TGIF

Every Friday, most people are happy because it's almost the weekend. Me? I'm happy because it's JEANS FRIDAY!!!!

Denim puts a pep in my step!

How bout them Bucks?!

I love my Dukies - I'm not sure why, but I do. But last night, it was great to see them lose. The Big Ten FINALLY won an ACC/Big Ten Challenge which makes me think that MAYBE whomever came up with this "challenge" idea isn't as big of an idiot as I thought he was. I mean seriously, what kind of a challenge is it when the same damn conference wins everytime? The atmosphere was great last night (comparable only to other Ohio State games, of course. What? I'm sorry but it's no Cameron Indoor). The real purpose of this rant is to share an article about Ohio State superman, Evan Turner. It's well written and it's certainly nice to hear about good people, especially when those people are athletes, even more so when that athlete is a Buckeye. Go Bucks!

First off, let me say that the Bruegger's on Lane Avenue is now open!!! For you non-Columbus folk, I take Lane to work every morning so this could not be a better location. Anywhoodle, the bottomless mug is back. I've attached the article but basically you pay a base price for the mug (seen below) and are able to refill the mug AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT throughout the whole entire year. This includes tea, coffee, and soda. Can you believe it!!!? So, if you are thinking about a Hump Day gift for me, look no further.

(and no, I do not have stock in Bruegger's) Piece out!

Smart Car...

Stupid Driver

(if you have problems parking this sucker inside the lines, boy is a Honda Civic going to be tough!)

Heaven

I'm not really quite sure what I believe in - that's not appropriate for a blog.  But what I do believe is if there is a heaven, it looks like Athens, Ohio.  I doubt they'll be playing Bobcat football in heaven - that might get a little depressing.  But yesterday it was perfect.  Bobcats beat Temple to clinch the MAC East and had the winningest season since 1963.  And tickets were only $5!!!!  I can't say it enough, I freakin' love that place!  Piece out!

 

The Best

There are a few things in this world anymore that truly make you happy.  The things that made you happy when you were five and can still make you smile inside and out today.  I got the opportunity to go to the Ohio State/Michigan game last weekend and it was the first time I couldn't wait for something in a really long time.  I could barely keep my skin on Friday afternoon because I just wanted to jump out of it with excitement.  Saturday morning I woke up at 6am and couldn't wipe the smile off my face.  I was happy.  

And the game did not disappoint!  Ohio State won for the 6th time in a row, we successfully completed the O-H-I-O cheer in the Big House, and my dad got redemption from the game in 1969.  Some say football is just a game but last Saturday, it was a little more than that.  Piece out!   

                                             

Jam Sesh

So I added a nifty little gadget on my page which you may have noticed if you have speakers!  Anywho, my page is a work in progress (Carrie, I need your help!) but for now, enjoy the new Jam of the Day by The Script called "Breakeven".  It's pretty incredible.  

Piece Out!

Media Player!!!

So I've been feeling a little uninspired lately, hence my naked String Bean.  But I figured out how to include a media player (which was quite a feat, let me tell you).  So enjoy my song of the day!

Get Your Own Player!

Piece out.

O-H....

I'm here!!!!!!  I am officially a buckeye again and it couldn't feel....more surreal.  Except for the drop ins from my girls and dinner plans with my brother and lamp shopping with my mom, I feel like it's just another move to a foreign place.  I'm on the opposite side of my childhood home and I really haven't ventured out to these parts in the 22 years that I lived here.  But my heart is full so I know I'm home.  And may I add that Columbus is a pretty cool city!?  5th Avenue has everything you could possibly need including a couple nice bars with great beer specials.  Hell, I'm used to being excited about a well stocked gas station near by.  So maybe my opinion is a little skewed.  But still, I get to pass this everyday on my way to work... 

picture  thanks to www.buckeyesgameday.com

Sigh.  Life is good.  Piece out!

Durham

So I'm off to buckeye country next week!  I'm really excited to finally be near my family and have more than one girlfriend to go out with on a regular basis.  But packing and prepping for the move has definitely got me thinking about some of the things I will miss most about Durham.  In no particular order, here they are:

          

               

1.  Michael Tomko.  He's a saint.  And my best friend.  And the most genuine person I know.  He drives me insane sometimes but I'm a tough person to get along with and I think I've finally realized this.  He puts up with me and for that, I will forever be grateful.  

 

2.  Various Eateries.  In all seriousness, one of the reasons I moved to Durham was the Mexican Shrimp Martini at Rockfish.  It's pretty much to die for.  Bruegger's used to be one of my favorite places to go for lunch in high school but they started shutting down all throughout Ohio.  Shortly after I moved here I noticed a plethora scattered around town.  If I'm ever having a bad day, there is a german restaurant off of 15/501 that has delish food, a great atmosphere, and an even better cream puff.  

 

3.  My gynecologist.  That might be too much for you to handle but the fact of the matter is, it's hard to find a good gynecologist.  I only went once but I felt comfortable putting my girl parts in her hands...literally.  That's hard to come by. (I'll spare you the picture)

4.  Duke basketball.  I'll admit it, I hated Duke until I got the job here.  Even after the first basketball game I was a little skeptical.  But Duke basketball is one of the greatest atmospheres in sports.  Period.  Not only that but it provided me with some pretty amazing opportunities like riding in a plane/elevator with Coach K and the team, visiting MSG, and watching UNC/Duke at both venues.

 

Alphabet Beard

During our goduke weekly publication celebration (i like the sound of that), I noticed Michael has been harvesting random letters of the alphabet in his beard.  This week, the letter is "p".  What will next week bring?!

Winty Baby

I was really bored and messing around on my computer and found this really cool program called comic life.  If you have any creativity at all (which I don't) you can actually make some pretty cool stuff.  We all know that I'm obsessed with Winston so naturally, this would be my first completed project. 

Pretty neat, huh?  Piece out.

My apologies

So I think it has been about two weeks since my last blog.  This is NOT the way to get millions of followers and become famous.  On September 11th, I had the opportunity to visit the Army campus in West Point, NY.  It was a pretty cool place to be on such an important day in the history of the United States of America.  Duke football played Army the following day. 

Thank God Duke won because the Ohio State vs. USC game almost made me suicidal.  This is what Winston looked like after the game:

You can only imagine what I looked like.

Finally, I enjoyed my very FIRST airport beer.  Other than the ridiculous price tag and the fact that it gave me an extreme case of the 'cups (hiccups), it was a very tasty beer.

I promise you I will not put you through another two week hiatus.  Piece out.

Freeway Confessions

Yesterday I drove from Durham to Columbus after work.  I left around 6 and got in around 2:15am which left me much time to think...this is what I came up with:

1. A tank top sans bra and a skirt is not appropriate attire for a late night gas station stop in Virginia.  Remind me to put more thought into my traveling outfit next time.
   
2. Pandora in the car is the sweetest thing since....lollipops?
   
3. A 75 cent increase at each toll is absolutely absurd.  That's $6.  That's more than half of a $10 bill! 
   
4. The iPhone is the greatest invention of all time
5. Bad drivers are not regional.  They are everywhere.  Next time I say something like "North Carolina has the worst drivers", please correct me.  
6. Monster energy drink is Sparks without a purpose.  
7. Beef Jerky, Pringles, and gummy bears...I'm disgusting.
8. The only way to road trip is with a dog to your right, the windows down, and the music blaring.  There is no such thing as AC.
9. "Running Away" by Hoobastank could be the greatest jam out song of all time

Fungus

Ever since I started working at Gold's, I have begun to loathe towels - specifically the bath and sweat variety.  I have nothing against the beach towel.  I actually really enjoy a good beach towel, especially those big ones you can buy at wal-mart for like $5 (not the only $5 steal at wal-mart.  Look for a Michael Tomko blog coming out shortly about the $5 movie bin).  Anywho!  Initially when I started working there, folding towels was the highlight of my evening.  I mean, between scanning ID's and telling people they owe $200 in late fees, folding towels seemed almost enjoyable.  But the tables slowly turned when I started to accumulate fungus on my hands, legs, and face.  It's effected everyone.  I blamed Winston for months for giving me fleas.  He's still not speaking to me.  Who knew towels could be so violent?   

 

I mean, look at those towels!  I have no qualms about rubbing them all over my body.  Don't be fooled.  They might get you too.

I'm done.  Piece out.  

Nast

Apex peanut butter? CANDY "cookie".    

You disgust me.  I know it is 13 days past your expiration date but I hardly feel that is a valid excuse.  Your texture is actually surprisingly pleasant but you taste nothing like peanut butter which your packaging advertises.  Other than the little SHELLS of fat free, sugar free reese's pieces, I taste nothing that resembles candy.  And if this is what a cookie tastes like, well count me out.  No more cookies for ole' LB.  

And yet...I continue to eat you. 

Damn you, Coffee!

I was on a roll with basketball apps this morning! Sipping on some Foldgers when THIS happened!

Gasp! Note to self: never place coffee within a 10ft radius of my arms. They get a little crazy sometimes!

Winty-Baby

So...Winston spent the week with creepy Uncle Hamp last week and this is what happened to him...  

I know, I know.  It could be worse.  He could be dressed in Florida or USC apparel, you know, a team that is actually COMPETITIVE in college football.  But still, Clemson?!  Let's get real.  Everyone knows Winston is a buckeye.

God, I'm bored.  Piece out.

Just Sell It

Duggy...why do you run my wallet dry????  We used to be so happy together...

and now you tell me I owe you $500 at 60,000 miles?!  What's that?  Another $200 for your front brakes???!  $50 for an oil change?!!!!!  You hurt my heart.  

Rollerblades

Rollerblades are cool.  If you disagree, you are insecure and worried that others will judge you.  I've always known this but I was reminded of just how cool they are today; ergo I am secure, unafraid of judgement, and cool.  Upon stepping into my Saloman women's size 7.5 rollerblades, I immediately regretted leaving them jammed into the back corner of my closet for a whole entire year.  As I started on my journey down the bike path, I was continuously reminded of why I feel this way towards rollerblading.  My first encounter with a rollerblader was a very pleasant conversation about the insanely hot weather we've been having.  The second was a query about the difficulty of skating over the debris that lie ahead.  The third a simple smile and wave - this coming from the ever intense rollerblader with one hand behind his back, leaning forward with the other arm swaying back and forth in front of his body.  My point is, there is a camaraderie that exists between rollerbladers.  Bikers are too busy becoming Lance Armstrong and runners are too tired to acknowledge your presence.  Not only is there a bond that exists between one another but it's fun AND you can still feel the burn.  After all, how did you think I got this great ass?  Piece out.                                 

                                         

           Song of the week: "Echo" by Incubus

video taken from YouTube

Brief Absence

Whew!!!  What a week!  I can't believe I haven't blogged since Tuesday but it has been a ridiculously busy week in the Birnie household.  Since we last spoke, I was introduced to the greatest place in Durham, I acquired a roommate, I ran four miles and I went to Big Lots.  

My friend Tricia and I have made this plan to go to a different lunch spot every week.  She just graduated from Duke making her much more knowledgeable of where to eat other than Chipotle, Noodles and co., etc.  Last week

she introduced me to Park and Otis which could possibly be the coolest place I have been since living here.  Not only do they serve the best BLT (I actually know this for a fact), but they have $2.50 glasses of wine on Thursday, a nifty little 50's-esque store (pictured to the right), a coffee bar, and from what I can tell, pretty amazing desserts.  They also have an awesome outdoor seating area where you can actually bring dogs and if you know me at all, you know this is a huge bonus!  

Other than visiting Parker and Otis on a daily basis, I have been busy with moving apartments.  I know Breanne is going to get mad at me for throwing a pity party but it was without a doubt the hardest move I have had so far.  I had help from Gus and Brian moving the couch, w/d, etc. but I didn't realize how much shit (excuse my language) I have accumulated over the past year.  I also think I was extremely ill-prepared.  I had done 0 packing which resulted in thousands of trips made back and forth over the span of 24 hours.  I learned that a short move 

doesn't always mean an easy move and I have no business heaving 50lb televisions on top of dressers.  In the end, I'm pretty sure it was all worth it and I'm happy with the results.  This is a picture of my room although the bed is not made so it doesn't look nearly as swanky as it is in person.  Just take my word for it!  Winston seems to be enjoying his new abode.  I know this because he's eaten more than I've seen him eat in the past month and he hasn't peed on the carpet yet.  I won't hold my breath.  

I had so many other things to say but it's getting late and I know you are tired!  I have a great song of the week that I hope to share with you tomorrow.  Until then, have a lovely Tuesday.  Piece out.

picture taken from www.parkerandotis.com  

  

The Doghouse

Innocent or Guilty?

You tell me....

Serious Case of the Mondays

Definition:  Lauren Birnie, August 3, 2009  

                           

I have to tell you, until today, I didn't know what this meant.  Bad day?  It must be Monday.  Tired?  Of course you are, it's Monday.  Depressed?  Monday.  No, today was downright ridiculous.  I have to be at work at 8:30 (technically 8:15).  I woke up at 11.  It's not like I hit the snooze or I didn't feel good.  I legitimately didn't wake up until 11.  My dog was even passed out.  I wish I could say I'm really important at my job and without me that place wouldn't run.  Not true.  But today of all days I had actual responsibilities, all of which had to be done by 11 or at least started before 11.  I screwed up literally everything I touched.  On any other Monday, I would've cried.  Today I laughed.  

Here's to tomorrow.  Piece out.   

Adios

Dear J,

I've met someone else.  His name is Q and he has a lot to offer me.  He has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, all of which have locks and nice smooth walls.  Walls that have not been pounded with cell phones and fists (what?  i was angry!).  The cold water doesn't scream at me every time I turn it on, the hot water heater doesn't gurgle, and I'm pretty sure the power won't go out seven times while drying my hair.  The ceiling doesn't bow and the mantle doesn't have a large ash mark above it (ok, that was my fault).  The lady below Q doesn't have a cigarette glued to her mouth and her son likes dogs, so I'm FAIRLY certain she won't be calling the cops on me anytime soon.  I suppose I should give her the benefit of the doubt.  If a dog peed on me from the upstairs porch, I might be a little frustrated as well.  Most importantly, he doesn't smell like pee.  You should really consider bathing.  Sure, we've had some good times together.  Remember that time when you, Hamp, Breanne, Winston and I danced to Sisqo.  

                                              

Or what about the numerous Ohio State/Duke football games we watched together.  You'd always comfort me after a long day at work with your reliable A/C and your serenity at night.  You were a great host when I invited guests 

over and you created a great venue for late night Wii.  I really wouldn't mind playing this out to see where it takes us but Breanne said she wouldn't share a bed with me and my couch is beginning to smell like pee so she's not willing to negotiate.  I hope we can still be friends and you'll pick a nice couple to share your life with.  I'm sorry I had to tell you this over blog but I think it's best.  Take care.

Piece Out,

Lauren

The Latest Happenings

Happy Saturday!!!  I had big plans today...BIG PLANS!!! but the sun is not cooperating so I'm stuck inside with the boys.  Yea, they look cute but I'm not impressed.  You shouldn't be either.  Just a second ago, I thought Winston was finally acting like the lovely young gentleman I had trained him to be but that bone I thought he was chewing on was in fact a tampon.  Outstanding.  Last night 30 MINUTES AFTER LETTING THEM OUT, I came into the living room to Onyx peeing on the carpet.  Winston thought it would be a good idea to follow suit.  Needless to say, I'm running out of paper towels.  Thank God I'm moving in a week...I'm guessing I can forget my deposit.  Other than cleaning up puppy accidents, I've been completely occupied by The OC, season 1 and Starbucks iced coffees.  Only one day of working at Gold's this past week which made me feel downright worthless.  Football season starts in 34 days and I could not be more excited.  Conveniently, the USC/Ohio State game is the same weekend Duke has an away game at Army so that works out well for me.  Time to get back to the OC.  Seth Cohen has to tell Summer he's dating Anna! 

One more thing.  So, I know songs of the week fall on Wednesday but I'm really into this song right now and I really couldn't wait til Wednesday.  If you are as impatient as I am, go to the six minute mark and listen to the instrumentals.  Pretty unreal.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  Piece out!

                      

                            

O.A.R 52/50

Simple

Why am I always in a good mood when I wear my green pants??

What if...

So lately I have been discussing with people a world in which no one could lie.  This sounds really deep but bare with me.  So think about it...I'm not just talking big lies like telling your girlfriend you cheated on her or telling your parents you are inviting eight guys to the house in Florida.  I'm talking little white lies too.  For instance, "hey, what do you think of this outfit?" to which you reply "I think it's absolutely terrible and you should never wear it again".  "Lauren, why do you think you are qualified for this job?"  "Actually sir, I don't.  I've been fired from my last five jobs, I tend to steal money, and I punched a coworker at my last job."  "Lauren, what do you think of my boyfriend?"  "I think he's about a 3 out of 10, his teeth are crooked, and I think I have that shirt in blue."  I'm guessing there would be some pretty extreme backlash but after everyone got used to it, I'd like to think that the good guy would win after all.  What do you think?  

Song of the week brought to you by 98 degrees, Shannon Leary, and youtube.  Piece out

                                   

    

The Essentials

Coolest shoes ever!

picture thanks to Sanuk

3 hour work day + new phone + surprise package from my mom = best day ever! Thanks, Mom! Piece out.

Duggy's Famous!

Apparently work should not let us out early on Friday's because I tend to make very hasty purchases.  I took the plunge and bought an iPhone.  Say what you want...I caved, I'm trying to be like everyone else, etc.  The truth is, you're jealous.  Don't feel bad...I would be too.  

I went out Friday for the first time in awhile.  I made the mistake of drinking Miller High Life (what?  they were only $1!) and have been paying for it ever since (please notice it is 4:11 on Sunday and I STILL have a headache).  All this down time has given me the chance to explore my new friend, Harry (the helpful iPhone).  They have the google maps application which has been my favorite so far.  I looked up all the addresses that I can remember in my tiny little brain.  I pulled up 722 Cherryfield (my previous residence) and found this :

Would you look at that!?  Duggy!  I just thought this was the coolest/creepiest thing.  The only way this could be better is if the google man captured Winston and I on the front porch.  Looks like i'll be spending a lot of my spare time on my porch.  Piece out.  

 

My Happy Place

I'm not going to lie, I didn't have the best of days today.  I've had a pretty busy week and I think it finally caught up to me.  TGIT...one more day.  I worked at Gold's tonight which actually put me in a better mood.  I'm not sure if it was the excitement of being able to play basketball at work or just the mindless distraction.  I do know one thing. At the end of the day, I get to come home to this:

Are you kidding me?  How could you be anything but happy?  Piece out.  

LB Ramblings

First and foremost, I would like to take this time to thank my loyal followers. Carrie, Michael - your support means the world to me and without you, I would not have the courage to continue on my blogging journey.  That being said, I should not be able to name all my followers using one comma while being grammatically correct.  You know what this means.

So today was a pretty good day.  Up above, you can see what I did at work (this is actually part of my "bucket list" but let's save that for another blog), I escaped for lunch with good company, I got to travel with my friend Scott to pick up his new puppy, Layla, and I got to talk to one of my all time favorite people in betwixt all of his Bar exam studying.  I did have high hopes for this evening such as rollerblading, targeting, etc. but my hopes were dashed as soon as I learned that said puppy was all the way in Corn Stalk, NC.  That was rude...it was actually a very pleasant little town.  

Amongst all of the chaos (i'm kidding, things are rather dull at the moment), I have had some very deep conversations...about lamp shades.  Do they really make sense??  I mean, why have a light to make things brighter and then put a shade over it to DIM THE LIGHT?!  You tell me.  Mask or menace....ok, that really doesn't make sense right now and I'm not even quite sure that's the exact Spiderman quote.  But either way, lend me your thoughts.

Song of the week compliments of Michael Tomko, Lupe Fiasco, and YouTube.  Piece out.

     

These are a few of my favorite things...

So, I'm new to this whole blogging thing and am actually quite nervous! People reading my innermost thoughts!?! Yikes! But frankly, I'm bored and my friend Carrie has been nagging. So in an effort to please both her and I, I have succumb to the frightening yet exciting world of blogging.



First things first, I should probably expand on my little diddy over there --->. As you might assume, I'm originally from Ohio and daydream about the state constantly (is that weird?).



video couresty of THE Ohio State University Marching and Athletic Bands

I mean seriously, what's not to love??? Saturdays in the fall are the highlight of my year...ONE MORE MONTH, LAUREN, ONE MORE MONTH. I'm pretty convinced if the whole year consisted of football Saturdays, I would have no friends and my dog would be really fat. Which leads me to touch on my next topic: Winston. My dear sweet Winston. I'm not going to lie. I love him more than you. Yes, you. So he pees on my couch, chews up my only decent pair of sunglasses, and ate my copy of New Moon!!!! But other than that, he's a delight. He licks my tears when I cry...and my legs when I step out of the shower (I know it's strange), he gives the best hugs (i'm serious!), and he's scared of plastic bags (I just feel like I need to write something in parenthesis since that seems to be the theme here). I really don't know what I'd do without my second half and spooning partner. Lastly and most importantly, I love my family. Yea yea, I know. Sappy is not my style but they had to be mentioned on my favorite things list. Ok, I'm over it. Listed below is a continuation of my favorite things because, well, I'm bored and impatient and I really can't stand to write anymore because I feel like i'm in 10th grade ENGLISH CLASS AND CARRIE IS SITTING BESIDE ME GETTING YELLED AT BY MS. CONDREN BECAUSE SHE MADE UP YET ANOTHER WORD SHE USED IN HER FIVE PARAGRAPH ESSAY! Gasp! Now I know why the ladies at GFY use all caps sometimes...it's very liberating.

1. Drunken late night mario kart with a good friend
2. Fresh green beans
3. My moms chicken & noodles
4. Charlotte Ruth Birnie
5. Puppies of all sorts!
6. A long walk with Winston
7. Corona or Bud Light lime on the porch
8. Using really random words like rad, narly, moist
9. Weirding people out
10. A clean apartment
11. Random trips to Rock Hill
12. Beating the crap out of a pinata with my best friends
13. Weddings

I hope you enjoyed my first of hopefully many blogs!! Piece out!