life & such

Women & Weapons

2009-12-10T14:13:00.001-06:00

hahaha! i am handling weapons; specifically handguns right now. Doing photo shoots for a new client. I know NOTHING about them so it has been quite the learning curve for me.

thanksgiving day at the track

2009-11-28T12:27:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving Day at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans is a family tradition for many. In the past it was always opening day; changed a few years ago to move up a few weeks. I experienced my first ever horse race at the Fair Grounds with friends on Thanksgiving...it will now be my new holiday tradition. What an exciting atmosphere! I had a race form prior to going and chose two horses to bet on: Race 2 - Cowgirl Knockout and Race 5 - Rock N Roll Gal.
Cowgirl Knockout came in dead last. Rock N Roll Gal was scratched from the race.
Typical Jen Keen luck...LOL
Still was an amazing time. I can't wait for Thanksgiving 2010...

Facebook bringing friends back

2009-11-21T12:10:00.002-06:00

So glad I have reconnected with friends of old via facebook! Blake, I heart you...
xoxoxo
JK

halloween weekend

2009-11-19T09:48:00.005-06:00

halloween was a saturday but costumes for friday and saturday are appropriate right? oh and i wonder if i can wear the tutu to the firearms store tomorrow when i go to do their photo shoot? LOL wouldn't that be nice...

Pink Ribbon Gala

2009-11-16T21:17:00.003-06:00

State Book Festival...my FAVORITE event of the year! Oh and it's a block from my house :)

2009-10-28T16:24:00.001-05:00

Tailgate - Baton Rouge girl style...

2009-10-27T05:32:00.000-05:00

2009-10-22T09:29:00.000-05:00

blooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooog

Happy Birthday Lara!

2009-03-29T12:55:00.002-05:00

Surprise party seemed to be a surprise. Was a good time :)

I had a fabulous weekend

2009-03-24T06:00:00.012-05:00

I seem to somehow keep the social/ work calendar completely packed (no surprise to anyone who reads this regularly or knows me in the least). This weekend I didn't have too much "planned" but somehow was able to pack it with some really great times.
Friday, while driving from one of my stores back downtown to my office, a co-worker called and asked to do an early happy hour. The weather was beautiful and a patio happy hour sounded wonderful. Since I live downtown near the bustling BR bar scene and needed to run home to change out of logo wear, he agreed to pick me up. With plans to have drinks at a bar with an upstairs balcony and meet up with some friends, we arrive to find their doors locked. It seems that particular bar's happy hour begins at 5 when they open (we skipped out a bit early on Friday). Quickly find a bar with a street-level patio a block away is open and ready to serve us cold beverages. With friends we enjoyed the drinks and live music for a while before heading to Tsunami for a terrace cocktail and a view of the sunset over the Mississippi. Lovely afternoon!
Saturday morning I walked to the farmer's market with green bean. I didn't make any purchases since only planned on restocking figs and my usual vendor was out and went on to tell me it will be a while before he has figs again (Whole canned figs remind me ofmy grandmother's house as a child; I don't have them often but like to have them around for an occasional treat). Following the market, I took my bike and books to a downtown coffee shop to read then over to a bench on the lawn of the state capitol to enjoy some sunshine. I noticed the capitol looked open for tours and decided to lock up my bike and take a quick elevator ride to the top. Living and working downtown, I sometimes take for granted all of the amazing things right outside of my door! I don't think I have been to the top of the capitol since I was a kid on a school field trip (shameful).

Each state and year it became a state is represented with a step leading up to our capitol.

Saturday afternoon saw an outdoor lunch with Lara and Green Bean on the patio at Bravo! (in case you didn't get the memo: weather in the 70's, sunshine, girlfriends, patio dining & pinot grigio = perfect!!!).

My beloved LSU tigers were set to play UNC at 5:30 Saturday afternoon so I met up with Nat, K-Fed and others at the Bulldog to watch the game (patio again). Drinks and company were great but Tiger basketball not-so-much. I guess if we had to lose, UNC was the team to lose to. I did manage to lose a bet to my boy BFF (huge UNC fan) so will be sporting the baby blues every time UNC plays for a year!!!
Sunday I woke up early, drank coffee on my balcony, made muffins, had "Jen time", met my parents for church and quickly home to change for a BBQ at boss' house. His family is in town visiting so he invited a few of us over to meet them. Functions with work people can sometime be a total drag but this was a great afternoon and I am very glad I went. Dan and I arrived at 1:30 and didn't leave until after 11:00!!!

(Guys trying to rescue the last ball!)
Returning to work on Monday was not pleasant to say the least. I am grateful to have had such a nice weekend and hope the rest of spring is this nice.

Friday Night with the Green Bean

2009-03-21T22:04:00.003-05:00

Night Out with Silly Boys

2009-03-21T21:56:00.004-05:00

(a.k.a. Boyd and Rhodes)
Tsunami is the BEST place in BR to watch a sunset

Bulldog Happy Hour....

2009-03-21T21:42:00.003-05:00

....with Cousin Will and my adopted lil sis Lauren D! Love you and welcome back to BR my love

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

2009-03-17T06:15:00.005-05:00

a few pics from the BR St. Patrick's Day festivities in the style of Ivar's, Chelsea's and Duvic's...oh and Happy's too!

Me and my step-dad...Chelsea's (yep...parents attended for a while..)

Happy Birthday Green Bean

2009-03-17T06:11:00.004-05:00

We celebrated for a week, I think. Anyway official bday dinner was at Chelsea's on her actual bday followed by drinks at a much too crowded Bulldog on pint night then wrap-up cocktails at Duvic's. I think she enjoyed her bday and the company of friends.

Life's Difficult Moments

2009-02-18T07:03:00.002-06:00

The thought of maybe losing a friend to a new opportunity and a new city saddens me; however we must want the best things in life for our friends or what kind of friends would we really be?!? Good luck with today's decision; you know you have my support, all 100.01% of it ;) Love you girl!

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you.” Christopher Robin to Pooh

Recap of the Recent

2009-02-13T22:58:00.007-06:00

Work has been over the top top say the least; but whatever! I have made a few public appearances of late.

A night out to the T.O.L. for "Funny T Shirt" party (apparently the second of new monthly themed events Lisa will be hosting); a birthday party at jump n jive for cousin will's daughter; a going away party for a dear friend, Collin (moving to Birmingham) also was the Physics of Meaning show at Red Star; 2/3 of a movie with PB (Benjamin Button we had to leave the theater because some stupid ass tried to smoke a cigarette!!!); Spanish Moon to see the Annuals and Jessica Lea Mayfield with PB (although I think my laundry delay caused us to miss the act he really wanted to see); Chelsea's for dinner with Heidi, Hillary and Natalie

Another Facebook List...

2009-02-07T09:06:00.001-06:00

ONLY, and I mean ONLY ONE(1) word Share

Type ONLY ONE word answers!!!

It's harder than you think!! Here is what you are supposed to do...and please don't spoil the fun...
copy and paste into your own note, type in your answers and tag a bunch of people - including me.

Where is your cell phone......................charging
Your hair.........................................long
Your father......................................miss
Your favorite thing.............................bike
Your dream last night..........................none
Your favorite drink.............................water
Your dream/goal................................success
The room you are in...........................den
Your fear........................................snakes
Where do you want to be in 6 years........beach
Muffins..........................................banana
One of your wish list items....................kindle
Where you grew up...........................BR
The last thing you did.........................coffee
What are you wearing........................sundress
Your TV..........................................POS
Your pets.......................................none :(
Your computer.................................mac
Your life.........................................entertaining
Your mood......................................awesome
Missing someone..............................yes
Your car........................................zoom
Favorite store.................................Banana Republic
Your summer...................................fun!
Your favorite color............................pink
When is the last time you laughed..........today
Last time you cried............................sunday
Three people who email me..................kelly, leslie, natalie
Three of my favorite foods..................melon, beans, beets
Three places I would rather be right now: beach, Italy, DC
Three people I think will respond:..........natalie, holly bof, kat creech
Write a comment: Namaste..."the light in me honors the light in you"

Going around Facebook so will share here too...

2009-02-01T17:03:00.006-06:00

25 Randomw things THINGS....
I somehow could not paste intructions but I think they were as follows....
Tag the person who tagged you and do the same???
LOL
1. My sister is my favorite person; I miss her.
2. I have a crazy "to-do" list system. Actually, it is the Jessica Simon-Mann system!!!
3. I don't eat anything off of a bone or out of a shell...yuk!
4. I really appreciate a great book...classic but will always be my favorite...To Kill A Mockingbird. Atticus Finch reminds me of one of my grandfathers.
5. I am TERRIFIED of snakes. I can't even look at them in a book or magazine...oh, they creep me out.
6. I feel so honored that friends have asked me to stand in their weddings and that I am a Godmother...what a compliment and privilege.
7. I love the sound of a child laughing; it is so genuine and beautiful.
8. I appreciate every friendship I have had or do have and all that it has offered.
9. I miss my dad and think of him daily.
10. I love pickled beets; there are some in my fridge now. My friend Matt thinks that is quite strange..."Keen! You have beets. Who eats beets?"
11. I REALLY want to learn how to knit....Ok, girlzzzz we been talkin' about it for a bit now...time to start!!!
12. I am THE BEST jukebox player...EVER....he he.
13. I have the same birthday as Willie Nelson and he was my first concert at age six on our birthday because I loved the song "Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys"...go figure?!?
14. I really don't like to discuss politics! I mean, really!!!!! Just because I was a Poli Sci major does not mean I want to talk to you about politics everytime we see each other; especially after cocktails...this part of the note is devoted to one person ;)
15. I heart Thriller and anything M.J.!
16. I love family functions/ holiday gatherings...especially that Erik got my mom to play beer pong on Easter. We have a good time.
17. There are no previous relationships that I regret; I feel as though I learned a bit more about myself as a result of each of them ending.
18. I am a big fan of a hand-written letter or note; the beauty has been lost in our current tech age and it is so sad. An email or text message can't compare.
19. I have met many celebrities via work and by far the coolest and most likely to make the list of people I would hang with is Billy Joel; man was he laid back and so "whatever" about life and cool to work with. He rode shotgun in a passenger van while his band followed in a limo! Kid Rock can kiss my ass...and his Coors Light
20. I have a super crush on Timothy Hutton and it all began with the movie Beautiful Girls.
21. I love sports! Someone in a house full of females had to be friends with my dad, right?!?
22. A rainy Sunday is the best!
23. I have a pink beach cruiser bike with a whate basket and a bell that says "I heart My Bike"
24. I love Sharpies..Write Out Loud!
25. I respect my mother; she is an amazing woman.

Comments on note thus far -

Holley Vaughn at 8:46am February 1
Jennifer Keen you are the bestest!!
1) feel ya
4) TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD is my favoriate too!!! If I ever pop out a girl, Scout is most def in the running for names.
5) yup. For me, it's a biblical thing. snakes=satan. cased closed.
14) got it :-)
15) Thriller is so awesome it literally has the ability to rehabiliate criminals.
22) indeed.
Marc M Tittlebaum at 10:04am February 1
Timothy Hutton lived in my neighborhood while filming Everybody's All American. Debra Winger, his wife at the time, lived there too. When did you find time to do this!?
Steven Esteb at 1:38pm February 1
To Kill A Mockingbird. My favorite book and movie. I did name my daughter Scout.
Jessica Simon Mann at 3:18pm February 1
Awww, Jen, I'm so touched that you still use my organizing system. The cute notebook is the key! I love your list!!
Jennifer Keen at 4:35pm February 1
HV - Politics comment not meant for you; love you!
MT - Notice the time...12:54 AM, which was about a half hour after I got home from work last night.
SE & HV - Love the name Scout! Amy Bonds stole Atticus for me (Connor's middle name). Se - G Peck is amazing as Atticus, love the movie too.
JM - You're right, cute notebook is the key. Right now mine is boring and plain...maybe that is why things are quite right..he he. I miss you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Rachael Root Allen at 4:34pm February 1
#10 - I'm with ya on the beets..LOVE EM!
Jennifer Keen at 5:12pm February 1
RA - We MUST get together and catch up! SOON! Beets rule :)
Tanya Supple Dupuy at 7:43pm February 1
I watched To Kill A Mockingbird for the FIRST TIME during the Christmas holidays! Loved it. I liked Atticus but I really liked Scout. There are so many classic movies I have yet to see.
Amanda Tarleton Graves at 7:58pm February 1
Great list Jennifer! Sorry we didn't get to know each other in high school!
Jennifer Keen at 8:01pm February 1
Thanks, me too
Katherine Elliott Creech at 8:58pm February 1
I want to learn how to knit, too. It seems very soothing. Good job Jen!
Kelly LaBorde Barnes at 4:19pm February 2
Let's start a knit club! That would be cool as long as alcohol is involved too!! I would like to learn how to knit!!
Katherine Elliott Creech at 7:18pm February 2
Good idea Kelly! We can learn to knit while slightly lit. HA HA HA
But I really do like that idea...
Jennifer Keen at 9:54pm February 2
knit/ cocktail club sounds perfect

Life

2009-01-29T01:49:00.014-06:00

Just finishing up work for the day, well not finished but mentally can't do anymore and have nothing to blog other than I REALLY miss my friends and family :( I feel so disconnected...I love all of you and miss you terribly. Hope to see you soon too!

Cousin Will's Beginner Bar Shift

2009-01-25T16:29:00.000-06:00

Brief but VERY entertaining... he he

Busy Bee

2009-01-24T18:43:00.002-06:00

Work has been insane. Three store managers short, a first time visit from company president and a new store opening on tuesday. I feel as though i haven't had time to come up for air and there is no end in sight to the busy schedule as Super Bowl and Valentine's day approach which are two of the three busiest days of the year for us. Yikes! I just had one but already feel like I need another vacation. :(

I left the bed...

2009-01-18T16:13:00.004-06:00

to attend Lisa's "Swingin" 34th birthday party! The Swinger/ 70's themed event was quite a success. Very impressed by the outfits and hairstyles. Kind of bumbed now I didn't shop for a special outfit for this one :(

What happened to JK?

2009-01-17T16:01:00.002-06:00

I don't think I have spent this much time at home, much less in bed, in quite some time. It hasn't been such a good thing; I have spent way too much time getting reconnected via internets. At one point yesterday, I had a gmail and facebook chat going, was twittering with Aquarius, texting and emailing from new iphone and replying to email on computer...all while downloading a ton of music on itunes! Wow, complete information overload. I am not exactly sure which part of it is most disturbing, but I do know it is high time for JK to get OUT OF THE BED!!! Natalie's FB status this morning...lol..."Natalie thinks that Jennifer Keen's cold has resulted in her becoming a fan of way too many things overnight." Ok, point taken...I'm getting out to go to the office, maybe face the world for a bit (if I can break away from the computer that is). Ha! Pic is of my comfy new home, confined to bed...all of the essentials are there :)

2009-01-17T00:15:00.004-06:00

She writes a letter. Single-spaced. Breathless. No pauses. Just lets it run together and rush like the bottom of the waterfall. She rides her bike to his house. Takes the long way but pedals fast. And then she slides those liquid words under his door. Into the chaos of his heart.
- Persistance of Yellow

thursday night out

2009-01-16T23:34:00.002-06:00

attended a wine and cheese tasting at the LSU Museum of Art sponsored by Whole Foods, a stop in at Happy's Irish Pub for drinks and jukebox domination then settled at Roux House to see a band that was pretty good even though outdoor sign advertised Cam Pyle (my fav) and it wasn't him

Day in Bed

2009-01-16T20:21:00.002-06:00

After going out for a bit last night, which I seriously considered cancelling, I woke up 10 steps behind with the illness. Couldn't talk, head throbbing, and a cough that wouldn't quit. I didn't go to work, not the best time to miss and have spent the day in and out of a sleepy fog and haze. Nyquil/ Theraflu are pretty potent for me. Even after waking from the med-induced sleep, I don't feel "awake". I drove over to Natalie's to pick something up and as I sit here about four hours later I swear I do not remember driving there or back home. I guess that is the reason for the "do not operate heavy machinery" warning???

for PB

2009-01-15T11:43:00.000-06:00

Thank you for the kind words and very lovely letter...

My sister cracks me up!

2009-01-14T22:09:00.004-06:00

Not sure who of the blog readers may be familiar with facebook or the workings of but my sister has been on facebook for quite some time and sent this message to me tonight...

"no lol, you are a shining star! i just learned how to im, take pictures from face book and send them to email, and how to write on a wall!!! on a roll over here"

ABOUT TIME SHE FIGURES IT OUT! Welcome to 2009 K Keen!!!

Aquarius...like me on Twitter, lol!

Oh and I had din din with Dan, GB and Nat at Chelsea's...Grilled Cheese and Tomato Basil Soup...hit the spot, yum.

iPhone finally!

2009-01-13T20:32:00.002-06:00

After a way long wait, finally work purchased an iPhone for me :) However it did take a server switch for the office which was not compatible with only one phone of hundreds of Arkel phones...my poor blackjack! So here is the first mobile blog by way of Wine Loft bar downtown where I stopped to say hello to Ms. Fay since I haven't seen her in forever! Christmas Eve in fact..

The Bulldog Baton Rouge

2009-01-13T04:48:00.006-06:00

Some traditions should not be simulated/ duplicated...The Bulldog, New Orleans. The NEW Baton Rouge version hopefully is just experiencing the "Baton Rouge is starved for a new venue" woes. I created a FB group so that a few friends could meet up and check out the scene together. I did invite a long list of people which I guess implied that I was either hosting a private party at the Bulldog or that I had accepted a job there since I received countless messages/ wall posts asking if that were the case. I was also asked what would be the scheduled entertainment for the evening. Thank goodness Nat was prepared with a dog/ cat sketch book and Mad-libs (sp?) in her bag!!! First visit with Matt B was quite nice and relaxing. However, the next two visits (once with Kristen and Shane and once a FB organized function which I will apparently never live down) were both crowded, frat-like nights of waiting to long to be served/ closed out (Murphy's style circa 1993). Although both of the last two visits were on big football nights.The first was the night of the Texas Bowl Game and the second was Saturday a double-header NFL playoff night! The large TVs and tons-o-types of beer I guess make it an attractive place to watch such events. Somehow the early arrivers (Nat, K Fed, Lisa, Liz, Jay etc.) managed to score the comfy seating area in front of the main big screen TV! Area had a large leather sofa and four leather chairs all centered around a huge coffee table. Some in the group decided The Happy Note may be a better alternative for the evening. I hadn't been to the Happy Note in a while; nothing has changed, however. Still strong drinks, still smoke-filled and still same group of peeps; good times though!

I am glad this weekend will see Lisa's swinger/ '70's themed birthday party at the TOL :)

Art Benefit

2009-01-10T15:05:00.004-06:00

Lollapalooza last night. Good times and even better running into Chris, who taught me tennis bac in the gap...pissed the picture is blurry though.

For Rhodes

2009-01-09T14:50:00.002-06:00

This is photo evidence of the much talked about bacon infused vodka at Parasol's. I really didn't believe Nat when she told me about it, but I got to see it with my own eyes. How absolutely disgusting is that???

more NOLA

2009-01-09T14:39:00.006-06:00

More photos from last weekend in New Orleans. Saturday we had a late lunch at Sun Ray Cafe in Metarie then on to St. Joe's for their famous blueberry mojitos for 4PM! We headed to Flannigan's in The Quarter to see CC (she was bartending)in a down pour. More rain then I had seen in a while. Parking and walking in the rain was quite fun too. I love a bar with good tunes AND board games. Others played Jenga, I stayed out of that. I did play Connect Four with Shane and won because the bottom fell out on his turn. I guess it was a win by default. There were also random pop culture trivia questions shouted out by CC to win free drinks. We again made it to the 24 hour Lamplighter Lounge for late night. Sunday met up with K-Fed and Nat Rat at Parasol's for lunch then headed home. Shane and Kristen stayed two nights with me, so my KK visit could be extended :)

I Heart NOLA

2009-01-03T13:30:00.006-06:00

A trip to NOLA, finally! Long time a comin'. Hopped in the car with Nat Rat and made our journey down. Arrived about 4 and was hoping for a few hours of R & R at my sister's but apparently she had alternate plans for us which involved immediately jumping in the car and heading to a bar. First on the agenda was Parkview Tavern with Gordon, then on to Winston's to watch Alabama game. Nat and K-Fed joined. Jim eventually met up with us as well. After watching the ass kicking that was the Bama game, we headed over to Lou & Bob's. I was given multiple warnings about Lou & Bob's and what not to expect of the joint. It exceeded all non-expectations I had. Wow! What a dump!!! For those who can relate, think The Time Out Lounge x 10 on the trashy scale. There was however a pretty jamming jukebox in which I made regular deposits so I could control the tunage. About 2AM it was decided we would check out another locale, the Lamplighter Lounge. More cocktails and a battle with a metal head over the control of the jukebox. I saw the sun come up and rounded out the evening/ morning with a trip to Dot's Diner. With at least another 24 hours left in the sister visit, it is very clear why my trips to NOLA are rare...I can't keep up with these crazy kids!

New Year's Eve

2009-01-03T13:26:00.003-06:00

Red Star Fun

2009-01-03T13:24:00.003-06:00

LOL...

2009-01-02T11:36:00.001-06:00

Received this email from Dan.

Remember the day I had to save you from the Cops! Keep it up Keen…

2008-12-27T23:01:00.004-06:00

High School Christmas party at Natalie's. There is a pic of me and Nat on her camera. Hopefully she will forward it to me so I can post with the others. IT WAS SSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD TO SEE AMY BONDS!!!!!!!(See first picture)

projects cont.

2008-12-27T15:43:00.004-06:00

pics of the paintings i just finished...posted for nat!

Home Improvement Projects

2008-12-27T10:26:00.002-06:00

I have a rather long list of things that need to be done at my place. All of it has been put off due to work schedule and general procrastination on my part. I know I am not the "handiest" of people; but yesterday was reminded exactly how awful I am with hammer, drill, anything tool-like. Grrrr, I left some things undone after reaching my frustration threshold. My dad would be soooo disappointed in my inabilities around the house.

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T20:12:00.004-06:00

Christmas Eve Open House

2008-12-25T00:38:00.007-06:00

And yet another Christmas Party

2008-12-24T13:17:00.003-06:00

This is always a fun one though. I got to catch up with a lot of people I haven't seen in a while; some probably 12 or 15 years. I had a little too much fun as today's errands and preparation for our Holiday Open House are quite painful. The thought of picking up last minute odds and ends at my mother's request, getting dressed, and entertaining is making me want to barf right now! Oh and Southern Belle sandwiches...wtf? My parents ordered some catering trays from them that had to be picked up by noon. I was sent on said errand. Only to pull up and see a line of people out the door who apparently had the same idea!!! I have experienced Tony's Seafood on a holiday pick-up day and will never do that again. Will have to add Southern Belle to that list. Ladies (unattractive ones) standing behind a counter barking...
"NAME???"
"PICK-UP TIME?" - Oh shit, parents didn't forward that detail. Apparently they arrange all of the orders in stacks by pick-up time. Not knowing my pick-up time forced her to look through 15 stacks of paper. Why there were so many stacks, I don't understand. It was 11:15 and they were closing at noon.
Blah Blah Blah. Are the holidays over yet? I am being a grinch and it is unforunate as Christams Eve at my mom's is my favorite day of the year. So, time to snap out of it. Happy Holidays to all (if any) blog readers! Aquarius, I wish I was in Hawaii right now with a fancy umbrella drink and an ipod tuning out the world...OH AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAT RAT! Love you and see you in a few hours at the paaaaaty ;)

Sia

2008-12-24T00:08:00.000-06:00

Pick me up in your arms
Carry me away from harm
You're never gonna put me down
I know you're just one good man
You'll tire before we see land
You're never gonna put me down

Oh I've been running all my life
I ran away, I ran away from good
Yeah I've been waiting all my life
You're not a day you're not day too soon

Honey I will stitch you
Darling I will fit you in my heart
Darling I will meet you
Darling I will keep you in my heart

You'll risk all this for just a kiss
I promise I will not resist
Promise they won't track us down
And when we reach the good place
Let's be sure to leave no trace
Promise they won't track us down

Now I've been running all my life
I ran away, I ran away from good
Yeah, I've been waiting all my life
You're not a day, you're not a day too soon

Darling I will keep you
Darling I will meet you in my heart
Honey I will fit you
Darling I will stitch you in my heart

I've been running all my life
I ran away, I ran away from good
Yeah I've been waiting all my life
You're not a day, you're not a day too soon

Oh Darling I will meet you
Darling I will keep you in my heart
Darling I will fit you
Darling I will stitch you in my heart

Darling I will meet you
Darling I will keep you in my heart
Darling I will fit you
Darling I will stitch you in my heart

Dinner at Chelsea's and It's a Wonderful Life

2008-12-23T07:30:00.006-06:00

Last night I met Sheridan for dinner and a Christmas present swap at Chelsea's. It was just cold enough outside to warrant their famous tomato basil soup and delicious grilled cheese. Sheridan tells me on the way in that she has only eaten at Chelsea's once...but how could this be? She is a self-proclaimed (and will get no arguments from me)FOODIE! Their food is yummy and only once, come now Sheridan Fay!!! On the way in we See L & J Noland dining together in the bar, stop buy for a quick visit and introduction to Sheridan; followed by a discussion with holiday bar business and Thanksgiving/ Christmas Bar traditions. We take our seat in the first booth, a comfy corner for us to spend the hour and a half we had before she was due to work. She orders a water and a Stoli Bloody Mary, I order a water and a coffee...which was greeted with a "Coffee???". I had hours of work to do later and didn't think the drink-induced fog would aid in the excel dilemma I currently face with week ending and year ending sheets I am trying to finish/ create/ finish so I can take some time off for the holidays. Looking over the menu, we agree a humus app is the way to go. She ordered Grilled Veggies with Mediterranean Cous Cous, while I ordered the soup and cheese sandwich. Eat, visit, eat and eat and eat. I almost finished the entire grilled cheeses, usually I can only put down half! I did work through lunch yesterday and was extremely hungry. Sheridan tried a couple of bites and loved my sandwich, I think I have her hooked! Now she can join Natalie, Liz N. Green Bean, Dawn and I in the "My name is and I am addicted to Chelsea's ". We exchanged gifts following dinner...I received a monogrammed cola koozie, okay we all know it's for beer! and a Wishbone Charm necklace very similar to the one given to me by Natalie for my birthday (although this time the string is pink, not red and the charm is a wishbone, not a key)...
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And I gave Sheridan a guide to Take Out, what a perfect gift!!! I learned last night she has used her microwave twice and never her oven (in April she will have lived there for TWO YEARS!!!)...

The one I gave her is much more comical than the one pictured, I just couldn't find it online.
After dinner, I went to Green Beans to join her in her annual tradition of watching It's A Wonderful Life while she wraps her Christmas gifts. She also gave me my present last night...

And yet another night of parties!

2008-12-21T14:50:00.009-06:00

Last night was my work party followed by a friend's annual holiday get together (which I never made it to). Work parties are totally hit or miss with "fun" factor but there is always sure to be excitement. Mine was both this year. I was pleasantly surprised by the good times had by all. We even chose to go out together post-party!!! Photo documented below...

Nick and I having cocktails at Chelsea's. He cracks me up...wish he still worked for us :( Now in Law School in NOLA, probably a better move for him rather than slinging pizza.

Nick's buddy...yikes, I can't recall his name!

This was our Prom Pic! Meagan zoomed in too much. We were totally prom posing!

Meagan after a few drinksies! She was so funny all night. Even fell down at one point! But not in a "hurt herself way" in a silly way. She is laughing about it today :)

My favorite pic of the night!!! Apparently Shannon doesn't drink too much...ha! Tipsy last night though.

Tis the Season...

2008-12-20T12:06:00.005-06:00

for way too many parties/ events/ drinks/ social BS in general! I am struggling with the social schedule of late. I feel like I am rushing from work daily to change quick for a party to rush to another party and yet another. I will need a vacation once the last party wraps on the 27th. Literally I have at least one function to attend each day from December 15th thru 27th and on many nights, more than one. Photos are from Third Thursday with Heidi, Holley V and Green Bean (sorry I accidentally deleted the photo of Holley V and I when uploading... :( ). That event was followed by a quick stop at the Red Dress Party and then an art show for Collin R and Frank M at Red Star. Also a photo from Chelsea's for Matt W's graduation party and the Myrtles show after we attended the annual Red Star Christmas Party. Tonight is the work Christmas Party :(

Thanks PB, made me smile today!

2008-12-20T12:01:00.003-06:00

A friend was recently in touch for the first time in a while. After a message received from him, I remembered a CD he once gave me and I chose to listen to it while running errands today. It is a mix CD, but MOST of it is Michael Jackson. We all know my deep love of all things MJ and the thriller dance! It had been a few months since I listed to the CD, it was a nice treat today :)

Tag from Aquarius

2008-12-20T12:00:00.002-06:00

I stole this from her, but I was #1 on her list of who she would tag on this experiment...ha!

Tag - Five

What were you doing five years ago?
1. Working part-time for my ex-husband in television production
2. Owned an event planning company
3. Raising three teenage step-daughters
4. Buying a house (which I no longer have)
5. Cooking, car pooling, homework etc.

What are five things on your list for today?
1. Christmas Shopping
2. Few phone calls to people I need to catch up with
3. Wrapping purchased gifts
4. Updating facebook and blog with the goings on of Jen Keen (it has been a while)
5. Work Christmas party and a pre-party cocktail function for my department, possible a late night party too if I can make three rounds tonight

What are five snacks that I enjoy?
1. Jello
2. Coffee drinks
3. Jelly Beans
4. Pickled Beets (keep a jar to snack on in my fridge - people think this is a bit strange!)
5. Cheese

What are five things that you'd do if you were a billionaire?
1. Donate to a worthy charity
2. Buy some vacation destination property
3. Open a fancy shoe store
4. Travel the world
5. Take very good care of a handful of special people

What are five jobs that you've had?
1. Director of Marketing
2. Owner of an Event Planning Company
3. Event Manager for an Arena/ Convention Center
4. Administrative Assistant to GM of a Country Club
5. Restaurant Catering Director/ Special Events Coordinator

Who are five people that you want to tag?

1. Natalie
2. Printer Boy
3. Aquarius
4. Jud
5. Finicky

2008-12-20T11:40:00.002-06:00

Stolen fron Nat Rat who stole from Finicky...

Tag
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 people to do the sameNO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)

This wasn't nearly as interesting as I had hoped...dang! But goodness I look angry, or maybe the sun is just in my eyes. Photo is from Julie and Jason's wedding in May.

WTF???

2008-12-20T11:30:00.000-06:00

While dining and drinking last night outdoors at Chelsea's with Green Bean, Nat Rat, J-Ro, Travis and Lisa...I noticed an odd object hanging in the tree next to our table. I have no idea how I spotted it but somehow an eyelash curler made its way on a tree branch!!! WTF, right???

The Bear

2008-12-14T19:08:00.006-06:00

Yesterday I had a Christmas parade for work and general maintenance at the store nearest the parade; so I worked until about 3:00.

On my return drive, I remembered my friend Matt was going to be downtown for a bit bartending the intermissions at the two Christmas Carol performances at Manship Theatre and would have an extended break between intermissions, so I called him to see if may want to hang out on break mid-afternoon as I was recently free of work and wanting a drinksie. I picked him up (as there were multiple events downtown that prevented him from moving his car and treasured parking spot) and we traveled on to Hound Dogs. He had never been! I was shocked, stunned, awed by this fact and uber-anxious for him to experience. As most Saturdays, Joy was bartending and quickly made Matt feel at home in the quasi-gay environment that is Hound Dogs.
We ran into my pal, Mr. Buckey, at Hound Dogs. He is a retired man who lives on the out-skirts of my neighborhood who I often see out and about. We have pleasant conversations about his life experiences when I see him. Yesterday was chilly and Mr. Buckey was wearing a hat I had never seen him wear. He placed it on the bar after taking his seat. I complimented his hat and he proceeded to tell me the hat's story. Apparently his father and the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant were close, personal friends and Mr. Bryant would often visit the family home of Mr. Buckey. On one visit, Mr. Bryant gave Mr. Buckey a hat he purchased by mistake. Said hat was with Mr. Buckey last night and on the bar at Hound Dogs! After hearing Mr. Buckey's story, I asked if I could have my picture taken in the hat; he honored my request...

Blog Neglected...jeez

2008-12-12T22:44:00.009-06:00

I don't know why I can't keep up with the blog lately. So much for the blog 365 challenge, think I missed that one as of late. Work has been busy, so that could be my excuse BUT nothing too exciting to share lately I guess, except photos, perhaps?

My neighbor, Heath, and I being silly at Hound Dogs.

Me and other people's children at the downtown festival of lights last Friday...someone did not tell me a little girl was deathly afraid of the big guy in red!!! she crawled up me like a monkey when she saw him :)

Having and "adult beverages" at the Hilton bar after kid time at the festival with Rhodes B.

No clue here, nor do I know who took this picture with MY camera???

Nat Rat and I at Red Star for Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk last Saturday night...Boyd was being silly as usual behind us.

Best of all!!! Me in the slice costume at a local Christmas parade last weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T12:17:00.001-06:00

Exhale!

2008-11-24T04:41:00.003-06:00

Wow! I finally feel like I can come for air. This weekend saw the last of a string of five consecutive home LSU football games. In addition to it being the inaugural year of our selling product on campus, there were event marketing opportunities for us at several games. Also opening three stores since mid-August and a hurricane coming through...I feel like life has been a whirlwind of sorts for these past few months. Things may begin to slow a little now that we are approaching the oh-so-stressful holiday season. At least this time of year, while hectic, is an upbeat and exciting time of year for me. I plan on catching up with family and friends I feel I have neglected these past few months and enjoying some "down time" and perhaps returning to my pre-football/ pre-hurrican sense of routine. I declared on Saturday to Green Bean that I would take all of Sunday for myself, even "calling in" to my mother on Saturday night to tell her I would not be meeting her for church the next morning. While my plans were to sleep in and be lazy all day, things never turn out like you plan them to be. I woke rather early but forced myself to stay in bed until almost 9:00AM, drank coffee, read, went to the market, cooked a few things for dinner this week, watched a lifetime movie or two (both were about student-teacher drama), cleaned my refrigerator, did three loads of laundry, watched a little football, read the newspaper, met Heidi at the gym for a brief workout, caught up with a friend on the phone, had take out for dinner with a friend and ended the evening watching Juno. I failed to clean my apartment and clean out my car which were on the top of the to do list for weeks now. Both have been seriously neglected. Maybe Friday I will get to those since I scheduled myself a vacation day. With a short work week ahead, I am sure these three days will be action-packed at the office BUT the Saints are on Monday Night Football AND I have lunch plans with Green Bean today! Not a bad way for the week to begin...

this picture just made me laugh and want to see Little Miss Sunshine again!

Blog neglected

2008-11-12T05:34:00.003-06:00

I have been too busy with work and life in general to keep the blog updated.
In recap:
1. Nothing too exciting that I had to stop everything and blog!
2. LSU football is in the tank!
3. Work is insane!
4. K Keen and her BF (Jim) were in town last weekend to enjoy some football festivities!
5. Natalie made the most delicious oatmeal cookies at her Saturday night BBQ (post recipe for all, Nat Rat)! Oh and K-Fed was in town last weekend too!!
6. No news on necklace post and wish coming true!
7. Green Bean hosted Italian Night last night (cooked spaghetti and watched Casino); I was only able to stay for dinner due to the amount of work I brought home last night!
8. Tonight I will watch a movie with Heidi after work (can't be clear on when "after work" is exactly)!
9. My neighbor, Brian, may be moving away from S Town :( !
10. I have had a ton of quality time with my parents these past few weeks (laundry at their place, nights stayed over to early vote or just too tired to drive home after having dinner with them etc., dinner with Dad while Mom travels etc.)
11. Fall Sunday in the Park series is over :( !
12. See #11...now I have NO EXCUSE not to clean this filthy apartment on my one day off each week. AND I need to move the furniture Holly Bof is housing for me in her extra bedroom over to my place!
13. I had a date with Sheirdan and Sarah last Thursday!
14. Sheridan needs to return the P-Touch!
15. I need to pay Sheridan for her work with the P-Touch she did about five months ago for Papa Murphy's!
16. I am in NO WAY ready for this holiday season (although I took the day after Thanksgiving off from work and am thinking of taking 12/24-1/4 off too - doubt that one will be granted)!
17. Pandora isn't working so well this early morning!
18. Need to get to the gym before this boring list says anymore about my boring life!!!
Photos from last couple of weeks: (in no particular order - Green Bean, Erik, K-Fed, Nat Rat, Mom, Kristen)

Necklace Update

2008-10-28T07:27:00.004-05:00

For my birthday, Natalie gave me a very lovely necklace. It was a simple red thread with a tiny silver key attached. The card on the necklace had instructions to make a wish while putting on the necklace and to allow it to fall off naturally. Sunday morning while dressing for church, my key fell off!!! Natalie was wondering months ago if I would hear the key drop, find it when it did, etc....I did after a few moments on my hands and knees in my hall! The key was so tiny and the light is poor with no windows in my hall. Will my wish come true? Stay tuned...

Link for necklace

Shaken or Stirred

2008-10-28T07:19:00.003-05:00

Tonight at Red Star there is a United Way benefit Shaken or Stirred from 7:00-9:00PM. This is a multi-week event, with Baton Rouge bars each taking their turn hosting. A different pair of celebrity bartenders with sling drinks each week. This week = Red Star's turn. Notice the celebrities are The Fish from radio and Chris LeBlanc, ummmmm?!? Because I have the CBS morning show tomorrow at the crack, I am not sure if I should attend. If anyone wants to have a sober night and make a non-drink donation with me, let me know.

Wordle of my blog

2008-10-27T05:23:00.000-05:00

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I haven't blogged in soooooo long!

2008-10-26T15:39:00.003-05:00

After working the tailgate at the LSU game, Nat picked me up so we could watch the game together at our favorite watering hole...Chelsea's. Game sucked, but comapny and drinks were great! Oh and thanks to Erik for buying us two Jager Bombs in 15 minutes, like that was really necessary. After Chelsea's we went to Avoyelles to see Erik while he worked. Home pretty early. Up early this morning to do a little work, met Mom at church, rode my bike to Sunday in the Park to meet Holly Bof and my folks, left there to have a burger at Ivars. Now will go to City Park with Green Bean for her church picnic. It is just too beautiful to be indoors today!

2008-10-17T04:45:00.003-05:00

An all girls dinner at Chelsea's was scheduled for last night. A mixed group including myself, Nat Depp, Kat Creech, Holly Bof, Liz Noland, Heidi B, and possibly Green Bean. Unfortunately, Natalie had a loss in her family on Tuesday evening so we decided to reschedule (I mean, what's a party/ get together without her?). After work, in route home, my mom called to invite me to join her and my dad at Chelsea's! Ironic kinda. AND I had just been to a lunch at Chelsea's the day prior! The food is always excellent, so no complaints here.

I am anxious for the weekend, although I have no idea what my work schedule is looking like as we have a new store opening on Tuesday and that should take some weekend participation on my part. I am hoping only a little Saturday day time work so I will not miss any LSU football, not too late on Friday so I can catch some Live After Five, and NO work on Sunday so I can do church with my mom and a friend then picnic at Sunday in the Park where this week we can rock out to Hip Boot Joe.

Sunglass Swapp II

2008-10-15T05:01:00.002-05:00

Following Sunday in the Park, I met friends at Pluckers to watch football. In photo is Hef. Someone threw a paper towel into the pic at just the right moment!

Friday's Live After Five

2008-10-15T04:59:00.002-05:00

My usual date, Cousin Will!

Book Block

2008-10-14T04:59:00.005-05:00

I haven't opened a book for leisure reading in over a week now...it is driving me completely batty. I have nothing lined up to be my next read. Usually I have at least three or four on deck. I have read everything in my apartment short of the phone book at this point. I thought I could thumb through my program from the recent Louisiana Book festival for inspiration. There are many books listed that peaked my interest but nothing screamed "read me now". For me a trip to a big box for a book is useless because I am a total product of all book marketing ploys B & N so proudly on display. I never have a half day to spend in there really digging for something off the wall/intelligent/interesting to read. I am a "judge a book by its cover" kind a gal and the first fancy cover with a semi-interesting summary is in hand and waiting in the 10 person deep line for check out so that I have something/anything to read prior to bed.
I have a few options, I figure:
1. Re-read a classic (ie: Fountainhead, To Kill a Mockingbird, or Love in the Time of Cholera - top three choices when browsing the book shelf in current mood).
2. Read something I have put off my entire life but need to read just to call myself a literate human (ie: Anna Karenina, The Republic, Don Quixote or War and Peace).
3. Read something recommended by a friend (this being most unlikely option as there are only a handful of people who recommend books I would consider reading - hopefully I can catch a comment from one of them. Since one of them no longer reads my blog, I will also post as a note on facebook in hopes she catches this posting there).
I was recently told about "Catching the Big Fish" by David Lynch...anyone read it?
Ideas on anything else? Suggestions? Please nothing too trendy.

LSU game stunk it up

2008-10-13T18:39:00.004-05:00

at least we got a cute picture out of it!

Top pic: With Holly Bof
Bottom pic: With Rhodes B.

Brunch for KK's Bday

2008-10-12T09:30:00.008-05:00

Thanks, Caroline and J! Happy Anniversary...

2008-10-09T03:55:00.008-05:00

Caroline, my cousin, was married last October in upstate NY. K Keen and I made the trip to witness the nuptials. It was a lovely time of year to make it to New England as the leaves were in their prime changing state. We arrived mid-day Friday, just in time to settle in our hotel (after first asking to be shuttled to another one) and make it to the "Welcome Karaoke Party" hosted by a neighboring hotel bar. I was not aware Caroline and her future husband, J, were such Karaoke fans! The party was a blast. I think my poor Uncle picked up most of our drinks thanks to my cousin, Crews, buying multiple rounds of shots (mostly Jager Bombs per the request of my underage at the time Cousin, Jordon). Saturday we attended a bridesmaid luncheon and later an after party at a local brewery. For most of the guests it did not matter that she chose the weekend LSU played Florida to marry, however her father and brothers are die-hard Tiger fans. My Uncle has not lived in Louisiana since graduating from LSU but follows the team closely and I think makes a game or two each year. He has raised all of the kids to be fans as well. The brewery had reserved the entire upstairs for Caroline's post rehearsal dinner party, however all of the TVs were downstairs! All of the Keen clan stayed glued to the sets downstairs and made all of the locals pseudo Tigers for the night. Anyone remember the LSU/Florida game last year? Wow, what an exciting night! End result was a big win and the start of a big 2 part celebration once we re-joined the upstairs non-football interested crew. Sunday was the outdoor sunset wedding in an old estate garden. It was absolutely gorgeous and so was Caroline! There was a basket set up by the door as you exited the reception with CDs for their guests. I often listen to this CD on my long store visit days with lots of car time. I thought I would share the playlist...

1. Chicken Payback - The Bees
2. Rave On - Buddy Holly
3. A Higher Power - Jonathan Richman
4. A Place in the Sun - David Isaacs
5. That's how strong my Love is - Otis Redding
6. Keep Dancing - The Ronettes
7. Wait Til the Summer Comes Along - The Kinks
8. California Stars - Wilco
9. Southern Girls - Cheap Trick
10. Tell Me - The Rollings Stones
11. Red Tan - The Ravonettes
12. Danny's Song - Kenny Loggins
13. Tango Til They're Sore - Tom Waits
14. Goldheart Mountaintop Queen Directory - Guided by Voices
15. Descending - The Black Crowes
16. With a Girl like You - The Troggs
17. Sloop John B - The Beach Boys
18. Believe What You Say - Ricky Nelson
19. Queen Bitch - David Bowie
20. Incident on 57th Street - Bruce Springsteen
21. Forever in Blue Jeans - Neil Diamond
22. Disco 2000 - Pulp
23. Ignition (Remix) - R. Kelly

PS - Song 23 took me by surprise the first time I listened to the CD!

PSS - Photo is of Caroline and J in the photobooth at their wedding (sorry it is tiny, I ripped it from her blog).

K Keen Bday!

2008-10-07T22:03:00.002-05:00

Happy Happy Birthday, Kristen Keen! Love you!!! It was great having you here for a few days.

Weekend In Review

2008-10-07T21:05:00.000-05:00

I have NO photos to share because Tsunami is babysitting my camera battery and charger, thanks to Willis for letting me charge it there in the first place.

Friday: Live After Five with friends, Happy's and Red Star. I did get to meet Collin's new lady friend.

Saturday: Farmer's Market, Book Festival (wow, that was an awesome event and I will attend every year now), Houndogs, Symphony on the steps of the Capitol, Tsunami, Hilton.

Sunday: Brunch at Capital City Grill, Sunday in the Park, Pluckers for Football, the Chimes, Southpaws for Cam.

Monday: Relaxation and total chillness.

It was very nice catching up with so many people and spending so much time with my sister.

Now it is a packed week at work. Daily grind resumes.

Hopefully I will have some pictures to post. I will have to convince others to email me theirs.

jeez....

2008-10-01T00:23:00.005-05:00

i love me some holley vaughn, s town committee needs to vote her queen for '09!!!!!

ooops!

2008-09-30T23:46:00.000-05:00

So sorry for not posting Nolan pics from last week...

Thank Ya!

2008-09-29T20:22:00.002-05:00

Circa 2002 = the last time I wore a watch on my arm. The battery died and I never replaced it. I have been semi-holding out for a particular watch I have wanted for many years. I have now come to grips with the facts that A.) no one else is going to buy it for me and B.) I will never spend that much money on myself. This morning I ran across my old watch while looking for something else and remember my friend, Jeffrey Culotta, is a manager at Lee Michael's in the Mall of Louisiana and decide I will bring watch with me today with a possible trip to visit Jeffrey and perhaps repair the watch. I text him mid morning to ask if he is working, if they have the battery I need for my model watch, and how much it would cost (I mean watch batteries can't be that expensive right???). He calls me after lunch to tell me I will have to go by and have them open the watch to see the battery and if they have in stock. He would be there until 5:00. I now have an operating wrist watch for the first time in 6 or 7 years. He replaced it for free, thanks buddy! I am caught in a place of excitement to wear a watch I once loved and the liberating place I found myself in by not wearing a watch. It is ticking, we will see if I decide to actually wear it!

WTF?

2008-09-29T20:14:00.001-05:00

OMG, football polls make me crazy...
Alabama jumping LSU is somewhat understandable because they beat a higher ranked team, but please USC is still in the top 10? That is f**ked up! Oregon State, really? Come on!

Sunday somewhat Funday

2008-09-28T20:26:00.004-05:00

Last night, after the game started and I had the all clear to leave campus, I rushed home for a shower and headed out to meet Boyd and Rhodes at Hilton Bar. Walked over to Red Star anxiously awaiting Celeste's arrival for birthday celebration drinks. She never made it out though :( AND K Keen was unable to come to town because at the last minute her boyfriend's babysitter bailed. Darn! Matt B from LSU met us at Red Star, walked to Happy's for a quick drink then home. I woke up waaaaaaaaaay too early this morning, strolled to the grocery for coffee with Heath. Finally made it to Plucker's a little after noon to settle in for some Saints fball. They won! Watched first half of the Dallas game with the gang before heading home. I was too tired to stay for an entire Sunday Funday. I had a pleasurable experience at Wal-Mart this evening (see many previous posts about how much I HATE that place). Green Bean introduced me to the the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market. This is NOTHING like regular Wal-Mart. There were no children running loose, screaming mothers, long lines, or bullshit. Quick in and out trip tonight. I purchased candles, milk and watermelon. Round two with watermelon in a week. This time it looks much better.

A Reading for Jen by Aquarius

2008-09-27T07:05:00.003-05:00

Aquarius posted this for me around my birthday.

The astrological glyph for Taurus by Sherill Anne Gross at Sagworks.

I felt a little guilty as I started to work on this reading for Jen. After all, anyone who reads her blog can see that she is an outgoing, fun loving, life loving, young woman. It's obvious that she is close to her family and has a wide circle of good friends, that she is open and sharing about her life and feelings, and observant and appreciative of the world around her. Much of her astrological chart would only confirm this.

But the beauty of astrology is that it sometimes reveals a deeper and broader perspective of who we are, and what may be the eases and the challenges ahead for us. The challenges especially are not so much about what may happen, but what we need to do to successfully maneuver ourselves through and out.

Jennifer Elizabeth Keen was born on April 30, 1975, which happened to be a Wednesday, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was born in the morning at 10:59 a.m. in the sun sign of Taurus, with the moon in Capricorn, and as Cancer was rising. Those are the three most important things to look at, the sun, the moon, and the ascendant or rising sign.

Sun in Taurus
The sun represents your basic personality and who you are at the very core. The most important thing for a Taurean is reliability. They need a secure and stable background, whether it be in their work, their family, or their relationships, in order for them to function properly. They have a lot of common sense, but can sometimes be inflexible. One measure of stability and security is often through possessions, and Taureans often rely upon possessions as a sign of achievement and position in society.

In fact, possessiveness and jealousy are often considered the worst traits of Taurus. On the plus side is a person who is very methodical, no short cuts, who steadily builds upon her work and career. This is also a person full of natural charm, who also finds time to listen, lend a shoulder to cry on, and offer practical advice. Taurus people very often have soft, gentle voices.

Both the Sun and Jupiter are in Jen's 10th House, which is the House of social and professional activities. I'd say that Jen's work and career will always be a very important part of her life, and it is these activities that make her feel expansive and fulfilled.

Moon in Capricorn
The moon represents your emotional nature. Traditionally, the moon represents the feminine, the mother, the ebb and flow of life, the cycles of life, and your feelings. The cycles of the moon physically impact the rise and fall of ocean tides, the planting seasons, menstrual cycles, etc. Capricorn is an ambitious sign, often centered on climbing up the ladder, building things, whether it be actual buildings or building a community or a project, and being very organized and productive. So, my interpretation for someone with the moon in Capricorn is that planning and building are very important to them; if we all come from a particular tradition, theirs would be the tradition of being the planners and the builders of society.

Now, I have to say I wouldn't expect this in Jen, but moon in Capricorn is often someone who reacts or responds very calmly and coolly to situations, almost to the point of aloofness. Moon in Capricorn does have a somewhat offbeat sense of humor, though, which serves to soften any sense of keeping people at a distance.

Ascendant in Cancer (Rising Sign)
The ascendant, or rising sign, is the sign that was on the eastern horizon in the sky at the moment of your birth. It symbolizes the personality that is revealed to the world; your public persona or how others may see you. Cancer is very maternal, and like it's symbol - the crab - it can be a softy on the inside protected by a hard shell. Cancer rising is often someone who serves as everyone's "surrogate mom". They love history and old things. They also have incredible memories, and they never forget a good or bad deed done to them or someone they love. Like a crab's pincers, they often have a difficult time letting go of things.

The next three planets are important because they are the so-called personal planets - Mercury (how we think), Venus (how we love), and Mars (how we fight.) They are the planets closest to the sun, and support, color, and impact our core personality.

Mercury in Taurus
Jen's Mercury is 22 degrees in Taurus. Mercury is the planet of communication; how we think, how we talk, how we send and receive information. As children, Mercury in Taurus may represent someone who is not necessarily the swiftest learner, but one who learns steadily and builds a solid foundation. This placement could signify someone who is quite stubborn, and once they make up their mind, that's it! Again, the ability to plan constructively, methodically, and with discipline, is a strength. Inflexibility is the weakness. When both Sun and Mercury are in Taurus, as in Jen's case, this is a person who will often be described as "salt of the earth".

Venus in Gemini
Hmmm. How do we say this delicately? Oh heck, I'll just quote one of my favorite astrologers, Caroline Casey, who says Venus in Gemini is "goddess with a mouth". Everyone knows Venus as the Goddess of Beauty, Aphrodite, but her beauty is more powerful than just physical. In fact, Venus is often described as a fierce beauty, who represents all that we value in life, and will do what is necessary to protect and obtain such values. In the talkative sign of Gemini, this is a person who is not afraid to speak up for beauty, art, gardens and culture.

Venus in Gemini is a lively partner who communicates well in all relationships. Sometimes, such liveliness could be construed as flirtatiousness. It's very important for someone with Venus in Gemini to have interesting and fun things to talk about with a partner or friends. Also, this is someone who has a knack for fundraising (money is another kind of value), moneymaking, and finding great bargains. In other words, Jen is a great person to go shopping with.

Mars in Pisces
Mars is the planet of energy, sex, and war. Pisces is a watery sign that raises the emotional level, yet somewhat dampens the fire of Mars. Therefore, you may have someone who gets all fired up and ready to fight, but will ultimately let it pass. Mars in Pisces needs to find the right channel for this emotional energy to be released. With Mars in Pisces, it is best to use up that energy in a creative way rather than a physical or assertive way. Pisces is a very artistic sign, and not particularly self-confident, so any creative expression should be encouraged and nurtured.

Saturn in Cancer
A lot of people fear Saturn, shudder even, at the thought of its effects. In old astrology, Saturn was considered a malevolent planet, bringing hard times and bad news in its transits. Indeed, as the planet Saturn crosses the skies, it signifies the passing and structure of time, and the rites of passage faced by all of us.

Saturn rules all that is rigid, rhythmic, structural, institutional, scheduled, organized, you get the picture. The military is Saturn. Government is Saturn. Marriage and divorce, interestingly, are also influenced by Saturn.

There is an interesting placement of Saturn in Cancer being close to (conjunct) to the rising sign, and directly opposite the Moon in Capricorn. One interpretation may be that structure and organization is a major part of Jen's life, and other's see her as super organized and, for better or worse, almost militant about it. But the opposition to the Moon adds another element, like maybe there is also depression or emotional letdown if things don't always go according to plan. Or instead of depression, perhaps there's a bit of push and pull with Mom over organization and planning? Not sure, here, but opposition to the moon usually means struggle with emotion or mother.

As Saturn makes its way around the chart, it changes or reorganizes the structure of whatever that planet means. For example, I'm curious whether something really big or significant happened in Jen's life in April of 1997? That's when Saturn crossed the MidHeaven and Jupiter together. The MidHeaven signals a crowning achievement, for good or for bad, that is out there for everyone to see. Jupiter expands whatever it touches. So, when Saturn crossed both Jupiter and the MidHeaven in April 1997, there should have been something big, perhaps public, that occurred in her life.

Then, in May 1999, Saturn crosses Jen's Sun. That should also have been a time of challenge.

I'm wondering if something significant happened in Jen''s life during the period between October 2003 and June 2004? That is when Saturn went full circle around the chart and returned to the same position as when she was born (natal position). It's called the first Saturn return, it usually happens around age 28 or 29, and it's a critical time for everyone. It usually involves a big move or a change of some sort, whether it be a job, or a relationship, or a physical move or change.

The Four Elements
There are four energetic elements - Earth, Water, Fire and Air. Jen has a fairly evenly distributed number of planets in Earth, Water and Fire, and only a couple of planets in Air. Her strongest element is Earth (Sun, Moon and Mercury are in Earth), and next would be Water (Saturn, Ascendant, Uranus and Mars in Water).

Upstairs, Downstairs
Most of Jen's planets are placed in the top parts of the chart, signifying that her journey is outward, interacting with people. If her planets had been predominantly on the bottom part of the chart, the journey would be more internal. Most people have a sprinkling in both top and bottom, right and left. I've just taken another look at Jud's chart, and most of his planets are on the bottom of the chart - therefore, Jud's journey in life will be more internal.

In closing, I want to thank Jen for the opportunity to do a reading for her. I'm sorry I wasn't able to do it in time for the birthday, which I hope was a happy one! And thanks again to Jud for making the suggestion.

For Jen and others, any feedback is very welcome. Was I close? Completely off base? Constructive comments are helpful. Feel free to ask any follow up questions.

Jen's planets:
Sun - 9 degrees Taurus
Moon - 10 degrees Capricorn
Mercury - 22 degrees Taurus
Venus - 19 degrees Gemini
Mars - 14 degrees Pisces
Jupiter - 10 degrees Aries
Saturn - 13 degrees Cancer
Uranus - 0 degrees Scorpio
Neptune - 11 degrees Sagittarius
Pluto - 7 degrees Libra
Ascendant - 18 degrees Cancer
MidHeaven - 7 degrees Aries

?

2008-09-27T02:48:00.000-05:00

PB, where did you go???

Girl's Poker Night

2008-09-25T21:13:00.005-05:00

I hosted, baked Taco Pie, no cards were played, boys attended...maybe next time!

Oh, and I read this book a few years back...was ok.

PS - Go Beavers! USC, perhaps overrated as usual?

You Have Got To Be Kidding Me...?!?

2008-09-24T16:32:00.002-05:00

Going home for lunch today, I start to turn onto my street and see a ton of fire trucks! And a fire! Blazing in front of my place. My bitch landlord hired some yoo-hoos to cut down some trees on the property. It has been very entertaining watching them the past three days. They have no idea what they are doing and are very unsafe. Today, one of them in a tree with a chainsaw, trims a limb which tumbles down right on top of a hot electrical line and starts a fire! The entire tree torched in a matter of minutes...this leaves me without power yet again. Jeez!

LaFell's TD catch lifts LSU past Auburn 26-21

2008-09-21T15:14:00.003-05:00

Watched with PB and a couple of his friends. What an awesome win for LSU.

Silly Photos from Port Royal after the game

2008-09-21T15:00:00.001-05:00

Photos are of PB and Sean

Market with a Mission

2008-09-20T12:35:00.004-05:00

Saturdays off are so nice. Stroll over to Main Street Market (PB accompanied)with the goal of purchasing a watermelon. I was craving it. I scored the last one, seedless too. A little on the small side, but watermelon! After getting home and settled to watch ESPN Gameday (live from Auburn - hosting the LSU Tigers tonight at 6:45), I cut into the not-so-ripe watermelon...jeez! Still was yummy, just a little let down.
Oh and I picked up the ball chain I ordered a few weeks back for my typewriter key letter "J".

Halloween is in the bag!

2008-09-19T21:35:00.006-05:00

So, I never even thought about it...but apparently SK looks like a VP candidate when she is wearing someone else's glasses. Funny! We decided last night that she would go as SP for halloween and I will go as pregnant teenage daughter. We will win EVERY contest in town.(JHB in pic too!)

This is SK normal looking.......

Hair

2008-09-18T06:51:00.006-05:00

Very ironic how I blog about needing a hair cut and in ONE day my hair comes up in five separate conversations...some not so complimentary too! The girl who waxes my eyebrows said, "Girl! When are you going to cut that hippie hair?" DS said, "JK, you need to wear your hair up, it looks much better that way!" Grrrr, I know! I need a hair cut!!! I am sure my mom is giggling on this one. Her general comment is..."You need some layers or something, it is just hanging there, Jennifer"

Blah Blah Blah

Wednesday

2008-09-18T06:51:00.003-05:00

was so productive! My first routine feeling day in a while and I got tons of work knocked out. Although I was only in the office from 8:00-10:00, I managed to eliminate almost every bullet on yesterday's to-do list, mostly from the car via email while driving or quick stops at CC's to use their internets to view artwork, thank ya

PS - 225, thanks for lunch yesterday too! It was quite yum

tired today

2008-09-16T20:54:00.002-05:00

I feel lately I can't tell a difference in these sometimes. I have been working a lot, having fun when possible and rarely at home. I need to make some adjustments. Since our "Saturdays are mandatory" mandate at work almost two months ago, I feel like I haven't handled personal business...shopping, paying attention to mail/ bills, laundry, eating properly, laundry, cleaning, personal appointments (I need a freakin' haircut so bad; I look as though I am attempting to channel Crystal Gail), did I mention laundry? Since I only had a couple of hours of sleep, I guess I am just cranky and wanting to complain. I feel like I need two whole back-to-back days off, one for rest and one to get some shite done! Keeping my fingers crossed for this Saturday and Sunday, LSU plays away....might be a possibility. AND I don't feel any sense of "normalcy" has returned to my life since the hurricane. I have not re-established my quirky routines yet. Tonight was an attempt with a trip to the gym for the first time in three weeks (OMG, that was tough), followed by a few errands and a trip to my moms, dinner at home, hot bath, bed clothes on before 9:00 and hopefully sound asleep soon. Oh, and now that I have put a few groceries in the fridge following the extensive power outage, I will have coffee at home in the morning for the first time in weeks as well! That makes EVERYTHING better.

My Hood

2008-09-15T22:31:00.004-05:00

Spanish Town unveils signs
DENNY CULBERT
Three markers unveiled Saturday morning highlight Spanish Town’s important place in Baton Rouge’s history.

The first sign, placed at a yellow stucco house on the corner of Spanish Town Road and Seventh Street, marks the location where Rev. George Byrd founded Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 136 years ago.

“History is something that all of us ought to be more conscious of,” said Rev. Charles Smith, who became the pastor of the church in 1964. “We are not just creatures of the present, we are products of the past.”

Addie and Femi Euba, professors at Southern University and LSU, respectively, bought the house in 1992 without knowing that the church had formerly sat on its spot.

Effie Carter, the Realtor who sold them the house, was among the 20 members of Shiloh Baptist who came out for the ceremony.

“I didn’t know the house they bought was the old site for the church,” Carter said. “I’m glad I came this morning.”

Another marker was placed at the Lakeland Street home of Dr. Carl Austin Weiss, the man who allegedly assassinated Huey P. Long. The third marker will be installed on North 8th Street, to mark the location of the former home of LSU band leader Castro Carazo, composer of “Every Man A King.”

The signs were made possible through the Spanish Town Civic Association and a donation from the Society for the Preservation of Lagniappe in Louisiana, said Bill Good, chairman of the civic association.

The markers are identical in design to 104 existing signs made in 1970s by Anne Woolfolk White. Four of those signs were placed in Spanish Town before the city-parish administration discontinued the marker program in 1982.

A member of the original historical marker committee, Baton Rouge author Charles East Sr., helped proof the text on the latest three signs.

Spanish Town “is one of the greatest assets that we have here in East Baton Rouge Parish,” Mayor-President Kip Holden told the gathering, his voice rising over gusts of wind from the outlying bands of Hurricane Ike.

PS - Article is from Advocate.

See Sunday's Post "Pay It Forward"

2008-09-15T15:33:00.005-05:00

There are four types of people in my world:
1. Those who do not read my blog.
2. Those who read my blog and don't comment (this group seems to increase in number daily).
3. Those who read my blog and comment.
4. Those who read my blog and do something WONDERFUL with it.

I spent the better part of my morning finishing the shipping project with Jonathan from the UPS store. He met me at my office, we loaded his truck, went back to his store, packed boxes, labeled them, packed his truck again, drove to one of my stores and unloaded. He emailed me an invoice so I could have AP cut a check today. When I stopped by this afternoon to deliver the check, Jonathan told me he was just contacted by someone in his corporate office...my blog had been forwarded to them. I am glad to know the "higher ups" were made aware of his kindness and willingness to help. If it is a regular reader, thank you! I was going to write a hand-written note to both him and the corporate office, but renforecement via internets is always nice too.

PS - Flower is photo gift for sweet person for passing it on.

Ha!

2008-09-14T20:52:00.001-05:00

Cam has played this song the last two times I saw him play and I thought the lyrics were pretty entertaining

sundays are for music like this....

2008-09-14T14:16:00.013-05:00

Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight by Amos Lee

What'cha Know About by Donavon Frankenreiter (sorry for spanish subtitles, only clear audio i could find)

Oh by Dave Matthews

Shes Only Happy In The Sun by Ben Harper

Angel by Matt Nathanson

Astair by Matt Costa

Pay It Forward

2008-09-14T09:05:00.005-05:00

In a total distressed state, I walked into the UPS Store on Government Street on Thursday. Completely frustrated and aggravated I decide I would price (and pay for out of my pocket) a rather extensive packing project for which I was told to "get creative". John, store owner, could sense my {insert whatever emotion here} and offered to not only reduce the price significantly but also to pick up the equipment to be packed, pack it at his store and deliver it to the place it will be picked up (delivery project, not shipping)! He went on to tell me he had a rather intense day the day before and was relieved when someone came to his aid. He felt it was his turn to do something nice for someone. I was the lucky recipient. Thank you, John. You saved me from a complete panic attack! Several of my blog readers know just how close I was to reaching my breaking point that day from phone conversations with me...

Yip Yip Yip

2008-09-14T00:05:00.000-05:00

"The Mexican" a.k.a. Cousin Will is coming to stay with me today..

2008-09-13T20:32:00.002-05:00

OMG, game 2 is past us! What a long day!!! One that started at 6:00, out of the house by 7:00, set-up and ready to do my marketing jazz at LSU Tiger One Villiage for 9:00. Going out the night before wasn't the smartest! Although the company of Green Bean, Nat Rat and Printer Boy was quite nice, Friday's before a home game might be better spent at home cleaning, doing laundry, blogging etc. Upon arriving, I find out that the two crew members who volunteered to work for my marketing event today had both bailed. I text anyone and everyone in my phone looking for some back-up. As always, Green Bean came to the rescue. I could not have done it without her! My event today was to demonstrate how our pizzas can be cooked on a grill....ummm, one problem...I have NEVER grilled ANYTHING in my life. Panic central until Bean arrived to save the day, she had at least two grilling experiences under her belt. The day was ok, good brand building for us, grilling did not go that great as we were still getting wind gusts at 5:00PM. Even with sand bags holding down the legs of my tent, the wind kept threatening to take it. All of marketing materials blowing around littering campus. Craziness. We made it though. Green Bean left a little before 6:00, I packed and sat...and sat...and sat. The rest of my crew was elsewhere selling pizza by the slice. I could not abandon my gear nor could I get my car to pull it into the loading area until after kickoff. Too many pedestrians. Matt B, my sales associate with LSU Sports Properties, pulled up on a pimped out John Deer golf cart (the type that is a flat bed truck with two seats up front) and offered to load my things with me and drive me the distance to my car! Cheers to Matt. We loaded up the Deer and took off at a snails pace, still too many peeps in the skreets. Decide to text message the crew letting them know I had a ride and not to worry about me, but thought I would be nice and offer my assistance to them after car was loaded. They accepted. DANGIT! I could have been home before kickoff too. Now am finally home! After a very long, hot shower I will watch a combo of LSU vs North Texas and USC vs Ohio State while sipping on the biggest Vodka 7 known to man. Peace to Sunday Funday!!!!!

Oh and Cousin Will is staying with me tomorrow...giddy-up!

for my girlzzzzz

2008-09-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

red star happy hour and happy's with nat rat and green bean on Friday...

After a bad day, this made me laugh

2008-09-11T22:49:00.004-05:00

A Facebook Group was created recently "SJA Class of '93 15 Year Reunion" in which the discussion board thus far is chat about where and when. Kat C. posted...

It doesn't have to be anything fancy. We can just meet at a bar or something. Jennifer Keen... you are the BR socialite! What do you think??

am I? When did I gain this title?

Goodbye Gram

2008-09-08T19:15:00.006-05:00

While Hurricane Gustav prep day and storm day were the traditional hurricane party style, the days following were quite different. My Gram's retirement home issued a mandatory evacuation on Wednesday due to failing generators. We transported her to my mother's house (running box fans on generators) but it was too uncomfortable for an elderly person to endure. A Friday phone conversation with Uncle Richard resulted in a decision to move Gram (hopefully temporarily) to his house in MD on Sunday. Plans were made for he and my Aunt Beth to fly to New Orleans and I would meet them there with Gram so she could fly back with the two of them. We also decided not to tell her until 30 minutes before departing, hoping it would keep her anxiety level low. I am hoping to see her soon, after the threat of Hurricane Ike has passed and whatever else is lined up behind him (haven't seen a weather forecast in a week). Family photos at home before leaving and at the NOLA airport...

Gustav night at Boyd's...and the day following

2008-09-08T19:02:00.001-05:00

Mini Bar set up on Boyd's trash can

Rhodes being very persistent with the starting of a bonfire while standing in the rain

Finally! A fire!!!!!!!!!

GB and Rhodes on the journey home from Boyd's (and we broke curfew the first night...shhhh)

GB leaving for Birmingham to work in the shelters of New Orleans evacuees the morning after the storm...meanwhile, Rhodes and I had just returned from a quick road trip to Hammond, LA for ice and other essentials becasue SOMEONE (not mentioning any names) told us they had full power in that area

Justin arrives at my apt after my early morning Hammond-BR commute. He appears to be ready to party but in a panic because he failed to purchase a car charger for his fancy new iphone. I quickly remember that word on the street was FM had power just a few blocks away...text message him to ask if we can steal power long enough to re-charge Justin's phone, arrive and are offered a car charger (loaner style for and iphone from FM - wow, that was quite kind). Justin drove the flooded streets from FM's to my place and we wait for Erik.

after Erik arrives...we walk to Houndogs. They had power and alcohol!!! Wednesday brought the return to work and a panic to find gas (the lines were five and six hours long).

Gustav cont...(yet again)

2008-09-08T19:00:00.000-05:00

Photo taken from my car about 7 hours before the eye of the storm passed. Where are all of my weather/ wind/ tree down photos??? I took a ton!

Gustav cont...

2008-09-05T15:52:00.003-05:00

i have too many emails and voicemails to return so using blog to update all that my family and i are safe and so are all of my friends i have been able to reach...thank goodness! lots of peeps without power still but RED STAR has it and internet so it will be home base for a few days or weeks.

oh and i will post photos when i have more time...

2008-08-31T22:38:00.005-05:00

update is we are still ok, apparently