new year, new look

First of all, huge apologies to all my faithful readers. This post is long overdue and I just thank you for your endless patience and perseverance in not giving up hope that one day soon there would be a new story about lauren in charlotte. So here is it.

For those who have visited before, you may notice a new look and for those that have been here since the beginning, well you would know (or I would tell you now) that last week marked the 1 year anniversary of this blog's existence as well as the 1 year mark for me being in charlotte. I thought what better way to celebrate than to change things up a bit. This month also marks my 2nd year into the foray of teaching. Things are a little bit darker this time which I would like to think symbolizes that I will be a little edgier this year in the classroom, a bit more knowledgeable about the world, not so quick to let students take advantage of my niceness :)

Don't worry though, I am still the same nice person who is sure to have plenty of crazy stories from the world of teaching crazed 8th graders so never fear.

Ok, but on to what you have all been waiting for biting your nails on the edge of your seat. What have I been up to these past few months? Obviously not updating my blog so here's a quick run-down (will not bore you with all the details if you are still even reading this post):

1. babysitting--all the time! but it has been great. never thought I would say that about babysitting but I have absolutely loved the family I have been with this summer.

2. went to the beach--read 4 or 5 books while I was there, got lots of sun, ate food all the time, laughed with my family, what could be better?

3. worked a week of camp--best week of my life

4. been listening to Coldplay's new album Viva la Vida nonstop--pure musical heaven

5. gotten obsessed with reading the Twilight book series--books about vampires, werewolves and of course true love. I just finished the 3rd book and the only thing stopping me from going out right now to purchase the 4th book is the fact that I am updating my blog.

6. went to Washington DC to visit my bff forever collyn and saw Coldplay live! Possibly the best weekend of my life. My next blog will be posts of pictures from our nation's capitol and some concert photos and video so be on the lookout. That should hopefully be up within the next couple of days.

7. decided that next summer I want to go out of the country--hopefully backpack across europe--it will happen.

8. moved into an apartment with a cool girl from church. so excited to be living where I am!

That's about it. I can't believe it has only been one year since I moved to Charlotte. If you asked me one year ago where I thought I would be in a year I never would have imagined all the blessings the Lord has given me. I could not ask for a better school--I am sooooo excited about this year teaching. I have been so blessed by my church here and church family it is incredible. I never thought I would have such great community after I left college, but I do. The Lord has really blessed me with great friendships new and old. Well I have to wrap things up for now, but thanks for sticking with me through the silence and return soon because there will be pictures and video asap!