I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Jenn

The holidays are upon us, friends. In case you didn’t know it, you can just check my schedule and be reminded. Lawd, things get busy this time of year. This week I actually have THREE nights in a row where I have no obligations, and I don’t know what to do with myself. Last week I had zero free nights. Not that I’m complaining, because those non-free nights are usually filled with boozing and merriment with friends –so, they are commitments I’m willing to make. And even double-book.

This past weekend Dad came in on Friday afternoon. Mom was laid up with a bad cold at home and couldn’t come, so we promised not to have any fun.

We toured the Corsair Distillery here in Nashville, which was really fun. Oops – sorry Mom! It’s in the old Yazoo Brewery space for you Nashvillians. They make gin, whiskey, rum, moonshine, vodka…and probably six other things I’m leaving out. And you get to taste them all at the end. Yes – it’s as much liquor as it sounds like. It didn’t help that we had a high alcohol content beer while waiting on the tour to start – so by about 6:30 p.m. on a Friday I was ready to go to sleep. But, I had a parent to entertain! So, we went to J. Alexanders for dinner then home and watched the first episode of Breaking Bad – trying to get Dad hooked on this one.

Saturday morning Dad and I got up and went to the Girls on the Run 5K. He registered as a normal runner and I was running with my running buddy, Ava. She is the coolest third grader. She PR’d and bested her previous 5K time by 5 minutes! I was so proud of her and we had a great time running. Dad just barely missed the podium and came in 4th or 5th place overall, cause he’s a speed demon. No little girls beat him, which was really all he cared about.

Dad and I celebrated our athletic efforts with lunch at the Silly Goose (the Goose is Loose!) which I think he really enjoyed. We polished it off with some Jeni’s Ice Cream and his visit was pretty much complete. He headed back home that afternoon and Rog and I went to our first Chanukah dinner that evening!

We had the most delicious traditional Chanukah dinner – thanks Kate and Andy!

Sunday I had my Sunday Funday book club and baked approximately 1,000,000 sausage pinwheels. I made some for work, some for book club and some for the band that Rogers had over last night. Seriously – I bought $35 worth of sausage, crescent rolls and cream cheese and just went to town. Consequently, also ate about 100 of them and now feel like poo.

Book Club was awesome, as usual. I love those girls. We did a book swap, too, which is always my favorite because the only thing better than a good book is a free good book! We do our big swap every six months and totally rack up. After about four hours of consuming wine, we also decided to hold our March book club in Palm Springs at Sally’s parents’ house. Sorry I’m not sorry my book club is cooler than yours.

Also, as 30 is rapidly approaching I’m acting more and more like an old lady every day. Last night in the dark I fell down (tripped over an ottoman that I suddenly forgot was there, even though it’s been there for a year or more) and banged my knee (my good knee) SO hard. Then this morning when I woke up I was laying there looking at my phone and I sneezed. I was sort of on my side and jerked my head in some funny manner when I sneezed, and damn near threw my back/neck out. Really? I couldn’t LIFT MY HEAD to sit up and get out of the bed. I thought I was going to have to wake Rogers to lift me up into a sitting position. But rather than do that, I just rolled onto my side and off the side of the bed. I landed with another solid “thud” on that same knee. Yes!

I laid in the floor for a while thinking Rogers would surely wake up and call 911 because I surely was dying (it’s possible I was also over-dramatizing the whole thing) – but he was still sleeping soundly. Men! So I somehow crawled into an upright position and managed to get dressed and ready. But dang – I’m injured.

I guess I’d rather hurt my neck when I sneeze than pee on myself when I sneeze. That’s next, right? Old age.

Xoxo,
Jenn

Keeping Austin Weird

Posted on October 14, 2012 by Jenn

Last weekend Rogers and I packed a bag and hopped an early flight for Austin, TX. My good friend and sorority sister, Crystal, was marrying her man Nick, and all the Phi Mu girls were en route to help her celebrate.

Rog and I made a mini-vacay out of it and stayed three nights and spent the whole time exploring and catching up with good friends. We LOVE Austin. If it wasn’t 1 million degrees there in the summer, I’d consider moving.

We found a perfect little cottage on AirBNB.com for $48/night. Yes, you read correctly. It was about the same size if not bigger than a hotel room and 1/3 of the cost. Totally private and a mile from the heart of South Congress where all the great shopping and eating is located. I highly recommend staying at the Cottage if you visit ATX.

Here are some photos.

Boots – and boots. All the essentials for TX trip.

Quick plane change in Houston. We’d been up since 4 and had stayed up till midnight the night before. Not wise.

We arrive in ATX and were in our rental car by 10:30 a.m. but couldn’t check in to our place until 3. No worries. I’m a planner extraordinaire and had scheduled some things to look at. First, Barton Springs. Austin’s humongous natural spring swimming hole. It was 300 yards long and a crisp year-round 68 degrees. And there were little old ladies swimming laps in it. With no wetsuit. OMG y’all. That is cold.

Lunch was at Kerbey Lane for the famous queso. It lived up to my every hope and dream and then some. It had guac and pico de gallo in it. I die.

We finally couldn’t stay awake any longer and checked in early. We found this bottle of wine waiting on us from our host. We enjoyed it post-nap, pre-dinner. Dinner was at Uchi, the Top Chef restaurant that we ate at during girls weekend in January. We met Melissa and Aaron there and loved it just as much as the first time – apparently so much I forgot to take pictures.

The next morning. Tacos at TacoDeli and coffee and tea at Austin Java. Two new favorites. We loved Austin Java so much we went back the next morning for breakfast.

Saturday morning was so cool so we walked off our breakfast at the Lady Bird Lake trails downtown. There were so many people out and it was BEAUTIFUL. It’s a lovely thing being in a city with so many active people.

Next was shopping and lunch on South Congress. On the left is Uncommon Objects, our favorite South Congress store. So weird. So fun. On the right is a bloody mary from some café that we just had to have mid-day. We lunched on food trucks across the street. I had Mighty Cone – and ordered a tortilla stuffed with crunchy shrimp and slaw, in a cone. Delish. Rog had a yummy pita that took approximately 45 minutes to make.

On the right – please check out what girl to the right of Rogers is wearing. WHAT.the..heck.

Saturday night – Salt Lick BBQ – again of Top Chef fame and again a place we fell in love with on Girls Weekend.

Then it was on to Gibson Bar to meet up with the lovely bride and groom! They arranged to be at their favorite bar for a set couple of hours so everyone could meet up and visit. Great plan. It was so fun.

The next morning – breakfast at Austin Java. I wanted sweet and savory so I had Farmer’s French toast AND a chorizo, egg and cheese taco. Rog had some kind of omelet with gouda cheese. It was all divine.

Shopping and more eating on South Congress for lunch, after visiting a couple book stores and the famous Waterloo Record store.

Sunday night – on to the big wedding! It was on a beautiful Texas farm and was definitely the most beautiful wedding I’ve been to. So much fun.

I definitely wasn’t wearing what I’d plan on wearing – because the temps were dropping into the 50s. We all went out and bought tights and pantyhose. Ha. Nothing like some nude pantyhose to dress up any occasion, right?

I snapped this as they headed up the aisle. They were positively glowing.

Phi Mu ladies. From the left, me, Monica, Melissa, Lindsey, Edgin and Katie.

Crystal had arranged for us to have a Pink Ladies lounge. Too cute.

The reception barn – right next to the outdoor ceremony sight. I’m telling you – this is what little girls dreams are made of!

There was a photo booth. Like, a real photo booth. It was so fun. How six of us crammed in there, I have no idea. You’ll notice in picture two that Melissa also brought a giant log into the booth. You’ll notice in photo three, that she inadvertently smacked me in the head with it between photo 2 and 3.

Me and the bride!

Why not?

Getting inside Monica’s blanket with her. Yes – she brought a blanket, which she wore most of the evening.

Me and Rog.

Thank you, Bristows, for letting us celebrate in your nuptials and fall in love with your city! We can’t wait to hear about Hawaii! Love you.

XOXO,
Jenn

For People Who Love Cocktails

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Jenn

One of the most fun and delicious events I’ve been to in Nashville since living here for seven years now is the Nashville Lifestyles Bartender Bash. I went last year with my friend Alice and it was the perfect girls’ outing. This year though, we’re letting the boys tag along.

It’s at Union Station Hotel, which is a beautiful venue, and bartenders from around town and Nashville’s finest eateries show you that there’s more to Nashville’s hot spots than good food — COCKTAILS! I mean, some of the things they whipped up last year were incredible. I can’t wait to see what this year holds! Here’s my recap from last year. (That post from last year also serves as a great reminder as to why I should never have short bangs again. Gross. WTF — all you people who call yourselves my real friends! NO).

Get your tickets now and join me — they’ll sell out! Beth over at Eat.Drink.Smile had a great write up about the event, today. The lucky little lady is judging the event. They’d have to call an ambulance if I got a full serving size of each cocktail — there’s no way I could have just a “tasting” of each. Heck no. Too yummy.

See you there, Nashville!

XOXO,
Jenn

“Hi, my name is Rain…”

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Jenn

…I have my own kiln and my dress is made of wheat.”

Name that show.

On Wednesday Rogers and I went to see a show at Mercy Lounge, one of Nashville’s mid-sized venues, which is awesome. Rogers had a friend in town who is the tour manager for Chris Robinson.

Oh fun, I thought – the Black Crowes! She talks to Angels!

No…just Chris Robinson. Nonetheless, Brian, Rog’s buddy, put us on the list and we were going to make an appearance at least.

So in preparation for the show, I Google Chris to see what he’s up to these days. Apparently, Kate Hudson’s ex is in a new band – the Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

First, get this image in your head.

(P.S. – that is not Jesus. That is Chris Robinson).

Now, some words from the homepage on his Website.

Glad tidings freaky friends of the brotherhood!
Mother California has launched us from
our gentle red wood nest!
& so begins our first trip into the
interior of our amber waves of grain!
Just a note to all who set our scene
that we can’t wait to bring our
musical trip to everyone.
Can’t wait to see your smiling faces
(& dancing feet) so bring your best Vibes!
Share & care together,
keep it between the lines,
only take what you can handle,
& let’s let the music play !

What’s that you say? I can’t hear you over the unicorns farting rainbows and puking butterflies.

WOW.

I really, really want to be a hippie. Seriously. I would love to move to Asheville and be a big ol’ hippie. But I guess I have to be in the mood or something. Because that was all just too much for me.

The people-watching on Wednesday was impeccable. There were hippies and hipsters and prepsters and everything in between. And the music actually was ok – Chris has a great voice. But the jamming out for five solid minutes at the end of every song, while incense circles the air and chics without bras noodle dance around the stage was all just a little much.

Ah well. I leave you with these words of wisdom from the Brotherhood.

Feel free to trip along with the bouncing ball or just float away…

Ah yes.

XOXO,
Jenn

Don’t be Jealous of the Excitement around Here

Posted on August 13, 2011 by Jenn

This morning I was performing my usual Saturday morning routine on the couch. PJs, blanket, coffee, Food Network. All was right in the world. Then, a commercial came on and I about came unglued when I saw who is getting her own show on the Food Network.

source

That would be the one and only Pioneer Woman. I LOVE the Pioneer Woman. I want to be her. Minus all the children. She rocks my face. I can’t waaaait for this show and to watch her cook, but most of all, I can’t wait to peek inside her life on the ranch. I want to live on a ranch, brand cattle and wear Wranglers every day.

More details on the show HERE.

On the agenda for the rest of the day, a trip to Wal-Mart AND Costco. Things are about to get WILD up in here.

XOXO,
Jenn

Tom Cruise – Use Your Witchcraft to Get the Fire Off Me

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Jenn

Oh the heat wave. I know I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, but DANG the heat wave is about to kill me. I seriously think that I may just burst into flames sometimes – and not even when I’m running, but just when I’m conducting normal everyday activities like WALKING TO MY CAR.

Seriously – give it up, mother nature. I’m so ready for fall, which I am pretty sure will be non-existent and we’ll go straight to a frozen tundra. Just because, mother nature seems to have some sort of vendetta against us all, as of recent years.

I ran 2.5 miles yesterday. I was going to do 3, but 2.5 was the breaking point. I immediately sat down on a park bench to take off my knee brace (that thing adds about 20 degrees to my body temp, I’m sure of it), and someone asked me if I was ok. I was like “Yeah – I’m fine – why?” “Just checking.” When I got home and looked in the mirror, his concern for me became clearer, since I looked something like this.

photo credit

This morning when I woke up, it felt like I’d smoked 2 packs of cigarettes. I’m not even kidding. My chest was so heavy, my voice was raspy and I felt like my lungs had water in them (or were lined with ash). I run around West End normally, so I know the car exhaust is not friendly. But yesterday I made a conscious effort to avoid it as much as possible, and ran through Vandy’s campus and through Centennial Park – but the pollutants and haze must just be hanging at mouth-level, EVERYWHERE. Ugh.

Ah well – 2.5 miles in this heat is a victory. I waited until 7ish, and it was still 96 degrees and felt like well over 100 with sweltering humidity. Gag. I mean, I am by nature a sweaty, hot person. Even in the winter, I’m all about some cardigans or light sweaters that I can peel off and put back on throughout the day as needed. I love big, cozy sweaters but can only wear them if I’m sitting outside all day. So this is really about to kill me.

This afternoon we’re supposed to get a rain shower or thunderstorm that might bring the temp to 78. I think I’ll throw on a goose-down parka and go soak up the frigid temps.

XOXO,
Jenn

Toot Your Own Horn

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Jenn

Last night Rogers and I were having a glass of wine on the porch – just talking and unwinding after dinner. The Holiday Inn next door always provides such good people-watching, so we were just taking in the scene. The Holiday Inn is home to the Commodore Grill, which has a singer/songwriter night Tuesday – Sunday.

Poor Rog despises songwriter nights, since he’s been to so many over the years. And it’s true — they are all the same. You’ll inevitably come across a couple of real talents in Nashville, because there are so many here. However, oftentimes you’d rather listen to a bag of cats being slung against the wall. Gag.

Maybe it was the wine – or maybe it was the wealth of intriguing characters parading into the Ho-Inn, but I stood up and said “let’s go to the Commodore.” And for some reason he agreed. Probably because I followed it with, “I’ll buy you a beer.”

We sat at the bar and started bonding with Tom the bartender. He brought us a plate of fried chicken that was leftover from a banquet earlier that night. Um – YES SIR! That’s the way to earn yourself a solid tip right there. Drop that drumstick in a free Sam Adams and you’ll really be my new BFF.

Good thing I got all dressed up and fixed my hair.

After a pretty good set, followed by a horrid Willie Nelson’esque serenade, something amazing happened. Members of the International Trombone Festival took the stage. Whaaaat? Are we still in Nashville, Willie?

It ended up being a blast – and let me tell you, these tromboners know how to party. It was kind of a strange extreme or another. They were either pounding tequila shots or drinking mudslides and daiquiris. Whatever toots your horn, I guess.

On the way home, we of course took some time for some photo ops with the mural on the side of our building. It’s creepy on so many levels.

The basketball coach – Al Roker. Here’s what’s happening in your neck of the woods!

Nose-picker!

Poor thing.

Pretty uncanny resemblance!

When we got home, Callie was watching a moth that had flown into the lamp. Momma helped the little hunter up and she really got after it. So funny. Rogers said we’re like an extension of each other.

I hesitate to post this video since my double-chin plays a starring role, but it’s pretty cute. (the video, not my chin).

Callie Hunter Cat

And that was our exciting Saturday night. Try to contain your jealousy!

Tootles, little nuggets!

XOXO,
Jenn

Don’t Stop…Get it, Get it

Posted on June 10, 2011 by Jenn

Last weekend was my *gulp* ten-year high school reunion. Can’t believe it. I also can’t believe that I had THE best time. Well, yes I can actually. We Kingston people know how to party.

More photos to come, because I’m tired and think maybe still recovering (five days later) – but my shins were so sore when I came home, for three days I wanted to wear these.

And I did for a great deal of time. It says “to recover from dancing all night,” on the CEP compression sleeve box, right? My shins were more sore than they’d ever been from running. Probably because there were serious amounts of this…

…in these shoes.

Then again – at some point I did decide it was appropriate (and more comfortable) to just take my shoes off at the bar, and dance barefoot. I would like to thank the staff of Hanna’s in the Old City for their dedication to cleanliness, since I haven’t found any glass, etc. in my feet.

Till next time, kittens.

XOXO,
Jenn

Category Archives: I’m Not as Young as I Think I Am

I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up

Keeping Austin Weird

For People Who Love Cocktails

“Hi, my name is Rain…”

Don’t be Jealous of the Excitement around Here

Tom Cruise – Use Your Witchcraft to Get the Fire Off Me

Toot Your Own Horn

Don’t Stop…Get it, Get it

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