A New Year, A New Blog

Now don't worry, this one won't be going anywhere….though it may get slightly neglected.

I am doing an exciting resolution this year.  I am giving up something different every single month.  And I'm not talking easy stuff here, people.  I'm talking things I LOVE but that may not be the best for me.  (cough, cough FACEBOOK PERHAPS cough, cough SUGAR MAYBE cough, cough)

So please, go over and follow me!  It should be an exciting year of me trying to keep month long resolutions…and probably struggling like CRAZY.

http://laurensyearwithout.blogspot.com/

THIS HAPPENED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH!

 

I am still just REELING over the fact that one of my dreams has come true.

 

Last Thursday I went to see A Christmas Story on Broadway because my fabulous friend Nick Gaswirth was making his Broadway debut! 

 

The show was adorable and wonderful and they had REAL BLOODHOUNDS for the Bumpus hounds!  I mean, honestly, you won me over right there. 

 

But then, after the show, the most amazing thing happened.  I met my TV Dad. 

 

My TV dad, you say?  What the heck am I talking about?

 

Ok, so here's my Dad:

 

 

And here's my TV Dad:



 

That, my friends, is Dan Lauria.  You may recognize him from a certain late 80's/early 90's television show called THE WONDER YEARS.

 

I have loved this man ever since I first saw him on TV because he has always reminded me of my father.  In later years, I have had this feeling confirmed by multiple boyfriends telling me "Your dad looks like the dad from The Wonder Years." 

 

I know.  I know he does.  That's why I cry anytime his character on TV (or in movies) goes through anything more difficult than a papercut.  He is my dad, just on TV.

 

You're judging me now, aren't you?

 

Whatever.

 

Anyway, I posted the picture of Dan Lauria to my facebook the next day because I was so darn excited (excited enough to write this whole blog post about it...which is turning out to be longer than most posts I write...what does that tell you?) - and I kid you not, multiple people thought it WAS my dad in the photo.  (read my comment and you would've realized that wasn't the case, but that's fine.)

 

No, it's not like they were twins separated at birth, but my gosh, my dad couldn't have a better celebrity doppleganger.  And I got to meet him.  And he was SO NICE.  And I'm still really excited about it.

 

So, there you have it.  That happened.  And I can cross that magical dream of mine off my list.  Because...it SERIOUSLY HAPPENED.

 

Ok, I'm done now. 

 

Just don't forget that it happened, ok?  Cause it did.  It really did.



2-7.

Well, it's happened.  My birthday.  I am now 27 years old.  Why does that sound SO much older to me than 26 did?  And trust me, I had a mini panic attack about 26.  Ugh.

But honestly?  My birthday was great.  I have amazing people in my life who made my day (and basically my entire weekend) super special.  27 feels like a special year.

Every year since I was about...23, I tell myself "this year is going to be the best one yet!"  And uh, every year seems to kind of suck overall.  I'm not saying I haven't had good things happen to me - I've had some great things happen, but I would say ages 23-26 have probably been the suckiest times of my life (can we say, "divorce"?  "death of soulmate dog"?  "some serious yo-yo dieting"?  "career troubles"?  ....yeah.  you can say it all.  and more.)

So this year, I will say two things:  I don't expect anything more than a mediocre year!  BUT I do expect (if this weekend/birthday was any indication) my year at the age of 27 to be full of surprises. 

Are you wondering what kind of surprises I have had these past few days?  Ok, I'll share a couple....

Surprises like this:

My co-workers surprised me with, not one, but 3 birthday cakes!

 

And then I got flowers from another co-worker!!!!!  Puppy shaped ones!

AND...maybe the best surprise ever.  My 3 favorite people in New York City schemed together to throw me a surprise birthday party on Sunday!  I was brought to a super cool Steelers bar to watch the football game with my friends!  Thank you so much to everyone who was there.  I love you.  :)  I ate so many buffalo wings...oh boy.  AND they had pierogies!!!!!!!!!!!  I mean, could you make a Pittsburgh girl any happier?  We had so much fun.

 

The Steelers didn't win...but we had some good moments.  I believe this was after we scored the touchdown and got ahead in the 4th quarter.  I had to snuggle the terrible towel.  

 

 

"Who are we?  USC!"  The Upper St Clair Alumni ...and a random guy photo-bombing the picture. 

 

 

The Inner Circle:  Amanda, Taylor and Abby - thank you so much for an amazing celebration!  I am so lucky to have each of you in my life. 

Some Christmas Confusion

So....I've got a Spotify playlist of Christmas tunes going right now....11 hours worth of music.

It's basically been playing constantly for about 3 weeks. 

So now I know a lot of these random holiday songs (that maybe I wasn't as familiar with 3 weeks ago) by heart.

For example:  Christmas Island

I fell in love with this song a few years ago, actually.  But I kind of just hummed along and never really cared what was being said because it was so cute and pretty.

I've listened closely the last few weeks and now I am confused.

The lyrics say....

How'd ja like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'd ja like to spend the Holiday away across the sea?
How'd ja like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'd ja like to hang your stockin' on a great big coconut tree?

(No problem here...Christmas Island?  Sounds great.  Stocking on a palm tree?  Sure!)

How'd ja like to stay up late, like the islanders do
Wait for Santa to sail in with your presents in a canoe
If you ever spend Christmas on Christmas Island
You will never stray, for ev'ry day
Your Christmas dreams come true
HOLD UP.  What does Santa need a canoe for?!  He has a SLEIGH.  WITH REINDEER.  IT FLIES.  NO NEED TO GRAB A BOAT AND PADDLE YOURSELF ALL THE WAY OVER TO THIS RANDOM ISLAND.

And wait a second, do the islanders get to SEE Santa every year?  How come everyone else has to be asleep?!?!  Why are they so special?  Just because their island is named after the guy's favorite holiday?

Now, I'm also not sure if they are talking about the literal place, Christmas Island, or just some fictional island of their dreams.  But I'm going to guess it's inspired by the actual Christmas Island - and in that case, Santa canoeing there is just about as unrealistic as hoofed creatures pulling a giant man in a sleigh with presents for ALL THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.

....We're already suspending reality here, people.  Let's not go overboard.

But the song is actually sort of cute, so I'm going to try and look past this MAJOR issue I have and enjoy the islandy Christmas joy.

Photo booths are the funnest things ever.

I'm sorry, they just are.

Photography by Alpha Smoot!  And she rocked it.

And this is how I feel today...

http://canifindamanwho.blogspot.com/

Sigh.

On the bright side, 11 days until my birthday! 

Yes, I'm counting. 

No, I'm not excited to be a year older. 

Yes, I am excited for potential presents.

Scout told me she's not getting me anything this year.  I'm hurt.

Grateful.

Y'all.  Less than a month until my birthday.  Let's just start with that. 

So, I said I would actually blog something of substance soon....I guess it's that time.

This week is Thanksgiving.  Can you believe that?  We are already there....shocking how quickly this year has gone by.

I have so much to be grateful for.  I really do.  My life is not at all where I thought it would be...I've had so many ideas of where I would be around this age...I am not really anywhere near any of them.  But things are still ok.  And because I feel so lucky that even if life isn't what I expected, it's still pretty fabulous...I would like to give thanks.  Here.  On my blog.  For the things I am so very grateful for:

I have amazing friends and family.  You all mean the world to me.  Like...you are seriously good people.  Seriously, seriously good.

I have the sweetest little dog on the face of the earth - and another little doggie up in Doggie Heaven watching over me.  (boy, do I miss him.)  I have the privilege of taking this sweet little pup to work with me basically anytime I want.  And she is so freaking well-behaved, I don't know how I got so fortunate.

I live in an adorable little studio in the best neighborhood in New York City.  I'm minutes from my absolute favorite spin classes.  There are about a bajillion amazing restaurants within walking distance.  The parks, the parks, the parks.  And...the streets themselves...are just adorable. 

I'm so darn grateful for SoulCycle - I wish I could afford to do it every single day.  It makes me happy.  And really, what exercise ACTUALLY does that?  Like legit you want to do it all the time?  I'm sorry, but nothing.  Nothing else is like that.

Ok, maybe dance sometimes. 

But truly, for me, nothing else kicks my butt and makes me smile at the same time like SoulCycle does.

I am grateful for my body.  I'm grateful that it lets me run and cycle and dance and stretch and sing and skip and laugh and oh-so-much-more every single day.  I'm grateful it lets me train for the half marathon I will run in February.  I'm grateful for its ability to adapt. 

I'm grateful for heytell.  Cause it's freaking hilarious.  Please, friends, connect with me on heytell.  It makes my day to be able to send stupid messages to people so quickly.

I'm grateful for vacations.  For the ones I've gone on this year and the ones coming up.

I'm grateful for the chocolate chip scones at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market.  And suncrisp apples.

I'm grateful my coworkers like my baking.

I'm grateful for Brandy, who does my hair, for literally letting me walk in EVERY time and say "I don't know what I want to do, I just want to change it" and she does her magic and I always love it.

I'm grateful for the Steelers for giving me something to cheer about and believe in.  Though you made me a little sad last night.  But regardless, nobody else gets me to yell at my TV like you do, my little bumblebees.

I'm grateful for Spotify.  For letting me listen to all the Christmas music I want.  I'm grateful to the Feinberg (and Feinberg-Rowe) children for introducing me to Spotify. 

I'm grateful for L.A. Burdick having a location in New York City.  Holy crap. 

I'm grateful for Christmas decorations - and for my ability to convince myself that it's all actually there to celebrate my birth instead of Jesus.

I'm grateful for people at work who make me laugh.  I'm grateful for an assistant who knows what he's doing.

I'm grateful for manicures and pedicures.  They make me feel instantly prettier.

I'm grateful for New Yorkers and their amazing bravery and resilience in the face of disaster.  And for caring for others when times get rough.  It amazes me how strangers can quickly become friends in the face of a crisis.

I'm grateful for snow.  And sunshine.  And crisp autumn air. 

That is just a sampling of what I am grateful for this year.  There is so much more that I'm sure I could add to this list, but you probably want to stop reading now, right?

Oh, did I mention that I'm grateful for you reading my blog?  And humoring me and my crazy thoughts?  Yeah, I'm totes grateful for that.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.

In case you were wondering...

All is well here after Sandra ripped the city a new one.

Sorry, was that crass?  I've feel like I've been camping for a week. 

I promise I will actually blog something soon.  In the meantime, why not check out this blog: 

http://canifindamanwho.blogspot.com/

3 things

1.  Scout is at Doggy Daycare today and I can't help but imagine her having this fabulous time making puppy friends and never wanting to come home again.  In reality, she's probably having a mini panic attack.

2.  It's Mani/Pedi day with my friend, Aubrey!  Huzzah!

3.  I need to move someplace where snow comes before Christmas.  Because I am getting SO jealous of my friends who are already getting snow.  I guess that means I need to go either north or west.  Someone give me recommendations.

10-11-12

Doesn't it feel like it should be a special day?  That some sort of momentous occasion should take place? 

I feel that way, at least.

But nothing is out of the ordinary here. 

Got up, went for a run, came to work, going to babysit later...It is a beautiful day though.  Perhaps God knew it was a special day, so he gave New York City some sunshine and crisp fall air. 

I've heard a lot recently about being grateful and counting our blessings.  So that is what I am doing today.  Counting my blessings.  On a special day.  Where nothing is out of the ordinary.

I honestly don't know what to post on here anymore.

My life is so uninteresting and after my whole "photo-a-day" thing...I just seem uninspired.

I guess I can fill you in on some STUFF.

I ran the Tower of Terror 10-miler!  And more importantly, I finished it!

That's me.  Yep.  We were encouraged to wear costumes.  The theme was "Disney Villians" so I went as Prince John from Robin Hood!  ....do you even remember who that is?  I'd say half of the people did.  But I saw about 100 Cruella's and Captain Hooks each.  I think I was the only Prince John.  :) 

Bonus of the trip?  Got to bum around Disney for a couple days! 

I made some new friends. 

And visited with old ones.  (my very favorite picture from Disney as a kid *age 5!* was with Chip and Dale...21 years later, we still look good together!)

And fooled around while waiting for my "fast pass" time.  (boy do I love this roller coaster, by the way.  fabulous.)

Then, uhhh, I came home.

Right now I'm party planning!  I'm throwing a Bridal Shower/Bachelorette night for my friend, Abby.  And then in less than 2 weeks (!!!) I will be in Mexico for her wedding!!!!!!  I'm very excited about that.

Oh!  And I signed up to run another race.  The Disney Princess Half Marathon in Disney World.  February 24th.  So now I have to get ready for that.  And frankly, I am not motivated.  Please send me some awesome motivation vibes so I get my tush in gear.

...that's about all that's new here.  Aside from autumn sweeping in and making it gloriously chilly.  I love that I can finally wear long sleeves again!  And boots!  Ahhh, boots.  It's the little things in life.

Hope all is well with you, reader.  Until next time!

More Video!

Sorry to just keep posting myself singing, but I already miss rehearsing and performing this!

My "Capacity for Joy" song:

I did a show.

I did a show with my friend Abby Feinberg.  And it was great.  Super great.  You should be sad you missed it.  (unless you were there, and if that's the case, thanks for coming!)

I wanted to share some clips with the world!  We are releasing the videos slowly over the next week or two so that we can possibly keep people interested.  :)

So, you can find the first two...

HERE

and

HERE  *this one has swear words in it. 

Also - you can just go on YouTube and search for my name or Abby's name or "A Quarter-Life Cabaret" and they should pop up for you!

Or...just watch them down here:

A Way Back To Then

 

 

Casting Call For A Best Friend/BSLW

So, yeah, that's what I've been up to lately...and the reason I basically stopped blogging.  But now I'm done and I'm back and hi.  :)

Shameless Plug

Because that's what I do.  I shamelessly plug things.

 

I'm doing a show this Sunday!!!!!!!!

 

 

A Quarter-Life Cabaret

Sunday, September 16, 6:30PM

The Duplex

61 Christopher Street

$10 Cover, 2 drink minimum

 

 

 

4 years ago, Abby Feinberg and Lauren Sapienza graduated from The Boston Conservatory with their eyes set on BROADWAY, love and big city living. Now they're Millie Dillmount, Doralee, Rosemary and Smitty...but nowhere near the stage. Can these New York City admins escape the jaws of a quarter-life crisis, balancing both their theatre and real-world dreams? 



 

 

With music from 4 Non Blondes, LCD Soundsystem, Dolly Parton, The Indigo Girls, Jessica Andrews and...a bunch of musicals!  You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll have so much fun! 

 

Hope to see you there!

Dear World,

Still waiting...no rush or anything.  My ovaries aren't slowly emptying of eggs every month.  Oh wait, yes they are.

Love and kisses,
Lauren

Dear World,

Please send me an amazing man to fall in love with and marry who will let me just raise our children and be a spin instructor.  And please make him easy on the eyes.

Thanks,
Lauren

Goodbye Sweet Boy

Friday morning, I said goodbye to my best friend.  You may roll your eyes...but really, my dog Charley was the best friend I could ever ask for.  He was there for me constantly - anytime I wanted or needed him, he loved me unconditionally, he made me smile and laugh every single day, and he was always willing to wipe (or lick) away my tears.  He was completely devoted 100% of the time.  Those are just a few of the little joys he brought to my life. 

I had a really hard time deciding to let him go.  It was such a painful choice to make, but I was almost feeling selfish making him put up with his pain so I could have him there.  Now, really, I don't know how much pain he was actually in because he couldn't tell me...and I had him hopped up on codeine (chicken flavored!  my vet is awesome...) all the time.  But as I looked back at pictures and I saw him sitting up or standing or...in motion...and I realized I couldn't remember the last time I actually saw him like that, it sort of hit me how far his disease had progressed. 

I was completely willing to pick him up and carry him everywhere and hand-feed him and bathe him every time we had an "accident".  But I finally had to ask myself what kind of life that was for him.  After many conversations with my vet and with my family, I decided it was time.  And now watching Scout run around and jump and play and go get a drink whenever she feels like it, I feel like I did the right thing. 

It doesn't make it any easier.  Even with Scout around, the apartment feels empty without Charley.  He just constantly showed his love for me and radiated happiness.  And I can feel it missing now... The little smile he would get on his face made my heart melt every time.  And he was so content just to sit against my leg or sleep in my arms.  It's where he was happiest - as close to me as he could be. 

I miss him so much.  Every morning I wake up and wish he was here.  I wish he had been a healthy dog so his life wouldn't have been cut so short. 

I am relieved he isn't hurting anymore.  But the relief just doesn't cancel out the grief. 

The vet who came to put him down made an imprint of his paw out of plaster and gave it to me, along with a poem called "The Rainbow Bridge".

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.

His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

I am going to believe in that.  Because it gives me hope that I will see my little guy again.  And we can mend the piece of my heart that he's taken with him.

I love you, Charley.  Goodbye my sweet boy.

Need your thoughts and prayers...

Hi friends.  My dog, Charley, and I need your thoughts and prayers today and tomorrow.  Please just send some love our way.  Mostly to him.  But if you can think of me too, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

All Are Alike Unto God

Today was great.  I stood with gay and lesbian Mormons, both active and inactive, and their friends, supporters and allies.  I proudly held up my sign "LDS <3 LGBT".  Today I marched with Affirmation at NYC Pride.  They came from all over... a woman from Westchester, a man from Raleigh, a girl from Scarsdale, a couple from Manhattan and even a gentleman from Salt Lake City who was in town on a business trip…among many others.  I felt so happy standing behind the Affirmation banner with these people.  With these courageous people who aren't afraid to stand up and say "We love you.  We support you.  We are here with you."  I posted this picture to twitter:

I am so proud.  I am so happy that I was there.

I want everyone to know that no matter the church says, Christ says to love one another.  So here we are - being as Christ-like as we can.  Here I am, showing my love to all of you.

The best part of the day?  Right when I got there, a woman (in her church clothes) approached me.  "Excuse me, can you please take a picture of me and my son in front of the banner?"  "Of course," I said.  So she hands me her iphone and walks towards the sign.  A teenage boy wearing his rainbow gear walks up next to her and she puts her arm around him…and they smile.  I took the photo and held back tears as I handed her phone back to her.  What an amazingly wonderful mother - to walk with him and to support him and show her PRIDE in her son.  I was so touched.

These are some of our signs:

My favorite sign was "All are alike unto God" 2 Nephi 26:33.  Though the scripture is talking about black and white, bond and free…it applies here.  I loved seeing a scripture from the Book of Mormon that was so uplifting and spread the same message we were there to support.

I ended up ducking out early as I had said I'd be at church today (though I skipped 2 meetings and only made it to Relief Society) - the lesson was on the qualities of Christ.  When the teacher asked us what we thought of when we think of Christ, my immediate response was "Love one another."   It's one of the most important lessons we can take with us in this life - and it's the lesson that I saw so many people live today.

Happy Pride Everyone.

Well since you haven't answered my question...

I don't really have anything to post!  Except this:

Breaktime Over.

Ok, well I took a few days off after finishing my 365 days of photos.  (Did I really do that?  I did, didn't I?  That was cool.) 

But now, I have a decision.  What is this blog going to be now?  I'm back on facebook (cautiously...I am cautiously making my way back...I don't like it that much anymore, really...) and I am still on twitter and I guess I can post whatever instagram photos I happen to take...but...why keep the blog then?  When you can read up on me anywhere else?  Why will my blog be here?

If anyone has a good answer or even a direction to point me in...that'd be great.

Happy Friday to you all.  This weekend is the Big Apple BBQ Block Party and I couldn't be more excited.  I love this weekend more than pretty much all weekends in NYC.  Let's hope it lives up to my super high expectations.

Day 365: If I were 40 years older, I'd go try my luck with thisadorable gentleman.

Day 365: If I were 40 years older, I'd go try my luck with this adorable gentleman., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Darling Old Man in a very nice linen jacket, why you're in this diner at 12:30AM, I do not know. But I do know, you're simply adorable.

Day 364: The largest city in the world can also be the loneliest.

Day 364: The largest city in the world can also be the loneliest., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This is who I spent the evening with.

Day 363: Sunset in Riverside Park

Day 363: Sunset in Riverside Park, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This was my view while walking the dogs. I love my neighborhood.

Day 362: Free Toaster? Don't mind if I do!

Day 362: Free Toaster? Don't mind if I do!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
The TV was tempting. But where would I put it?! It was gone like 2 minutes later when I looked out the window.

Day 361: This is probably why I am barely passing this class.

Day 361: This is probably why I am barely passing this class., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I just don't FEEL like listening to Norm right now. I want to watch Hatfields & McCoys!

Day 360: This is Norm- my online accounting professor dude.

Day 360: This is Norm- my online accounting professor dude., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
He has a very expressive face.

Day 359: Is this the smallest park in NYC?

Day 359: Is this the smallest park in NYC?, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
.4 acres and adorable. Also, I like it because its name is Italian!

Day 358: Scotty's birthday!!

Day 358: Scotty's birthday!!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Happy Birthday Scott - my friend since we were 11 years old!

Day 357: Afternoon walk with Charley in the Pooch Pouch

Day 357: Afternoon walk with Charley in the Pooch Pouch, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
That look in his eyes says "Mama, I love you."

Day 356: Nuts in the Afternoon (this title has 2 meanings)

Day 356: Nuts in the Afternoon (this title has 2 meanings), a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Thank you, Almonds, for making my day just a little better.

Day 355: I think 7:15am just became my favorite time to walk throughthe city...my deserted block is so lovely!

PS: OMG! This is my 500th Post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Day 355: I think 7:15am just became my favorite time to walk through the city...my deserted block is so lovely!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Hello beautiful West 80th Street!

Day 354: Clothes and shoes set out for 6:15am SoulCycle.

Day 354: Clothes and shoes set out for 6:15am SoulCycle., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I like that the flash on my phone made my shoes glow.

Day 353: It's a galoshes and umbrella day.

Day 353: It's a galoshes and umbrella day., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Apparently it's a galoshes and umbrella WEEK. Can I send this rain to Austin, where they need it?