Sorry...

I'm pretty busy and haven't had the drive to post in the past few days. So, I apologize for that.
I'll try to post some day this week. I know I'm a loser. There is a Thanksgiving weekend post on back-log. I'm waiting for the most appropriate time to finish up.

Love,
Lauren

Thanksgiving and Family

Hey everyone. I realized on my way home for Thanksgiving last week that I forgot to wish all of you a nice holiday! So---I hope you all had safe, fun, and food-filled Turkey Days! I had a fantastic weekend in Maryland and would love to share some highlights with you. I think that a four-day weekend is too long to write in paragraph forms so I'm going to be doing bulleted facts and things about each day. Hope that is good enough.

Wednesday Night:

• Bus to airport was so crowded, took a cab with three random strangers
• By a miracle of God, my plane was on time
• Went to Stained Glass Pub with Nick, Jess, Becca, Paul, Jared and Sam.
• Drank Tequila and Beer
• Sang Karaoke with Paul to a Britney Spears song---tons of crowd support
• Saw Eileen Kennedy at the bar. Time has not done her well.
• Drunk txt messaged Jared

Thanksgiving Day:

• Woke up, made stuffing, helped my mom. Minimal hangover.
• The crowds came (Stephanie, Cem, the crazy lovable boys) and the party started.
• Maire and Peter also came. :) Good times.
• Played with Berk for SO long. Practically all day.
• Berk Story: My mom had just carved the Turkey and Berk looks down at his plate full of meat and says, "Where is the Turkey?!" and my mom was like, "It's on your plate!" and then he says, "Na-uh! This is chicken!" and then proceeds to laugh hysterically for 10 minutes.
• Was stuffed, more playing with nephews. Alp and I watched this movie and Berk did too. It was cool. It was a wrinkle in Time. Remember that book from like 3rd grade? The book is way superior.
• Went to be eventually. Adults played apples to apples later on that night.

Friday after Thanksgiving:

• Family trip to the Air and Space Annex---so awesome. Saw all these amazing planes and stuff.
• Saw a rocket at the museum
• Ate lunch at Jerry's
• Hung out with Leah, Biggs and Jay. Biggs told me that I was dark and cynical in a lot of my emails. I had hurt feelings, but everything turned out OK in the end.

Saturday:

• I honestly can't remember what I did during the day at all. It is sad my memory is so bad.
• I probably took like 40 naps.
• Went to Blair Bar Night with Becca and Leah
• There were crazy peeps there, like Julia Tate, and Margaret King. Also like a bunch of people who graduated after us that I can't remember right now.
• James drove me home

Sunday:

• Again, I can't really remember what I did except I flew home.

God bless Turkey Day Weekend!

Love,

Lauren

Weather and Messages

Man. Today is freezing. I was literally dying on my way to work. I had a hat, scarf, and gloves on---the whole works. I wore a skirt today. I always pick the WORST days to wear skirts. When I wear one---it's either freezing or raining. If you see me wearing a skirt, be sure to bring your umbrella or heavy coat. It's a great predictor of the weather. And yes...I've already thought of "tricking" the weather by pretending to wear a pants, and then at the last minute, switching into a skirt on my way out the door. I'm already ahead of you on that. And no, it doesn't work.

We also have to take a minute to talk about the weather in general, other than in relations to my skirt problem. I was reading this article this morning in New York Magazine and it was all about the weather in New York and how it's going to be in the next five years. Read it HERE. I was pretty much having heart palpitations at my desk about how scary some of the parts were. One part mentions how it could flood so bad in New York, b/c of the weather and something called the AMD and also El Nino---and the way that New York is shaped and the rivers and stuff---would exacerbate everything. The city would be split into two islands, above Canal street and the rest of Upper Manhattan. They said that all public transportation would stop, tunnels and everything would completely be submerged and water levels as high up at 96th street could reach like 18 feet. W. T. F. Anyway, read it. It's depressing and eye-opening at the same time, regardless of whether you believe in global warming or not. (but I have to say if you don't believe in global warming, you are an idiot) I don't mean to be Debbit Downer about it---but it's a very interesting article. :)

All of a sudden my stomach really hurts. I was definately having some digestive problems yesterday after work for some reason. It really sucked. I feel better today. I also went to bed early which was smart since I have felt sleep deprived for the past like---lifetime.

I have a few personal messages to people---that I don't think can really qualify as "shout-outs" per se, but still, I think they need to be addressed:

1. Susannah: I think that we have a one sided relationship. I know that you read this and know everything that's going on with me but like---I don't know what is going on with you at all. I know this is a direct result of our non-existent verbal communication. I just want to let you know that I'm thinking about you and that I hope we can hang out at some point. Also---have a great time in Spain with Izzzzzzz. Tell her I said, "Hola".

2. Becca: I'm happy you are continutally reading this. I'm sorry you are doing dry until finals, but I guess it's something that you feel you have to do in order to do better. That's cool. But there is one thing I won't promise: I will not. I repeat: I will not, do your shot of tequila that Nick buys for us "unexpectedly". I can't wait to hang out with you!

3. Darren: I don't know how often you read this or anything, but it makes me happy when you sometimes write comments out of the blue. Thanks. I love and miss you.

I'm really excited for out Blair get together on Saturday night. I hope a lot of people show up. I think the email is being passed around a fair bit. If you read this and went to Blair around the same time I did----come out to Steve's Bar Room in DC on Saturday night. It is a guaranteed good time.

I wish more exciting things happened to me last night. I talked to Leah on the phone for the first time in like a century. It was great. "Hi Leah!".

Oh---I noticed that a lot of you have been asking me offline about the whole "anal sex" thing from yesterday's entry. Let me just tell you that I'm going to tell you in person and not on the blog. It has nothing to do with me not wanting to write about it but more b/c the conversation between Jess and Magic was long and complicated and I don't feel like writing about it.

Ah---one more day until Thanksgiving vacation.

Love,
Lauren

Friday and Daniel Craig

I usually try and post on Monday's and hopefully I'll be able to finish up an entry today. I'm in a really good mood and I'm hoping that work isn't too busy so I can write something of substance today about my wonderful weekend. Anyway, Friday night was really really fun. At work Tessa, Sarah and I decided to go clubbing. I was walking home and thought i'd ask Jess if she wanted to come out. I figured that we hadn't been dancing in a while and that she might like it. So we finally touched base. She wanted to come. We were going to this place called "Stereo" around midnight.

I had this lame Sons of Norway thing that I was in charge of at like 8pm at Metro 53. It was pretty cool I guess. I met this really cool girl Diana who goes to NYU Fine Arts for Art Conservation. Anyway, we live right by each other and also both grew up in Maryland. She went to Walter Johnson. Small world huh?

After that, I went home to chill for a bit before the club and then get ready. I headed out the door. I was going to meet Jess at 53rd street so that we could take the E together down to Chelsea/Meatpacking. Tessa, her two roommates and Sarah met us in a cab a bit later when we were already standing in line. We got in with a discount. Of course the drinks were expensive. I decided to get a Long Island Iced tea to maximize my money and get more alcohol in one drink. It was worth it. Then we headed to the back of the club to get our groove on. One random guy noticed us and asked us if we wanted a private table with free drinks all night. Obviously we said "Yes." Then he took us to this back corner where the alcohol was free and flowing like a waterfall. Figuratively, not literally. We danced the night away. It was really really fun. Finally, and got knows what time, we decided to head over to Lotus b/c Linlee knew someone there that could also get us a table and free drinks. We pretty much had the hook up all night. So we get there---pay no cover and skip to the head of the line. Once we get inside we realize instead of Lotus we were actually in a sardine packing plant. It was so crowded. We could barely move. I went to the bathroom and by the time we got out, we were leaving b/c Linlee couldn't find her friend anyway. Jess fell down the stairs and that was pretty funny, but I was drunk at that point and couldn't really fully appreciate the hilarity of it.

So lotus blew and we walked across the street to Gaslight. By the way, Gaslight was the place where 008 went before we had dinner at Pastis when they all came up for SS05 in 06. It was even MORE fun on Friday night (if that's possible). Meatpacking is fun if you go at the right time in my opinion. We get in and start dancing. I didn't even get a drink here. It was like 3am now and all of us were still going strong.

Upon immediately entering the bar these two weird jewish guys started talking to us. One was butt and the other one was too--Tessa was like---ew, stop talking to him. And I did. Anyway, the other one was named "Magic" and Jess apparently gave him her number. He CALLED HER THE NEXT DAY. Honestly, there is a funny story that goes along with this but like---it's way too long and drawn out and I've already written a butt load already. You can ask me or Jess to tell the story how about that? Key word is: Magic and Anal Sex. :) Does that peak your interest?! Ha!

Jess and I left finally and walked to the subway, passing a crowd of drag queens and a bunch of guys working on the new Will Smith movie. I believe I tried to make small talk with them about how they should tell Will Smith I really like him, but I'm still not really sure. We caught the E train b/c Jess won't take a cab until she is sedated and doesn't know she's in one. I just rode it with her all the way to Queens and when I told Tessa she said, "Wow, that's agressive." But really it made the most sense. It was like---stay on one train or----transfer to the 6. Which one do you think I'm going to choose?!

I woke up at noon. I had a headache, but it was the good kind of hangover. Jess was not feeling so well. I just watched Discovery Health in the living room until she woke up. She barfed. She felt better. I left b/c I couldn't wait any longer to go to the diner. She said she felt too sick. Of course there were no trains running into the city from Jess's stop so I had to go farther into Queens and then come back---that took forever. By the way I was wearing jeans, boots, a old hoodie, no bra and my eye makeup looked like a raccoon. It was a disaster. Anyway, I finally got home, showered and chilled for a bit. I made pasta, it was delicious. I did a few errands but mostly I just layed around. I did nothing. I was too tired and still was hungover. I was supposed to go watch the Michigan/Ohio game with Tessa and Friedman at like 4 but I had to bail b/c I was so tired/sicky. It was probably better that way.

Sunday morning I woke up, headed over to Central Park for the "Race to Deliver". It was a 4 mile race. I haven't been running as much as I was before so I was nervous I'd be really out of shape and exhausted while running. I was ok actually. There were a lot of parts that were uphill and that was annoying. I had to use a lot of energy to get through those but I finished. I walked home, and got a bit cold. Then I showered, changed and then headed down to the village to have brunch with Kelsey and Jess. Kelsey and I waited outside of 7A Cafe for a while. We had to put our name in and Jess wasn't there yet (shocking....just kidding Jess I love you) . Finally we got in and sat down. It was so warm and toasty in there compared to the frigid November outside. I had a GREAT brunch. I got steak and eggs, everyone's bacon, yummy toast, and delicious salad. I ate every last bite of it.

Jess and I walked around for a while. Went into the Crate and Barrel to look for some things that i didn't find. Jess ran into a friend of hers from college and we chatted a bit. Then we went over to Kips Bay to buy tickets for "Casino Royale". We got tix and then had to wait for a while since we were early. To buy time we hung out in Borders for a while reading this book called, "would you rather?" It was quite hilarious. Then we waited in line at the theatre so we could get good seats. We sat right in the middle at the perfect level.

I want to have sex over and over with Daniel Craig. He is the sexiest man alive. I really can't handle him. I almost couldn't handle watching the movie b/c I was getting too riled up. I can't even type how hot he is. Is this the way that guys feel about Angeline Jolie? OMG----I would give anything to do him.

Ok---sorry that was rated R.

I should just stop now.
Let's get to work people!

Love,
Lauren

Smell and Vikings

Yesterday sucked. The entire day was crazy as shit. The best part of the day was BY FAR----when Mike and I got goodburger for lunch. It was delicious. It's a new burger joint that opened right by our office and everyone was excited to try it. I'm glad I did. The meat was fresh and delicious. But...as a disclaimer, anyone who plans on going there anytime soon allot like 30 minutes to go b/c the line is out of control.

Anyway---yesterday I had a mini conference call with Marcy and Mary Alex. The call was about assistant directing and everything. They were totally supportive and awesome about everything. All while giving me honest feedback. Now THAT's what I'm talking about! So, it was great. If you are reading this---thanks guys! (although I know they don't read this)

I swore that I had something interesting to write about today. Let's think hard about it. Well...yesterday when I came home from work I walked in my apartment and it smelled like 100% disgusting trash. I thought that I had forgotten to take the trash out. I was right, but usually when the trash is smelling, it gets REALLY bad when i go and try and close the trash bag and everything. But, it didn't do that so much this time. I sill thought it was the trash though. It turns out that it was the gross dishes in the sink. Oh---and it still smelled this morning b/c I didn't realize that is still smelled in the apt. after I took out the trash. You know...sensory adaptation.

It's going to wreak when I get home from work today. Yikes.

I'm in a really good mood today. Don't really know why. Maybe b/c it's Friday.

Tonight I have this "Young Vikings" happy hour tonight at 8 at Metro 53. If you want to come---please do. I hope people show up. If people aren't there by 8:30. I'm totally bailing. I don't know why in the effing world I volunteered to be the head of these people. Oh wait...I know. It's b/c I can never say no to anything.

Ok---must go.

Love,
Lauren

X-Fish and Thoughts

**See updated weekend post. There should be a few good stories there.**

I have so much to write about this morning. You all should be really excited. I guess I should go in chronological order as to make sure everything makes sense.

Last night I hung out with Jim. We walked over to Petco and bought my two lovely fish: Juggernaut and Jubilee---my X-Fish. They are so friggin' cute! I named one Juggernaut, and he even has this cute little black "helmet". He is kind of a pig, he ate all of it before Jubilee could. Ah well...I love them. The tank looks so tight with it all lit up and everything.

After that, we ate pizza at the place on 86th and 2nd. And when I say "we ate pizza" I mean that Jim ate it and I just sat there. I wasn't hungry and my tummy was hurting. Then we went to our movie. We were seeing Stranger than Fiction. It was really really good. I suggest that you go and see it. Will Ferrell was really good in it and it was the first time I actually thought that Maggie Gyllenhall was remotely attractive. She was also really good and cute in it. Emma Thompson, was of course brilliant. One annoying thing though was that the movie theatre was FREEZING. I was like shaking in my boots (or shoes) the entire time. I mean, I know it's been warmer recently, but do we really need to keep the theatre at like 45 degrees? I think now. But---go see it. Then Jim walked me home and I told him we'd chat soon. Alas, this brings me to my next point.

In conclusion, I have to write about what's on my mind right now. It's Jim. I have been out with him several times, as you all know and I've spent significant time with him over the phone and things. I have been taking things slow with him b/c I didn't want to rush into things and also b/c I wasn't exactly sure how I felt about him. I had these crush like feelings about him, and I love talking to him and everything, but when push comes to shove. I really don't want to hook up with him. There isn't chemistry between us.

Problem: He likes me. I know it b/c he keeps wanting to hang out with me, blah blah....
I have to some how relay the message to him that I don't want to pursue anything serious or resembling a relationship where we will have to be hooking up. Read: friends. My co-worker Adam at work had the following advice for me. This is a conversation that we were having at work over IM. Names have been protected so that you don't actually know who Adam is. :)

07:45AM Lauren: i'm absolutely not attracted to him romantically. what do i do?
07:45AM Adam: what do you mean not attracted to romantically? isn't that the most important thing?
07:46AM Lauren: well, initially i thought i was.
07:46AM Adam: uh oh
07:46AM Lauren: when we first started hanging out.
07:46AM Adam: it's supposed to work the other way around
07:46AM Lauren: no---listen. i worded it wrong.
07:46AM Adam: ok then
07:46AM Lauren: ok---i like him a lot. but...i don't want to make out with him.
07:46AM Adam: is he not cute?
07:47AM Lauren: he's cute. actually. but----he just doesn't do it for me.
07:47AM Adam: does his personality and charm overwhelm this flaw
07:47AM Lauren: well, i was trying to figure that out....
07:47AM Adam: ha
07:48AM Adam: no point forcing anything, if its not there then its not there
07:48AM Lauren: and like---i've been in situations where i thought the guy was like "cute" before and then i got to know him more and then he got "hotter" but....i don't think this is one of those situations.
07:49AM Adam: well i think then you know what you should do, no point delaying the inevitable
07:49AM Adam: if you can't make out with him how are you going to date him
07:49AM Adam: we're busy people, don't waste your time!
07:49AM Lauren: ok mr. popular. listen...i already know all of this----:)
07:49AM Adam: haha smart ass
07:50AM Adam: then what's the problem
07:50AM Lauren: the whole letting him know about this problem.....is where it gets me.
07:50AM Lauren: what should i say?
07:50AM Lauren: like---"sorry i'm not attracted to you"
07:51AM Adam: just avoid it, i mean i don't know how serious you guys are, but don't hang out with him, kind of slowly eliminate contact
07:51AM Adam: thats what girls do to me
07:51AM Adam: it works
07:52AM Lauren: are you serious? you think that's the best plan? wow.
07:52AM Lauren: i thought you were going to say something like----"just tell him, he'll suck it up"
07:53AM Adam: not the best plan, it just avoids hurting his feelings and saves you from actually having a confrontation

So there you have it people. A boy that is suggesting that I be passive and non-confrontational. I've love your opinion about this. Obviously our conversation kept going but I was getting tired of highlighting the text and changing the color. If you were wondering---Adam is very cute and sits very close to me at work. He is one of the many boys that I have a office crush on. He happens to work in the same group as Matt, THE OC. Anyway----this is all beside the point. Dear readers, what do you suggest?! I this this stuff. I want to mention that Adam also pointed out that if we were sleeping together, which we're not, it would be a lot different. I agree with him though this small stuff keeps me up at night.

Ok---so now that I have written an serious/interesting/awesome post. I expect the same sort of comments.

Tonight I'm going to this gala thing with Bernadette at the Copa Cabana. Should be interesting and fun. And there is free booze and appetizers. *cha-ching!*

Happy Thursday!

Love,
Lauren

Fish and Annoying Eyes

Happy Birthday Kimmy!
Hope you have a wonderful day in Germany! I miss you!

Yesterday sucked. I woke up with pink eye and didn't go into work. It really sucked. Can I please reiterate how annoying it is to be so succeptable to that fucking thing? Anyway, I didn't get anything accomplished other than dropping off my clothes at the clearners and going grocery shopping. No, I was actually really happy about the grocery shopping. I finally have food to eat at home. :)

On Monday night when I got home from work, I chilled for a bit. I was going to go running, but of course I didn't b/c it was raining, but really a few weeks ago, the rain would NOT have stopped me. Anyway---I thought it was high time that I set up my fishtank. They say that you are supposed to set it up a few days before you put fish into it b/c that way the tank has stabilized and everything. It looks so awesome. It took a long time to fill it up with water. Way longer than I had anticipated. But now I have the filter running and everything it is looks amazing.

Tonight Jim and I are getting together to buy the fish for my tank and then go see a movie. We are either going to see "The Departed" or "Stranger than Fiction". I think at this point, I'm leaning toward the latter b/c it's not depressing and about death and everything. Ah well. I'm sure he'll be up for it. He's in charge of looking up times and everything. I should really email him now that I think about it. I'll be sure and let you all know how it goes. Just kidding. B/c I really like Jim I don't want to write too much stuff about him on my blog. First, he doesn't know I have a blog. Well, actually I think I mentioned it to him, but he doesn't know the URL or anything.

Poll: should I tell him the URL?

I don't think he'll disapprove or anything, but anyway I was just wondering what you all thought. If anyone still reads this thing.

Ok, must get to work.

Love,
Lauren

Folks and Meatheads

Sorry it's taken me so long to post this--I'm finally catching up on all the things I wanted to add, etc. :) Thanks for being so understanding.

It wouldn't be a family visit if there were no home-improvement involved right? Good thing we kept up the tradition this weekend! Friday my parents came into town. They even came up to the office. Everyone enjoyed meeting them and it was a cute and fun but thankfully short visit. After we left we walked up Madison Ave. so we could get some exercise as well as window shop. I think it's cool to look at the stores at night on Madison and 5th. It's like pretending I'm rich as if I could actually afford anything in those stores. There were some neat galleries up there as well.

They dropped off their things at my apartment and then shot the shit for a while until we figured out what we were supposed to do for dinner. There is always a big production about where we are going to eat. I didn't do my part and plan out anything, no reservations, nothing. So---I failed there, but one would think that a smart family like us could figure out something as easy as finding a place to eat right? Wrong. I couldn't find my Zagat's and then I was online searching for a place to eat on menu-pages. My dad started to complain about the time and so I was like---we'll just walk around then then we'll find something. I can't really explain to you how bad of an idea that is. Everytime we do this, we walk around until we are so starving and cranky that we end up eating at McDonalds. So, I vowed this wouldn't happen this time. But of course, it did. We walked around for a while and luckily we found a place close to my apt. that was yummy. It was called Annie's. I had the pork tenderloin. YUMMY!!!

Saturday---
We woke up early. Well I did, it's not usual that I wake up at 8am on a Saturday morning with no hangover or am not extremely exhausted. We were slow to get out, my dad took a shower and then while I was in the shower they went out to get bagels at H&H. I informed them that I couldn't go there b/c Manny was always asking me out and stuff and it became a nuissance. I decided that I could only go there sparingly and/or never.

We headed down to Container Store and Home Depot to look for something to hold my fish tank. I'd been literally sitting with an empty fish tank for over a month. It was getting a bit excessive. So----finally we found this thing that would hold everything. :) We dropped it off at my apt. and then we headed over to the Frick to see this Domenico Tiepolo drawings. They were incredible. We all really enjoyed the exhibit. At this point though we were starving and tired. We walked through the park and headed over to Carnegie Deli. My mom had really wanted to go there for lunch. We get there---stand in line and then proceed to order IMMENSE amounts of food. The portions are insane. We were all bursting at the seams after we left. We walked around a little bit and then decided that it would be smart to take the subway downtown so I could show my parents the village and the cuteness that it is. That was good----but then it started to get dark, I had to pee and we also were getting tired. We had walked all the way back to the east side---and took the 6 uptown back to my apt. We were so tired. We were also still stuffed from dinner. We relaxed for a while, walked around some more. Oh right, we went to PetCo to get gravel and plants for my fish tank that I was going to set up. The instructions said that you had to rinse off the gravel in a bucket that is 100% devoted to fish care. Anyway, we couldn't find a bucket. I had decided at that point that I would set the tank up on Monday night.

We then, got into out pjs and watched Harry Potter and drank wine. :) It was a good night.

Sunday---
Pop and I made one last trip to Home Depot to get some wood so that the furniture in my apartment doesn't lean since the floor is so crooked and ghetto. Then we got bagels and walked back home. We also stopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond so that I could buy a spice rack to eliminate clutter on my countertop. Success. While we were gone my mom thought it would be a good idea to clean the floor, and not like swiffer wet-jet the floor, but hard core pine-sol clean the floor. It smelled so lemony fresh. She also cleaned the bathroom floor and scrubbed my stovetop. I honestly, didn't even know that my stove could get that clean. Thanks Mom!!

We headed off to my football game. We were so confident in winning and beating the asshole SEC tailgaters that we were all flustered and everything and we lost. My first taste of defeat. It was horrible. We were very depressed so after I walked my parents halfway to Penn Station so they could catch their bus back and then I drank my sorrows away. Actually my team got pretty wasted. We ended up drinking a TON of beer and did some shots of Yaeger, etc. etc. I also remember eating this thing of herring that made my breath sink so badly for a while---me and Tim ate it. I have no recollection of who ordered it and why. Anyway----we stumbled out of the bar at around 6ish. Michelle and I live close to each other and we somehow were going to get home, although the method was not discussed. Justin was walking with us when Michelle went to the side of the road and started booting all over the place. It smelled and out of fear that I would start booting too---I moved away. It was then when Justin suggested that we come back to his place to rest up for a while before heading home. It was the best idea ever.

It is now that one should remember that I have a date with Jim for dinner at 8pm. It is now 6pm and I am very much passed out on Justin's couch. Michelle is passed out too, but not on the couch. She is riding the porcelin bus. Poor Michelle. I somehow by the grace of god remembered that it would be a good idea to set my alarm. I did for 7:30. I wake up and it's been going off for about 15 minutes. How no one else in the apt. murdered me is beyond me. I stumbled out the door at like 8pm. I txted Jim to tell him I was going to be late.

A few things:
1. I was still wearing my disgusting football clothes from the game.
2. I looked horrible
3. I was humgover/still a little drunk.
4. i was exhausted.

The fact that Jim wants to hang out with me again on Wednesday is a miracle. But it could just mean that I'm a badass.

He walked me to the subway and then we kissed goodnight. :) Then I went home and passed out.

Love,
Lauren

Metro 53 and People

Last night was super fun. Two of my co-workers were guest bartending at Metro 53, this bar by our office. Jo and I had planned to meet up right after work to walk over together. We were one of the first people in the bar and slowly tons of Lehman people started to trickle in after they were done with everything. Pretty soon the bar was packed. I was trying to make my rounds to say hello to everyone but the bar kept getting more and more filled. I was happy b/c I was drinking Blue Moon---which always reminds me of Wisconsin, b/c I think that's the first time I had it. Julia was sitting on the steps in front of her house in Madison, and was like---try it, it's so good. At that point, I was hooked. So---yeah, Blue Moon=Wisconsin.

At one point, I was walking downstairs to pee, they had an extensive downstairs and it was taking me a while to find where the hell I was supposed to pee. Anyway---

**side bar: I HATE when you go to a bar/club whatever and there is some random woman in the girls bathroom that has confiscated the soap and towels only so she can then pump soap into your hand and give you a paper towel for a buck. WHAT THE FUCK? I can't get my own soap and paper towel? How is this legal? It's so unfair. I never pay those bitches. I don't care if they are trying to make a living, it's not an honest living in my opinion. Find something that is a REAL JOB. I also hate how they try and sell you gum and mouthwash and everything. I'm sure that shit is poisoned.

On my way down the stairs I look over and see KATIE!!! She is randomly there with Karen. I mean, granted, she lives RIGHT by the bar and has every right to be there, but it still was random. Of all the days to be at the same bar as me. At this point, my brain was on overload with people that I knew in one place. I pretty much couldn't handle it. Then I guess Katie called Lindsay and she showed up too! It was super awesome.

Tessa finally got off work and came to hang out. We were shooting the shit, Berny too. Good times. Robbie was in the mix also. I finally decided it was time for me to leave, b/c I was drunk and it was getting late. I hopped in a cab home and passed out. *sigh* what a night!

Love,
Lauren

Jesus Camp and Sea

There is this one girl in my office that always wears really really low cut shirts and she has really big boobs. It's annoying. She's not even pretty. The funny/ironic thing is that she is Ukrainian!!! Anyway, I told her I'd been there before and she got all excited about it. But that was really the end of our commonalities. She desperately needs a haircut and a dye job----also just a major purge of split ends.

Last night was really awesome. I ran home, picked up my cleaning and laundry all nice and folded and washed and then I changed, talked to Jaxx on the phone for a while and headed down to the Village for dinner and movie with Jess. I really hadn't seen her for a while so it was going to be great to catch up with her. Now that she's in nursing school our hangout time has severely diminished. It sucks. I still love you Jess and I had a great time hanging out with you!!!!!

So----first we planned to go see the movie "Jesus Camp"----and independent movie. Pretty much is was one of the scariest movies I've ever seen. It was a documentary about this like evangelical (read: jesus freaks) summer camp for kids. It was all about those people that believe in getting "saved" and also about hell and stuff. The most frightening part of it was the fact that the kids were so into it. Like what are these kids going to grow up and think? It is depressing that they are so brainwashed about the ideas of salvation and how to live their lives. They don't have fun like normal kids, b/c everything is like sinning. It was horrifying. You should see it though, it's playing in some independent theatres. Check it out! But be prepared to get all riled up with every word the kids say! :)

After which, we walked around the village a bit to find a place to chow down. At this point I was hungry, but I had already reached my hump of starvation. We finally found this cute tucked away place called "Sea". It was like Thai fusion or something. It was DELICIOUS!!! I had this coconut encrusted salmon with beans in this delicious thai sauce. Jessica had chicken with veggies that was thai tasting. Yum-o-rific. We were stuffed and we walked back to the subway---finally ended up at home. What a fun night!

Love,
Lauren

Borat and Marathon

Yes I say Borat on Saturday with Annabelle and Jessica. It was hilarious---run...do NOT walk to the theatre to see it. After which, we headed back to my apartment and shot the shit for a while. I knew that I wanted to hang out with Jim that night so I didn't want to committ to anything serious with them. So, we walked down to Mary Ann's to eat some mexican food. It was so yummy. I was pretty much stuffed b/c earlier that day I had scarfed down some Chinese. I was set for a while after that. I came home and cleaned my apt. a bit more with intents of getting organized for the coming week. Clearly that stopped when Jim called and asked if I wanted to head up to the Big Easy for a bit, him and some of his buddies were up there. So, I took the hike and had a really great time. I met a lot of his friends and they were all really cool----you know what they say, looking at someone's friends says a lot. :) Then, he walked me home and we planned to meet up again on Wednesday. I like him. I hope things work out.

Marathon:
First and foremost, I'm 100% running in the marathon next year. I'm going to raise money for charity, etc. No matter what I have to do, I'm going to run. I can't wait. It was really awesome to see everyone on Sunday. I went over to Karen's apt. in the morning for some mimosa's and bagels. She even made blueberry muffins. Don't worry Karen, I won't tell anyone that they were they "just add water" kind. :) It was great. Her apt. is right on first ave practically so we could just look out the window and see everyone running by. We saw the woman winner and the pack of men as well. When I went downstairs to meet up with Laura, I passed Lance Armstrong running with his entourage. I couldn't even MEET Laura b/c there were so many people in the way and there was no human place for me to enter. So, I went back to Karen's apt. and chilled there, watched more people run by and drank more mimosas. :)

PureMeathead Posse Game Re-Cap:
So--yes, we won and beat the SEC Tailgaters. I HATE HATE HATE them! Let me just say that we started down 9-0 b/c we didn't have a ref for the 2pm game, cause we are retarded. Then---we were losing pretty much the entire first half. We were playing a man down too by the way---and then we started to come back. We had SICK defense and they only scored once against us. There was this old dude that was marking my friend Tessa like up her butt and he was an a$$. He was the most jerkoff of anyone on the team. Oh, they were TOTALLY maroon by the way. Then, we had this crazy interception and a breakaway downfield. We scored two times and then missed the extra points once. I think then it was 18-16 us. It was then like-----30 seconds left in the game. Our QB lobbed a nice one right into the end zone and was scored an extra f*** you touchdown.

BUT-----they complained b/c we crushed them and they said they didn't think we had roster players on our team. We had one dude that wasn't on our roster. So---we are going to have to forfeit. But in my mind we crushed them, we TOTALLY did. But in Zog's eyes, we are now 6-1,and so are they, but b/c they "beat" us, they are in first place and we are in second, which really doesn't matter b/c we are going to CRUSH them in the playoffs. It's funny b/c they think that we had like extra ringers on the team not on the roster, but they are going to kiss the title goodbye when they see our actual rostered team. We have some SICK players. we'll win. :)

But they blew. I hated them as a team. Especially that old guy.

Happy Monday!
Love,
Lauren

Recovery and Fame

Hi. I hope this blog message finds you well. I am so tired this morning. I got home late from my hot date and I want to crawl back into bed and stay under the covers all afternoon. I didn't even take a shower this morning, partly b/c I had taken one last night before the date and partly b/c I wanted as much sleep as possible. I'm even wearing glasses today too. Uhhhhhhhh...

TO answer a few questions people keep asking me:
The date was great. Jim is great and I really like him. I realize this may not be the detail that you hoped for in today's blog but I had a fab time with him. We are going out on Saturday night.

I'm just too tired to write a good entry. I'm so sorry.

Again, I'm famous---got printed in the Washington Post. Yep it's true!
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Dear Amy:

In response to people who have written in concerned about unhealthy snacks that are being offered after kids' games, I used to play soccer, and after games one mom or dad was in charge of bringing oranges and another was in charge of bringing pretzels or goldfish crackers.
These snacks were a hit. I know that my teammates and I always liked a little something after the game, and this combination offered just enough sugar and salt to satisfy us.

Lauren in NYC

I respond to those magical cheesy goldfish the way Homer Simpson responds to doughnuts: Yummmm. Goldfish. Oranges and pretzels or goldfish sound like a great postgame combination.

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TGIF everyone!

Love,
Lauren

Uneventful Post

I have to say that last night was truly uneventful. I was going to go home and then run but instead I came home, unpacked a little and then I got a mani/pedi. Went home, made zatarans beans and rice and watched Old School. Jim called me and we talked for a little bit. Then I went to bed.

Again, trying not to jinx this whole thing. I really like him.

Tonight is the night. Can't wait. Hopefully tomorrow's post will be very informative and positive!!

Wish me luck.

Love, Lauren

Phone Call and Apartment

This morning is glorious. I have to say. It's beautiful outside and I wore a skirt. I wasn't sure how great yesterday was going to be but it ended about 800 times better than it started. Let me explain why. First work was alright. I was eagerly pigging out on candy and having a fine day!
The only remotely annoying thing is that rent is due this week. And honestly that's not even really annoying b/c rent is due every month and it's not like I'm getting charged any different than usual.

I was finishing up my Norwegian homework toward the end of the day. I had some translations to do as well as some exercises. I was on a roll. I went over to 238 to change my clothes. It was hot outside. Not like the usual fall weather. It was such a great change. I also popped a frozen pizza in the over and then ate it on my way over to the Seaman's church. Class was starting earlier b/c Anita, my teacher had to go to a Halloween party. She was dressed as Henrik Ibsen. She looked cute. :) After class I headed back to 238, talked with Katie for a while. Mostly we talked about boys. I really hope her guy calls her. If he doesn't, I'm going to get Jim to beat his ass. Wait now we have to talk about Jim. But honestly, I don't really want to talk about him too much, just for a little bit.

All I'm going to say is that last night Jim called me at aprox. 9:15pm. We hung up the phone at 11:45ish. Yep. He's great. He's really great. Ok, well I don't want to jinx anything b/c I really like him. I am just going to chill and lay low for a while until at least our date tomorrow. Will probably (definately) do a little run down tomorrow afterwards.

My apartment no longer smelled like disgusting chemicals last night after class. I unpacked my room and bathroom and a lot of my living room and closet. The big bookshelf in my living room was just too much of a feat for me. As was the dishes that I have to wash b/c they are all covered in gross chemicals. That might take me a few days. I also want to spend some time and go through my things and giving things away and thowing things away. It's high time I do that. Especially for this junk drawer thing I have that is full of complete crap.

In other news, we got our championship softball mugs yesterday. They look tight! I put it right on my desk with the Brother Jimmy's gator sticking out of it. My halloween ghost basket, which I named Milton, is also representing on my desk today---full of candy.

Ok---nothing exciting happening at the moment. I'm gonna go.

Cheers & Love,
Lauren