Tuesday, September 29, 2009

First batch of Vegas pictures!



The Hotel




Paris


Jill and I








The rollercoaster at New York, New York!


First slot machine played!










In line to play the game show The Price is Right!


Jill and Corissa, come on down, you're the next contestant on the Price is Right!




















The hotel was decorated for Fall!


The ceiling of the hotel lobby! BEAUTIFUL!!!








Saw The Beatles LOVE show, AMAZING!!!!




Awesome view of the city!




One always has to close their eyes, haha!


Tomorrow, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.... :)

Monday, September 28, 2009

Vegas in one word......



WOW!!!!!!!!

Enough said!

I have so much going on right now outside of my trip I just went on. Extremely overwhelmed, and my mind can't even get around to attempting to catch up on everyone in the blog word right now! ha!

But just wanted to let ya'll know I'm alive and well and it was a total BLAST!!!

How is everyone else doing???? I'll be back with a recap soon!! Might have to break that one up a little bit. Took tons of pics :)

Happy Monday! I'm going home tonight after work and going straight to bed. FYI for those of you thinking of going to Vegas, it's like the cardinal sin to sleep while you're there, haha!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The truly new and improved Lauren!

Edited to add:

The adventure has already started and I haven't even left yet. Oh man, what a mess. My friend's and their flight got delayed into Atlanta (that’s their layover). They are coming from North Carolina. I think it got delayed because of the crazy weather there. So there’s a good possibility that they might not make their connecting flight to Vegas tonight, and will be there tomorrow. So I’m flying into Vegas and having to go to another hotel for the night and stay there with the rest of the girls that I do not know and have never met. I just can’t help but laugh. Just going to make the best of it and laugh along the way :)

To be continued......






So one last thing, yesterday I got my braces off and forgot to post a picture....

This is no true extreme makeover, but pretty close...haha!!

I would say this is a smile ready for Vegas, wouldn't you?????? :)

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!



That's always been the motto right??

Well, what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't share all the juicy details?

And that's exactly what I plan to do!

I'll be working a half day tomorrow and then heading off!

Hmmmmmm, maybe I'll have to check out the 24-hour wedding chapels. HAHA!!! JK!!!!

But if I happen to meet Elvis, then I just might make an exception! ;)

Talk to ya'll soon!!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Dear Circle K Management...



Dear Management:

I had the pleasure of stopping by your establishment today. Not to get gas as one might think but I had to use the ladies room. It was an emergency! So therefore, that's where you come into the picture. So I proceed to walk inside and what do you know, a lady who apparently felt she had to go to the bathroom more so then I did beat me to it. So I sit there, ponder a little while, she's taking forever, and I ponder some more. I'm thinking hmmmmm, don't think anyone is in the men's room. Should I? Indeed, I think I should.

My friends, if you're not familiar with MckMama's blog... I had a "NOT ME" moment. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I really don't know which one's worse, going into the men's room without realizing, or going into the men's room intentionally. I'm getting off track here.

So as I proceed to do my thing, this restroom is a sight you never want to behold. It was the most digusting piece of filth I had EVER in my life seen. Seriously, I know you don't have women cleaning it because it had men written ALL over it. I never wanted to get out of a restroom so quick in my life.

1. Fix the toilet paper holder.

2. Things are supposed to be hanging in the wall, not from the wall.

3. Get more soap.

4. Clean the sink.

5. Clean the toilet.

6. And get more restrooms for pete's sake.

This was no pleasant experience, I would have you know. I truly hope you heed my advice, because if I shall ever have to peek inside a men's restroom again, heavens to Betsy, it better have a woman's cleaning touch.

That's all.

Sincerly,
Circle K Customer

And not only this but to top it all off, as I'm in the restroom, the doorknob jiggles because a "man" is wanting to get in. Can you believe that?

Not embarassing AT ALL!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Thoughts in the night!

I woke up last night during the middle of the night around 2 am and could not get back to sleep. My mind was going like 100 MPH. If there were thought bubbles coming from head it would have read something like this :

*Dave Ramsey is a genius.

*Need to get working on my budget.

*Wish I could do the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University, but wish I had $99 to go to that University.

*I need to get laundry done for my trip to Vegas on Wed.

*I need to pack for Vegas.

*I hope I'm taking plenty of money for Vegas.

*I need to study for my certification test for court reporting I'm taking Oct. 7th.

*I have school work I need to do.

*I need to get on Eharmony.

*That veggie burrito I had for dinner from Tijuana Flatts was so great.

*Yes, this week is a short work for me. Two days of work and school and then Vegas.

*YAY for getting my braces off Tuesday, just in time for Vegas.

*Praying my teeth don't shift too much because I don't get my retainer put on until after I get back from Vegas.

*It's hot in here. (Get up to turn fan on).

*I'm thirsty. (Get up to get drink).

*Wish there was a TV in this room. (Stayed at my Mom's house).

*Need to do the Shred.

*Wish I could be consistent with the Shred.

*Can't believe most of the jeans and shorts I tried on yesterday that I have didn't fit me anymore. (I've gained some weight my friends).

*That's one more reason why I need to do the Shred.

*Need to go grocery shopping but wish I had the money to go grocery shopping.

*Thinking I'm going to skip out on church in morning because my mind can't seem to shut down and I've been tossing and turning all night...

Hence, why I'm sitting here on a Sunday morning writing this. These thoughts and many, many more......

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Dave Ramsey- the financial guru!

While everyone is watching their favorite football teams today....

I'll spend the afternooon hanging out with this guy at a Dave Ramsey Financial Seminar!



I'm looking forward to getting a hold of my finances!

Show me the money!!! Never to young to be on your way toward financial peace!!!

And may your favorite football team win today. (GO GATORS!!!!)

Friday, September 18, 2009

New and improved Lauren with the new do!

All this...



Turned into this...



I kind of have it styled differently today, but this is after I first got it cut!

Sooooo, whatcha think??? :)

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Classic example of God speaking through you!

I know, two posts in one day.... but I wanted this perserved. This day will be forever etched in my mind.

God totally spoke through me today at my Grandpa's memorial, and there's no denying it.

Read below:


In trying to think of what to say when I got up here that would honor my Grandpa, I kept asking myself the question, how do I even begin to put into words a presence that meant so much in my life? And anyone that knows me knows I have no problem with words and expressing how I feel, and standing up here today, at the celebration of 82 years well lived, I’ll begin with this…

On my Grandpa’s last day with us, and the moment he took his last breath, I got to be with him, as I was stroking his hair.

It was a beautiful thing.

It was beautiful because he went peacefully and that’s what I wanted so much.

Beautiful because he died the same day he entered this world and got to meet the God who loves him so much!

I’m kind of jealous!

But most of all, it’s beautiful because he is now walking the Streets of Gold!

Towards the end of his life and while he was in the nursing home, Grandpa was a man of few words. But I know just being there, sitting beside him, and holding his hand gave him all the comfort he needed, and no words were necessary. As I look back there were many times when he would ask, when can I go home?

It’s nice to know that he’s now in the ultimate place he can call home.

One of the things unfortunate about death is that you never truly know the impact you’ve made and the imprints you’ve made on the lives of others, but I’m really hoping that he’s looking down and seeing this celebration and looking back with no regrets and agreeing with me that it was 82 years well lived.

Grandpa was an amazing grandfather. He took such pride in his grandchildren. He had a meekness and tenderness and love for you that made you feel so special. One of the ways he loved to show that love was taking his craft and love for designing jewelry and making something special and unique for all of us. Whether it was Christmas, birthday, or any other special occasion, we knew if we saw a tiny gift box, it most likely contained a piece of jewelry and you knew the hands that crafted it made it out of love, and we couldn’t wait to open it. Those pieces I’ll treasure forever.

Grandpa had some great stories to tell and he especially loved telling stories of us when we were younger. So much in fact that he’d forget that he’d told us the same story for the millionth time and we’d remind him jokingly, but now I wish I could hear those stories one more time.

He loved to dance and there were many occasions where I had the opportunity to be wrapped up in his arms not having a clue what I was doing but knowing that there were many years of experience behind those feet and I know he would guide the way for me. The last time I got to dance with him was at the nursing home Christmas party. That evening I will never forget because somewhere out of nowhere this burst of energy overtook him and he danced the night away and had so much joy and happiness that I hadn’t seen in such a long time. How I wish I could dance with him one more time.

And did he ever love strawberry milkshakes, if he were in a contest to see who could drink it down the fastest; I think he’d possibly reach genis book records. His favorite meal was what you’d call “a wilted salad” that my granny would make. I think if you gave him that and a milkshake, he’d be a happy man. He loved mashed potatoes and always wanted to lick the mixing tongs when granny made them. It truly is the simple things of life that should make us happy, and that’s a great reminder that he’s left me and will remain with me long after he’s gone.

He could certainly play a mean bongo and I’m sure right now he’s up there playing the bongos in heaven. He so loved doing that and being a part of the worship team at the time. He loved church and he loved his God. And out of all the things he’d want you to remember and know about him that would be it.

Every time I’d see him, he’d always tell me, you’re so beautiful Lauren, but deep down I’d always be thinking to myself, no Grandpa, your spirit is beautiful, and that’s the beauty that counts. The beauty he’s experiencing now in heaven is the beauty we all hope to experience one day. His life was not perfect, but was made perfect in Jesus, and his 82 years of living and the life he led made him the man he was the very day I said goodbye to him, and the very person I’ll see again when I get to heaven.


Tomorrow: THE BIG HAIR REVEAL!!!!

Sorry my Facebook blogger friends, no surprise for you if you've already seen it, haha!

Celebration of life!

Today I'll be going into work for a couple of hours and then we'll be going to my Grandpa's memorial service and will be with my family the rest of the day. I hate the word funeral. It so sad and it's not going to be a sad occasion, although tears will be shed, but this is going to be more of a celebration of his life.

As I told you, I'll be speaking.

Lord, you know the words before I'm even going to say them. Let them make him proud!

So, if you would, please keep my family in your prayers today!

Thank you!

Love ya'll!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Getting my hair did!

Praise the Lord, Lauren is finally getting her hair did!

It's only been a year and a half since I've done anything with my hair.

I haven't cut, colored...zelch!

So imagine my excitement!!

I know I said I wasn't going to cut it, but I changed my mind and I'm getting these locks cut off. I figured, what the heck, it's hair, it will grow back. I'm ready for something new and different. And I knew it was time to chop it off when I keep pulling it back. I'm getting at a frustrated point.

You don't even know. It literally (slight exaggeration on my part) takes like an hour to shampoo and condition my hair. But nonetheless it takes forever. There's so much of it. I have to get it thinned. It's like a horses mane.

It's not going to be like the picture I showed you here but something with more of a style!

So I'll be excited to share with ya'll the new me, BUT would you like to see me right after I get the cut or wait till I get my braces off next week to give you the whole affect? haha!!

This is earth-shattering stuff here you know. LOL!

It's like I'm going to be a brand new woman, seriously ya'll.

YAY for getting my hair did!

P.S.
Thank you so much for your kind words, prayers, thoughts, and concern for my AC dilemma. I'm sad to report that it fought the good fight and lost the battle. The repairman came and looked at it yesterday and the whole outside part will have to be replaced today (ouch). And it was yet another night spent sleeping on the couch, I for sure won't miss that, and my neck and body sure won't either, ha!!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The AC Prayer!

Yesterday morning the AC in my house stopped working. Every now and then it will do that and you just turn it off for a little while and turn it back on and that usually does the trick.

not.so.much.this.time

It's stuck @ 83 degrees.



I walked in from school last night and it was hot as blazes. I did the 30-day Shred last night. BIG mistake when the AC is not working, ha. So went and took a relatively cold shower.

Then I had to sleep on the couch last night so I could be directly under the living room fan. That helped a little bit but the rest of the house is just flat out hot.



I've learned when you want your circumstance to change, P.R.A.Y.

So I've come up with what you would call the AC Prayer. I literally put my hands on the thermostat and started praying. It goes a little something like this...

Dear Lord,

My AC needs you. It doesn't like to be at 83 degrees which feels like the firey pits of hell and I know where I'm going and would like to be at the comfortable temperature of 75 or so. I know no prayer is too big or too small for you and you care about the little things. So if you would, please heal my AC. I will be grateful. The AC will be grateful. We'll all be grateful. It's not quite ready to go to AC heaven right now, so we are asking for your supernatural touch!

We ask this in your name!
Love,
Lauren & AC

So either A. I will have to call someone to fix it or B. the Lord will hear our prayers! Oh, I stand corrected. It's at 84 degrees!

Lovely!

And lastly, I'll leave you with my dog who is trying to keep hydrated in these unfathomable temps!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Open mouth, insert foot Kanye!

I'm all about the love people but seriously, Kanye West's picture is right next to the definition of J.E.R.K. in the dictionary!

I have never in my life seen such disrepect. Here's Exhibit A.



I was completely blown away but Taylor Swift and Beyonce handled it with such grace. Much more so then I think I would have had!

Reason #549850485050 why the entertainment business can be a cruel, cruel world sometimes!

Love you Taylor, and don't let the Kanye West's of the world get you down!

Open mouth, insert foot Kanye!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

My life flashed before my very eyes!

I went to SeaWorld yesterday afternoon for a few hours.

Ah,yes, the beauty of a one year pass.

We had not yet been on the new rollercoaster called Manta!

Oh.My.Word



You are completely laying down. Totally unlike any rollercoaster I had ridden before. It was insane!

But such a blast.

Made me recall my short 25 years of life in montage style in my mind, ha!

But such a blast!

We got to see a few shows and then we ended the day with the Shamu "Believe" show!



It gets me teary-eyed each time!! LOVE IT! Best show on the planet and noone will ever convince me otherwise, ha. I leave that show feeling like I can conquer the world. It's so inspirational, and it makes me kick myself that I didn't major in marine biology, so I can spend the rest of my days with those amazing creatures.

just.a.tad.jealous

I heart SeaWorld!

Do ya'll like rollercoasters?

Friday, September 11, 2009

Remembering September 11, 2001.

Outside of our office...


The jeep of one of the attorney's I work for!


I think everyone has their own memories of September 11th, the emotions felt, the images saw on TV, who you were with, and what you were doing.

For me, I was a senior in high school and we were in the library that day, and the TV was on and the events were unfolding. I forget exactly what I was in the library for and I was caught up in what I was doing and then I saw everyone surrounding the TV. I don't think at that point it was termed a terrorist attack but then when we saw the other plane hit, we knew it was something much much more.

The rest of the day was a blur, it was like everything stood still and you just couldn't even fathom what just took place.

I remember going home and calling my mom and just crying and asking why, and how could somebody do this. Somewhere out there, there was a husband without his wife, or a wife without her husband. Somewhere out there there was a child without their mom or dad. Somewhere out there a parent had just lost their child. My human brain just couldn't wrap my mind around it.

The events of that day just made you want to hug the people in your life just a little bit tighter.

Here 8 years later, our lives have gone on, but there are those people that every September 11th they are reminded of the act of violence that took their loved ones. Let us not forget the day that strategically changed the dynamics of this country forever. Let us not forget those people that deal with the affects of this day each and every day and each and every day wishing they could have the ones that they loved back.

Lord, please today lift up each and every person directly affected by the events of September 11th. Wrap your arms around them father. Give them peace as they go throughout their day and let them feel the prayers that are being lifted up for them all across the world. Let them know that there's a hope of a future reuniting with them one day and being able to see them once again and being able to say that "I love you" that some might have been robbed of when their loved ones were taken home by this senseless act.

Let us never forget those lives that parished and touched the nation on that day 8 years ago. Give us a hope of a better America and give us the hope that only you can bring!!!!

Let us NEVER forget!!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Thursday ramblings!

1. First things first, I realized I didn't take the time to thank you all for the kind thoughts and words after my Grandpa passed away. Thank you so much, meant the world. His funeral is next Thursday and I'm going to be speaking.



This was a quick notice they put in the paper, but a real obituary will be put out this Sunday. How do I even begin to sum up in words a presence that meant so much to my life? It's going to be such a wonderful celebration of his life.

2. On a lighter note, this little girl (aka: the cutest niece on the face of the planet) started ballet classes this week.



This is after her first class. She'll always be my favorite ballerina.

3. So I've been cooking the same doggone recipe (the only one I know how, haha), and it's time for me to move on to something different, haha!! My BFF made this for me not to long ago, and I think I'm going to give it a shot and try to make it myself here soon.

Sloppy Joe Casserole.
Here's the recipe!

INGREDIENTS
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 (15.5-oz.) can sloppy joe sandwich sauce
1 (11-oz.) can Green Giant® Mexicorn® Whole Kernel Corn, Red and Green Peppers, undrained
1 (6-oz.) can Pillsbury® Grands!® Jr. Golden Layers® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375°F. In large skillet, brown ground beef with onions; drain. Stir in sandwich sauce and corn. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
2. Spoon mixture into ungreased 1 to 1 1/2-quart casserole. Separate dough into 5 biscuits; cut each in half. Arrange, cut side down, around outside edge of hot mixture with sides of biscuits touching.
3. Bake at 375°F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until biscuits are deep golden brown.

And then you get this!



4. I'm going to Sea World this Saturday with my BFF, and can't wait!! I have a year pass and have to start taking advantage of it before the year is up!



5. I get my braces off this month!!! YAY!!!!!!! And you better bet a picture will be coming of these pearly whites!

6. I'm going to Vegas on September 23rd for a few days! Can't wait!!!!! It's going to be a blast. I know, Lauren in Vegas, this should be interesting!

and we're staying here...

The Bellagio Hotel!


AMAZING!!!!

7. Ellen DeGeneres is the new judge on American Idol. What do Ya'll think of that?



I would say she's not to knowledgable in music, but if anything, she'll bring lots of humor to the show : )

8. Can't believe tomorrow is September 11th, and that it will have been 8 years now! Do you all still remember exactly where you were and what you were doing on that day?

9. I wrote awhile back about my hair dilemma. I think I'm going to continue letting it grow out for right now. But boy does it need a trim, haha!

10. For those of you who might be wondering, I still haven't joined E-Harmony... I know, I know... don't know what's stopping me but I'm going to make it a priority to get signed up here very soon!

11. And thank heavens for a short week!!

My OCD self hates stopping at an odd number but I'm thinking this is enough randomness for one day, haha!!

Happy Thursday!