weight, but it certainly isn't something to be proud of.

I think I am going to go have some ice cream.