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.