AHHHH! Real Monsters....

This is what happens when you stay up all night finishing your 2D project only to remember that you have a computer assignment due too. I'm still new to Adobe Illustrator, but from what I've learned so far I actually really enjoy the program. Our assignment was to create a self portrait using simple shapes and lines. And there are only two other people in the graphics lab... which is a nice change from the jam packed feeling it usually has.

Because You... (#6)

Brianne...

Because you are Caitlin's ex-roommate. Because you are my friend. Because you let me sleep in your bed whenever you weren't there. Because you scream and make a scene every time you see me on campus. Because you have the guts to shave half your head. Because I see you even less, and that makes me miss you even more. Because you're you.

Shiver Me Timbers...

Sometimes when Corrie and I are bored in our apartment, we like to entertain ourselves. The other night this meant an impromptu sword fight! We've also been singing a lot of Glee, skyping, watching youtube videos, and hanging Halloween decorations.

Where the Wild Things Are...

Sometimes, in 3D class we build Yeti's out of trash...

Project: Build an Abominable Snowman using 2x4's and found materials. This means I was out collecting all kinds of trash along campus. My friends have become so used to it, they even offered to help this time!

Halfway through. Adding some finishing touches.

Finished product. Time: 8 hours in class.

(If you look closely you can see the other three groups' in the background)

"Hell No you don't know nothing 'bout no pita pit!"

So I'm finally getting some free time in which I can catch up on my blogging. And what better adventure to start with than the epic saga that was my weekend. Caitlin and I decided to travel to IUP and Pittsburgh to visit our friends. Now this is a big deal for me, because my classes are pretty strict. And by strict I mean, attendance is pretty much mandatory. So when I got the opportunity to go... I ran with it! And, even though at times I may have questioned whether it was the right choice or not, I'm soo soo soooo happy I went. 

This is me. In the waiting room in Bedford. Where Caitlin's car was towed. Because it broke down on the turnpike..... 

(and the omans that we should turn back begin!)

IUP was beautiful. It was my first time there and pretty much exemplified what I feel the All-American college campus should look like. Liz and Sarah's room was HUGE!  And I missed them SOOO MUCH!  I finally got to meet Neil and Greg, who are hilarious! I want them to come visit us in Philly! We also went to a flea market. It was like a labyrinth with all kinds of mini corridors and extra rooms. I managed to pick up this sweet ceramic owl statue. They are completely gold with blue eyes! I was pretty excited about it.

Caitlin, Liz, and Sarah had this weird fascination with wigs this weekend. I think in total, 3 or 4 were purchased and 3 were brought from Caitlin's personal stash in Philly. My favorite: Liz's Beyonce wig she bought at Halloween USA on our way to Pitt. 

Eric's house is absolutely beautiful!!!!! And massive. And has the coolest little bathroom under the stairs ever! I pretty much love all the old houses in Pittsburgh. I've become really fascinated with architecture recently. When we went to pick Keiran up in NJ on our way to visit Christine I basically freaked out over every other house. They are all just so beautiful!

Meeting up with Tyler was another huge highlight. 

1) I got to see my best friend. 

2) I got to see Truc. 

3) They both surprised me and had Britney show up! 

4) I met a lot of Tyler's friends. And I was pretty blown away by how outgoing and friendly they all were. 

and 5) He took me on a mini tour of Point Park. I LOVE TOURS! I don't know what it is... I just love them. It's becoming an obsession. I'll give them or take them, doesn't matter I'm happy either way.

(p.s.-Tyler has quite possibly the best dorm view in the history of dorm views. He is overlooking the river, bridge, incline, and Mount Washington. And at night... it lights up. My view: A football field.)

I am so glad I went. I'm glad Cait and I traveled together, I don't know if I could have handled all the excitement otherwise. I want to go back soo bad already!

(Multiple photos on this post were taken by Caitlin, because I forgot to charge my camera's battery. Thank you Cait.)

You'll Find Me with My Face in the Stars...

We went to Plough and the Stars for restaurant week last Thursday. It is this really great Irish-influenced place. Mike told me he's gone to their bar before and he really enjoyed it too. First of all, it's in Old City, which I love and should visit more. Second of all, the food was sooooo delicious! The staff was incredibly friendly and my friends were excellent company.

First Course: Seafood Gratin

Second Course: Tilapia topped with shrimp. Green bean and vegetable risotto. 

Corrie and Alex's Meal: Roasted Free Range Spring Chicken. 

Caitlin's Meal: Guiness Casserole.

Third Course: Homemade whipped cream and strawberries. Guinness Infused Brownie, Creme Brule. 

(Overall... a major SUCCESS! I like these little traditions my Temple friends and I have started.)

Illustrate This!

For Computers we were given the assignment of creating 5 pictures using just text. It was my first time ever using Illustrator and I have to say it has given me a whole new appreciation for graphic designers. This was soooo time consuming. And at first really really frustrating, but as I started to realize what worked for me and what didn't I actually began to enjoy the process.
(The older graphic design majors in the graphics lab starring at me like I'm an idiot, not so much.)

Contrast.

2D Sketchbook. Week 2: Contrast

1) Trey. Charcoal, Acrylic, Gel-medium transfer

2) Dreamcatcher. Charcoal, Pen, Gel-medium transfer
3) Rollercoaster. Charcoal, Pen, Pencil, Xerox copy.

Catch Up...

Met up with Alex and Tori while in NYC. They make me laugh. I miss them and CASA so much.
Stern and I got some overpriced pizza while on our Art History field trip. My choices: Spinach and cheese and Bacon and broccoli.
Saw Sam and Julie Barre act in "The History of Shit." Directed by Sam's older brother. It was part of the Philly Fringe Festival. Me outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The week is over! No classes on Fridays so I can sorta relax! I thought that since I've been neglecting my blog, and since Corrie, Cait, and my mom have been asking me when I'm going to start back up again... I'd take the time to fill you all in on what I've been up to the last few days. Now off to bed. IUP and Pittsburgh tomorrow. Road trip with C. Weig.

First FRIDAY!!!! sooo much fun... went with such a large group. Met Kelsey, She's super super nice. Saw some pretty sweet street art. Ate delicious pizza.

Because You... (#5)

Brielle...

Because I'm in love with your hair. I'd trade you in a second. Because you give the absolute best head scratches anyone could ask for. Because you are ridiculously sarcastic and you don't even try. Because I love our tradition of late night walks to get chinese. Because you introduced me to pizza rolls. Because Tyler would be so much lonelier without you. Because you're you.

I Can't Believe...

I can't believe it's here. Your birthday. Your 18th no less. 

I can't believe how far you've come. How proud you have made me.

The things you've accomplished. 

The surprises you've presented and the obstacles you've overcome.

I can't believe it... but here we are, 18.

I can't believe I'm in college.

And in a year you will be too.

I can't believe you know how to drive stick.

Or that you don't need me to take you places anymore.

I can't believe we aren't making giant card castles in the family room.

Or playing flashlight tag in the backyard.

I miss the stuffed animal fights with Mike.

And the late night runs to McDonalds he'd take us on.

I miss just coming home and making you a snack.

Then dinner.

I miss watching tv with you. Even though we didn't always agree.

I can't believe how much stuff we've done...

But I can't wait to be there for all the things you have yet to do.

To accomplish.

Because you will. 

Because you're Lauren. Loo. Laurrr. MooMoo. Warhead. Lou-ser. Lauzenger. Little Lauren. Sister Golden Hair.

And no matter what we call you... you will forever and always be my little sister. My best friend. 

Love you. And...

Happy Birthday!

(Black and white photos taken by Lauren's best friend Rachael Miller. Baby Picture taken by the 'Rents.)

Order's Up!!!!!

So this post is dedicated to the delicious food of Philadelphia... 

(most of which we bought and made this weekend, but I'm determined as the year goes on to buy more food from all around the city and make delicious meals for our pot lucks.)

Ok-- I didn't make this meal. The reason this meal is so appealing and memorable is because there were absolutely no lines at J&H due to the football game. And I wouldn't expect you to think anything of it, except that I can sometimes wait up to 20-30 minutes in line for a meal. I was so excited. I got fourths. (yes...4ths.)

This is a picture of Sam blowing out his birthday cake on Sunday. He turned 20 and had a wonderful cookout. His parents had a barbeque and carrot cake. It was my first time in Fish town and we got lost, but more about that later.

I like eating at J&H with a lot of people. I enjoy the multiple conversations occurring at once. 

It makes me less anxious...

And I always try to get different colored plates. 

Kind of a personal game I play...

We had another pot luck tonight.

Groceries were purchased at various stores around Phila, 

including but not limited to: Fresh Grocer, Whole Foods, Reading Terminal Market, 7-11, and the Italian Market.

Lastly... Dee made me grilled cheese at midnight because I was still up doing sketchbooks.

We talked about school. And our weekends.

It made me miss my mom.

Because You... (#4)

Anila...

Because you never lose faith. You believe in what you say. You are independent. You don't make excuses. You are your own person. Because you're you.

Temple Does Rockband...

This is what happens when Mary brings Rockband to school with her.

Also had dinner with Sarah Scholl today which was way overdue. I hadn't seen her in sooo long. I forgot how much she makes me laugh. And the lines were soooo short at J/H because everyone went to the football game!!!!

Because You... (#3)

Tyler...

Because you are my best friend. Because I don't feel awkward talking to you. We share ideals. You make me laugh. And we're both in agreement as to how weird I am... Because you're you.

Live Long and Prosper...

Had my first 3D class of the semester... I actually really enjoyed my professor. She is the head of the sculpture department at Tyler and lives in Brooklyn. I think I just really like that she uses the words "awesome", "sweet", and "yeah man" all the time.

After class I went to the SAC with Corrie, Keiran, Mercedes, Mary, and Julie. A few of us went downstairs to the Reel afterwards and watched Star Trek. It was SOOO good. 

Like seriously held my attention the entire time good.

Because You... (#2)

Noelle...

Because you are almost as weird as I am. You listen to almost everything I say. And I've never met anyone else with a sense of humor so close to my own.

Because you're you.

Brielle...

It's your birthday. You are officially 21. You are officially one of the oldest friends I have. And one of the closest. I am so glad to have you back at Tyler with me. You seriously crack me up and make me feel like I'm on top of the world. You offer advice that makes me think you should have your own talk show. And you give the best head scratches I have ever had in my life. So enjoy your day-- you're 21!

Because You... (#1)

Im Starting a new series... it has to do with a personal project that I am using for my Drawing Sketchbook. I am drawing a bunch of interesting perspective portraits of the many interesting people I have in my life.  Under their pictures I explain why I drew them with the the words: "Because you..." 

Sarah...

Because you hug me every time you see me. You have one of the most comfortable beds I've ever napped in. Your obsession to "whoozer". The way you make me laugh. Because you're you.