I've checked out!

Ahh, my body is here. In New York City. At work. But, my mind is in Phoenix. At my parents house. With my friends and family. I leave tonight for the Valley and I couldn't be more psyched about it. I have plenty of things to keep me busy on the plane, but I certainly intend on taking a quick cat nap... Somewhere around Missouri...

Although I've been listening to Christmas music for weeks now, I've been told by some chums that apparently - it's just too early. Whatever. As I walking to work this morning, I was greeted by a sidewalk full of Christmas trees. Ahh, the aroma filled my soul and it was absolutely wonderful. I think it's officially time to endorse a jolly state of mind.

Happy Holidays!

Odd

(image via google images)

Isn't this odd? An anonymous individual returned two over-due books to Camelback High Library this past week, along with a check for $1,000 to cover the over-due fees. Mother, isn't this your alma mater? Ha. Ha.

Indeed, we are THOSE girls...

Tonight, we're seeing New Moon at Lincoln Center. It's downright MADNESS. We're surrounded by a lot of young people who are just as passionate about the movie as we are. However, they appear to manifest their passion in different ways. A lot of these folks are wearing fake fangs and have blood smeared on their  arms... And necks... and mouths... We're dressed in fashionable winter attire. Boots. And leggings. And scarves. (Oh my!) Hmmm.

Anyhoo, we're loving it. Deets to come!

Greeting Cards

I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but I'm smitten with greeting cards. They're so under-rated. Receiving snail mail is like an explosion of sunshine in the mailbox. Even sending them is a wicked good time. There's all this excitement between dropping it in your mailbox and wondering when your card will land in your dear old pal's mailbox.

Ahh, I love greeting cards.

And these, well these are cute and spicy all wrapped into one... And look, there's even a space to write a little love note...

Spring has Sprung (in November)

(photo via tumblr.com) 

I landed an externship for the Spring! Yessss! I'm a big kid, now.

(Kind of.)

Happy Monday!

Bad Hair Day

(photo via tumblr.com)

Gosh New York, you can be pretty brutal...

As I was walking to campus this past week, I was stopped on the street corner waiting for the light to change. I was joined by a young man who was walking his dog. It was still pretty early - 7:15a, perhaps?

The little dog started nipping at my feet, so I looked down and praised the dog for being totally adorable. And thus a wonderfully awkward conversation commenced...

Lauren: "Awhhh, puppy! Hi, baby! He's so cute!":::smiling:::
46th St Man: "Wow, you have a gorgeous smile." :::smiling:::
L: "Wow, thank you so much! It's only 7:00a and you've already made my day!" :::smiling:::
46SM: "Yeah, you have horrible hair, but your smile is really nice." :::46SM exits:::
L: :::WTF?:::

He walked away. And there I stood on the street corner totally baffled by what just happened. My hair is my one feature that I'm totally pleased with, 46SM! Whew, rough day. And it was only 7:15a.

Note to self: Welcome to New York, Lauren.

Mini Dance Party!

(photo via googleimages)

Ok, things are crazy... And, I have de-stress. The past few months, I've gotten into this silly habit of throwing a mini-dance party before I start off my day. I turn on a favorite song (whatever strikes me, really) and bust out a quick dance party. It turns my spirit all around and I'm ready to start the day. The song has to be fun and upbeat. I've been doing this every other morning, and let me tell you - it helps.

Today... I threw on 1901, by Phoenix.

The Fun Theory

The Fun Theory was established several years ago in Stockholm, Sweden as an initiative by Volkswagen. From their website, they capitalize on the idea that "something as simple as fun can change people's behavior for the better..." I'm all for this. Check out this vid (and more on their website!). It's so stinkin' creative! Can you imagine working as a staffer on this project? I'm no engineer - but man, I have a feeling this type of work is very rewarding.

I totally did this... In my head.

(photo via ffffound.com)

I was trying to come up with a fun way to show how excited I am that I recently (like... MONDAY) registered for my last semester at John Jay. I'm graduating with my master's degree in the Spring, my friends - and I'm so stinkin' excited about it. I'm taking two classes, plus my externship. I'm going to be a busy beaver, but it's going to be a wicked good time.

So anyhoo, I stumbled along this Beatles photo and decided - yep, that's exactly how I felt. :)

Nowwww, if I can just last until Spring...

Tiramisu Toffee Tort

My sister has gotten into the habit of sending over photos of the wonderful food my family is eating back at home. She knows I'm usually kickin' it on the couch with a bowl of macaroni and cheese and a glass of water. Doesn't this Tort look PHENOM? Both my mother and sister are fabulous bakers. Unfortunately, I failed to inherit this characteristic...

Thanks, Sister - for so spitfefully tossing some salt on my open wound... ;)

Tough Getting Outta Bed Today...

(photo via photobucket.com)

I took a CPR class over at the Red Cross yesterday. I spent nine hours kneeling over a mannequin. My legs are killing me. That is all. Happy Monday!

Best Burgers and Shakes

Ok, Hell's Kitchen burger joint - that's awfully bold of you...

Located on 46th street between 9th and 10th sits a little hole in the wall - "Best Burgers and Shakes." It's precious. Once you pop inside, several tables are backed up against the wall and a small counter guards the kitchen. It's not a gourmet restaurant, but it definitely gets the job done. The price is right and it screams "neighborhood quality and originality." About being the best... Welllllll. Sort of. Nonetheless, their presentation is pretty fabulous. Check out the size of this monster...

Thumbs Up for the Red Cross

(photo via redcross.org)

So, I'm officially CPR-AED certified as of this weekend. I've got the whole compression-rescue breathing-choking-thing down. I have to thank the instructors at the Red Cross for putting up with all the shenanigans  this weekend. My class had some seriously bizarre questions... But, you can never be too curious.

Anyhoo, I'm certified for one year.  After it expires, I can take a "challenge course" to refresh my memory and become re-certified.

P.S. CPR mannequins are amazing! Their chests lift when you breathe into them. Madness!

New York, I Love You

(photo via newyorkiloveyouthemovie.com)

Last night, Rachael and I saw "New York, I Love You." It was totally great and totally bizarre. (Even better, we recognized all the places in the movie. So cool to think: "Wow, I was just over there yesterday." *Bradley Cooper meets his gal pal for a drink at the Slaughtered Lamb Pub. That is definitely where we celebrated Rachael's birthday this year.*) If you're not into the "no-plot, just follow along" type of flicks, go see it simply for the soundtrack. Phoenix contributes their song "1901" to the trailer, and it's pretty wicked.

When It's Lost

(photo via tumblr.com)

I recently had a conversation with a friend about her daughter. She's 15 and "she knows everything," my pal said. I had to laugh. I remember when I was a teenager and I thought I knew everything. (This was just nine years ago, so I might be stretching a bit here...) I was an expert in all fields and you couldn't tell me I was wrong, or there would be hell to pay. This obvious disregard for my own naivete, I must admit, is kind of endearing as I reflect on it now. Just follow me on this...

When I was 15, I was untouchable. Although I've learned a lot in the past nine years, I've become more scared of my own confidence. I've been booted off my thrown of invincibility. Surely, with the knowledge I've gained from my education, I can walk into a room and carry on a great conversation, and even offer up some original insight, but there's some element missing, a piece that has evaporated since the sweeping away of my youth. There's some major irony emerging here. It's impossible to get back, as I'm forced to embrace a new breed of confidence. Indeed, "I'm not young enough to know everything." Thanks, Oscar - for such a brutal reminder... ;)

Ten Things for November

(image via ffffound.com)
Ten Things That Make Me Terribly Happy

(November) 

1. 20 Days Until Thanksgiving Break! (Yessss!)

2. Writing research papers. (Nerd Alert!) Ok, I'm gonna be serious... Writing research papers isn't exactly "fun," but it's a pretty good time in its own way. And, I kinda dig it.

3. Holding the door open for people and hearing them say, "Thank You!"

4. CVTC.

5. Planning adventures.

6. Fresh pineapple.
7. Chatting with my mom and sister on the phone.
8. Sexy Sangria.
9. Waking up early.
10. Sleeping in late.

Sexy Sangria

One of the cool things about walking around the city, is that you're exposed to some pretty cool / amazing / silly / frightening / awkward / fantastic / ridiculous things. Driving around in Phoenix, guaranteed I would miss a marvelous sign like this from the road. Not gonna lie, as I walked by this restaurant in Hell's Kitchen this afternoon, I laughed to myself, snapped a photo, then forwarded it to some of my pals. AmyJane and I have already made plans to return to this joint and try the "Sexy Sangria." Luckily for us, the price is right, too!

I'm not getting married...

But if I were... This is the dress I would wear. The lace sleeves are absolutely timeless. Ahh, I love it!

Now, keep your peepers open for a willing groom... ;)

Rosy Cheeks

I've been listening to Christmas music for over a week now. Crazy, I know. Nonetheless, it puts me in a giddy mood. My entire aura seems to light up and my cheeks turn red and rosy. All this festive thinking has me obsessing over the upcoming holiday goodness.

I'm not a big fan of Martha Stewart, not gonna lie. But, there are some pretty wicked recipes on her website. So, I've opted to take a perusal through some of her creative items, and I found a few things I loveeee.

Maple Pumpkin Pie

Whoopie Pies

Fall Garlands, ahhh!

Color Me Fall!

The beautiful fall colors are officially emerging. So, Rachel and I took the opportunity to peruse through the park this past week and embrace the season.

Annnnnd, we may have allowed our inner children to come out and play... We swung on the swings for awhile...

Happy Halloween (Yesterday)!

So, I've been a little behind on my blogging, which is actually quite curious because things have been lulling a bit at school and work. Ok then, I'll take this opportunity, before things get nutty again (looking like Tuesday-ish), to jump back on the wagon.

Yesterday was Halloween, and we decided to dress up and get crazy with creativity. Alix, Chris, and I went as Three's Company. Ya know, that old-school 70s sitcom? Ha! Actually, as it turned out - we looked like 70s jazzercisers.

As we were walking along the street in Brooklyn, we stumbled across this robot. I took a photo with him. :)

However, my dear niece got pretty crazy too. She was dressed as a Buffalo Bills Cheerleader. Ahhh, apparently she had an amazing time trick-or-treating, as she blew a kiss to everybody who dropped candy in her bag.