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. 

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.

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.  :)

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.

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 352: Scout says its time for bed. I know I gave her a good weekendwhen she is passed out at 10pm.

Day 352: Scout says its time for bed. I know I gave her a good weekend when she is passed out at 10pm., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This is what 30 minutes in the dog run will do to you.

Also - every owner in the dog run comments on her adorable bows and how amazing it is that they stay in. I love that.

Day 341: Just finished my first jog in my new sneaks!

Day 441: Just finished my first jog in my new sneaks!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Gotta break 'em in! But man, oh, man do I love those colors!

Day 337: Happy Birthday Thomas B Sapienza - the best Dad a girl could ask for! I love you.

Day 337: Happy Birthday Thomas B Sapienza - the best Dad a girl could ask for! I love you., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

What a handsome guy! You're the best, Dad.

Day 313: This guy came to work with me today. He's the best ever.

Day 313: This guy came to work with me today. He's the best ever., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I love him, I love him, I love him. Charley is literally the best dog ever in the entire world. He came to work with me because we had a vet appointment afterwards. As some of you may know, Charley has degenerative joint disease, which has led to severe arthritis. We (as in...my vet and I) have struggled to manage his pain and help him live as normal a life as we can, but his pain is getting worse. I've known for about a year or so now that Charley won't have a normal life expectancy. Eventually, his pain will become too much and I will have to let him go. When that happens will depend on how his new pain meds will work. But yesterday I was very scared that I was going to hear that my options were up and it was time. (I was a mess all day. There were tears.) Thankfully, we have 2 new meds to try to see if we can get him comfortable.

I tell you this so that if you see him sometime soon, you can give him lots of lovies and tell him how much you like him and what a great dog he is. Because he is. And I am making sure he knows that every single day. This dog is, quite literally, my best friend. You may think that sounds a little lame, but it's not. That's what he's supposed to be, right? He's always there to love me and comfort me and make me smile. And I hope I do the same for him as our time together winds down.

He's a good dog. Such a good dog.

Day 294: Finally opened my birthday bottle of wine. Only to dump it outand save the bottle. Thanks Dad - this bottle is awkwardly one of myfavorite possessions.

Day 294: Finally opened my birthday bottle of wine. Only to dump it out and save the bottle. Thanks Dad - this bottle is awkwardly one of my favorite possessions., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
To be clear (since the picture isn't....you totally can't see the 1985) - This bottle is from the year I was born. Dad bought each of his children a bottle of wine after we were born to drink on our 21st birthday as a celebration. Needless to say, I didn't drink mine on my 21st birthday. In fact, I never opened it. So in order to pack it safely (it's traveled with me the past 5 years! but with some close calls...), I emptied it today in Dad's presence. I only felt right about doing it when he was here. :)

I mean....couldn't you die?! Pickles is so flipping sweet!

I mean....couldn't you die?! Pickles is so flipping sweet!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Day 281.2....seriously....adorable. Her owner took this when she came to take her back. We almost didn't want to wake her.

Day 281: Pickles is napping on my chest. This sounds weird if you don'tknow Pickles.

Day 281: Pickles is napping on my chest. This sounds weird if you don't know Pickles., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I mean honestly...aren't you so jealous of my little work buddy? She's the sweetest thing ever. And the best part is, she isn't my responsibility. I just get to enjoy the love for an hour or two every few days. It's a good deal.

Day 273: One of my favorite people in the entire world passed away today.

Day 273: One of my favorite people in the entire world passed away today., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

I'm about to put a pretty embarrassing fact about my life out into the world:

When I was a kid…maybe around 11 years old, my favorite band of all time was The Monkees. I had all their CDs. I had books, a lunchbox, posters…you name it. I loved them. I still do. But not with the pre-teen obsession I had back then. (I kid you not, my email handle was DavyJ67…for 1967 - the band's most successful year….yep. Insert totally embarrassed face here.)

Y'know how you were all into N'SYNC or NKOTB? Yeah, I was that intensely into the Monkees. And my favorite Monkee of them all was Davy Jones. He was my first real celebrity crush. Now, I didn't really have the celebrity crush on the 51 year old version….I had the crush on the guy from the TV show. In his 20's. Charming, handsome and that accent…oh boy.

One summer I even got to go see Davy in concert with Bobby Sherman and that guy from Herman's Hermits. Davy gave me his autograph, and like the 11 year old psychotically-excited girl I was, I screamed "I LOVE YOU DAVY!" He turned, smiled and said "I love you too!"

Davy's always had a special place in my heart. When I heard of his passing, I was so sad that the world had lost such a special person. I mean, look at that smile. He spread a lot of joy.

Feel free to make fun of me now. But I'm telling you, this music legend's (YES - HE IS A LEGEND - DON'T QUESTION ME) death shocked me 1000 times more than Whitney Houston. And yes, I even shed a tear for this adorable man.

"For today there is no day or night,
Today there is no dark or light,
Today there is no black or white…
Only shades of gray"
- The Monkees

Day 258: Happy Valentine's Day To Me! Yeah!

Day 258: Happy Valentine's Day To Me! Yeah!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Kate Spade Bowtie Earrings and Sabon Butter Cream Lotion in Vanilla Coconut. I am pleased.

Day 244: A great read. Thanks, Ju, for the recommendation!

Day 244: A great read. Thanks, Ju, for the recommendation!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Rarely do I let books make me cry on the subway...I couldn't help it with this one.

For anyone who has felt like a coke among rootbeers....who struggles with a part or parts of what they've been taught...read it. You are not alone! And you are wonderful just the way you are.

(I am not alone! I am wonderful just the way I am!)

Day 234: Snow! Snow! Finally snow!!!!!!!!!! Hooray!

Day 234: Snow! Snow! Finally snow!!!!!!!!!! Hooray!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
It only took like 2 months to happen....yeesh. But oh the glorious snow! I licked a little. It was great. :)

Day 232: Scouter's favorite toy is Mr. Bill - and yes, he does make sound. "Oh nooooooooo"

Day 232: Scouter's favorite toy is Mr. Bill - and yes, he does make sound. "Oh nooooooooo", a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I'm sorry. My dog is adorable. How can you not love her? And her intense love of Mr. Bill is kind of hilarious. She's figured out how to press the button to make him talk and she'll do it over and over and over. Am I annoyed? Only slightly.

Day 229: My "I have to work on a holiday" Treat

Day 229: My "I have to work on a holiday" Treat, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Om nom freaking NOM!!!!! Seriously made my day so much better.

Day 220: The pups went to the groomer today!

Day 220: The pups went to the groomer today!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Handsome Charley. :) They always give him a bowtie.