I'm

DONE.

Reading

I wish I liked it more. When I was younger I absolutely HATED it, and now I think it's OK but I just would love to be able to get into a story more. I read lots of books that would probably be labeled as "self-help"[even though I more or less despise that term], but novels are a whole different thing. I just can't seem to really get into a story enough to love the process of getting through it.

Also, my least favorite thing when I tell people that I don't really like to read is the response "well you just haven't read the right books yet." OH MY GOSH SHUT YOUR MOUTH. It is humanly possible to not enjoy reading. And I'm a stinking senior in college, I've read plenty of so-called "great works." I don't say that to take away from the fact that they are great works, because they really are. I appreciate them very much when I'm done with them, but the process of getting through them is semi-torturous to me. I've also read several great novels that were not related to school and have loved the stories but hated the reading. It's just the way it is.

In one of his skits Jim Gaffigan says, "I hate it when you see a great movie and you tell someone that you loved it and then they say 'oh but the book was sooo much better.' And then I say 'yeah but you had to sit there and read it.'" That's exactly how I feel. You have to SIT THERE. FOR HOURS.

Anyway, the point of the story is that I want to be one of those people, like my roommate Anna Mozely, who eats up novels like a monkey eats up bananas. It'd be great and I'd probably be so much smarter, but what can you do?

Oh well, I guess that's all I had to say about that. ONLY 14 days until Christmas!!

Psalm 62

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God;

he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your hearts to him,

for God is our refuge.

...

One thing God has spoken,

two things have I heard:

that you, O God, are strong,

and that you, O Lord, are loving.

Homecoming

I had two best friends on homecoming court this year so I thought I'd put some pictures up of the event.
Jenelle in her beautiful zig-zag dress from Street Scene (a really cool vintage consignment store in Lexington). Just look at those legs!

And Kindra looking totally chic in her black dress. I just love these girls!

Now for the nostalgia. This, being my last semester of college, is very sad. Exciting, hopeful even, but sad. I will never have this time back and we will never all be together in this context again [at least until heaven]. So here's some more photos of the people I will never forget. Maybe it's too soon for a goodbye blog... this is just a preview. There will be a for real one later.

Procrastination

It'll getcha. I'm at Main & Maple with Kate right now NOT writing my Spanish paper. I mean I would, but I have no idea what it's supposed to be about. When a teacher says, "write me a paper on La vida es sueño. It can be about anything" I find myself at a loss. Too much independence. Too much choice. Which leads me to a perfect blog topic. How dandy!

Making choices. I think that if we were all honest we'd rather have God just spell everything out for us (as far as what to do next in decision making) than we would want to wait, not knowing what to do. Human beings like being in control. It's funny how oppositely God works. He's like, nope, let me be in control. And we're like, but holy cow you're an invisible being that is unpredictable and hard to understand. It's easier to say, "it's in God's hands." Than it is to say, "God is changing me and giving me wisdom about what to do." Now I'm not saying that it isn't in God's hands, because it is, but I am saying that sometimes it just seems hard to hear from God about decision-making.

In all my recent decisions I haven't really heard one way or another about what I'm supposed to do. I have basically decided not to come back to Asbury in the spring and to go to Spain in the summer to finish up. I think it's the right thing. I'm still planning on going to seminary in the fall and hopefully get a job with benefits. I have plans. But I really haven't heard exactly one way or another on them from Jesus. I know Jesus wants me to be a counselor, but as far as when to go to school, or where, I'm not certain.

So I'm left to think that He's teaching me to listen more closely to Him, to be more flexible, and/or to learn to make my own decisions wisely. I think He wants His children to be independent in the sense that we gain wisdom and insight into how to live life. Maybe sometimes there is just more than one right option.

I guess what it comes down to is that I am a good person with a good heart (yes, this is a theological discussion about whether or not people are good, but Jesus lives in me so I'ma say I'm good. Sue me.) and I don't want to mess up. I especially don't want to have to deal with the consequences of doing my own thing and not God's. But at the end of the day it's wonderful because I can rest knowing that God's grace is covering me and that "He works all things together for the good of those who love him."

*Disclaimer* I apologize for all the "decision" blogs. It's where my thoughts have been drifting. If you want to hear about something better ask me about my fall break.

Decisions decisions...

Hey guys, I'm back. It'd be cool if I had the excuse that I've just been soooo busy and my life is so exciting that I haven't had time to blog but that is not the case. I just haven't felt like it. So here I am again, ready to share some thoughts. Blogging just cannot be forced.

Lately I've been having an internal [I don't want to say struggle but...] struggle. Not really a struggle, but kind of. Up until this point in my life the decisions I've had to make have been, in hindsight, quite trivial. In high school it seemed like a really big deal deciding who to go to prom with, what electives to take, who to hang out with on my Friday nights, and what earrings to wear on any given day. But now.... NOW.... I'm a grown up. All of a sudden I'm realizing how important my decisions are.

Am I coming back to Asbury next semester? [For those of you who are uninformed, I'm thinking about studying in Spain in the summer to meet my graduation requirements, not dropping out ;)]
Should I go to seminary next fall?
Should I start looking for a full-time job?
Should I open my own separate bank account? [Yes. The answer to this one is yes.]
Should I think about moving somewhere far away?
What does God want me to do?

I'm not saying that these decisions are somehow stressing me out because I'm afraid that I'm not gonna make it, but as I get older I realize that God is giving me more responsibility. And in all these decisions, how is it actually that God would have me live and bring his kingdom on earth. I've always said that I don't want to do missions, but would I if I were totally free? Perhaps, perhaps not.

I don't know if I'm making sense. All these thoughts have been so abstract for weeks so I don't know if any of this is coherent.

Anyhow, back to my point. Lately I've been given a very acute sense of how important my role here on earth is. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to sound too self-important, but I know that God made me, me for a reason and I can either grow in to a more full, whole version of myself, or I can become a terrible, miserable wretch. I chose option A.

Sometimes I just look around at all the Saints that are running off to China to help the Persecuted Church and I think, "is my calling even legitimate?" I want very much to be a counselor. I love seeing people become free in Christ, but so far it's required very little risk [with the exception of money]. I think to myself, "did I just get fortunate enough to be called to that and not to risking my life?" I so much cannot resonate with ever wanting to move to China or Africa or even a Latin American country that I'm afraid my calling is almost "too good to be true." Could it be that God really wants to satisfy my desires?

"who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. "

Yes Lauren, the answer to that question is yes. GET IT IN YOUR BRAIN.

Lately I've been feeling a little guilty for my life and I wonder if God isn't asking me to do more. "Feed my sheep." But then I tell myself, in the words of Kate Brannen, "God doesn't motivate with guilt. He motivates with love." And I am comforted... for a moment. I suppose it's false guilt for living the awesome life that I have. In writing this blog I'm beginning to realize that It's probably just the enemy trying to distract me from my calling. He loves to do that bull-honkey. If writing this blog is what it took to make me realize that, then great. The truth is, I just don't want to be a couch potato in the middle of a fierce battle of life and death. Holy cow, the universe is nuts.

A New Discovery

Recently I was listening to my "Keith and Kristyn Getty" station on Pandora and stumbled upon this guy,

David Nevue is a Christian pianist that composes his own music as well as re-writes hymns. I think his music is beautiful and I just can't stop listening to it. Maybe you guys will like it too!

3 New Infatuations:

1. One a Day women's daily vitamins.
Let me tell you what, these things are amazing. They've got so much stuff in them I wonder a) if I'm ever going to die now that I'm taking them, and b) if I even need to eat anymore.
2. Freeze Pops
The delicious, low-cal snack. I know you're mad that you didn't know about the 25 Cal Fro Po's.


3. All things NIKE
Because everything they do is perfect.

Today I hopped a fence

in order to get to this beautiful garden of sunflowers. I'm sorry R.J. Corman for trespassing on your private property, but we just had to. These flowers were meant to be photographed.

Busy Bees.

Marie-Claire and Anna

Roomie Love Me and Marie-Claire

Mmm yes.
Anna and her cute red pants.
I love that I love my roommate.

New Beginnings

Dr. Charlambakis has said on numerous occasions that if you are a Christian there are, for you, no endings, only new beginnings. As I begin my senior year I can only describe the present season of my life as characterized by new beginnings. A few weeks ago I wrote down in my journal all of my new beginnings.

"It is august and as I look into the next months of my life I see a new school year, new boyfriend, new apartment, new living companions, new classes, new jobs, and new hopes for the future."

New hopes. That's it, new beginnings means new hopes. It's similar to viewing the glass as half empty or half full. Do I see my life as a bunch of endings; ongoing movements away from people I love or have loved? Or do I see it as a constant strain of new beginnings? I do want to have hope, so I am choosing the latter option.

Just a little epiphany but there's your food for thought.

I'm blogging at starbucks again

So I'm sitting at a bar counter thing and the Baristas are talking about something that is causing me abdominal pain. Not because it's gross but because I need to laugh.

Barista numero uno: "So I know it's really soon but have you thought about getting another cat?"

Barista numero dos: "No not really. I don't think I can find another cat to replace her."

Barista numero uno: [shaking head] "Yeah that's just so hard."

Barista numero dos: "Yeah but it's character building, you know? I can say I've been there, done that. It comes with the territory of owning an animal."

Barista numero uno: [still shaking head] "Yeah I understand. I just can't imagine that. I've thought about what I'm going to do when my dogs die. I just don't know if I can replace them right away or not."

Barista numero dos: "I have had friends who've done both. Sometimes it's a good distraction when you do get a new one."

I think that was the end of the conversation. I'm sorry to all you animal lovers... I know I'm insensitive.

On another note, it's Jackie Marie's 21st birthday today! Happy birthday best friend!! I love you a thousand loves.

Procrastination

Right now I am sitting outside of Starbucks by a lovely fountain drinking a really delicious beverage.



I'm trying to psych myself up enough to finish that darn seminary application. Lately I've not been feeling too motivated to be productive. I think it's because I have other, more exciting things on my mind. Not that going to seminary isn't exciting or anything, I just hate writing up applications. Applications for jobs, for college, for camp, for anything. Me no like. Anyway, I didn't want that little rant to be the focus of this blog.

Several days ago, when I was still at camp, I woke up abruptly at 6am. I was completely exhausted but I couldn't for the life of me fall back asleep. I realized after a few minutes that I was thinking really intensely about the next year of my life. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm a little freaked. Part of me knows that God's totally got this one and that I'll be fine, but it's scary going out into the real world. Right now my parents still pretty much pay for everything and I am a bit less than self-reliant. And it's like, in a few months I'll be out in the world to fend for myself. Can I really do it? Am I really responsible enough? Smart enough? Capable enough? I know that I will be fine and probably successful, but it's still nerve-wracking.

So as I lay in bed I found myself trying to work out how I'm going to pay for everything, how I'm going to spend enough time with people, how I'm going to look for a job and I realized that I should just stop. Worrying is just so silly. And so I came to this resolution: to enjoy the adventure before me and live happily and bravely in the midst of uncertainties. If we could plan everything out perfectly where would God fit in? He wants me to need him. How beautiful it is to know that He wants, actually wants, to take care of me. That is good news.



All gone.

Summer Camp

has been such a big part of my life. When I think back over all the years that I've spent up at Long View I can't help but feel so very nostalgic. This year was probably one of the best years ever though. I've been a counselor up there I think four times now. This year for some reason I just felt so much more love and compassion for each camper. Little girls really are just so precious. It's amazing how when you have Jesus' love you can give so much more. God really came through for me so much this year and I think in many ways I just felt more like a grown-up.

However, now that I'm back home and camp is over I am faced with the fact that school begins in less than a month. I feel like I just finished exams. I think I'm in need of some more rest and restoration for my mind and soul. I want to go back motivated and excited but if I had to go back right now I know I wouldn't feel that way. I'm just praying that this year will be the best year yet. I have faith that it will be. How could it not when I'm living in Aldersgate with Kate, Jenelle, and of course my lovely roommate Anna?

I'm not sure if there's any good way to end this blog, so this is it. The End.

My Newest Old Favorite Movie

When I was little I used to watch this movie at least once a week. I haven't seen it since I was about ten but this past week I watched it like six times. It just really warms my heart. It's all about learning how to love.
Jane Wyman, formerly married to the late President Reagan, is in it. She plays a fabulously rich snob who learns to drop her prickly exterior and love. She has the awesomest hats and dresses and I kind of want to be her. So, if you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend it. If you're sappy like me you'll find it totally adorable.

A New Funny Vid for Your Enjoyment

Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

I forgot I was white for a sec

when I went into my bedroom and fount these sitting on my bed.
My Dad has been away on business for the past four days and went to Ross. He grabbed these for me and left them on my bed. I laughed pretty hard when I saw them. Sorry Jenelle, I know the ghetto shoe thing is all yours. Let's dress up like gangsters for Halloween. K?

Look how cute Dave Barnes is

Blind Date

Well, it was just OK. He was a decent conversationalist but he didn't really ask me any questions. I had to pretty much carry on the convo. And I wasn't attracted to him. That's the problem with other people trying to set you up... they just don't know what your type is. But that's OK. I didn't expect anything to happen. Frankly, I'm glad it's over because blind dates are really stressful. So much could go wrong. But, I was actually kind of surprised that a half-German, half-French kid was so normal to me.

Anywhoooo, that's that. So since I've been home and jobless I've had a lot of time to think and I don't think I'm going to come back to Asbury next semester. Just kidding! What I've really been thinking about is everything I want. Gosh, I want so much. Not stuff, just things. Human beings have such ravenous desires that it's incredibly hard to contain them. And it's not really a good thing if we do contain them. Desires are in us because they are meant to be realized. But why is life so silly. It seems like everything that strikes at our deepest core is either unattainable or thwarted in some way. We just want to be loved, to have a grand time, to not be bored, to have meaningful friendships, to have a good job that we enjoy, to have kids, good kids, to be the apple of somebody's eye, to go on an exciting excursion in some far-away place... I could go on. While I would say that I am blessed enough to have many of these things there is always a deeper something that wants more. Right now I feel like I'm just waiting for the next stage of my life, but aren't we supposed to be present to the moment we are in right now? I think so. So what is my purpose? How am I going to be used this summer by God? I don't know because right now I'm sitting on my butt writing this blog; aka doing nothing. But maybe that's what God's after... a good thought process that will lead to another thought process that will lead to life and freedom... those wonderful gifts that He lets loose on us when we trust Him.

I guess that's all I have for now. Keep it real kiddos.

The Life of the Unemployed

Well, we're about three weeks into the summer [I think] and I am still without work. I've been waiting for a couple of weeks to hear back about a job with someone I babysit for, but so far nothing. The company I would be working for is called The Nexxus Group. I don't want to take the time to explain what they do because that would bore both me and you. But actually I think it would be a pretty cool job so I hope I get it. It sounds like if they want to spend the money on me I got it. But who knows. They're being kind of flakey at the moment.

While being unemployed, however, I have been able to rest a lot and do some fun things. The week of my birthday I went down to Charleston, SC for two days and hung out with my brother and his in-laws. It was so fun. I got to surf [if you can call it that] and get a sweet tan. Now my skin finally matches the color of my make-up. Hooray!

I've also been doing some reading, most of which is not on that original list that I related to you all. I started Dear John by Nicholas Sparks [my first Sparks book] and I read a couple of chapters in A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis, which, to be honest, I didn't really like. I know that's a sin for any Asburian to criticize Lewis, but I just didn't think it was that spectacular. Just depressing, which is fine because he was going through immense suffering when he wrote this piece, I just didn't find it particularly helpful. But I don't think it was intended to be. He's a brilliant thinker, but I was mildly discouraged after reading this work.

Also in my free time I've been going to the gym a whole bunch. Me and the YMCA are like this. I've been spending around an hour and a half there everyday this week. It's strange because I usually hate working out, but I've been quite enjoying it. And seriously, there are some pretty attractive college-aged men there in the middle of the day in the summer. Who knew?

Yesterday, I babysat for the same family three separate times.

I've gone shopping six times since I've been home.

I'm going to a surprise birthday party on Saturday for my friend. She's turning 40. Who am I?

Finally, I've somehow managed to scrounge up a blind date for Sunday afternoon. The woman I babysit for, Robyn, insisted that I go out with this German kid from Munich who's living in her neighborhood for the summer. I said, sure, why not? He seems super nice so we'll see. Anybody know anything about German culture? Any taboos I should be aware of? He's into Architecture, he speaks three languages, and he's driven across the US so I think he might be an interesting person to get to know. Oh and he also apparently refers to me as 'LJ' behind my back. But for real, I'm kind of scared to go out with a European. Hopefully I won't behave too sillily.

Sorry if this blog was boring... the point is that after all that I feel like a bum and I wish I had a job so that I would know that I am contributing to my family and my education. I need money for next year and watching my parents go to work bright and early everyday is making me feel like I should be doing the same. I know they don't feel like I'm a burden but you know how it is...

I just filled out an application for...

The Bachelor. But um crap. Should I send it in or not? I think I would crap my pants if I actually got on the show. Like literally. I don't want to be famous and I don't want 1million people looking at me... but it sounds kind of fun because that show is so awesome and funny. Shoot. I'm being an indecisive girl. What do you all think? I probably won't get it anyway so who cares.... but I want your input.

20 to 21

Today is May 17. That means that it is my last day of being 20. Every year my dad says something to this effect, "only 2 more days of being x age," and every year it makes me anxious. Why so scared of time? Tomorrow I will be 21 and there's nothing I can do about it. I think that's why time is so scary. Besides death and taxes it's one thing that we have absolutely zero control over. It's funny that we try to control so much of our lives when in the end we really end up being completely out of control. Another reason why we need God so much.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to 21. If I didn't have any concern about time slipping through my fingers I would be way pumped to turn 21. It just sounds better than 20. But it's also sad because I will graduate college when I turn 22, which means that one year from now I will be officially done with my schooling (at least for now) and will be out in the work force paying bills and loads of taxes. Emotionally, mentally, physically, metaphysically, existentially, cognitively I need to prep myself for paying taxes because I know I'm going to loathe it. Oh goodness, where is this blog going?


Point of the story, I'm turing twenty-one tomorrow and I'm starting to feel like a real adult. So here's a picture of where I am right now and who I'm with which has nothing to do with this blog but I want to put a picture. I guess it's a photo of my last day of 20.

My Summer Reading List

Every summer I have high aspirations for my reading list. I usually think I can read about five books, which is definitely possible for your avid reader, but I'm lazy. I usually only get through a half a book because there always seem to be better things to do than read.
My list this year includes some books that I've started, some that I'm reading again, and some that I've heard are good and want to try. Here they are:
1. Crazy Love by Francis Chan
2. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
3. A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren
4. As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers
5. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
6. The Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

I'm looking forward to trying real hard to finish these. Have any of you read them? What did you think?

My Dear Sweet Blog,

I wish I had time to write on you. Exams being over and everything you'd think I would. But just know that my love for you hasn't changed. I will write you some pretty words just as soon as I can.
Love,
Lauren

Dear Finals,

I hate you and so does everybody else.
Love,
Lauren

Just one more sprint,

All I have this week is one more paper, not even, a half a paper, and one homework assignment. I should have done it already but I'm procrastinating. Actually, I'm pretending it's already summer. These two things really are the least of my worries. Because........

Next week is check-out week.I don't even know what to say about it except that trying to get 25 women to clean their rooms and bathrooms, unloft their beds, confess to any damages, pay fines, and get their little tooshies out the door on time is going to be hard. I'm not sure how much stamina I have left to put up a good fight.

In other news, better news, this weekend is Junior-Senior. I am really looking forward to it. Last weekend was Highbridge, see exhibit b. My beautiful friends :) Especially Kate.

It's these two things that are getting me through until the end. I can't wait until summer when I can bake my body in the sun like a thanksgiving turkey.

Just one more sprint,

Katelyn...

gives good back rubs.

I Love You, Food.

I have a problem. It's an eating problem. I wish I could just exude a little [or a lot] of self-control, but when I try it just makes my infatuation with cereal, ice cream, and doughnuts even worse. I don't want to be too obsessed with food or my body, but it's hard when none of my clothes fit and all the women in movies are so much hotter than me. [bad comparison I know]

What I've tried to do recently [by recently I mean in the last year or two] is to just not think about it. In high school I was super duper anal about my body and literally everything I put in my mouth I felt guilty for. I also spent about 1/3 of my day everyday thinking about how many calories I'd consumed, how much I weighed, etc. It's not that I think I'm fat it's just that I want to be skinnier. BUT WHO CARES.

Right now I care because it's the High Bridge Film Festival this weekend and Jr/Sr the next and all of my dresses are too tight. Shoot. I don't want to think about it because when I do I loose my perspective, my joy, my self-esteem, and the truth is that most people don't notice when I've gained or lost a few pounds.

Point is, I hope the rest of my life I don't worry about things like this. Jesus, set me free.

Round two of honest blogging

I don't know what to write about... again. But I'm going to begin anyway because last time I stumbled upon the inspiration through writing.

So it's Tuesday. That means that I have Microeconomics, KRAM, and Nonprofit (blahhh). I'm ready to be done. I've already gone, really. My brain has been checked out for a while now. It's time for a break. I would really love to live in a simpler way. Not all this striving all the time to get things done. Productivity. Efficiency. Tired. Actually, I was just telling a girl on my hall the other day that I wouldn't mind being Amish. She was like, "uh, do you know what they believe?" Haha... it was a nice thought in the way back part of my head where I idealize things. It's bad but the busyness of our culture makes me want to check out from reality.

Also, I get a little irked whenever I ask anyone how they are and they list all the reasons why they're so freaking busy. I don't even like to hear myself say it. No, I especially don't like to hear myself say it. It's not that I'm really annoyed with that person, it's just dumb that we have to be so crazy. It's like those parents who sign their kids up for 15 different activities every year. I just want to ask them, "are you nuts?!" Kids like just chillin too.

Ok enough of that. I'm really not in the mood to complain. Long story short, I'm ready for summer. Summer is looking hopeful.

I haven't blogged in forever...

This morning I woke up at the ripe time of 6:42 to unalarm the Kresge doors. I know in reality that's not all that early but my body says "no, it is." If it's still dark out doesn't that mean it's still nighttime?

Really, I want to blog, but I have nothing to say. Ok maybe I do. But it's probably not something that readers are interested in. I could say that I'm sick of school, ready for summer, tired of dorm-life, in need of a job... but who really cares. That's the problem with blogging. This is not the Lauren John Show. There is no show in this life called Lauren John... and thank the Good Lord because if there was I'd be really self conscious and therefore unhappy. That's the other problem, I'm self conscious about my blogging. It was better when I had a secret blog. This is all just fluff.

But why, why do I care about what you all think so much? It's dumb but I do. I mean, we're all friends right?

This is the problem, when I write something you might call "deep" I feel like an overemotional crazy person, but when I write shallow things I feel unlike myself and just plain unfunny.

So the solution: I'm not going to write unless I write the truth and I'm not going to write the truth unless I'm perfectly ok with sharing it with all of cyberspace.

But I still have one problem. I want to be ok with sharing everything. Being "transparent" as our Postmodern American Church has dubbed it. Perhaps walking in the light is a better term. Everything visible. Frick, that's hard.

I don't think I'm alone in saying this but, I'm afraid that when people find out who I really am, they won't like it. So, now I feel like telling you all who I really am. Take it or leave it. This is step one in my "transparent blogging." [forgive me if you all already know these things about me]

I am [my heart has just quickened its pace],
1. A woman who really wants to get married sometime in the next 4 years.
2. A person who more than anything loves Jesus and talks to him out loud in my room. If you hear me talking to myself that's what I'm doing.
3. He talks back to me.
4. I am always afraid that if you find out how much I love Jesus that I will again be dubbed an "overemotional crazy person." [even though in my mind I really know that you all wouldn't be so harsh]
5. I'm afraid of any social situation in which I may seem, well, socially incompetent or inept.
6. I am angry at men (my peers mostly) for not being more.
7. I have shoved away too many of my gifts in the name of practicality.
8. I have the hardest time being on time.
9. I don't love to learn about anything that doesn't have to do directly with Jesus.
10. I really wish I were more ok with being uncool.
11. I wish the only thing that controlled me was Jesus Christ.
12. I hate it when people patronize me or criticize me in any way.
13. I really, really love John Eldredge and I think he's right about 97% of things, sue me.
14. I can't wait to have babies.
15. I'm afraid that after reading this blog people will say "that did turn into the Lauren John Show."
16. I am about to be late to my 9 o'clock because this blog got out of hand.

AC to AU

Welp. Today was the day. Of all days in Asbury's history. We have officially become Asbury University [academic excellence & spiritual vitality]. I feel like I may have just witnessed the most epic event of my life. And I don't use that term lightly. Contrary to some rather alarming opinions, I believe this switch has been rather advantageous in the life of our school. I will highlight some advantages.
1) When we say Asbury University and people don't know what we are talking about, they will immediately know that it's a legitimate institution and not make that fake smile that says "you dumb a**. Should've gone to a state school."
2) When employers read our resumes and don't know what AU is they will be more ok with that than if it still said AC.
3) People from foreign countries won't think I go to a prep school. They'll know it's the real deal.
4) We have the opportunity to come back and get a master's in, say, social work. Not that I would ever do that since it costs 90 bagillion green backs.
6) And finally, maybe the cafeteria will be inspired by the name change to also change some minor details in the caf [I'm not too much of a caf-hater but I would like some more fruit options and better pizza].

I'm glad I got the chance to document this momentous day.

Dear World,

Why can't you be more like this?

I'm sorta getting tired of this,And I'd really like to wear one of these,

Oh me, Oh my

2 days ago I went to the mall. Upon my entrance into aerie I discovered a sweet little floral bikini. Now, normally I don't wear bikinis but it was so cute I had to try it on. So I proceeded to walk into the dressing room... put this on... and walk out to see if there was a better mirror. Unfortunately the door behind me closed and locked.

Now. I was out in the open, wearing very little, and no one was there to let me back in my room. So what did I do, you ask? I lept on the floor and army crawled it backwards underneath the door, which, I might add, was only about 10 inches above the floor. It was quite a challenge.

Fortunately I was able to squeeze [just barely] into the room without anyone seeing me. Then I laughed pretty hard.

Oh and I liked the bathing suit but I didn't buy it. $55 is not worth it.

Alotta weekend in a little time...

Friday. Skip my last class. Start on a paper. Nap. Dear John [it was ok]. Fight about dinner. Go to dinner. Black light dance party. Sleep sleep sleep. It's Saturday. Wake up. Quiet time. Saturday night Church at Southland. Eat delicious dinner at Ryan's. Play monopoly. Start studying for Monday's accounting test. Go to sleep. Wake up. Waffle party for Katelyn's going away. Study Study Study. Pilates. Dinner at the caf [not my highlight]. Study some more. Super bowl party at Ryan's. Colts lose. Write blog. Probably study some more.

All in all I'd say it was a great weekend. [minus the overeating]

Exhausted

It's finally Friday. I am so thankful. I really don't want to just wish away my college years waiting around for the weekends, but the weekdays are so utterly tiring. I think I need to learn better time management. But I think time management may be the most difficult thing ever. I feel like it's always a race against the clock. Can we all just chill out for 2 seconds? Our culture is so busy.
Lately I've been finding myself wishing that things were like how they used to be back in the days of one-roomed school houses, small towns, innocent fun and games, and no electronics. [that is a little ironic since I'm writing a blog] But you guys know what I mean. Maybe I should just start journaling more...

Well, it's time to face the truth. I have to write a paper.

Probs.

I know what you're thinking. It's dumb that this is my 4th or so blog header since creating this blog less than a year ago, but there's a reason.

Actually there's not, but every time I'm dissatisfied with current circumstances I make a new one. It's just habitual.

Today I was pissed. I always feel so dumb at accounting and I'm over it. So that's why I made 4 headers today. I guess I've settled on this cutesie little bird one for now but it might change in a couple of days. Maybe not though because I'm planning on digging up a big hunk of satisfaction.

Welp, right now I'm sitting on Marie and DJ's bed (big bed) and they want to go to sleep. So I guess this is goodbye.

Three Infatuations

#1.
I love this show. It's funny when it's not supposed to be and highly entertaining.
Thank you ABC.

#2.

#3. Wedding Blogs

A Beautiful Sight

I didn't have the guts to put this as my profile picture so I wanted to share it with you all on my blog. Enjoy!