Valley Forge & Philly Cheese Steak

The weekend AFTER the 4th of July we went to Valley Forge. No one is really sure why. The best part of our stay at Camp Walden was the dance party we had in the kitchen that night- and the slumber party that came after [Arapaho bunk 11.]

Megan and I rocked our matching 8th-grade FiEld TrIp to DC!! shirts. with pride.

How attractive was this trip on a scale of 1-10?

I'd give it a solid 3. Negative 3. 

The next day we went to Philly, which was significantly better (although just as sweltering, in case you were wondering.) Sadly, I don't have any pictures of me getting yelled at for trying to touch the Liberty Bell, although it was a definite highlight of the morning.

"Lauren, what made you think you were allowed to touch it?" -Jessica

"I don't know!? It was old!"

Dr. Seely, you have taught me so well. 

National Constitution Center [which may win the award for best museum ever].

 Independence Hall.

Girl Scouts of America exhibit.

"There are three things I want when I get home: a tent, an ax, and a wood pile."
-Camper at Camp Andree Clark, 1929

Elizabeth Malone, darling of the Barlow Center and Nice Park Ranger, whose job we both want.

 Reading Market. LOVE fountain. Betsey Ross' house.

I saved the best part for last.

On the bus, someone had brought Kung Fu Panda, which I had never before seen. There was one part that was so funny I didn't just cry, I wept violently for ten minutes. [This is probably around minute seven, which is why Haylee appears so disinterested.] I didn't know this video existed until it appeared in my work email inbox this morning. Well played. It still brings tears to my eyes.

The Modesty Project + The Second Marriage

This is what I finished this weekend. 

By far, it was the most fun thing I have ever shot.
Because my friends were in it.
Because I wasn't on a noon deadline.
Because the topic is something I care about, and I didn't have to try to be objective.

Fun Facts about this Video for Non-Techies to Understand and Enjoy:

1. In the world of broadcast, "You're hot" means your microphone is working. It wasn't until the last interview of the day that I realized no one else knew that.

2. Today I showed this video as part of a church lesson on modesty. Ironically, I had burnt myself with a curling iron that morning on a very prominent place on my neck. So I looked super virtuous as I was presenting.

3. Adrian was the only interviewee who even suggested that immodesty was in any way attractive. When I was filming I couldn't decide if he was seriously the only one who thought that way OR if he was just the only one who was being honest. The newsroom boys all affirmed it was the latter.
"Lauren, immodesty isn't a good thing- especially in the long run. But just remember: guys are still guys."
I still don't know which story is more true. Because the other day the BYU men's cross country team ran past me and let me tell you, it was by far the most immodest thing I have ever seen... and it was not attractive.

This is what I did this afternoon.

Before: Dead plant.

New seed of love.

Magic FERTILIZER my friend gave me.

Implantation.

In its favorite spot by the TV and the window.

I have just a few weeks for this thing to sprout, grow and stay alive. Don't you fail me, baby.

Potential New Paper Titles

Second Chance to Bloom: A Novel

Death and Starting Over: People Do Both of These Things All the Time

Nothing Kills a Relationship Like Moving Too Fast

Lots of General Authorities Remarry

The Firstborn Son: must die, but then all subsequent children will be fine!

4 to 6 videos you should probably watch.

In case your day needs a little brightening... I have some recommendations. Today's categories:

Sports
ESPN's Not Top 10 of 2011.
Have we all seen this? Yes. Does it ever get old? Nope. Best pick-me-up ever.
(The video doesn't start until 0:15... but after that, it's golden.)
There is nothing that brings back such heartwarming memories of Young Women's basketball like seeing a desperate cross-court shot hurled with eleven seconds still on the clock. (Next to fouling, 3-point shots were my greatest contribution to the team. You can use your imagination on how that went down.)

Dance
Normally I don't really care about music videos. Or dance in general, out of spite that I have no talent for it. But this "murder victim on the sidewalk" thing is one of the cooler choreographed numbers I have seen. And not just because it's Adele. (Okay, maybe a little bit.)

Song

Claim to Fame: I totally CHATTED IT UP with Amy Whitcomb + band + groupies before Stadium of Fire this summer. At the time I didn't realize how good/famous she is (this was pre-Delilah)... I just liked her because she is super friendly and nice.

But just wait for the key change.

 

Funny 

This category is so fantastic there are 3 winners.

I don't have a good excuse why I didn't know who Hamish and Andy were before this semester. But I want to do this so bad. All of it. If I ever get called as an FHE mom you can safely bet that every Monday night will be spent 3-step knick-knocking... Actually, when I have a family of my own that is EXACTLY what we are going to do.

(These didn't transfer well so it's better if I just give you the link.) 

First up... Ghosting. 

Team Ghosting (People of Provo: THIS is what you want to do on a double date.)

3 Step Knick-Knocking

I know, I know. If you watched that last video you're probably like "Lauren, what the heck? You are seriously planning on training your young children to hide in strangers' front yards?"

The answer to that question is "OMGEee yes." 

 And now for everyone's favorite update:

I may or may not have screamed when I saw that little dot of green.

My new personal mantra.

Enough time blogging. Time to go be awesome.

Slumbery + White Christmas

There is that state that comes
in a soft and clumsy stupor
when today's "to dos" melt into a list of tomorrow's "maybe's"

like a warm and shaggy bear
ready to tuck in
for a winter muted by dreams of muted winters past

but, for now feeling
the consciousness (that it's slipping)
and you are
(I love you, NyQuill)
in the slumbery somewhere
in between

Because it's only 9:30 and I am contacts-out retainer-in going to bed, I'll give you an extra bonus. 

I love this song slash whole play. If you're still feeling nostalgic for the White Christmas no one got this year, this one's for you.

 

This movie produced great discussion when I watched it with some friends. For the record, I do not think Rosemary Clooney looks like a man. But if she did, she would look like a really beautiful one. Kind of like her nephew George.