Kick It Down

My Christmas tree is still up, folks.  

I've been playing with my new toy.

You can listen to some songs and download them for free!

Hudson Roar

I am going to record at a real studio when I have the time.

Later this month or early February I'm hoping.

In the meantime-  my makeshift kitchen MacBook Air Garageband studio it is!

I'm writing new songs. 

I don't want to sound all singer/songwriter-y.

I mean, I think I always will a little bit but I don't want that to be my "genre."

Sometimes I think I want to find people to play with me.

Other times I remember that everyone who has ever played in a band with me says I'm difficult.

I think I'm a little bossy sometimes.

Or all the times.

It's just that I don't like wasting time, I just want to get down to bizniz.

I'm currently figuring out how to set up to play these songs by myself with my computer, keyboard, and guitar.

I'm thinking my ukulele needs to make an appearance at some point.

Or maybe I'll just record all the parts myself and leave it at that.

No shows.

We'll see.

And hey, Haters.

I didn't get a new guitar for Christmas.

I posted a picture of my brother's new, awesome guitar and people thought I got a new Gretsch.

I can barely play the one I have.

So thank you for calling me a spoiled brat.

I am spoiled.

I'm not denying it or apologizing for it. 

I also appreciate everything I have and I'm more worried about being a kind human and a good friend than I am about the mean things you say about me.

I've been struggling with relationships lately.  Some of my friends have expressed their jealousy of my lifestyle and I guess I don't understand what the hell that means.  I'm 30 years old.  I'm not playing who has the better whatever with anyone.  I refuse to feel bad that I have a new car and, you know, whatever else it is that makes people mad that I have.  Husband, Jack and I try to enjoy our life everyday.  Husband works very, very hard everyday- it's 24/7 at his job- and on top of that, we are really, really lucky.  We go out occasionally but mostly like to stay home, play with toys, watch Thunder games, cook, watch kids movies, and hang out with a few close friends.  That's what happens when you have a kid, you guys.  We're tired all the time.  Dude, we have a mortgage, piles of laundry, busy schedules, and we're currently in the middle of a potty training crisis.  In no way do I think my life (life with a kid) is more important than anyone else's life (life without a kid.)  It's just different.  So realize that and quit treating me like I'm a stuck up asshole.  I'm not.  I've only ever tried to be kind, caring, and non-judgemental towards the people I love and admire.  Lately it seems I've been mistaken about other people's view of my friendship.  I'm always here when you have problems and jobs and boys and girls to cry about-  but you know-  I'm here when you aren't crying and sad too.  I clean up poopy Jack diapers, ok?  I'm not here to clean up everyone else's shit.  

Thanks for listening, guys.  The last thing I wish to say about this is-  I'm happy.  So be happy for me.  I won't be here for you forever, my sweets.  

I think I need to get out more and make some new friends.  

That reminds me-  Ashley, my dear -  we need to sign up for yoga!  (I'm thinking maybe if I put it out there, in publictheinternetwhatever, I won't back out of it.)  

I'll get back to making sweet music magic.

Have a lovely day and remember to be thankful and kind.

Because it's just nice.

♥ jp

velvet.

I love dressing Jack for fall weather.

He's been saying "I love you...  sooo much, mommy."

I love that too.

I've been TAMing hardcore everyday and eating healthy this past week so TGISunday.  Diet and exercise do not exist today.  Sundays are for being lazy, eating pizza, and watching movies.  

I went to Salon Zen to get shellac on my nails but made a last minute decision change and went with an OPI pink shade with the gold shattered on top.  Ashley, a friend of mine and an owner of Zen, did a great job!  I loved it...  until I messed it up by touching nail polish remover the next day by accident.  (damn.  i KNEW i should have gone with shellac.)  Sigh...  Well, it was lovely for 24 hours and Salon Zen is always a pleasure to be at.  I recommend Moreen for hair and Ashley for nails.  

I got tons of compliments on the pink and gold combo.

After demolishing my pretty paint job, I started over at home.  I used a peachy/pink/coral from Ulta and layered Sephora's copper glitter polish on top.  Not quite the same but I do love sparkle.

Quick question.  I'm thinking of going back dark, dark (but not black) brunette.  Any thoughts?  Still wanting to go shorter...  thoughts?  

How annoying can I be.

How adorable is this picture?

Jack loves his new kitties.

Hope you had a fun weekend.

Let's not talk about the OU game.

Let's plan something fun for this week.

♥ jp

busy.

Baby Jack goes to the new outlet mall with Mommy and Daddy.

Daddy forgot to pack the stroller.

Tantrum.

Baby rides the firetruck 2 times.

Tantrum.

Mommy, Daddy, and Baby leave 20 minutes after arriving.

He just looked so happy and cute on the truck though.

Friday, Jack went to my mom's for the evening.  Husband and I wandered around the local Friday night art walk on Main Street.  Met up with some friends here and some friends there. 

Husband gets serious at Steak 'n Shake.

Today is my best friend's birthday.  I don't think she reads this but HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANYWAY, ANNA HESTON.  I love you and you are pretty.  

The weekend was very laid back.  Jack started showing signs of sickness on Saturday but he was looking forward to going to my in-laws and I couldn't tell him no.  He was worse on Sunday and went to see Doc down there to get checked out.  He sounds like a baby seal.

Went to OKC on Saturday night to meet up with friends for a late dinner and drinks.  Ate too much and ended up going home early.  Husband was very grumpy but think it was because he was too full to drink beer.  

Spent Sunday with my mommy.

Today.

Took apart the high chair and fixed it all by myself.

Took the crib apart and turned it into a toddler bed all by myself.

Drinking lots of chai green tea with soy milk today.

Did something to my lower back and it hurts to move.

"did something" means carrying around a 35 pound baby.

Trying to eat healthy this week and Husband brought home red velvet cake last night.

Why would you do this to me.

Doing 30 mins of dance cardio and TAM iron man 2 videos.

Holy workout, it hurts.

Getting a costume idea on lock down for a 2 year old is very difficult.

Currently in the middle of a tea par par, watching Jack pour water from one cup to another cup.

Over and over. 

Water everywhere.

So busy this week.  Show Friday to look forward to.

♥ jp

oh my darlin.

Jack loves riding the pony at Wal-Mart.

He's pretty serious about it and likes for me to take pics of him on it.

First OU football game of the season is tomorrow.

YYYYYAAAY.

What am I going to wear?

Husband's a part of a huge tailgate thing so that will be fun.

Jack is going to spend the day and night at my mom's.

Tonight we will watch Rio and keep it low key at home.

and I think I'll make one of Hannah's famous tarts.

I got the new-ish Levi's curve ID skinny jeans.

In love.

I am a "slight curve" in case you wondered.

I work out and I work out but some things will never change...

Sigh.

The Oh Johnny! Girls met up for an interview for Distinctly Oklahoma Magazine.

It was swell.

More about it when it comes out.

Reality show?

More on that later.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Too big for a binky.

I know.

The baby wants what the baby wants.

He only gets it when he's going to bed and in this pic, he's going to bed.

Had to get all of his trucks lined out first.

BOOMER you guys.

♥ jp

breathless in the daylight.

I received an email this morning about fitness and motivation for an app someone is working on.  I wish there were a specific recipe for fitness motivation.  One cup of peanut butter + maple syrup + snickers bar + chocolate ice cream.  Or something like that.  Anything from Rusty's, Victoria's, or Tarahumara's.  For real though, my motivation comes and goes.  Some weeks, I'm so into it and at least one week a month (go figure) I'm not wanting to move my ass anywhere but into a pizza parlor. 

This is what works for me:

My style Pinterest board-  looking at clothes and girls who look good in those clothes make me want to workout and be on good diet behavior.  I say "diet" but really, it's just avoiding some of the treats I let myself have.  Example:  Yes, I'll have one martini instead of 4 beers.  

Check out the tagged photos on Tracy Anderson's facebook page.  Tons of before, during, and afters and it's pretty damn motivating.  

I remind myself that I feel great, sleep better, and have lower stress levels when I'm being good. 

Making a new workout playlist!

Have something to look forward to-  this is my ultimate motivator.  I look forward to playing shows and going out on the weekend and date nights with Husband.  

Sundays.  I eat something bad and delicious on Sundays.  Free days are important to me.

If nothing works and I just can't get into dance cardio, I just don't do it.  I don't beat myself up over it, I just pick up where I left off the next day.  No big deal.  Some days I just don't have the time.

Any tips you'd like to share with me?

I'm drinking my first diet coke since Sunday.  SUNDAY, i said.  Wait, i did try a diet coke and cherry whipped vodka the other night.  It was a little tiny drink though.  Yes, it was good but a little sweet for me.  Like a melted cherry coke snowcone.  Total college girl drink.

Jack is back at school this week.  He's been a very sweet chicken the past couple of days.  Still waking up in the middle of the night and insisting on getting in bed with us.  Any tips on how to stop this would be greatly appreciated.  

♥

jp

blue dark.

Jack is having an afternoon snooze and I told myself I would do my workout now but instead I'm on my MacBook Air, watching old episodes of Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami and eating a graham cracker.  Oh, and also enjoying a ice cold glass of detox water drink stuff- I've been downing it all week.  60 ounces of water with 2 tablespoons of sugar-free cranberry juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a bag of dandelion root tea.  It tastes like lemon water with an after taste of shit.  Who in the hell drinks dandelion root tea?  Those who wish to promote healthy liver function or those (like me) who wish to banish excess water weight.  Jillian Michaels seems to think if you drink it for 7 days, you'll lose 5ish pounds of water weight.  We'll see.  Jillian is evil and very well could be playing a trick on me.  

I used to cook almost every evening but this summer it's just been too hot.  I make things with cheese, flour, heavy cream, pasta, hearty soups, cornbread, curry, and more cheese.  Too hot to eat these things.  Last night I made tortellini with and basil artichoke garlic sauce for the boys.  I had a lovely kale salad with lemon.  This week I also made broccoli with toasted pine nuts and lemon, roasted garlic and olive oil, sauteed spinach, carmelized baby carrots, garlic bread, and chicken.  Now we know that Jack LOVES broccoli.  It's funny the things that make me happy these days.  

I need a night.  Like at the Mont or something.  Margaritas, swirls, club specials, wine.  I don't suggest all in one night, i'm sure i've done it before though.  I need to wear something cute, take my hair out of this ponytail and meet up with friends or a friend.  Husband would be invited but someone's got to watch the baby.  This pretend night would not involve any talk about boy/girl drama, what you do at work that nobody cares about, no baby talk, and no bullshit in general.  Topics to consider: music, fashion, funny internet things, Ryan Gosling's body, and making fun of people.  I need to be around fun and funny people.  I used to get all my fun from my BFF, Dave, but he's married and a stay at home daddy now so he's very, very busy.  although he does text me something hilarious at least once a day or every other day.  OR.  I need people to play music with.  Just hanging out, playing some jams on the back porch.  I used to have friends to do that with but they've decided that I'm not cool anymore or something.  

This blog has turned into a desperate cry for friends or something sad.  It has, hasn't it?  I have friends, I just never see anyone.  Everyone is busy.  Everyone lives far away.  I can't go out without a babysitter.  And my friends apparently think i'm the most awkward person on the face of the planet.  Maybe I'm not that awkward, maybe I don't know how to have a conversation that is solely about you, your job, your life, your problems and how I can help you fix them.  I'm that friend, the one who takes care of everyone but the one nobody invites out to do the fun stuff.  The one that friends only call when they're driving in their car because they have absolutely nothing else to do.  Feeling sorry for yourself seems to be the only reasonable thing to do when you're drinking this detox water stuff.  

And to be fair, I've been missing my brothers, Hannah, and my dad a lot lately so maybe that's the source of my loneliness.  Or, you know, maybe not.  maybe it's you, not me.

Don't worry, I'm not sad and depressed or anything, it's more like I'm Patrick Swayze in Ghost.  Jack is Whoopi Goldberg because he's the only person who knows i'm here.  That would make my friends Demi Moore.  Only 2 of my friends read this stuff, one of which is living in Mexico and the other one-  I see her often and she's fabulous.  She just babysat Jack the other night.  Eternally grateful.

Time to wake the chicken.  Have a nice Thursday and think of me while you're sipping your drinks in good company.  Be nice to your friends.  Brush your teeth before you go to bed.  Don't try this detox drink until I'm done-  there's no sense in both of us suffering until we know if it works.  Now that's a true friend.  Now, excuse me, I have to pee for the 10,000th time today.  Water, green tea, detox water, water, green tea, detox water, repeat.

♥  jp
 ps-  this is how i make myself laugh most days.  ----> whenparentstext.com

classically trained.

So now my mom thinks I only drink coconut water and that I never eat anything.  I recieved a concerned phone call.  Trust me, Mom, I eat.  I just ate a bunch of pretzels.  And before that, I had some animal crackers.  And before that, I had a couple bites of Jack's grilled cheese.  And before that, I had cereal.  This afternoon I made macaroni and cheese for dinner-  it's ready to go in the oven.  Real mac'n'cheese with cheddar, mozzerella, gouda, cream, milk, flour, butter, and salt.  I plan on making fried okra, green beans, and biscuits in a little bit.  And chicken for the boys.  I ate pizza last night.  And popcorn, of course.  I don't feel dieter's guilt when I eat something f'n delicious.  I thought we already went over this?  I eat very healthy-  lots of fresh veggies and fruit, yogurt, green tea, water, and wine.  Lots of spinach and arugula with tomatoes, craisins, and olive oil lately.  So there.  I'm not starving myself nor do I look like I'm starving myself.  Silly.

This kid isn't starving either.  He's got a lunchable stuffed in his mouth in this photo.  He's been extra sweet this week, our special mommy/baby week together.  We've played a lot of guitar and are learning piano together.  I don't think we're actually learning anything yet but we like to pretend.  Don't judge us, we're lazy sometimes.

I look so mean in this picture!  I'm so tough!  Not really.  It's habit.  I have this really annoying birth defect known as dimples and it makes me look like a little girl.  I don't mind it so much now but I used to be really self conscious about it when I was younger.  You will never see me sing (i sound like a 6 year old) and smile at the same time.  Little girl overload.  

Took Jack to visit my Grams.  He ate most of her Hershey's Kisses and showed her how to color in his coloring book.  He was very serious about it.  Jack walks around like he owns that nursing home.

Just found out I'm getting a massage tomorrow afternoon.  I can't wait!!!!!!!!  TAM never stops making you sore.  Last night I made myself a dirty vodka martini to deal with the pain in my ass, shoulders, and ribs.  And then I On Demanded The Notebook for $1.  I say On Demanded is a verb so don't look at me like that.  Laugh all you want but you know it's a good movie.  

I'm going to read the new Elle Decor mag now.  I lead a very exciting life.  If you want to bring a bottle of wine over to my house, I won't complain.

♥  jp

my ass. it hurts.

Hey guys.  So, I'm not working out today but here's what I've been doing all week.  It's fun, you should try it.  If you don't have the money to buy metamorphosis or you just want to see if you even like TAM, search for Tracy Anderson on youtube and tons of little workouts pop up.  I do these webisodes (in addition to 30 mins of dance cardio) when I want to change up my workout.  These aren't very hard but they are a  good, quick little workout for you.  Your ass will hurt so bad right after, you'll have trouble walking to the kitchen to eat cookies.  Well, that's what happened to me.

Tracy's Arms Webisode

 

Tracy's Abs Webisode

Gosh, I sure am sick of veggie protein soup everyday.  Over it!  I've been drinking lots of green tea, Zico coconut water, Zico CHOCOLATE coconut water, and raspberry melon G2 gatorade.  Chocolate coconut water is surprisingly delicious.  Man, I want a big ass Diet Coke though.

Tracy's Butt and Thighs Webisode

Have fun!
♥ jp

Tracy Anderson Madness

TAM=  Tracy Anderson Method

TRACY ANDERSON is a tiny, blonde fitness goddess.  She is very interactive with her clients and keeps her fans up to date through her website.  She puts out little webisodes, shares interviews and tips, and is just a badass in general.  There are several DVDs to choose from in her online store and she has a book called Tracy Anderson's 30 Day Method that can be purchased online or in most bookstores.  My story goes like this.

I'm not a tiny or a giant person, I'm 5 feet 7 inches tall and I have broad shoulders, a broad rib cage, long monkey arms and long legs.  I had a baby.  I gained almost 30 pounds.  Lost most of it easily after the baby was born but had zero tone and endurance after 11 months of sitting on my ass, eating bread and pasta.  I did P90X and liked it alright but I build muscle very quickly and I didn't like the bulk it gave me.  I did some Jillian Michaels stuff but we didn't get along very well.  Pilates next, which I loved but I get bored with easily.  I've done stability ball workouts, videos that use the big rubber band things, and yoga.  I have the attention span of a 3 year old so I like to change it up frequently.

I bought the TAM book first.  It comes with a meal plan, recipes and a DVD that includes 3 mat workouts and 2 dance cardio sequences.  The music sucks but I just mute it and make playlists on my ipod.  I lost a lot of weight the month I did the 30 day method.  It's pretty hard but worth it.

Tracy came out with the Metamorphosis series which is the holy grail of 90 day workout plans.  You choose which body type you are so it's not like a cookie cutter type series.  There are 4 DVDs with multiple sequences to follow.  Yes, it's hard.  Yes, some days you feel miserable.  Yes, you will see really fast results if you stick to it.  Yes, the dance cardio gets much easier with time.  Yes, you still feel ridiculous when someone walks in and catch you doing dance cardio.

Sometimes I follow the meal plan (thanks, Tracy, for not forgetting vegetarians!)  Sometimes I only do the workout 5 days a week instead of 6.  I don't always follow the program exactly like she urges you to but I'm only human and sometimes it's hard making time to do all of this crap.  Maybe if I had a nanny, a chef and a serene studio on my property like Gwyneth Paltrow, I could keep myself in check a little better.

Ok.  The meal plan pretty much sucks but if you follow it, you will be tiny like Tracy.  If you don't, you'll look more like me.  I don't own a juicer nor do I plan on owning one anytime soon so I replace the weird kale juice with Naked brand juice you can find at the grocery store.  Some of that stuff is high in calories so be careful which one you get.  I like Blue Machine.  If I don't have time to prepare gazpacho or sweet potato and corn pudding-  I eat a Kashi Go Lean roll or eat a little Special K protein cereal with unsweetened almond milk.  Most days I'm down to half of a Diet Coke and I drink hot or cold green tea-  I like Bigelow Green Tea with Mint.  You aren't supposed to use splenda or honey but I'm a rebel so I sometimes do.  Yes, I live on the edge.  I eat a lot of salad and veggie protein soup during the week for lunch.  I like egg whites or protein cereal for breakfast.

Am I at my ideal weight?  Nah.  I don't really care though because I have really great legs.  I do, it's genetic so thank you, mom and grandma.  As I get older, I'm much more comfortable with myself.  I like my body to feel strong, i like to have excellent posture, and I just like the stress relief exercise provides.  It's good for your mind and energy level.  Oh, AND Tracy lets your drink a little wine.  Just don't get drunk and eat Taco Bell at 2am.  It's easy to do- I KNOW.  I also know if you do happen to do that, always remember you are allowed to enjoy life any time you want.  Taco Bell in moderation.

One more thing.  I went to a Barre3 class in OKC last Monday and loved it.  Ballet, pilates, and yoga inpired barre work.  My hamstrings died as did every muscle in my arms but I didn't even realize how much it worked until I felt it the next day.  And the day after that.  I wanted to go again this week but I've been busy so next Monday it is.  You should definitely try it out if you live around the area.  The studio is cool too.  Duh, it's in Classen Curve so it's all fancy pants.

The end for now.  If you have any questions I didn't answer, don't hesitate to contact me or leave a comment.  These are the songs I'm working out to this week.  I change it up usually every 4 or 5 days.  I listen to a weird mix of artists.  I like to sing along and yes, pop songs are really easy to dance to.  I like to keep it fun.

My TAM Mat playlist:
East Harlem- Beirut
Summertime- Penny Hill
Daydreaming- Dark Dark Dark
Wild Palms- Sun Airway
Boy You Loved to Watch Me Cry- Madeline
Rachel-  Sleigh Bells
Cape Dory-  Tennis
Swimmers- Broken Social Scene
Infinity Guitars- Sleigh Bells

My TAM Cardio playlist:
Kids-  Sleigh Bells
Baby Say Goodbye- Wavves
3- Britney
Empire State of Mind- Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Floating Vibes- Surfer Blood
I Follow Rivers-  Lykke Li
Last Friday Night- Katy Perry
Relator- Pete Yorn & Scarlett
Crazy for You-  Best Coast
My Prerogative- Britney
How I Met You- Jenn Grant


If you live around here, let's work out together!  If you're into that sort of thing.  I'm not doing dance cardio unless you do it to.

xo ♥ Jaguar Paw

whales are like goldfish.

Jack misses Uncle Herby.  He carried this old picture of us around and fed him smarties and whales.

The weekend went by fast, didn't it?  I played model on Saturday while the boys went to the lake.  I have an upcoming post on the designer so don't forget to come back and check it out-  hopefully later this week.  Behind the camera is where I usually stay-  posing makes me uncomfortable most of the time-  but we shot on a gorgeous location, had mimosas, and I got to catch up with my girls and make new friends.  Lots of photos of the whole experience to come!

Husband and I went to dinner with his parents on Friday.  It was nice to have a meal with them without the baby there for a change.  Real conversation instead of us all trying to entertain him!  I was going to wear the outfit above but decided to wear a casual black tunic-y type t-shirt and nude heels.   It's too hot outside to get too dressy.

This is a shot of me at the last show I played.  We opened for Dick Dale and I had a lot of drama happen that night so that's why I didn't post anything about it.  I'm very happy to say-  all is perfect now.  I can hopefully be anxiety attack free for a while.  The people I play with are my family and we fight and pull hair just like you do with your siblings when you're 6 years old.  Musicians are a very specific breed and we're hard to deal with sometimes.  We're a little vain, we love attention, we're a little wild, and frequently have tunnel vision.  We fall down a lot, help each other up and become stronger than ever.  Sandy, Timmy, Benny-  I love you guys.  (no, i'm not drunk, this is for real talk.)

I wrote a new little tune last week and recorded it in a hurry so I wouldn't forget it.
Click HERE for a listen.

Did you notice I finally got around to building an about me page on the blog?  I swear I'll get around to my Tracy Anderson post.  I know more than 12 of you read this because I've had a lot more emails about the method than 12!
cheers to Monday.
♥ jp

the get-a-long gang.

Yesterday evening, we had free passes to see Friends with Benefits but we couldn't find a sitter.  Not that I think it will be the best movie ever made but sometimes it's just nice to sit in air conditioning and watch something mindless.  Mila Kunis is Husband's super crush (duh) so I know why he wants to see it.  Anyway.  So we couldn't go, no big deal.  We took Baby Jack on a walk around the neighborhood.  We needed the walk after eating pasta from Victoria's.  I'm going to confess, it's 10am and I just finished eating a tiny bit of leftover spaghetti.  (don't look at me like that.)  My back is better today so it's hardcore workout time.

My brother, *Herby, and his wife, Hannah, moved to LA a few weeks ago.  Jack talks about them just about every day and it makes me sad.  I miss them.  And I miss Hannah's fruit tarts pretty bad too.  I'm not a big dessert person but the tarts she makes are insane.  I was forced to get her recipe and make one myself and it turned out delicious.  Not as good as Hannah's but she's got a magic touch that turns everything she cooks into extra delicious solid gold.  We've actually talked about starting a blog together, sharing recipes and food ideas from Oklahoma to LA.

*my brother's name isn't actually Herby.  It's William.  My parents named him Hulpahtah (means alligator) and we nicknamed him "Hub" and somehow my little brother turned that into "Herby" but then my brother changed his name from Hulpahtah to William.  So my brother, my mom and I call him Herby.

I couldn't get a good picture of Jack's fourth of July outfit but he looked really cute.  And cool.
Jack discovered my childhood Get-A-Long Gang and He-Man TV trays and he loves them.

I've had a lot of questions about Tracy Anderson lately so I'll probably post some answers soon.  Like, my crazy ass rant about how much I love her and how you should love her too.  

♥ jp