Nothing gold can stay

Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold,

Her early leaf's a flower,

But only so an hour. 

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

-Robert Frost

They said on the news this morning that today would be the last "warm" day here in Nashville for a while...which means the beautiful Fall leaves on the trees won't be around much longer.  I hope you all got a chance to enjoy some gold this Fall. 

RGL

Want it, need it, gotta have it!!!

The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition 
will feature Glee Star

Today, Legacy Recordings released The Sound Of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition.  The CD will include the soundtrack from the film, plus a new recording of the film's signature tune, "My Favorite Things," sung by Lea Michele from the FOX-TV series Glee.   

The release of the deluxe soundtrack edition, with new liner notes and newly-rediscovered photos from the FOX archives, will coincide with the film's high definition Blu-ray Disc debut from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. 

 

**This is one of my all time favorite movies.  Yes, I will be going to get me one of these ASAP! 

RGL

Idea 4 --- 7 Things that cross my mind a lot

Ok, so this was hard for me because I think about a lot of things!  Sometimes people tell me that I think too much....but these are the 7 things that I know for a fact cross my mind daily.

1. Is it really time to get out of this comfy bed?????  "Noooo, I don't wanta....just a few more minutes...please???"
2. Groupon...what's the groupon today?  Is it something I can get a good deal on?
3. What am I gonna wear today?  Am I gonna see someone important today that I need to impress or look nice for????  And if so, is it clean???  Dangit...oh well, I'll just spray some febreeze on it and throw it in the dryer for a hot second to fluff it up.
4. My body/weight....I know a lot of people do this to a certain degree...but I tend to let this affect how I act sometimes due to how I feel about myself...which is overweight 99.9% of the time.
5. Is it REALLY time to leave?  Great, now I'm gonna be late.  Where are my shoes?  And what kind of jewelry can I wear with this outfit?  Where is my outfit?  Oh yea...it's in the dryer..hopefully the febreeze has made it smell really fresh by now...if not, I'll just spray on some perfume.  Shoot, where is my purse and phone???  Ughhhh, really Lauren?  WHY do you do this to yourself EVERYDAY?????  <--It doesn't matter how early I get up, I always wait until the last minute to get ready.
6. Facebook and Twitter updates....Hummm I wonder if anyone has anything interesting going on today I should know/talk about/make fun of????  I know...this one is absolutely terrible.
7. Finances...This is something that I'm trying REALLY hard to work on and get better at.

Ok, so that's just 7 of the baJILLION things that cross my mind a lot.... Hope you're having a great day.

RGL

"Athens of the South"

Last weekend some of my friends came up for the South Carolina/Vandy football game.  Since it was a night game, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and go to Centennial Park. 

On the steps of the Parthenon in Nashville, TN.

As we were walking around, my friend Andy (to the left of me in the picture) informed me that Nashville is known as the "Athens of the South".....I had no idea...and since I live here now, I thought I'd do a little research....and sure enough, he was correct.  I thought this was really interesting....

By the 1850's, Nashville had already earned the nickname of the "Athens of the South" by having established numerous higher education institutions as well as being the first Southern City to establish a public school system.

Behold the Parthenon---in Nashville.  Who knew?  Yes, there is a life size replica of the Parthenon built in 1898 for an Exposition and refurbished in the last ten years.  Built to the exact specifications of the original, complete with 90 foot stature inside of -----a solid gold Athena!!!

This is the inside of the Parthenon.  Yea...it's a little creepy, but kind of neat. 

You can't really see in detail, but she's holding Nike in one hand, and her shield in the other.  She even has white skin and blue eyes.

Now, you may be wondering how the Parthenon ended up in a field in Centennial Park in Nashville.  But apparently it goes back to the fact that Nashville with its famous University (Vanderbilt) had come to be called the Athens of the South a center for philpsophy and learning --hence the building of the Parthenon, hence the 90 foot golden girl inside.  Yes, there is a difference between a construction made out of limestone and marble (the original), and the Nashville Parthenon out of reinforced concrete...a truly modern medium.  But hey, if you can't afford to go to Greece and see the original one...then come on down to Nashville...

RGL

Famous Charleston Quote

Scarlett: Rhett! Rhett, where are you going?

Rhett Butler: I'm going back to Charleston, back where I belong.

Scarlett: Please, please take me with you!

Rhett Butler: No, I'm through with everything here.  I want peace.  I want to see if somewhere there isn't something left in life of charm and grace.  Do you know what I'm talking about?

Scarlett: No!  I only know that I love you.

Rhett Butler: That's your misfortune.

RGL

Wish I were here....

RGL

'You Get What You Give'

Obsessed....

I've become absolutely obsessed with the brand-new Zack Brown Band release featuring 14 new tracks, including duets with Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson!  'You Get What You Give' features a genre-defying collection of songs that the band has been testing on the road over the past year.

BUY IT HERE NOW: 

1. Let It Go
2. Knee Deep
3. No Hurry
4. I Play the Road
5. Cold Hearted 
6. Whiskey's Gone
7. Quiet Your Mind
8. Colder Weather
9. Settle Me Down
10. As She's Walking Away
11. Keep Me In Mind
12. Who Knows
13. Martin
14. Make This Day

RGL

The Pineapple Fountain

This is yet another reason why I love South Carolina.  Walking around Charleston, you'll see carved pineapples at the entrances to some homes.  Since Colinial Days, the pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality.  Legend has it that Sea Captains came home with exotic fruits.  A Captain would spear a pineapple on his fence post to let friends know he was home safely and to please visit.  He would then serve food & drink and regale visitors with tales of the high seas.

RGL

Idea 3 --My "Must Haves"

8 things you couldn't live without......

1. Cell phone- It's a MUST that I stay in touch with people throughout the day.  Either emailing for work, texting with friends, tweeting or facebooking, looking up something on the internet, or talking to someone on the phone.
2. GPS- Ok, anyone that knows me will agree with this...I am TERRIBLE when it comes to directions.  I won't even know what road or interstate I'm on...I'll just know how many miles I have to go until I need to turn right or left...wherever that little piece of devise tells me to turn.  I moved to Nashville about nine months ago and for the longest time I didn't even know what exit I lived off of...I just knew it was about eight miles from work because that's what my GPS would tell me.
3. Chap Stick- I cannot go to sleep at night without putting this on.
4. Lotion- I use this a lot throughout the day.  Once immediately after I get out of the shower and then every time I wash my hands.  I hate the feeling of dry hands after they've been washed.  UGH!!!
5. Fan- This is only when I sleep.  It's the noise from it that I like because I can't go to sleep in complete silence.  I also enjoy the breeze I get from it as well.
6. Fingernail clippers- I hate for my nails to be longer than my finger...so I cut them about once a week...if not twice.
7. Pictures- I love pictures...and with being so far away from my family and friends, this is a must have.
8. Shelby- I will explain later in Idea 10.

Well, there you go...that's the top 8 things that came to mind that I couldn't live without.   

RGL

I encourage you...

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."  Psalm 90:14

Before you get caught up with all of your bajillion things to do today, I encourage you to at some point to just sit back and take a minute to appreciate God's amazing world around you.  There is so much beauty in the most simple things.

RGL

Idea 2 --- I bet YOU didn't know.....

9 things about yourself that most people don't know.

1. I'm allergic to horses -- isn't that weird?  Horses??
2. I've never had the chicken pocks -- Don't worry, I took the shot.  My Grandmama never had them either so hopefully I'll be ok and NOT ever get them because I know they are really bad for adults.
3. I hate reading out loud in front of people -- I have no idea why....Maybe it's because I'm scared I'll pronounce a word the wrong way or something....but I get extremely nervous.  Now talking is a totally different story.  I'll talk in front of people all day long.
4. I have ADD sooooo bad -- I take medicine daily and have been since I was in the 3rd grade.  If I didn't, then I wouldn't have any friends...much less a big-girl job.  Haha, this is something that I'm trying to control though so there will be some days that I'll go without taking it...and I'll get half way through the day before someone says "Wow Lauren, you didn't take your medicine today did you?"
5. I'm an actress! -- haha SIKE!!!  ...no, but seriously...I really have been in 2 movies though.  It was an ETV movie.  ETV is South Carolina's Educational television.  One was about trying to prevent drinking and driving (I played the part of a drunk girl that got into an car accident with her friends that were drinking and driving) and the other movie was about...well, shoot, I don't even remember.  I didn't play as big of a role in that one as I did in the first one.
6. I'm the most indecisive person on the planet -- It takes a very special person to go shopping with me...haha, my friends will vouch for this.  I will stand in the isle FOREEEEVER trying to decide what kind of body wash to get, or what color hair dye to buy, or what layout I should choose for my blog page, or what to name my dog....OMG I seriously went back and forth with that decision and made a list of like, 25 names and then ranked them...ok, I promise I'm not weird...but naming a dog is a HUGE decision.  I mean, it sorta defines who you are.  GOD BLESS the person I end up marrying...try to decide the name of my children will be an absolute NIGHTMARE.
7. I was in a karaoke league -- That's right...an actual league...I'm hardcore, j/k!  I have loved singing karaoke for a long time now.  I even own a karaoke machine and have over 2000 songs...yes, it's a little obsessive, but hey, it's been very entertaining and I have a lot of good memories singing my heart out on it.
8. I "google" everything -- I'm the worst speller known to man so if I'm ever the slightest bit unsure how to spell something then I'll "google" it first.  There's no telling how many times I've used it already for just this particular blog post.  Haha!
9. Are we really at 9 already??????  Dang!  Ok, one more...hummm....I wait until the very LAST minute to do everything! -- From getting ready for the day, to packing clothes for a trip, or paying bills, or RSVPing to something, etc.  With that being said, I do get everything done that I need to do...I just stress myself out along the way.  Who knows, maybe I like the rush I get from working under pressure and then the satisfaction when it's all done.  But anywho..that's what I do.  

Alright folks, there they are....9 things most people don't know about me.  :)  I'm sure you feel extremely privileged now for knowing all of this, so congratulations! Haha.

RGL

My "Elvis" has died....

R.I.P. General Johnson

May 23, 1943 - October 13, 2010

Chairmen of the Board's singer "General" Norman Johnson passed away at the young age of 67.   I found out this terrible news yesterday.  I was at work and got a text from my friend Josh that said "GENERAL JOHNSON DIED!!!"  I immediately gasped out loud as my mouth hit to the floor.  I tried googling to see what kind of information I could find and hoping that it wasn't true...but the first thing I saw was a quote that read "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our great friend and hero, General Johnson."

For those of you who don't know who this legend was, you should be ashamed of yourself!  Haha, j/k, he was the lead singer and songwriter for the band Chairmen of the Board.  They are probably the most recognizable beach band in the Carolinas'.  You might know their song "Give Me Just A Little More Time," which was a major hit in the 1970's...or "Patches"...and my all time favorite "Carolina Girls."

Garrett and I had the great pleasure of meeting General Johnson and his band members in April of 2009.  This was actually during the trip Garrett came out to South Carolina to meet me for the first time.  AKA: the time we both fell absolutely head over heels in love with each other...(gag, I know) but very true.  Garrett worked his magic and contacted Ken Knox, which is the saxophone player in the band, and we were the "special guests" of their concert that night and got to hangout with them back stage...so this band is very special to us because they kind of played a part in the beginning of our little thing called love.  

I will forever remember how talented this man was and how he could put on such a great show.  I'm going to end with a message posted on the Chairmen’s official site that  reads “He held a special place in his heart for each and every one of his family, friends, and fans. He will be surely missed, but his music will stand."

Here are a couple of pictures I found.  Some old and some recent....enjoy:

  

 

RGL

Idea One

Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.

1. Faith –Thanks for giving me this idea.  I hate we didn’t hang out more when I lived in Rock Hill.  I’m pretty sure we could have been bff’s.

2. Momma –hands down, you are my rock.  Words can’t explain how much you mean to me.  Thanks for always being there and believing in me.  You are one of the strongest people I know and have truly shown me what it is like to be a great Mom.  I hope and pray that one day I’ll have the relationship with my kids like you do with me and Bobby.  

Me and Momma Beck

3. Dad –I’m sort of at a loss of words when it comes to you.  So many emotions are running through my head.  Happy, sad, mad, grateful, etc.  I miss you so bad that it hurts.  I would give anything to have just one more conversation with you.  From time to time I still pick up the phone and want to talk to you but realize I can’t because you aren’t here anymore.  There are so many things I want to ask you and tell you….like, I’ve graduated and have found the love of my life, and moved out South Carolina…the state you love so much…and have an awesome job in Nashville…and the list goes on and on.  But mainly I just want you to know how amazing you were and how much you are terribly missed by so many people.  I didn’t realize how much of an impact you had on peoples lives until you were gone.  I strive to be like you every day (in that aspect).  I want to thank you for being such a great Dad.  Even though you were taken away from us at such an early age, you have molded me and Bobby into the type of people that we will be for the rest of our lives….and there’s no better gift than that.  So, until we see each other again, I’m gonna end with saying I love you and of course, Go Tigers.  

Robert L. singing to Me

4. Garrett –I know we aren’t the “mushy gushy” type at all…but, you seriously are my favorite & I love you so much and thank God for putting you into my life.  The first thing I noticed about you was how passionate and talented you are.  God has so many great things in store for you and I will be an incredibly lucky girl if I’m by your side to witness all of it along with you.  I don’t know how you do it, but still to this day “you got me dangling on a string.”

Me and Garrett

5. Jennifer – I hate our schedules right now and being so far away from you.  I just want to snap my fingers and you be right here…or me be right there. Haha. You are such a great person and I sincerely believe in my heart that you are going to find what makes you happy and be extremely successful at it.  “You’re my best friend.” 

My person

 6. The maker of Snuggie’s -GREAT IDEA!  But seriously, why couldn’t you have made them with a back?  It’s really annoying when you stand up and try to walk because it either falls off of you or you trip.  I honestly have to wear it like a robe.  

7. Claudia –Thanks for being my new best fran.  You have truly made my “moving to Nashville” transition easier and I’m so thankful God put you in my life.  Yay for lots and lots of good times in the future.

Me and Claud

8. JoAnna – Oh, JoAnna….what are you doing with your life?  You are such a beautiful woman and have so much to offer.  I just wish YOU actually believed in yourself and stopped letting all of your potential go down the drain.  

9. Starbucks –Thank you for inventing the Pumpkin Spice Latte.  It’s absolutely incredible.  I just wish it didn’t have so many calories. 

10. God –Thank you for giving me breathe today and all of your many blessings.  Thanks for giving me great parents that brought me up in a Christian home and taught me good morals.  I am truly grateful for all that you have given me.

RGL

RGL

Starting tomorrow....

10 Blog Posts in 10 Days…I got this idea from my friend Faith’s blog and thought I’d give it a try as well.  I mean, I never thought I would be the kind of person who blogs anyway, but since I’m giving it a shot, I need a little booster …basically, I need something that will help MAKE me write.

Now, I’m not going to promise I’ll do this everyday for 10 days…so let’s just rename this to 10 Blog Post ideas to make Lauren write:

Idea 1: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.

Idea 2: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.

Idea 3: Eight things you couldn't live without.

Idea 4: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.

Idea 5: Six things you wish you could change or you wish you’d never done.

Idea 6: Five people who mean a lot to you.

Idea 7: Four turn offs.

Idea 8: Three turn ons.

Idea 9: Two words that describe your life right now.

Idea 10: One confession.

RGL

Yes, please.

Who doesn't love PUMPKIN PIE?  More importantly, who doesn't love a mini PUMPKIN PIE baked into a cream cheese vanilla cupcake, topped with cinnamon cream cheese buttercream and a little disc of cinnamon-sugar pie crust?  That's right.  NO ONE!  Seriously, this looks amazing.

Click here to get the recipe!

  RGL

Things Change

 

This is so true.  Although, I will have to say that I have been extremely blessed with all of the friends I've had in my life...but there's a few that have slipped through the cracks somewhere.  Instead of holding grudges or being bitter about the situation, I've just have learned to let go, hold on to the memories you had together and move on...because like this quote says, life doesn't stop for anybody.

RGL

"I believe..."



"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. 

I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.  I believe that tomorrow is

another day, and I believe in miracles."  -Audrey Hepburn

RGL

Interesting..

RGL

Beautiful.

She's hogging all of the beauty.  She needs to share.

RGL

"Grilled Cheesus"

As I'm eating my lunch and taking a break from this ridiculously busy day at work, I came across an article about last night's Glee episode.  At the end of the article, I read something that just absolutely blew my mind and wanted to share:

It's worth noting the Glee cast just broke a long-held record by The Beatles. With this week’s debut of six songs by the cast from last week’s Britney Spears related episode, they become the most charting group artist on Billboards Hot 100 singles charts ending The Beatles long reign on that chart. (By the way, the highest charting song from last week’s episode is “Toxic” which debuts at # 14)  The Glee cast is still behind Elvis Presley and James Brown though. For that full story, head to Billboard here. And check out the list of the most charting artist below.

The Artists with the Most Hot 100 Chart Appearances of All Time.
1. Elvis Presley (108 Songs)
2. Ray Charles (91)
3. Glee Cast (75)
4. Ray Charles (74)
5. Aretha Franklin (73)
6. The Beatles (71)
7. Elton John (67)
8. Lil Wayne (64)
9. Stevie Wonder (63)
10. Jay Z (61)

RGL

Quote of the day.

RGL

Top 10 reasons I'm obsessed with Fall.

1. Pumpkin Spice Scents

2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks

3. Scarves

4. Clemson Football

5. State Fairs

6. Leaves changing colors

7. Dressing up for Halloween

8. Cardigans

9. Boots 

10. Holiday food

RGL

Introduction

So…this is my 1^st blog post.  It’s kind of stressful if you think about it.  I mean, after you figure out which layout you want, to what background and colors go together….then you actually have to post something right?…I mean, isn’t that the point of a blog?  To post things?  

This 1^st post is terribly important because it sets the tone for the whole blog.  It sets the tone, not just for the readers, but for the writer (me) as well.  So…what should my 1^st blog be about?  These are the things that were going through my mind before I actually opened up Microsoft Word and started typing out what I wanted to say…YES, I’m a weirdo and have to do it this way…then copy and paste it into Tumblr.  Don’t judge me!

After a lot of thought, I finally came up with the decision to treat this as if I am talking to/having a conversation with someone for the first time….so….here we go:

Hi there!  My name is Rebecca Lauren Geiger.  I go by Lauren.  Everyone in my family has the same initials…R.L.G.  Some of you may think “ahh, how precious and cute.” But in all honesty, it’s kind of annoying.  I don’t really know why my parents didn’t just have me go by Rebecca…that would have made things a lot easier….especially in school.  I don’t think I can remember any 1^st days of school where I didn’t have to correct a teacher and let her know I went by my middle name…oh, and the part where they always butchered my last name.  You actually pronounce it (Gig-errr)…haha, if that makes since.  Anyways…moving on.   

I was born and raised in little town called Lugoff, South Carolina.  It’s right outside of Columbia, South Carolina.  I went to College at Winthrop University where I spent 5 awesome years making life long friends and of course, finally deciding what to get a degree in….which ended up being a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications.  Now, some of you might wonder what the heck that is…but it’s basically anything from Marketing, to Public Relations, Advertising, Event Planning, Sales, etc.   

I might actually be one of the few people that has a job in the field I went to school for.  I just recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee back in February of this year and I work in the marketing department for the biggest law firm in Tennessee.  I’m learning more and more everyday and absolutely love it here.    It has taken a while for me to adjust with being taken out of my family bubble, friend bubble, social bubble…heck, my state bubble…but I’m finally getting situated with my new life here.

Whew…ok, that wasn’t so so bad!  You know how you meet or hangout with someone for the first couple of times, you get this vibe or feeling that you know you’ll be life long friends?  Well, I’m not going to push my luck with this by saying that I’ll be forever tied to blogging…BUT I hope it will be something that will inspire me to write more and be creative.  I’ve never been a good writer and I feel like it has been because of the fact that we were always made to do it in school, so I never did it for fun outside of the classroom.  I’m not saying I’m going to post something everyday…I’m a happy go lucky individual so whenever I feel like sharing something…I will :)  So…that leaves us to this point….here is introduction to my 1^st blog!!!  Stay tuned….

RGL