A week off

A week off from blogging and I didn't bat an eyelash about it.  I'm okay with this.

You'd may have possibly thought I went into hiding since I was due for a hair appointment on Tuesday the 1st, and I didn't blog all week after that.  But actually, it was quite the opposite. I was loud and proud of my new 'do. I still am actually, especially after one of the MALE doctors in work said "Oh Lauren, I like your hair! Looks good" and then naturally I went,

and said "Oh thanks! Got my hair done!"  I feel like I'm really owning my short hair do now, and I'm getting quite skilled at the curling action.

I just love compliments, don't we all?

So 4th of July has come and gone...that means summer is basically half way over and we might as well start preparing ourselves for Pumpkin spiced lattes (gag) and figuring out what new pinterest projects we can do for Christmas. But, since we still aren't that close, I will think about the rest of summer and what plans I have.

(FYI: Here is where I start talking about my plans for the rest of summer and the umpteenth vacation I'm going on and feel free to leave if you don't like it)

Upcoming Summer Plans:

-[this weekend] Lobsterfest at Bradley Beach.  My love for lobster began approximately 2 years ago. The first time I ever experienced lobster was during my honeymoon in Antigua and let me tell you, it was to die for.  I tried lobster at the Outback a few months later and it just wasn't the same.  But Val brought this up and considering we've been wanting to get together, this is the perfect opportunity.  Sunshine, drinks and lobster I think are just want the doctor prescribed for this upcoming weekend.

-[end of July] a trip to LAS VEGAS. Oh my GOSH I'm so excited. Last time(s) I was there, both ages were under 21 and very family oriented.  I'm kind of excited to let loose and party (and be in bed by 10pm sharp).  Let's not get too excited. If you'd like to see the funny pictures from those trips, I guest posted about these on Jennifer's blog last year (here and here)  We are staying at the MGM this time around, and I think the lazy river is what is making me most excited for this trip. I just love them!

-[end of July into August] My nieces are coming out to visit!! We are planning a trip to the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Science Center, a squirt park, and probably the beach! I can't wait for this. They are getting so big.

-[end of August] a trip to Washington DC.  First and foremost I offer my sincere apology to Biana because I think I made her crazy emailing her about 200x for information about Boston.  You see, I love history stuff and thought Boston had a lot to offer, and I've been wanting to go there for so long.  I almost booked this hotel, and it would have been amazing to visit.  I still will get there some day.  But it just ending up turning into a really, really pricey trip.  Now, I wouldn't mind spending the $ but considering I went to St. Lucia for a week, and will be going to Vegas for just shy of 1 week, I really couldn't justify going to Boston knowing it would cost me almost a grand or more by the time it was all said and done.  So, I ended up getting a groupon deal to go to DC. $99 bucks per night (2 nights) with free breakfast at Le Meredien, that's such a great deal.  I can't wait to go to Mount Vernon, and see the Smithsonian, and the Lincoln Memorial, and HELLO THE WHITEHOUSE. OUR NATION'S CAPITAL! Oh, and the point of this trip: I'm surprising Michael as it is our 5 year "together" anniversary. Awwww.

Bucket list for the rest of Summer 2014:

-Make sure to see Val at least once in addition to Lobsterfest. I mean seriously, can we get our acts together?

-Go canoeing. I've never done this and I'm really close to some awesome places that have this!!

-Saying "yes".  Why do I always second guess and turn things down? NO. Not anymore!

-Grill a london broil on MY grill. I've been so lazy. I usually cook on the grill every night in the summer and I just really haven't yet!

-Visit any one of these restaurants and have a happy hour :)

• McLoones - Asbury NJ
• Wharfside - Point
• River Rock - Brick

Now that summer is halfway over, what do you plan to do with the rest of this season??

If I were unattached

If I were unattached, what would I do?  More specifically, if I weren't married, had a mortgage, and two pets, what would I do?  I've thought about this so often lately.  And just because I think of this "often" doesn't mean I would change my life if I had a chance - - I would never.  I'm very happy with my husband, our home, and our two little fur-babies.

But anyway, I've thought about what I would do if I were unattached... here's my list.  I guess you could call this a bucket list, but an unobtainable bucket list since I am attached. Anyway, who cares? Here's my list!

1. Move to Tampa, FL. 

I've always wanted to live in Florida, and no not for Disneyworld.  I visited the University of Tampa in high school as my prospective college and fell in love at first sight. Is this not the most gorgeous Academic building ever? Anyway, I chickened out and went to a local university in NJ. 

2. Get a dog.

How could you not love a face like these?

3. Move to a Caribbean Island and become part of the Hotel Entertainment Staff.  Exercise and party all day long with people who are happy to be away from their lives?? Sign me up!! 

4. Buy any purses I wanted at any given time. Ok this sounds slightly ridiculous, but having a mortgage requires me not to frivolously buy things!  To have the ability to buy a $300 purse (i would never btw) would be great, if I didn't have to think about my cable bill, insurance, mortgage, water, gas, electric yadda yadda. So maybe I'll change purses to "ANYTHING". 

5. Try my hand at a random job I wish I could do now.  Photographer, Interior Designer.  You can't just up and quit your 9-5 to pursue a job career like these.  They are hard fields to get into, and stay in! and become known!  Props to anyone who has been able to follow their dreams and do this. I would never be able to in my current life.

6. Leave my job and work for a year with Habitat for Humanity.The Global Village volunteer program looks like such an amazing opportunity! I would be able to learn about the culture, and become part of the local community and participate in cultural activities. This particular trip would be one I'd look into.

7. I would visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

8. I would take surfing lessons in San Diego, CA. Who wouldn't want to have the skills [and body] of Kate Bosworth's character from Blue Crush?!

9. I would work at Google, Inc.

Seriously, I love Google.  It's my go to for everything.  I would love to be part of their company!

I'm going to end it there for now.  So what I gathered from this post, I need a career and location change! What are some things you would do if you were "unattached" i.e. single, without pets, without a mortgage, whatever!