i want to find love.

excuse me while i vent for just a moment, about something that you'll probably never hear me vent about again.

usually i'm a very independent person. i don't like having to rely on other people. i am completely okay with relying only on myself, and only looking out for myself. i pay my own bills, i drive my own car, and i look to myself to find happiness. i don't have to run my decisions by a second party and i don't have to check in with anyone.

this is the kind of lifestyle that i love. and because i love living this way, i've managed to put up quite the barrier over the past few years. while i've managed to date around, i haven't let anyone come close to knowing the real lauren, and i haven't come close to actual COMMITMENT. (that dreaded word!) this barrier has been built up nicely and i have actually grown to be quite proud of it.

but there are times when the barrier is a little bit thinner than usual.. i can think of 2 occasions where this is the case:

1. valentines day (barf)

2. the holidays

so when you see me running around mouthing off christmas and how much i hate it, please just try to understand!
the holidays are when i am MOST likely to let my guard down and let someone in. it's the time where i want someone to cuddle with next to the fire. someone to make gingerbread houses with. someone to hang out with and watch football. someone to hold my hand when it's cold outside. someone to get a present for for christmas.

times like these call for desperate measures. it's when i put my scrooge face on and curse the holidays. especially christmas music. it comes on the day after thanksgiving and i think, "oh no. it's that time of year, isn't it?" the time when you see couples holding hands on the ice rink, or sledding together down old main hill. it's that time of year where couples of all ages share a cup of cocoa, exchange gifts and kisses in front of the rest of us single-and-not-ready-to-mingle folk.
while the other 10 or so months out of the year i pride myself in being a utah girl who is over 21 and not married, the holidays seem to remind me what a minority i am in the love category. and it makes me think/do things that are very unlike me. such as wish i had a boyfriend.
 if i am ever going to get swooped, i guarantee you it will happen between the months of november - january.

i love...

i love SABINO.

it is breathtaking.

summertime, and the livin's easy.

dear logan winter,
go away.

i need bonfires on the beach, sunny days, warm nights.

camping adventures...

and epic sunsets.

none of which you can provide me with.

instead you give me freezing nights, a cold house that i can't afford to heat, and finals week.

thanks for nothing, winter!

dear logan summer,

please return, and with haste.

giving thanks.

this year i'm thankful for my family.

i love my nephew matthew.. even if he doesn't like when i give him too many kisses.

b

he is such a studmuffin.

i'd also like to say grace to my 2-week old niece..

as well as the rest of my amazing family. 

my thanksgiving was a lot of fun. i woke up at six am to help my mom with the turkey... i stuffed it full and sewed it shut!! yuck.. let's just say having to do that motivated my vegetarianism! i had no problem refusing the turkey when it came time to eat.. the bacon/green bean dish and stuffing, however, were calling my name! so i just stocked up on a bunch of mashed potatoes. ha ha. :]

after dinner, kole came over and hung out with my family. it was so much fun! we watched the cowboys game  (yeeeeah boys!) then i got suckered into playing a game of risk with my brothers and kole. yuck! it was an awful game.. but with good company it wasn't so bad!

today was a good day because nebraska beat colorado, 28-20! talk about intense... i'm so excited for my huskers to be in the big 12!
i'm excited for the rest of the week because i'm going to help miss hannah do makeup for the cute little kids in the cache valley nutcracker. it's going to bring back so many memories of my dancing days! i'm super excited.

i hope everyone had a fabulous turkey day filled with lots of love and laughs! and i hope some of you got to watch a little football. :]

ps.. i'm also thankful for my logan family..

these people 

+ ryan + adam = the cutest little family in cache valley.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.  ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

i am blessed..

to have such amazing friends.

my birthday party was yesterday and it was so fun!! my friends up in logan are the greatest. i seriously love them to bits and pieces!

woni decorated my room with streamers and balloons, and put this adorable little candy heart in the middle of my bed:

so sweet!

my friends also gave me this beautiful bouquet of my favorite flowers:

not only this, but my friend reza brought me balloons and my friends decorated my room in streamers and balloons!

i felt so loved :]

although my birthday isn't until tuesday, we celebrated yesterday and it was a blast and a half! as much as i am dreading becoming old. haha.

birthday dresses.

hope everyone's weekend was fantastic!! i don't know about you, but i am already DONE with the snow.

team jacob.

I know how embarrassing this is, but I am SO excited for this.

This was my favorite book of the series (Team Jacob!!!) so I am incredibly excited for the movie. Tonight I get to go to the 2:30 AM showing.

Am I crazy?? Maybe.

But personally I think the movies are WAY better than the books, and include amazing soundtracks. So I am incredibly excited. This movie's soundtrack came out a month ago, and since I bought it I have yet to take it out of my CD player. It includes Muse, Thom Yorke, Death Cab For Cutie, Bon Iver, Sea Wolf, etc.

Amazing.

I'll let you know how it is.

Also, this weekend is going to be fantastic. My Logan birthday party is going to be on Saturday and it's going to be crazy fun. The weekends are what I live for.

el presidente.

Despite the hard time every Republican (and some Democrats) on Planet Earth have given President Obama, I think he has done a wonderful job thus far of being our President.
It was over a year ago that he was elected and time has flown. If I were a PR Agent for Obama now, the biggest things I'd have to worry about would be maintaining support for the President, maintaining support for the health care plan, and showing the President's plan for the future.
To maintain his support I would release press releases describing what the President is doing. A lot of people think he has done nothing in his first year in office. If a press release were released weekly entailing the events that the public is allowed to hear, they would realize just how much the President has on his plate and what hard work he is doing.
To gain support of the health care plan, I would continue to publish the pros of the health care plan that recently passed in the House of Representatives. The upper class Republicans are in disfavor of this bill, but with more education the plan is bound to gain more support. I would issue press releases and brochures discussing the details of the proposed plan.
To show the President's plan for the future, I would hold conferences and meetings for the press. I would let them know what is coming after the health care plan and what the citizens should expect.
I think the main reason Obama doesn't have near as much support as he would like is that he hasn't laid out an exact plan of what he is doing yet. The citizens are just left to guess at what he is going to accomplish, rather than have the President lay out what is currently going on.
As much as some people whine about being "left in the dark" I think it is fairly obvious that Obama is reforming some parts of the American system as we know it. But whether you're rich, poor, Democrat, Republican, black, or white, we should all just support our President.

Check out how cool he used to be in high school!

I totally dig the afro.

dear future husband...

I have been thinking of you a lot today, though I may not know you yet.

I have been trying to fix my faults; my insecurities; and my weaknesses. In my mind you are a perfect person; I know I will love you and be able to see past your faults.

I just wonder if you'll be able to see past mine!! So to save you the trouble of learning the hard way what my faults are, here is a lovely little list.. a list of things you might not want to know about me but will have to know anyway:

-I like to take really long, hot showers. Which means there will be some days where I will forget to leave enough hot water for you. :[

-I learn to cook through experience... which means there will be some dishes that we'll just have to throw away and start again. I've managed to catch some dishes on fire, and have others come out looking more liquid when they were supposed to be solid.

-I always forget to put the lid back on the toothpaste.

-I am a blanket hog. I'll try not to be though.

-I am always willing to do dishes and sweep... but I hate vacuuming and laundry.

-Sometimes I don't know how to match my clothes. I am hoping that you will be able to help me in this department.

-I like to listen to really cheesy 80's songs. I hope you will be ok with this.. (if not... too bad.) :]

-Every Thursday I am glued to the TV.

-I am not afraid to make a fool of myself in public places.. which might make things difficult for you.

-I am incredibly accident prone. Which is why when we move into our first house or apartment, maybe it would be best if you were in charge of lifting the big/expensive things.. and I lift the small, inexpensive things?

I hope that when you read this you remember what it is that you love about me. And I hope this little list doesn't ruin what you think of me. I can't wait to meet you, or if I have met you, I can't wait for the day I finally realize that you are the one.

Until then, I got a lot of growing up to do!!
Love,

Your Future Wife

PS... I cannot wait to fall asleep next to you.. despite my problem with being a bed hog.

the future of public relations...

...lies within social networking.
At least, that's what most PR specialists think. This past weekend there was a seminar in San Diego where various speakers from across the country shared their thoughts on the ties between public relations and social networking. Lee Odden shared his thoughts on the subject and said that social networking provides a form of two-way communication between clients and target audiences. It is a tool that should be used a lot more in the public relations field.

it’s really what you do after you listen. Public relations professionals need to take listening into a company beyond the communications department and into all areas that are affected. These areas, whether sales, marketing, product development, customer service, etc., need to understand and have a breakdown of the conversations.

introducing...

Grace Cosette Gardner

11/13/09 11:52 am

8 lbs 2 oz 20 1/2 inches

My sweet little niece was born this weekend, and I got to go down there to meet her today! I love my family so much. They are the greatest people on Planet Earth. :]

My adorable little sisters with the new addition.

I hope everyone's weekend was fabulous. Not only did I get to meet my adorable new niece and hang out with family, I went to a vegetarian barbeque and got to see some high school friends!
Went to a farewell also. Congrats Furch! I wish you the best.

friday.

10 Years Ago...
i was 10, almost 11. livin' the dream.

5 things on my to do list...
1. clean my room. 
2. clean the living room (it's filthy).
3. write down vegetarian recipes from the recipe books constantine gave me.
4. study american law and political theory.
5. watch burn after reading.

5 snacks I enjoy...
bread & hummus. cookies. laffy taffy.  kettle corn. pomegranate seeds.

5 favorite things...
1.  my guitar, cherry.
2. music.
3.  flip flops.
4.  eyeliner.
5.  politics.

5 places I have lived...
1. omaha, nebraska.
2. kaysville, ut.
3. salt lake city, ut.
4. logan, ut.
5. that is all..

5 things most people don't know about me...
1. i really want dreadlocks.
2. i hate ice cubes.
3. i am independent.
4. i love the portugese language. it's so pretty.
5. i want to live in a big city.

things that make me happy.

1. My Family!
My awesome sister-in-law Vanessa gave birth this morning to a healthy 8 lbs 2 oz, 20 1/2 inches long baby girl, Grace Cosette. I cannot wait to meet her tomorrow when I go home for the holidays!!! She joins her older brother and my nephew, Matthew. He is going to be a great big brother!

2. LOGAN

I love Logan and the wonderful friends I have met here. This year I'm starting to hang out with girls a little more than usual (so weird for me). But it's nice at the same time! Boys are pretty overrated anyway.

Love these ladies.

3. Mother Nature!

I have always been mildly obsessed with the outdoors. Nature is so beautiful and so fun to be in. I would rather be outdoors than indoors any day.

4. My Religion

Those who know me well know that religion isn't something I've always been big on. I have always had a hard time with my church because I felt that everyone in it was too judgmental. But lately I've figured out that it's not about the people, it's about the religion. I should not base my reasonings for my beliefs off of the people in the church, but rather, off of my religion itself.

Life is good to me.

i love her...

It's quite possible that Emily & I have the cutest darn cat on the planet.
She loves to hang out outside and climb trees, sit in the ditch by our house, chase leaves and roll around.
She's like a feral lion!
She loves to hide from the dog, pick on the dog, and hang out underneath our cars all day, every day. She loves to meow at us when we get home and is always running up to greet us when we walk in the door. She is such a little sweetie!

...I know, I know. I'm a bit too obsessed with my animals. If I'm this way with my pets, I can only imagine how I'll be with my kids!?! Pathetic, I am sure.

But can't you see how easy it is to love that little face??? I mean, how can you not?? Miss Nesta, I just love you.

P to the R

5)Summary: News Talk/Politics/Current Events

Name: Michael Hart

Category: General

Email: michael@101wyde.com

Title: Host/Producer

Media Outlet: 101.1 The Source Michael Hart Show

Specific Geographic Region: N

Region: 

Deadline: 06:11pm CENTRAL - 12 November

Query:

Looking for compelling guests for the Michael Hart Radio program which airs
on Sunday at 2pm CENTRAL from the most powerful FM talker in the region.
Program is streamed online as well. Prefer guests the can talk on recent
healthcare vote, obama policies, taxes, economy. etc. Will entertain "off
the wall" topics too. Host is right wing Christian Conservative - will
entertain liberal points of view. I'm cranky but respectful
Mr. Hart,
My name is Lauren Gardner and I am a PR agent for Congressman Matheson of Utah. As the only Democrat representative in Utah, I feel that Mr. Matheson has some compelling arguments and points to make on the recent health care and policies passed by President Obama. Mr. Matheson is a respectful moderate liberal, and would be a great speaker for your program.
Utah Democrats would love to have their voice in politics heard. If you are interested in having Congressman Matheson on your show, please contact me. Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Lauren Gardner

HARO

Our latest assignment in Public Relations is to look through HARO & write 3 press releases on projects we would like to work on. This has been hard for me because I've just figured out that I like to write. A lot. But when it comes to writing for other people, I'm not so good at it.
:/
HARO gives reporters the chance to connect with PR agents, marketers, and other people in many different professions. It's a great idea for getting sources and finding people to keep in touch with concerning different stories.
I joined last weekend and have really enjoyed looking through the daily emails to see what kind of sources people are looking for.
Maybe one of these days I'll get the energy/patience to actually do the assignment instead of just browse around.

Happy Fall! (or winter, if you're in Logan. Brrr!)

published!

HEY AGGIES!
Check out my first article appearing in the Statesman this morning. That beautiful photo, taken by Statesman photographer Ani, is of my roommate Emily!
I got to write an article on how volunteering rocks.
I'm really excited about this article, because it's the beginning of compiling my portfolio. Recently I was offered an internship in New York City for the summer, and if I can get my portfolio (and money situation) up to par, then I will get the opportunity to intern with the Wall Street Journal! Which, those of you who know me, is something I would LOVE.
I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend & that you all stay safe! This weekend I'm going to work for my old nanny job (Bryson, Addy & Aiden.. the cutest kids ever.) Also working tomorrow night, & then a baby shower on Sunday. Busy weekend, but hopefully I get to do something fun!

something we should all live by.

PRSA International Conference

This November, in San Diego, the PRSA is holding their annual international conference. Not only is this going to attract possible PR agents from across the country, but it is going to take a lot of actual public relations planning. If I were in charge of this conference, I would contact colleges nationwide to get hold of their PR department. From there I would mail flyers, email bulletins and notices, and issue press releases to various campus newspapers. This would cover my college based level of attendance. My goal would be to increase members ages 18-24 showing up to the conference by 40%.
Next I would contact all the big businesses who have public relations pracitioners and would do the same. Overall I feel that this conference would be an awesome learning opportunity, and if I could afford it I would be there!! Check out some details on the awesome conference being held next week.

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A FANTASTIC WEEKEND.

just a little thought..

"I have learned that if you love life, life will love you back."

halloween through a holga lens.

it was a great halloween.

(i was a baseball player, by the way.)

:)

the latest PR excuse for deforestation.

While reading online today, I discovered this article. It is about a massive Public Relations effort to cover up the fact that palm oil companies are contributing to deforestation, putting endangered wildlife at risk and negatively effecting the climate of the places where they are cutting down trees.
Their PR argument is that palm oil plantations are better at absorbing Co2 in the atmosphere than natural forests.
While it's a good PR effort, I find it pathetic. Deforestation is a huge issue in the world today & is one that most people ignore. The last thing people need to think is that it is somehow "good" for the environment. Even if it does absorb Co2, the endangered animals lost & the climate changes are much bigger issues than how much carbon is in the air.
Does anyone else find this positively ridiculous??
I would hate to be a PR Agent for a company like that. It would be a mess!

the secret life of bees.

read this book?

If you haven't I highly recommend it. I finished it in one day last week. I couldn't put it down. I also watched the movie last night after finishing it & it was spectacular. I love Dakota Fanning.

In other news...

Happy Birthday to my amazing mother!

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one can take."

She is such a great mom! Always thinking of others before herself, & always sacrificing for her family. I hope someday I will be as good of a mother as she is.