JenLeoLIVE!

New Slideshow from Australia!

2006-10-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hey All,
I'm in Darwin, Australia right now. It's in the Northern Territory, which they call the Top End.
Tomorrow I leave on a two-day safari to Litchfield, but before I go I just had to add a widget to the new JenLeoLIVE! It's One True Media and they let you do slideshows with your photos.

Check out my trip to the Tiwi Islands.

And please, pretty please, change your bookmarks and aggregator feeds to the new blog.

Many thanks!
Jen

Current: Australia
Next: San Francisco (Oct 27-29)

Please Check Out the ALL NEW JenLeoLIVE!

2006-09-17T01:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody,
Yes, I'm fine. I've just been busy, traveling, and changing JenLeoLIVE! over to TypePad was a good excuse to take a break from blogging for a while. I'll start updating you there, and I'd appreciate it if you changed your Bloglines and other blog/news aggregators or bookmarks over to the new page:

http://jenopolis.typepad.com/live/

Yes, I bought JenLeoLIVE.com so at some point my TypePad address will turn into it's own sexy url, but if I waited for that to launch, you might still be wondering where I am and if I'm alive.

Quick! Go check out the new blog! -- THANKS. :-)

Making Eating Light FUN!

2006-08-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

When I was in college at USC, I wanted to quit my Public Relations major three years into it. I was getting A's, but it wasn't that much fun. My teacher said, "You just haven't found your niche, stick with it." And I'm glad that I did because I love helping people promote their work. Today, I'm applying that to the $1000 diet. Find your niche while eating light.

I know that the Food Diary will report yesterday's meal, but I couldn't help telling you about what I just had for lunch. It was so good. Wheat pita stuffed with hummus, good tomatoes (you know, sometimes you can buy the kind that are a bit blah), a spring mix of baby lettuces and—are you ready for the secret ingredient?—a dabble of olive oil vinagrette dressing. Voila, Salad Pita Sandwich! With a side of carrots and red grapes. I found my niche.

I'm making drinking water fun, too. Hello, Perrier. (Spilling half of it on your lap like I did is not recommended if you're having lunch with company). And in the wonderful way that blogging research leads to unforseen cool knowledge of varying levels of triviality, Perrier has drink recipes! That's right, alcoholic and non alcoholic drink recipes are in their party planning section. Make me a Green Lizard, please!

FOOD DIARY
John deserves to go first today because he did an amazing job yesterday. In my book, anybody who can avoid a sausage while at the ball park is either half nuts, or uber-committed to winning a $1000 diet bet. We'll have to take additional bets as to whether or not I can resist the same temptation tonight when we go see the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

Day 11, John:
Breakfast: muffin, coffee
Lunch: Maria's chopped salad
Dinner: Turkey sandwich
Snack: peanuts
Dessert: nada
Excercise: nada

Day 11, Jen:
Breakfast: oatmeal
Lunch: greek salad and pita with pepper spread
Dinner: broiled veggies
Snack: carrots
Dessert: grapes
Excercise: mile to the coffee house - one way only

Note: I was inexplicably fatigued yesterday. I felt well rested, but just out of sorts. I'm figuring that my body is getting used to eating considerably less.

NON DIET NEWS: Get ready for seeing JenLeoLive! in a new format. I am meeting with a techie on Monday morning to transfer the content from Blogger to TypePad. I've been wanting to do this for a long time now. I chose Blogger in the beginning because it was free and because I didn't know if I'd be able to really update people consistently here, but since it's working, we might as well do it better. For those of you that are Blogger fans, please note that they are out with a new Blogger in Beta where you will be able to customize your templates and like Vox, make some posts available to friends and some just to family.

CURRENT: PASADENA
NEXT: EUGENE, PORTLAND, SEATTLE (Sept 1-14)

Men Lose Weight Faster Than Women?

2006-08-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

That's what every body is telling me. I think I've heard that three or four times in the last 48 hours. From men, from women. It seems like everyone is siding with our hero, John. Or JCall as Gavin Smith calls him. And I've always kinda liked that tag.
Well, shocker of all shockers, I weighed in this morning naked as a jaybird and before a drink of water or breakfast and my new friend the scale says I'm down 6lbs!

Scale Report:
Jen
Starting weight: 185
Last weigh in: 182
Current naked weight: 179
New total loss: -6

John
Last weigh in: -3.5
New total loss: -5

I certainly don't look any different, and I'm sure that number is a fluctuating one. Because after I weighed I drank a big glass of water and ate half a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. I only stopped halfway because it wasn't that good.

Yesterday, I read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal ("Enlisting Cellphones to Fight Cellulite") about all the mobile gadgets that help dieters. Would you believe there are programs where you can take a picture of your meal from your phone, send it in, and then they'll analyze it for you and tell you the nutrition value, etc. Oh yes, it's true. Check out MyFoodPhone. At first this sounds cool, but then I thought, the food is already there. The decision comes from looking at the menu, once you've ordered and it's in front of you, it's there. You're eating. I mean, you could take a picture and someone could tell you, "hey! that's not good for you!" So then what, you only eat half? You tell yourself that you're only going to eat around the edges of the plate and leave the chunk in the center? Too silly.

I read that other cell phones have their mobile services, too. Verizon, Cingular, all for a few bucks a month, you get get calorie counters and what not straight to your phone. More on that as I dig up the info.

We still haven't gone to a Weight Watchers meeting or signed up, but I will this weekend! I'm excited to check out their Restaurant Guide to be sed in conjunction with their points system. That could be fun! Ok, now for the dirt.

Day 10, Jen:
Breakfast: coffee and grapes
Lunch: Raw veggie salad that made me say aloud, "I think I want to stay fat" and then take two bites of John's mashed potatoes. A yummy wheat grass and pineapple juice drink.
Dinner: Steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, herb roasted chicken and half a piece of a meatloaf, half an amstel light, and some Coke Zero, two waters.
Snack: iced tea
Dessert: fruit salad, some bitesized chocolate mints, 2-3 glasses of champagne, and two wheat fig newtons
Excercise: my arm got loose playing catch with John at the park. Then I did some sit ups and leg ups in the grass.

Day 10, John:
Breakfast: Nothing. maybe coffee
Lunch: Tasteless meatloaf and mashed potatoes
Dinner: chicken, steamed veggies and mashed potatoes for dinner, water and Diet Coke
Snack: handful of Cashews
Dessert: fruit salad
Excercise: Played catch with Jen and walked around 3rd Street.

And last but not least. Big thanks to Mark for the great dinner at poker. I heard other people complimenting him on the healthy options and good pics. Except for the few bits of candy which I briefly cosidered eating and not recording, I was excited about dinner because I ate enough to be full, but didn't take the seconds that I wanted. I ate the healthy bits, and there were just enough treats in the meatloaf and mash to splurge. But wait till we're on WW. We'll be able to eat everything we want as long as we're in the points.

Speaking of food and excercise. I'm going to go walk a mile to the coffee house for a salad. Maybe a sandwhich.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: PDX, EUG, SEA (Sept 1-14)

Side Bets Anyone?

2006-08-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

It has come to our attention that people are taking sidebets on the John vs. Jen $1000 Diet. This is excellent news and we highly encourage it. Or, at least I do. It means more competition for us. But come on people, you have to tell us the stakes of your bet. Could it possibly be to eat a plate of veggies? Or maybe some crayons? Or is your bet all about the Benjamins. Tell us, pleeeeeaaaase.

We're jetting off to play in the media tournament at the Bike today for the Legends of Poker. And you know what Thursday means. Hopefully I can get enough done between the two events.

Before I give you the FOOD DIARY, I just want to say, Light cheese sucks. Do you know of any good brands? John is thanking me when I deliver him a plate of Light Swiss cheese from Trader Joes, and I am in the other room, scrunching up my face as I quickly put it in my mouth, then savor licking every last salt particle off my Light Wheat Thin. Sixteen of them to be exact, because that is a serving size. Mmmm Light Wheat Thins.

Now for the home cookin':

Day 9, Jen:
Breakfast: Americano and grapes
Lunch: Greek salad with one piece of olive break toast, half an oatmeal cookie
Dinner: Pineapple chicken over brown rice with a chunky mixed green salad
Snack: Light Wheat Thins and light cheese (no wine!)
Dessert: frozen cherries
Excercise: 2 mile RT walk to the coffee house

Day 9, John:
Breakfast: nothing, just coffee
Lunch: Subway turkey salad
Dinner: Pineapple chicken over brown rice with a chunky mixed green salad
Snack: Triscuits with light cheese
Dessert: nothing!
Excercise: full work out at the gym

I like how John doesn't tell me he worked out at the gym until the next morning when I have to do my report. The house of pain!
Ok, we're off.

CURRENT: PASADENA, CA
NEXT: EUGENE, OR, PORTLAND, OR, SEATTLE, WA (Sept 1-14)

The Decision to Eat Out

2006-08-23T06:53:00.000-07:00

For me, it was an easy one. Let's go! "Must have social contact," I said with a neanderthal accent. But there was some hesitation in John's voice. It was Shiki. A standing tradition among his friends that if one of them said "Shiki!" the call had been made, and all must come for sushi. (Or you just don't reply and then they figure out you're NTG - Not That Guy). It was very hard to tell if John wanted to go. I'm pretty sure he did, but his caution was all about the question of whether or not we could be disciplined at a restaurant this early in the diet.

We went.

And in the car ride over, we planned our meal. Usually, Shiki is all about sharing. But we are now renegades of all communal eating. John knew exactly what he wanted. Garden salad, spicy tuna, and something else. He was staying away from California rolls, anything with avacado, and the Salmon Tempura—at all costs.

I had no idea beyond the side salad which I knew wouldn't be as great as the salad at Octopus. But still, it had to be done. Filler food. Anything to keep us from eating what we really wanted, ahem, Salmon Tempura.

We feel like we did ok with our excursion. It could've been worse. It couldn't been much worse. I wanted the Caterpillar roll, two more beers, and oh the Salmon Tempura was talking to me. Staring at me lovingly. Adrian sat on my left and ate his plate stealth mode while I gazed back across the table at the full plate next to Mark. I wanted it. It wanted me. Mark even asked if John and I were going to take one piece each to keep it fair and light, but no. We said we wouldn't. That creamy warm terriyaki sauce... Idiots!

Before I left, Mark took me aside and told me the super secret to beating John. And it does not involve sending him nachos to the office. No, this is very natural and does not involve and infared machine. Look out John! I don't care how many people told me yesterday that men lose weight faster than women, I'm going to beat you.

FOOD DIARY

Day 8, Jen:
Breakfast: oatmeal
Lunch: turkey breast sandy on multi grain, carrots, and grapes
Dinner: green salad, seared albacore, beef terriyaki and veggies, and one Asahi beer
Snack: wine and light cheese
Dessert: none!
Excercise: more none! still scrambling to finish writing assignments

Day 8, John:
Breakfast: nasty diet coffee cake
Lunch: lime cilantro chicken salad - yummy
Dinner: green salad, spicy tuna roll, rice
Snack: 8 triscuits, and diet swiss cheese
Dessert: none
Excercise: none

CURRENT: Pasadena, CA
NEXT: Eugene, OR, Portland, OR, Seattle WA (Sept 1-13)

$1 Bet

2006-08-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Not all bets have to be for $1,000. Yesterday I told my barista that if I came over with the car, she'd get an extra $1 in the tip jar. That's right. I'm only allowed to walk to A Penny For Your Thoughts. It's about a mile up the hill from us. As an added bonus, I told her that if I came in the car 3x in a row, the bet got upped to $2/visit.

John asked me to drive him to work today and I declined in an effort to make sure I get a walk in—and save a buck!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Poker Home Game on Thursday

"If You Play, You Pay"

2006-08-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

That's what my dad used to tell me, but it usually referred to events of indescretion. Still, that's what I think of as I'm working my butt off. I'm late on three articles and expect to turn them all in today. And it's all my fault since I made long overdue visits with friends a priority last weekend.

But, some of you are food diary addicts, so I'm here to give you your fix. So you know, I'm treasuring the simple quiet life in Pasadena right now and even contemplating cutting my Northwest trip in half next month. I mean, if I'm excited to load and unload my dishwasher, how could I possibly leave again for two weeks.

Day 7, Jen:
Breakfast: wheat muffin
Lunch: Salad trio at Corner Bakery
Dinner: Weight Watchers meal: chicken, broccoli, pasta alfredo
Snack: reduced fat wheat thins and light cheese - ICK!
Dessert: Cutie tofutti ice cream sandwich and pop corn
Excercise: nada, badada

Day 6, John:
Breakfast: wheat muffin, coffee
Lunch: turkey sandwhich and caesar salad
Dinner: Weight Watchers meal: Lasagne Bolognese
Snack: n/a
Dessert: cottage cheese with pineapple. A lot of it!
Excercise:

So, I bought us some WW meals for $2 each at Vons. John really doesn't want to go to the meetings. I said we should go to one, and then decide what is right for us after that. No doubt we'll both be doing much of this online. In fact, I just found this handy resource "My Favorite Weight Watchers Websites".

There is a meeting today at 5pm. We still haven't decided if we're going, but we need to at least get our points stuff started. I have to get back to work, but don't think for a second that I'm going to be day dreaming about our return to the home game in Cheviot Hills on Thursday. Our host has even said the dinner will be waist-conscious friendly. I'm always curious about what dinner he chooses for us each week, but this week I'm guessing even harder...hmmm....salads? grilled veggies? What will he do! I can't wait!

Current: Pasadena, Ca
Next: Eugene, OR (Sept 1-4)

Weight Watchers Fans Everywhere

2006-08-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

What I neglected to mention yesterday was that there were two more references for Weight Watchers at Saturday's dinner party. Jon was currently on the points system and had already lost 9lbs in less than two months. My memory is foggy, but I think it was only one month. And kudos to him for saying no to the peach dessert. In addition, his wife's brother had lost 100lbs from WW! So, for those of you who thought it was just for women, think again.
John and I are going to start today. Hopefully he can look up an afternoon meeting as I am slammmmmmmmmed. We are both so ready and excited about this program.

Day 6, Jen:
Breakfast: chicken apple sausage scramble, home fries, a bite of coffee cake, coffee, and fruit bowl
Lunch: that was brunch
Snack: diet coke, almonds, grapes, water, vit water, Special K crisp bar
Dinner: what dinner?
Dessert: what dessert?
Excercise: hurting my knee on the gas pedal for seven hours without cruise control. BUT I can't believe I forgot to add this category as it is very important, and I want to rub in John's face that I did a four mile walk at Tennessee Valley cove on Saturday. So, begin the excercise category.

Day 6, John:
Breakfast: wheat muffin and coffee
Lunch: Chipotle beef burrito "wonderful btw" John said.
Dinner: what dinner? Burrito was Linner.
Snack: bubble water up the ass
Dessert: nada
Excercise:

Scale check:
Jen: -3lbs to 182!!!!
John: -2.5 to the unmentionable

Man is it good to be back in Pasadena.We're both working from the Great room, the windows are open, the street is buzzing with folks going to work. My workspace is clean, and I am ready to jam on it!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Eugene, OR - Portland, OR - Seattle, WA (Sept 1-13)

I Heart Dinner Parties with Bloggers

2006-08-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

I love a good dinner party as much as shrimp tacos in Baja and hitting home runs in a softball game. So yesterday I ditched the last night of the Book Passage Travel Writers Conference for a dinner at my friend HC's.

I firmly believe that the recipe for a successful dinner party is 80% company, 20% good food. My friends chose their guests well, and were even better hosts. Masterful really. The fact that the food was outstanding was a bonus.

I could go on and on about everything we talked about that excited me, but lets port-wine reduction the evening into this great observation from Jon, a freelance playwright. The scene: all of us sitting around the living room and HC at the keyboard showcasing each of the guests' blogs up on the 42in flat screen above the mantel. We were laughing and oohing and awing at what the others were in to when it occurred to Jon, "this is the new parlor game for adults." Ahhh, bloggers. Vain? No, just obsessed with oursevles. Oh wait, that's just me. His observation really cracked me up. Almost as much as the answering machine messages of Jon's dad talking to him about Mets games and UFO's. (Jon, if you're reading this, give us the link!)

It was liberating to be with other writers, and inspiring to listen to them talk about books I've never read and plays I haven't been to. The dinner was also a bon voyage to Emily who is leaving on a three week trip to France including Paris, Provence, and Burgundy. Molly, who writes for Yahoo Picks was an ebullient presence and bravely let us make fun of her at will for her broken toe. And right before I left early, Jenny showed us beautiful sweaters she'd made from a knitting machine.

THE FOOD DIARY CONTINUES
Day 5, Jen:
Breakfast: swedish pancakes, one piece of bacon, strawberries
Lunch: chicken taco salad, iced tea
Dinner: the best appetizer EVER. proscuitto-wrapped fig slices, crackers with fancy yummy cheese, Plumicot and walnut salad, and some plate licking seemingly Tuscan chicken and pasta dish which I'm sure has a more formal name
Dessert: Peach tart

Day 5, John:
Breakfast: wheat muffin
Lunch: fried rice
Dinner: Mijares nachos with two Coronas

I really want to talk more about how meaningful it was for me to go to this dinner party, but I have to jet off to the next meal!

Current: San Francisco, Ca
Next: Pasadena, CA for TWO WEEKS!!!!1

Learning about Weight Watchers

2006-08-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

So, it's pretty hard to watch what you're eating when you're on the road and visiting with friends you might only get to see once or twice a year. But last night I visited with one of my second families, The Lyons. The mom looked the best I have ever seen her looked. I've seen her dieting on and off for as long as I've known her, but she is really the most beautiful I've ever seen her look in the past ten years. I told her that and she gave all the credit to Weight Watchers

So, we talked about WW and I asked her if the meetings worked. She said yes, even if they were hoakey. Then she walked me through the point book and the point calculator.

The dad walked in and asked if I wanted a beer. I said yes if it was light beer, and Marcy gave me an invaluable tip. She said that she doesn't drink while she's on the diet, not for the points, but because if she does, it's easier for her to say yes to the extra food. We all know alcohol breaks down our inhibitions, but this was an interesting tie in that I found pretty useful and immediately connected to my fritos and oreos snack by the pool last night.

I've already been considering Weight Watchers because my cousin and one of my best friends lost 40lbs through their program. Now I have a third reference. But lets get to the Food Diary so you guys have something to laugh at.

Day 4, Jen:
Breakfast: fruit bowl, half croissant, americano
Lunch: half turkey sand, salad, iced tea at Intermezzo in Berkeley!
Dinner: chips, salsa, bbq ribs, coleslaw, corn on the cob, light beer
After dinner treats: Ben & Jerry's ice cream and another light beer

Day 4, John:
Breakfast: coffee
Lunch: Panera chicken sandwich
Dinner: orange chicken and rice

So, I'm ready to go home. I still have two more meetings today and one definite one tomorrow. And lots of work to do today. We'll see how we go. It wouldn't be the end of the world to go home tonight and stay in a WiFi hotel for one full night of alone time. We'll see. The BP Travel Writers Conference also beckons...

Current: Marin
Next: Pasadena tomorrow

But it was a party....

2006-08-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I started off great. And then some other things happened.

Day 3, Jen:
Breakfast/Lunch: Ahi tuna salad
Snack: Steak fries, a diet coke, and half a cookie
Dinner: Pearl cous cous salad with green beans
After dinner treats: 2 glasses of red wine, 2 glasses of Tesoro tequila anejo, half a bag of fritos and 2 oreo cookies.

Day 3, John:
Breakfast: wheat muffin coffee.
Lunch: buddha's feast with rice (all veggies)
Dinner: small salad with about 10 triscuits.
Snack: - none.

So look who is being a show off. I'm not sure what to make of his unnatural ability to stay away from nachos and beer. Can it really last? Does he think he's all that? And do all these wheat muffin breakfasts mean that I'm going to return home to a big grouch? We'll know by Monday. At least I'm doing more walking than I normally do...

Sorry I couldn't update right when I woke up. Last night was the Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference. Tim Cahill was in conversation with Amy Tan. Then I stayed up extra late having drinks with Jill Robinsonand Tim Cahill out by the pool, worked this morning, then coffee with a friend, and then a radio interview in Berkeley for KALX. Back to work now, you'll find out what we ate tomorrow! :-)

Current: Marin
Next: San Francisco

There's No Diet in Road Trip

2006-08-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

So, you like the food diary, eh? Cool. I didn't want to be like all of those other hot trendy celebrity bloggers with a food blog, but hey, you know how it is. I did ok today. It could've been worse.

Day 2, Jen:
Breakfast: pecan roll, coffee with half and half
Lunch: Thai veggies and rice with soup, half of a bad iced tea
Snack: iced coffee, cookie
Dinner: White wine, oysters in the half shell, salad nicoise
Night time snack: decaf iced latte
After dinner treats: half an Amstel Light, half a capuccino, 1/4 of a slice of cheesecake

Day 2, John:
Breakfast: wheat muffin
Lunch: hot dog at the ball park
Dinner: chips, salsa, cottage & pineapple

Well, now. It seems like someone from Pasadena is being a bit of a show off. Meanwhile I thought it showed considerable restraint for me to only have half of a light beer when I was celebrating a book release with friends I hadn't seen in a year. They were all knocking back Scotch on the rocks and pint size micro size beers, but me, no just a measly little Amstel Light. Ha! Don't buy that for a dollar. I can't have a microbrew beer if Im sharing a hotel room because I'll fart the stinky ones, and I couldn't have proper drinks because I had to stay up and work after the party. But anyway...

I had a wonderful walk in Golden Gate Park and my friend Lynn took me to the new De Young museum. It was a true treat to see San Francisco from a new vantage point (picture here). We walked in the sculpture garden, had a treat in the cafe outside, and even heard some man doing some singing overtones thing that sounded like a Tibetan monk in this art chamber with a huge open skylight. He kind of sounded like a didgeridoo and a baby in a stroller not yet a year old paid little attention to him as she flipped through the pages in her book, occassionally looking up at him with faint interest. It was a true treat to do that with Lynn, have a nice dinner with friends even if I was distracted by the upcoming event, and then of course the event. We had 55 some people and I should really write it up now for Written Road. What a lovely day. Thanks all who came and to those who sent emails wishing me well.

Current: Corte Madera, California (Marin)
Next: here all week

Did I say Diet? Really?

2006-08-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

CURRENT: San Francisco, CA
NEXT: here till Sunday

Food Diary. So, I'm sinking my teeth into a warm pecan roll and drinking a dark Ecuadorian coffee with half and half when I realized I'm recording this stuff. And here I thought I was doing good by choosing the SF Weekly's recommended Arizmendi "coop" bakery instead of some chain. Actually, chains are a little hard to find out in the Richmond in San Francisco. So, fess up time. Now we know why food diaries are so important to the process.
Day 1 Diet, Jen:
Breakfast: two pieces of wheat toast with lemon curd
Lunch: Gyro sandwich, a few fries, and a diet coke...I hardly ever!
Snack: iced tea, Starbucks cookie, half a vitamin water, a few bites of beef jerkey
Dinner: Half a bag of small pop corn, a few milk duds, water
Dessert: chips and guac and a margarita.
Good grief this is SO embarrassing!!!

Day 1 Diet, John:
Breakfast: two pieces of wheat english muffins, iced coffee
Lunch: turkey burger, a few fries
Dinner: chips and salsa, cottage cheese and pineapple

Ok, but what kind of excercise did John do yesterday, huh? I at least had my right foot up and down on the gas peddle for six hours because the rental car did not have cruise control.

Well, it's a good thing we're recording this. I'll definitely have to shape up. And you heard it here first before I went to lunch with Expert Insight and had dinner at the Left Bank before my event.

BTW, thanks for your encouragement on the diet in the comments. Otis, I cant believe that you were that much heavier when I first met you. I really never thought of you as being heavy. Did we meet before London? Re fast food, I like the occassional In N Out, but I'm not really into fast food on a regular basis. I had enough of that when I was a delivery driver back in the day for the glorious Kozmo.com.

Here are my biggest weaknesses:
half and half in coffee
cheese. mostly cheddar
pizza
ice cream

I can stay away from ice cream with more ease than I can the pizza. But for me, I have to start excercising. A legitimate psychic who works for the police said I'm going to have kids within a year. That means this body has got to get in shape. Not just lighter, but actually up the stamina and endurance side of things. For that, I'm really going to have to start working out. Ok, until tomorrow. I have 3.5 articles due in two days. Maybe all that brian power will burn some calories. And then there's talking tonight. All that talking.

Excited About San Francisco

2006-08-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

I leave for SF in a few hours and I'm excited. This is a really special event and I feel so fortunate to get the chance to have a good show with Tim. I just hope and hope and hope that people come. If you are in the Bay Area, or know friends that are, please come and invite them.

Wednesday, August 16, 7:00 pm
Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA

To celebrate the launch of What Color is Your Jockstrap, I am going to be "in coversation" with Tim Cahill, the man responsible for inspiring me into the travel book world. Tim is the founder of Outside magazine and the author of several books including Jaguars Ripped My Flesh, Pecked to Death by Ducks, Pass the Butterworms, Road Fever, and many more. He has inspired many travel writers into this business, and is a funny guy. We will be on stage talking to each other about our travel, the writing life, future plans, and hopefully putting on a good show. Actually, I'm pretty certain we can as we've already reached the level of palship of swigging beers, slapping ~~butts~~ backs, and calling eachother nicknames. Well, he calls me Boxcar Leo and sometimes Steve.

And it turns out I'll get to see some friends, too, so that would just be great. Because I don't live there anymore, I'm kind of on a rotation. Trying to see friends on this trip that I didn't see last trip. It's tough. I want to see everybody. But, there is work to do, too. I can't live my life like it's always a vacation, or can I?

THE WEIGH IN...YIKES! Yesterday I mentioned that John and I are competing with each other to lose some extra weight. Our $1000 bet. This morning, he called me into the bathroom. The look on his face was intent. I thought we needed the plunger again and was fearing the worst. But when I walked into our blue bathroom, there was the scale in the center of the floor—ready for action. He got on and weighed a pound less than what he thought he was going to be. I was five pounds over. Vegas!!! This is where it all began last year. So, strike what I said yesterday, I am now THIRTY FIVE pounds over what I was last summer, and that was a good ten pounds over an ideal weight. But ideals change. I'll be thrilled if I lose this twenty.

Listen here. I know some of you have mentioned that you don't really like me talking about me mentioning or complaining about the weight gain. But John and I are recording this on the blog so that we take it seriously, and keep the competitive level up. We want to have fun with this, hence the bet. Do I still think I'm a beautiful person? Yes. Am I a happy person? Yes. And I love my life and what I'm building at home and career wise. I also think that continued success is contingent on a healthy self esteem. And one's self body image contributes to their self esteem. Mine sure does. So, follow along as this three month adventure kicks off and watch a happy girl get even happier. And we're not talking about more poundage! Lets talk about feeling good, getting fit, and connecting with the outdoors!

Day 1: The Weigh In
In Jen: Weighed in at 185. John says we don't need to show our real weight, but I'm not sure I mind. I want others who are trying to lose/maintain their weight to play along and share what has helped them.
John: Supposedly serious about losing 20lbs. Time will tell.

Ok, I have to pack. See you all tomorrow. Oh, and re the poker, I lost for two days worth of play.

Current: Leaving Pasadena, CA
Next: San Francisco through Sunday

A King Size Bed Bet

2006-08-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

CURRENT: PASADENA, CA (today only)
NEXT: SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Tues night-Sun)

$1000 bet. John and I made a bet today that is going to be fun to follow. First of all, we've both gained 20lbs of happiness since we met eachother, and I've one up'd him by being even 10lbs happier. Neither of us are thrilled with this love weight, and both of us could've used losing a few even before that. So, enough is enough. Our goal is to lose 20lbs each in three months. Nov 15 is the deadline. The first one to 20lbs wins. If that doesn't happen, the person who loses the most by Nov 15, wins. And the loser must put $1000 towards a king sized mattress. It'd be nice if we didn't need the extra room after we lost the weight, but we do. Loser buys the bed--or $1000 of it--no running off to the crappy $400 sale. And, John said that I should blog about it to keep us both accountable.

Home! It's great to be home, but pretty much a tease for me as I'm only doing laundry and the most urgent of tasks before heading up to SF tomorrow. Still, I love our little house. Even if it doesn't have a pool and an overhead flight path.

NEW Poker $$ Goals. The bed bet excited me. And I told John that if I lose, I'm paying it all with poker winnings. I've never been goal oriented with my online poker play, and connecting it to the other bet excites me. So, my goal is to make $25/day by the end of the three months. $2500. And I'm only going to do it with headsup play because that's what I'm best at. I know very well that I can't win every day. So, the procedure will be start off with a $11 heads up SNG, if I win, go up to a $20. If I lose, play another $11. If I win that one, play another. If I lose, stop altogether and wait for tomorrow. If I win the $11 and then win the $20, I stop. Make sense? Don't worry, I'll blog my progress with this, too.

I hope you've had a great summer and that no matter where you live I get to see you soon. Or at least catch up on the phone. Thanks for everything.

# # # #

A Big Life Ahead of Me

2006-08-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Current: San Diego, CA Today
Next: Pasadena, CA Monday, San Francisco, CA Tuesday-Sunday.

I thought I'd put where I am first this time around. It's been an emotional weekend for me in San Diego where I grew up. It usually is every time I come back, but the longer it is between visits, the more it gets to me. The concept of home. Wondering where my home will be. And knowing full well that it will probably never be anywhere else than when I'm in the presence of a few people whose love has moved me.

I always feel closest to my brother when he's reading my blog. It started when he was reading Written Road wile I was on my Sand in My Bra tour a few years back. Last night, when I first saw him at my Uncle Jon's retirement party one of the first things he said was, "I've been reading your blog, where've you been the past few days?"
"Driving here yesterday, and visiting with the family today!" We both laughed.
"You're starting to sound like a blog reader now, Jason." I said. "Addicted and demanding."
He laughed and agreed that he was kind of going through withdrawals.

So, here's where I've been:
Thursday: Staying at Paris Las Vegas and watching the last night of the World Series of Poker. Jamie Gold, a Hollywood agent from Malibu won the $12 million.
Friday: Took my friend Stephen from Gutshot.com to the Original Pancake House followed by a shopping spree at the Gambler's Bookshop. Then it took me 5-6 hours to drive down the 15 to San Diego where I took a shower and went straight to bed.
Saturday: Breakfast at Cocos with my 85year old grandparents. Then Popo and I went and got our nails done and did some shopping before the retirement party. I also visited with my friend Heather who said, "Why didn't you fold that last hand?" surprising me with the knowledge that she and her brother had watched the PokerDome show on TV. When I left, her toddler didn't want me to leave. Another surprise considering I was terribly self indulgent and did more talking with Heather than playing with the kids. Guilt!
Sunday: Breakfast and Monopoly with Jacob's family. Good talks with Judy. And this is when it started. This was the tough part. Leaving and wondering about the rest of my life. Where we're going to end up, when we'll have kids, and am I really making the right decision by my consistent steadfastness to live anywhere but San Diego. John loved it here. The coastal air, having breakfast overlooking the Ocean in La Jolla. We talked about how to make our lives better and the interesting part about that was that he needed to do less to have a better life, and I just wanted to do more.

The sadness. In all post summer sentimentality, I started to feel the pangs of life. The desire to build an even more fulfilling future, and the saddening trip into memories when I spent more time outside. I miss the days when I had a suburau wagon 4x4 with a Thule bike rack on top. When I'd go camping in Yosemite with friends. When I'd make banana nut bread and go for a hike that I was barely fit to make. When I'd bike. We were having lunch above the La Jolla cove, watching the kayakers, swimmers, and boaters. I wondered if I'd ever make the effort to do that if we lived here. I'm absolutely certain that I'd be happier if I could be outside more, but connecting A to B is sometimes the hardest part. I love dancing, too. But I dare you to try and get me out there without four drinks or the jaws of life.

The good part. The good part is that life is spot on right now. Everything is great with John, and I am truly blessed to have him in my life. We both feel very fortunate. But I swear it's a beast of a job not to take my new life with him for granted. It is so hard. It hasn't been much more than a year, but already I have to think hard to remember how lost and unhappy I was before hand. My time in Europe, oh boy. I was a mess. But I still had so much love in my life. Jacob and Judy asked me to write a book about what I've learned from all the families I've lived with over the years. This time it made sense. I could mix it with my How Not to Catch a Man book and call it Last One to The Altar or Last One to the Labor Room. A comedic memoir of an unconventional woman.

Anyway, I could write and write, but another meal calls. We're off to a Prime Rib dinner to celebrate my Popo's 85th bday. Life is good.

Still in Las Vegas, August 7-8, 2006

2006-08-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

We're still here. John is making plans to go home but can't leave until tomorrow morning. I am still here and will have to stay until I see the best suites in Las Vegas for my ForbesTraveler.com article. Ditto on the most expensive restaurants, but I'm at least allowed to do that by menus since I can't take any comps. So, I'm guessing I can leave on Friday. But I won't know if I'm headed to SD or Pasadena pretty much until it happens.

WSOP 2006 down to 27 players. Jamie Gold is in the lead. The media seem more concerned with everything wrong with Harrah's and Cardplayer coverage than they do what's atcually going on. This cartoonist did a fine job of pointing that out.
My friends that are blogging are Jay Greenspan for Full Tilt, Pauly for Tao of Poker, and the whole crew of Otis, CJ, Pauly, and Wil Wheaton over at PokerStars Blog. I'm doing pics and quotes on BreakfastClubPoker and PokerBlog. And of course we can't forget about my fave poker blog of all time, Wicked Chops Poker. Every day Pauly cries out in his best female voice, "I love Wicked Chops Poker," and I die. I have to tape that. Colin said they were thinking about having that play on their site when people click to it. Man, I 'd love that.

I want to leave Vegas on a good note. Even though I'm pretty fried and had the grouchiest of days yesterday, I'm feeling considerably better today. They're expecting a long day at the Rio as they go down from 27-9 players. Then tomorrow is a day off. But who needs to wait for a day off to have some fun? I'm trying to think of some fun things to do before I leave that will help end this summer on the good side of the memory banks. I'd like to go to the Charleston Lodge, have a chocolate eclair at Wynn, maybe have a nice steak dinner...and? Now I'm remembering my fave things. Pate on the balcony at Mon Ami Gabi, I've never been to the Verandah at Four Seasons, and I need to do some shopping at the Premium Outlets. Oh and btw the crew of Oceans Thirteen is in Vegas and filming. Wouldn't it be nice to bump into them?

Money on the upturn. For the first time in my life I could actually pay 4 months of rent and still have $$ leftover, and that doesn't count the checks that are waiting for me in the PO Box back at home, or the 3 more months of rent coming within in days. That said, I have a lot of travel coming ahead. But at least I don't have to worry for a while. Possibly until the end of the year. John is being very good about making sure I don't go blow the lot...damn him. ;-)

Coming up to San Francisco. I just used cheapcarrentallinks.com to book a car for my SF trip. I'm going to be having a fantastic event for Jockstrap where I sit on stage and have a chat with the writer that got me into travel writing, Tim Cahill. This will be a ton of fun as Tim and I have known each other for some years now via the Book Passage Travel Writers Conference. It'll be the event of the mini tour, for sure. I just wish Rolf was around. I really miss him. The thing is, because I don't live in SF anymore, I'm staying longer so I can visit. Now I just need to tell people I'm coming! I'm excited to drive and have some alone time after having none for the past 4 weeks. It'd even be nice to stop somwhere along the way, but where?

Ok, that's all for now. Thanks for following a long.

Current: Las Vegas
Next: San Diego (Aug 12-13) , San Francisco (Aug 15-20)

Day 19-22, August 3-6, 2006

2006-08-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

We've left the house. In search of good sleep we went to the Golden Nugget for a few days. It coincided nicely with a day off from Main Event play at the Rio, and I couldn't have needed it more. I played in a breakfast tourney at the MGM with Amy Calistri and Tim Lavalli, then joined Jay Greenspan and Tuscaloosa Johnny at the Venetian after $100 at Pai Gow and Blackjack. The Venetian wouldn't open a table for us to play mixed games, but Caesars would so we walked over there. The we were joined by Otis, CJ, Bad Blood, Ryan, and Wil. Amy tells all about it on her personal blog, "What Bloggers Do on their Day Off." It was a super fun afternoon but Pauly and Change100 were definitely missed. So after this good time we went back to the House of Cards with a positive attitude, only for John to have his worst night of sleep yet. Jay has an extra room in his apt, the master bedroom no less, so we'll be bunking here for the remainder unless we decide we want to get a bit of the gamble on before we leave on the 9th or 10th.

Friends to note.

Jeremy from Canada went home. But I was lucky to get in a meal with him beforehand. He used the majority of his Venetian comps on me at the Grand Lux Cafe. Too nice.

Marty Feijo cashed in the Main Event. Marty hung in there till last night and must've cashed for at least 40k.

Michael Martin from the House of Cards lasted longer than anyone in the house. He cashed in the 40k bracket.

I'm still doing a bunch of things on all my fronts. But I was able to catch a few funny photos. One of a Harrah's person spilling Daniel's chips, and another of Daniel signing a woman's tattoo on her ass. I have not been stalking Daniel, I just happened to be right there when both things happened.

Right now the question is when is the next WSOP day off? They were supposed to go from 600-300 yesterday, but instead went from 481-135. Everyone is wondering what is going to happen. Meanwhile, I'm building more websites and planning some book tourage for What Color is Your Jockstrap? Big thanks to Alex Brady and Harold Check who have helped me with Jenopolis.

House of Cards: Day 16-18, August 2, 2006

2006-08-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

The last few days are a blur. Here are some bullets that I can remember:

John busted out of the Main Event on Day 1, Set over Set. There were a few guys from our house left going into Day 2, but I don't know if any of them survived the long night.

The parties continue. Last night it was SunPoker at the gargantuan Palazzo suites at the Rio. I met the editor I work with at BLUFF, but it was a short conversation. No drinking pals so we left to have dinner at The American Grill. Tonight there are parties for Party Poker at MGM Grand. I need to go because I'm writing for their blog, PokerBlog.com.

We left the frat house. There is as much work now as we can churn out, not to mention my pressing Forbes Traveler articles and getting woken up at 3am just isn't ok anymore. There's nothing we can do about it as we are the only ones on the 7am-midnight schedule. Can't fault the others for wanting to enjoy themselves, we're the odd men out. We just picked the worst room in the house, plain and simple. Lesson learned. And besides that, we're old. If we decide to work the WSOP again next year, we'll be getting a condo close to the Rio like Amy and Tim did. But that's next year. Way too early to plan that. I don't want to think about anything past the Aussie Millions in January.

I'm quickly recovering. After waking up two days in a row grouchier than all get out (I can't believe I've hit the wall on our 5 week stay before John has), I woke up fine today. We're at the Golden Nugget and as much as I'm mad at them for ripping out their cool vintage Vegas pool, I do really enjoy the rooms here. Besides the fact that they're only $59/night, they just suit me. The wall hangings are of vintage India and the floral prints remind me of the Bangkok Oriental. Even though we're on the cheap they still have hair dryers and respectable soaps. And I love the vanity table. High speed internet? Of course. Did I say this was only $59/night? Yep. But this isn't why I'm happy again....

Golden Nugget has an awesome poker room. The GN redid their poker room—and it's gorgeous. Only three weeks old, being in it feels like you're part of the club. It even smells new. Furnished in deep browns with Chenille-like chairs and big comfy tables with drink holders, the staff, and the players were friendly. Jay Greenspan, author of Hunting Fish, came with us last night and I got to watch him in action. He totally pushed around our first "must move" table and then continued to build his stack our next table. John left first, Jay left at 2pm after winning a full buy in, and I hung on till three in the morning. I finally got to have my happy hour I've been wanting. I drank red wine, had good travel talk, and enjoyed the admiration of the big stack at the far end of the table. Quite possibly the best $275 I've spent in a long while. Ahhhh.

Ok, now back to real work. Everyone gets a day off tomorrow, so I'll be planning a fun field trip and seeing who's game.

I hope you are enjoying your summer.

Current: Las Vegas, NV
Next: San Diego (Aug 12-13), Burbank, San Francisco (Aug 15-?) Oregon (first week of September) Seattle (second week of Sept)

House of Cards: Day 15, July 29, 2006

2006-07-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Main event Day 1b: We're in the thick of it. The Rio is choc-a-block with players and spectators. The Lifestyle show is in full swing and the booth that everyone is talking about is the Bodog booth. it's a double decker suite where men stand in line for at least 30 minutes to get some beautiful women to beat them up in a pillow fight. It looks fun but who has 30 minutes for anything? I spent a little bit of time in the Lifestyle show yesterday and grabbed a brochure from the Aussie Millions. I'm writing for BreakfastClubPoker.com and PokerBlog.com.

Drinking with a future porn star: Last night housemate Sarah and I went to play some poker at the MGM. It was insanely busy, as Saturdays are. So, after we put our name in the queue, we went to have a drink at the sports book. The guy sitting next to us bought us our drinks, as guys sitting next to you are apt to do. And thus began his series of stories. Rich, who we dubbed Richie Rich, wouldn't stop about how his dad left him some $$ when he passed and he's got $600,000 in the bank which means he doesn't need a woman to make him money because "I've got thousands." Oh but of course, by the way, where can I meet some nice women like you in Las Vegas? The poor bartender obviously has to deal with his presence every day as he is quite the regular and frequently rolled her eyes. Still, it was amusing for us for a long while, and I even played some horse races at his request in exchange for him buying us drinks. But at the end of the night (when we still didn't have a table to play at), and the stories turned to how Jenna Jameson was going to be his new manager, then we bid our farewells. "When she sees me she's gonna say 'I want you in my movies!'" he said. Be careful of men who wear sunglasses in doors, they all think they're the next Ron Jeremy.

John Plays in the Main Event Today!: He has two of his best friends in town but we'll have to move mountains in order to get them in there to see him. Good luck John. Luck Luck Luck LUCK! Three of our housemates played yesterday and two of them lasted till the end of day. I can't imagine how difficult it is to outlast 2000 players only to know you have to do it again and again. But, there's only one way to do it - one day at a time. Good job to every one who is trying. This is really something.

I'll be extra slammed from here on out, (as if I wasn't already this week), but I'll try to keep you updated.

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Table 180 at the WSOP to cheer John on.

House of Cards: Day 14 - July 28, 2006

2006-07-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Main Event Begins. The halls of the Rio were actually considerably uncomfortable. I'm a bit claustrophobic so I didnt venture out of the media room much which was also so full that many of the writers who've been here from the beginning had pitched camp in the outside hall way. I wish I had a picture fo that. We left mid afternoon to go home and change for the series of events throughout the rest of the night.

The Poker Dome opens downtown! I've been a big fan of the Poker Dome since I heard about it, and their vision has finally come true. Tonight will be the first taping in the official Poker Dome down at Neonopolis at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Fremont Street. We got a sneak preview and it is a world of difference from the one at the Tropicana. John played in the media tourney and can say that he is, and will always be, the first ever to bust out of the Poker Dome. But he did boldly raise with Jack Six and steal a pot.

Poker Players Alliance. Then we went to the Poker Players Alliance event. Membership costs $20, but I put out $100. That's a lot for me, but I really believe in their cause and they've got an uphill fight. Howard Lederer is really giving it his all. If you haven't heard, online poker is facing prohibition. The House has already passed a bill and the Senate is next. The PPA is making trips to Washington to educate the government about online poker and to encourage them to license and tax it instead of ban it outright and force the banks and ISPs to censor our accounts. Please visit their website and join.

Word Series of Poker Event. Rafe Furst and his girlfriend Laura invited us to what we thought was an exclusive dinner for bracelet winners. But it turned out to be a big party at the Voodoo Lounge in honor of the World Series. There was a ceremony with Tournament of Champions winner Mike Sexton where he formally donated $500,000 to five different charities including the Special Olympics, Disabled Vets, Spinal Cord Research, Barry Greenstein's children's charity, and the Wounded Warriors that Kenna James and the Screaming Eagles is a part of. I'm sorry if I didn't get the names of those charities exactly right.

That was it. After spending some time with Rafe and Laura, and then Change100, we came home, had a swim, and went to bed. We actually got woken up at 6:00 a.m. to three guys swimming outside, but it was the housemate I liked so I tried my best to go back to sleep between bouts of trying to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Current: Las Vegas, NV
Next: The Rio for 1b of the Main Event.

House of Cards: Day 12 & 13 July 27-28, 2006

2006-07-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Parties Parties Parties: We're up to our eyeballs in free drinks and go go dancers. Over the past three nights we've seen sex kittens getting their breasts painted, contortionists, asian acrobats, and hookah lounges at Tao - pros like Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Kristy Gazes, and Phil Gordon letting their hair down at PURE, and been to the penthouse suite at the Hard Rock Hotel - which - I would love to rent for a party someday. Not only does it have a jacuzzi with a view of the strip, but it boasts it's own bowling lane, pool table, and the party had a DJ, catered sushi and finger food like grilled cheese wedges and sliders. The gogo dancers here were an after though. Thank you NakedPoker.com. And then last night was the Ultimate Bet party 51 floors above the Las Vegas Valley at the Voodoo Lounge in the Rio. They were kind enough to feed us a full buffet with an ingenious mashed potato table - but it was mostly players who'd won a seat and I don't need to look at Antonio all night long.

Tonight: Tonight we get to have a look at the official pokerdome as it opens it's doors downtown at Neonopolis. We'll be playing in a media tourney and then I expect to jet back to the Rio for the Poker Players Alliance party.

Yesterday: Euorpean writing friends have come to town. It's wonderful to have Stephen Bartley of Gutshot in the room as well as Howard Swain of Poker Stars. Blogger CJ Hoyt is also here to join Otis and Wil on the Poker Stars blogging crew. Welcome!

First Poker Dome Fan? I had lots of fans at the Poker Dome, but yesterday I was stopped in the Lifestyle show by a concessioneer. I walked by looking for the Expert Insight booth and heard a guy calling out, "Hey! I saw you on the Poker Dome." He went on to tell me how well I did, how he was also in the audience, and how he wants to get Sand in My Bra for his girlfriend. This was a little weird, but still awesome. I remember a time I was out with Phil Gordon and learned the importance of being patient with fans. He got stopped every few steps between venues and everytime he graciously stopped to talk to his fans. Afterwards I asked him how he could be so giving instead of annoyed at all these people taking up his time. Phil said, "Jen, everyone of these people has bought my book or watched my show or will buy my DVD - how can I not take the time to say hello to them?" I was humbled. I doubt I'll ever get to Phil's level of recognition, but I can take that lesson with me and attach it to my short span of patience and try my best to give in return.

We also played in the media tournament. Not much to say there. James Garner, Shannon Elizabeth, Cynthia Margolis, and Elvisthepokerplayer were in the house. Pauly put up a ton of pics on Tao of Poker, check it out and tell me what you think of my new look.

Please read my posts at BreakfastClubPoker.com and PokerBlog.com over the next ten days. That's where I'll be writing the most.

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Pasadena, San Diego, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle (Aug-Sept)

House of Cards: Day 12 - July 26, 2006

2006-07-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Frat House: John woke up to the stove being on and a pan burned up on top of it. Someone had apparently started to cook hot dogs late last night/ or early in the am, and forgot about it. Lovely. The place is a mess, but I'm not going to clean up after other people. I cleaned up after my party immediately after I woke up, so the beer pong boys can do their part.

Bodog Threw a Kick Ass Party at TAO: We actually thought we'd be some of the first there at Tao when we arrived at the starting time, 10pm. But no, the place was already packed. The poker site that claims, "it's all about the lifestyle." did right last night. I'll say it again, Bodog through an excellent party. We went with Jay Greenspan who had never been to Tao before. And he was blown away. It was almost like he'd never seen the inside of a Vegas club before. He walked around with his mouth open as we looked up in the air and pointed to all the go go dancers, acrobats, naked bathing beauties, contortionists. Ill do a better post about it on Breakfast Club Poker, but for now, you should know that if you're throwing a party for a bunch of people who don't know each other, give them things to look at, and do. The Wicked-PR boyz helped with the party, and did a fantastic job. I think they are the first team I've wanted to work with in about five years. They're just that good.

Party Week: At first I thought Full Tilt was going to have some stiff competition with their party. After all, they are the reigning party kings. But I think tonight will be just as much fun if not more fun. Here's why. Tonight we'll be partying with the pros. That makes all the difference. Last night the club was cool, and some of our friends were there, but there was a sea of people and very little poker pros. These days, a lack of celebrities can break a party. We saw Kenna James go up as we were leaving, and Andy Bloch was in there, and Pauly put up some crazy shots of Gavin groping Amy on Tao of Poker, but other than that...slim pickings.
Tues: Bodog at Tao
Wed: Full Tilt Gala at PURE
Thurs: Ultimate Bet (can't remember where), media poker tourney, Doyles?
Friday: Poker Dome Media tourney, Poker Players Alliance shindig

Oh, and I just found out we're having a house party here tomorrow night, too. I don't know if any of my friends will want to come out again, but I'll make sure to invite them since we'll be forking down some cash for this. AND I have a ton of meat to bbq.

I'm getting some comments from friends about what the rock star life we're living. Ha. Lets not forget that John actually did live the rock star life. This doesn't compare in the slightest, but it might be worthy of a memoir. Wouldn't it be great if I could write a book before the end of the year.....doubtful, but it'd be awesome if I could start it.

Other news: Roshambo Event.
John played really well yesterday and outlasted all other members of our house. He finished after the dinner break, but didn't make it to the $. Still, with only two hours of sleep, he played great.

Current: Las Vegas
Next: I need to buy a new dress!

House of Cards: Day 10 & 11 - July 24-25, 2006

2006-07-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Mansion Poker Dome Viewing Party. I joined our frat house and had some friends over. I thnk everyone enjoyed being away from the Rio, but I was very surprised that we didn't get the bbq fired up, or that any decent prop bets and/or card games got started. Ah well, the soothing affect of the pool beneath the planes and the palm trees must've been more intoxicating than the rum drinks and big lebowskis. Pauly, Amy Calistri, Tim Levalli, Change 100, April K, Pokerati Dan, Brian and Leigh, and my friend Jeremy came over. John missed the fun parts but was there for the viewing. And we all laughed our butts off at my mean look, bad cards, and what not. The biggest shame about the show is that they edit out any kind of table chatter.

Housemate Cashes at a Final Table! I've already been blogging about The Blonde Ivey and how great he's been doing. Sarah, John, Brandon, and I sweated him as much as we could at the final table before he took 6th and cashed for $130,585. Amy wrote up a post about his post final table activities on the PokerBlog.com.

Wicked Chops is in the House! I spent a lot of time with the Wicked brothers Colin and Brian Cooley yesterday. It is rare that I meet people that I connect with. I have a few travel friends that get that side, and I have one or two friends who get and enjoy talking about my word of mouth marketing interests, but I have not met any PR-kindred friends. These guys are definitely the first. I was extremely impressed with how they combined their work ethics with their path driven life visions. And dammit if it isn't just nice to have some solid brain power joining the media room. I immediately wanted to hire them to build the Jen Leo brand into the Rachel Ray of the gambling world, but on second thought, it might be more worthwhile to work for them. I could definitely learn a lot.

Roshambo! Phil Gordon was out scouting for Roshambo contestants yesterday morning. I signed up for the $500 event and am getting dressed to go have at it right now. I asked Phil if he would give me some tips, but he said that there is a strong chance we might go up against each other because of the last name organization of the event. So, this means that I have to hurry up and look up some Tiltboyz facts. I coulda sworn he wrote somewhere that he always does XX first.

John is Playing in the $1500 Today: After a rough night of no sleep, John is going to try his hand at the $1500 today. He had already registered and paid, so there's really no way around it. But I like his thinking about it. We're already working on how to get him his clothes for the Bodog party at Tao tonight. Tao is so cool, there is really no way this party will end up on the ugly side of conversations. Tao makes every better. There's nothing like a party with naked bathing beauties and buddhas.

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Roshambo!

House of Cards: Day Nine July 23, 2006

2006-07-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Big day yesterday!

House of Cards hero Carl Olson was the first of our lot to make a final table here at the WSOP. He finished 5th in chips late last night in the $2,000 NL Hold'em event. I've been blogging about him at Breakfast Club (So Proud of Carl Olson!), and also on PokerBlog.com (The Blonde Ivey). The final table begins today at 2:30pm. The chipleader as 1.5 mil and the 2nd placer has 832k. After that it's all 300kand below. We're going to go sweat him today after having lunch with one of John's old music friends.

A Night at the Tilted Kilt. There was a pokerblog.com meeting last night that got crashed by Pauly, Otis, Wil Wheaton, and John Caldwell. The first three named bought us shots of Southern Comfort and then made a prop bet as to how many of eight seated at the table would refuse it. Wil initially won the bet as three people left their shot mostly full, but Amy nursed hers giving someone else the title. The best part was Dan returning the favor and sending their table three glasses of white zin. Pauly and Brad downed theirs and then the parties merged.

Ring Talk. We've been talking about this a bit more lately. It started a few weeks ago when our friend Dave gave his fiance Cotie a 6.5 carat ring. But it came to the front burner last night. Pauly told us this great story about how he and his mom came across his grandmother's engagement ring. Afterwards he asked how much they cost today and I informed him of the two rules. Don't go under a carat, and suggested guidelines say to spend two months salary. John told Pauly he'd have to quit his job or restructure his salary to be all bonus before he got me one. I let him know one month's salary would be fine in his case, with a wink. Even though I don't wink.

In my state of tipsy, it was all I could talk about, "John, we were in no rush at all to move things forward, but now I just might need a ring before the Main Event."
"As of five minutes ago?" he asked.
"As of yesterday," I answered.
"That's some funny xxxx," he said. And we laughed all the way home.

This, of course is exactly a week after we had dinner with some wealthy Australians and I asked them if they had any friends in the mining business. I announced (perfectly sober) that I wanted to go mining for my own diamond. Preferably for the rare Australian pink diamond. They talked to me like I was an idiot and that you can't really go mining. John, like usual, replied with a practical answer.
"That's fine, but you do realize that you're going to have to take whatever you come up with, even if it's a chip."
"It's all about the story," I replied.

But we're not the only ones talking about it. Tim Levalli told us that someone asked Nolan Dalla (media director at the WSOP) if he could propose on Day Two of the Main Event. No doubt this is because he wants his woman to know he loved her before he got rich, or before he went and gambled off the down payment to the house they want to buy. Ah love. Ah the crazy world of poker. We'll be here for 2-3 more weeks.

Don't forget to tape or Tivo the Poker Dome Show tonight on Fox Sports Net. I think it's 11pm (PST) but please check your local listings. I have no idea what time it is on Central or Eastern time.

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Carol Olson's final table!!!!

House of Cards: Day Eight - July 22, 2006

2006-07-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

Mildly boring day yesterday. The landlord keeps coming over which is odd. This is the second day in a row and the third time in the week that we've been here. If he shows up again, I just might ask him why he comes over so much. The second time he did I was sitting on the couch in the entertainment room with my laptop. A few other people were in there, too. He just walked in, sat down on my left, was talking to the room about nothing - chit chat- and then got a phone call which he took right there and started gabbing. I was trying to write a story and left the room.

Our party is tomorrow and the game plan is to not do anything until we hit 19 people. Then we'll call about the $500. There is a Liz Lieu party at PURE later in the night, so this plan will most likely work. I think the bloggers will show up early and then leave for her party before my viewing. So, it could all work out. I hope. I need to go to a Cost Co tomorrow and buy snags, chips, and beer for everyone. I'll also do a Trader Joes run for decent apps.

In other news, John is playing in the Razz event today which starts at 2pm. LUCK LUCK LUCK.
Last night I had plenty of luck at the Excalibur. Sarah was there so I joined her after a stint at the Rio. I dominated a little $2-$6 table for a bit until the dealer told me to start being nicer to everyone. Ugh. I had more than doubled my buy in and even got quad tens to spin the wheel for $35. But approaching midnight I got really hungry and started giving away money. That was a sign to leave, and Sarah had made a bunch of money too so we went home. I ended up only $43 up, but it was a win considering I didn't lose. I'm far from a pro, this is all recreational for me.

Enough about the poker.

SET YOUR TVS TO Fox Sports Net SUNDAY NIGHT AT 11PM EST to see me on the Mansion Poker Dome! :-)

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Coffee

House of Cards: Day Seven - July 21,2006

2006-07-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Things we woke up to:

Guy sleeping on the floor in the conversation pit. Poor thing, I wish we knew as we brought an Aero mattress. But, of course, the fuddy duddies were already asleep, even if we got home late at 1:30am after covering the final table of the $5000 Stud Event. Sadly, Cyndy Violette didn't capture the bracelet, she went out in third place and Ben Lin took the title.

John's car got broken into, sort of. Someone got into John's unlocked car last night and took his change from the change drawer. I've been using it for parking in LA, so they must've gotten a grand total of $2.60. The idiots neglected to take the ever-so-valuable copy of What Color is Your Jockstrap. More proof they're idiots? They didn't even take the iPod that was sitting in the change drawer. Instead they just moved it to the passenger seat so they could get at our quarters, dimes, and nickels. And then they left a copy of Pirates of the Caribbean DVD on John's roof (maybe taken from another car?) Or a trade for the few bucks in change?

Sarah, in case her mum is reading, is settling in. She is making a valiant effort to fight the calls of debauchery and has turned from their fast food road trip eating to healthier meals and increased amounts of water. Her poker is running good and we might make it to the Excalibur together later today.

I like my routine. Wake up early, start catching up on assignments, some blogging, then get on with the day including swimming, or going to the Rio for more work, or entertaining guests. But we're without guests right now. I'm waiting for Jeremy to come in from Canada. Any day now.

Oh yeah, temperature made it to 122F yesterday. I had to use napkins on the steering wheel to get to my nails done. I'm so Vegas. Come visit.

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Las Vegas

House of Cards: Day Six

2006-07-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Best line: I think Las Vegas is the epicenter of bad tatoos. -- John Caldwell

Best HoC anecdote: After doing one load of laundry, Brandon noticed that the Playboy had a few big piles of clothes in his room. Brandon asked if he wanted to get in there between his two loads. The Playboy declined, "Nah, my mom is coming over at 2:00 to do my laundry."

Number of House entrants in the $1500 NL: 5
Number of House entrants in the $1500 NL that cashed: 1, Carl Olson

Most Notable Vegas Restaurants This Week:
BEST: Nobu at the Hard Rock (Saturday)
Good Return: Lucille's BBQ in Henderson (Wed night)
Surprise Sleeper: Bamboleo at the Rio. Fantastic Flank Steak Salad (Tues day)

Times I Snored in Public in the last two days: 1
Number of people that asked who was going to blog about it: 1

Days Until My Poker Dome Show Airs on FSN: 3 (Sunday July 23, 2006, 11pm)
Charge for us having a party at the HoC: $500-$5,000

Times I've told John that I appreciate our life and lifestyle so much more after having lived in this house for less than a week: 2

Psychics that said I'm going to start having kids next year: 1

Current: Las Vegas,
Next: Dreaming of a beach

House of Cards: Day Five

2006-07-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

I know you're all wondering if we got any sleep last night, and yes we did. John got his pill on and I was in a drunken sleep until the rain woke me up at 4am and I got up to have a look outside.

So, here are some highlights from Yesterday's day in Vegas, in and out of the House of Cards.

$1500 NL Event: John only lasted a few hours, but I got to see him catch some cards. KK, AK, and QQ all within fifteen minutes. I'm not sure if I've ever seen him get that nice of cards all at once. Only if they had held up when they were supposed to...that's poker.

Amy Calistri took us to lunch at Bamboleo.

Hooker Bar: I went to the famed Hooker Bar with Pauly and some other bloggers. Read about it on BreakfastClubPoker.com.

Poop Report: Woke up to a turd in the kitchen that looked like an olive. (The two joker dogs showed up a few nights ago unannounded. The landlord is charging them...I think....$500.)

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Las Vegas

The Fuddy Duddy Report Begins!

2006-07-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

So, since I got such amused responses from the last post, I'm going to continue with similar content. But, we can just do the the short version. And we will call it the Fuddy Duddy Report, because in case you didn't know, we are the fattest and oldest ones here at the House of Cards.

MONDAY NIGHT

Time we got woken up: 4:37a.m.
Intelligent conversation right outside our wall: "I can't see! I can't see anything!"
Peeking through the blinds: Playboy with a different girl headed towards the jacuzzi, (this one cuter).
Conversation inside our room at 5:15a.m.:
Jen: "I think only one couple has gone back inside."
John: "No, both of them are back inside."
Last look at clock before I fell back asleep: 5:34 a.m.
Conversation inside our room at 7:20a.m.:
John:"Now there's dog sh** on the floor"
Jen: "On the living room floor?"
John: "Yeah."
Jen: "From a dog?"
John: "Well, I hope it's a dog."

Current: Las Vegas, NV
Next: The Rio! John plays in his first WSOP event!

We've Moved into the House of Cards

2006-07-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Several months ago we got a great offer to spend a month of the WSOP in a large house in an old section of Vegas. Our friends were generously doing all the leg work to arrange the stay for a handful of their friends playing in the WSOP. It's an amazing property. Big Spanish style house with curved archways, and all kinds of amenities suited for entertaining. There's a family room with a big screen TV, large ceilings with timber beams, a connecting rec room with a pool table and bar, a pool, jacuzzi, bbq station, beach volleyball court, and putting green out back.

Five or six guys and two-three women.

We moved in on Friday afternoon and John has already bein in the pool three times. He loves it and it's great for his back. We got lucky with the room set up in that we are on the couples' side of the house vs. the single men side of the house. And our bedroom (with own private bathroom) has a door that leads out to the pool. Lets keep talking about the POOL because it is truly heaven. Last night, five of us sat outside. They ate their dinner out there. John and Sarah sat with their legs in the water, and I laid on a lounge chair looking up at the sky till I fell asleep. There are white lights on the gate of the pool, palm trees silhouetted beneath a few stars, and planes that come in for landing not far off.

You think that living by an airport would be loud, but none of us ever heard them while we were sleeping. And, despite The Castle being one of my all time favorite movies, I've never thought of living near an airport. But the sight of the planes landing was absolutely dreamalicious for me. Steady, constant, and because I love travel -- a wonderful, and happy image for me to watch.

"John!" I said, quite possiblly interrupting conversation, "I think I just saved us some money!!!"

He perked up.

"I want to live by an airport! And I think the real estate is always cheaper by an airport!"

He went back to his conversation. I went back to sleep.

But I wasn't the first of us to burst out with a housing ephiphany. On Friday night he had done the same to me about the pool. "Jen, we HAVE to get a pool."

"OK, John. But I'm not sure if the houses in Charleston have pools. Do they?"

"Good point." he said.

And then I started wondering where the heck we'll live, because if I know anything, I'm 100% certain I don't want to spend the bulk of my life living by the Burbank airport, pool or no pool.

So, yes, now we live in the House of Cards, where everyone has their own online poker stations and sometimes leaves them to have a meal with the others or at least watch tv. I know and like three of the tenants. And I've just added one more to the like roster, but that might be it. Last night, we woke up to the sounds of female voices, loud chatty giggling female voices outside our window. I lay there hoping they didn't decide to go for a swim, while John got up to take a look. Some of the single guys had obviousy brought home dates.

"Why are they going outside?" John said.
"Maybe they're leaving," I offered.
"Can you get to the parking lot from back here?" John asked.
"Maybe," I said thinking positively.

It was quiet for a few minutes, and then the talking and laughing started up again. Clearly they'd found their way to the jacuzzi. We drifted off again till the next round of party sounds.

"Maybe they're leaving now?" I asked.
"Nope, it's morning," John said.
Man, were we the old folks of the group, or what?! But I will take my turn as we are going to seek permission to get a party going for my viewing on the 23rd. If we get to pull that off, I will remember not to complain about being woken up by a party, or laugh at the sight of Chanel and Gucci hand bags with dressy high heels in the kitchen. And I'll just have to hope it's not every night. See? I'm still such a prude.

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Going in the pool...sometime today!

The Historic $50,000 H.O.R.S.E 2006 WSOP Event

2006-07-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

The final table for the H.O.R.S.E. was scheduled to start at 9pm. I hear that the line on the rail is so deep you can't see anything or get close. I really want to watch this final table but I know well and good that I can't make it the whole night. So, my strategy is to go to bed right now, before 10pm, and wake up at 3:30am and head over. Hopefully I'll still see the last four players. I know that anything is possible in NL Hold'em, but John and I were talking about it and he thinks that because of the caliber of players at the table, and the states of the game, they won't be in a hurry.

I hope this is true.

My exacta is Doyle Brunson in first, and Phil Ivey in second. That's what I want to happen and what would make sense to me. Doyle keeping his reign, and Phil Ivey in line to be his successor.

Trifecta? Doyle, Phil, Chip Reese.

Check out Pauly's Tao of Poker blog for updates and a little bit of bio information on each of the final table-ists. He's cheering on Andy Bloch.

Current: Las Vegas, NV
Next: Harrah's Rio in a few hours...but I'm too excited to go to sleep!

Lots to Do

2006-07-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Thanks for your support and excitement during the Poker Dome taping (and pre-taping). It will air on July 23rd on FSN. Unfortunately, they told us that we couldn't blog about it (and especially the winner) until it airs. Usually the Poker Dome airs the day after they shoot it, but this was a special weekend because of their move down town to Neonopolis. So, we have to wait. Which is good for me anyway, because if I type a blog post about it, I won't be able to still have the juice to write it out for a feature.

So, there are lots of things going on:
I need to catch up writing for BreakfastClubPoker.com sponsored by Poker.com
I'm still writing for TypePad after a generous hiatus to get my Vegas life situated.
Just got hired to write some player profiles for Party Poker
And am writing three Vegas features for ForbesTraveler.com (launching this fall)

As if that wasn't enough, there are still the usual things. Radio events and booking events for Jockstrap and Joe Quirk. And consulting other authors about improving their book launches through book blogs and viral marketing.

John is as busy as I've ever seen him. We surely don't want to see HIS list! Today Uncle Jon plays in the Senior event, and the $50,000 HORSE event begins! It's a fun day to be at the Rio.

Current: Las Vegas

I Miss Writing in My Journal

2006-07-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

I just found this old photo of my journal in Baden, Germany. I think its gorgeous and should go up on my wall next to my desk. Journal writing in cafes is one of my favorite things about traveling. I loved Baden. A small resort town known for it's thermal bath spas and luxurious casino? Come on. That's all me—and perhaps a place I could talk John into visiting between one of his future EPT events.

Poker Dome Producers Are Hot About My Travel Books

2006-07-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

Good news for Travelers' Tales, the producers love the travel writing angle. Adam Goldberg will be interviewing me and he's asked for my book covers and photos of me on tour. He was especially interested in the story about me skirting my away around the secret service to get a picture of Sand in My Bra with the First Lady.

So, I'm digging around in the catacombs looking for my author tour pics. It's a bit trickier because of the recent data recovery and swap over to the new laptop.

I've got interviews on Saturday morning. They want me to wear something I'd go out in, like I said. I don't have this outfit nailed, but this will be the one where they get some footage of me that they can go back to during the tournament. Say I win a big pot or something, they might turn to Jen Leo-crazy self promoter! It should be fun, and no doubt I'll give them the best stories they can handle.
New Schedule:

FRIDAY
Friday night: The World Poker Blogger Tournament festivities begin. Drinks at the MGM with the bloggers.

SATURDAY
Sat 830am: Get my hair did.
Sat 10am: Howard Lederer and Phil Gordon are keynote speakers at the opening of the WPBT
Sat 1030am: Phil Gordon hosts a $15 Roshambo charity event
Sometime after that: World Poker Blogger Tourney begins. My bust out gift will be a copy of What Color is Your Jockstrap.
Sat 2pm: Interview for Poker Dome
The WPBT has a fulls chedule and we might have some friends in town

SUNDAY
Sun 9am: Breakfast with the Poker Domers
Sun 10:30am: Get my hair did again
Sun 1pm: Get in a limo that takes me over to the Tropicana
Sun 5pm: Come get your seats!!!!
Sun 6pm: Taping begins....Let me hear you scream!!!!

Thanks for all your support, emails, and well wishes. It'd be great if you could all be here, but I know that you're here in spirit. And, there's always the viewing party on July 23. Get over here!

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Who cares

Poker Dome TV Outfit - Check!

2006-07-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

I know there has been much concern about what the heck I was going to wear on TV this Sunday. Well, we can all rest assured that it's sorted. I just got back from the Fashion Show Mall, and nearly $400 took care of it. Almost. There are a few more items I have to get tomorrow.

It was a near miracle that I took care of the whole outfit in one store, and on the first try. I was actually on my way to Bloomingdales for some serious expert advice, when a White House | Black Market store crossed my path. Mary gave me the full treatment and brought me outfit after outfit to try. Here's what I got.

1. Black dress suit pants
2. Glittery silver tank top (not shown)
3. Thin black dress cardigan
4. Thick black buckle belt to dress up and shape outfit, worn very high up just beneath the bra line.
5. Black and silver beaded necklace with earrings.
(not shown)

I also got a black "going out" shirt. That might be worn on Saturday for the TV interview. They want me to dress up as if I were going out that night. It looks great, but has bare arms, so I'll see what I can do.

Overall, I'd say the outfit is smart. They wanted me to either be in a dress, or business attire. And I think this kinda counts as business attire. You might see some cleavage depending on the camera angle and if I'm bending over the table, but it's still conservative. There you go, Fun Conservative. How's that for an oxymoron?

Most of all, it's comfortable, and I like how I look in it. That means I won't be fussed worrying about it, (or fidgeting for that matter), and I can focus on the cards, and chatting up the table. I also bought a "secret weapon" to be used at the table. A jewelry piece. That's all I'm saying....

See you all there on Sunday. Arrive at 5pm to get your seat. It's in the Tropicana convention rooms just past their buffet near the Java Joe coffee cart.

Current: Las Vegas, NV!
Next: San Francisco, CA (August)

More info about the Poker Dome at the Tropicana

2006-07-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Harold has been in town all weekend. That means, I've been less at the Rio, and more on the Strip.

Saturday: We went to the taping of the Poker Dome. It is pretty darn cool. It takes place in the convention area of the Tropicana. The live audience sits in a room in stadium style seating. Nice chairs. They have a comedian in there keeping everyone *entertained* while the other table, behind curtains and a wall gets ready. The audience sees a tv monitor for each player. They see the player, their heart rate and a fluctuation grid of the heart rate, their chip count, bet size, and I think how much time they have left to act. And, of course, they see their cards.

So, you've got three players on each side of a big main screen which shows the full table.

Observations: The table is remarkably quiet. It really weirds me out how the players barely talk to each other. Of course I'm going to try hard to be different, and really make for some good TV...and oh do I have my ideas...but man, everyone is serious. We watched the one with the two aussies Gareth Edwards and "Stocks". It is clear the the players are nervous, and who knows, I probably will be, too.

If you don't have your tickets to the July 9th taping yet, go get them at www.TVTickets.com.

*I think* that they will seat people at 5pm and tape at 6pm. But go by what the tickets say. You should come as early as you can so all the Jen Leo fans can sit in the same relative area. And there's no coming late. Because they film the audience, they don't let a seat go empty. I'm guessing we have around 20 fans, but I'm not sure. Lets do a poll....

John
Uncle Jon
Joyce
Joyce's mom
BJ
Tim L
Pauly
Steve Hall
Gareth
Cory Ann
Falstaff
Biggestron
Special K
Susan and Jeff (late)

Shoot-- I can't remember anymore. I think there are more than that. Add your name to the list in the comments of this email if you're coming!

What Am I Going to Wear?!

2006-06-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

That is what everyone is asking me. Except for Jay Greenspan of course. I ran into him at the parking lot yesterday and though we only had time for a hug and a hey, the first thing after his congrats was "What's your strategy going to be?" He quickly took it back as he knew we didn't have time for a full on discussion, but I just laughed? "Strategy?! Jay, I need to worry about what I'm going to wear first!"

Still, I love that his mind was on winning. I'm reading his book Hunting Fish: A Cross-Country Search for America's Worst Poker Players right now and it's awesome. We get to see Jay's raw reactions and emotions as he goes on a cross country poker road trip. He takes us into private clubs, casino cash games, and big tourneys. And, we get to see what poker means to him in terms of his relationship with his girlfriend (soon to be wife), and his family. I love how vulnerable he is with his writing. This is great storytelling, not a collection of bad beat stories.

Anyway, back to what I'm going to wear. I have no idea! They want me to wear a dress or a business suit. I want something on my arms, but not a restrictive blazer. We want to show a little shadow of some cleavage (now that I have some), but we don't want my boobs hanging out trying to reach for my chips. The image I'd like to have before the masses, is that I'm fun and easy going. Because I am. And if I have my serious, thinking about my cards, trying to concentrate face on -- they might not see it! Yes, I am slightly concerned that I won't get to smile enough.

I watched some of the one with Cory Ann where Marissa Chien won and damn if that table wasn't so serious. Holy cow. Hopefully I'll add a little life to the program and show them that it's fun to play poker.

So, if you have any ideas on what I should wear, or which designers I should approach for sponsorship, let me know! Thanks.

Current: Las Vegas
Next: The Pokerdome on July 9th at the Tropicana!

Breakfast Club Poker

2006-06-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

So, last Thursday when John left for Vegas, I stayed up till 3am and built a blog for my time at the World Series of Poker.

BreakfastClubPoker.com

Amy Calistri and I have teamed up to deliver morning reports on what has happened the night before. We'll be blogging, and podcasting. Picture us hanging out in the morning over coffee and doughnuts, dishing the dish, talking about who won, discussing the state of the bathrooms at the Rio, with interviews with players woven in to the podcasts. The media restrictions are pretty tight this year, but they can't stop us from gabbing. We're going to talk to players, and follow along with how everyone else is reporting and make sure you get a fun round up.

I also did a deal with Poker.com for exclusive advertising sponsorshop, so big thanks Poker.com! I'm catching a ride to Vegas today, and things will be heating up over at The Club. Check us out!

BTW, I've copied Amy's blogroll of links but if you're a poker blogging fan of either one of us, send me your link and I'll get you up there. I think I'm missing Rooster, and was going to put his up in the next wave of things, but I haven't thought that much about cross checking the whole list with all the blogs out there. Just beep me and we'll get you over there. SO sorry if I missed you, it was unintentional. Send me your link.

And, of course, once we're in full swing, I'd love it if you'd mention us in a post and add us to your blogroll.

See you there!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, NV - TODAY!!!

Order FREE Tickets to the Poker Dome Taping

2006-06-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody! Thanks so much for your enthusiastic support. I love it! I don't know what kind of sign you're going to make with the letters FSN that connect with me, but I have no doubt about your creativity. Go easy on the football style war paint. Nobody needs to have an orange and blue Jen on one side of their face, Leo on the other.

That's great to hear that people are getting tickets, and thanks for the tip off that we can share with others. You can still get tix at TVTickets.com Poker Dome.

I took this pic off the TVTickets.com website, and they say the photos are courtesy of BJ Nemeth. Hey BJ, Amy Calistri is already talking like someone should shoot me getting ready and do a whole photo essay for this. Let me know if you're up for it. Otherwise we'll get digital from Amy and John.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, NV (by Thursday!)

It's official!

2006-06-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

I got the official congratulations email from Mansion Poker this morning.

WHAT: Me playing speed poker on TV
WHEN: Taping on July 9, airing on July 23
WHERE: Las Vegas, NV
WHY: Because it's going to be fun! (and to try and win $25k)
PAMPERING: Did someone say pampering? Here's what I'll get.

Your POKER DOME Experience includes-

· Round Trip Air Transportation to Las Vegas
· VIP Pick-up from Airport to Hotel
· VIP Check-in at Caesars Palace (2 nights included Friday and Saturday)
· Welcome VIP package in the room (champagne, mansion welcome wear)
· $500.00 Casino Credit
· Welcome Dinner and Introduction to the Poker Dome (Friday Night)
· VIP Transportation to and from the Poker Dome (Saturday)
· Daily meal credit at hotel
· VIP transportation back to airport
· Each winner at the Poker Dome will also receive a Mansionpoker.net Champion’s Varsity Jacket

Thanks, Mansion Poker!!!

Mansion Poker Dome, Here I Come!

2006-06-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

I've been talking about the Poker Dome since before it started. I wrote about it in BLUFF for my "Bird on the Rail" column, and I went to the party at TAO bringing back some sexy photos of go go dancers. Now, the unthinkable.

I WON A SEAT!

I'm waiting for the official email from Mansion, but today I played in the PokerNews freeroll on Mansion Poker and dominated until the bitter end when I found out that the guy I was heads up against and already won a seat earlier and wasn't eligible. I went all in hand over hand so we could end it, and he wound up with the chips. But they had already told me I won, so I hope it's good.

It was shocking really. Me, beating 111 players. I was chipleader for a majority of the tourney. You should've seen how sweaty and shaking my hands were. Well, actually, I guess you will get to see it. On July 9th!

This tourney won me a seat into the TV tourney on FSN -- July 9 in Las Vegas. The prize package comes with complete pampering. You can read about Cory Ann's experience here.

But will it come with as good of cards as I saw today? I must've had AA at least three times. At least. KK won me a big pot when a third came on the flop. I had AK so many times I should've counted, even back to back sometimes. I wish I could remember some of the plays for you. I remember taking two people out at the same time on the final table, but I don't remember how. And I vaguely remember two hands that I actually lost pots with -- AJ and TT. But come on, I don't talk poker. That's for other poker bloggers.

Can you believe it?

I hope you'll be in town on the 10th. I'm sure to create a party somewhere while we watch it Sunday night. Only one question for FSN, how come there's no poker dome representation on the website? Justin....

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, NV

The WSOP starts today...

2006-06-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
I'm still in Pasadena, and have a full weekend. There's poker, and then there's poker work. My friend Joyce emailed me this morning to tell me that there's a ladies seat giveaway on Hollywood today (and it's only $5 entry!) I just signed up and there are only 114 people registered. So, get on over there and give it a shot! And if you haven't signed up yet, PokerNews.com gives you all the specs. Download HollywoodPoker.com to get started.

There's also two Pokerdome tourneys today on Mansion Poker, and you know I'm dying to try out that Pokerdome!!! My friends at FSN tell me that it's not going to be headed downtown till the end of July, but I already can't wait.

So, on the poker writing to do list:

I need to do my "Men of Poker" column for Woman Poker Player,
and she just added another profile of Kristy Gazes. (due asap for the WSOP issue)
Also, I got a hot assignment to write up an article on poker rooms for ForbesTraveler.com. (due July 15 for Septemeber)

And of course there's poker work, and then there's non poker work.

Book promo for Joe Quirk
Book promo for What Color is Your Jockstrap?
Writing for TypePad Featured Blogs

Have a good weekend everybody! And good luck getting your seat!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, NV (John is already there)

Vegas Update

2006-06-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

John left for Vegas on Thursday and I'm living like a bachelor in my own mess. The coffee table is covered with last night's dinner bowl, an old iced coffee glass, a bag of statle Thai peanuts from Trader Joes, and an empty Gatorade container.

But telling you about it is the last of it. I have a lot of work to do today and I can't work unless both glass tables are spotless. So weird. Anyway, I won't be going out to Vegas until I catch up on my backlog of unfinished projects. I'm h0ping it will only take a week, but I won't know until mid to late next week.

The real question is, how many of you are still trying for seats? And when are they? I have a feeling this is a big seat weekend. I know Titan has a big one today.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, NV (??)

Got WOM?

2006-06-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

Home again. This week has been a whirl wind of word-of-mouth events. Tuesday John was a prince and got up at the unseemly hour of 4am to take me to the Ontario airport. I went to SF for WOMMA's Wombat2 Basic Training. I think the organization is really doing a great thing by legitimizing this newish arm of marketing. But the thing I learned the most at the conference is that I know A LOT more than I give myself credit for. The Basic Training was way too basic for me, and it's safe to say I need an advanced class. As you would expect, the best part of the event was the networking. Even if I had to jumpstart all of it myself. I left with a few people interested in hiring me as a consultant to their own start up corporate blogs and such.

Some of my favorite parts of the event were in hearing the pros talk. Jackie Huba the Evangelist Expert was a true role model, Robert Scoble (leaving Microsoft for PodTech) made me want to be a better blogger, and I loved hearing big brand wom campaigns like that done for Rainier Beer.

Today I went to Santa Monica for a Business Blogging Seminar put on by TypePad. It was terrific. I was wowed by Anil Dash and it is a shame that he wasn't one of the keynotes for the WOMMA fest. DL Byron is someone I'd like to do business with, and his new book Publish and Prosper Blogging for your Business is for anyone interested in blogging or the state of blogging today. And for those of you who have PC's, Attensa is coming out with a new Beta RSS treat next week.

Mostly I left this week eager to consult with companies who want to start a blog. I want to be involved with bigger projects than I've ever been exposed to. And they're out there, hungry for direction.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, NV

PokerHost giving away seats to the Ladies WSOP

2006-06-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

-- Thursday night is Ladies night at Poker Host. The tourney beings at 11pm.
-- I don't know how to get to a computer on time.
-- But it's our last poker home game till after the WSOP. I might not even be home by then. I'm going to try.
-- Everybody I know is working crazy hard! Too, too hard.

Good News:
A Penny for your Thoughts/ Village Cafe was mentioned in Cottage Living this month. Today I finished (finished being relative) their website. Now I have to figure out where to get them placed without spending money. Check it out and let me know what you think could be improved. They don't have regular events, but we'll be happy to put them up when we have on.

I can't wait to see Nacho Libre. It starts tomorrow.

But the thing I'm most excited about, besides going to WOMMA next week, is the Leo caravan coming up to Pasadena on Sunday for Father's Day. I'm making a big brunch, the first time I've ever cooked for the family. Sheeeat, the first time I've cooked any of these dishes. But hey, I'm still so happy to have them here I can hardly stand it.

Maybe I can talk them into going to see it after the brunch. Ooohhhh good idea!

Ah, but Saturday is first. And that means writers group. Which means I have to come with some text.

Oh yeah, I'm also going to be on the CBC tomorrow morning for Summer Travel, and What Color is Your Jockstrap -- I sure wish the domain name would work.

Such is my life. Don't you have something better to do?

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: San Francisco, CA (Tues - Tuesday night, back Wed)

Summer (VEGAS, Baby!) Schedule

2006-06-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to let us know when you'll be in town!

JUNE
6/24 I'm going to the LV Academy with Phil Gordon and Andy Bloch
6/25 Satellite/Live action begins at the WSOP
6/26 WSOP begins....(employee night).
Check the full WSOP schedule here

JULY
We will be returning to Pasadena the beginning of July for a few days, but we're not sure of the dates. John says we'll have to play it by ear.
7/1-7/4 Harold Check- but he's coming less for social, more for the tourney
4th of July - who knows, maybe back in LA.
7/6 - 7/10 World Poker Blogger Tour Summer Classic(I'll be very busy with this, and dancing on tables)
7/9 Ladies event for the WSOP - I need a backer! Who wants to sponsor me?
7/9-7/16 The Brady's are coming to town. (Consider this time frame booked unless you know them)
7/11-18 - Uncle Jon and Auntie Val coming out, maybe cousin Katie
7/27 Media Event for WSOP
7/28 The Main Event for the WSOP begins

AUGUST (If it's anything like last year, we'll probably be pretty grouchy from the long summer and focused on the event at this time. Not a good time to come party, unless all you want to do is watch the WSOP. If this is your only window, come as early in the month as possible. The closer to the final table, the crazier it gets. If you're poker media, it's a different story,and I'll be planning meals or catering to you while you work your butts off.

8/10 Final table of the WSOP at Caesars.
8/11 go home.

Hello, Wicked Chops Poker....Thanks!

2006-06-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

In the last post, I asked if I could be more excited.

YES, I can be more excited. My favorite poker blog, Wicked Chops Poker, just featured me as their current blogfile. They were so glowing that John has to sleep on the couch tonight so I can bask in my self love.

Check it out here:
The Blogfiles: Jen Leo LIVE!

And no, I was not the reason that Wicked Chops Poker was chosen as the TypePad Featured Blog yesterday. They were already inline to get their review long before they decided to do me as their next blogfile. Struth.

You all know that the first pic is of me and Pauly. But that next pic, the dancing one, that's from a prop bet at last year's WSOP. John, Pauly, BJ Nemeth, Amy Calistri, and Jay Greenspan pooled their money to pay me $50 if I would go dance with that lone desperado on the dance floor. BJ took the picture and Amy says that was the best $10 she ever spent. Thanks guys!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: San Francisco (June 20-21)

WOMMA, here I come!

2006-06-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

Could I BE more excited?! It's official. I'm going to WOMMA's Basic Training next week. WOMMA is the Word of Mouth Marketing Association. And I'm terribly enamoured with them. They bust their guts to share online marketing resources to all, and I've been dying to go to their Basic Training since this January.

This is the ultimate quick education (and networking) in word-of-mouth and viral marketing. A subject that is quickly becoming more exciting to me than the travel, and dare I say, poker world. No, I won't say it!

But yes, I want to become a word-of-mouth marketing expert and I'm well on my way.

That means, I'm coming to San Francisco for one night. Doubtful I'll be seeing anyone outside of the conference. So sorry. Mia Culpa. No, Mia Hamm.....read this next post!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: San Francisco, CA (June 20-21)

Getting Back to Writing!

2006-06-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. Last night and this morning I started writing another chapter of the Girlfriend's Guide to Dating a Poker Player. Hello, I need a much snarkier title. Feel free to offer suggestions!

A few weeks ago, I started a writers group in LA. Three women. Two of us working on books, one working on travel magazines and newspapers. Luckily they don't mind that all my stuff will be about the pokah - but man, writers groups are GREAT! They get your butt in gear like there's no tomorrow. And right now we're meeting weekly.

At the beginning of the year I had an agent interested in this book. We'll see if she still is. If not, I'll start pimping it to other agents. But I need to finish the book proposal and two sample chapters. Knowing that I'm meeting with my group this weekend, I started cranking on a chapter so I'd have something to contribute. Next thing I knew, I had seven pages. A plenty good start. Wouldn't it be awesome if I had the proposal done by the end of June, or even by July 4th? I don't want to get my hopes up. But this writers group really helps.

As if that wasn't enough good news, I have a new writer working with me on Written Road, Terah Shelton. One of the WR fans already got a job because of one of Terah's posts this week. How great is that?! Earlier this year I had half a dozen or so writers wanting to contribute to WR, but I never made time to organize them. So, with Terahs introduction officially up on the site, I reached out to the others to see if they were still interested. Yep! Lucky me. So, now I'll have two more writers working on WR by next month.

That's great news because I just haven't had the time/staffpower to turn it into the resource and community that it can be, and this will really help.

So, what a great start to a Friday. Have a great weekend everyone.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, CA (June 23-Aug 11)

Any ole Tuesday

2006-06-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

John is on the 1-15 somewhere on his way back from Vegas.
We have 15 some days left before we go to Vegas for the summer.
I am behind on bday thank yous.
3rd load of laundry in the wash, 2-minute noodles on the stove.
and...break my heart...no poker this week. When I first moved to Burbank John had to persuade me to go to the first one, now I can't live without it.
Didn't get any marketing books for my bday, and now there's a travel book I just HAVE to have.
Last night I had dinner with Leigh and 1.5 yr old remarkable Reilly. Today I read more of Marley and Me. Kids and dogs. You could say I'm having a twinge of an identity crisis since my whole life I wanted to have kids and a dog. Now, I can't imagine having either. I know I will, and that when I do, I'll laugh at my life before family, but right now...the lack of interest is truly shocking to me. Shocking I say.
Promoting two books right now. Sperm are from Men, Eggs are from Women, and What Color is Your Jockstrap. For those that want to hire me for book PR, you'll obviously have to come up with a title that hits below the belt.
Highlight of tonight will be filling out an interview for my fave poker blog, Wicked Chops Poker.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, NV (June 23-Aug 11)

How to Master Your Poker Face with Full Tilt

2006-06-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

John Juanda's video is so funny I can hardly stand it. Somebody has to put it on YouTube and pass it around.

I've been playing a lot of Full Tilt heads up NL lately, and it's a blast. Did you know that you can use frequent player points to win a Full Tilt Jersey with your name on it? It might take you several months to earn up the 25,000 points, but heck, come on, a Full Tilt Jersey with your name on it! Obviously, I'm saving up.

Oh, and, watch the new videos featuring Erick Seidel and Phil Ivey, too. Full Tilt has the best poker marketing evah.

What a Birthday!

2006-06-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Phew, it's over! What a week! Jennikkah has come to a close, even if there are a few stray lunches to still have. This was a great birthday, and I'm too spoiled. It started with Susan coming down with all her clothing gifts, then followed up with lots of calls and emails on Tuesday, lunch with my local girlfriend, John's ceremony of more clothes (I needed them), dinner with friends, and I'm not sure I can remember after that. Oh yeah, another dinner Wed night with more friends, and birthday poker last night where I took first in the Blackjack Tourney and then foolishly donked off first or second in the poker tourney. But John took first in poker, so that's two weeks in a row we've played and ate Scott-free!

Some of the non fabric gifts I got were the much talked about Marley and Me, and some super cool ear phones for my iPod. And a goldenrod purse I really wanted. :-)

But I suppose if I were truly gracious, I'd have to admit that my fifth Travelers' Tales book, What Color is Your Jockstrap? was a timely gift. That mean's two books since the last birthday - wow!

I've got two personal artists now (in addition to my editor) and I'm working up new websites. I've hated the designs of the old book websites, don't look, so now I've got a better header and trying to upgrade my overall weblook. Man have I needed a MAKEOVER. It's so frustrating to know how to be better than I currently web-am, but not have the resources to make it happen. Well, there's no stopping me now. Bring on the new websites and blogs! Of course, I'll show you first when they're done.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Don't know. But I badly want a real vacation in the mountains by a lake or river.
John: Las Vegas, NV - (this Sun - Tues)

Pictures from the Tao Pokerdome Party

2006-05-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Birthday Begins

2006-05-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

I turn 35 tomorrow. That sounds hefty, but so many positive things have happened this past year, there's really no way of being upset by it. Two books, many magazine bylines, Vegas poker goodness, and of course, John and the move to a cute house in Pasadena. It really is all good.

We started the celebrations early. Susan came down with 11 presents, a whole bunch of clothes and necklaces. It was a real treat to have her here. And especially to put her up for a night and take her out to lunch and dinner, something I've rarely been able to do. But I practically had to get the chloroform out to do it. Still, it was short, but I had a nice time with her and I hope she did, too. Even if the cupcakes at Sprinkles weren't all that.

We took it easy this weekend and even went to a minor league baseball game yesterday. The Quakes, out in Rancho Cucamunga -- about 30 minutes from us. Too much fun.

Now, it's big catch up time on all the work. Still the Vegas book, a story for a women's poker anthology edited by Maryann Morrison of Woman Poker Player, PR for an author client (JoeQuirk), and getting my website and PR stuff going for the new book, What Color is Your Jockstrap -- just coming back from the printer. I'm busy, just the way I like it!

I think the few people getting me gifts already know what they're doing. But for those of you who still want to pick something up - I want any and all books on word-of-mouth marketing. I want to build a library:

Creating Customer Evangelists 0793155614
The Secrets of Word-of-Mouth Marketing 0814470726
Naked Conversations 047174719X
Blog Marketing 0072262516
Any book by Guy Kawasaki
Any book by Seth Goodin

Email schecky@gmail.com to get our mailing address.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: ??

Pokerdome party at Tao

2006-05-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

MansionPoker.net and FSN sponsored a kick ass party last night. They pulled out all the stops to launch their new pokerdome at Sin City's hottest nightclub — Tao. The main club floor was decked out in Sex-Asian, with go-go dancers, and a thong-clad beauty in a bathtub dripping with rose petals. There was a table with guys making hand-rolled cigars, cocktail waitresses that never let you go thirsty, and plenty of appetizers and food. Shrimp tempura, peking duck, sushi, tuna tartare, etc. We had already had dinner at Canaletto with Amy Calistri (check out her new blog) and her brother, so didn't double dinner it.

David Kinsman, the CEO of Mansion was there to thank the group that's working hard to get the dome going. (The first shows will be taped from the Tropicana, and the official pokerdome will be ready at Neonopolis next month). He also mentioned a 64 million sponsorship of the Tottenham Hotspurs.

In the next room over was a charity poker tourney. The party was a tad bit light on celebs, but still such a good time. Cheryl Hines from Curb Your Enthusiasm was the big name, with Chris Rose from the Best Damn Sports Show as the emcee. George Greenberg from FSN was also there. From the poker crowd, Jen Harmon, Chip and Karina Jett, Robert Williamson, Kristy Gazes, Michael Gracz, Joe Sebok, Connie Kim, and Erica Shoenberg were some of the faces I recognized. Gavin Smith and Chris Bell made their cameo a bit later on their way to the airport (headed for New Orleans).

I got to play and was at a table with Kristy Gazes and Jen Harmon. Jen and the Luckbox were the two people pushing people around, and Erica's dad gave me and Kristy some chips after we were out. Uncle Jon and John played at the same table together with Michael Gracz. In the end it was Joe Sebok who won the tourney after going heads up against Chip Jett. Before he won he even mentioned that he'd marry some girl that night if he won. Who knows if they headed to the Little White Chapel after the party.

Steve Hall, who always has the best gossip, was there covering the tourney for High Roller magazine. Jill Ann from Top Pair was also shooting pics.

I head back to Pasadena around lunch time and look forward to downloading pics for you. Man did I have fun. Nothing like that with a morning jacuzzi bath in a killer room to cap things off. big thanks to Justin Simon, FSN publicist, for taking such good care of us. Oh, and I forgot to mention -- our parting gift -- an iPod shuffle!

Current: Las Vegas
Next: Pasadena

Vegas, Baby!!

2006-05-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

We're here at Caesars and it's awesome. I haven't stayed here in a few years, but it's what I was brought up on back in the day. And, we got a free upgrade! We bought the middle level room rate online and when we checked in, without asking, the desk clerk upugraded us to the Augusts Tower. This is the Caesars Palace answer to Mandalay Bay's THEhotel. The rooms are large with a generous sitting area, plasma TVs in the main and bathroom, as well as a big tub, additional shower, and closed toilet area. We've got a hybrid view of both the strip, and the pool from an angle. The room normally goes for $240. We tipped him a $20.

We're here for the MansionPoker.net & FSN's pokerdome launch party. It's at Tao, I can't wait.

My poker playing Uncle Jon just arrived and I'm headling down to Viale to meet him. Not sure where we'll go next. I think he wants to play at the Bellagio poker room. I've got some work to do, but I'm dying to get in some pool time. Not sure if I can sit still though I'm so excited to be here.

We've got less than 24 hours from now until we leave, but it's going to be great night! If the party ends at a decent hour we might even make it over to TI for their Tangerine Mixer game.

Current: VEGAS, BABY!
Next: Pasadena, CA (tomorrow)

Weekend Update

2006-05-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

All is very middle America over here at the homestead. Between writing, and playing poker, we babysat our friends' toddler last night. Four hours of bubbles, petting the neighbors dog Zoe, peas and carrots, and the Muppets. Reilly was a darling, and a real treat compared to most 1.5 year olds. Even though there was one poopy diaper, I still think John doesn't know how good we had it. She only fussed when I woke her to change the diaper, something that John and I briefly debated.

He smelled the poop.
I didn't.
He insisted.
I put my nose in her butt, but still couldn't tell.
He bet me.
I felt that her diaper was full, even though I'd already changed her once.
Thinking that her mom might not want her to sleep in poop, I moved her out of her sleeping position to change her.
John said I shouldn't wake her.
We debated.
Since it wasn't our kid, I changed her just in case.
Sure enough, poop.
She was not happy to be woken.

There you have it. The exciting moment of our weekend.

For those concerned, I bought an organizer to alleviate the personal assistant desire I can't afford. We're down to 9 more shopping days before my birthday. No plans so far. I'll see if I can put up a wish list tomorrow.

Current: Pasadena, Ca
Next: Las Vegas, NV (Wed 5.24.06 - pokerdome launch party at Tao)

Poker Thursday

2006-05-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

I woke up so happy today. Maybe because I had time to linger. I love waking up before 7am. So, today, I woke up at 6:30 and just stayed in bed looking out our window at the trees until almost 7am. But, I also woke up pretty dern, yes, dern, happy that it's poker home game night tonight. The best night of the week.

My first thoughts about poker night are, I wonder what we're having for dinner. Our host Mark does a great job of ordering and it's always something different--which leaves me hanging every week! I get all excited thinking about our possibilities from past great meals, and then he surprises us with a new one. So much fun. And, fingers crossed, tonight we might have my friend Colin from Wicked Chops Poker make a cameo. He's terribly busy, so I just begged him to come by for Blackjack if he couldn't stay long. We've been wanting to meet eachother for months but the Vegas schedules have not alligned.

While poker is on the brain, I need to write a story about how I met John for an anthology of women poker players. Daunting task. Went totally blank yesterday. Maybe got one sentence in.

Also, I'm reading an advanced copy of Hunting Fish: A Cross-Country Search for America's Worst Poker Players, and it's so good. Jay is a great writer, and a friend I met last year at the Howard Lederer All In Camp, and then hung out with during the WSOP. I love the way he weaves in his personal issues and emotional involvement with his surroundings. It's a talent I don't think I've mastered yet, but he sets a good example for me to learn from. Plus, I'm hearing about all these casinos I've yet to try. Good stuff, and it comes out in August. In fact, I just might ask Oscar if I can review it for the SF Chronicle. I've never asked him if I could be a part of all that, but I will for this book.

Things I'm not eating (with occassional exceptions on poker night): ice cream, candy, full strength beer, and newly added: chips, grilled cheese sandwiches, cookies. In the past year I've gained 30lbs. I don't even recognize myself anymore. It's shocking. I'd like to lose half of that by the WSOP.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, (5.23-5.24)

Dreaming of a Personal Assistant

2006-05-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

So, I just searched Craigslist for a personal assistant but didn't really see any I was dying to call. Thought about putting up a "gig" listing for some kind of barter intern for travel writing advice, but I know that would just be more time from my end. I'd rather pay someone a small fee for a few hours and whip everything into shape.

I want my projects organized on Jotspot (and to come on the minute my computer starts)
I want my Bloglines streamlined " "
And I want a schedule and a budget made for all my projects.
And if I could have anything I wanted, I'd have someone call me first thing in the morning and tell me what I had going on everyday. But I think Jotspot could take care of that.

Man, if someone wanted to give this to me for my bday. wow. Best gift ever.
Meanwhile, I'm just thrilled beyond belief that I have an available kick butt editor.

I have to write a chapter for a women's poker anthology today. and I'm supposed to write it about meeting John and how I got into the whole thing, and what it's like being a g'friend to a poker player. He's going to love that!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, NV (tues 5/23-5/24)

So, You're Planning a Trip to Vegas are you?

2006-05-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Seems like everytime we get on the horn, someone is telling us that they want to meet us in Vegas this summer. And that's awesome. But it also means that I have to start organizing dates because overlap will stress me out. As of right now, I don't have any commitments during the WSOP. This is good. It will allow me to do my own work thing and keep building my viral marketing agenda, and it also leaves me open to wait for the choicest deal should it come up.

Ok, here's our schedule so far for Vegas. I'll fill in as people sign up and keep bringing this back to the front, or put it in a sidebar:

MAY
5/24 going to the pokerdome opening at Tao. Might only stay one night.

JUNE
6/24 I'm going to the LV Academy with Phil Gordon and Andy Bloch
6/25 Satellite/Live action begins at the WSOP
6/26 WSOP begins....(employee night).
Check the full WSOP schedule here

JULY
We will be returning to Pasadena the beginning of July for a few days, but we're not sure of the dates. John says we'll have to play it by ear.
7/1-7/4 Harold Check- but he's coming less for social, more for the tourney
4th of July - who knows.
7/6 - 7/10 World Poker Blogger Tour(I'll be very busy with this)
7/9 Ladies event for the WSOP
7/9-7/16 The Brady's are coming to town. (Consider this time frame booked unless you know them)
7/27 Media Event for WSOP
7/28 The Main Event for the WSOP begins

AUGUST (If it's anything like last year, we'll probably be pretty grouchy from the long summer and focused on the event at this time. Not a good time to come party, unless all you want to do is watch the WSOP. If this is your only window, come as early in the month as possible. The closer to the final table, the crazier it gets.

8/10 Final table of the WSOP.
8/11 go home.

Please book your hotel in Vegas on my budding Vegas website, VivaLasVegasBlog.com.

Thanks and see you soon!

Post Thursday Pre Saturday

2006-05-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

going out second in poker homegame
failing to get into strip club with poker pro
finishing Vegas guide
mistaking tourney for yesterday, when it's today. wish me luck at 6pm
$150 Trader Joes shop
fondue dinner party with friends in new house
happy to have fresh flowers in Great Room
Ray Charles on the Bose
Lunch at Mi Piace with Northern Territory tourist folk. Brainstorming marketing leads for them. Discussing trip to Oz in Sept/Oct (with them only to happy to give me an add on in Brissy to see my friends)
pitch to Cosmo and Redbook, Redbook rejected 2nd pitch in a row
Australian immigration sending me offer to try for a Skilled Work Visa after years of telling me I didn't have enough money, skill, or foreign language to live there long term
fresh mint, new Bacardi, and limes for mojitos tonight
Favorite wine on Trader Joe shelves for much cheaper than expected Barbera de Alba

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: San Diego, (Mother's Day)

Trying to Win a Seat in the Ladies WSOP

2006-05-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

PokerHost is having a tourney tonight with the prize being a seat into the Ladies WSOP, plus $1000 cash for transport and hotel. I'm all registered. Logistics was a bit tight, but it turns out I'll be able to start the game from our home game location, getting to do both things tonight!

When I registered, there were only 28 registered and there was a note saying they needed a 50 minimum, so here's hoping the count doubles, or PokerHost runs it anyways.

Wish me luck with those mean catty witches at 6pm PST.

And for those of you more interseted in my travel front, the folks from the Australian Tourist Board are coming to Pasadena tomorrow to chat me up. Next week I have a press lunch with the tourist folks from the Baltic States.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: San Diego, CA (Mother's Day)

Should I have my own travel show?

2006-05-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

Just when my thirst for having my own gambling travel show has quelled, I get a little nudge to get back into it. My friend Dan at Denuo told me about Turn Here, and I'm all over it. Well, I blogged about it at least. Check out the post on Written Road, then watch some videos. I loved the one on Toronto's Chinatown. David Himel should totally be at a dinner party with me and Rolf, and Jim Benning. Might even throw in Doug Fine.

I think the real question is, will John leave me? Betting girl that I am, I say no. But would I fault him if he did, no. Because I can't stop. I can't stop thinking and doing, and promoting and helping others think, and do, and promote. Never in my life have I wanted to be so involved. Does it hurt? Yes, it hurts the brain. I can power crunch for a few days in a row, and then ------. Flat out living coma for a day. Nothing is wrong, it's like I'm rebooting. Part of the process. Like some baby trying to learn how to sleep through the night, regularity is helping me like it never has. Structure, schedules, me? No, those three have never belonged in the same sentence until now. But check out how lost I am if I don't start cleaning something right when I wake up. And then check and see how productive I am if I do. It's wild.

I'm inches away from having my own morning show. Miscellaneous Mondays. Travel Tuesdays. Word of Mouth Wednesdays. That'll probably be enough to start off. I just need a friggin tutor to walk me through this whole podcasting process. I was one of those kids who couldn't read an instruction manual, but let me watch someone standing up in front of class, and I'd cruise through an exam.

See my train of thoughts here? Come on, keep up. A friend of mine who is a psychologist thought it'd be interesting to use me for a study on happiness, because I'm always pretty happy. Good track record. But I think if there was someone out there that wanted to do a study on "train of thought" I'd be a much better guinea pig.

Now, what did you learn? I think it's fairly obvious that I didn't clean this morning. I did a load of laundry as soon as I got up. Look what happened? Not enough. Dishes and glass tables—the only cure. Until I get my morning show.

POKER UPDATE: We're still going to Vegas for the FSN/Mansion Pokerdome party at Tao on 5/24. I'm looking forward to our home game this week. Oh crap, PokerHost is having a freeroll to get into the Ladies WSOP event on Thurs- I'll have to check the schedule for that and work it into poker night. Argh. To top that off, I need to play more live. John tried TI last night for some of the funky games like Crazy Pineapple, but there was nothing going on so he went to Binion's.

I watched Bird Flu in America while working on press kits.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: San Diego, CA (Mother's Day with the family)

I Passed up a Trip to Vegas?!

2006-05-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Shocking, but true.

John left for Vegas this morning for biz. I could've gone and sampled the rooms at the Rio, but decided to stay home. I had a tough day yesterday and didn't get as much done as I'd hoped. There was no way I could give up 8 prime hours of driving time today and tomorrow. Two books are about to come out, and it's been quite busy these past few weeks. Things should settle down by this weekend. I'll cross my fingers.

So, today is a quiet power crunch day. The one I didn't have yesterday.

Meanwhile, I'm encountering more and more authors who are not satisfied with their publishers/publicists. I started doing some book PR consulting via Creative Storefront, and work has been coming in. Without any advertising! Once I get through my own books, then I can actively try and get some work going, but for now, the one or two clients is fine.

On Sunday I went to a baby shower for pretty much my first friend (as far back as I can remember). We were best friends from 1st-9th grade. It was interesting. For a second I was warmed to the idea of having kids (John claims it was because of all the presents she got), but a visit to another good friend afterwards, where I played a tiny bit with her two toddlers, again had me wondering....how?! How will I ever? I must, but how on earth will it happen? In all Leo fashion, I want to do things big. I don't want one, I want three. Still. Even if I'm getting old, more set in my ways, continuously more self involved, and like never before, so in love with my ever-evolving career.

It'll be interesting to see when all that lines up for me. Timing. Life path stuff.

Oatmeal calls....

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: San Diego, CA (for mother's day)

It Won't End

2006-05-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Every week I think it's the last week for the Vegas guidebook, but it never ends. I've been in a big crunch period this week. Wrote 40 reviews the other day and then was wiped yesterday and only got to 12.

In January I said that I wasn't going to follow up on calls and emails to friends until I finished. Now people are getting married and having babies and I still haven't finished the book. Lets think positively, I only have 20 posts to write before 530pm tonight so I can go to poker/blackjack.

Ok, that's my vent for the day. I still love the house. Love Pasadena even though I haven't even started to explore it.

I hope all of you are well. Thanks for not beating me for not being in touch.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: San Diego (Sunday May 7)
Next: Las Vegas (May 24)

Blackjack Night!

2006-04-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight is blackjack/poker night and it could be one of the best games ever. In quite the crazy coincidences, John and I are bringing 5 people to poker tonight. So, seven including us. Guests are always welcome, but we've never sprung this many on them all at once. Our friends Steve and Sarah that are visiting from Seattle, my friend Mike from World Hum who's moving to DC to work with USA Today, one of Steve and John's friends from BARGE who's writing a poker book, and the publicist for FSN who I sometimes work with, and is setting up the big pokerdome launch.

Three hours till we leave. So, I'm going gangbusters to finish the damn Vegas book.

Be guarranteed I will never ever write a guidebook again. Ever. That said, I want to write something about Pasadena. I'm not sure what format yet. Maybe I'll do a website, I don't know. Ssshhhh. I didn't just start a new project, I swear I didn't. It might just be a travel article.

In other news, Jockstrap has gone to the printer. I have truckloads of PR to do on it. It comes out at the end of May. I have a consulting gig to work on next week, and pressure to get my girlfriend guide book off of the back burner and under BROIL. All is well. I'm busy, I'm happy.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: ????

Mush Alert: don't read if you hate the sap

2006-04-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

I know some of you don’t like to hear about the boyfriend. But, since this relationship has passed the new stage, giddy moments of happiness have been replaced with discussions of compromise and responsibility. While the uber-romantic in me has been slightly overwhelmed with (the usually male) thoughts of wow, this is it, time to relinquish all movie-induced love fantasies—I had a moment last night to put the lid on those loose runners.

We were at the Stanley Cup playoffs in Anaheim with our hockey-loving friends, my first game ever, and the teams had just taken the ice. I sat down to get ready for what was next, and John told me to stand up. The national anthems were starting and he was up, hat off, and held over his heart. Canadian singer first, then ours. Now, I'm a harsh critic when it comes to our National Anthem being played or sung. I have more stringent personal views about the way this song should be respected than I have procedures for putting together the perfect baked potato. Go ahead and laugh, but as I was trying to decide whether or not Lisa Tucker from American Idol was doing a good job, equal thoughts of importance were emerging. I kept peeking at John out of the corner of my eye, hand still on his heart, and thought—THIS is why we're together. This one little eency weency thing puts any doubts to rest. I don't have to be embarrassed or freaking out that he's singing. I don't have to nudge him with a disapproving eye to take off his hat. I don’t have to feel alone in having my hand over my own heart while I look towards our flag. He just does it, exactly the way I like it, because he is who he is.

I almost told him last night how happy this made me. But I didn't. Thought I'd surprise him here instead. Even if everyone else is laughing at me.

Yes, I'm a nutbag. But I'm his nutbag, and for the record, the USC Trojan Marching Band plays the best National Anthem of all time. I cried the first time I heard it. I was a freshman, had barely been on campus at all, and had just survived Band Camp. They walked a small section of the band to the baseball field and we were standing by the dug out. It was night. The stadium lights shown down on us with nothing but darkness and quiet beyond the spotlight. A single snare started the drum roll before the horns came slowly in. Nobody sang. It was one of the most moving moments of my life, and while I'll probably forget everything else that's ever happened to me over time, there's no forgetting how I felt in those few minutes, tears streaming down my face.

I'm a sap. I know it. Leave me a lone.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: No plans yet for May

Crazy Week

2006-04-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Stuff going on:

1. Early am house clean to Jump Little Children Magazine cd. John did at least an equal half of the clean if not more.

2. House is sparkling, pictures look great, heater is broken, I went a bit nuts on the dryer, but other than that, all is well. Ready for guests. (Old Charleston, SC and Vintage Vegas pics framed and on wall)

3. Repair guys in and out of here for three days straight including today and tomorrow.
4. Vegas book final final final - argh!

5. Freelance deadline 1 this week nearly done - coolio.

6. Late on my Men of Poker article for Woman Poker Player, BUT BIG CONGRATS TO GAVIN SMITH For winning the WPT Player of the Year award. This time last year I was interviewing him for pPlayer/now CardSquad and asked him if he played with any of the big time pros, he laughed and said he was one. Now he's got plenty of big wins to prove it! I eat my hat, what can I say, I was a rookie. At least I'm pretty sure he won. No press releases or links have been out on my quick search. Hurry up folks.

7. Favorite line of the day: It's Tuesday, but feels like Thursday. It's April, but it feels like May, and I can't even remember March.

8. Poker this week is going to be a blast. We've got our two Seattle friends in town, and I've got another friend who might come up as his last poker bite before moving to DC.

9. John got a really short hair cut. Says he's wearing a hat tonight.

10. We've bought two drapes for the glass front door and both have failed.

11. Sold one WR Marketplace ad this morning.

12. Have one happy consulting client this week. Here's his testimonial if I haven't already shared.

“An hour with Jen Leo is worth a year of work on your own. It’s as enlivening as listening to a team of brilliant marketers bounce around fresh ideas tailored to you. If you want book sales, get this woman’s brain working for you.” —Joe Quirk, Sperm are from Men, Eggs are from Women

13. Friends blogging away and getting ready for their trip to the World Cup. For all things World Cup related, including making bets, go to: World Cup Blog.
14. Meet me at the LA Times Bookfest this weekend!

Back to work.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: ?? No plans but I predict a SF trip in May.

Working for Six Apart Makes Me Hungry

2006-04-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

One of my new gigs, and current deadlines is writing for SixApart, the company that owns blogging software MoveableType, TypePad, and Live Journal. My specific project is to write up brief synopses of featured blogs on TypePad. I love it. Repeat, love it. To sit around and read blogs? Come on, now. It's the best.

At this very minute, I'm reviewing a blog called StickyRice.

Food blogs are, dare I say, a dime a dozen. They're so hot right now. And travel writers take to them especially well. A bunch of my friends have their own food blog. (Tea and Cookies, Mary Ladd's Food Finds, Eating Suburbia, Dirty Sugar Cookies, and someone who I should become friends with—The Traveler's Lunchbox) Not to worry, of all the blogs I am doing and want to do, and as much as I love to eat and talk about what I've been eating, I have zero interest in writing a food blog. Weird, eh?

This one is different. StickyRice is dangerous for me. It makes me want to go to Hanoi just for lunch, a month of lunches. I want to eat Xoi Ga right now so bad I don't know what to do. And then that makes me think, when, how, and who will go with me? John doesn't travel, practically hates it. I don't think he'd even eat at a Vietnamese restaurant here in Pasadena. Maybe. Highly doubtful. So, how will I keep inspirations like these alive? How, when everyone is off doing their own thing, do travel dreams come true? There are a bunch of people I could talk to on the phone about stuff like this, but that doesn't really cut it. Sean P is the only guy in town where we can indulge in talk of at least a few weeks in Hanoi. Maybe even make one realistically happen. At some point. In the next year. But Cuba... But Bali... But...........

Current: Hungry in Pasadena
Next: Hanoi in my dreams.

House Update

2006-04-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

John's working on the house this weekend. I'm still bounded by deadlines, but doing back to back laundry loads at the same time. Things we've got going on:

1. Him putting a gazillion gold and platinum records away. He says they're not really valuable at all, but we can't have them out because people walking by all our windows might think they are and break in. They do look impressive. But when you have three closets full of them, they're just in the way. Look at me being a music ignoramus. That reminds me...

2. Dinner party tonight. One of John's very good friends from the music business is having an intimate birthday bash. Everyone there will be in music, show biz, or politics—the three things I know zero about. Can't we just talk about travel, blogs, and poker? Well, I tell you what, I sure am going to power read some current event blogs so that I do know what and who people are talking about during dinner. Lets hope I don't make an ass of myself. It's very hard for me to keep my mouth shut for a whole evening. But I'm definitely smart enough to know NOT to talk about stuff I don't know a thing about. Like public policy.

3. We have our first visitors coming this week! (My dad doesn't quite count since we weren't set up or both here). And these dear friends are from our Vegas life, so yes, we have tons in common and will have heaps of fun. But I've got two deadlines to accomplish by the time they arrive. Then two small ones following. Can it happen? Yes. Begin the all nighters.

4. I'm going to my first hockey game Tues. Anaheim Vs. Calgary. I hope I get to see a fight. And I double hope the hot dogs are good. Woohoo!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: No plans....

Back from Vegas

2006-04-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry, friends. I have at least one or two good stories from Vegas, but no time to tell them.

We got back to Pasadena last night.

Tonight is poker/blackjack night.

And I'm crunching on two deadlines. One in panic mode, the other steady as she goes.

Hang in there with me this week.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas, NV

Vegas, Baby!

2006-04-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

This day on 4/18/06 in Vegas:

WPT 25k started at Bellagio, there will be two day ones.
Red Rock Casino opened
Found out Treasure Island Poker Room is hosting fun games like Crazy Pineapple ($4 & $8), Badugi ($3 & $6), and the Tangerine Mixer ($3 & $6 Holdem, Omaha High, and Crazy Pineapple)
Having dinner with Gavin tonight after the tourney lets out
I'm soaking in the new Vegas news - Riviera sold, New Frontier turning into Montreux based on a famouns Swiss resort.

and I'm holed up in the Golden Nugget working on the finishing the Vegas Book. Yes, I'd like some cheese with that wine. But I was extremely happy to hear on the news that a kidnapping was averted in front of a Vegas grade school.

Current: Golden Nugget, Las Vegas

Next: Pasadena, CA

Written Road is Looking GREAT!

2006-04-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

My blog for travel writers and travel lovers is really shaping up. We've added book ads, and now, a new Marketplace. I think it looks great. And wow is it cheap. $50/month or six months for the price of five. Darn cheap in online advertising terms.

Now I just need to sell it! My admin guys at BootsnAll hired a new ad guy, Brett Walker. He's been a super help, and he'll be on it, too.

Anyway, check it out when you have time. But you have to look at it from the home page to see the cool picture (and also how nice the site looks with book ads up). I've been blogging on Written Road for four years now. That actually seems like two lifetimes since so much has changed for me in that time. Back when I started it, I was living in this itsy bitsy studio in Eugene, Oregon. Hanging out with my friends, trying to figure out what was next. I had recently done seven months of traveling and all I knew was that San Francisco was way too big for me to settle down in. I was waiting for Sand in My Bra to come out, and pretty much just killing time.

Now look, practically five books later I'm helping other authors get their books launched. It's neat to look back every once in a while. I can only wonder where the next four years will lead me.

Settling In

2006-04-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

John made it home fine, and not as wiped as I expected. So, now I can tell you what the surprise present was. A big wooden executive roll top desk. I love it. And luckily, he loves it, too. It sits in the Great Room, that's what I'm calling our second room. They billed this place as a 2 bedroom, but the second room is more of an all purpose room. It's our favorite room in the house becauase of all the windows. One wall is all windows. Four of them. And they open up inwards with a screen that looks out to the side yard. It makes it feel like a porch or verandah. As close to one of those as I'm going to get, anyway. This is where I work, even if my desk with all my things, will be in the back.

Our dining room table is in here, and John's big (Oak?) desk.

There are a lot of things we need. But we'll focus on piecing things together once we get back from Vegas next week. We'll be gone Sun - Thurs.

Other than that, it's work, work, work. I'm busy, and I like it. And believe it or not, I even like getting up at 6am-6:30am.

Happy Passover to everyone celebrating.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Las Vegas (April 16-19)

John is Coming Home Today

2006-04-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

This is good. We're both excited for him to see the new house. Unfortunately, I'm slammed and don't have time to do another haul from the old apt, or set up his present *exactly* the way I wanted to.

But the house is great, just as it is. The Little Old Lady is a happy one, whether anyone is home or not. Like John, she is happiest when it's sunny outside.

My brain has been working overtime while he's been gone. So, it'll be good to have him here so it can slow down some. I guess that's what happens when you're alone in a house....the world of over-analyzing shows it's ugly backside.

I played some SNGs last night. Had a few cashes. Enough to take $100 out of Full Contact Poker.

I have so many things to do today, it's crazy. But man, I can't wait for Vegas next week!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Vegas, NV (4/16-19)

Lets Just Make a List

2006-04-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

Squirrels I saw chasing each other on Paloma St: 2
Big black bird I saw picking at a dead squirrel on Sierra Bonita: 1
Bees I saw outside the screen to the Great Room: 8
Friends telling me I have unclaimed funds due to me: 1
Number of people in the movie theatre with me when I went to see Failure to Launch: <20
Assignments that are due this week before Wed: 5
Assignments due this week after Wed: 1
$ I won in a $20 SNG Sunday Morning: $80, or is it $79?
Days till John gets home: 2
Number of weeks since I've seen him: 3
People talking to me about needing to marry him: 4
How many of these people were John's ex-landlord: 1
Minutes I had to sit there and take it from said ex-landlord: 32
Neighbors I've met: 3
Restaurants I went to with my Dad: 3
Times I've run the new dishwasher: 3
Days till we go to Vegas: 7
Friends telling me this was next week, not next month: 1
People that can sit at our dining room table and have a chair and a matching plate and placemat: 4
People who've seen the inside of the new house since I moved in: 5
Times today I thought about how tired I am and how it must be related to not enough excercise: 3
Freelance gigs I acquired this week: 3

Gotta Go. I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I want to have Sunday breakfast and poker over here this weekend. Lets check with John and see who's game. Battleship, baby!

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Vegas (April 16-19)

The new house gets rave reviews

2006-04-05T21:34:00.001-07:00

Leigh and toddler Reilly came over to the house today. They love it. Plane and simple. Reilly wouldn't stop dancing in the living room. Some Van Morrison, some Beatles. All the things to play while John is gone, since he's music sensitive. Yeah, the house is impressive with nothing in it. But the neighborhood helps. We walked around tonight at dusk and it seemed like every other drive way was home to either a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes. But I did see one Porsche. No chance to meet the neighbors today, but I was chuffed they waved at me through the window yesterday.

I woke up this morning Skyping John about the place being haunted. But I've since figured out that these are both heater and fridge noises. Most of them. We'll see how I sleep tonight. I know I'll be scared, but hey, nothing I can do about it except keep breathing. I think it's best to keep the knives in the kitchen.

I don't really know what to talk about. If I tell you the new things going on, someone will come down here and shut off my internet. So, best to wait and see which ones pan out. People, I like being busy. Some of you will just have to get used to it.

That said, I think I'll play some poker. There's no relaxing me tonight.

Oh yeah, the movers are supposed to come tomorrow morning. I hope I hope I hope.
AND, Leigh checked out John's surprise piece of furniture at the store today and was shocked at how little I got it for. If he doesn't like it, we could probably sell it for 3X the price I paid. Only, he better love it or else I'll take it. But seriously, don't fake it John, if you don't like it you can sleep in the garage. LOL. See, I have to practice acting like a settled down woman of the house.

My dad comes this weekend. He'll be the first guest. It'll be great.

Current: Pasadena, CA
Next: Vegas, Baby! (April 16-19)
John: Vilnius/Amsterdam (April 8-11)

Ummm...I'm exhausted

2006-04-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, believe it or not, it happens to even me. I seem to be on the receiving end of a fair amount of compliments lately. A good share of them have to do with my enthusiasm, energy, etc. Thank you very much if any of you are reading this. However it's moments like these I wonder where it goes.

It happens. I get tired. I'm worn out right this very minute, and there's still lots to do on both the old apt and the new house. I love the new house. It fits. But we're not quite fully up and operational yet.

The movers cried rain and didn't do the big haul today. But, I did talk him into coming over just to bring the bed and a little table and chair so that I could work now that this is the only place of the two that have internet. So, that's what I'll be doing tonight and tomorrow, catching up. I'm excited about new projects I have coming in, but I need to balance the day with finishing up the old ones, too. We're sooooo close! We being me. Hey, I'm all alone in this gorgeous empty house, I need to talk in the Royal sense.

Ok, thanks for following along. I have no idea where the cameras are, but I'll find them, and start taking some pictures. John, I know you're reading this, so - the news is that we have a leak. In the kitchen right where the counter hang out spot is supposed to be. Mark knows and the roof guys will be coming once the weather dries out.

By the way...I'm in the process of revamping JenLeo.com so it can be a one stop shop for all my action. Books, Mags, JenLeoLive, and my other blogs, events, etc. I want to try a little podcasting, (Larry swears to me the editing is easy as pie), but I'm not quite sure what would be a good topic. All the things that I do, or just one of the things that I do? Something entirely new? Just whatever the heck I'm surfing/reading/hearting -- I don't know. I have to think about it a bit. Now that John puts me on blog restriction now and again... I need a new venue. Ha Ha. Anyway, I'm open to suggestions. Maybe It'll be "word of mouth" related.

Ok. Thanks for reading this blog and not bugging me online. I need a few days to catch up.

Current: PASADENA, CA
Next: Vegas, Baby! (April 16-19)

Keys to the New House!

2006-04-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting on the floor of the new family room. The Cable Guy has climbed up the telephone pole and is doing his thing. We're getting our TV line in just to the left of the fireplace. That way, when we get the flat screen, it can go above the mantel. Until then, it has a short stretch to the wall opposite the front windows where the current TV will go.

I'm so excited about the new house I can hardly believe it's happening. Last night when I got back from SF I went straight to pick up the keys. I've been taking trips back and forth this morning, and I think I'm up to my third, but I can't be sure if it's not the fourth. I love doing the move myself. Since I'm going at my own leisurely pace, there's no stress at all. I don’t even mind carrying the boxes! Can you believe I said that? ME—doing manual labor—and liking it—HA! Absolutely unheard of.

The bathroom is unpacked (but we need new towels and accessories)
The kitchen is 3.75 done. Dishes are in the dishwasher as I type.
Nearly all of John's packed boxes and bags are in either of his two closets. And nearly the whole palette of my stuff is in my closet.

The movers come tomorrow at 10am for the big stuff. Big Man with a Big Van. I can't wait. We're going to have one little side trip…

As if things couldn't get any better, I found a WiFi coffee house owned by two sisters less than a mile from our new place. Millie and Liz. AND their shop just also happens to double as a consignment/used furniture store. So, I bought John a surprise present. I did ask if I could buy him something large, and I offered to tell him what it was while I had it on hold, but he was brave. Obviously I can't mention what it is here, but it is pretty big. And it will go in the Great Room. That's what I've named the second room that we're going to use as a dining room/poker room/library. It has six windows in it, four of with line the long side of the wall and look out to our side yard and a pine tree.

Last night I discovered the best thing ever. The windows open up inward like glass shutters. There are screens, so you can have the windows open looking out at the pine tree and yard. It is my favorite thing about the whole house. It's like an indoor verandah and it'll be amazing once the weather warms up. I might even put a bird dish out there. Go figure. I've never thought much about a bird anything before, but it would really be something to have some birds playing in water or eating just outside the windows.

OK, cable guy is done and we have internet. That's all that matters. I'm going to sign off and go bring another load in. I just found out today that David Farley is in town for a reading tonight at Distant Lands. Travelers' Tales Prague. I'm going to go over there and meet Jeff Booth, editor of Student Traveler. He was kind enough to ask me to write a travel podcast article for their next issue. I finished it last night. It'll be great to meet up with some travel folk. And I'm only 2.5 miles from the store!

This is the best.

Current: PASADENA, CA!!!
Next: Las Vegas (April 16-19)
John: Vilnius...but there's whisper of him coming home early.

Happy Birthday Wicked Chops Poker Blog!

2006-03-31T13:14:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st blog birthday to my fave poker blog, WickedChopsPoker!
Snake, Addict, Chops - I hope you have a lot of hottie Sheilas sending you their love. Here's a virtual card party from me, and of course, I'm sloughing my chips off to Snake. Have a great day, and, by all means — Phil Gordon for Prez!

A Day in SF

2006-03-30T11:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great day. I took the MUNI down to the Ferry Building. Nano tunes included:

Killers: All These Things that I Have Done
Neil Diamond: Cracklin Rosie, Cherry, Cherry
Bruce Springsteen: Badlands, The Rising
Killers: All These Things that I Have Done (on repeat)

I met with Larry Habegger and we talked about podcasting. He's getting his feet wet with turning his World Travel Watch column to audio. You can listen to it in his "Worldwide" category. I gave him some ideas for what kind of content I thought would generate him more traffic to Travelers' Tales, and we mostly talked as fast as we could catching up on his other projects and writing classes.

Next meeting was with my publicist. It went. We practiced an interview that we are actually going to do a podcast for. I didn't have all my equipment, and since I was just seeing the q's for the first time, we both definitely needed the practice. We'll finish it up another time.

It was drizzling a bit and I caught a cab to the Six Apart offices over on 4th Street. I had a great lunch with my friend Harold, and we talked about the possibility of working together. I was pretty amped. It's not often I get to talk to like minded people. Afterwards I wondered where all my enthusiasm came from, and I just sat back and thought to appreciate. Those moments seem to be fewer and father between these days. Is that a testament to the projects I've been working on, or the people I've been hanging with. I don't know. But, might as well just appreciate the energy flowing through me when it does happen. Luckily, Harold is cool. He knows me and isn't intimidated or too annoyed with the Jen Show when it comes in doses.

Then, it was off to Fillmore and Waller for a meeting with my Creative Storefront team. The cafe was fantastic. Cafe Du Soleil. Big wooden share tables, some two-tops, a bar, casual French food, wine, coffee, and a pot de creme to write home about. Free WiFi of course. I had a white wine to chill me out. We're nearing completion on our website. Still have a few edits, need to do new photos, etc. But then we'll be setting it off into the world. You can have a sneak preview.

Dinner with Tara at Tommy's on Geary. Good margaritas. Ok carne asada. We went back home and she watched LOST for the first time. She said it was a good thing she hadn't started watching from the beginning because if she had, she'd have been hooked.

I'm in Palo Alto now. John should be in Vilnius. He said he slept 5-6 hours on the plane, the most he has ever. Didn't wake up till the breakfast cart came. That's good news.

Current: Palo Alto, CA
Next: Burbank on Sunday April 2.
Moving to Pasadena: Tuesday April 4

Today is a great day/ John Playboy recap

2006-03-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

I'm in a stellar mood. Maybe it's from laughing with kids for the whole weekend, maybe it's because I had an Americano for the first time six or seven days, or maybe it's just because I'm oft to feel really good about life fairly often.

My Jenopolis idea is working. I'm getting viral marketing consulting gigs. Some pay, some for friends. It's kind of like I'm building a portfolio in an area that I've been living in for four years. Only now, it's the new black. And I want to try and do as much as I can with it, not just walk the limbo line with the high bar.

For starters, I'm going to start working for Mobissimo. Small gig, pretty small to start. But who knows. We're also taking Written Road to the next level. New advertising opportunities. Travelers Tales bought our first book ad, so those will start in April. I've also got some writers that are eager to start, and I'm long over due in doing a WR newsletter. I've got other fires cooking too, but I'll talk about those when they eventuate. Bottom line is that I need to make Written Road and VivaLasVegasBlog live up more to my vision. Both have been treading water for some time now.

On the John front, he's been packing up the apt. You have to check out his post about the Playboy Mansion, complete with a photo of him and two bunnies. Too funny. He's got a total deer in the headlights look on his face. He leaves for Vilnius, Lithuania tomorrow. His fourth trip in a year.

I have meetings all day tomorrow. Some for Jockstrap, some for Jenopolis. More meetings and Jockstrap PR on Thursday. Back up to Marin for the weekend and I fly home on Sunday. I must say, I'm a little releived that poker won't be on this week. I hate missing our home game.
Monday the cable guy comes over, and on Tuesday I'll move the stuff over. I've hired a Big Man with a Big Van from Craigslist. He has a great ad. Very professional. And it's only $55/hour for two guys. I'm so excited about the new house I can hardly stand it. John's pretty excited about his new office, too. He's got the guys that made Hoodwinked in his office.

Ok, that's it for now. I hope you're having fun.

Current: San Francisco, CA
Next: Burbank, CA (April 2)
After that: Las Vegas (April 17-19)
John: Prague, Vilnius, Amsterdam (3/29-4/11)

A Visit With the Old Life

2006-03-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

It's funny how in some senses, a year is just another year. No big thing, months passing, like they do—six more wrinkles, a few more pounds, a new country in the passport, but still the same familiar calendar page turns.

This time last year I was on the tail end of being with Susan after her back surgery. Lots of TV, happy hour cocktails at home, and as much TT work as I could handle. It was about time for the Final Four and I was meeting most of my family in Vegas. AND I was going to the Howard Lederer All In Camp. I knew nothing about poker, except that I was moving to Vegas to go watch the World Series, so I'd better well learn. It was barely a year ago. Barely just.

Tonight I'm spending the night in one of the homes I grew up in. Grew into an adult, I should say. I came to SF and took a job as a nanny for a little girl. My alma mater was the same as the mom's and the dad thought I was a jock since I'd just biked across country and spent the winter working at a ski resort. The little girl, Katie, was not even three. I lived with them for about two years, and then spent the better part of the next few years coming back. I've lived with them off and on, here and there. Now, Katie is 14. My old room is their home office, but the kitchen is the same. This is the kitchen I sort of learned to cook in, the house I sort of learned to clean. It wasn't my strong point. But I remember mopping the floor one day and thought, it's a good thing I'm learning this now, before I have a home of my own. And then, after two years of childcare, I found myself losing my hair. I was literally washing bunches of it down the drain every day. So, I stopped to think and heard myself say, I'm giving all my energy away to someone else's kids. I better stop and save some for mine. Then my journey with Travelers' Tales.

Nine years later, I'm in their home again for the weekend while the parents are on a long weekender. And I'm just as spent at 9pm as I was all those years ago. Only this time, I'm thinking, how will I ever do it? How will I give up everything to take care of my future kids. I never had more than five minutes alone to check my email this weekend. Never more than ten minutes alone for a phone call, if that. Even though all the people I'm seeing this week are such a dear part of my life, I feel farther away from my life than I have while traveling in Bulgaria or Lithuania.

I want to be home, moving into the new white house with John. I'm eager to create my new routines of walking or biking to Colorado Blvd, having lunches in the side yard on a sunny day, playing Sunday poker at the dining room table, inviting friends over for dinner. And, of course, immersing myself online in my projects. That's my life.

I'm in this really weird phase right now where I want to do it all. Books, magazine writing, podcasting, video blogging, travel/gambling show hosting, and yes, my sweet viral marketing. I want to become a Word of Mouth Expert. It's a weird place to be in. To be in the middle of your dreams changing. Lucky for me, it's not the first time I've experienced this. I'm fully aware it's just a passage. From one time period to the next. And when I weed through the projects and find the one or two on top—when I get to point C—there'll be another dream lighting my fire for the next journey. I know this. And there's nothing for me to be scared of about having kids. I mean there is, but you know, there really isn't. Everyone figures it out in their own way.

Tonight I put 14 yr-old Jackson the white lab to bed, knowing full well that when I leave on Tuesday it might be the last time I see him. I turned off the family room lights like I have a hundred times. Tomorrow 8 year-old Matt will wake me just after six, and we'll have one last full day. There's a chance this could be the last time we have this time together. But for whatever reasons, I'm not sad. I just want it to be as much fun as possible.

I'm sorry I haven't had time to blog. But I did set up the two kids with their own blogs, and they've been enjoying it.

On Saturday, John went to the Playboy Mansion for a charity event. He said the reality of it wasn't as great as your idea of it. John and Pauly have yet to write about it, but the Spaceman wrote up a fun post about the night, and CJ posted a picture of him with two bunnies. It was sweet that these guys and Gavin asked about me and sent word via John. And it's going to be even nicer to go back to Vegas next month. It will be the marking of the full year's passing. And the first day I met John. We're going to stay at the Golden Nugget, my first time in those rooms. I love Downtown. But we'll spend most of our time at the Bellagio. I'm going to be in heaven when we set foot in the Fontana Room. It is my favorite spot in all of Vegas. It even rivals the Foundation Room patio, my favorite Strip view. Anyways, I digress…I think this year has been the biggest growth spurt I've had since I added six inches to my height when I was ten. Damn my shins hurt then. "Growing pains," my Popo said. Right now it's just my heart that hurts from expanding.

Goodnight.

Friends

2006-03-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

There's friends that love you, friends that get you, and friends that tolerate you. You know you're blessed when you get a three-fer all in one.

Being back in the Bay Area, I'm surrounded by a good majority of my three-fers. How cool was it for Susan to not only notice all my new (fat) clothes, but say how great I looked, AND know why the yellow shoes are exactly me. Too cool. A good friend.

I'm going to be having three-fer friend meetings all week. I really have more family up here in the Bay Area than I do anywhere else. Family being my second families, not my blood family.

Oh, and then there's the added bonus of James saying that I should do a book called Jen Leo Pigs Out! We were rolling about this. A recipe book. Or, an anthology about stories of excess. I like it. But we might have to wait until I'm more famous for the masses to get the humor of it all.

Anyway, it's nice to be back here. But it's also nice to finally have someone and some place to go back to. I can't wait to move in to our Pasadena House! I'll either be back Thurs night, Friday night, or Sunday. And we won't know when until next week.

Have fun at poker night everybody. So sorry to miss it!

Current: Palo Alto
Bay Area till the end of the month.

Hello from Palo Alto - near Stanford

2006-03-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

The new computer is the best thing ever. A hair better than my new black and orange laptop bag that I got to carry it in. I know that having a new lease on computer life can't compare to those happy about having a true new lease on life -- but I feel much more myself now. All is well in the Jen Leo world when she's connected to her PowerBook. (G4, 12")

Especially now that I have sunglasses and red shoes.

But, of course because I blogged about the "yellow" shoes, blog readers seem surprised when they see me in the red ones. So, yes, the clothes bit is slowly coming together, too. Blue jeans, black tee, camel clolred denim jacket, red shoes,and a Mac laptop swung at my side -- this is the Jen Leo look. If I could wear this every single day, I would. And I just might. It's a free country, so they say.

So, I'm still consumed with trying to organize the old email and old files, but that won't last long. As soon as I checked my email I had an assignment from Student Traveler on travel podcasts waiting for me. Nice. Any minute now, my new publicist will walk through the doors and we'll get some action plan going for Jockstrap. Better late than not at all.

For lunch, Susan made chili, as she said. And tonight it's veggie risotto and mango mojitos at the Brady's.

I've only told 1/3 of my Bay Area peeps that I'm here. Which is fine for now. I don't know how long I'm staying. Definitely through the 29th, but it's all up in the air after that. If I get to see Dana (from college), and/or her family, then I'll stay longer. If I don't, I'll come home after my meetings are done and help John pack the hosue before he heads off to Vilnius again.

Believe it or not, I'd rather be here (and in Burbank/Pasadena) than in Vilnius right now. Did I just say that? I mean it. I've got a lot going on and I'm all revved up to take it on. I'm trying to drum up some extra freelance work, and if comes to fruition I'll be happy as a clam, working in the Little Old Lady, my new nickname for the Pasadena house.

Things I've seen recently that I'd like to remember:
a young girl doing the hula hoop in our back alley
a mexican cowboy buying a woman at Starbucks a cup of coffee
a bank attendant helping a blind woman
teaching toddler Reilly to play catch

Current: Palo Alto, CA
Next: Greenbrae, CA (Thurs - Tues)
John: Burbank now, Vilnius (April 1 - 11)

Almost Computer Day!

2006-03-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

We went to Melrose Mac today to check in and buy the new Powerbook G4 12" so they can transfer the recovered data. I've also ordered iLife06 so I can podcast. I wanted to podcast last year, but I never got the software situation sorted. Now, I can do all the editing myself with Garage Band. I'm so excited to have my mac back, or a mac, I can hardly wait.

In other good news I won $350 over the weekend. Is that the most I've won online in a tourney? I think so. And if I knew how to lay down, I'd have gone even farther. But still, I came in sixth and saw some final table action. I was even chip leader for a bit, and that was fun. But there's no real need to play on PokerHost again. It didn't start on time and I think it might've even broke down once during the play. Maybe twice. I was only there because it was a PokerNews.com freeroll.

I had other news...what was it?! Oh yeah, The Thong Also Rises is a finalist in the ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards. Humor Category. I'm glad it's not in the travel catergory, lots of competition over there! But hey, the guy who wrote Keeping the Baby ALive till Your Wife Gets Home could clock me. That sounds like the funniest title! That and Lon. L. Emerick's You Wouldn't Like it Here. That sounds funny. I think they announce the awards in May.

What else? I showed off the new house today for the first time. And realized that we have a small cozy living room. Not sure why I thought it was bigger before. Oh well, no worries. We still don't know how to set up the second bedroom. It'll probably be a dining room. But what else? It can't just be a dining room. Maybe a library with two good arm chairs? That sounds nice. We're having a tough time deciding which is more important, a new sofa bed or a new 42" Plasma HDTV. I know we're a ways off with either, but still, that's a hard decision to make! The other thing I really want is a patio set. But John's convinced it'll get stolen and or ruin the grass. And I can't argue with that. We do not have an enclosed back yard. I guess I'll need some kind of fold up table and such. I might ask for a bbq for my bday instead of a trip to Milwaukee. Dare I utter those words - ahhhh! That's almost harder decision to make than the sofa and TV!

I'm looking forward to going to San Francisco on Wed. I have a bunch of storage stuff to sort out. Not looking forward to that.

Yes, I'm fully aware that I'm spoiled. But like I will continue to claim, there's a difference between being spoiled and being a spoiled brat. And I will do everything I can not to be the latter.

Current: Burbank, Ca
Next: San Francisco, CA (3/22-??)

Saturday

2006-03-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

You're not missing anything, folks. Mellow laundry day with some work.I'm still doing some work on Jockstrap, and the Vegas guide. And getting things sorted for my next vm projects. Online publicity for those that don't get viral marketing. I'm calling a few friends and trying to do a better job at keeping in touch.

John's coming home early today. Instead of tomorrow.

I'm going to go on a hunt for free boxes so I can start packing up. I'm also interested in having a nice lunch. I've been thinking about Le Pain Quotidien. They have one in Beverly Hills. It's a small chain, and I used to go there quite a bit when I was staying in Belgium a few years ago. Baskets of breads with lots of spreads, big salads. Sounds great right about now.

Tonight I'm going to see Rock of Ages. Turns out John will be back in time, and I'm willing to bet $50 he won't want to go. And I can't believe I'm letting him off the hook because I barely want to go. But I do want to support my friends' friends, and it'll be fun to do something different with Leigh and Seth. I'll have fun once I'm there, but it's like dancing. You have to drag me to get out there, and once I'm out, then I'm having a blast.

Hungry now.

Have a great weekend!

Current: Burbank, CA
Next: San Francisco, CA (March 22-?)

Luck of the Not Irish

2006-03-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my lucky day.

If the house wasn't exciting enough, my heroes at Melrose Mac told me that they could recover my data. This, after the Apple geniuses, said they couldn't without sending it away and charging me at least $900 with the possibility that the problem might not be fixed. So, a case of beer for my Melrose Mac heroes.
This week I'll have a new 12' Powerbook G4 with most of my old info still on there, and hopefully the addition of ILife06 so that I can start podcasting.

So, check this nice turn of events:

1)Turned in lease to make it official
2)Found out the computer content is saved.
3)Found Skylight Books in Los Feliz, then had cheese & wine at the Village Cheese & Wine Shop on padded outdoor patio seating with heat lamps right at the Alcove. I can't wait to go back.
4) and now it gets interesting -

I played some $3-$6 at Hollywood Park with our friend Shig. I was shocked at how green I was. I'm a lot better than last year but when the people at your table are all regulars and know eachother by name, a gril like me walks up and they smell fear. But what they didn't know is that I play by Phil Gordon's Little Green Book of Advice and that I'm lucky.

I took a huge pot (it took the dealer three sweeps of piles of chips to deliver me the blue). Those poor suckers. I had the nut flush on the turn, but there was a possible straight on the board and a few kept betting and betting. I raised a few times and the quiet guy in seat 8 (I was 10) muttered "Bitch" under his breath shortly before I showed my cards. I was shocked. I couldn't believe someone called me a bitch for playing. Hello, it's poker. You're supposed to raise if you have a good hand. A frigging made hand.

So, not long after that scenario I flopped quad Queens. I had already raised pre-flop, but that didn't stop them. Like a goober, I didn't re-raise the rest of the time. I knew I was going to be taking their money and there must have been three or four players that went all the way to the river. One, I didn't want to be called a bitch again. But, two, there was a brassy old woman named Bea all loaded up with gold on the other end of the table who was talking shit about me. I thought I'd go easy on them so as to make some friends. But no, I show the ladies, and then they berate me for not reraising. Whatever. I told them I didn't want to get called a bitch again and that I was just trying to make some friends. What was I thinking, there are no friends in poker. One guy, the guy that would sleep between hands until his kebabs came, he had me beat on a hand that I went all the way on. At the end he said he didn't reraise me because I had been nice to them on the queens. Ah well.

The point is, I need a lot more experience in the card room. Seems a given, but luckily John wants the same thing. So, we'll see what happens. Next time I'll leave earlier and try and make the $20 + $15 with rebuys tourney. I went home $53 up.
But the funniest part of the night was in front of the valet. I was still flustered from telling Shig the stories. (That reminds me, the room mangager must've heard and came over to me and told me to get him the next time someone calls me a bitch. Lol. I told him it had been a misunderstanding. Seat 8 said he wasn't talking to me, but referring to Bea because she was giving him a hard time for taking a while to decide.)

Anyway, back to Shig. Like I said, I was still all excited and yammering away at the mouth. I wasn't watching what I was doing, where I was going, and missed the whole valet set up. I gave them $2 at the desk, but then thought that I wouldn't have to pay the guy again at the door. Shig was looking at me funny, so I fumbled in a crowded coin purse for dollars, but I only had one single.

"You don't get out much, do you?" Shig said.

I laughed. Of course I do, probalby a lot more than him. But cut me some slack, I've never flopped quad queens OR been called a bitch before. And I'm exciteable.

It was fun. I want to go back.

Happy St Patty's Day everyone. I'll be at the FridayForty tonight. I think my friend Scott is doing some kind of stand up comedy thing. But I'm not really sure what it is. It starts at 11:30pm. Pretty late, but if Mark is reading this and he wants to join me, just call.

Current: Burbank, CA
Next: San Francisco, CA (3/22-?)
John: Scottsdale, AZ (3/16-3/19)
John Next: Vilnius (4/1-11)

The House Found Us

2006-03-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

I've been on blog restriction most of the week. For two reasons. First, a good friend of ours found a potential house for us to buy in Charleston. We were pretty excited about it because it was at a fair price in a spectacular neighborhood. We can't quite leave the West Coast yet because of work, but we've been looking towards Charleston as the ultimate homeland once we can leave. John told me not to blog about it so it didn't jinx us, and other reasons. Well, it didn't matter because the house ended up not being available. We were sad for a bit, but I have greater faith in life taking us where we need to be, and we'll get to Charleston in due course.

Then a weird thing happened. I got on Craigslist and started looking for house in Pasadena. The reason this is kind of odd is that I'd gotten accostomed to the idea of living in our tiny place for the rest of the year. I just had. The transition was becoming less rocky and I was starting to settle into the whole I live in LA fact. Anyway, this little white house popped out at me, and it seemed perfect. Plus, it came to us the same day we found out that we couldn't go after the Charleston house. We weren't looking for a house with all the needing to be in Vegas for the summer bit, but there it was, so cute. John said go for it, and sure enough, the owner was still showing it to potential renters.

We went, and John loved it. Two bedroom plus a good size living room. Ok kitchen with a dish washer, private garage, little back yard, and option for a small pet. It has lots of windows, heaps of light, and is in a beautiful neighborhood with big wide streets lined with big old palm trees. We're 1.5 miles from the heart of Colorado Blvd. and maybe a mile from the Metro. The house has been truly cared for. Hard wood floors, super paint job. It's respectable. And it's a place we can both feel good about having guests in. John was concerned that I wasn't that in to it because I wasn't jumping up and down, but my mind was already onto invisioning our new life here, where to put the furniture we don't have yet, and how my life was going to be as a work at home gal. I dropped him off at an appointment and spent the next hour driving around the hood, looking for coffee houses and mexican food. I will admit, I'm a bit overwhelmed with the seriousness of it. But it is a great thing we're doing this, and I think our lives together, and as individuals, will be improved by this move. It's the first thing that is ours.

I turn in the lease today (we're renting for a year). The only issue thing is that John and I both woke up this morning with the same thought on our minds...we forgot to ask if anything "weird" happened in the house. I'm thinking old lady dying in the kitchen. John's thinking double homicide. But I'll ask before we hand the paperwork over. Or, maybe it's better not to ask...

Current: Burbank
Next for Jen: San Francisco, March 22 -?
John: Phoenix/Scottsdale, March 16-19
Next for John: Vilnius, Amsterdam, April 1-11

How come nobody knows what viral marketing is?

2006-03-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

There are lots of things going on, as usual. Yesterday I was having difficulty with the tagline for Jenopolis Viral Marketing, and I still am. It seems, that whenever I mention this, nobody knows what the heck I'm talking about. So, I have to come up with a very clear tagline to explain to people it's about spreading the word, their word, their brand, via online marketing and word of mouth.

Some of the ones my team of experts have come up with are:
It's contagious!
It's the new black of online marketing
Catch the fever
Targeting the best eyeballs since 2006

So, as you can see, I still need help. Nothing is quite explanatory yet. Still too vague.

Right now I'm about to attend a WOMMA teleseminar about Creating Customer Evangelists.
But lets not get all excited about the future and forget that my computer is in the shop. It is in the hands of the data recovery experts at Melrose Mac, and I hope, and pray, they can save my content. Please oh please oh please. I really need it. In the grand scheme of life, of course I don't. BUT, it is the only thing I have. Friends, and loved ones, not included.

In my magazine rack: JANE, and Cosmo. I hear Jane is publishing first person essays, and I have a pitch to Cosmo brewing. Wouldn't it be nice to make more than $200 for a magazine piece?!

On the nano: Neil Diamond

Current: Burbank, CA
Next: San Francisco (Mar 22 -?)
John's travel: Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ, (Mar 16-19)

Update

2006-03-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking in everyone, and sorry if I haven't been updating. I think we now have equal readership of John's friend's and my friends on this site.

The good news is that I've had more "enjoying Los Angeles" moments than I've had "hating LA" moments, recently. I only had one Anti moment this week. That was while I was buying shoes. I have zero sense of style, and as you've heard me complain before, am desperate for clothes that suit my personality more than the plain jeans and crap I have now. And in these them thar parts, shoes are a big deal. People are always checking out your shoes, if not judging you by them. So, I bought some obnoxious yellow ones. They are soooo comfy. And I just can't wear the spikey chic heels that seem to always be acceptable. Neither John or I like me being taller than him, and that's a good excuse, but the other reason is that I haven't grown up wearing them and I'm a complete klutz, so I'd fall and break my ankle anyway. Yellow, baby, BRIGHT yellow.

We took them for a walk on Melrose Saturday morning. They fit right in. Lunch was at a great hole in the wall called Joan's on Third. Not really what we were looking for, but now I know where to find some cool treats if I'm ever off to a picnic or need a caterer.

On Sunday morning we were dressed and out of the house by about 7:30am. We headed over to the Rose Bowl Flea Market and man, was that fun. Next time we'll have to rent a van because I found some furniture that I wanted and we had no where to take it home with, let alone put it once we got it here. We did bag up some little stuff - an Underdog glass, two Planter's peanuts cocktail glasses, a Gambler's Scene West newspaper from 1982 featuring Jack Strauss winning the WSOP. And then an old style kitchen wall hanging thing that says Hamburgers Taste Good, or something like that. But the armoires I could've had!!! They do it every second Sunday of the month and we've already decided this will be a regular trip while we're here. It just might be the best flea market ever. We were there for 2.5 hours and only got through half of it.

Other than that it was working and poker. Oh yeah, and in case you hadn't realized, it's girl scout cookie time. We've already gone through two boxes. And while we're on the food subject, two things. One, I'm cooking more. Be forewarned, falafel gives you gas. But it's worth it. And on the second note, we are constantly searching for a Mexican hang out restaurant. Last night we tried Mucho Mas, and I liked it a lot. It's hard to find a good mexican restaurant in the Valley. The lines at Casa Vega and Don Cuco are just too ridiculous. Mexico City is really fun, but the chips don't suit John, and that's his fave part. All this said, I just remembered we had a really good dinner at Senor Fred's but is that place to full of itself? We'll have to try it again and double check....

For those keeping tabs on John, he's leaing for Spring Break this week, then I leave, then he leaves. We probably won't see eachother for three weeks. The upside is Vegas on his return!!!! Let's all say it like a mantra-- THEhotel!

Current: Burbank, CA
Next: San Francisco, CA (still working on dates, end of the month)

My desk is as fast as the new Apple Book Pro

2006-03-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh, I can't begin to tell you how much more work done I'm getting at my desk than at coffee houses and in the living room. Lots. But that also might be because more is coming in, all on the front burner.

Here are some of the things I'm working on:

By Sunday, I'll have written three mag articles this week, with another pitched.
Wrapping up the Vegas Guide, and starting promotions on What Color is Your Jockstrap?
Re organizing writers for Written Road and VivaLasVegasBlog
Consulting writers on their book marketing plans
Creating a business plan for my new viral marketing consultancy work. That is the most fun of all of the projects. I've got a designer working on logos, biz cards, and letterhead, while I work on the campaigns and how to structure it on the back end. I should be pitching work in the next week or two.

I'll be working at home in Burbank this weekend. I'm going to spend a fair chunk of time on correspondence as I've fallen into another crevasse where that's concerned.

Current: Burbank, Ca
Next: San Francisco, Ca (don't have dates)

The Long Road to Normal

2006-03-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hey all, life is good. I got paid for some of my guidebook work and am paying off debts, gassed up the car, fooded up the fridge, and am cranking away on work. (Yes, I know fooded is not a word). My next humor book, What Color is Your Jockstrap? is almost out so it's past time to pitch to magazines, and this year I have some connections to work with. If anyone knows anyone who reviews books, send them my way. There are some big names in this book including Tim Cahill, Elliott Hester, Susan Orlean, Rolf Potts, and....
It's a zany, gross, amusing book of travel mishaps, and I love that we've included men this time around.

I'd like to say hello to Katherine Colvin. I heard she requested this website address, and I appreciate her interest in following along! John and I had great fun with Jenn and Bob this weekend. They are good friends. We went out for Thai food at Chan Dara near Larchmont Village on Friday night, then headed over to the first Big Lebowski event. And I'll be the first to say it was a bust. Pretty darn lame. Hardly anyone was wearing costumes, and they didn't have a proper screening of the movie, which is what I was expecting. They just wanted to show it on the bar's tv monitors. It was a convention of Kahlua guzzling LA slackers, without their name badges. We took our mini party to a bar called Daddy's and had a much better time there. Bob and Jenn got to walk on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and we passed stars like Mae West, Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, and Art Linkletter.

The best part was getting to experience a better side to LA. We took a walk up at the Griffith Observatory on a sunny clear day, had lunch at Mexico City, one of my fave restaurants in Los Feliz, and showed them Atwater Village where I'd like to rent a house if we decide we'll be here longer than a year. Then we got John and trucked down to Long Beach for dinner and the rest of Lebowskifest. Now this was a party! About half of the three hundred people there were in some kind of costume, and Jenn got a bunch of pics. We drank Caucasians and had fun watching these movie lovers.

My computer is still down and there's nothing to be done except take it to Apple and pay out the nose. But I've got several deadlines going on, so maybe I'll get to that tomorrow.

Current: Burbank, CA
Next: San Francisco at the end of the month

Bulletin Board

2006-03-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

Michelle Snow, please get in touch with me at jenleo @ gmail dot com. Or call Travelers' Tales for my personal phone number.

I'm not getting your emails and I have a job for you if you're still interested.

Thanks!

Blackjack Night!

2006-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

I almost didn't go to poker last night--almost. But I knew that would be a mistake as it is the best night of the week, and I was right. But you might now hear me referring to it as Blackjack Night. Last week they started $5 blackjack tournaments between dinner and poker, and man oh man was it fun. We had a big tournout yesterday, must've been 15-16 people.

With the Blackjack, you play 20 rounds with a dealer button moving around the table for who has to bet first. Everyone plays against the dealer, but you are playing against everyone else in terms of who has the most chips. At the end of the 20 rounds, the three people with the most chips win. So, some people are betting big, some are getting lots of chips early and then betting the minimum $50 on the rest of the hands to hold onto their stack.

And then there was me, who bet agressively, even going all in at one point with a medium sized stack, and took first place in the end, thanks to John. He did the math for me on the last hand so I could figure out how much to bet and how much to keep behind in order to out run the remaining 2-3 contenders. I always had second, but I needed to beat one guy with a similar stack in order to get first. First place got $35.

Man oh man, I can't wait for the Expert Insight: Beating Blackjack with Andy Bloch DVD!!! It's night quite out yet, but oh is it going to be great. Andy was part of the MIT group that was written about in the book, Bringing Down the House.

Poker was poker, so much less entertaining than the Blackjack with everyone whooping and a hollaring. The food is getting better and better, thanks to our host Mark. We had meat lasagne, eggplant parmesan, veggie salad, and grilled veggies. What a night. It is really the best night of the week. This week will be the exception though. Tonight...our good friends Bob and Jenn are coming to town and we're going to the Lebowski Fest. John has still never seen my favorite contemporary movie, so we'll squeeze in a showing over lunch. Tonight is the midnight screening and party, tomorrow night is the bowling. And all my Blackjack winnings say this could be the best night of the YEAR. I'm using my Blackjack money to buy Lebowski Fest posters!

Current: Burbank, CA
Next: here all month till the end of the month

Is Anyone a Unix Specialist?

2006-03-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

Two things going on:

1. My computer broke and is stuck in some kind of Unix code. I'll need to get it out of this black screen, and then I can save what's on the computer. After that, maybe it can be salvaged, or maybe I'll need a new one.

2. JADE Magazine interviewed me.
Jennifer Leo: A Suitcase Full of Underwear

Current: Burbank, CA
Next: Nowhere...

In My Magazine Rack

2006-03-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

We moved the desk in yesterday and I couldn't be happier. Well, of course I'll be happier once I have some art up and my old desk turns into a dining table, but what I'm saying is, I'm quite pleased with my new "station," as I'm calling it. there was no way I could wait to paint it.

Bringing the desk into the bedroom meant moving the bed, and whoa...this is the biggest difference of all. Lets just say I wasn't the first to mention the improved Feng Shui. The whole energy of the room feels better and we haven't done a thing towards decorating yet.

Things are going GREAT. I made several new friends at the travel show, one of which is really hooking me up. Abbie is connecting me with a bunch of the editors at the big glossy women's mags, and soon the men's mags, too - which means Jockstrap just might have the best launch yet.

Anyway, I'm super gung ho about writing right now, so the desk couldn't have come at a better time.

Since yesterday we did what was on the nano, now we'll do what is in my magazine rack.

Business 2.0
Fast Company
Outside
and I'm using the March issue of BLUFF as my mousepad.

So...do you want to talk about Brokeback Mountain? I loved the scenery, but the movie didn't blow me away like other Ang Lee movies. I even liked the story line, so I'll have to think about what I felt was missing.

Current: Burbank, Ca
Next: Fingers crossed it's Vegas on Sunday.

On My Nano

2006-02-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

Next time someone interviews me maybe they'll ask me what's on my iPod. It was an xmas gift, but I only just started loading it now. I decided that the first five songs I listen to on this should be ones that fire me up.

1. All These Things That I've Done, The Killers
2. The Rising, Bruce Springsteen
3. Start Me Up, Rolling Stones
4. Run Like Hell, Pink Floyd
5. 8 Mile, Eminem

I've been living in a cave....

Tomorrow I'll load it up with podcasts.