Guaranteed Flakiness

A Valentine for the Valentine-less

2012-02-13T00:01:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I did it! I finally decided on my Valentine for tomorrow and boy is she something else! She is an amazing, beautiful, kind, charming, funny and loving (I could keep going here, but you get the idea) woman.

Me!!!

Yes folks, I am my own Valentine for 2012! It's just me, myself, and I (remember that De La Soul tune?) I have known me (heart, soul and mind) for almost 35 years now (even though I don't look a day over 24, I know...lol) and who else would I rather be hanging out with on the day we collectively celebrate ALL things LOVE (I could answer that question but then I would have to kill you) besides me?! The longest lasting, best relationship I have ever had and the only one that will see me from the beginning to the end is the one I have with myself (same goes for you). The person who loves me the most. The only person who ever truly had my back 100% of the time. The person who believes in me even more than my Mom and Dad and knows that God has a special plan for my life. Seriously, if I am not my own biggest fan then how could I ever hope to attract other fans to join my team...??? Be your own biggest fan right now! I am so many things to so many people...A daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin, a Crossfitter, an employee, a coworker, a friend. Someday, maybe also someone's wife and someone else's mother. God ONLY knows...
Our culture has done such an amazing and complete job of making us all believe that SOMETHING must be missing in our life if we are single and no holiday highlights this crap talk quite as much as V-Day does. All I have to do is have a conversation with someone who is single (or get to thinking about it for too long myself). You would think it was the end of the world or something. Well, I am here to tell you that it's not. It's not even close. Tomorrow will come and go just like any other Tuesday and you (and I) may have to deal with the fact that Deborah in Accounting got 2 dozen long stem red roses from her 'AMAZING boyfriend Johnny!!' but don't let it take away from how fabulous you are..and even this too shall pass. Just because you may not get your own bouquet doesn't mean that you are not FULLY LOVED (and AWESOME) and frankly, it's really insignificant in the grand scheme of things. You, yes YOU, are amazing and great and perfectly whole even without a man (or a woman) in your life. I hope that you know this already and that you totally believe it to be true too...Believe the hype. Own it. Then live it!

I have often wanted to put all this out there and I have always held back until now, perhaps for fear of being judged or sounding ______ (whatever word comes to your mind right now). Well folks, welcome to the decade of 30-something... where I have found my voice and now just start saying "Screw it! This is me. Take it or leave it!"...so listen to my wisdom (or lack thereof) if you like where this is going.
I have pretty much been single for most of my adult life, save one 18-month relationship in my early 20's so I like to think I know a thing or two about a thing or two. For me, singleness can be incredibly lonely at times (Omigosh can I get brutally honest here!?) and I think I see what is greener grass in other people's pastures. Let me always be mindful that they still have to mow their lawns just like me. It sometimes can be a sucker punch to the old ticker, especially when all I keep hearing is how wonderful I am by everyone who loves me. I start asking myself these questions like "What's wrong with me?" and "What am I not doing right?"
Newsflash people - I realize more and more every day that I don't have to DO anything and there is nothing wrong with me. Timing is everything in life and it's not for me or you to figure out. Just be OK with living your life to it's fullest today and every day.

It's all about focus. What are you focused on? The fact that you're single and may still be alone when tomorrow comes? Well, then your Valentine's Day is gonna suck. There are literally millions of things that are worse than being alone on February 14th, so wipe that sulky look off your face and get on the good foot with me for the day.
I am focused on the fact that I have loving and living parents who ADORE me and would lay down their lives for me. I have a sister who is my soul mate, who can feel my pain without me ever having to even say anything to her, who feels my joy and shares in the pride of my accomplishments by my side. Every single one. I am focused on the love of my friends, who build me up in confidence EVERY SINGLE TIME I am down. I will focus mostly on the LOVE that God has for me...who loves me more? Not even me. Who sees me stumble only to hold out a hand until I ask for help? Not even me. Who knows the desires of my heart and the dreams of my mind better? Not even me. So I think I will rest my mind and leave the tough stuff up to Him and I'll go about the more exciting business of living my life to the fullest. It does, after all, have an expiration date.

Even though I am celebrating tomorrow sans man (the tingle-in-the-dingle kind of love), I am celebrating all the other kinds of L.O.V.E. with my favorite person...me. If you are single, and loathing the idea that you have to trudge through the over-commercialized, chocolate hearts, Mylar balloons and really bad jewelry ads that is Valentine's Day, loathe no more!! Get to the business of reminding yourself how incredibly great you are. Here's an idea. Do something nice for yourself tomorrow. Take yourself out to lunch. Get a pedicure. Go to the gym and have a really good workout. Walk on the beach. Order in some take-out for dinner and watch the Heat beat the Pacers at 7:00pm. Thank yourself for being your Valentine...it's quite alright. I suspect that not everyone who DOES have one is thrilled about theirs. (but hopefully everyone is)
And call your Mother...she misses you and loves you!
Don't settle for anything less than the best.

Three things endure through everything...faith, hope and love. And the GREATEST of these things is LOVE.

Do you feel the love??? Because I certainly do.

The Wall

2012-01-29T09:14:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was one of the coolest days of my life. So far. I'm not even 35 just yet and these are the kind of Saturdays I'm having??? Lord have mercy! On my quest to make 2012 even better than 2011, I thought it would be a good idea to do some things I have never done before, so I decided to sign up for a female only Crossfit competition. Ah, excuse me, what was I thinking? I think I was crazy because this stuff is no joke. As the day approached I started to get incredibly nervous and by Wednesday a sore throat was coming on. (it's a full blown crusty cold complete with no voice today, Happy Sunday!) Fast forward to yesterday morning...I wake up, excuse me...my stomach wakes me up at 6am (30 min before the alarm). I lie in bed, then shower, get dressed in a fog, get coffee, and get to the event. The 2nd Annual Heraean Games at the Seminole Casino in Hollywood. Incredibly organized and intimidating from the get-go. And then I saw them...the WALLS.
8 feet to get over.
Oh the parallels and metaphors to draw from this moment...I immediately looked at it and thought, 'Nope, it's not your day to climb a wall Lauren.' Then I thought, 'You have no choice.' I tried it a handful of times before the competition and did not get over it. I even ran eight (significant # here) of my knuckles into the wall on one attempt because I misjudged my footing...dummy. Then I stopped trying and focused on jumping rope until it was time to for my first workout.
WOD#1 - 15 min. cap - 50 double unders, 40 calorie row, 30 box jumps, 20 dead lifts (135lbs), 10 power snatches (55lbs), 10 push ups release, and BOMP BOMP BOMP...the 8 FOOT WALL, sled pull to finish the heat! I just wanted to go already. My Mom and Dad were both there, my Coaches Juan and Stephanie were there, my friends April and Nicole were both competing with me side by side the whole way (until they passed me:) and my friend Teresa was there (kids and all!) along with a bunch of people from our gym. And then the countdown began.
3-2-1...GO!
I just went. 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 10 and then...BOMP, BOMP, BOMP...the WALL!
Attempt #1 - fail (no biggie, I'm exhausted right now, take a deep breath and try again)
Attempt #2 - fail (I don't think I'm getting over this wall)
Attempt #3 - fail (Just keep trying until they call time and make it look good at the very least)
And then it happened. I grabbed the top of the wall and I pulled myself up, and then I just kept pulling and I was finally able to get my right heel over the top of it and I was able to pull myself over it!! I couldn't believe it. I did it! I was so elated I almost started to cry. I basically started to cry until I realized I still had to pull the sled backwards to the end of the finish line.
My time was 14:27 and after 3 workouts I placed 8th out of a field of 18 women. That is better than 50% of the competition! I just couldn't believe I actually made it over that seemingly insurmountable wall. I really wasn't sure if I was going to make it over it when they yelled go, I just knew I couldn't give up trying to get over it. That's really how life is isn't it? It is full of eight foot walls that we can either decide to climb, or at least attempt to climb, or we can walk away saying to ourselves, 'I can't do it so why do I even try?' and give up on them. The key to getting over them is all HEART (thanks Juan). If you got it then you'll get over them. Then you stand on the other side realizing you had the strength all along to get over that wall.
I sit here now on Sunday night still amazed at the entire thing, the whole day...everything. I did something I have never done before in front of a crowd of a couple hundred people and I loved every single minute of it! I even had a personal best of 125 lbs for my overhead squat. All in all it was an amazing experience and I am better for having done it. I will never forget those moments in that day that stood out. It's all about making the most out of every regular day while planning for additional fun stuff for specific future special days (like this for example). I really need a massage right now and I am utterly exhausted, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I did not let the fear of the unknown get the better of me this time.

I wonder what wall (literal or figurative) I will have to scale next?

Decisions, decisions...

2012-01-24T15:45:00.003-05:00

Are you happy with all the choices you are making in your life? Are you happy with most of them, some of them...or even worse (say it ain't so) NONE of them? Take for instance whatever you are eating right now (if you are). Do you LOVE it! Do you even like it a little bit? If not, then put it down and eat something you LOVE! (My personal suggestion is to stay away from Girl Scout cookies because most people, including yours truly, can't eat just one...and don't get me started on the fact that you get 2 sleeves of sugary minty chocolaty goodness in each Thin Mints box!)
I spent lots of time feeling sorry for myself because I wasn't living the life that I wanted to be living...the life I knew I always had the potential to live, the life I am living today. I am never going to get those years back. I had to MAKE THE DECISION to change my life. Then I did it and I changed it. I mean, who would have ever thought that life could be this great!! It IS possible to be fully lived. Granted, from every sky a little rain must fall and it's not ALL roses, but all in all it's aces baby. Everyone has a choice about every single thing in their life. Every. Single. Thing. Obviously there are things that are out of our control but I'm talking big picture here. What have you ALWAYS wanted to do??? You should totally take that trip that you have always wanted to take...now...before you have a kid. Oh what, you have kids? You should finally take that trip you have always wanted to take and bring the kids with you so they get to have the same memory FOREVER...with you. You should finally tell that person that you love them. What if they don't make it to tomorrow? You can call them right now and say what you need to say. Don't waste another second! You are CAPABLE of getting into those jeans again...just decide that you are going to do whatever it takes, take the cookie out of your mouth, and take a walk. Start with the first step (corny, yes...but also true) and take it from there. You should go out on a limb and finally paint that friggin' bathroom. I mean you walk in there every day and sit down/stand up and hate it more with each new time you have to look at it. You can get out of debt. You should go back to school. You should just do it already!!! Whatever it is that you want to do. Like Nike put it so eloquently...Just Do It! We get one ride on this roller coaster. Why not make the most out of every single day, while planning for additional fun stuff in the future? Life is TOO SHORT to make the wrong choices, or the choices that are not the best ones to make. If your choices include not using your blinker when driving on I-95 or Super Sizing it...those would be categorized as bad choices. Now get out and run that trail, pay those bills, and live your one and only life to the FULLEST!

How Seltzer Water changed my life...

2012-01-17T00:00:00.004-05:00

Let's be honest, a girl doesn't get to a beefy 230 lbs. by drinking Diet Soda. Thankfully, I can't stand the aftertaste and sugary coating of regular sodas, so I won't blame that either. It had everything to do with what the Diet Coke was washing down that was most likely the culprit. However, one can take away lots of wonderful treasures from the bubbles that occupy each can...

The last diet soda I drank was on July 4, 2011 (Happy Birthday Motherland!) and when the last tepid backwashy gulp went down (isn't the last sip of every can of soda the same?! G.R.O.S.S.) I wasn't sure if it really would be my last soda. By that point in my 'transformative journey' (sounds soooo New Age and for that I apologize) I was looking to drop just a few more pounds and going 'Sugar Free' was my next experiment. Since cutting all the sugar (except whole fruit) out didn't seem like punishment enough (yes, I am a sugar addict and even if I don't eat sugar I am still addicted to it!) I decided to cut out the diet sodas too. Enter the Syfo difference! Syfo is a brand of seltzer water (0 calories, 0 Sodium, nothing I can't pronounce) that my Mom swears by. "It's got the most bubbles honey. It's the sparkliest. Trust me, I've tried them all." Thanks Mom. Done.

Can I just tell you that drinking bubbly water is EVEN BETTER than diet soda. Seriously. And they have flavors!! LaCroix Grapefruit is AMAZEBALLS and those come in cans (just like my Diet Dr. Pepper used to come!) so you can take them with you!!! See, not so bad...?!

I know that this time around the Crazy-Go-Round of weight loss my mindset has been different. I am doing this ALL for ME. Not a broken relationship, not the approval of my parents, sister, or friends, or...wait for it, some stupid guy who can't even see past his own ____. Because it's all for me, it's easier to make the next right decision. I take each day as it comes...and each day comes with at least 1-2 bottles of Syfo seltzer water now. It's like a treat for me when I get home from work each night. I get to upgrade from flat bottled room temperature water to bottled sparkling water with ICE CUBES...woo hoo! (Oh the things that get me going!) If I am feeling really mischievous, I will squeeze some lime in it. And when I am feeling downright naughty, I throw in a healthy shot (or 2) of vodka. I don't drink all the time, but a vodka soda with lime is about as healthy as you can get for alcohol. It also tastes really good, so watch it.

Getting healthy is about small changes that over time turn into a new healthier lifestyle. If I did all of it at one time, I would not be here, in this new package, with this new outlook. I would have given up. I would have convinced myself that it was A) too hard and I am B) not worth it.

Friend, YOU are MOST WORTHY of ALL of the BEST things life has to offer...If you ever want to grab a glass of the bubbles and talk about it...

2012 - The Game Changer

2012-01-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

2011 was the year that changed my life...in 2011 and for 2011. It does not stop there. I have not 'arrived' by any stretch of the imagination. 2012 is going to change my life in brand new ways. I learned a great deal about myself (and others) last year. I was able to inspire a few other people along the way (my sister starts Crossfit in exactly 14 days, not that I am counting.) I wrote down my goals, set up a plan, and then went about meeting the goals.

2012 is the GAME-CHANGER.

It's all about CONTINUED and NEW SUCCESS. I will strive every day to surpass my old goals, running them over on my way to the next mountaintop. I want to be a champion every day. Go out and give it my best effort.
I want EVERY SINGLE DAY to be AMAZING, and I am the only person who controls that. Now, every day is not going to be AMAZING, but if I think long and hard enough I am sure to find one thing in each day that makes it amazing.
I will travel even more. To here, to there, to everywhere. The sky is the limit...to all the faraway places that I dream of going to. Life is what I make of it...
I will WRITE MORE (see?! it's already happening) and not be afraid to say what I REALLY want to say...like truthfully how you make me feel!
I will LOVE more and expect even less from others. I refuse to stop being exactly who I am; a little flaky, full of optimism, smiling through the good times and the bad times with my heart on my sleeve. I must try a little harder to protect my heart from all the cracks and breaking, but I refuse to hold back. I will continue to jump into every day feet first and with my eyes closed, hoping for the best.
I will be more purposeful with my love. I want to tell you what you mean to me TODAY, because tomorrow is not promised to anyone. I saw some funeral coverage for the 3 little girls (sisters, one 10 and 7-yr old twins) in N.Y. who died (along with their grandparents) in a house fire on Christmas Day and I just wept for their parents, and their family, and everyone who survived the fire. The sorrow of these complete strangers hit me so very hard. I had to immediately ask my sister for a hug and I tell her how much I LOVE HER. You just never know when you might be saying something to someone for the last time. What do you want to remember about that last conversation...a fight, a snippy remark, an argument? No thanks, I'll pass. I want you to remember how much you were loved by me. I want to GIVE and GET some LOVE. Some GOOD love. All LOVE. All the time. So with that I will say that if you have read all the way to this sentence...I SO LOVE YOU FOR THAT! (smile)
Love conquers ALL things!!! (That's some Bible truth for you!)
The moral of the story is this...I CHOOSE to change the game in 2012. Every day is only as good as I make it. No one can take my attitude away from me. Let it always be positive and encouraging and loving. I hope that when I look back on this in a year that I will be satisfied.

2011 - Lauren's (Lala's) Year in Review

2011-12-23T10:43:00.000-05:00

I love the end of the year. I get really excited about the new one coming (wherever will I vacation to THIS year?, what kind of calendar is going to hang in my office...islands or sunsets?, what are my new goals going to be?) and I also try to reflect on the one that is soon going away for good. I live for any kind of 'Year in Review' musical montage showing all the memorable events that happened in the year (thanks Today Show and Charlie Sheen). So I got to thinking about all the AMAZING things that have happened to me this year, and this has definitely been one for the books. It never ceases to amaze me how unbelievably blessed I am and I know that every good thing I ever had or did or said came from God...
This was my 2011, in no particular order.

Bought half a town house (my sister bought the other half)

Vacationed in Mexico, Bahamas, Curacao and Jamaica (and traveled for business to Jamaica and NJ)

Realized my life long dream of shopping in the size MEDIUM after losing 30 lbs (Bonus - Jenn's clothes fit me)

Won my Crossfit gym's Body contest and a free 1-year membership (a $1200 value) and most importantly...bragging rights ;)

Was featured in the WORLDWIDE publication of the Crossfit Journal for my personal fitness transformation.

Made amazing reunions with awesome people from my past and realized that it's 100% better the second time around!

Performed as a back-up dancer for Delfrida to help raise money and toys for underprivileged kids.

Fell in love...with me...for the first time ever. True unconditional love. (It feels like forever and I hope the honeymoon never ends.) I got my mojo back and there ain't nothin' you can do about it!

I saw Pitbull in concert! (This is newsworthy for me and I make ZERO apologies for it)

I saw the Heat beat the Celtics at HOME!

Suffice it to say I had a good one. Yes, there are some things that didn't make that list but that's OK, because now I have something to look forward to next year. May 2012 be even more abundant in blessings and love and friends and family and positivity and endurance and strength and faith and hope and prosperity...but most importantly in LOVE.

God Bless YOU!

The NEW and IMPROVED Lauren...

2011-11-01T00:00:00.007-04:00

I always knew that I had the potential to be the person who I am today (the "AFTER" version of Lauren). I have always believed that I was destined for some kind of great personal achievement...even as a kid growing up. I know this based on my ever burning desire (albeit quite faintly at times) to be #1 at mostly everything I attempt...spotlight please. I embarrassingly admit that I am not the best loser either. I don't even like losing baking contests at work...which, by the way, is what helped get me in this mess to begin with.
Rewind to March of 2008...my personal bottom (which is ironically my personal peak on the scale at 230lbs.) just days before my 31st birthday. I would file that time (and months leading up to my 'Aha Moment') under Lessons Learned /Things I Hope I Never Forget. I was hanging on to the last of my unraveling rope by my pinky finger. I was drowning in self pity. My lifestyle and food choices were harmful and I felt myself starting to slip away from any vague remembrance of the vibrant, happy and generally all-around awesome woman I used to be. It really scared me too because I thought I had already unsuccessfully tried everything and I was strongly considering not getting up just one more time to try to be better once more. Screw that defeatist negativity!! I care more about me than I don't (make sense?). I did A LOT of soul searching. I raised my hand and said I had a problem and that I needed help because I was too weak to fly my Crazy Plane solo. I sit here now and think back to those days when I was looking forward blindly into this deep unknown called my future not knowing what it would bring (which has been the most amazing 'present' to unwrap). I started to stoke the fires in my belly to be well and have a normal (well at least not psychotic) relationship with food. I didn't exactly know how I would get there, or when, but I knew I would eventually arrive there...which is actually right here. I knew that where I was at that time was the last place I wanted to be and the only person in my life that was going to change me was ME. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, picked up my black and blue bloated and overinflated ego, talked to people with PERSPECTIVE, put down the fork, put on my sneakers and went about the business of personal and total 'Me world' domination...
This has been 3 1/2 years of blood, sweat, and tears in the making. 1, 2, 3, and a half...years. There was no 'Quick Fix' this time around. I had previously lost 50 (in high school), then 6o (after a break-up) pounds on separate occasions and fairly quickly each time and MOST importantly for all the WRONG reasons. This time around was different. There was nothing to distract me from myself and I was able to be completely selfish during the process. I started by slowly changing the way I thought about food (Biggest epiphany to date!!) and then I started changing my actions towards food and got my enormous behind back to the gym. I knew in my heart of hearts that I had at least 55 lbs to lose and having to do it AGAIN weighed heavily on me many times (pun intended). This was NOT about all-or-nothing, it was about making the next right choice. I persevered over the next year and a half and was able to get down to about 196 lbs. when I was introduced to one of the missing pieces of the 'New and Improved' Lauren puzzle...Crossfit ATP.
David, a guy from the gym I was working out at (love Memorial Hospital gym...big ups!) saw the little circuit training routines I had put together for myself (this girl loves a jump rope) and asked me if I had ever heard of ATP. He said they were doing some new things over there and they had small classes for $15 that I could go and check out and decide if I wanted to learn more about it. Plus they were working with kettlebells (???), which I heard little to zero about up to that point so I was naturally VERY INTRIGUED (because I thought I already knew everything!). I called the gym later that same day and made an appointment. I met Juan and staff in October of 2009 and my life would never be the same. I was excited immediately because these people were magnetic and I wanted the light I saw in them to radiate from me too! I even paid for personal kettlebell instruction so that I would be up-to-speed and not excluded from movements and classes that Juan required a certain level of instruction in order to participate in (Genius!!! because you have no idea how wrong you do many movements until you are properly educated on form, breathing, mobility, etc.). At the time there was just a small corner of the gym that was dedicated to this new kind of training. Then I started to hear this word 'Crossfit' getting thrown around (never heard of it before) and I started getting even MORE interested. I continued to train at ATP when the fundage would allow and then I heard the best news EVER...Juan is making the gym 100% Crossfit dedicated. At that point I knew I had reached the point of no return and I decided to leave my old gym and really put all my eggs into the Crossfit ATP basket. It was one of the best decisions of my health and life. Where do I sign? Yes, people...the first customer. Customer #001 as of 1/1/10. I wanted to make that mean something to me.
The thing I love about Crossfit ATP (and there is infinite awesomeness to list) is that even walking through the doors at almost 200lbs I never felt judged, or pitied, or neglected. I had already begun the inside transformation and all I felt was true encouragement and love from the start from every single person. People here are so genuine in their everything...gosh it leaves me at a loss for words, but just for a moment.
Fast forward to June of 2011. By this time I had gotten my weight down to about 186lbs (44 gone to date), namely because I was doing the food thing half-assed. I would work out incredibly hard and just kill it and then go home and eat kinda crappy and the scale wouldn't budge, but I was comfortable for a time there. Then that "winner" fire in my belly flared up again (no, it wasn't indigestion) and I wanted even MORE for myself. I started thinking about how to get to the 'BEST VERSION OF MYSELF'. On July 5, 2011 I went Sugar Free for 30 days (Biggest diet epiphany to date). That self-imposed challenge proved to be incredibly difficult (I was sadly and honestly addicted to sugar) and equally rewarding because I lost 13 pounds and gained incredible amounts of energy and firmness (BONUS: I ended up giving up Diet soda too). That put me very happily at 173 (57 lbs. down), wearing size 10 - 12 pants and LOVING LIFE in a very new and lovely way! Then Juan decides to throw a Body Challenge Contest open to anyone in the gym and the winner receives a FREE 1-YEAR MEMBERSHIP!!! That was all I needed to send me into a tailspin of hunger for my name to be preceded by the word Champion. I put in ALL the hard work, ran my house, kicked my ass, won the contest and realized a new personal best...159lbs (71 lbs!!)! I haven’t seen the 150‘s since 1998 or so. This last month has brought an additional loss of 4 lbs and I am now 155 pounds of pure hot heat! Seventy five pounds gone, but not forgotten. 75. God, may I never forget where I started. May I always appreciate the gift I have been given and may I inspire you to be the best version of YOU that you can be. It's all still very new and takes a bit of getting used to. Sometimes just catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror surprises me because it is almost a stranger that is looking back at me (or I think to myself, "What is my sister doing here?"). I can say this though…I have never believed in myself more, sat up straighter, stood up taller, smiled bigger, laughed louder, or hugged harder. I have NEVER felt sexier, stronger, or more beautiful than I do right this very minute. I’m smiling!!! I have every single person at ATP to thank for my new and improved ego, may I always remain humble. You ALL let me grow into this beautiful butterfly and you actually enjoy watching me be successful!!! There are ZERO haters here...just love. I look forward to each and every time that I get walk through the doors of this place. I have found a community of friends that love and support me in my personal goals. I have made life long friends as a result of the time I have spent here and I am truly thankful from the teeny tiny corners of my heart. I see so much success around me too. I see people coming into the gym getting leaner and stronger and more confident with each passing day. I see people changing their lives right before my very eyes and I LOVE IT!! I am only one single page in the book of Crossfit ATP that I hope is never finished being written, because I never want to get to the last page, because it is a story that deserves to keep being told forever and ever and ever. Amen. You changed me for the better and words will never be able to aptly express the monumental significance you are to me. I love you!

Your first member and BIGGEST (only figuratively now) fan,
Lauren Lesinski

Open LOVE letter to the 'SuperClubs Jamaica Photo Shoot' Group

2011-10-19T14:05:00.000-04:00

I knew that I wanted to say this to you, I just didn't know where to begin. This experience was only 5 days for me but they were all so FULL of work, and party, and sun, and sweat, and fun that they have left such a huge impression on me.
If I already knew you before this trip I love you MORE now than I ever did. Thank you for allowing me to get to know you a little better and work with you in a new way. I am infinitely proud of you and I can't stop talking about it! Matt, Kristi, and Steve...true professionals. Such vision and talent. I just want to create more loveliness with you. Steve...take my picture!!!! I am even more proud that you allowed me to share in this AWESOME-ness (yes, that was for Team Awesome).
If I only know you now as a result of this trip...I kinda sorta mostly fell in love with you a little bit. I don't know what it was...your beauty, your handsomness, your laugh, your jokes, your compliments, your salt, your light, your creativity, your heart...YOU. From Crossfit workouts (Lindell and Lauren) to laughing so hard I was glad the bathroom was right there...twice (Loretta!!!!! I can't hardly WAIT to see you again!) to watching Drew doing the 'crybaby' was it??? on the dance floor with the Entertainment staff at Breezes Grand (shake it like it's paid for!) and swimming in the caves with everyone. Everest, you are, in a word, AMAZEBALLS!!! All the sexy models who worked the Hedo shoots...I had a BLAST! You made me want to get in makeup and wrap very little around my naughty bits and start striking a pose...GGGGrrrr baby! We all made something very special together...Gorgeous Jamaica-soaked memories that we get to take with us forever. And the PICTURES, child puh-lease those pictures!!! Brooke, Kristin and Steve...you are amazingly creative. So talented!!! Can I try to think of a better word than gorgeous and/or beautiful to describe your work??? Nope. Seeing the finished product just solidified how I felt about the project from the day Kristi showed me the wardrobe months ago...
Seeing what we did inspired me to make my own magic in life...you know that the Monday I came home I finished that contest at the gym and I did really well...and I spent the entire week floating on a cloud of happy accomplishment BECAUSE OF YOU (not the 6 weeks of HARD WORK I had just done in the gym) wondering if I was going to win it on Saturday. The cherry on the top of the sugar free ice cream-less sundae is that I DID WIN IT! All the while I could only think that I wished you were there with me. Standing by my side while I waited (stomach somersaulting) for the results and then being the first one to fight it out for a hug! Thank you for amazing, happy, gut-busting laugh inducing memories. So much so that I have to write you this letter to finally get it off my heart...lol!! I miss the Jamaica out of you.
I just want to tell you Lauren Steele that I so treasured our time on the kayaks and I am so EXCITED to see you reach all your dreams and goals in life...you are more precious than rubies my love! Jodi, Curtis, Daniel, Alex, Matt, Kristi, Jaclyn, Everest and Bailey (did I miss any other SoFla's?)...we have NO excuse not to get together soon...at least before the end of the year...OK?

It all felt so unfinished that I have to go back in December. It will not be the same without you...
From the bottom of my heart and with ALL MY LOVE,
Lauren

Prickly Pear Margaritas

2011-09-28T00:00:00.002-04:00

1 bottle of Patron (I use the lime green bottle) or you can use Sauza Hornitos tequila

1 c. Grand Marnier (You can substitute Citron or Grand Gala)

2 ripe cactus pears (aka prickly pears)***Always wear protection on your hands when handling this fruit. They are covered with very hard-to-see prickles that take forever to get out of your hands)

1 c. FRESH lime juice (+ 1/4c more if you like it tart)

Juice of 2 FRESH lemons

1/4 c. FRESH Orange Juice (*optional - but it makes the drink)

2 c. simple syrup (I dissolve 1/2 c. sugar into 1 1/2 c. water to make it less sugary) OR 1/2 c. Light Agave Nectar and 2 c. water

Water to weaken (*if you can't handle it so strong)

NOTE: Prickly pears will stain everything, so do not cut them over any surface that can stain (I speak from years of experience). I usually do it over the sink. Hold the pear in your non-dominant hand. Carefully slice off the ends. Make a slit down the length of the pear and peel away the skin from the middle section. It is about 1/4 in. thick and you will know that you have cut through the fruit far enough because it will peel easily aways from the center. Chop the peeled pears into tiny pieces and funnel them back into the bottle of tequila. Refrigerate at LEAST overnight or up to one week (must stay IN THE FRIDGE). Strain seeds from the tequila in a strainer and place the tequila in a large pitcher. Discard seeds. Add the Grand Marnier, orange juice, lemon and lime juice and simple syrup to the tequila. Stir or shake well and pour over LOTS of ice in martini glasses. Sip slowly...this one turns me into a sleeping hobo at times!

Enjoy (This drink take a little bit of time but it is worth the work. I think my recipe rivals that of The Canyon in Fort Lauderdale, where I first tried these)

Love Letter - Crossfit ATP

2011-08-03T20:00:00.003-04:00

Hello, hello...
Do you ever just feel sometimes that life just couldn't get any better than it already is and it is not for any real particular reason...you just feel good? Welcome to my today. It is another absolutely picture-perfect day here in sunny South Florida. I am so incredibly blessed that I get to call this 'home'. I am happy today. I wanted to tell you that. I wanted to say it out loud.
Life is good.
Sugar Free has actually been pretty easy to navigate through this past month. I am thankful there were no birthdays or holidays to try to throw me off my A-game. I have even stopped drinking diet sodas (couldn't believe that one!) and most things with white flour in them too (along with pretty much anything that 7-11 sells). I am leaner, lighter (13.5 lbs), and stronger. I can move quicker at the gym and have more energy for the whole workout. Today is the last day of my 30-day sugar fast and it just so happens to also be the NOW CANCELED Kings of Leon concert up in West Palm Beach. RANTY INTERJECTION: You canceled the show sighting exhaustion as the reason??? Aren't you guys rock stars? Isn't that what cocaine is for? You can't call in 'sick' to an entire city. C'mon guys...big boy pants now. Put em' on and get back to work already. And the cherry on top of the K.O.L. poop sundae is that the ticket was only $25 on a Groupon deal and you know how I LOVE a bargain! OK, done...

Now let's just talk about THE gym for one minute...the ONE and ONLY gym. And it's not just a regular gym. I don't want to sound fanatical about it, because those kinds of people annoy me; but this Crossfit/kettlebells thing I got going on here is BUTTERS! I have been lifting in the gym since I was 16 (along with team sports from Middle school on up) and I have never had this effective of a workout in such a short amount of time. It schools me EVERY night. I will NEVER say that I have "arrived" when it comes to Crossfit. It continues to humble me every single workout. Complacency is not a word in the Crossfit dictionary, Just when you start to master one skill, a new more challenging one is presented to you. Every workout looks easier on the board than it is to execute in real life.
Next skills to master...the 10-minute squat test and 100 double unders in a row

NOW let's talk about the people in THE gym for a minute...these are ONE and ONLY kind of people. In a word..you are AMAZING. Just a nice group of people to be able to work out with. No judgment, just encouragement. I LOVE YOU!!! I have been fortunate enough to make some really great friends here and I really do feel like we all belong to something bigger than just a gym...it's a frame of mind, or a way of life...no wait;
A movement.
Where else can you play old-school DODGE BALL folks? BEAT THAT! I will warn you though...if Russ is playing, make sure you are on his team otherwise watch out. He has a MEAN curve ball...(love ya Russ!)
When is the last time you played dodge ball or swung from rings, or did a handstand or a cartwheel, or climbed a rope or a wall? Elementary school? Please, please, please check this place out. Or check out a Crossfit near where you live. Even you meat heads out there...you think you are in shape, think again. Andy can run circles around you and he's probably older and definitely stronger than you...and my money is on him every single time. It's the best thing out there...period. And I know a lot about a lot.
Save high school, I am in the best shape of my life (at 34 yrs old) AND (BONUS here!) I'm having the most fun getting into it here. http://www.crossfitatp.com/ If you know me then you know I am overgrown child at heart, so this is the natural progression I should have towards fitness.

In conclusion (it's almost over folks), to anyone I have ever had the PLEASURE of meeting at Crossfit ATP, thanks! It was great meeting you and it's even better knowing you. Thanks for being there, right next to me, sweating it out in unison, to the bumping old school hip hop on Pandora blaring overhead. If you are gone now, I miss you. If you are thinking about coming back but are worried that you have been gone too long, I miss you even more. Come back. If you will be there later today or tomorrow, I will see you then.
Strong is the new skinny.
Crossfit is the new SEXY.
BIG HUGS and EVEN BIGGER KISSES
LaLa (my new name for the board)

SUGAR FREE and buying a smaller size

2011-07-15T10:22:00.005-04:00

As I close the book on Chapter 16, or should I say...as I watch the sun fade into the Western sky at the end of my 16th SUGAR-FREE day (much more poetic and does it ever paint a picture) my mind, body and soul feel really good. The first day was easy because there was no withdrawal...yet. Fast forward to the end of Day 3. The dull pounding in my temples only reminded me that this was my body's way of scolding me for bulking it up into the fluffy and bumpy shape it had become. That only lasted that evening...and after 2 Tylenol PM I woke up fine the next day. Fast forward to today. I have lost 13 lbs. Now let me quantify that. The weekend before this began I ate so much sugar that it registered a bit high on the scale of the morning of day 1. I remember looking at the number and thinking...you really did enjoy your 4th, didn't you? I think I may have high fived myself at one point...I JUST DON'T CARE...13 lbs!!! I can't lie though. I have an unhealthy adoration for sugar and I MISS IT!! Seriously, if I see another commercial for the Wendy's berry ice cream concoction, I may just blow my brains out. No wait, I have one better...every time I have to lap it at the gym, I have to gaze across the road at a Checkers, knowing that tonight I will NOT be having the Cookies and Cream shake. I actually really love that I eat mostly salads and I don't care if there is regular vinaigrette on it. I can always order a salad...no matter where I go. I have found I am not eating as much bread either (I KNOW...it's got sugar in it!). My only 'cheat', if you will, is YoBlendz or D-Lites froyo. I can't resist...so I will take 2g sugar an ounce over Ben and Jerry's or McDonald's. I could do this for the rest of my life...with the occasional fill-in-the-blank thrown in. Meat, fish, veggies, fruit, olive oil, nuts, heavy whipping cream in my coffee, froyo. Not a bad general guideline for me. I am shopping the outer edges of Publix these days. I don't want to be so rigid that no one ever wants to go to dinner with me. The sugar fast officially ends on 8/3. When I go to New England the day after that I make no promises to stay off sugar. Live a little. This Crossfit gig is NO JOKE. I am tired!!! You know when I started this blog entry??? Day 10. No lie...the first thing I did before finishing this was change the numbers in the first sentence. When I get to Boston, I will check out the local Crossfit box and make some new friends. Hopefully they have FROYO there!!!

Seriously though...To anyone out there struggling with letting go of what holds you so tightly...you can totally do this! You just have to commit to the first step and if you want to move forward you take another one. It's easy math. Anything in life that is really worth doing takes nothing but hard work. There is no magic pill. Remain encouraged. Believe in yourself and know that you are more than capable.....

XOXO

SUGAR FREE and not loving it...

2011-07-05T19:00:00.000-04:00

If you happened to glance at my last post you may be able to figure out why I decided to do this...maybe not. One of many things I spoke to/bargained with the Lord about while I was yacking up a week's worth of my insides (see previous post) was getting my diet cleaned up...get a little less processed and more natural & whole. So I promptly 'reevaluated' some personal eating habits and realized that I have a stellar sugar addiction. Like...CA-RAZY big and all-encompassing.
There is sugar in EVERYTHING!!! Yikes. What I really want to do is go completely PALEO for 30 days and then see where I land. Well, I know myself WAY BETTER than that, so I decided for a slightly different goal for my FIRST 30 days. Not much easier, mind you...simply different. Once I get the sugar gone then I can tackle the next HUGE thing...grains and Diet soda.
Enter the SUGAR FREE zone...
OK, so I am almost one day in the bag and I feel pretty darn good. I did have the Chobani yogurt with fruit, but that was all I had time to eat for breakfast. (But I ate breakfast at breakfast time and it didn't come frosted and in a Dunkin Donuts bag so points for both) The pineapples are 2 for $4 at Publix and they are AMAZING, as well as the strawberries. I have watermelon for dessert after dinner. These are both very good things. I had some Coffeemate with my coffee this morning, but a sugar fetish is not built on 2 daily tablespoons of fake milk. It's all the other crap I love to eat that doesn't love my midsection and/or hips and thighs. How do I love thee...? Let me count the ways...Ice cream, anything that has been made with sugar and then baked, anything that has the word Oreo in it's desciption, Slurpee's, kettle corn, candy, several different kinds of mixed drinks, the dessert menu from any restaurant, Coffeemate, and that's just off the top of my head...
So as addicts do, I am going to take this SUGAR detox ONE DAY AT A TIME! Once I finish with 30 days (if and when I finish all 30 days) then I tackle the next big thing...Diet soda and grains. This may take some time...because it's one thing to say I can't eat dessert, but no chips for my salsa either?! That will definitely take a little more time...
So here's hoping that the 30th day is as awesome as the first and that I actually do it...for ALL 30 days!
You know what they say...in order to get something you've never had you have to do something you've never done.

Doing something new,
Lauren

Bahamas...in a word...nightmare

2011-06-23T17:20:00.000-04:00

The last seven days have been some of the worst ones I have had thus far. I am going to give you the shortest and most complete version because it still stings. Rewind to LAST Thursday afternoon. Great lunchtime flight, a couple of drinks, a relaxing dip in the warm Caribbean waters with my sister and Kelly...and then it all turned to flaming porch shit.

It was definitely SOMEthing I put in my mouth (pun not intended)...a.k.a. POISON
The "I've had too much to drink" kind of sick is nothing like the violent and desperate "Something is VERY WRONG HERE and I want my Mommy!" kind of sick. I know this because the By 7:00pm Thursday night everything in me started racing for the exits and didn't stop completely until yesterday morning. That's 7 days people...of puking!

Side note: Hey ladies...want to drop a quick couple of pounds before that "Big Night"? Whatever this thing was....oooohhh eeeeee....dropped a dime-piece! Git back...watch yourself!

OK, so it's one thing to get "Montezuma's Revenge" from the water, but this was like the Nursing School memory recall kind of sick. I didn't leave the room the entire weekend except by wheelchair to the Nurse's station or the hospital (just wait) or finally to leave. I spent $300 for the first nausea med injection given by the doctor (which provided 8 hrs of relief...a.k.a.the eye of the hurricane) and $200 for the second one (0 hours of relief). By Saturday afternoon I knew I needed I.V. fluids (thanks Nursing school) so they took us to Princess Margaret Hospital by taxi. This was the free public hospital. You know...for people without insurance, or shoes, or all their mental capabilities, or teeth. I was seen in the Accident and Emergency Department. We paid $30 to register and nothing more. We didn't even realize there was a better place to go until we were standing in the parking lot waiting for the taxi to come back for us...at 11:45pm at night. Which is exactly when light is usually shed on us in these kinds of situations. Oh irony, you are just so predictable in hindsight.

10 hours of pure hell. We couldn't wait together before, during or after. I had the ice bucket and a towel from the room while I sat in chairs for close to 2 hours trying not to throw up. There was a woman moaning in pain on one of the beds right next to where I was waiting. Another man died in another room while I was being examined and there were about 25 of his closest relatives in the waiting room who all found out at the same time. I have never heard that much immediate and intense sorrow from a group of people. I just laid there and the tears fell out of my face. I told the nurse to go tell Jennifer that it wasn't me. They had no idea what was going on. MISERABLE!

Fast forward 10 hours...I'm treated and streeted back to our hotel. I kept it together as best as possible before our flight out. IRONY INTERJECTION: The flight kept getting delayed while we were waiting in the airport and then on the runway...stupid summer weather in FL (a total of 2 hrs). Let me say here that it is quite the convenience to clear Customs and Immigration in the Bahamas versus the FLL airport. Because if we had to do that, I probably would have lost it.

This whole thing didn't begin to finish until I saw my Dad pull up in the Electric Blue Fusion. I'm at the curb, sitting in a wheelchair and I can only imagine what he is thinking. We never called our parents while we were away and I didn't want to tell my Dad until the very last possible moment.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! Yep, the flight got in on Father's Day (isn't it ironic, don'tcha think?)

I have the best doctor in the world, so I got in on Monday morning and got some medications. I was eating by Wednesday night (7 whole days without food either) and by 5:20pm on 6/23/11 I feel really good. Safe enough even to tell you, if you got this far...

Me and Gatorade and Sprite and cutting everything with 1/4 to 1/3 water...we cool.
Raisin bread, toast, and watermelon...yeah, we're good.
I finally feel normal again. Normal enough in my body anyway...
The new issue of bon appetit just came in and I can't wait to see what I am going to make first. Unless of course you would like to take me out to dinner...

Real World...Friday....here I come! Gingerly and with eager curiosity...

To All the Girls I've Loved Before

2010-11-02T09:29:00.006-04:00

Who've traveled in and out my door (of life)...

I'm glad they came along. I dedicate this blog...to all the girls I've loved before.

Yep you...I'm talking to you!

Today is my 'BIG UPS' to the fairer (among other things) sex...women! Go you...go on...get it. Grab onto life and don't let go! Yes, you my darling. If you are reading this and you have 'lady parts' then I most likely know you, have had to trudge through much of the very same crap in life as you have had to, and definitely LOVE YOU (or at the very least 'like' you). Somewhere along the line you have taught me something about myself. Even the mean girls out there. I have this overwhelming need to send some major love out to all my girls today...because I am not sure if you hear it enough in the course of everyday living. Maybe your man isn't telling you enough (or no man currently is) or maybe you haven't said it out loud to yourself lately...or worse yet, you don't even think it's true..(say it ain't so?!) But it is all TRUTH - You are GORGEOUS, SEXY, STRONG, INDEPENDENT, BEAUTIFUL, SMART, and AMAZING and I haven't even gotten started yet!

I want you to know this today. You are BEAUTIFUL...just the way you are! You are an amazing person. All by yourself, you are amazing. Yes...you could very well be a mother, girlfriend, wife, sister, daughter, employee, teacher, student (you get my drift here) which takes away a little bit of you for all those people and things. I am here to fill your cup up today...and to tell you that you are so very special. A statue (or at least a reclining beach chair outfitted with a Cabo Wabo homemade 'from scratch' margarita) should be erected in your honor. You do so much for so many people all day long...did any of them say thank you today? THANK YOU!!! For all the little things that no one ever sees you do...THANK YOU!!! Don't forget to thank yourself for a job well done...I am sending you a virutal slap on the ass (like they do in the NFL) for going the distance.

Lauren's Handy Dandy Tips on self-giving:

1. Give yourself a break...This can be as simple as turning the volume up to 22 in your car today on the way home from work and listening to old Aretha Franklin blues albums with the windows down...this technique works EVERY single time for me. (I believe that level 22 volume is loud enough to drown out the cacophony of whiny kids too)

2. When you take the last recycling item out to the bins tonight before you go to bed (because you are GREEN too!) stop, look up into the night sky and take a deep breath. Now just stand there for 1 minute and breathe.

3. Get your SWEAT on! Go put on something comfortable and then...Walk, jog, run, bike, kettlebells, crossfit...30 minutes...another tried and true technique that works for me every single time.

Now remember this...DO NOT accept mediocrity in yourself. The biggest enemy of doing something GREAT, is being satisfied with something good. Don't settle for anything less than the best...and that applies to EVERYTHING. Don't waver in your resolve. Sometimes waiting can be the biggest test...but remember that you are WORTH IT.

Seriously though...Did I tell you that you are AMAZING?!

Go on girl...get yours.

You are an obsession..you're my obsession

2010-06-28T20:50:00.002-04:00

Life has really been looking up lately. Done with school for the (at least) foreseeable future, just got back from a girl's trip to Jamaica, kicking ASS in the gym, falling in love again with all things Hip Hop, grilling every summer veggie on sale at Publix (Would you like the zucchini or the eggplant?) and the hunt for the house is back on. Sidenote: I can't decide who I am liking more right now, Drake or Eminem. And that Nicki Minaj is a firecracker is she not?
The real reason for the "need to put it in writing" is this gym thing. It's effin' awesome. CrossFit. It only needs one word.
Welcome back "Athlete of the Year - Lauren Lesinski".
I'm stronger than I have ever been, and every week I get leaner and leaner. It's been 8 weeks and I'm down 11 pounds, but it looks more like I've dropped 20 or 25. AAAHHH!! I am fast becoming 'a body built for fun'. I have been taking pics too...what a huge difference in just 2 months. I can't wait to post the before and after photos...because if I feel this great halfway through, I can only imagine how good I'm gonna look at the end...giddy up! You know what this means...I will have to start scheduling more naked time.
I look forward to every next workout. I want to sweat, and grunt, and yell, and then FINISH STRONG. Then there is a gym full of people feeling all the same things I am. Effin' awesome! It's contagious and worth EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY...

On your mark...get set...GO!

2010-05-11T09:49:00.002-04:00

OK, so here goes nothing.
I'm going to try to sum up the last 4 months in 3-4 sentences. I started Nursing school in January and by the end of March I was starting to circle the 'mental drain'. I couldn't sleep, wasn't eating right and I stopped exercising. I was living in a constant state of anxiety. Forget about friends and family...I was married to my Nursing books. I truly felt like I was losing the essence of me.
Things took a turn for me in mid-April, forcing me to MAJORLY slow down and breathe and I started to do some soul-searching. I hated how school and the pressure I put on myself to succeed made me lose sight of all the other things in life that made me happy...
Fast forward to my 'SUMMER GOALS 2010'. This is it. I have ONE MAJOR GOAL for the summer. Lose the weight I put on at the beginning of the year (plus a couple extra lb's for the 'WOW' factor). I started on Wednesday, 4/28 and my last weigh in will be 8/31. That's 125 days to lose 30 1/2 lbs. I will weigh in every Saturday morning and update my progress on Facebook. The first official weigh in was 5/8 and I lost 4.5 lbs. 26 to goal. I took 'before' pics that I will post on 8/31 next to the 'after' pics. I will work out 6 days a week at my favorite gym. www.crossfitatp.com I will rest my body on Sundays. I will ease up the diet one day a week (because if you know me, you know that I have steak Saturdays every week and I love to eat!)
I am very excited about this namely because I really MISS ME! I'm fun and cool and athletic and I don't know where exactly I went to these last few months...but I am SUPER glad to be back. I encourage you to make a goal for yourself, write it down, and then work every day towards achieving it. I hope you are encouraged!
Peace and blessings...

The funniest thing that hasn't happened to me since the last funny thing

2009-10-02T10:14:00.004-04:00

I am an occasional klutz. I guess it just goes with my irresistibly nerdy/bubbly/flaky personality. Every once in a while, when the mood hits me right, I fall down or run my shin into glass tables or even clip various equipment at the gym with my hips. What I am about to describe in glorious detail is an event that is easily the most idiotic stunt ending in self-inflicted physical pain I have ever attempted (unknowingly).
On nights I don't have school, Jennifer and I go for a nice 8-mile (skip corny Eminem joke) bike ride around the neighborhood. Last night was no different, except for one thing. As we were getting ready to exit the development we live in, there was a car at the stop sign. I decided to hop onto the sidewalk just in case the car didn't want to stop for me to go around it...
As a result of getting onto the sidewalk in my development, there is a patch of grass that I need to pass through to get to the 'major road sidewalk'. I normally avoid that because there is a pretty good sized hole SOMEWHERE in there...Oh yeah, you know where this is going now.
OK, so we are exactly 1 minute into this workout of 40 minutes and the sidewalk ends and I roll onto the grass. I see the hole just up in front of me and I turn the handlebars to avoid it. Little did I know that was NOT THE HOLE that I needed to avoid.
It all happened VERY FAST and the absolute BEST part is that the split second before it did happen, Jen (who was in front of me at the time) looked back to check on me and saw the whole painfully embarrassing episode unfold.
So my front tire hits the hole I didn't see and it was pretty deep because the bike completely STOPPED where it was. Bodies in motion (remember Physics 101) being what they are, mine did NOT stop. My entire person (all 5 feet 9 inches of me) flew over the left handlebars and into the air in a sideways airborne roll. When I hit the grass, I army rolled it one complete turn to land on my back. My eye-glasses stayed on and my ipod didn't stop playing. I laid there for a minute in complete and utter embarrassment and...frankly, shame. My sister is yelling (over the volume of her own ipod) "Are you OK...Lauren...Are you OK???" Yes, I was OK. It actually didn't hurt physically at all...my pride, however was another story completely.
The words dummy, idiot, stuntman, and stupid came flooding into my head all at once. I was really angry...so much so that once I finally did get up I cursed the hole. I pulled the dirt out of the handlebars and checked myself for open wounds and the tires for blowouts. I cut my finger but not enough to even make it really bleed. Then I started yelling at Jennifer to get going so we could finish the ride (another shame-induced side effect of the public bike crash). She asked several more times if I was OK and then she looked at me with 'that look' that asked if it was alright for her to start laughing now. I started laughing first and then she started in and then I had to calm myself down or I was going to lose my bladder. I asked her how the whole thing looked. She said it very graceful, but it looked like it hurt...like a stuntman. COOL. I laughed about it (and am still laughing as I recall it to you) several more times before we were finished with the ride.
It wasn't until I was in the shower and realized the extent of my Jack-Ass tomfoolery. Just below my right knee was a huge purple bump. It felt like a second knee and it hurt! So I iced the swelling down to half it's size and I'll just wear pants for the next week. My left shin didn't fare much better either. It basically looks like I was beaten about the lower limbs with a baseball bat. sexy.

I will tell you this though. It was FUNNY...FULARIOUS (hoping that one will catch on) and I only wish that it was caught on tape, because it was a truly magnificent example of an idiot move. I pulled a 'Lauren'...

Until next time...

You are an obsession...you're my obsession

2009-09-30T14:12:00.002-04:00

What could it be you ask?
It's ALL THINGS Pin Up! 1950's hairstyles (think barrel curls and victory rolls with fake flowers pinned at the base) and makeup (think heavy black eyeliner that curls into cat eye corners with BIG false eyelashes and bright shiny red lips) and clothes and swimsuits. There is something so understated about the whole look and feel of it...specifically regarding women and their sexuality. Everything wasn't put on display for the whole world to see. I like that so much. I like it so much so that I have begun practicing my hair-do's (and don't in some cases) and getting make-up tutorials online. This sweet gal Kandee has the best tutorials and she is so beautiful. She transforms into each look flawlessly.... http://www.kandeethemakeupartist.blogspot.com/
She even has a JEM look (remember that cartoon junkie 30-somethings???)

So I have not really been one to 'celebrate' Halloween in the past, but this year I am going to find a party to go to so that I can try out my new look. I even bought a dress! Listen, after being fat and miserable for so many years and never wanting to leave the house, I am actually excited to get dressed up and put on make-up and sleeveless clothing again. Even for insignificant little things like Publix and work. I also have a friend who is going to take some pictures...oh the joys to behold! So, needless to say I am totally stoked. I can't wait to post the pictures and get the dresses delivered (not in that order)!!! Stay tuned. More to come.

Love and Hugs...

Done, I think...

2009-08-18T11:49:00.002-04:00

I think I may have one too many irons in the fire right now. PADI certification on the way (my first pool dive is tonight), starting back to school on Monday night, reading lots of books and trying to finish them by at least five minutes before school starts on Monday night, the gym, the beach, the pool, cooking, cycling, training for my SECOND Half-marathon this year, and dealing with the online dating disaster that I have created for myself. It's not so much that it's disastrous, more just annoying at best. I can't believe I spent money on the outside chance (kinda like my beloved Bills winning a Super Bowl) that I would make a meaningful connection with someone online. Someone said it would be fun. Are we having fun yet?
I don't want another repeat of the last post, but frankly...my resolve is waning. Sometimes it just sucks knowing that you are a 'catch' and that you are not going to meet 'Mr. Right' at fill-in-the-blank bar/nightclub. Patience is a virtue, one that seems to be ever so slightly beyond my grasp today. Deep breath. Oh yeah, and I'm tired today too...Am I coming off as cranky?

The wonderful circus of online dating

2009-08-13T10:05:00.003-04:00

What I am quickly learning is that online dating feels a lot like high school. The little jig I dance goes something like this. I express interest in someone and hear nothing. Someone expresses interest in me and they hear nothing. (Isn't it just better to be silent than try to let someone down easy? Perhaps it's only easier.) Fear of rejection is right there at the forefront. I look at you and you look at me and neither of us act on it. Sophomoric at best. I am giving this thing 3 months and that's it. At the rate I am going (just read on) the end cannot come soon enough.
On the rare occasion, he is interested in me and I am interested in him. Enter stage 2. The phone call. This shouldn't be too long or drawn out, (because either one of us could turn out to not be interested in the other after we see each other) just a quick hello to set up the first 'meeting'. If this happens to take place at somewhere like Starbucks, then it would not be classified as a date. Then we move onto stage 3. The meeting.
The meeting is simply to discover whether or not there are sparks and whether or not an actual date (stage 4 and almost impossible to reach as I am learning) is in order. Now, call me old fashioned...but if I am meeting you for coffee I expect a few (not many, mind you) things to happen. It is the all important 'first impression' right? I did my part. A cute pair of jeans, a little make-up, perfume. Not too much of anything, just enough, just a little.
On Tuesday night, I had one of these 'stage 3 meetings' with a guy at a Starbucks. Red Flag #1 - He rode his bike there. Red Flag #2 - I could see the sweat glistening/pouring all over him. Red Flag #3 - He smelled like a varsity high school basketball team at half-time. Nothing says "I feel special" like a guy who smells like a jock strap. Let me pause here and add that had stage 3 been a BIKE RIDE, I would have been in the right frame of mind to deal with his appearance. Well, being the eternal optimist that I am, I overlooked it and moved on the meeting. He didn't want any coffee, he had water. Oh...this should be fun. I ordered and paid for my coffee and we went outside to talk.
He's a decent, even a good looking guy. Tall, nice eyes, a full head of hair. As the conversation started, however, and then continued, I realized this one was not a 'keeper'. No sparks, no laughs, no stage 4 in our future. He spent half the time talking about why all the different cities in South Florida suck and then spent the other half of the time answering the questions he was asking me. Think about that for a second. I was born here...in Hollywood. Most of his trash talking was about Hollywood. Thanks dude...for not even trying. Things quickly wound down and he walked me to my car before he rode away into the night on his bicycle (I did learn he does drive a car). Another hug sans sweat and he went in for a kiss on the lips. I didn't even have time to react before the peck. All I could was chuckle a little bit...and then it happened. He finally laughed a tiny but audible laugh. I can't tell you how many attempts at humor were blocked by another question or went completely over his head. This guy has potential but not for me.
That pretty much sums it up. If for no other reason, this experience will be great to chronicle for posterity. I can't wait to see what the next one brings. This is gonna be fun.

Super-Pumped

2009-07-15T15:02:00.003-04:00

Making friends, shaking hands, and kissing babies wherever I go. Life is really good. 2 weeks until I get to go back to Mexico, my second favorite country in the world. I am exhausted by a killer workout I took at US1 Fitness in Dania on Monday night. Just 6 exercises and 45 minutes, but let me tell you...it kicked my ass. It's nice to know that I can hang with the big boys. Made it through the circuit 5 times...(more than one of the GUYS in the class).
I am trying very hard to enjoy every day, even the WEEKdays. I am not rushing myself to the weekends so much, namely because I have to be back in school by the end of next month. I am hopeful and expectant for the next chapter in the book to start. I am reading good books (Heat & Gangs and Gangsters) and doing social things during the weeknights. Just saw the movie 'Taken' and it was disturbingly good. I am in a good place. Exhausted and slowly falling asleep while I type this...but really really happy.
I hope you are too.

I just gotta get this off my chest

2009-06-03T13:43:00.002-04:00

Life is so funny sometimes. They (whoever "they" are) say that life is what happens when are making plans. At least I think that is what they say. Without getting too deep, I will say this. I have learned many a lesson in my 32 years. Some of them were easier to learn than others. Some lessons hurt so bad that I didn't know if I ever would recover. Well, I did. Here I am. Still learning lessons...and funny enough a few of the lessons are still the same. I heard someone say that God gives you the same lesson over and over until you finally learn it. Here I am, being schooled again. Today I pray that the Lord would guard my heart. Guard it against those things that are trying to take little pieces out of it. Guard it against the tiny chips I am putting into it every day. I also heard that the heart is strongest in the broken places. After mending itself, the heart becomes fortified in the tears and gashes and chips and rips. I wish I could say that it would just be easier to be an island unto myself, but I know myself better than that. It would never work. Who would I talk to? Who would make me laugh until I was on or over the brink of wetting myself. Side note: If you make me laugh to the point of urination, you will never get rid of me. Well, after reading that through, I admit I do feel a little bit better although I have a ways to go...and miles to go before I sleep.

What a week

2009-05-15T14:22:00.002-04:00

Well, all I can say is that I am relieved that it's almost over. I started back to school on Tuesday for a short summer term (6 weeks) for Anatomy 2. I go after work 4 times a week for 2 hrs and then on 2 of those days (plus alternating Friday's) for an additional 2 hours. I have no idea when I will study and the teacher's accent is so thick that I have to sit in the front row and watch his lips as he speaks. Lucky me.
We officially have new neighbors and they needed to get their house fumigated before moving in. Since we are attached to them, we had to move out for 2 nights to get the house tented. Great news, free tenting! But, we don't have termites. Whatever, I am still bitter. We stayed at the Holiday Inn which wasn't the best (I'll leave it at that) and we had the dog with us too. I realize more and more that she is getting a lot older and it's hard to deal with.
I have been getting up before 6:00am each day too so that I can get a workout in. Needless to say I am exhausted and can't wait for 10:30pm tonight...school will be done for at least the weekend. For the next several weekends I will be studying, when I really wish I was at the beach. June 22nd cannot come quick enough. 6 more weeks until Chicago...that's what I am looking forward to.

Do's and Don'ts and Yes's and No's

2009-04-22T16:03:00.004-04:00

Just a few things (nuggets, if you will) that I have picked up along the winding road of life.

Do NOT wear a fanny pack. Do jump rope. Don't drink and drive. Do go barefoot. Don't wear neon. Do paint your toenails. Don't call the toll free number on handwritten signs posted at Interstate exits (it's not a great investment property OR billion dollar idea). Do always check for toilet paper before sitting down. Don't buy T-shirts with city names of the places you have visited. Do smile at as many people as you can...it's fun and they never see it coming. Don't smoke. Live every week like it's shark week. Don't EVER sit down in a Port-O-Potty, better yet...don't even touch a thing in there if you don't have to. Try to laugh really hard at least once a day. Don't put sexually suggestive (or otherwise) e-mail address on your professional resume. Remember to RELAX and BREATHE...nothing is that bad that it can't turn around. Do try to make me laugh...that's the coolest thing ever. Never be mean to old people or animals. Do use your blinker. Don't use bumper stickers or stuffed animals as decorations for your vehicle. Say thank you and hello to people...it's fun and they never see it coming.
Have an awesome weekend...

A weekend full of culture

2009-04-20T10:47:00.002-04:00

What a great weekend. Went to see Jersey Boys which in and of itself was awesome. What was not awesome was the location and comfort of our seats. I will never buy mezzanine seats (this a code word for cheap, uncomfortable, and far away from the stage) at the Broward Center EVER again. The storyline and the singing was great and dinner was amazing. I had the seared tuna on tomato salad and it was so good that I recreated the dish for yesterday's late lunch. Saturday was school (will it ever end?) and I ended the Anatomy class on a high point...I have a 'A', go me. Another amazing steak dinner and then Jenn and I were off to the New Times Beer Fest in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale. We had a blast. There was some really super drunk people there and the extra $30 we spent for the VIP tickets was so worth it. Nothing says 'shake my hand' better than several hundred people using port-o-lets. I ran into my Senior Class President from High School and we caught up on lots of fun stuff. After talking to him, I realized that I need to start writing more than I do, so here I am. Then Sunday, as it normally goes was more cooking (have to be prepared for the week!) and some sun, a bike ride, and a visit to my friend Jackie to say hello. I was supposed to start studying for the Lab practical and I never got around to it. I really just don't want to even start studying. I want to take the test and ace the class and be done with it already. At least I have my bike ride to look forward to tonight, even though the studying will certainly SUCK.

Easter Monday

2009-04-13T14:41:00.002-04:00

My office at work is so cold I could hang meat in it overnight. Easter dinner was good, not great. Thank God the ham was perfect. It was a lot of fun to go back to our old church for Easter Sunday morning services. It's nice to know that the more things change, the more they stay the same. I am finally on facebook, punch me in the face. If I had a nickel for every person who has asked me if I am on there yet...Now this means I need to start taking more pictures so that I can be on par with everyone else who is on there. I hate my work clothes. They make me feel old and out of touch, but I am so cheap that I don't think I will buy new ones. Besides, the only person worth trying to impress there is me anyways. I might as well spend my money on clothes that I can wear on the weekends. RIGHT?! Big weekend coming up. Friday night is JERSEY BOYS with my mom and Jen. This was mom's birthday present and we are hitting up Timpano's for dinner first. Knowing how 'frugal' I am, we are going to try to get in as many 'happy hour' cocktails as we can before dinner. Saturday night is the Beer Fest in Downtown FLL. This should be interesting. Knowing how stupid drunk people get at the wine tastings I have been to this should just a step below that. We have a designated driver as well. I have lost 10 pounds in the last four weeks and I have managed to find a way to find something wrong with that. Lovely. Bad news; my gym boyfriend has a girlfriend so I had to break it off midway through a set of jump roping this morning...onto the next one I suppose. Note: This was not a real boyfriend, simply a guy I enjoyed (Past tense now) watching do calf raises and other various exercises. I watched The Departed for the second time yesterday. That movie is so good. A little long and a lot of F-bombs, but so good. I can't wait to get back onto my bicycle after work today. For the record, there are things that one can only think and never say out loud...even in a forum such as this one. I am thinking, thinking, thinking...

Cool Front

2009-04-07T10:21:00.002-04:00

The weather this morning...are you kidding me? I love South Florida!
Life is moving along at a medium pace today. I am into my fourth week of '2-a-days' and after 3 weeks have already lost 9 lbs. Go me. A few things that I noticed during my morning gym workouts; Guy with the cologne on at 6:45am in the morning, NO. No one is impressed and if you are going to directly to work after you leave without showering than you are gross. Guy with the black socks and the Teva sandals, you are my hero. The fact that you can pull that off each and every morning amazes me. Gym boyfriend, you should work out every morning. Twice a week just isn't cutting it...I'm not counting or anything crazy like that. So the afternoon bike rides have been amazing. Even in the crazy wind last night I felt great. A mountain bike with very low handlebars is not my recommended bike for use, but it gets the job done. I always have a recurring nightmare that I am going to get hit by a car and then run over by a completely different one. Not only because no one pays attention to cyclists, but I have come close to hitting a few of them myself while driving. So I am relegated to sidewalk cruising and I am OK with that. I can't believe that this Sunday is Easter. Jesus is Risen from the dead! I am going to a Passion service on Good Friday and Easter services at Mom's church on Sunday. The next thing to think about is the menu. I will definitely make a bourbon and brown sugar ham (which will someday get me married, it's that good) and then the rest is up in the air...decisions, decisions.

Ode to Hummus

2009-04-02T14:48:00.003-04:00

Hummus, how I love you,
No one will truly know.
I dream about you before my mouth touches your silky goodness,
Longing about the next time I will enjoy you again.

Created out of a measly can of chickpeas and cumin,
Some Tahini, salt and pepper, and roasted garlic.
Fire roasted bell peppers and lemon juice and just a touch of oil,
You fortify me with 16% of my daily fiber intake.

Paired with carrots or naan,
or simply eaten with a spoon directly from the food processor.
My love for you knows no boundaries,
I will shout it from the rooftops.

I don't care what the girl across from me at work thinks,
About the way I clean the Gladware container every day.
Thank God for long fingers and small containers,
My insatiable hunger will never be satisfied.

Until tomorrow my love,
Until then.

Just another day

2009-03-24T10:28:00.004-04:00

Does the guy on the elliptical machine next to me know that he is singing/grunting every third syllable of the song pounding away in his head from the ipod attached to his arm? How bad of a singer do you have to be that I can't tell what song you are horribly attempting to belt out in between gasps for air? I went on the most amazing bike ride last night after work with my sister...the weather right now is just too beautiful to not go outside and do something in. My new office location at work is now in the Accounting Dept and it is SO quiet there. No one talks. I can't even get a 'bless you' when I have a good sneeze. Thank God for headphones that plug into my PC.
At first I didn't like my new hairdo, mainly because it was a 5-hr process that almost brought me to tears. Now I absolutely LOVE it. It's basically the same haircut I had for several years after I finished high school. Short in the back and longer in the front. Kind of a Victoria Beckham inverted bob of sorts, only with curly hair. Yesterday, specifically, was the turning point for me. In a rush to get to work on time (which ironically NEVER happens) I didn't have time to pin it back so I wore it down. In a word...fantastic. I rode to Publix with the windows down and never bothered trying to straighten it out when I got back to work. I don't know why I ever stopped this style...wait, I do. It costs money to keep your hair short and I am cheap. Well, now I know where to get a $12 haircut (that same place) and if I have to go only once every 4-6 weeks then it's worth the time spent.
I saw a good movie yesterday called Dandelion. Very short synopsis: It's an independent film from a few years back about a kid in a small town and how love can change people. I have realized that a lot of the independent films I watch are not necessarily ones with 'Hollywood endings' so much as they are just a couple hours of retrospective into the lives of how most people live. Another great one was Bella. It was about a relationship between a rising soccor star turned cook (due to a past terrible mistake in his early life) and a waitress in a NY restaurant. That was an amazing film.
I have the best plan for my birthday this Friday...get up early and walk the dog; homemade lattes; go to the beach and watch the sunrise then take a nice long walk at the Hollywood Broadwalk; get some breakfast and a few hours of sun; a light meal at the Greek restaurant in Hallandale and the rest is still somewhat up in the air. I know that the family is taking me to dinner but I haven't decided where to go yet. Decisions, decisions...

Pic of the sunrise on the morning of the Half-Marathon this year

Manic Monday

2009-03-23T11:25:00.003-04:00

What a great weekend. Complete washout on Saturday aside, it was AMAZING. I have the remnants of just a little too much sun from yesterday all over me. Can I just stop here for a minute and just say that I live in THE MOST BEAUTIFUL weather in all of the U.S. of A.??? Went to school on Saturday morning and felt a little like the walking dead. But it was a good school day. 96% on my EXAM and 93% on my lab quiz. The consummate overachiever that I am, I am upset that I didn't score higher on both of those. A little laser hair removal and then had an AMAZING filet mignon steak dinner later that night. I watched a new movie too, 'Rachel Getting Married'. It was not my favorite and this one has gotten a lot of buzz. Frankly it was depressing, although Anne Hathaway was truly brilliant as the 9-month sober drug addict back in town for her sister's wedding. Very believable and not once did I think of any of the other cutesy roles she has been in. Sunday was great too, although I did not go to church...yet again. This really sucks, because I miss church...and I hate the process of finding a new one. If I am being honest with myself, I am being lazy and a little bit bratty about the whole thing. I do have plans for Good Friday and Easter Sunday services which I am looking forward to. I can't believe that Easter is 3 weeks away. I did a little shopping at the mall and Target. I got a new pair of sandals, thanks Jen, in the wrong color...thanks guy from Macy's who wasn't listening to me when I said I DIDN'T want the white ones. Got a sports bra for $11.88, thank you very much. Spent a few hours in the sun, finally painted my toenails again and had another really great dinner with some of my best friends. Last week I did a nightly bike ride after work (a little over 8 miles) every night except Wed and I am happy to say that I am 5 lbs lighter. I would love to drop another 5 before my birthday, but that may be pushing it since it's Friday. At least I have the day off and the schedule planned...

And now some more things for your reading pleasure:
1. I am so scared when I have to sneeze when driving in stop & go traffic on the highway since I know I will have to blink each time I sneeze.
2. I am deathly afraid that in a rush to get to my car in the morning I will fall down the flight of stairs from my Dad's apt to the parking lot and land at the bottom of the concrete in a bloody heap. I think of this EVERY single time I walk down them. I always hold onto to the railing.
3. People who are not capable of driving while talking on the cell phone should not be allowed to. Nothing should change about the rate of speed you are traveling just because you are trying to figure out where to go for dinner tonight.
4. I can't wait until my trip to Chicago...I am going to party my face off and I will need it after a 6 week summer term of Anatomy 2.
5. I have a gym boyfriend. He's not a real boyfriend, he's just that guy who I look forward to seeing each morning when I workout. He's shy and we don't say much but I have claimed him for my own.
6. I can't wait until Friday...happy 32 to me. I don't feel a day over 13.

Movies and more

2009-03-18T17:03:00.002-04:00

Here I sit with my headphones on listening to my FANTASTIC play list while I think and type. Life has been busy lately. Anatomy test and lab quiz in the same day, lovely. After that a 5-hr hair color and cut by an Aveda student. Started riding my bike after work each night (plus the morning workout) this week and I am OFFICIALLY EXHAUSTED! Thank God today is Wednesday, because I am taking the night off and I think I might treat myself to a beer. Just one.
I registered for the summer term and it turns out that my minimal social life will be reduced to the 3-night trip to Chicago in between the A and B term. I also moved my office at work today and I can't wait to take as shower. I wish I had a seat in there so I could sit down and just let water wash away the day. I thought I would have more to say, but as it turns out I am so physically tired that my mind has given up the thought process...here's to hoping I remember the way home.

Done and done...

2009-02-26T10:26:00.002-05:00

Well, I ran the half-marathon and it was awesome. Beautiful weather, an awesome ipod mix, and just myself to run with. No one to catch up with or beat out (I am very competitive). It was so much different than 2007. It was a lot warmer and it never rained. They switched up the course a little bit which was a nice change. I did secretly hope that I could have beat my 2007 time, but I actually ran it 3:02 minutes slower this time...I am still getting BETTER with age. Right around mile #6 my knees starting burning but I just ignored it. Then around mile #9 my hip flexors and butt were on fire...just keep running, running, running. It started to get a lot warmer by that time too, but I knew I was in the home stretch so I just decided to bang it out. I saw my photos online last night, and let's just say that I won't be purchasing any of those. I went back to the gym this morning and took it a bit easy for the first day back. I did get on the treadmill and I did run a few minutes. Tomorrow is another day. I can definitely say that after Sunday's run, I am CONFIDENT that I will one day run an entire marathon all in one day. I am kind of hooked now!

Running the Race

2009-02-20T10:22:00.003-05:00

Life has been all about house hunting, the tax man, paying off debt, learning to take blood pressures, working and running and the day has finally come...almost.
Sunday morning at 6:00am is the big day. I am thinking it will take me around 3 hours to run 13.1 miles. This is slow by running standards, but I don't care. I am running a half marathon...and if I add it to the half marathon I ran 2 years ago, I have run a whole marathon. I have been able to raise close to $200 already for Love Bags and I am ecstatic about that, because I felt almost bad for asking for the money from anyone because times are so tight these days. I am never surprised or overwhelmed by the generosity of my family, friends, and coworkers...THANK YOU! I could not have done this without you.
I have learned that one should never hold on too tightly to any one thing just in case they miss something better to come along for them to grab a hold onto. Lots of words in the last sentence, a little deep in nature, but still true. I will be back on Monday with a race update. I would love to beat my 2007 time, because that only proves I am getting BETTER with age!

Home Owner?

2009-02-10T13:51:00.002-05:00

I have wanted to own my own home for several years now and the market has finally turned in such a way that this might actually happen. I am in the process of applying for a loan so that we (Jen and I) can put an offer in for a Short Sale property in the neighborhood we currently live in. There are many advantages to this thought process. 1) We know and LOVE the neighborhood 2) We will be close to our Mom 3) We know the neighbors and it's a very quiet area in the development 4) We get to shop at the same Publix!!! and 5) The only work the house needs is a new coat of paint in the 2nd bedroom.
Hopefully the bank will accept our offer and we get the house. If not, it was not meant to be. I would love the house, but I will not allow every next breath to hinge on it!

Can you spell C-O-L-D???

2009-02-05T11:25:00.002-05:00

I can never seem to sleep all the way up to the alarm going off each morning at 5:53am, and don't ask why the alarm is set for 5:53am. I usually wake up out of a dead sleep sometime between 4:45 and 5:45am just to wait for the alarm to sound. I have been cursed as a "morning person".
I knew last night that I wouldn't make it to the gym today namely due to the predicted early morning temperature of "feels like 28 degrees" and I was right. I woke up at 5:45am and the alarm went off at 5:53...snooze. Alarm again at 6:02...snooze. That went on until 6:50am when the dog started to bark for her morning walk. I put on the following high-fashion outfit: a gray tank top and blue house pants followed by a mismatched gray sweatsuit, fur-lined dark brown suede boots and a red hoodie with a broken zipper and several holes at the wrists. With the hood on, I ventured outside in what felt like 28 degree and windy weather for the dog's 15-minute morning walk. As I rounded the corner at the end of my block I saw a dead lizard of some kind. It was either a baby iguana or a very large green lizard. It's belly was about the circumference of a quarter. It was on it's back, frozen in time. This is actually a very good thing, because South Florida as a whole has a problem with the iguana population. I actually heard Ron McGill (Metro Zoo fame) say that he was looking forward to this cold snap killing some of them off. So my suggestion to you is to be careful walking under trees over the next few days and nights...because the last place these lizards stay before they plummet to their frozen deaths is that tree limb you are standing underneath.

Today's musings

2009-01-30T11:29:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am still running the A1A Half Marathon and, no, I haven't trained as much as I should have.
I went to see 'Defending the Caveman' on Saturday night and fell asleep during the show. Not my favorite, although the friends I went with were so much fun and we had a great time with them.
I'm tired. School, work, the gym, and finding time to relax is taking it's toll on me. I need to rest, really rest. Chicago seems WAY too far away and I need a break.
We had all the wood removed from the front of our house and changed to stucco. It's not even painted yet and it already looks 1,000 times better.
I don't feel well today, and I think it was something I ate over the weekend. I'm not hungry and haven't eaten anything yet and it's already 12:30pm...very unlike me.
I can't wait for the next cold front to come to town.
I can't wait to go to bed tonight. I love sleep.

Book Review: The Shack

2009-01-29T13:29:00.002-05:00

A fictional story, written by Wm. Paul Young initially and only for his 6 kids, is about one man's journey from grief and anger to reconciliation with God. I have been reading a lot of reviews online about how this author doesn't get a lot of things right...or aligned properly with the Bible. I am certainly not going to try to pick it apart here either.
All I can say is that I did enjoy the book. It started off slow and I had some difficulty with the personifications of the Trinity, but I read on past those things to just enjoy the story...and I did. It was sweet and there was healing and hope. Did I say I liked it? Jen is going to read it next (and my Dad was the one who first read it) and then we will pay it forward.
I only read the 66 books of the Bible as truth, everything else is just opinion. Everyone is entitled to theirs...even the really smart people who are 'experts' in their fields. I am expert in nothing. I excel at things like:
-Saying something I shouldn't in front of people who don't understand my humor.
-Needing to use the restroom when there is not one in sight.
-Day dreaming.
-Spending money (in my head) on things I can't afford (and don't need).
-Waking up at 5:45, just 8 minutes before the alarm goes off.
-Clipping coupons
So you see, all I can say is that I read and finished the book (which is an amazing feat in and of itself) and I liked it. I recommend you read it, if for nothing more than the opportunity for us to discuss it further.
Hugs and Kisses and Happy Days...

Silver Lining...I see you

2009-01-27T11:45:00.003-05:00

OK, so I am so cool that I drive a stick shift, yet less cool because it's a 4-door Sedan. Over the weekend I noticed it became VERY DIFFICULT to get the car into gear. I didn't really think too much about it until this morning, when I couldn't get the car out of 'reverse' and into '1st' gear when I was leaving for the gym. Crap, just what I need...another $1000 car problem. I knew it couldn't wait any longer so I brought it into the dealership. The guy calls me an hour later and says something like..."blah, blah, blah, master cylinder in the clutch..blah, blah...Slide cylinder and draining all the fluid, small leak, blah, blah...hydraulic system, ready by 3:00pm...$558.25 before taxes". Double crap. This kind of stuff usually happens when I have just come into some money (3rd paycheck in a month, twice a year) and in this case it will be my much anticipated tax return check. Perfect timing!!! I was going to pay off the last of my new bed and another bill to be DEBT FREE! Here's hoping that I can still do that and pay off the car.
Then I get to work to see an e-mail about tonight's Love Bags and how some friends and strangers of mine are going to go around to some of my homeless neighbors in Fort Lauderdale and bring them food, water, sweatshirts, and the love of Christ. PRIORITY CHECK?! All I can think about is how I am not going to have as much money to spend while in Chicago to ultimately blow on high priced food and wine and these people are sleeping on concrete.
Now I can start to see it and it is actually starting to blind me. I got up this morning out of a brand new bed with freshly washed sheets, put on brand new sneakers, drove a car with a half tank of gas that I own outright to a gym to work out while listening to my ipod with brand new songs. Then I got back into the car and went to my Dad's place to take a HOT shower and get ready for work, called my boss from my brand new text-friendly cell phone to say I would be late and then went to the dealership. Then I got ride to my well paying job by my loving father only to open the Love Bags e-mail. It really puts it all into perspective, doesn't it? All this time I am complaining that I have to fix this problem, yet in reality, I am blessed that this is the biggest challenge I am faced with today.
Thank you Lord, for every single thing you have given me...every opportunity, and every blessing. Thank you most for my lunch that you allowed me to purchase ingredients from Publix and cook in my kitchen. Thank you for my ride to school and my CORE quiz at 4pm and my ride home. Thank you for allowing me to see the silver lining well before I fell into the self made hand-crafted pit of woe I almost finished digging. I love you the mostest!

My Weekend

2009-01-26T10:11:00.003-05:00

First off, my Anatomy professor kind of sucks. The guy has a doctorate degree and he pronounces enzyme as EMZYNE and all I can think is "Hey guy, if I have to call you Doctor So-And-So then I expect you to get the little stuff right." He's also exceptionally boring to listen to, and let me tell you, at 8:00am on a Saturday I need a little inflection in my professors voice when he's talking about the joys of Cellular Chemistry.
Publix was predictable, nothing to mention there. I did make some curried chicken (Monday potluck) and stuffed peppers (Greek style) and went to a fun party for Cara's graduation. Even with a splitting headache, I laughed myself silly, almost pissing myself in the process. That is my gauge of how good a time I am having, the amount of urine that could (or does) end up in my pants.

Now, I have skipped a line to tell you about 'The Wrestler'. In a word, heartbreaking. In two words (one that I just made up), heartbreakingly fantastic. Mickey Rourke lived up to the hype and then some. It is a story about how, with a lifetime of choices a man is given, his decisions led him to his current state. The plot is similar to many people's own lives, just substitute 'washed up pro wrestler' with another profession. It was painful, with no Hollywood ending in sight, yet it captured me and never let go. This guy deserves every good review that comes of this movie. There is nudity, violence, and several 'F' bombs and I overlooked all of that to get to the meat and potatoes of the story. In reality, you couldn't have one without the others. If you see this movie, tell me what you think. So far, the only person I can talk to about it is my sister, which is cool...but, she feels the same way I do about the movie and I am always open to other opinions.
Next movie is Slumdog Millionaire...can't wait.

Renaissance Woman

2009-01-23T14:16:00.002-05:00

I like to think that I live a very cultured life, when in fact, it's pretty mundane with an occasional bit of excitement thrown in for good measure. I love many different kinds of movies, including but not limited to; foreign films, classics, comedies, and thrillers (think anything with Morgan Freeman). I love music, including classical and opera, old school country, jazz and anything that Cadillac Records put out, good old rock and roll and songs about faith that bring to my knees. I love wine and good food (think gourmet on a budget). I love to travel and write and dream and take pictures. All these things make me feel like the modern Renaissance Woman. Now I know that doesn't really make that much sense, but it's how I view myself.
This in no way, shape or form, leads me to my weekend plans.
I have the regular stuff, school, Publix shopping for the upcoming week, and church on Sunday. I also have some fun stuff planned...a party for a friend who just graduated college and.....drum roll please...I am going to see 'The Wrestler'. I have been routing for Mickey Rourke to make a comeback right around the time he started sinking fast while boxing in his South Beach nightclub. This guy used to be the 'bees knees' in the mid-80's, far too long ago for me to appreciate him. I recently saw one of his more popular films and while he wasn't Oscar-worthy in his acting skills, he was easy on the eyes. When I heard he just got nominated for Best Actor Oscar for The Wrestler, I read up on the buzz surrounding the film and I knew I had to see it. Next weekend is 'Slumdog Millionaire'. I want to see them both this weekend, but I think I am going have to let one really soak into me before I see the other one, because I have a gut feeling they both are going to be...THAT GOOD.
I finally saw 'Persepolis' at the suggestion of a friend almost a year ago and it was really good. Google it, because it's too much to get into here. I will be back soon with a movie review and I hope your weekend is as good as mine.

When I grow up...

2009-01-21T16:37:00.002-05:00

When I was a lot younger (Elementary School) I had pretty high hopes for my career, including but not limited to...Astronaut (the thought of potentially donning Depends to wreak mischief on my pretend lover's REAL girlfriend now leads to thank myself I didn't pursue that one) and President of the United States (It could happen, maybe...someday). Then I got to High School and wanted to be a Doctor (I didn't "apply myself to my studies" and therefore never thought I was smart enough), SNL Feature Player (back in the Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, and David Spade days), Stand Up Comic (have you ever heard me try to retell a joke? It's like giving a cat a bath), a Published Author (does it count that I publish myself online?) and a Broadway Dancer (I love to eat too much and was afraid of failure). Then I got to college and started working in travel, taking Business classes and I just wanted to finish school. That's when I wanted to be a Travel Writer. Then the Food Network came on TV so I thought I could master that too (although I was never formally trained and was afraid of failure) or be a Restaurateur (do you know what the failure rate is there?). Here I am now, on the brink of turning 32 and I am back in school so that I can be a Nurse when I grow up. I can take your blood pressure and turn you on your side in your bed, and if you need assistance to your wheelchair, I'm your girl. I still want to be on SNL (or at least write for the show) and deep down inside, I know that someday my 'big break' is going to come. When that happens, whatever I end up doing will not feel like work because I will love it...and deep down, in the deepest and most quiet parts of me...I never want to grow up.

Yes we will...

2009-01-20T13:14:00.002-05:00

That is all I can say at this point. No, I didn't vote for him...but I will be praying for him. I don't want to see him fail either, contrary to what everyone I have spoken to about the election may think. Politics is all about choosing the 'least worst' candidate for any given office. Same thing goes for the POTUS. I do want change in this country. REAL CHANGE. Not change for a dollar, not spare change, and not just a changing of the guard. This is the hardest job anyone can do and to think for a moment that I (or anyone else for that matter) can sit back as an armchair quarterback and shout out plays from the sidelines is ridiculous. I have already seen him age more than the 2 years it took him to get to today. When everything is said and done, he is going to have even more gray hairs. President Obama...make me proud.
On a lighter and less politically charged note, however, intertwining all the while with the events of the day...what a great day this has been so far. The weather kind of sucks. Gray and overcast and kind of cold and getting colder by the minute. We may be in the upper 30's tonight which never happens here so it's a big deal. I went to get gas in my car after the gym this morning and the pump stopped on $21.00 exactly! Loves it. I have school tonight and I am not ready for the quiz...again...but I will wing it and hope for the best. This is life. What can I say?

1-13-09

2009-01-13T13:10:00.002-05:00

This is going to be a totally jumbled mess of thoughts...very much like the way I normally think when I am not writing it down. So I am smack dab back in the real world. I've been to both of my classes once and I am going for straight A's again. I forgot how much time school takes up, namely the time on the weeknights I would have spent watching The Biggest Loser or American Idol. Tuesdays are definitely the worst because I am up before 6:00am, gym, work, and school goes from 4 - 10pm. Yep, 10:00pm on a Tuesday night. The worst part of it is that tomorrow morning I have to be up again at 6:00am for the gym.
Happy Birthday to my little-big girl Tyra. She's 12 years old this month. I was never sure about her exact birth date. I hate clipping the nails on her back paws because I am afraid I will draw blood and I also think she is going deaf, which is hard for me to deal with. She's 12 and I know what the life expectancy for a large dog is and how the decline begins. Very morbid stuff, I know but that's the circle of life. She still thinks she's a puppy and that's all that matters.
I already have one of my New Year's Resolutions crossed off the list, and that actually happened on the 9th. Jen and I are going somewhere we have never been - CHICAGO - for an event we have wanted to go to since I became aware of it's existence - TASTE OF CHICAGO! I got a good deal on NON-stop flights (thank you Spirit) and now I have to find a cheap and luxurious hotel (a little ironic, don't you think?) My traveling life revolves around the places to eat in a city or country so I will be hunting all the cool restaurants and pubs for us to visit. Any suggestions???
Damages (on F/X) came back last week and it is one of the best written and acted shows on television. Totally worth staying up until 11:00pm for...what am I, 79 years old?
Last but not least, is it weird that I want lick my Lean Cuisine container completely clean after finishing the Fettuccine Alfredo? I mean, there's only 280 calories in there and I want every single one of them. Is it even stranger that I want to drink the leftover Ginger dressing from my salad at the sushi restaurant?

I like big butts....

2009-01-07T13:19:00.002-05:00

Hallelujah and Praise the Lord! It doesn't just look good, but it's good for me!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,477434,00.html
I happen to be one of those girls with a generous amount of back-side and now science is also "behind" me (pun intended).

1-6-09

2009-01-06T09:38:00.002-05:00

So many things to say and so little time to type them...
Teddy and Teresa welcomed their BEAUTIFUL baby girl into this world at 3:41am this morning. I am beside myself with glee and I can't wait to meet her! I start school today...again (4:00 - 10:00pm). Time flies and before I know it I will be posting my cheesy graduation picture online. Jen and I are back on the hunt to buy a place of our own. It's time to MOVE OUT and have space to call my own. Besides, the market is working in my favor this year. Next - so a few years ago I read this book, 'He's Just Not That Into You' during what must have been some "omigosh I am single crises". They have made it into a movie with a bunch of actors including Drew Barrymore (personal celebrity look-alike). The funny thing about the book is that it's all true what they say about the reasons behind why men don't call, text, write you back. They are just not that into you...and that pretty much describes my love life to the chapter and verse. I am comfortably situated between 2 extremes most days. To the far left we have all the guys I would love to love who are paying zero attention to me and to the extreme far right we have all guys I wish wouldn't like me trying to pay all their attention to me. The more single women I talk to, the more I realize that it's pretty much the same for them too. What's a girl to do? Wait, I've got it...stop trying so hard!
There are 2 forces at work in my head most days. Force #1) The skinny workout, Marathon training, fit woman who reads Muscle and Fitness-Hers! and Force #2) The 'other woman' who subscribes to Bon Apetit, Food & Wine, and can't wait for the new episodes of Drive Ins, Diners and Dives to be aired on Food Network. Force #1 is winning today. I am glad that the holidays are OVER. No more champagne, cream cheese, baked spinach dip, cookies, or chocolate until Halloween please. I already have my costume picked out...wouldn't you like to know? Last but not least, this is just one of those random observations I have. There is no graceful way to exit a restaurant booth (or cab or limo for that matter) and I have finally come to terms with that.

2009...nice start

2009-01-02T08:41:00.006-05:00

Ringing in the New Year to 2009 was perfect. A block party with a couple of old friends and several hundred new friends. A live band complete with some of my all time favorite songs.

There is nothing more fun than watching about 50-60 white people dance to the Stones and Lynard Skynard.

I was proudly one of them.

My sister was the best date...!

I have been in the backyard now a total of 4 times to work on my tan and I still have 3 more days of vacation left to get just a little darker. I really do feel sorry for anyone who doesn't live here. Flip flops, tank tops, and blue jeans should be the world standard dress code.
A few things that I want to accomplish this year...
*Get accepted into Nursing school. *Pay off all my outstanding debts and then end out the year with no new debt. *Save some more money and start taking more pictures. *And last but not least...take a vacation to somewhere I have never been before.

I hope your New Year was awesome and that all of your wildest dreams come true this year. May God bless you and keep you in perfect peace!

XOXO

Reflections of....

2008-12-30T19:55:00.003-05:00

a life lived in 2008...and it goes a little somethin' like this:
I am one year older and in many ways wiser and even more ways less so. I have had many chances to get it right and sometimes I did...more often than not I did not. I have learned that it is best to stay away from fresh produce when vacationing in Cancun, no matter how nice the hotel and the service personnel are. No one likes to get two separate shots in the butt to stop from vomiting, #3, and fainting...just take my word on this one.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one of the most beautiful places I have ever had the opportunity to see.
No matter how bad the Buffalo Bills suck, I guess I am sucker because I love them in spite of their continuing dismal performances. Maybe NEXT year will be our year to go all the way.
Vanity license plates are kinda gay in a vain sort of way.
Drunk drivers suck, especially at 7:00am in the morning.
The Summer Olympics still inspire me to be a better athlete.
My sister is still my best friend, reflecting the best parts of me while still being honest enough about my crappy and ugly side.
I miss my friends from work and layoffs suck and the fallout is even worse, but thank you Jesus - I still have a job.
I discovered 30 Rock and now I know what all the fuss is about. Yeah, it's that good.
Britney is back and better than ever. What can I say, I route for the underdog.
Someone write a song like 'Butterfly' for me...(I am old enough to not be embarrassed about it) so have some ice water handy.
Today I got a suntan...the day before New Year's Eve. God Bless South Florida...

Happy New Years to you and yours. Kiss the ones you love and even kiss the ones you like even if it's only a little bit.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T14:20:00.002-05:00

I never thought that saying Merry Christmas would offend someone, especially when the name of the holiday is CHRISTMAS. No one seems to be complaining that they don't have to go to work, or if they do, they are getting holiday pay. Oh, I'm sorry...I didn't hear you? Are you still complaining?
I mean what is this day all about anyway? The birth of Christ. My Savior and yours.
I am looking at a wall of greeting cards on my office door with the following sentiments: Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays, and Holiday Greetings. No, it would not offend me if you want to wish me a Merry Christmas and I hope it doesn't offend you when I wish you the same. If you are Jewish then I say to you - Happy Hanukkah! I am Christian, so I would hope you wish me a Merry Christmas. Everyone is so worried about saying the wrong thing to the wrong people. I say that we should all just say what's on our minds and if someone doesn't want to hear it, then they can walk away. At least we would talking to each other more often.

Merry Christmas

I'm baaaaaack...

2008-12-10T16:52:00.004-05:00

Where have I been though, really? Right here all the time, just never making enough time to type something profound enough for others to read. You know it gets crazy up in my head sometimes...lucky for you this is not one of those times.

Let's see, what's been happening lately? Took my Chemistry final and nailed it to the wall...I have to wait a week to get my grade online. (side note: what did we ever do before the Internet?) I think back to the morning of my first class (after graduating college the first time 7 years ago) and I was so nervous. "What if I am the oldest one in there?" I got over it and am happy to say that I enjoyed the class.

Next. Work party. Exactly as you think it would have gone. I got to emcee the event which made feel special.

Besides, any excuse to have a microphone near my mouth is fine by me.

I am total ham (and yes, that's our company President)

Last but not least...cookie party in 3 days and I only have to bake 6 batches of cookies. Kill me now and bury me with the cookies!

How do I love this season?

2008-11-19T15:09:00.002-05:00

Let me count the ways...

1. Leaving the windows open in my car and my house.
2. Good hair days, everyday.
3. Baking...anything...for anyone.
4. Shopping for presents.
5. Cinnamon brooms in the produce section at Publix...just a whiff please.
6. Holiday scents including, but not limited to Apples and Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Christmas trees, hot cooked turkey and bourbon ham, fresh baked banana breads and cookies.
7. CHAMPAGNE...a toast anyone?!
8. Putting ornaments on the tree after going into the attic (which is cool enough to go into) to pull out all the decorations boxes.
9. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
10. Parties.
11. Eating.
12. The TRUE meaning of Christmas.

Whether you like it or not, the holidays are upon us full force. Don't pay such close attention to the Stock Market, instead pay attention to the ones you love. Don't spend a lot of money, but spend a lot of time.

Six Flags Atlantis

2008-11-12T11:08:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine sent me the 'Unofficial Website of Six Flags Atlantis and I just had to share it with you.
http://www.lucas-photo.com/atlantis/history.php
I was born and raised in South FL and I remember going to Atlantis every other Friday during Summer Camp at Sunnyland Summer Camp in Hollywood. This went on for a few years when I was in Elementary and Middle school. What a blast we had. We looked forward to it every time we went. Trying to shove all of my clothes into those tiny lockers, the wave pool, picking the everlasting wedgie out of my butt every time I went down the Thunderbolt, the tube slides and lugging that huge board thing up all those steps to go down that one ride near the far eastern end of the park (the name escapes me now). I remember walking through the candy store on our way out each time (under that really powerful fan) and buying those huge Jaw Breakers that I could barely fit into my mouth. I would also (at least once every summer) stub my big toe on the walkways so bad that it would peel all the skin off because I was running so fast to get the wave pool or the Thunderbolt.

PS) You can totally tell these shots are taken in the 1980's...check out the high fashion!

A jumbled mess of commentary

2008-11-11T10:41:00.002-05:00

I have a bunch of things to say and they do not necessarily fit together neatly in any way, shape, or form, but if you know me at all this will not surprise you and as you read on you will slightly turn your head off to one side as you smile just a little bit and think to yourself...that's my Lauren.

I am doing really WELL in my Chemistry class and the Lab. Really well!
I went to a baby shower on Sunday and saw a lot of people I haven't seen in YEARS and it was a blast. I think I am still slightly in my sugar coma (but it was totally worth it).
I am doing very poorly at my Marathon preparation...but when I think about running it in February, I always imagine myself crossing the finish line and mental imagery is 99% of it. It's true, I googled it.
I watch entirely too much TV, like to the point that I need to cut hours of it out of my life. What's more important, watching actors getting paid exorbitantly to act out lives that real people do not have (except Amazing Race and Top Chef - new season starts tomorrow!) OR living my own life, no matter how mundane and/or lively it is?
I can't wait to start REALLY redoing my mom's house. She has turned the corner and decided she wants to do it...now just what do we do first?!
I hate hearing other people's cell phones ringing in the office...Seriously, you can't just put that thing on vibrate and lay it on your desk? Instead, everyone has to listen to the theme song for The Little Mermaid everytime the IT Manager's Verizon phone rings. Dude, I know that you're a Dad, but The Little Mermaid song???
My goal is to reach the 200 song limit on this player I have set up on my blog so that I can listen to them every day, all day long while I work - for free.
The holidays are here and I am SO excited. I am going to try to perfect some new homemade gift recipes this year. I love to bake for the ones I love!
I am not ashamed to say that I didn't vote for Obama, because I didn't...besides, I love an underdog...but it is now time to get to the task of praying for him and Congress and the Senate to make godly decisions for this nation. We are still ONE NATION under GOD. Do you think once he knew he won the election that any point in time he said to himself..."Wow, I won...now what?"

Peace, love, and chicken and grease

New friends!

2008-11-06T15:17:00.004-05:00

Jen has an intern this year and we found out that her parents and grandparents live in our community. We were invited to a 'Neighbor Party' on Saturday with 8 other people who also live within walking distance from our house - SWEET!

The best part was that we got along with EVERYONE. They all have really great senses of humor and there were no dead or weird silences throughout the night...just amazing fun. I laughed and laughed until my cheeks burned and my stomach hurt. I made the mistake of eating dinner before going over there (it's the traditional Saturday night steak dinner) and wasn't hungry to eat any of the fabulous stuff that everyone made, although I managed to get a few jalapeno poppers in before the end of the night. We played Scattergories and dominoes and ate cobbler at 10:30pm.

It was 5 1/2 hours full of fun and the next one is scheduled for December 6th. I can't hardly wait and I already know what I am bringing (does this surprise you in the least bit?) There are like 87 pictures of me in the album all with a smile on my face.

It became the goal to try to get me in a picture without a smile on my face. You know it's a fun night when your cell phone falls in the toilet (before you go of course)!

This is how nice these people are (Jackie, Willie, Cara, Joe, Eric, Ken, Libby and Karen)...they walked us home at 1:00am. We looked like the Gang of Scarborough walking through the middle of the street trying to keep our voices down - GOOD FUN!

Have you ever...

2008-10-27T11:23:00.002-04:00

got to singing so good while you are in the shower that you actually have to actively stop bathing yourself to finish out the song? You know, close your eyes and just let it wail?
I did yesterday.....
and I----eeee-----I will always love you----uuu--uuuu----I will always, I will always, love youUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!
And I rocked it. Whitney's got nothin' on me.

Billy Elliot comes to Broadway

2008-10-22T14:21:00.002-04:00

One of THE best movies I have ever seen is now on Broadway in NYC.

http://www.billyelliotbroadway.com/

Now I have an excuse to go back to New York, and I don't care that the tickets cost $127 each either!

Vacation

2008-10-22T13:02:00.002-04:00

Usually vacations are reserved for vacating one's own domicile in search of overpriced airline fares, hotel stays and bad food. Well, I decided against it at the last minute and I am happier for it. First of all (and if you know me at all) I was going to Boston on standby tickets costing only $75. But there is never a guarantee that you will make to where you want to go on time or whether you will make it home on time. As much as I love people watching at the airport (which is hands down THE BEST place for this past time) I would hate to be there all day waiting to see if I can get on the next Jet Blue Flight...so I stayed home. It was great. My sister was out of town on her annual St. Augustine trip with a bunch of 4th graders (God help her) so I took advantage of my 'alone' time. I cleaned out my closet, pulled some weeds, gave a huge bag of clothes (after it was inventoried) to Good Will, and made 2 of the most delicious meals I have made in a long time. The best part about experimenting is when the dish comes out better than you expected it would.
On Monday, I made oven roasted butternut squash and bacon risotto with grilled shrimp (in Italian seasoning, fresh parsley and lemon juice). I had to give the leftovers away because I didn't trust myself with them lingering in the refrigerator.
Last night was grilled tilapia with a fresh pineapple/soy/vinegar sauce topped with cilantro chimichurri and pineapple salsa. The sides were roasted fennel and fresh rosemary mashed potatoes topped with oven roasted Italian marinated vegetables.
I was really proud of myself, namely because I took inspiration from some recipes I found on the Food Network website, but really just made the meals my own with my judgement.

Tonight is is slow cooker Extra Lean Pork Tenderloin with fresh ginger, cabbage, onion, carrots, and the leftover pineapple sauce. The whole thing is going over brown rice. I am not too sure about this one, because there was no recipe and the crock pot is full to the top with food...

10.31.08

2008-10-16T17:00:00.006-04:00

I kind of secretly enjoy and hate Halloween all at the same time.
I love to dress up. I hate what the holiday stands for.
I love candy, especially the little pumpkins that taste like Candy Corn. I hate the undead.
I decided a while ago that this year I would dress up as Billy Mays, you know the OxiClean guy, just because he cracks me up and the thought is that I would ultimately make other people laugh. Besides, it's cheap and I am ALL ABOUT cheap, I mean frugal. I do have one burning question though...Why is he always yelling? Whether is OrangeGlo, Kaboom, Steam Buddies (got that one off of Wikipedia) or OxiClean, the louder you try to sell me on it is not going to make me buy it more. Is his target market hearing impaired people? Just turn the volume down and everyone will be alright.
But wait, there's more.
Since I work in an office (kinda just like Dunder Mifflin in many painful ways) I am obviously not going to dress up as anything remotely outside the boundaries of the dress code. Besides, any excuse to draw a full beard and mustache on is reason enough for me. Well, I am not in the mood this year. There is no one FUN left to party with and again I really do not like what the holiday stands for. So all you pretty ladies out there who want an absolute sure fire way to not get asked out by anyone at any parties you may go to on the 31st, take my advice and be the legend, live the life of...
BILLY MAYS. If you call in the next 7 minutes, we will double your order.
You're welcome.

Fall...

2008-10-15T09:31:00.003-04:00

Last night was the MOST beautiful full moon in the sky (I love them and how they light up the entire night) and it was breezy and just cool enough to get me into the season. Granted, I will never fully realize a true 'AUTUMN' unless I move north of Orlando, but it will do just fine. This morning it was even breezier and a little cooler. I just love it. It makes me daydream. Up north in Ohio (Aunt, uncle, cousin territory) they go to the apple orchard for cider and people tie dried cornstalks to their fences. I wish we could do something like that here. I am excited because I will be in NH this weekend and will hopefully get my fill of crisp, humidity free air. I will take pictures as well. Hopefully there are still some leaves left on the trees.

Hot chocolate anyone?

Getting away...

2008-10-14T12:19:00.002-04:00

I haven't been on a trip since Mexico, and the only thing that comes to mind when I think about that one was passing out in a wheelchair in the lobby on the day we left. I am a real party animal, huh? My friend finally bought her first house (I am admittedly a bit jealous) in Exeter, NH last year and has been begging me to come see it for over a year. So she sent me a Jet Blue Buddy Pass and I am going to try to get on the 5pm flight this Saturday. I am starting to get really excited. At first I didn't want to go because it will throw a wrench in my routine, but now, as each painful moment at work passes by I become more and more ready. Say a little prayer that I get on both flights (gotta love standby travel) and that I find the black and white Red Sox cap for Jennifer (just don't tell her I am getting it).
Oh yeah...I really think I did well on the Chemistry test. I am such a geek, I actually like getting an 'A' in the class and I secretly battle the smarter than me woman who is getting a better grade than me. I know, I know...an 'A' is an 'A' right? But I want the BEST score.
Calm down Lauren.

Better Day....

2008-10-10T14:52:00.003-04:00

Slowly returning to my old self. It feels really good. I will be back at the gym on Monday and I am more focused on what is happening right now. I am not dwelling on the former things...
Hopefully I will ace tomorrow's Chemistry test....

Blue...

2008-10-09T17:24:00.003-04:00

is how I feel.
I still feel like I am floating through each moment. It is really quite weird. I didn't really realize how affected I was by this accident until I found out that the guy who hit me was arrested for DUI.
CRAZY...
I can't study for my test this weekend. I don't want to work out. I am not hungry. I don't want to speak. I just want to 'be'. I just sit here on the edge of thankfulness and tears replaying the scene over and over in my mind. I really just want to get over it, but it's not that easy. This could have played out so differently and not for one moment do I pretend not to know WHO orchestrated the ENTIRE thing. A friend told me this morning that I was 'lucky'.
Not even close.
I made a new version of my 'famous' (at least in my own mind) banana bread, complete with raisins, coconut, and chocolate chips and at least the house smells wonderful. That makes me feel better. Spaghetti with sauteed peppers and onions for dinner...better still. I pray tomorrow brings a new feeling. Thank God I don't rely on those.
It's raining outside and the sun is still up. It's weird because it feels like the middle of the night. There's something comforting in that, as off the wall as it sounds.
I look forward to the sunrise...

Covered

2008-10-08T13:43:00.003-04:00

I really didn't want to go to the gym today. I wanted to sleep in and laze around until it was time to be at work. I decided against it and trudged my way east on 5-95 towards the I-95 S exit. I had just passed the I-95 N exit when...literally and instantly, a yellow Porsche was right next to me. As cliche as this next line will be..."It happened so fast", that I did not even have time to decide what to do next. He attempted to overtake me going at a speed of about 100mph (no kidding) and there was car in the lane to my left that was so close to my right front bumper that a motorcycle would have had problems getting through the space. The funniest thing (for lack of a better way to overstate the obvious) is that he NEVER SLOWED DOWN. This next part took all of 5 seconds to complete:
He just rammed the guy to my left and then proceeded to hit me and spin out behind me (engine catching fire for a moment...what?!), eventually hitting the concrete wall and landing in the emergency lane. $150,000 car...totalled. My coffee (which was in my right hand) splashed everywhere, but I managed to get it back into the cup holder (hands trembling). I was able to compensate my wheel just far enough to the left to keep my car from spinning out. I was able to pull the car into the emergency lane and put the hazards on and I kept my foot on the clutch so that I never stalled out. I did the obligatory "you're OK, you are not bleeding, the car is not on fire, you are safely pulled over" routine before calling in the accident.
I never doubted for a second the hand of God was on me this morning. My car ended up with very little damage compared to how hard I was hit. I drove it away from the scene. I am not hurt, not one little bit. No one in any of the other cars were killed...and that could have gone either way, because both people in the Porsche were hurt...3 broken bones is what was estimated. The kicker to end all kickers is that the guy that hit me was probably drunk. I mean, he was on his way home (at 7:10am) from the night before. EMS and the cop said he smelled like alcohol. No one can be up to any good with those odds.
WOW. Think about it and then just sit back in amazement.
100mph, 3 cars, 5 drinks, and I walked away untouched.
I am covered by the precious blood of Jesus and today my angels took charge over me and I was protected. In the midst of all that could have happened, I was at peace in my soul. And yes, my family flashed in front of my face momentarily when I first got hit and I have to be honest and admit that I am still shaken up over this. I don't even feel like I have been at work today, it feels more like a dream. I never did end up at the gym either. Next time I will just go and hope for something else.
Thank God for the people that put my little Honda Accord together. Thank God for not getting hurt. Thank God for my insurance company that has made getting these repairs done the easiest part of this whole ordeal. Most of all, thank God for the blood of Jesus that covers me every day and protects me mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and PHYSICALLY!
AMEN.

GO BILLS

2008-09-25T16:04:00.003-04:00

Number 1 in the AFC East and one of only 4 (I think) teams still undefeated in the league. Keep kicking butt all over the nation boys...I am cheering you on!

Two-a-days

2008-09-24T15:26:00.002-04:00

Getting back into a desirable shape has it's ups and downs. One thing I have noticed recently is that I have hit the dreaded "plateau". Thirty-five pounds are gone and not forgotten...but now I am stuck...right...here. As a result I decided to add Spinning classes back into my routine. That means that in addition to my regular morning workout, I added a Spinning class 2 nights out of the week. The first one last Thursday went really well. Then my alarm went off the next morning at 6:00am.
"Exhausted" is the understatement of the decade. It felt as if I had been dragged behind a bus and left for dead. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to physically do...attempt to get out of bed on 9/19/08. The pain in my crotch (excuse me if you will) was an entirely different experience altogether. I got wise to that and purchased a gel seat before yesterday's class. All I can say is "Thank you Jesus, for the person who invented those." I actually enjoyed the class and had ZERO trouble getting up this morning. The side effect is that I have noticed more changes in my body...yeah!
Side notes (In random order) -

Chemistry class is going well. I think I aced the first test if he curves it, and if he doesn't, well, my score is none of your business. I am acing the lab.
Why do people breathe heavily into the phone? Can't they hear the wind they are making on their end of the phone? I spent 30 minutes with the I.T. guy from payroll yesterday and it sounded like he was speaking to me from the Dania Beach pier. Pull the microphone away from your nose and face please.
I am SO excited for the holidays! (Yep, already...I am)

Classic

2008-09-15T17:05:00.003-04:00

I checked out this church last week and they played the "updated video" version of David and Goliath before the message and it reminded me of all the crazy spoofs the guys (Adrian and Jon E.) used to do at CRCC. I almost fell out of my seat so I had to share the love...

Weighing in...

2008-09-08T12:48:00.002-04:00

I thought about how I wanted to title this blog entry and I kept getting stuck on "losing weight". I really despise that term. Every time the scale goes down 1 lb, I don't ever want to find that pound again. Historically and pathetically enough, I always seemed to find those lost pounds...many, many, many times over.
Well, I think that this time has been different. Getting into shape has never really been the issue for me. I could do it very easily, but, I would always find myself creeping back up that dreaded scale again. It was like an "all or nothing" ON/OFF switch that I would flip depending on how desperate I was at the time to either slim down or pig out.
Through this latest adventure (and what a ride it has been), I knew that I had to look at myself from the complete opposite angle...the inside. What makes an "all or nothing" person when it comes to food? The age old question. Each day I think I am getting closer to answering that question, although I know that only God holds the ultimate and complete answer. I have been wracking my brain since I realized I had a weight issue to answer that question and here I am 15 years later without THE answer. Since I am FAR from perfect this side of heaven, I know that will not 'arrive' if you will, until I pull up to the pearly gates.
Five months ago I was absolutely and unequivocally miserable. Climbing ever steadily UP and UP and almost completely away on the scale, losing a little piece of me along the way. I became almost unrecognizable to myself, isolating myself from the people, and feelings, and things I love. That seems like so long ago and so far away now. I pray that I do not forget the person I used to be because I don't want to go back to her. She was sad and angry and self-pitying...my own worst nightmare of me.
Today is a much better day and these are much brighter times. I can shop at Express now, albeit only in their tops, but the pants will come in due time. I enjoy getting dressed up for work, Publix, school, church. I look forward to going out again and seeing my friends. I don't spend all my hours obsessing over food and how bad I look.
I have gotten rid of 35 pounds to date. I weigh myself much less than I used to. I still enjoy every single thing I love to eat. I exercise 5 times a week. I like to look at myself in the mirror again and I am starting to stand up straighter.

Bring on the holidays...

The simple things...

2008-08-31T19:17:00.003-04:00

It has been a very challenging month (give or take 2 weeks) and it has led me to this revelation...
Sometimes I want to go back to the simpler things in life.
To sum it up...
I had to watch 2 of my closest friends get laid off from the company I work for because the owners are cutting costs (plus 21 other people who I love and have missed terribly since 8/1) and I am still there, typing and stapling and filing away in the silence that used to occupy their voices.
It's hard.
It made me think about a job vs. a career. I am tired of having a job. What do you do Lauren? Well, I am an Office Manager in a company that sells All Inclusive Vacations...a J.O.B. When I think back to what I wanted to be 'when I grow up' it was a nurse. So after saying tearful goodbyes to loved friends I decided to back to school and become one, just like that. I am 31 and starting college all over again. I was worried I would be the oldest person in my Chemistry class, and it turns out I am probably on the younger end.
I got very sick recently (including a fainting spell while sitting in a wheelchair in the hotel lobby), while in Mexico on vacation with my sister and very close friend...
NO ONE wants to get sick in a foreign country, let alone Mexico. The only thing worse than that is coming to the decision that you will allow a doctor with very broken English to inject two different needles full of medicine into each one of your butt cheeks. He kept saying the problem was metabolico and I finally gave in. The only thing worse than THAT, is having your sister push you in a wheelchair through the Cancun airport while your 4-month pregnant friend (oh, I didn't mention that before) wheels all 3 pieces of carry on luggage behind you...a LOW point.
That sums up the last 6 weeks...a lot going on. And if you know me, you would agree.
That brings me to the apex of this post. On my way to school on Saturday, I had to go through a Turnpike toll plaza. I am probably one of the last people to buy a Sun Pass (which I am not proud of) which is the single most ingenious invention ever created for FL tax payers. It was one that only cost $.25 and there was an EXACT CHANGE lane. I totally forgot about those. I remember when I was little and my Dad would drive up just past one so that either I or my sister could throw the quarter into the big white plastic basket from the back seat. He would always have one extra quarter ready for us in case we missed. Well yesterday, I had exact change, and I pulled into that lane and threw it in, on the first try. It took me right back to those days in that old rusty colored Ford LTD (with the upholstery that would give me knee burns if I slid across the backseat too quickly) when we used to throw the quarters into the Exact Change basket and...
I smiled to myself.

Magnet for the WRONG men

2008-08-21T17:23:00.002-04:00

For purposes of this post, let's say that I have this friend, and her name is Mauren (*names have been changed to protect the ACTUAL person involved). Mauren is super-cool. Attractive...pretty even, good hygiene, pee-your-pants funny, kind, loving, giving, an awesome cook, intelligent...you get the picture. Now Mauren is perpetually single and has been for a some time now. She isn't looking for someone on the bar scene (can you spell C-H-E-E-S-Y?) or at the Hard Rock (yucky gross guys) or at work (married or gay guys). Mauren loves being single, too, although she is not counting out the day that 'the one' comes around. She is just enjoying every day to it's fullest and living life.
In the meantime, however, she is being bombarded (keep in mind she has been single for a few years now) by the weirdest, off-the-wall guys. For instance (and this is the TRUE part)...the guy who works in her local Publix bakery. The biggest problem with this (aside from having no attraction to this guy whatsoever) is that Mauren has to see this guy EVERY SINGLE TIME she goes to the bakery for her weekly black & white cookies and pizza dough (which rocks by the way) and it gets very awkward. She always says hello to be nice. He finds her in the produce dept (remember, he works in the BAKERY) to tell her that the cookies are still on the truck or at the end of aisle 4 to say that the cookies will be ready at 2pm. Seriously? She will check back at the end of the shopping trip, she doesn't need up-to-the-minute text messages. To make matters even more comical, the girls in the deli always crack on Mauren when she comes by for her weekly 1 lb. Deluxe ham order...to the tune of something like "Girl, you need to bring your mace with you when you come in here. That guy is a stalker"...No, not at all awkward,
My favorite most recent example of the 'wrong guy' that Mauren told me about was "Johnny". Johnny works out at the same gym as Mauren (again, a potentially awkward thing as she will run into him potentially several times a week). Mauren is young and tall. Johnny is 22 years older than Mauren and about 1/2 foot shorter than her with REALLY bad teeth. Did I mention that teeth are really important to Mauren...shortness really isn't? Johnny's outfit of choice includes a red sweatband on his head, a sleeveless T-shirt, wrestling shoes, and 80's inspired weightlifting pants. Johnnyasked Mauren to guess his age, which she could not bring herself to do and then Johnny happened to mention that he has more stamina than a 20-year old and that he teaches Latin dancing. Why mention these 2 things? Seriously...is she supposed to do some really quick and cryptic math about how old guys are well...you do the math.
And to answer his question, 'No' she is not giving him her card and, 'No' she doesn't want a flyer for his dance classes....

Seriously?!

2008-07-26T12:55:00.003-04:00

I try not to go to Boca Raton unless it's a medical emergency. Enough said.
I was there last Saturday and decided to hit the Town Center Mall on the way home, since I was already 30 miles out of my way. I don't normally see people with their pets out in public, especially in Davie (unless they are riding their horses), so imagine my surprise when I looked up from the Sale Rack of shoes in Banana Republic to see some woman uncomfortably lovingly stroking her small dog while she thumbed through the linen pants. Seriously? First of all, your dog doesn't want to go to the mall with you unless...1) there are other dog butts for him to sniff out or 2) there is food for him to eat.
Secondly, your dog would rather be at home, on top of your bed, with his butt firmly planted on your pillow, waiting for you to come home in just enough time to jump off the bed (you will suspect nothing) and greet you as you turn the key in the door. Your dog DOES NOT want to go shopping with you. He doesn't understand why you are holding him like a baby while you look for that cute little V-neck in your size. He would rather be licking himself in the privacy of your bedroom while you are not home. All he wants is more food, another walk, and fresh water.
To all you people who think it is even 'cuter' to put your dog into a 'doggy stroller' so that you can push him around the mall because it makes you feel like you have a baby. God made dogs with 4 legs, that's 2 more than you (and no one is pushing you around the mall in a stroller) so that they can transport themselves to the next place to take a whizz.
By the way, your dog does not need clothing, of ANY type...God put a fur coat on the dog so that he is appropriately dressed for EVERY OCCASION. The dog does not need a silk bikini with a cubic zirconia tiara and little leather booties...you are just humiliating the dog and he is going to walk around like his feet are fire in them anyway. You are only the person who is amused by this.....
PS) I don't want YOUR dog fur on my new linen pants.

Food Network, I love you

2008-07-13T11:01:00.005-04:00

If it wasn't for Food Network, there would be so many things that I did not know. I would not be the cook I am today. I would not know how to make a Peanut Butter Bomb Cake (which changed my life)

or honey-drizzled Gorgonzola crostini. I wouldn't know that a water bath keeps a cheesecake from cracking every time or that you can put a cheesecake into the middle of a red velvet cake and have the best two really great worlds.

I wouldn't own a microplane, a lemon juicer or a Kitchen Aid mixer. I wouldn't know the secret to REALLY good salsa that stays fresh for 5 days or how to roast any vegetable (I like brussel sprouts now) to make it taste heavenly. I also would not know how to make killer prickly pear margaritas (although I got most of that from a really nice waitress at The Canyon), banana bread or bourbon ham.

BIG food love to Food Network...thanks!

An honorable mention goes to Food and Wine magazine. I still don't know anything about wine, but I can sniff it and swirl it before drinking to make the attempt look a little more polished.

Pretend you are listening to the theme song for JAWS

2008-07-09T17:18:00.002-04:00

I have 2 words for you.....SHARK WEEK***** Starts on July 27th...
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/sharkweek/sharkweek.html
Live it, Love it.
Sharks are on a short list of things I love that can hurt me, although I have always wanted to be bitten by one (and survive it) so that I would have more interesting stories to tell at dinner parties and holiday celebrations.
The rest of the list includes lightning. Love it, love to watch it...but don't want to touch it.

Google Love

2008-07-07T13:38:00.004-04:00

I love Google. I love to google anything and everything I can, including myself (a whopping 782 results for my full name). I found the prize-winning essay from High School that won me a $500 scholarship (which I used for spending money on my Senior Class Trip). http://www.radiantpeace.org/rpea/95hsess.htm#1

I also found information on the 50 year Anniversary Celebration of the St. Marks Lutheran School (where I graduated 8th grade)...the awkward years. Those happened to be the only true websites with information on me.

Then I decided to take out my middle name (got 6440 results) and found info on the 2007 A1A Marathon and Domain Manager stuff (another perk to Office Management). Again, 2 websites.

So there you have it folks...Google rocks.

One more picture from Jackson Hole:

Random Comments

2008-07-06T19:56:00.004-04:00

In no particular order...this is what is on my mind.

I saw 'There will be Blood' and I was not that impressed. It WAS good, don't get me wrong, but it did not live up to all the hype. Daniel Day Lewis was creepy and very good in that way though.
I NEED my own space and vow to buy a house....quickly.
Animal Planet is playing the 'Blue Planet' series and today was "DEEP". I always have to laugh when the scientists say the Earth has been around for like 150,599,000,000 years. I don't understand how you could not believe in God after seeing what He has created...even the fish in the deepest parts of the sea.
Rolling ball pens (in a fine point) are one of the best inventions ever created.
As soon as I get my 'Marathon Mix' started on my ipod, I can start running. Does 4 miles on the elliptical machine each day count????
I really don't want to go back to work tomorrow. I'd rather start running...at noon...in the rain.
I think I am going to go back to school for Nursing. Office Management is NOT AT ALL what it is cracked up to be...I have a little more in me than just bi-weekly payroll and the monthly Birthday and Anniversary announcements.
Only 25 days until Mexico...thank you Lord!
My work PC got upgraded to Windows XP (finally) and I lost 456 songs downloaded from my personal CD collection to itunes. Now I have to listen to other people in the office in place of good music.

Weddings rock

2008-07-06T00:00:00.004-04:00

Tonight I went to the wedding of a pretty good friend of mine (from work, who I have known for over 6 years) and another co-worker....a double wedding. This is the first double wedding I have been to and let me tell you about the first thing that sucks about that - 2 wedding gifts. I loaned my mom out (she is talented in two ways that I am aware of now...1)nagging and 2)kick-ass organist.... to play for the wedding and then wondered if an additional present, I mean presentS should be bought. I phoned it in with Publix gift certificates - NO SHAME. The wedding was a blast. Everything was en espanol...not a bad thing really, and I could tell everyone was watching the "white folks" when they put on the Michael Jackson records. I moonwalked....and what?!
I was able to share it with like literally...two other gringos...Between the drinks, the dancing, and the social commentary...I didn't know whether to pee in my pants or do the moonwalk again. I am off to dream about better things but I leave you with this....

1) What is up with the guys who go running in jean shorts? Knee length denim shorts for men (and women for that matter) is a questionable fashion choice to begin with and I could not imagine what a man is feeling as he runs down the street (in 100% South FL humidity) in knee length stone washed denim. Hey guy - they make shorts specifically for the activity...take a trip to Target. It's not rocket science.

2) What is up with the rubber (excuse me everyone) balls that people hang from trailer hitches on their F-150 trucks? We all know you are getting really bad gas mileage and that you don't care because you are driving a big bad truck. We don't need to see the male anatomy hanging from your license plate to prove it.

Jackson Hole Pics

2008-06-30T16:06:00.005-04:00

These are some of the best ones...
Are you kidding me? A better driver than most in FL!

Hidden Falls (3 hrs round trip and 5 miles) SO WORTH IT!

Jennifer in all her glory

A very important epiphany

2008-06-29T18:41:00.007-04:00

Last night I was watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory which is one of my favorite movies of all time and it finally hit me...I now know who Charlie Bucket looks like.....

Jon Bon Jovi...as an adolescent.

No need to thank me. I know that you often wondered who that kid looked like, and now you know....

You're welcome...

A thousand times

2008-06-29T18:03:00.003-04:00

Rarely are there movies that touch me the way this one did...and rarely to the core of me. Such is my experience with "The Kite Runner". Now I am not going to comment on the war or the President or anything of a political nature...however, this movie ended with an amazing line and I just could not....
Stop crying. Like I cried at the end of Cinema Paradiso (my sister had to physically hold me for several minutes). That is the kind of movie experience I want to have every time I rip open the tape of the next Netflix I get in my mailbox. Folks, if you want a movie to make you think, feel, and really ponder the important things in life, then this is the one for you. I can't even put into words how it moved me, in so many ways. See it and then tell me you don't feel the same way...and if you don't...well, then we need to talk, because I am not sure you are TOTALLY, I mean totally human...

Please, if you have seen it or decide to see it as a result of reading my rant here, please let me know what you think...

Tonight is "There will be Blood" ...rock on sucka's!

Oh yeah, and HAPPY 4th!!!! Another 4 day work week!!!!
WOO HOO!!!

Jackson Hole, WOW-oming

2008-06-23T16:18:00.005-04:00

Well, I got back LATE last Friday evening from the MOST amazing week in Wyoming (which I never would have thought I would say). I am writing this in the color of the sky the ENTIRE time we were there. This place is like nothing I have ever seen (and I get around). The Grand Tetons are the MOST amazing mountains and the weather was PERFECT all week...the week before they had over 6 inches of snow.

We hiked 5 miles (mostly upwards) to Hidden Falls which took three hours and most of my reserved oxygen...and it was well worth the hike. We went horseback riding, whitewater rafting (Captain Ron is crazy good), went through Yellowstone, saw Old Faithful and a bunch of animals and did more hiking. I took like over 270 photos (Teresa would be SO proud) which I PROMISE to download before we go to Mexico. I PROMISE!

I cannot say enough about the beauty of this place. No trash or billboards and the ratio of men to women is like 10:1. And they are cute granola guys, let me tell you ladies.

The pictures will be coming soon...and I cannot WAIT to go back!

Disgusting Work Revelations

2008-06-05T11:10:00.004-04:00

OK...so I am all for 'appropriate bathroom time' but this is out of the question...

On the way home yesterday, I decided to use the restroom first (no telling how slow 595-W will be at 5:45pm) and the ladies room was in use. I opted for the Men's room (people do it all the time here as they are single bathrooms) so that I could get out of the office as soon as possible!

To my surprise and utter horror, I see both the Business and the Sports section of yesterday's paper on the back of the toilet. I understand 'light bathroom reading' as much as the next person, but that should be relegated to the privacy of one's own home and NOT the work toilet. It just really kinda got under my skin for whatever reason. Gentlemen (and ladies)...PLEASE take your reading material WITH YOU when you leave the loo...

For the sake of us all.

Amazing New Products

2008-06-03T19:32:00.003-04:00

Since Teresa is really the only person (love you sister friend!) who reads these posts, and since I was scolded to add a new one just today...my new mission in life (which will change with the direction of the wind) is to come up with photos of interesting things. This may include, but will not be limited to, interesting people, signs, animals, objects, and other interesting (and mostly pointless) bits of information.

Today is the BRAND NEW invention of DRY BABY baby dryer. All you have to do is gently wrap your cooing infant into the PATENTED loosely tied cotton poly blend dryer bag that comes with the unit. Gently place the baby into the unit and turn the unit 'ON'. The baby will bounce to and fro until completely dry...

There are no adverse affects to the baby after the cycle completes, namely because the inside of the unit is padded with cotton balls and cloth diapers.

Contact me for ordering information...Introductory price is only $399.99.

Accessories (such as baby powered scent inserts) are sold separately

Small Changes...Big Difference

2008-05-22T10:07:00.004-04:00

So...I have been bugging my mom for like 2 years to get off her behind and start updating our house. We have ugly popcorn ceilings that we are going to change to knockdown and we are finally going to paint the walls a color other than antique white. I have been living with antique walls since I was brought home from the hospital.

Thanks to Bob (the guy that knows everyone in Hollywood and at least something about most things...not to mention KILLER ham and eggplant parm) we finally got a guy out to look at the lighting in the kitchen (and change those NASTY florescent lights to pretty recessed lighting). Bear in mind this is the very first of many steps to come with regards to the kitchen, however, it has made a world of difference and now we are even more energized and excited to get the rest of the projects going...and we even have a dimmer switch. I am SO excited!

Enjoy.

Live for Today

2008-05-17T19:26:00.004-04:00

Lately (and as I grow older) I have realized that while it is important and VERY GOOD to plan for my future, it is even more important to live for today. The only thing I know is that I have today...tomorrow is not promised to me. While I can see that my future is becoming ever brighter, I only have control of what I do today.
Life is funny, how it bobs and weaves. The second I think I have it figured out, it throws me a curveball. Funny is this thing we call life...what with elections and rising gas prices and wildfires and the FLDS. I really have enjoyed getting older, becoming more introspective on my life (all 31 years of it). Someone said to me once that I would spend my 20's worrying about being everything to everyone (which I did) and that once I hit my 30's I would settle into 'ME'. So when my 30th birthday rolled around last March, I thought the divine light switch would turn on and I would somehow be 'enlightened' about who I "really was."
NEWFLASH - That didn't happen.
Then I turned 31 a couple of months ago and I realized if I kept going the way I was, my life wasn't going to change. I have to 1) Make a decision in my head about how I want things to go and then 2) Take an action to get them going in that direction.
As I read over (for typos, because I loathe spellcheck, and for grammatical errors) this entry I feel the weight of my words. Also, I realize that these are the thoughts in my head. Good or bad. Accepted or refuted. This is me. It has taken me 31 years (and some months) to get to know who I really am and to put 'me' out there for all of you to see.
I know one thing above every thing. I am forgiven. Lock, stock, and 2 smoking barrels. The rest is runoff. My Savior, my Father, my Comforter, loves me for exactly who I am...imperfections and all. The only thing I have control over is me and what I decide to do with these moments in front of me right now.
Am I going to choose correctly???....God give me the grace, the serenity, the courage and the peace to do just that.
That PEACE that passes ALL understanding is so freeing...I pray that you have/find it now.

PS) Not one spelling error in this one (It's kinda like getting the answer to FINAL Jeopardy correct)

77 days until Mexico!

2008-05-15T19:41:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again...when we plan the Annual Girl's Trip. This will be the 2nd Annual Mexico stay and after getting an e-mail from Teresa this morning with an official countdown, I am not embarrassed to put it in writing. The weeks seem to flying by this year (I cannot believe it's almost Memorial Day) so I am sure I will be posting pics of the trip in no time. I can't wait! I am so thankful that I have a job that affords me the luxury of reduced Travel Industry rates.

I am thankful for many things much more important than that in the grand scheme of things. Jesus, Salvation, my family, my friends, health, a job, a car, a home, every next breath, living in America, laughter, dreams and hopes, and the promise of an abundant life.

Lately, I find my thoughts drifting towards the things I am most thankful and grateful for. I choose today to focus my energy on what I have and not what I want. Thank God for Friday!!!

2008-05-13T17:21:00.003-04:00

I saw a guy in the gym this morning with an obvious toupee. Seriously guy, you are not kidding anyone...and isn't it really hot and scratchy under there? Besides, what does it smell like after a good long workout? I enjoy admiring it from afar.

Let's see, what else? A pretty uneventful day today, other than a 3-hour long meeting at work that almost made me want to rip my toenails out one by one. Here are a few of thoughts I had while in the meeting (I jotted them down so that I could recall them for you)
1 - Pretend like you are paying attention.
2 - Listening to someone talk who you don't want to hear.
3 - Wishing you were somewhere else.
4 - Vacations...coming soon!!!
5 - I can't wait for this meeting to be over - 44 minutes to go.

Notice the obvious lack of concentration and immediate downward spiral into daydreaming (see #4). This is me...I have an amazing ability to instantly lose focus on things that just don't interest me. What was I just talking about? Enjoy the picture below. It's from Halloween a few years ago, but it is classic Lauren. MUAH!

I'm bringing sexy back

2008-05-13T14:38:00.001-04:00

Every time I look at this picture I laugh out loud - hopefully you will too!

Why my life is funny....

2008-05-12T22:05:00.001-04:00

My cat - Meow Meow

Noteworthy events??? Questionable

2008-05-12T21:51:00.002-04:00

So today was Monday and those aren't usually at the top of my list for favorite days. My body was slow going at 6:15am, but I did make it to the gym, and thankfully no one farted. Life is measured in the small victories.

Then I got to work, and this blog is not specifically about any particular events at the workplace, but I can say that each day becomes what you want it to be...what you choose to make your perspective towards it be. Now, here I sit, watching a guy with only one leg complete the Eliminator on American Gladiator... another perspective shift. Lord, never let me forget how blessed I am each, with each and every breath. I pray the make most of each of them!

One other funny thing to note. I had an appointment this evening near work, so I brought my dinner with me to my Dad's house to eat. It's nice, because he has chosen to go the year without any TV so I am forced to do other things. One of those other things was to trim his eyebrows. This guy has four hairs on his head, but the rate at which the hair on his face grows is amazing. If I could figure out a way to harness that technology...boy oh boy. But the funniest part is this - he starts giving me pointers on how to comb up the hair with the little brush to trim them. I am sorry, but the VERY LAST PERSON I will ever take beauty advice from is my Dad. Tapered jeans, shirts from Griffs Western store, and yes ladies...a black leather fanny pack. There is not one thing I can do about it either. He's totally cool with it. Next time you see him, look for it. It might be under his fishing t-shirt, but it's there....
Gotta love the parents!

Later peeps

Awesome Weekend

2008-05-11T09:46:00.002-04:00

This has been a great weekend so far...why, you ask? Well, yesterday, Jennifer, my Dad, and I all went up to Jupiter (the Loxahatchee River) to Riverbend Park and we rented single person kayaks and went up the river. We had lunch before leaving and saw some cool wildlife - a peacock, a gator, an owl, and some jumping fish. It felt like I was on a middle school field trip. Totally awesome (yep, I am bringing the saying back from 1985) time. We always have fun together. As usual, my dad found a way to sabotage any progress I had made up to that point in the trip. Upon launching my kayak down a steep incline back into the water, he dumped me over into the water. He says it wasn't his fault and that I was unbalanced. Jennifer said he pushed me in. The best part was there were people waiting behind us to launch their canoe out...
Then last night, we met Pam and Bob at the Grand Opening of Crown Liquor in Pembroke Pines for a wine tasting event. Note to self...those things are not all they are cracked up to be. I must say though, that the people watching and wine snobbery makes for endless hours of interesting fun. Pam and Bob make it all even more fun. I am thankful for great friends.
Today I sit in the kitchen anticipating the day's coming feasting events. It's Mother's Day so I gotta hook it up for Mom-dukes. Bourbon ham, potatoes and asparagus...and you all know the best part about a dinner with asparagus...right? I digress. So I am going back to downloading more music to my cute little ipod.
Peace out.

Random thoughts for today

2008-05-06T12:07:00.005-04:00

I plan to write in this thing every day (if I can). You may not want to read it and most of it is pointless rambling, but it's mine and I embrace it for that alone...so here are some very random conversation starters (or enders)...

1. I never understood the phenomenon of nurses who smoke. Did you not learn anything in school?

2. My dog eats anything, including duck and cat poop or anything that resembles food or packaging that food was in at some point in time.

3. People with really bad breath tend to be close talkers...and unformtunately, not sugar-free gum chewers.

4. I hate it when I get the chills just after I shaved my legs. The hair starts to immediately grow back and it happens EVERY TIME! All the work was done in vain.

5. People watching is the best - especially at the airport, the beach, or just driving down the road.

6. 'The Office' - I work in my own version of it...and most of it is right on the money. Except there is no one resembling a 'Jim' here...figures.

7. Mexico - The sun, the people, the food, the margaritas - Ole!

8. I love to cook! Especially for people who love to eat. Better than that, I love to watch them eat it and wait for the expression on their face to change.

9. My sister - In 2 words...Rock Star

10. My ipod nano - I got it for Christmas and am still figuring it out/downloading songs, but it is like a soundtrack for my life. ACDC needs to get in on itunes already. They have a couple really good songs I could be working out to by now.

11. People who drive miles upon miles with their blinker on. Is the music up that high that they can't hear it or are they completely deaf? Oh, no... wait...they're Canadian. They will eventually turn left.

12. I work out early in the morning at the gym and I do 30-45 min of machine-based cardio. For all those people (it's that same uppity lawyer guy every time) who fart while on the machine right next to me (while I am trapped there) YOU SUCK. Take a dump before you leave the house please, for the sake of the rest of us

13. Lake Titicaca, Peru - that's all I have to say (google it - it exists)

I am running a whole marathon

2008-05-05T12:05:00.004-04:00

So I finally decided to bite the bullet and run an ENTIRE marathon. In 2007, I ran the A1A Half Marathon, which was the hardest physical thing I have ever done. I guess that wasn't enough so I thought I would try to completely put myself into running torture and go for the gusto - 26.2 miles.

I really do not enjoy (not like runners do anyway) running for the sake of running, however, I have always wanted to run a marathon. Go figure.
I think of it as my best shot at overcoming a physical demanding challenge that many people will never attempt. I am ever chasing the 'above average' bubble to pencil in for myself. Since I am never going to make it the US Olympic team, this is my best shot at a medal...and bragging rights.

The race is not until February 22, 2009 but I am saying this out loud now. The more people who know about it, the better off I will be. Start praying for me now. My knees will need it. And if you can make to the finish line and drag me over it that would rock too...

I am going to start looking for a really good charity/cause to run for as well. In 2007, it was Broward House (http://www.browardhouse.org/) a worthy cause. I will most likely be asking everyone I know for some money as well...so start saving your pennies.

Martha Stewart = Boring Brilliance

2008-05-01T17:01:00.004-04:00

I think that jail did do her some good. She seems to have a spring in her step now, smiles a little more, and looks like she is actually having fun with her guests (and her newest sidekick Emeril Lagasse).
I have loved her since I realized I like to do crafty and baking kind of stuff (somewhere in Middle School). I used to do all these projects she would come with for tiny pieces of paper and ribbon and give them away at Christmas time...
Every time I see a commercial for her show, I am totally tricked into watching it. I think to myself, WOW...Martha has a pretty full show today, let's watch. Then I start watching it...and five minutes into the show I look like that guy sitting next to me on the Jet Blue flight to Boston who fell asleep with his mouth open. I realized that the entire show can be summed up in the 30 second commercial for it...Please let me also note that she never lets anyone get a word in edgewise.
I have decided to stick with searching her Archives online for stuff, because frankly, I have better things to do with ANY one hour of my day.

I carry your heart with me

2008-04-30T15:50:00.000-04:00

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart

(i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings