JENSIZED LAST ACTIVITY IN MEMPHIS TOWN

About

Photo by the incomparable Michael Cardwell for the This is Memphis project.

My name is Jen Simmons Clarke.

I live with my husband, Brian. We were together almost eight years before we got married April 14, 2012. (Wanna see some photos?)

We have two cats named Trish and Buddy. Should you stick around, you’ll hear a lot about them because they are cats and therefore in charge of my life. I talk to them regularly and sing them popular songs with the lyrics altered to be relevant to them. I promise I’m not crazy — or maybe I am. I’m in my late twenties. Most of those years have been spent here in Memphis, the rest were in New Orleans. I hope to move back there someday, if Brian ever obliges.

On December 7, 2011 I was laid off from my job as social media specialist at The Commercial Appeal newspaper. I was there for about a year before my position was eliminated. Prior to that, I worked at The Daily News, a smaller newspaper where I did a little bit of everything. What began as an internship after I graduated from the University of Memphis turned into my first “career job.” The first few years I worked there, I continued bartending one night a week and as needed. Waiting tables and bartending taught me a lot of what I know and understand about people.

I started blogging in college and have gone through countless domains in the ten years since then. This one’s lasted the longest — since 2005, I think. But what does it mean, you ask? Well, I’m about 5’2″ so I’m a bit of a half-pint. I know 5’2″ doesn’t seem that short, but it’s relative. Everyone I know is taller than me. Except my mother. At any rate, it’s given me a sympathetic appreciation for all things “mini.” Seems silly now that I think about it but there’s no turning back now. (insert jargon about personal brands and online identity here.)

I like to use words like “hogshead” and “braggadocio.” I never pass up an opportunity to make a pun. I met some of the coolest people I know online. I’m a “catch-up” sleeper even though I know it’s bad for me. I like a good bloody mary. I put Tony Chachere’s Cajun seasoning on everything I cook. Everything. I don’t ride my bike enough. I have a scar on my foot from falling in the ocean a couple summers ago. I’m sarcastic and sardonic. I wish SNL was funnier. I obsessively check Craigslist missed connections for gross stories, people I know, and gross stories involving people I know. Being in New Orleans when the Saints won the Super Bowl was one of the best weekends of my life. I don’t know how I functioned before I had an iPhone. I watch too much TV. I drive a Fit. I get way too worked up at basketball games. I curate a lunch blog. That’s about all you need to know about me.

Comments

Todd

WOW!

You seem pretty cool. Dreamhost and Mac user here myself. Keep in touch. I love making new “geek” friends.

Anshu

Jen,
I chanced upon this through 9rules.. read one of your comments and laughed my head off… at work… was sent home… anyway… I am sure gonna be tracking this page. keep writing… really like whatever’s in my head about you .

Roberto

Hey Jen, Nice site. Your taste in music is what brought me to your website. I came across your name at some topic over at 9rules, checked your info, found your site, read a blurb about Digitalism and thought I’d say hi and thanks for getting me into Digitalism, those dudes rock.

CarlaCarlaCarlaCarla

Thanks for not sharing all those good stories about the rock concerts you attended
I like this blog.

CrookedtoothMcGee

So I love reading your blog……..It makes me miss Memphis like I miss getting kicked in the balls and the only reason you like bartending is cause you gte to drink for free. They are the only family we have. missed

Sebastiano

Hi Jen! just giving my 2 cents, I love your blog design, nice and clean, I’ve just speeded through this blog, but tomorrow I will spend some quality time reading your blog! again very nice!
^-^
PS, we have one thing in common : bartending ! love my job…

Maurrean Barger

found you on twitter. about to follow you. you know about the social media breakfast coming up in a few weeks in Memphis?

Dirt

all of these people above me want to hit it

Dirt

all of these people above me want to hit it
am i doing this right? did i just f’ing double post? damn i better not have.

Dirt

Nice look, Mom.
1213 W. Freeman Carbondale, Illinois 62901
There’s a “901″ in it….
TAKE ME HOME I’M WASTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elisabeth

Found you on Twitter (trying not to sound like I’m stalking you) and I’ll be adding this to my Google Reader.

Nirob Akash

Hi Jen,
Congratulation for your wedding (advance). You know, 14 April is the first day of Bengali new year . You choose a nice day for your wedding. Wish you a best of luck. Bye

Ramon Yip

For starters, congrats on your wedding. I came across Hired while looking for the Oatmeal cartoon about interview questions. As a college student, I’m still trying to figure out the ins and outs of the real world. I’ll probably check up on your blog for any new updates. Anyway, best of luck in finding a new job!