Concert My Heart

People are pressed together. A tiny ball of sweat begins to build on the nape of our necks and sly smiles of anticipation engulf our faces. We are all here for the same reason. Music. Even better, live music.

For me, concerts are a form of instant gratification. The way the loud music fills your ears and the beat magically lifts your feet, your arms, and every other body part that is able to move in the tiny space you are allotted.

Last night I went to see the Avett Brothers. I was recently introduced to their music by one of their long-time fans. He's borderline obsessed with them. Every car ride is a ride with Avett. I enjoyed my infrequent and short encounters with their music. The words are simple and easy to follow, but the meaning is beautiful and deep. So, I was excited when the extreme Avett fan asked if I would like to go to their upcoming concert with him. I wouldn't know any of the words, but I would attempt to familiarize myself with their music by plugging them into Pandora. Technology win.

We arrived at the small venue. A huge grin spread across his face. I feed off of other peoples excitement, so this was an immediate rush of adrenaline. We grabbed our PBR's and positioned ourselves in the center of the room. Close enough for my hobbit height and far enough to not get trampled.

First, the opening act. They were amazing. Upbeat, sweaty, and passionate. A beautiful compilation of blue grass, alternative, and country. I was being pulled in. So effortlessly too. Like a drug, without the horrible headache that follows. Opening acts tend to make me nervous because they can make or break the mood. You may go in excited to see the main act, but the intro could be horrible and leave a bitter taste in your mouth. This opening left me wanting more. Truth & Salvage Co., find them and listen.

Time for the main event. At this point I had to pee so bad. Probably the worst I have ever had to pee since that trip to Disneyland when I was 8. But I refused. I was not moving. I was too pumped at this point to break my concentration with a trip to the loo. And then, there they were. Taking the stage in record time and breaking into a melodious fervor immediately. The crowd began to sway almost instantly; hands in the air and heads cocking forward as they screamed the words to the song. No, I did not know the words to the songs. Did I still sing? Yes. The lyrics were somewhat predictable, which made it easy to follow and display my white girl moves (tapping the foot and shaking the head). Like their opening act, Avett displayed the same intense passion for their music. Sweat dripping into their contorted mouths as they sang. The emotion they intended their music to provoke was easily grasped and displayed by the audience. The slow songs made us sway and exchange shy smiles with our partner, while the fast songs made us clap and yell the lyrics with our partner.

I couldn't have asked for a better concert experience. I left the venue sweaty, smiling, and excited to purchase my first Avett/Truth & Salvage CD. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I did make it to the bathroom. Praise the lord.

Gosh, I Love Yogurt

Yogurt. Delicious, enticing, divine yogurt. If only everything in life were as pleasing as you. Men? No. I mean, do they come in 78+ aw-inspiring flavors, ranging from Red Velvet, to Pistacchio, to Banana Cream Pie? Do they come with 36+ incredibly fattening but oh so inviting toppings? No.

Yogurt is the easiest decision I have to make in the day. You are a fluffy bed of semi-guilt free love. My blanket of comfort during finals. I had two whole servings of you today and I would got get a third if I weren't so embarrassed to make the third trip into the Yogurtland. The second time in I had to lie and say I was getting you for my roommate. The guy gave me the look. The look that says "I know you are getting it for yourself, so I am just going to give you the raised eyebrow of suspicion and laugh at you with my co-workers once your jiggly butt walks out the door." Sexy yogurt interlude:

Bow-Chicka-Bow-Wow
Back. Where was I? Weird looks from the Yogurt man? Yes. He may give me weird looks, but I got the Yogurt in the end, Mr. Yogurt Man. You may have an unlimited supply, but I have an unlimited love. Too much? Never. So, until tomorrow, I'll be dreaming about you Madagascar Vanilla.

Food for Thought: Parks and Recreation

On my deathbed, my final wish is to have my ex-wives rush to my side so I can use my dying breath to tell them both to go to hell one last time. - Ron Swanson

Does this count as studying for Community Property? Damn.

Food for Thought: John Holt

If you're not making mistakes, you're not taking risks, and that means you're not going anywhere. The key is to make the mistakes faster than the competition, so you have more changes to learn and win. - John Holt





This makes me feel better about being a dumbass.

Food for Thought: Shakespeare

When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.

Ready To Pull My Hair Out

Finals are making their sneak attack. Not so sneaky since I know they are in 2 weeks. Nonetheless, I am sooooooooooooooooooo stressed. I am tired, I blame the world for everything, and I inhale food. Yep. INHALE. Fat clothes, here I come. Most of all, I appreciate my friends and family, SO MUCH MORE. I long to be around the most important people in my life. I guess that is not so bad. My friends are pretty awesome...well, I am pretty awesome, so it does make sense :P

Ugh. I miss my light-hearted side...for now it will remain burried under my extra layer of fat I am growing. See you in a couple weeks happiness. For now, this picture makes me laugh:

A Few Things I Could Live Without BUT Life Would Really Suck if I Had To

1. AQUAPHOR

I would like to praise whoever invented this petroleum tube of genius. Are your feet dry? Lips chapped? Dun-da-dun-dun! AQUAPHOR to the rescue! Typical situation:

Me: Oh my! My lips are so chapped. tear.
Aquaphor: Hey there foxy lady. Your dry, deathly looking lips look like they could use some cheering up. Anything I can do?

Me: Oh, Aquaphor. You make my heart go pit pat.

True story.

2. MASCARA

The one thing every woman should have and use is mascara. Why? Ummm, do you like looking tired? Didn't think so. Mascara is an instant eye opener and sure fire way to hide your lack of sleep.

3. ZIPLOC BAGS

I dedicate this to Sheenika and Heather because they know that I would starve if I did not have my wonderful ziplocs. Honestly, you can put anything and everything in those bad boys. Fruit, corn, turkey, nuts, vegetables... the list could be miles long. If I could, I would marry Ziploc. Best. Marriage. Ever.

4. PEARLS

So, the general consensus from men who know me is that I give off a slutty vibe. Basically, when they first meet me, they think I'm a girlscout who's willing to sell her cookies for a good bargain. Mmmm, Thinmints. I digress. So, yeah, the slutty vibe. The worst part is that it must be such a downer for men who think they are going to get my box of cookies and I leave them with "Sorry, the season is over." I have learned that the best way to fix my "slut-problem" is pearls. Yep. Oyster boobies. Pearls are the classic jewlery. They just scream 1950's virgin. So, if you make a little Lauren cocktail and throw in some pearls, the slut vibe is out the door. Pearl wearing girl scout say what?

5. CHEESE

I do not understand people who do not like cheese. They might as well be Ikea directions in farsi. How can you not like the milky deliciousness of curdled cow milk. Mmmmmm! Yep. Cheese is definitely something else I would marry. Perfect. Marriage. Ohhhhhh! Genius idea. Put the cheese in the Ziploc baggy and get the best of both worlds Hannah Montana style.

6. DOWN COMFORTER

Me, a young, warm-blooded creature, who likes to sleep on clouds in my free time. You, a sexy, fluffy cloud of heaven. Me + You = Heavenly nights of Lauren wrapped in cloth stuffed with chicken feathers. Mmmmm.

7. Vanilla Secret Deoderant

I sweat. No. Not dainty "Ooooh, look at me, I was jogging for an hour and one drop of sweat popped out of my forehead pore." I sweat an Olson twin when I do anything active. But, the one thing I can be greatful for is that when I do sweat (all the time, ahem) at least I smell like a pink starburst! Yep. Be jealous.

8. ROLLEY BACKPACK, SAY WHAT?!

My rolley backpack is quite possibly the most awesome thing on this planet. Yes, one wheel does make a shuffling sound. Yes, the other wheel makes a kur-plunk sound. But my RB gives me status. I am "that" girl with the rolley. The rolls. I represent my crew hardcore. I'm an RB Gangsta. What now, biatch?

It also really helps with my poor posture. Jus say'n! Shoot.