he sums it up

conversation with Sati just a few minutes ago after dinner and rice krispy treats..

Sati: What CVS do you have to go to?

me: The one on 59.

Sati: Your life doesn't make any sense.

even my choice of pharmacy screams random.  and I'm his nightmare..I think that's a term of endearment..

.jl.

I'm a clA$$y birthday girl. Apparently.

Celebrated the big two seven last night.  

Happy Hour at Howl at the Moon.

Followed by Rockets game.

Followed by numerous bars.  

Took way too many shots.

Nasty shots.  Oatmeal cookie shots.  Really?

Drank way too many Three Olives Cherry and Cokes.

Got cut off at the bar for the first time in my life (I think).  Reasons above.

Played air guitar on my cast.  Let others play air guitar on my cast. 

Relived the night through my camera (pictures will NOT be posted).

No clue who 80% of the people on my camera are.  

Got called a cute "couple" with someone I wasn't a couple with, then asked to be a surrogate mother for the gay couple at West Gray Cafe at 4am.  

I realized I can never be a politician because of my drunken actions last night.

And according to my mom, I'm a very "mature" 27 year old by calling her at 3am begging her to sing Happy Birthday to me.  I am mature.  I love it.  

Here's to another great year.  Thanks to everyone that came out last night and all the cards, texts and voicemails (voicemails are permitted on birthdays).  

And we were so hungover we cancelled our plans today and ended up eating Thanksgiving Dinner at Lubys.  Yes, Lubys.

.jl.

got flowers?

I did. 

and thank you. It made my day.  

.jl.

I'm a happy camper..

literally.  The one claim to fame I adamantly refuse to give up is that I am the most random person I know.  

If you were one of the lucky ones to receive a text from me tonight asking if it was possible to make s'mores in a candle, this may explain..

As I was watching TV (a mere 10 minutes after working out) I had a huge craving for s'mores.  And this wasn't one of those cravings you could push to the back of your mind and all is forgotten..  It was the kind of craving that pulled me off the couch, broken tibia and all (I can lift weights in case you're wondering how it's possible to work out with a broken tibia), and begged Chris to go to Kroger with me so we could make s'mores. 

Fast-forward to my kitchen roasting marshmallows on a chopstick using my bathroom candle (unscented of course, so it wouldn't compromise the taste).  Hail the gooey deliciousness! 

I wasn't able to perfect the "campfire" taste using a candle, but it made my night nonetheless and I'm thankful for random Tuesday nights.  And of course Chris made fun of me for throwing out the "I'm a happy camper" pun.  I'm pretty sure I still have chocolate all over my face and I love it.  

.jl.

justified ("just-if-I'd never done those things")

I think we all go through times of neediness, anxiousness, frustration and the like.  It's no secret that I'm smack dab in the middle of what I'm calling my "quarter-life crisis" and I've been looking for answers in every direction imaginable.  

In my searches, these 4 things have really helped me regain perspective:

1.  New Hope Church (part of my 101/1001)

2.  Quiet Time, aka Jayme time

3.  Running (note, my broken leg is currently keeping me from this!)

4.  Friends (both old and new)

#4 led me to #1.  My co-worker Tam'ra (who has quickly become a dear friend) invited me to try her church. I've been going to New Hope for the past few months and I really enjoy it. It's one of the only churches I can recall in recent history that preaches and teaches Scripture as opposed to being a savvy, motivational speaker.  

The church hosted a women's event yesterday, called Completely His-Loving Jesus Without Limits and invited Shannon Ethridge as the speaker.  I'll be honest-I had no clue who Shannon Ethridge was, but I'm happy I got to be in her presence, hear her story, and take away some life lessons that I desperately needed.  Shannon is a best-selling author and an empowering speaker.  It's not often you can sit in a room with over 100 women of different ages, races, backgrounds, careers and marital status and reach each and every one of them, but she did. And not just reach them, but impact them in a very lasting and emotional way.  I was one of these women.

Over the years I've heard a lot of inspirational messages and quotes, but probably none that stuck with me like this.  "We may remember what sins we've committed in the past, but as far as God is concerned, we've been JUSTIFIED (which means, "just-if-I'd never done those things!").  

I'm the first to admit that when it comes to sin, on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest amount of sin, I'm probably off the chart at about an 11.  Maybe even 12.  But what an enabling statement.  She couldn't have said that at a more advantageous time in my life.  I appreciate her saying that and reminding me that no matter how much sin is or was in my life, God will always love me. She reminded me that he can't love me more than He already does.  If He has forgiven me, I need to forgive myself.  

I know this blog covers arbitrary topics, but it covers things in my life and things in my head. This is something that truly inspired me and I wanted to thank Shannon Ethridge and her ministry and encourage others to be inspired by her.  I just bought "Every Woman's Battle" and the workbook "Every Single Woman's Battle" so look for updates here on how her words and stories will continue to help me see things for what they are and continue to add new perspective on life.

.jl.

one of the many reasons I can't stand (almost hate) myspace..

if you're trying to get a girl back after you've screwed her over once, you might consider changing your status from "In a Relationship" and your profile pic currently making out with another girl before friend requesting "the one that got away".  

and the fact she's your number one friend and completely accessible to me is amazing.  utterly. but don't worry..I simply don't care enough to tattle.  carry on.  this was humorous and I had to share.  (for the inquiring minds out there, I'm still in the "I don't know if I ever want a boyfriend again" phase.)

this solidifies my reasons for associating myspace and facebook with CRAP.  (already on the list of what NOT to date is "divorced". please add "myspace'er" to the list.)

(all of that aside, I find it ironic that the second you become available, the same guys that lied and cheated on you before are back swearing they learned the error of their ways.  Well guess what..I learned a few things myself.  Yet I can't help but feel bad for people.  It's such a shock to your system and so painful to realize you gave your entire self to someone that didn't do the same.  Doesn't anyone remain faithful anymore?  Note to self...There is a reason they're in your past...)

.jl.

I'm in ENVY..literally

Envy is one of the best magazines Houston has to offer (and most of Tejas as of late) and I finally got an article published by them. I am so excited to have been able to write about Isabella Dean and I'm super thankful for Nicole Zaza becoming Houston's new city editor.

Envy Magazine, November issue p 104
INDIVI-JEWEL

Houston has been blessed with an abundance of boutiques and forget-me-not shops practically on every corner of the five hundred and ninety-six square mile city. Seriously, it’s one of the few cities where you can make a wrong turn and find yourself amidst an old house turned boutique. While a lot of great shops can be found on Westheimer, it is key to remember the newbies who have yet to develop a front door.

Meet Isabella Dean (ID). And owner Kristi Kotsatos. It has been twelve months to the day since Kristi K. opened the doors of Isabella Dean (the virtual door that is, located just north of isabelladean.com) and began rocking Houston, and many other cities, one piece of recycled jewelry at a time. ID is a one of a kind, earth-friendly jeweler deep in the heart of Texas with the brains and inspiration of a dreamer standing behind it.

Kristi K. attempted every maneuver possible to evade the corporate world, which came equipped with high heels, BlackBerrys, employee handbooks and the like. After graduating from the University of Texas, Kotsatos completed a grueling program at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and then moving west to Sandy Eggo (San Diego, of course). Suffering through a chaotic quarter-life crisis and wanting to continue in the pursuit of all things Oprah’ish, she created a green and UPcycled jewelry company and embraced her niche.

She has developed 3 product lines, all at affordable prices, all paying respect to mother earth. The izzy collection (rest assured, not named after Katherine Heigl) is the foremost collection of ID, and Kotsatos donates $10 from every piece to charity. She also guarantees each piece in this collection is one of a kind, with delicately hand-cut stones creating a truly unique piece. [ID]entity is a collection celebrating those affiliated with UT as a way to identify with your alma mater. Finally, Scooper Couture is a line exclusively dedicated to the four-legged friends out there creating eclectic personalized dog tags.

With stunning design and unique pieces, this big-hearted girl has got one hell of a bright future. But for now, shhh…Isabella Dean is the best kept secret in Houston. Pass it on.





.jl.

where in the world is Mariska Hargitay?

Yesterday I partook in my civic duty to vote for our 44th president (note, I did not vote for our 44th president, I simply voted).  As you may know, Houston is not the safest, most prestigious city in the nation, and my poll was at a local elementary school in a seemingly dangerous neighborhood.

I figured with the pending election at stake AND being at a public school that security measures would have been taken.  I've long been told A$$uming things is not one of my better qualities.  In order to get to the room to vote, IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, I had to walk through the entire school building, pass 5 classrooms filled with innocent children without having to check in, go through any security or even pass by an officer of the law.  I didn't have to show an ID to enter, nor did I have to state the obvious that I was there to vote.  I contemplated how easy it would be to snatch a child off the monkey-bars simply to make a point to administrators and government officials.  

It's sad to say with today's nation there should have been precautions taken..not for the election and/or its integrity, not for the voters, but for the children at the school.  And for the parents who probably felt confident that their children were in safe and caring hands.  During my 10 minutes on school grounds, the most intimidating employee I saw was a 115 lb. 87 year old woman on the playground for recess with her watchful eye cast over 20 or so children.  All kidding aside, I wasn't even sure if she was alive or not.  

I'm astounded with all the horror stories of child kidnappings and pedophiles out there that these children were exposed to such potential dangers.  While voting for our next president is extremely important, so is every child in every city.  To put them in such peril so we could open additional polls just seems ludicrous and a complete disregard for their safety.  

Sadly I was anxiously awaiting Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni (huge sigh) to show up. Thankfully they weren't needed.  At least this time.  

.jl.

In the Spirit of Being Thankful.. (November Barstool p 13 & 14)

In the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday (which also happens to be my birthday), let’s all share what we’re thankful for when it comes to the Houston nightlife scene.

I’ll start…I am eternally grateful for the guys that rock the front tuck because it ensures a full night of hysterical laughter. Don’t be indecisive guys…tuck your shirt in or leave it out, but not both. It’s the same reason mullets don’t work..it’s either business all over or party all over, but not both.  

I’m thankful that if I run into douche bags at one bar, there are plenty of other bars to scurry off to. I’m thankful that Lucky’s finally opened directly across the street from Lofts at the Ballpark. I’m thankful for s’mores at So Vino Wine Bar. I’m thankful for Bloody Sunday at The Wet Spot because I was born in Wisconsin so bloody marys are in my blood (no pun intended…swear). Not only am I thankful for the pizza that awaits you as you exit bars, I’m much more thankful for the bartering system of actually paying for the pizza. Sally Struthers would shit her pants if she knew just how cheap late night pizza was in midtown. (Tell me you remember Sally Struthers? The blonde crazy haired lady from the 80’s that always begged for money to feed kids in third world countries. Remember, for only $21 a day you can feed an entire orphanage.) I’m thankful for big belt buckles, cowboy hats and country line dancing at Wild West and Whiskey Creek. It doesn’t matter how many freaking times I see that Cotton Eyed Joe routine, I’ll never learn the damn dance but will forever be watchful. I’m thankful that every night in Houston is steak night somewhere. I’m thankful that hurricane IKE is over and our favorite bars are open and back in business. I’m thankful that no matter what bar you catch a football game at, there is ALWAYS some diva donning a jersey for a team she has no clue about but swears she’s a die hard fan. Speaking of football, I’m also thankful for any bar where I get to see the Florida GaYtors and Virginia Tech Hokies lose. It would be amazing if they were able to play against each other and both teams lost. ESPN and I would both be having a field day and would talk about it for weeks. I’m thankful for the big city views of downtown from some of my favorite bars even though I know downtown can sometimes look bigger and better than it really is. I’m thankful for hanging out at Howl at the Moon and just as I pick on a poor goon to make fun of, so do the dueling pianists. I’m also thankful for the word pianist. I’m thankful for my newly discovered flavored sake shots at Beer Island. I’m thankful for bars like Komodos that feel like home because lets face it..Komodos feels more like home than my apartment these days. I’m thankful for World Market because they are the ONLY place that sells Cupcake Chardonnay in town (and no, I did not mean Cakebread). I’m thankful for informing all the readers that Thanksgiving is ALWAYS on a Thursday, the last Thursday of November to be exact. So no need to ask “What day of the week is Thanksgiving on this year?” because the answer will always remain the same..Thursday. I’m beyond thankful for 80’s night at Pub Fiction and their Bacardi Fiction drink that tastes like grape soda for only $4 and always turns my lips purple. I’m thankful for an alcoholic concoction that resembles Dr. Pepper without actually having it as an ingredient-Three Olives Cherry Vodka and Coke. TRY IT. I’m thankful for bars that carry Three Olives Cherry vodka. I used to be thankful for bars that carried sugar-free redbull but according to the doc, I can’t drink it anymore, so what the hell do I care? I’m thankful for the many people that contributed to this article by supplementing my list with the one below. And in case you forgot, I’m thankful for my birthday being on Thanksgiving and all the wonderful shots my friends will buy me. But I am NOT thankful for the obvious hangover the next day.  

And who the hell could forget a city with a kicka$$ magazine like Barstool? I’m thankful for a publication like this.  

So I asked around and here’s what other Houstonians said:

“I am thankful for…”

never drinking more than 3 blue margaritas at El Patio
being able to sit in purple, blue, green and yellow chairs on the ever-popular Taco Milagro patio
reverse happy hours (in case you missed the normal one, or just to continue the fun at a cheap rate)
$6 cab rides in the city
new bars like Union that have awesome drink specials and numerous televisions
no matter what you wear or what you’re in the mood for, Houston always has a bar for you
cheap beer at West Alabama Icehouse
margaritas at the original Ninfa’s on Navigation
that Front Porch opened up their sister bar Porch Swing because you can never get enough of that atmosphere
industry nights all over town showing love to one another
kick ass tunes on Keneally’s jukebox
steak night at The Tavern
LSU football games at Big Woodrow’s
the fine girls that gather at the fine establishments in every crevice of Houston
valet guys that don’t make you pay when you pretend you don’t have cash
ROCBAR and their Monthly Mayhem
cheeseburgers and karaoke at Christian’s tailgate
cool door guys like Jessie at Zeppelin
Dirt Bar because it’s chill and remains Houston’s best kept secret (oops)
pre-nightlife with phenomenal drinks and dining in the Montrose area
the one-of-a-kind house music and DJ’s at Zeppelin
the variety of people (mostly men) you can meet in Houston
wonderful drinking supplies that can be acquired at Spec’s (aka Drinker’s Playground of Fun)
bars with roofs to showcase the Houston skyline in Midtown
Sky Bar and SouthBeach for dancing in Montrose
free piercings on Fridays at RocBar
Warehouse Live still booking amazing shows (and surprisingly enough never cutting me off)
numerous after-bar dining options other than Taco Bell
girls in short dresses that love dancing and always forget they are wearing short dresses (especially to the YMCA)
the stalker platform at Whiskey Creek so one can see the girls dancing in short dresses
my friends that bring their cameras to the bars and get pictures of the girls in short dresses (I kid, I kid)
dog-friendly bars (especially Little Woodrow’s and West Alabama Ice House)
favorite after work cheap spot…front porch (best mozzarella sticks—drunk or sober and frozen oj drinks)
THANKS again to those of you who shared what you’re thankful for.
On the count of three, we are all thankful for Barstool Mag….one…two…three

.jl.

even crazy dreams come true

I often forget how powerful music and lyrics can be in a time of need. I went to the Carrie Underwood concert tonight at Reliant with Brittany and Jen and got more out of it than just good tunes.  I think I gained some perspective on a few aspects of my life and was somewhat inspired. 

First..Carrie Underwood is smoking hot. If anyone reading this has ever found a flaw in her, please let me know.  I need to know she's human and has at least one flaw.  

First and a half.. She talked about how she can't seem to find Prince Charming (join the club sister) which is mind easing and alarming all at once.  She basically has the ability to hand pick men from all over the country and even she gets screwed over and can't seem to find a good one. (i.e. songs about kissing frogs, the more boys she meets, the more she loves her dog.)  And the fact she did a Fleetwood Mac and a Guns n Roses cover really made me heart her even more than previously stated.  She's a bada$$ chick.  

Second..her voice is amazing.  I've always loved her music (hence going to her concert), but tonight as I sat back and enjoyed the night and listened to her, the words really struck a cord with me.  (My disclaimer for this post is that I don't often get into music and my interpretation of the lyrics may be the furthest thing what she meant when writing them.  But that's the beauty about music..everyone takes what they want or need and translates it personally.)

I can't remember the last time I spent an evening somewhere when I KNEW there would be no single, straight men there.  Out of 15,000 bodies under one roof, it truly was a girls night (with sparse couples scattered throughout).  It's so nice to be somewhere and enjoy the night for what it is.  To not worry with men.  To not think about men.  Who am I kidding, as I continue to write you'll see I was obviously thinking..

So here are some of the lyrics that hit me tonight..

Flat on the Floor..

"You can't knock me off my feet,

When I'm already on my knees"

"Don't knock on my door cause I won't come

I'm hiding from the storm 'til the damage is done"

and all of these lyrics will hopefully lead me to this point..

"'til there ain't no sign, 'til there ain't no sign, 'til there ain't no sign of you"

Lessons Learned..

"And every tear that had to fall from my eyes,

Everyday I wondered how I'd get through the night,

Every change, life has thrown me,

I'm thankful, for every break in my heart,

I'm grateful, for every scar,

Some pages turned,

Some bridges burned,

But there were lessons learned.

There's mistakes that I have made,

Some chances I just threw away,

Some roads,

I never should've taken,

Been some signs I didn't see..

Some wounds,

That I wish I could have one more chance to mend,

But it don't make no difference,

The past can't be rewritten,

You get the life you're given.."

If you want one more, this entire song really says a lot..

and my two personal faves..

Before He Cheats..

"I took a Louisville Slugger to both headlights"

Obviously, I would never do this, I just really enjoy the line and the fact I've played softball my whole life makes it even better.  On a side note, how troubling is it that this song was apropos to the 3 of us..recently.  Unfortunately, it's a part of life that people fall out of love, which I'm still learning, but end it first.    

And I'll close with the most appropriate lyric to date (at least for me)..

Start's With Goodbye..

"It's sad, but sometimes moving on with the rest of your life,

Starts with goodbye"

.jl.