A Year Without 'Poo.. Shampoo That Is.

So I seriously just looked up in my calendar when I stopped using shampoo and it was actually almost 2 years (September 25, 2010) since I used brand name, chemical filled, and hair debilitating shampoo. Now this story has a happy ending for you, the disgusted reader, because I have to wash my hair here in Indiana... the humidity causes to much grunge.

It all started while I was getting my Master's and stuck at home all the time. Pinterest.com & stumbleupon.com became my new best friends, not to mention this blog! So there I was, stumbling away, when I came across a blog about the 'no poo' method. I was intrigued. You see, as unhealthy as I am, I wish I could be some all-natural, people loving, healthy eating, free love hippie... really! So I was interested to see how this 'no poo' idea would turn out. What did I have to lose? I was in a long distance relationship-- didn't have to smell good, wasn't working full time-- didn't have to dress up, nor was I ever working out-- no sweat to deal with! Perfect timing for an experiment.

This was a little too much grunge

Now if you were to read up on any of the no shampoo blogs, you would know that the first 2-4 weeks are a trying time. The lack of shampoo kind of turns your hair into a greaseball right off the bat. You also really need the perfect conditions to attack the 'no poo' lifestyle and grab it by the horns. I have complied a list of important factors if you are contemplating starting your own 'no poo' challenge:

1. Have no life-- preferably you should be in a long distance relationship and live with your grandma.

(Honestly #1 is cracking me up so much right now I am tempted to just leave it at that!)

2. Have no job-- Okay well no full time job at least, you can work 4 hours a week at your neighborhood golf course.

3. Live in Arizona --The dry heat really does wonders in zapping out grease, but don't stay out in the heat for more than an hour for fear of sweating.

4. Live 30 minutes away from friends --this really locks in any need to consider maintaining a social life and will insure Friday nights home with your own bottle of wine.

5. Ignore the haters-- Haters gonna hate, okay? We all know this. But even some of your closest friends will turn on you and your new lifestyle. Be prepared to defend your beliefs! (Lyndsie, Lucy, Amy, & Briana!) Also, when you do see your boyfriend once a month, he may think you are a little stinky... but don't let that deter you from your mission!

So there are you 5 easy steps. Also you need: long wavy hair, naturally not very much grease, and be able to do your hair in 15 minutes. 

This was a perfect amount of Grunge! Look how voluminous.

All you do is ditch the shampoo, wet your hair and massage it like you would if you were shampooing it (but you AREN'T!), put some conditioner on the ends, and boom! You're ready for the world, or the couch... whatever, I'm not one to judge.

Really, that's all there is to it! Your hair may be a little greasy around your face but there are many different remedies for that, many include baking soda. I would just suds up some of my bar of soap and rub that around my hairline.

Your hair will develop what I like to call a 'grunge' feel. Once you get used to it, your hair will be so manageable (no more hair falling in your face!) and it will have so much natural volume.

Don't hate it until you try it.. or do... I don't care... I'm just trying to make some money. Or wait, I don't get paid for this??

Boom. Posted.

Cross the Indy500 Off the List.

We having a saying in my family when we don't like something: "cross that off the list". Like the one time we went to this Chinese restaurant and the waiters just stared at us the whole time we were eating. Not to mention the fact that they tried to take away a plate from my dad while he was still chewing and not finished. He then had to make a bunch of grunts in order for them to set the plate down and back off and then he proceeded to explain to us that he 'didn't know how to say 'no' in Chinese'! Crossed off the list.

That was how I was feeling yesterday around 4pm Eastern Standard Time. Yesterday was the much anticipated Indiana 500 race which is apparently something of value to the Hoosiers, er I mean, 'us Hoosiers'.

If you know me very well, or even a little bit at all, then you know if I don't like something that is going on you're more than likely going to hear about it. Now this is something I have been working on fixing for many years and I honestly think I am getting better! But when lack of sleep is also factor, then it goes all down hill.. and quickly. So when I was informed that we would not only be attending the Indy500 (crowds, loud noises, hot sun & humidity, random people I don't know, and alcohol are all on the list of 'no thank you' for me now) but waking up at 4:30am to beat traffic... I gritted my teeth and put on my happy face, braced for the upcoming day.

Everything was going smoothly until about 2 miles away from the 'Coke Lot' (which I am hoping is referring to the beverage but never actually verified this) parking lot, when the traffic wasn't just slow, but completely standstill. We were stopped in the left lane trying to turn at the light for literrally an hour. The car was parked and off and the boys ran to go get McDonalds. Then once we made it through the light, there was another hour's wait through this neighborhood. The neighborhood, however, was full of 'lawn-sitters' with big "Parking for $10" signs out front so you could park on their grass lawns. Easily their biggest money maker of the year as each yard could park about 4 cars... a whole 40 bucks, woo!

We found a yard to back up into, lugged all of our crap to the track (it was at this point that I realized infield meant literally "in the middle of the track field"), and discussed where to set up camp. There is this really 'great little family-oriented, quiet, peaceful, and spacious' area on the 4th turn called the Snake Pit, and that's where we decided to set up camp. The Snake Pit is actually not described by the aforementioned adjectives. It was loud, crowded, raunchy and full of America's finest. BUT I had ear plugs, sunscreen, and a blanket... so all was good.


Close to the beginning of the race (did I mention that it was 8am and the race didn't start until noon?), we moved up to one of the grass mounds surrounding the litteral 'pit of snakes'. From there we could see the all the latecomers hauling their beer and sporting their 'USA' shirts with their Daisy Duke shorts... and those were the guys! One guy had on an American flag speedo and was using a dolly to push two, that's right TWO, kegs. That's dedication.

After a a little while, the empty space of grass to the left of us started to fill up with about 20 guys, each with a 40 pack of beer. Apparently it was a bachelor party and they had the HOOK UP. Canopy tent, 20 cases of beer, squirt guns, chairs, a pink inflatable kiddie pool for a cooler, and lots of charisma.

Blake and Ryan quickly planned how to get an in just in case our supply ran dry. Those guys definitely made the experience 'All American'. So the race started and the party continued. Some DJ was there and the rednecks were plenty. About 20 laps to go and it was time for us to go. We packed up and headed home, only to pass out on the couch for a few hours. I seriously had to google who had won. Then we watched the whole race on television, like we hadn't been there the whole freaking day!

It was a fun filled day but trekking it to the races was a one time experience and the Indy500 infield is crossed right off the list!

Boom. America....

Posted.

This One Time... When I Got My Permit.

...at band camp. Okay, for real. A long time ago, back when I was 15, I was living in Utah and cheating off of Blake to get my driver's license. Seriously. Never changed a tire and didn't do most of my study book because I went to Paris for my 16th birthday. Sorry mom and thank you, Blake!

So there I was, trying to learn how to parallel park, keep my hands at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock, and avoid getting flipped off on the freeway. That's right, the first time I ever merged from the on-ramp to the highway, I was flipped the big 'ole birdie by some jerkface driver. My dad, in the passager seat, with his foot on an imaginary accelerator, just laughed. 

For practice, my dad would have me drive to the bottom of the hill by taking the highway and then we would stop off at the one and only... KrispyKreme. But only if the red light of goodness was on. That meant they were hot, fresh, and fully lardified. You got a free one just walking in the door. Now that is quality service! ...and alo probably the reason why KrispyKreme exploded too quickly and went completely out of stand-alone-business in less than a year*. 

Got some donuts today... for throwback Thursday..? 

So my dad and I would drive to the KrispyKreme so I could get in all my required permit hours, a sugar rush, and we would pick up a dozen donuts. 6 regular and 6 assorted.  Every time. Then I would get a little chocolate milk and he would get a regular one, and we would sit in the lobby and eat 3 each before we packed up to drive back home. 

Utah was also the time in my life when I found the hilarious comedian known as Brian Regan. If you do not know of him... I suggest you introduce ya-self. Here is a little snippet about the very true dilemma in choosing the assorted donuts. Because, let's face it, those are the hardest to choose.

That was back in the day when I was allowed the pleasure of driving the 1995 Ford Contour, my dad's car, as to which we fondly named 'Old Faithful'. It was, for all intent and purposes, a car for me to drive my brother and me to school and then to gymnastics, but was never considered my car. Well it was considered my car when something bad happened. Like that one time that house next door jumped out in front of me...

Long story short, I used to park the car in the empty house next us carport. It was a single and helped shelter my car from being covered in Utah snow, so it worked. Well one night my dad parked the car and apparently put the wheel all the way to the left. That was a problem because at 7:50am when Nelson and I were running later for school, I was looking over my left shoulder as I was backing out to the driveway... completely unaware that the car was veering to the right, right where the side of the house was... And WHAMO, the house hit me. And for a long time in my life I could say that I had never hit a car, just a house. But unfortunately that is not the case anymore. My speciality is hitting non-moving objects, its a skill. 

So there's the story of why KrispyKreme is so important to me and my plight of driving. 

Boom. Posted.

*This is not a verified fact, check Wikipedia for real answers. 

Hoosierville.

I am now officially a Hoosier (Indiana-ian)! Got my Indiana driver's license in the mail and now I'm just waiting on my car plates. I had to take the Indiana state driver's test and I aced that thing no problem. Very much unlike when I was 16 and had to take my written test 3 times...

Almost two weeks down and nothing detrimental to report. Good news is that Blake and I still like each other just as much regular dating as we did long distance... phew! We even went out on an "let's kill time at the mall because we want P.F. Chang's" date.  It was after a very much miserable and failed attempt to apartment hunt. Apparently going to look at a couple of random, poorly researched apartments on a Sunday is a bad idea... who knew? But what we did know was that P.F. Chang's 'dinner for two' menu was an awesome deal, as well as delicious.

But before we did that, let's rewind to my first week of work! My new job at the Exhibit House is great! Its a fun, creative, friendly and fast passed environment. I like it so far! Just trying to learn a whole new craft and trying to adjust to East coast time... that was a bummer... is a hard process.  

 The environment is very modern and relaxed. There is a warehouse where old booths and such are stored and a huge shop for production. I have my own little office that I have been attempting to decorate. Its starting to feel like my zone. 

It is still very strange to not have to text Blake all day or go home to Skype with him. Its pretty great but we still send each other 'second good morning' pictures. I have compiled them below for your enjoyment:

 

Don't worry about my hair... that's just the humidity. Which all of my friends will be happy to know that the humidity is forcing me to wash my hair daily so that fight is over, they win! Soon I will post about my year and a half long experiment in a 'no-poo' lifestyle. You won't even believe it!

We were invited to a birthday jam this past Saturday and I got to meet some people our age (mostly couples) and everyone there went to Purdue. It is very interesting to see how much the midwest is starting to feel like when I lived in the south... oh great!  Good news was I saw my first lightning bug in like 5 years... and I caught him!



Another great thing about the midwest (well... I guess really everywhere other than the southwest) are all the trees. So weird to see so much green but it is very beautiful.

Blake's apartment complex is more like a town home complex (they are technically referred to as Apartment homes... ahem!). But there are a lot of families with younger children and these kids give me the creeps. They're all walking around with their basketballs trying to get to the courts and all. I know what they are really doing... killing all the squirrels probably... there's only a MILLION squirrels around here. The pool just recently opened up and you would think that would be a nice thing but I know those kids are all going to be in there because its summer break, splashing around, making all sorts of ruckus!

I am used to nice, quiet, old people. I need to start looking for apartments in retirement communities I think!

Boom. Posted.

Happy Mother's Day, Lady.

Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful mothers and to those who will never forget the impact of their mothers on their lives!

Last year I wrote an awesome poem, so I won't dare try to out do myself! BUT here is a favorite YouTube video that really says it all:

Tell me that isn't the cutest thing you have ever seen? "Happy Motha's Day Laaaadey," That's my family's favorite part!

Hope you not only tell you mom how much you love her but all of your loved ones!

Love you MOM! Thanks for being the best ever. :)

Boom. Mother's Dayed...Posted. 

The Adventure Begins... In the Fast Lane.

First class on Southwest... 

We made it! Our flight left Arizona at 2:50pm Mountain Standard Time and we landed in Indianapolis at 10:30pm Eastern Standard Time. When I said goodbye to some of my closest girls friends the common theme was "I hate 2:50!". It was bittersweet. Not to mention bidding my farewell to my ever loyal roommate (and you know when I say roommate I mean my grandma, right?)! And if you know me, even a little bit, you know I was crying. Time for the next chapter!

So after  a little under six hours of flying, watching the Dark Knight, and a layover in Chicago... we made it.

Check out this hysterical "How it Should Have Ended" for the Dark Knight. This YouTube channel had me sucked in for hours:

AND all the luggage made it... it was a moving miracle!

All eight pieces trekked over 1,700 miles. We were very blessed to make it all the way out here with very little problems. Actually, I can't even think of any problems! Not to mention we bought my car in less than a half an hour. Oh did I forget to mention that I GOT A NEW CAR?!? Courtesy of my wonderful father, here is the latest addition to the family:

The 2012 Toyota Corolla S (in Super White, i.e. 'not yo momma's white'). She's amazing. Drives like a dream and now I can be like Modern Family with my Bluetooth capability. That show really is hilarious.

I also got my temporary IN license at the BMV (THEE nicest DMV you will ever see) and I passed written test you have to retake no problem. Didn't even have to answer the last four questions. No big deal. 

I am starting to feel settled in my new temporary living space (Blake's apartment). I think he is realizing there is more of me than what he bargained for, in clothes and shoes that is! I've got most everything unpacked, just finding the space is difficult. Next weekend we plan to go apartment hunting for me which I am very excited about.

Anddddd, tomorrow is my first day of my new job! Very anxious to see exactly what I will be doing and for my new office. That's right, I get an office! 

More to come on that later, Blake and I are watching Planet Earth: Extreme Predators, because we can watch T.V. shows together now... and not over Skype!

Boom. Posted. 

Times are a-Changing.

Good ole yours truly is moving out!

I know its only been about 3 months since my last update but let me fill my (hopefully still) faithful readers in on a few milestones that have been and are to be happening:

I go to Indy for Superbowl>> Blake comes to Tucson for visit>>I go back to Indy for interview>>Get random interview while out there for awesome company>>Get call two weeks later>>I'm moving to Indy May 11th. 

Boom. Updated! 

No more questions right? Okay, okay fine. I'll give you all the details:

After Blake came to visit the end of March, we realized that the job search had moved into full swing. I was getting calls for phone interviews and I needed to fly out again to seal some deals. Over Easter weekend I went to interview with a really great beer and wine distributor for a wine sales job. Would have been great but it is a lot of work for little pay in the beginning. The recruiter was very helpful and knew that I was only going to be in town for a few days so she pulled some strings and after my initial interview Thursday afternoon, she called for another one Friday morning. They were all going great so Blake and his coworker decided to take me out to lunch at a Mexican restaurant for happy hour to celebrate. Two margaritas later and we are driving home when I get a phone call... for another interview... in 20 minutes. Inner monologue: "Pull yourself together Lauren, you can do this. You are not Leslie Knope, you will triumph. Yes it is ironic that they are in the alcohol business... maybe this will be a sure thing... no... get it together!"

For those of you who are not an avid Parks & Recreation fan, please enjoy: 

http://www.hulu.com/watch/337643/parks-and-recreation-leslies-drunk-interview

All the interviews went great but it was Friday night that changed everything. Blake's coworker was having something delivered to his apartment by one of the companies they use for their props at conventions and got to talking about me visiting Blake. He mentioned I was looking for a job when the guy suggested Blake call them because their company had a position available. Blake gives them a call right away and we set up an informal interview for Saturday morning. That interview went great and I ended up changing my flight to stay an extra day for my 5th interview with the wine place (shadow day) and my 2nd at the Exhibit House. Meet a lot of the employees, everything goes great, wait very patiently for two weeks for a response (not even close to patiently), and BOOM. I am employed.  

Now this company is awesome. They build booths, displays, exhibits, props, signs, posters, and anything else you can imagine all from this warehouse that is included in the office. They have a large graphic design team and are used all over the world. Here is an example of their work: 

Pretty cool huh? So my first day of work in on Monday which means I have a mucho things to accomplish before then. Not to mention my parents are in town, Blake flies in tomorrow, and we are all leaving on Friday. Hectic. 

Also we are in the process of choosing a new car for me to buy once I get out there. The 2012 Toyota Corolla S is taking the lead right now. I love the way it drives and the interior and I was very disappointed with the new Honda Civic. So Corolla it is!

Lots of new and exciting adventures ahead and I promise to maintain the blog in order to keep you updated!

Also check this out (click the picture), read the whole thing and you will be glad you did! Beyond Hilarious: 

Boom. I'M MOVING TO INDIANA...Posted