Picture of the Day, June 27th

This is one of my favorite pictures of my little brother, Alex. He's just so darn cute! It was fiesta day at his preschool.

Things my family says that Keith will never get…

I’m quite sure this list will continue to grow throughout the years.

1. What fur? Cat fur, to make kitten britches.
2. My hand itches, I smell peaches. Yonder comes a man with a hole in his britches. (I might have messed that one up a bit, but that’s how I remember my aunt Lindy saying it.)
3. Igmo
4. Cadywompus
5. MaMa don’t make things that ain’t good.
6. Can’t couldn’t eat a biscuit. (For the record, I’m not even sure I get that one.)

My very first Picture of the Day

At the beginning of 2008 we had several freak snow storms and then the next day it would be beautiful outside. This was one of those days. I was at work taking a lunch break in my car and was parked under these beautiful trees. I couldn't resist the photo opp. The sky was so blue and the blooms were so lovely. It is hard to believe it was 29 degrees and snowing the day before.

Four times a bridesmaid, never a bride?

34 couples have gotten married and 9 have gotten engaged since I have been dating Keith. FOURTY THREE married and engaged couples!

Mike & Lou
Sarah & Nathan
Jeremy & Amber
Jill & Mark
Bethany & Chris
Ariel & Paul
Nancy & Allen
Ryan & Katy
Courtney & Adam
Catherine & Albert
Casey & Bobbi
Jim & Lauren
Nick & Hailey
Shannon & Sabrina
Johnny & Corey
Sarah & Ryan
Sam & Rebecca
Elizabeth & Josh
Lydia & Chris
Jeremy & Cammie
Kyle & Jessie
Sarah & Carlo
James & Crystal
Jeana & Patrick
David & Candice
Tommy & Crystal
Carol & Chris
Virginia & Michael
Adrian & Becky
Cassi & Brandt
Cory & Jenny
Christin & Michael
Meghan & Rhet
Kim & Adam
Cody & Angie
Shannon & Koby
Chelsi & Kevin
Nicole & Richard
Becky & Matt
Andrea & Jonathan
James & Kelly
Lauren & Trinity
Manolo & Katy

Will it ever be my turn???

The cats outta the bag!

While packing up our apartment and getting ready for the big move, I noticed I had left one gift bag laying in the middle of the living room....

"Hey, theres a bag in the floor."

"There is a cat in that bag!"

At This Moment

I am always poor. I have been financially blessed with over $6000 in tax refunds, stimulus checks, and loans from family members and yet I am still broke. Between rent, utility bills, insurance, student loans and cell phone bills I have no left over money to pay for such luxuries as food and toilet paper. And don't even get me started on gas. (Damn George W.) There is no end in sight. It is overwhelming and depressing. There are so many things I need or just want and I can't afford them. So for now I'll just day dream....

If I had money I would buy:

1. A German Shepherd puppy and all that must go along with it, i.e. food, crate, toys, etc. They are so darn cute and I'm pretty sure he'd protect me if I needed him to.

2. A Volvo S40. My truck has 156,000 miles on it and if my luck continues it will stop working within the next 6 months. I want a safe, reliable, cute, adult car.

3. Bookshelves. We are moving in two weeks and I spent this weekend packing. We have 6 boxes of books, 5 boxes of DVDs, 5 boxes of CDs and only 3 shelves on which to put them. I could easily spend $100s at IKEA on shelving units alone.

4. New bedding. I've had my eye on this set ("West End" by Nautica) for almost two years now. Keith and I bought a beautiful new bedroom set a year ago that is very similar to the one in this picture and I just know the comforter set would look so beautiful.

5. Apple Mac Pro & Adobe Creative Suite. This computer makes me want to do a happy dance. I can just imagine all the fun design projects I could do with this guy.

And oh so much more.

That Girl

I've always been somewhat confident in myself. I know I'm not the most beautiful girl, but I think I'm attractive. When I was in high school I wasn't the most popular person, but I was liked and I wasn't exactly a dork. In college I "came into my own." I learned how to wear my make up and do my hair to where it was the most flattering on me. I wore the right clothes and finally had boobs that got noticed. I realized that boys found me attractive and when we went out I got hit on and usually had several drinks bought for me. I've never needed to be the center of attention but definitely enjoy it when I am. I don't base my self worth on what others think about me or how men treat me.

But, I've always been surrounded by "that girl". You know the one. You may even be the one. The girl who has really great clothes that look really great on her. The girl whose hair always looks amazing - always with the latest, most flattering style and new highlights. (Or lowlights.) The girl whose nails are always professionally done and who gets pedicures every week. The girl who has a perfect fake tan and bikini body. The girl who had braces as a child and who wears Crest White Strips once a week. The girl who is always perfectly put together.

I've always been jealous of that girl. As hard as I try, I will never be that girl.

The Reviews Are In

Keith and I have seen a ridiculous number of movies in the last few months...

What Happens in Vegas (PG13)
The Lauren Rating: ****
I love Ashton Kutcher and I love Cameron Diaz. Put them together, and you have one funny (and very attractive) movie. When we went to see this movie I wasn’t expecting it to be great, but it really was. Did it have a new and ingenious plot? No. But it was 100% entertaining and 110% hilarious. If you’re in the mood to laugh, go see this movie.

Iron Man (PG13)
The Lauren Rating: ****
I was not overly excited about going to see this one. Keith loves comic books, so in turn, we must go see every comic book inspired movie that hits the big screen. Even if it is getting horrible reviews, Keith will make me go see it. I was way impressed with Iron Man. I’m not a big Robert Downey Jr. fan, but he was fantastic, likeable even. It had some gross parts, but overall I loved it. Definitely a movie we will be buying.

Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull (PG13)
The Lauren Rating: **
I have never seen the other Indiana Jones movies. I have seen bits and pieces of them, but never one in its entirety. I’ve always wanted to and will get around to it one of these days. I was excited about seeing this movie, but a little bit worried that I would need the back story that the other movies provided. I didn’t. Keith had to do a little explaining, but for the most part it was totally okay that I hadn’t seen the others. This movie was mediocre at best. The first 75% of it was pretty good. Very exciting but somewhat unrealistic. (Of course!) The ending was ABSOLUTELY ridiculous. It was so ridiculous that it ruined the previous 75% that I though was pretty good. If you’re into the series, see it, if you’re not, don’t waste your time.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (PG)
The Lauren Rating: *
The Chronicles of Narnia books are amazing. C.S. Lewis is a genius! The movies, not so much. I’m pretty sure he’s rolling over in his grave as we speak. Keith and I went and saw The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe when it came out a few years ago. Keith fell asleep. I was disappointed in it but thought perhaps it was just a disappointment because it was somewhat riding the coat tails of the Lord of the Rings trilogy which are AMAZING! So I made Keith go and see Prince Caspian and had high hopes that it would be better. It wasn’t. It’s been several years since I read this book, but I didn’t recognize the story at all. It seemed to me like they left out so much important stuff and only kept in the battle scenes. And what is with the actress that plays Lucy? She is so annoying I want to stab someone. The acting as a whole is pretty damn bad, the special affects look cheesy, and the story leaves much to be desired. I did like Reepicheep, though. He was cute. I do not recommend this movie. I hope to God that the next one they make will be better. As much as I’ve hated the first two I know I’ll continue to go see the others that they make in hopes that at least one will do justice to the magnificent books.

Sex and the City (R)
The Lauren Rating: **
Geeze, where to begin? I was so excited to see this movie. I literally got goose bumps the first time I saw a trailer. Keith made fun of me and rolled his eyes relentlessly. Sex and the City is just one of the many shows that Keith and I disagree on. I have seen every episode numerous times and like many other women in the world, feel that I have a personal relationship with Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Lou and I spent many, many nights at home in college watching episodes on DVD. So I dragged Keith to see this with me on opening night. He was the only straight guy in the whole theatre. He is now officially the best boyfriend in the history of the world. I was utterly disappointed in this movie. It felt like the crammed two seasons worth of TV into two hours of movie. They moved through it so quickly there was absolutely not story or character development. I realize that most people (mainly people that don’t really watch the show) think that it is moral-less and is all about slutty women and sex. But that is simply not the truth. They spent 6 seasons developing these characters and taking them from single, sexed up women to ladies with feelings and needs and flaws. They ended the series perfectly. Everyone was happy, loose ends were tied up, and we got to see growth in each character. They successfully ruined that in this movie. They took a perfect ending and stomped on it. Specifically, they made Samantha a selfish whore again. It made me angry. It was entertaining, it had some good parts to it, and I’m glad I saw it. But I will not be buying this one.

The Strangers (R)
The Lauren Rating: ***
If you like scary movies, this is one you should go see. But don’t go alone. Take a strong man with you because you will definitely want to hide in his shoulder during 95% of this movie. And that really is most of the fun in going to see scary movies, right? I like scary movies, but I’m very picky about them. I don’t mind being frightened but I don’t like anything with rape, disturbing sexual content, or torture. There was none of that and very little gore. It was suspenseful from the first moment. I wouldn’t say it was a cinematic masterpiece or that it was an overly original story line, but for what it was, it was fantastic. Plus, I love Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman (aka Ben from Felicity.)

Kung Fu Panda (PG)
The Lauren Rating: ****
I went to see this with Kareah, Chloe and Corban. We had a great time! It was so cute and absolutely hilarious. It made me want to go buy a Red Panda and then hug it for days. The animation and scenery were superb. Jack Black does such an excellent job. There are so many cute little characters. I think one of the best things about this was hearing Chloe and Corban say “scadoosh” repeatedly after our movie experience was over. Go see it, rent it, or buy it!

Atonement (R)
The Lauren Rating: ***
On Father’s Day I was in the mood for a good, sad movie. (I wasn’t depressed or sad, I just needed a good cry. You know what I mean?) I had wanted to see this when it was out in the theatres but never did. So I rented this and another movie. I had heard mixed reviews about it. It was a little slow at first, but very good. It wasn’t quite what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had some shocking language and sex scenes, but not to the point where it made me want to turn it off. I’m a big Keira Knightley fan and she was wonderful! It definitely made me cry. Rent it, but be aware of who you watch it with. It could make for some awkward moments.

I Am Legend (R)
The Lauren Rating: ***
I have a strange infatuation with Zombie movies. I bought this movie without having seen it and it did not disappoint. If you have or have ever had a close bond with a pet this one will make you cry. The special affects were a bit cheesy compared to other Zombie movies (Dawn of the Dead, etc.) And if you like to over analyze the realism of movies this one probably isn’t for you. But aside from that, it was very entertaining and Will Smith is excellent.

Grace is Gone (PG13)
The Lauren Rating: ****
Yet another movie that will make you bawl. John Cusack plays the father of two little girls whose mother has just died fighting in Iraq. The three of them travel across the country to Enchanted Gardens while he tries to find a way to break the news to them. As you can guess, it’s emotional from the first second. The colors and soundtrack all have the same sad tone. I’ve never seen John Cusack in this kind of role before and he does an excellent job as do the two little girls. It was also very political which I did not know before I rented it. I classify this movie in the same category as “United 93” I’m really glad I watched and I think everyone should see it once, but I won’t ever watch it again.

8 Things

This morning in my boredom, I was reading random articles from msn.com and I came across this one titled "8 Things No One Tells You About Marriage." I'm not married, but I have been with Keith for over 3 years and I hope to marry him in the near future. The advice in this article can really pertain to any long term, committed relationship. It gave me some good advice and made me grateful for my wonderful boyfriend.

1. You will look at the person lying next to you and wonder, Is this it? Forever?
2. You'll work harder than you ever imagined.
3. You will sometimes go to bed mad (and maybe even wake up madder).
4. You will go without sex — sometimes for a long time — and that's okay.
5. Getting your way is usually not as important as finding a way to work together.
6. A great marriage doesn't mean no conflict; it simply means a couple keeps trying to get it right.
7. You'll realize that you can only change yourself.
8. As you face your fears and insecurities, you will find out what you're really made of.