Fond of Premarital Sax

Hello all! Just taking a break from my Rob Lowe-athon. That includes countless episodes of The West Wing, St. Elmo's Fire, and if I were so lucky as to own it, The Outsiders. I love that man with my whole heart. Today since it is Halloween Eve, we dressed up for school and naturally, I was a hobo. I found it all too easy to come up with this costume out of my own clothes. Whether this is a good or bad thing I do not know, but I'm pretty sure it's got a negative connotation. The quasi-dred locks in my hair aren't feeling too great right about now though. Note to self: Hobo as a further profession might not be such a great idea if I want to avoid daily headaches. Also, I've been devouring the book The Wild Things. I got it yesterday and I'm more than halfway through (which actually is slow if I were massacring (sp?) the book, but for devouring I'm right on track). Tomorrow is Halloween. (Way to state the obvious, imbecile.) Halloween used to be my favorite holiday. I loved coming up with a clever and accurate costume and doing whatever ghoulish mischief I happened to get into. But Halloween just isn't that fun any more. No one really does anything worthwhile, and this year in particular I am worried about my first Mock Trial competition this Monday. Guess I'm on the hunt for a new favorite holiday. Any takers? I'd say Christmas and Thanksgiving are definitely in the running, mostly because they're the only two holidays I get to enjoy my Aunt's broccoli bake (I know it sounds unappetizing, but it's addicting). New years always has potential too but never really meets even my lowest expectations. I guess I'll have to settle and say my favorite holiday is Arbor Day. Good 'ol trees, never hurt anyone. They set out for one purpose and for one purpose only: to serve mankind. And what do we give them back? Destruction. Come on people, lets show the trees some respect and celebrate Arbor Day like it's 1999 (Did they even care in 1999? That just fit with the sentence). What I'm trying to say is...well...I have no idea. I think I'll go read now. Or maybe have a seance. Whatever floats my boat in ten minutes.

Off to hang out with Billy the Kid! -Lauren

Fond of No Direction

Due to a lack of creativity, I have decided to make today's post a compilation of Blogger's random questions, and my answers to them:

Why does the taste of pennies remind you of losing a tooth?

I think it's got something to do with the copper. Call me crazy but isn't there copper in blood? Something weird like that.

Why does the color blue mean raspberry-flavored?

I honestly don't think anybody knows. Perhaps it is a mutation. All I know is it's my favorite flavor!

You've been invited to a fancy ball but the only thing you have to wear is an orange wooly jumper. What shoes do you wear?

High tops. If I'm going to stand out, my shoes need to be cool and comfortable, obviously.

Chicken monkey shoes?

Are the only ones in my closet.

You've just inherited a manufacturing plant that specializes in plastics. What are you going to make?

Kazoos. I don't think this needs any more of an explanation.

Your hand has been replaced by a rubber stamp. What does it say?

If found, please return to: Rob Lowe.

I apologize, the unfunniness of this is astounding. But thank you, and goodnight! -Lauren

Fond of The Great Avocado Challenge

I just encountered a very exciting moment, and in that moment, I completed the World's Longest Book, East of Eden. It was a beautifully profound and inspiring book, with approximately 700 main characters and an equal amount of developed story lines. Kudos, John Steinbeck. I'm bummed that there's no new Glee tonight. I feel empty without my weekly dose of Finn, Puck, and Sue Sylvester. It's kind of like my mid-week stress remedy. Now I'm just sick and Glee-less but not too bad. My mom FINALLY picked The Wild Things up from Village Books today and I can't wait to start reading it! Especially after my religion teacher, Mr. Crehan's inspiring speech about how we will one day become Queen/King of the Wild Things in our own respect. I sure hope he's right, because he really gave me something to grasp and look forward to. My eye just caught a picture my friend Pilar drew of an avocado necklace, so I think I'll explain the story. One weekend over summer she was going to an avocado orchard with a friend, and since they're my favorite thing in the world, I asked her to get me a souvenir. Obviously, my first instinct was to ask for actual avocados, because what's better than the original? However, they were out of season, so assuming an avocado orchard equates to the commercial status of Disneyland, I asked her to buy me an avocado necklace. Unfortunately, as far as this orchard went, there was no such thing. I do actually have a Jason Mraz avocado pin on my school blazer though, which is almost as cool. I can't get over the fact that I'm still avocado necklace-less, even if Pilar did draw me an uncanny representation of what it should look like. She also drew me a shark, Totoro, jellyfish, and us holding hands on the same paper and it's kind of the best artwork I've ever received. You can top her though if you produce a real life avocado necklace. That's an official challenge. I shall call it "The Great Avocado Challenge."

On your marks, get set, AVOCADO! -Lauren

Fond of Windy Evenings

Maybe not where you live, but where I live, it is so windy outside, eek! The wind made my kitchen lights flicker to the max and all us girls over here started screaming like a babbling bumbling band of baboons! We currently have no man to protect us, but don't worry, I'm kind of the tough one. It's kind of a big bowl of suck though because I'm sick and I'm all nasally and coughy and gross and I can barely even hear my self talk. It's lovely, really. The pillow my head's a'restin on looks like a can of Crush, and that sounds positively delightful right now. I really can't wait for Meaty. Don't ask, you wouldn't understand. Its just something between Oli, Broldy, Driss, FunkWalk, Jaimes, Nicky, Joey, etc. and I. You know what my favorite kind of flower is? That's a trick question, because it's a three way tie between Daisy, Tulip, and Sunflower. If any of you in the audience go by the name of Masey, Rob Lowe, Kev Kev, Silas, FunkyWalky, Broldy, Puck, Finn - this message is for you. Not to be a pedophile, but I also wanna give a shout out to the corkiest kid in town Max from WtWTA!! Earlier, I told Oli to write about berries and he said he was writing about strawberries and so I thought I'd tell you that I'm technically allergic to strawberries. Aren't I one huge freak of nature?! I know, I know. I really have nothing more to say at all and my head is aching like someone pounded it with a tub of Hershey's kisses. Toodalloo! -Lauren

Fond of Everything on a Waffle

Today, I have no homework. I know, I'm as shocked as you are. I'm feeling slightly under the weather, but mostly just in that mode where you're really tired but have all this weird energy sprouting from nowhere. It's like a llama on a spring morning after a plate of blueberry waffles. I actually just made that up to emphasize my point, but I like the way it sounds. Mmm I kind of want some waffles from Der Waffle Haus now, even though I just had sopa for dinner. My throat itches so badly I wish I could just have a stream of warm hot chocolate living in my throat to make it all better. Also I wish it was raining. Rain, rain, don't go away, come again this very day! That would all be just so great, dontcha agree? I just looked up and gave my buddies John, Paul, Georgie, and Ringo a lil wink. They're stand up lads I must say. Never met four fellas so talented in my life. My wallpaper on my computer and phone are the corkies Where the Wild Things Are pictures in the universe. Lil Maxipad and K Dubz; Aww doesn't it just make you want to cuddle with someone right on the spot? I think I shall go cuddle up and have me some loco hot cocoa and maybe even a waffle if I'm feeling so deranged. Mister Masey friend, I hopeth thou cometh over tonight!

Peace out mamacitas! -Lauren

Fond of Zetea

Zetea*. Population Nnno. Founded by the great Z herself in the year Nineteen Sixty Nnno. Zeteans can be found all around America, but it is guaranteed that you don't know them. Some notable Zetean-Americans include: Angel from Rent, Mimi from Rent, the '80s mayor in Back to the Future, Roxy from Dead Like Me, Kiffany from Dead Like Me, Theresa from The OC, Carl from Love Actually, the Candy Store Owner from Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mercedes from Glee, Matron Mama Morton from Chiccy, the Asian comedian from that one episode of Dr. Phil, Mr. Eko from Lost, Jacquese (he's ghetto), Calypso from Pirates of the Caribbean, Kingsley Shacklebolt from Harry Potter, Whoopi Goldberg from everything, and many more. Let me break down the happenin's of Zetea for you a bit.

As you can probably tell by the people included in the Zetean-Americans list, to be Zetean you must have an astronomical amount of falava, and exude the Zetean catch phrase: "Y'all don't know me!" All indigenous Zeteans do. If you don't prove to the High Council of Zetea that you not only have falava, but that they don't know you, you will automatically be deported. The High Council of Zetea is comprised of...uh...no one's ever bothered to count because they're too busy being unknown, but numerous floating Giraffe Heads. The Zeteanship process works like so: You must stand before the council and prove that they don't know you, and trust me, this is no easy task. However, you may surpass this test if you are able to wink and snap your fingers in Z formation at the same time. You will then either get a wink of approval or nod of disapproval to tell you the results.

Zetea is equipped with an air-born vigilante police force of Zetean men called the Black Hawks (if you understand the word choice, you are just genius enough to be Zetean). They fly around and protect the Zetean people and Giraffe heads from dogs that may have gone rabid, and various Zetean crimes. The Black Hawks keep the people of Zetea feeling safe and satisfied [;)]. I hope that made sense.

The daily life of a Zetean includes walking around aimlessly but with an enormous amount of swagga. Several times a day Zeteans stop to talk about how little they know each other, and giggle about the floating Giraffe Heads dispersed around the country. They also love pointing out foreigners and watching their befuddled faces stare at the Giraffe Heads and just act so un-Zeteanly known. Zeteans drive around in their hover-cars chanting the Zetean national anthem and bopping their heads in the dance of the High Council.

Another fun fact about Zetea is that there are NO bugs. Instead, Zetea is populated by little dogs. Such dogs include Pekingese, Corgis, and Dachshunds. They scuttle around Zetea, not owned or known by anyone, and contribute to the cycle of life in Zetea.

Although I myself am not Zetean, you can be sure that y'all don't know me! Zetean Powerrrr! (pro.) -Lauren

*(Zetea was co-created by Lauren Lois Evans and Oliver Chase Young-Apstein, and nnno, it is not copyrighted, but nnno, we will not hesitate to kick your ass if you try to steal our ideas.)

Fond of Sleep

I guess it's pretty easy for you to see by the name of this post that I'm both A) Very tired, and maybe not so obvious B) Very delirious. Tonight I went to a Father Daughter dance without my dad, which is odd in the first place, but I also got all dressed up as a fortune teller for it (which was heaps of fun). I feel so mystic now. But even mystics get sleepy, right? Who wants chocolate milk? I do! It's so deliciously refreshing. Mmm I need to stop thinking about it because I don't think I have to chocolate syrup, or energy, to make it. Also I'm bummed because I'm starting to feel sick. I have a hunch it's due to the high stress and low sleep levels of this week. So, to channel my psychic skills, let's ask the Magic 8 Ball: "Should Lauren go to bed right this instant and sleep in until whenever she wants?" . . . "It is certain." There you have it folks, I'm off. I can't tell you how lovely my nine particular pillows look over there on my bed. And no, you cannot come with me, the bed is MINE! Okay, enough hostility; Peace, Punch, Cap'n Crunch nuggets!

Catchin' some Zzz's (This is a secret clue to tomorrow's blog if I remember even writing any of this), Lauren.

Fond of Masey

Not that anyone really knows who I'm talking about, but what do I care, huh? Well, I guess I should inform you that he is British, Beautiful, Brilliant, and Bad...ALL IN ONE! I know, I toohad to sit down when I typed this I was so overwhelmed. Seriously folks, he's the best. You know what else is the best? SEF (or St. Elmo's Fire for you losers out there who don't ab things). Is it a great movie or what? If you said "or what," you need to leave. Now. Go find a cliff, and jump off it. SEF is probably the greatest movie of all time. Jesus said so himself, and he's the son of G-O-D ya know! That is a gigantamum deal. I had to memorize this phrase and it's taken over my brain all day long: "Do you solemnly affirm that the testimony you are about to give faithfully and truthfully conforms to the facts and rules of the Mock Trial Competition" and the whole time I wish I could just say "Do you solemnly swear you are up to no good?" You know what I really dislike? Donuts. They make me feel gross. Today, someone offered me a coconut donut (without knowing it was my ULTIMATE Catch 22), and I literally nibbled off the coconutty parts, because donuts are barf-tastic. I don't like brownies either, unless it's the corner. I'm very particular about my delicacies, you see? Cookies are another story. I ADORE galletas! Chocolate Chip, Sugar, Snickerdoodle, or my favorite, Oatmeal Raisin. The only kind of cookie I loathe is Peanut Butter. Blech. How did I get on this weird tangent about desserts? I guess I'll stick with it. Do you know what my absolute favorite dessert is? You guessed it! Pie. I can't even describe pie in words. Heaven, and delectable are a couple I'd start off with though if I tried. With pie, my favorite is Banana Creme (Pecan in close second) and I literally am incapable of eating Pumpkin Pie. It's the most goddamn nasty thing on the face of the Earth, besides its cousins, flan and rice pudding. Okay, I have to wake up at the butt-crack of dawn to go paint murals at an underprivileged elementary school, doesn't that sound like oodles of fun? (No, I'm not being sarcastic, I mean it). Also, my car is getting detailed tomorrow while I'm gone and I'm super duper mega excited for it to be squeaky clean! See all y'all elf hammers tomorrow!

Hasta la vista baby! -Lauren

Fond of Mental Health

Sorry for missing yesterday, and being an all around crap blogger, but you see there was the issue of my mental health. This week, as implied in my last blog post (which only describes a fraction of the weight of stress), has been EXTREMELY busy. But now spirit week comes to a close, my Gov test has been survived, and all that's left is for me to dress like Palin for "P" day. While yesterday I may have broke down into so many pieces that I couldn't go to class, today I feel the weight slowly lifting off my shoulders (slowly). I even got to go to the Fall Sports Barbecue and Volleyball game tonight and have a ton of fun, support my friends, and most importantly NOT think about school or my responsibilities. Damn, that felt good. Even though I kinda sorta still have a significant amount of homework to do, I currently have a certain peace of mind that I've lacked lately. Getting past this week has given me an extraordinary sense of accomplishment, but it also taught me my limit. Therefore, I hereby declare that I, Lauren Evans, will from hereon out:

-Commit to being myself

-Promise to stop worrying about other people before myself

-Unlock the dusty cabinet that holds the wit I used to have

-Have a sense of humor

-Read for fun like I used to

-Watch exponentially more movies

-Travel to Rantasmia far more often

-Stop breathing a little and calling it a life

TAKE THAT STRESS! -Lauren

Fond of Spirit

That's right folks, it's spirit week at Louisville High School! Today was the first of the theme days, dubbed "Dress Like a Teacher Day." Naturally, the Mock Trial Team and I took it upon ourselves to dress like our fearless leader, Mr. Telesca. We all donned some sort of menswear, from the more casual long-sleeved polo and white sneakers look to the more reserved button down with slacks ensemble. He said it himself that he'd "never been more attracted to us."

Tomorrow is Class Color, and subsequently Pep Rally day. This means that I have to put in a lot of work (and I mean A LOT) to make things great. This morning I got to school at 7am with my fellow class council members to rehearse our dance to the late King of Pop's "Beat It" which we will be bombarding the underclassmen with at tomorrow's rally. Then, after school, I traveled to the dare I say ghetto to Party City to purchase Blue accessories for the Seniors to wear tomorrow. Did I mention I am getting to school at 6am tomorrow to set up all these shenanigans? As early as that it, it is so worth all the fun it's going to be. I can't wait to dress up in my blue tights, scarf, gloves, headband, and cookie monster shirt in support of the Senior Class of 2010! I'll fill you in on the rest of spirit week as it comes along.

Ruah! -Lauren

Fond of Movies

Yes people, this is a reformation. Not that I hated movies before, I had just never really been exposed to them. Quite the foil to my dear old friend, Oliver, who is a movie afficionado to say the least. He has also taken it upon himself to become my official film educator. I can honestly say that a weekend never goes by without my watching at least two movies with him, or suggested by him. Not to mention most of them have quickly gone from titles I'd never heard before to favorites. Since we've become friends it's been this way - I'm the reader and he's the watcher, and it's loads of fun rubbing off on each other. I have now begun the expansion of not only my list of movies watched, but of movies known and owned. My formerly exclusive DVD collection is steadily growing (and will hopefully become very large come Christmastime). I'd have to say my most recent movie obsessions have been Chicago, Love Actually, and St. Elmo's Fire. Chicago immediately went on my already too long Christmas list and the other two were so irresistibly fantastic that they have already been ordered via Amazon and are expected in the near future (and trust me, I can't wait!). Hopefully I'll be able to hold myself to a fraction of the movie knowledge of my Movie Mr. Miyagi and continue my film revolution until I have successfully mastered the art of being a true movie connoisseur.

Lights, Camera, Action! -Lauren

Fond of Illustrious Hacking

Hello. This is not Lauren. It is her nefarious and noble friend, Oliver Chase Young-Apstein. So what do you guys think about Giraffes? I personally love them! I wonder if Lauren likes them? I wonder if one of these days her blog title will be "Fond of Giraffes"? So anyway, where the hell was I? Oh yeah, hacking. Isn't this fun? I personally love it. I hope you fools are loving it because I sure am! So did ya'll hear about Balloon boy? That was crazy, huh? Anyone ever think about Phoenixes? Like the mythical creatures? I do. I love those fiery little bastards! So, what's another topic I can discuss? Let's see...... Which do you prefer, Lions or Tigers? I love both but I think if I was absolutely forced to pick just one of those cuddly little shnukems I would choose the almighty Lion. I mean they have that awesome mane and shiz! Who the frick wouldn't choose them? Okay I think it's enough with the jungle animals. LET THE WILD RUMPUS START! Do you awesome fellas know what that's from? It's from Where the Wild Things Are! I LOVED that movie so much, it was so funny and touching and profound and heartwarming. Can't wait to get it on DVD and watch it over and over again.

Okay well I think it's time for me to go....

Here's a link to my locotastic blog!

http://itsadestinything.blogspot.com/

Oli out.

Fond of Car Rides

Most people find it tedious driving around all the time, but I personally find it quite therapeutic. I never mind driving relatively long distances, whether it's to Woodland Hills, Malibu, or Sherman Oaks. I look at these car rides as an opportunity to rock out, belt out my favorite songs, recognize the nature that surrounds me, and pause for reflection. In such a crowded, busy world, I rarely find time to be completely alone. Car rides fill this void. I don't think anybody in the entire world has ever seen me sing (if you can even call it that) the way I do when I'm driving alone in my car. I have always thought my being featured on one of those "hidden dashboard camera" shows would be hilariously amusing. Lately my choices of songs have included the Glee and Chicago soundtracks. Although I am obviously incapable of hitting or even coming close to any note in any of these songs, I have a blast pretending that I sound as good as Lea Michele or Catherine Zeta-Jones. Apart from driving, I also really love my car. He's a black Toyota Scion xB named Newt. There's a little gecko dangling from the rearview mirror and a unicorn who lives in the cupholder. On Newt's back are currently two stickers: A peace sign and a cute whale that says "Live Simply." On his side is a small sticker given to me by my funcle from Santa Barbara Surf Shop. Newt's back seat is filled with the ever-amusing "schticks" and loads of other crap. Every bit of Newt has become my own, and I feel just about as comfortable in my car as I do in my bed. I'd even say I spend more time in Newt than I do in my bed. Is this as weird as it sounds?

Until next time, Lauren.

Fond of Love

Yes, I am going to attempt to tackle the most vast thing to ever be blogged, or for that matter, theorized about. And yes, I am probably much too tired to do so, but there's no time like the present eh?

Last night, due to a suggestion from my best friend and personal movie educator, I watched the ultimate romantic comedy, Love Actually. I didn't quite expect it to exceed the already high expectations I drew from its reputation, but to my surprise, it went above and beyond. Besides making me laugh, cry, and go "Aww!" about a million and one times, this movie flooded my mind with an immense amount of perspective.

First off, this movie taught me that love is constant. Although I do not see it in everything, or even feel it at times, it is not only there but it occupies every last square inch of space I assume is filled with air. Most of the time I feel a want for love of any sort, just to fill the void I realize that I create for myself. However love is actually the contrary. Love comes in and fills that crevasse before I really begin worrying about its emptiness. It's quite the phenomena, and before I turn this point into an impersonal cliché, I will move on.

Not only is love a constant in this inconsistent world, love is for everyone. To dip into the pool of cliché, I'd have to say that I have come to realize that love is for the rich and the poor; the pretty and the ugly; the kind and the hurtful; the happy and the sad; the important and the insignificant; the right and the wrong. And that is simply because love does not discriminate. In fact, love opens itself up as an offering to all those who will take it. I myself need to learn to take the plunge and accept all the love I take for granted.

As you may have encountered in your own life (and I certainly have in mine), love can be very complicated. But love is a different sort of complexity. It is beautifully complicated. The sort of chaotic harmony love creates - the sweet melody emerging from a rough instrument - is what makes love all that it is. Love is a separate endeavor from the rest of Earth's multitudes of struggles. It is an end that to be received, must be met by equivalent means. In other words, to get all the love you deserve, you must give the same amount back. That rule of thumb poses the question: Do we deserve what we give, or give what we deserve? Do you see how complicated it all is? But I know I will never give up my search for love or my journey of distributing it. And therein lies the beauty of love.

The reciprocation of love will probably always be a constant struggle for me, because I think I sometimes give more love than I can handle holding upon myself. It is entirely my fault that I don't consider myself so deserving, but I find so much love for others I find it hard to understand how much is left for me. Perhaps it never even gets back to me, but none of this will stand in my way. Love has a way of working things out on its own, and the only way to allow that to happen is to give love the opportunity to circulate and make its way through both my life and yours.

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return."

-Moulin Rouge

I love you, Lauren.

Fond of Anticipation

Even though I know I'm not supposed to anticipate for risk of disappointment, I sometimes do it anyway. For example, right now I am anticipating the greatness that shall be Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are. A personal and universal favorite, this children's book is short, sweet, and endlessly endearing. Hence why I am superduperextraspecially ecstatic for the release of the film adaptation, which I will be seeing this weekend.

I am also currently anticipating the DVD release of the new adaptation of Star Trek. Being a neo-trekkie and sci-fi fanatic, I ADORED this movie and loved the fresh spin J.J. Abrams took on the original. If you haven't seen it, I urge you to join me in anticipation of its approaching release date this November.

As my anticipation grows, so does my excitement, and I simply cannot wait for these two amazing films to come out in their respective forms.

Live long and stay wild, Lauren.

Fond of The West Wing

Yesterday in AP Government, my teacher decided to give us the rainy day treatment and let us watch West Wing instead of listen to his lecture. Let me tell you his gesture did NOT go unappreciated. The West Wing is a show that I consider to be highly underestimated. It is not only entertaining and addicting, but has an incredible amount of substance and low level of trashiness. It gives its audience a fictional, but riveting look into the business of the White House staff and the every day hustle and bustle. Did I mention that the show is hilarious? Really, it's just as funny if not funnier than a popular favorite like The Office. Not that the two can be compared. Every time we get to watch The West Wing in Government my gut begins to bubble with excitement as I realize I get to watch yet another captivating episode of this one of a kind show. Maybe I'm partial to this show because it's the kind of work I hope to some day be involved in, but I simply can't resist it. Do yourself a favor and watch some West Wing reruns.

Hope to someday work with POTUS, Lauren.

Fond of Breaks

I would like to express my apologies for not blogging yesterday, but also say that I am fond of taking breaks. But really, who isn't? I shall blog again tonight, so maybe that will make up for it. This is very short, but to the point.

Your humble servant, Lauren.

Fond of Gloom

Fear not, I don't mean this in a pessimistic way. I'm referring to the weather. Cold, breezy, dark, this weather is perfect for a fireplace and hot chocolate. For some reason, weather like this makes me happy. This happiness may be for no apparent reason, but I cherish it while it lasts. When the weather is like this I feel relaxed, but at the same time excited for whatever might come my way. It's even better when this weather is paired with a lack of any homework whatsoever, as it is tonight. My plan for this evening includes no lists, no agendas, no set schedule, just my favorite socks, sweatshirt, and television. It's almost as if the stress has been lifted and for whatever reason that makes my motivation skyrocket. I swiftly and calmly completed my requests for my teacher recommendations today, a task that I believed would take me both many hours and buckets of sweat (not literally). I was content to study for my Calculus quiz for 20 minutes and then proceeded to lie peacefully in thought on my bed with my phone for a while, without a care in the world. Autumn brings on a whole new me, a me I am very fond of (that wasn't supposed to sound narcissistic). Something about the weather, boots, scarves, gloves, and warm beverages makes my heart feel warm. And I'll let you in on a little secret too . . . Autumn me is just a preview of Winter me.

Time to go make some hot chocolate, Lauren.

Fond of Mr. A-Z

Last night I met god for the second time, and let me tell you, it was beautiful. He spoke of equality, democracy, and peace. Better yet, he expressed all of these ideas through song. From the complex lyrics of "Dynamo of Volition" to the raw, thoughtful melody of "Unfold," Jason Mraz captivated me for 2 hours straight. In fact, this captivation has yet to wear off (and I hope it never does). I was intrigued by the powerful messages he conveyed, as well as grateful someone can so certainly understand my beliefs. I danced, I played, I ranted and raved, and it was amazing. Jason Mraz has inspired me through his thoughts and ways in so many aspects it is difficult to describe. I guess this statement manifests in the fact that he is the donor of the name of my blog, "Fond of Change." Jason is "Fond of Change," "Fond of Hats," "Fond of Peace in Darfur," as well as many other things, and so am I. He has likened me to his fondness and nothing can take that away. If you don't know or love Jason Mraz at this point, I strongly encourage you to invest in his lyrical masterpieces. In conclusion, I will use Mr. A-Z's words and urge you to "listen to your voice; the one that tells you to taste past the tip of your tongue."

I'm yours, Lauren.

(He wore that hat last night!)

(Looking pleasantly serene)

(Playing one of his world-renowned tunes)

Fond of Happy Endings

Call me idealistic, but who doesn't love a happy ending? Average girl gets the dream guy, super hero defeats the super villain, protagonist gets the second chance. No matter how improbable an outcome may be, it really does leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside (And if you're me, your face is tear-stained). Although I am truly quite the realist, and some might even say cynic, fictional happy endings seem to provide me with the glimpse of hope I need to believe that maybe I'm the exception. Isn't that just peachy? How could you possibly disagree?

Examples of some of my favorite happy endings:

• Seth nabs Summer in The OC. Classic.
• Mimi lives in Rent, Roger finishes his song, and Mark completes his film.
• Jim and Pam live happily ever after in The Office.
• Juno gives her baby to Vanessa and remains in love with Bleeker.
• Milly ends up with Johnny (the sensitive, sexy musician/single father) in Because I Said So

Okay now I've given you tangible examples. Agree with me yet? I'm going to take that silence as a yes. My work here is done.

And they lived happily ever after, Lauren.

Fond of Random Questions

I know I already posted today, but this is urgent. On my profile, I was given the option to respond to a "random question." Intrigued, I selected this option and was presented with: "For your birthday, your aunt gave you a maple syrup dispenser shaped like a rooster. Please write her a thank-you note." Naturally, I dove right in. It seems I unknowingly dove head in to a pool full of maple syrup, because my answer was too long and I was unable to submit it. Not to worry! I've decided to share my answer right here with you:

Dearest Aunt Jemima,

I thank you kindly for the birthday gift. Of all the rooster memorabilia I have received over the years, none quite measures up to the one I received from you. Each day when I wake up to the smell of crisping waffles, I shall rush to the cabinet to procure my glorious, gleaming, cockadoodle-doo-ing dispenser and watch as your warm, viscous, syrup drips out and submerges my waffles in a sea of sweetness. For all this I am grateful to you.

Your sinfully syruppy niece,

Lauren

Bon Appetit! -Lauren

Fond of Chicago

No, not the city, although I LOVE that too. I'm talking about the musical. Starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Renee Zelwegger, Queen Latifah, Richard Gere, and a small, but essential part played by Taye Diggs. I started to watch the movie with my friend Oli about a month ago and was just not in the mood, so we turned it off. Little did I know how far off that judgement was. A week or two ago I found myself humming the tune to "All That Jazz" and decided to rent the movie on iTunes and watch it myself. A little over two hours later, I was OBSESSED. Of course, I forced Oli to send me the entire soundtrack via file transfer, a time consuming process, but I think he'd agree that it was more than worth it. Ever since then, I've listened to the soundtrack nonstop and memorized the lyrics to every song in no time. Every time I find myself driving alone, I take advantage of the opportunity to turn up the Chiccy and put a new meaning to the term "rock out." I know I've been pushing the visual media components these last two posts, but you don't want to miss out on this show-stopping musical. Okay, Oli is pressuring me to submit this so I will end my post here, but don't be surprised if you see me revisit this topic very soon.

Who said that murder's not an art? -Lauren

Fond of Scrubs

I spent a good 20 minutes talking to my friend Oli today about Scrubs. It goes without saying that Scrubs is my number one favorite show of all time. Hands down. I spent years watching every episode of Scrubs religiously, and then I watched all again (and again). Whether it's Turk and JD's crazy antics, their somewhat abnormally close, but really beautiful friendship or the Janitor's pranks, Scrubs never lets up on the heartfelt messages and never-ending humor. Seriously folks, it's the best. Did I mention that I love it? I even have a ring engraved with the words "Turk and JD" that my best friend and I once got together (If you must know, she was Turk and I was JD). Scrubs has made me laugh, cry, giggle, cackle, smile, and even slap my knee on a regular basis. I consider the hours (more like days) I devoted to Scrubs some of the best spent in my life. While on one hand this may be pathetic, I am extremely proud of it. If you're feeling blue, or just don't know what to do, watch Scrubs. You won't regret it.

See ya later Shirley! -Lauren

P.S. Some of my favorite Scrubs quotes:

J.D.: Ooh, Dr. Cox, can I ask you something?
Dr. Cox: The answer is yes, it was me who saw you doing leg lifts in the gym on that inflatable ball. It was quite the display of girl power.

Elliot: Dr. Cox, this is the most painful thing I've ever done and I was a cutter for a week in high school. My shop teacher thought scars were sexy, but that's a whole other story. The point is, your advice really worked with Jake and I'd really appreciate it if you would give me some more help.
Dr. Cox: Oh, no problem Barbie, let me just finish writing this prescription and you'll be all squared away.
[hands Elliot the prescription]
Elliot: This is a prescription for 'no'.
Dr. Cox: Correctomundo. To be taken with food every Saturday night while you're eating alone.

Chris Turk: Babe, you gotta understand. A guy will sleep with any woman he finds attractive, no matter how he feels about her. If Tyra Banks drove her car over my mom and then offered to have sex with me, I'd have to dial 9-1-1 in the nude because my pants would already be off!
Carla: Nice, while your mother lays there dying.
Chris Turk: [to JD] Tell her.
J.D.: His mother doesn't die. Tyra uses her connections in the super model world to get Turk's mom's brain put into Heidi Klum's body. She falls in love with me, and we all move in together.
Chris Turk: Because I love my mom.
J.D.: Mm, and I would love her too.

J.D.: You think Turk would like it if I started calling him 'my brother'?
Carla: I don't know.
[Turk passes by]
J.D.: Catch you later... my brutha.
Chris Turk: I'll holla.
J.D.: [to Carla] He said, he'll holler..

(All quotes courtesy of IMDb)

Fond of Homecomings

Contrary to popular belief, I'm not talking about the cheesy high school dances. What I'm fond of is literally homecoming. Entering your home after a vacation, after being out of your element and away from your norm. Today is my homecoming, from San Francisco to LA. I've been here since last Saturday visiting my sick Grandma. Perfectly healthy until the age of 85, when a cataract surgery led to the discovery of very serious Leukemia. This, I am not very fond of. My grandma, Charra, is a very complex person. Although she seems to be rude and ungrateful, she is an extremely well cultured and exceptional person. She may be stubborn, but she sure has some intriguing stories to tell. But I digress. Back to my fondness. I will arrive at LAX tonight around 9pm, from where I will return to my own home, my own bed, and my own shower. With the knowning risk of my sounding cliché, I really never realized how important those things are to me until I spend four days sleeping and inhabiting a dust palace filled with cobwebs and fruit flies. Home, here I come!

Remember, there's no place like home. Lauren.

Fond of Introductions

Despite the title of my blog, it won't only be about how I want to change things. This blog is here for me to rant, rave, denounce, and preach and that's exactly what I'm going to do. However, my first blog is going to be a little story about a little change:

Once upon a time, people all around the world used single-use plastic water bottles. While the sorcerers all tried to trick us into believing that recycling these bottles would do the trick, the true wizards were working hard to invent something that would significantly help Earth. Alas, the reusable aluminum water bottle was born. With such brands as Sigg, and Klean Kanteen, we are allotted many options in styles, shapes, and sizes of water bottles that produce absolutely no waste. Once every human on Earth begins to care enough about the planet so as to even reuse an aluminum bottle, the stability of our planet may one day be restored. And then they all can live happily ever after. The End.

By simple being conscious enough to use a Sigg bottle or a reusable grocery bag, we truly have the ability to get our planet Earth back on track. Although it may seem like a small effort, in the grand scheme of things it goes a long way. Remember, on the space ship that is Earth there are NO passengers; just crew. It's up to us to make it a successful journey.

Over and out, Lauren.