… to me!
Now that I have a blog, I couldn’t pass up this chance to exercise a bit of narcism and write a birthday post. I hope you don’t mind 
But because I’m rather paranoid about internet security, I couldn’t actually post this on the date of my birth. The point is: sometime during the next two weeks I’m turning 20!
It’s been a really crazy year for me. Although I vainly tried to steer life in a certain direction, challenges arose and of flipped my plans upside down. But plowing through those struggles uprooted beautiful blessings. Blessings like healing, starting this blog, making awesome blogger friends and connecting with YOU!
“We must be willing to let go of the life we had planned, as to have the life that is waiting for us.” After all, God knows the plans he has for us: plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future!
My favorite part of blogging is connecting to people. I haven’t shared much of my life here, but I think doing so would make our relationship seem more personal, and less like a computer telling you the best way to make potato-less hash browns.
Oh… and there is the part about me being kind of nosey and wanting to learn personal details about my own internet acquaintances. I thought (just maybe) you might feel the same way.
So, in honor of my 20th birthday, here are 20 random facts about me!
20 Facts about Lauren
1. I’m a bad driver
Not a dangerous driver, just not skilled. Driving, parking and following directions traumatizes me.
2. I had pet rats
I had two dearly loved pet rats in elementary school. And they were smart! One could unlatch its cage and it would escape and walk on my face when I was sleeping.
3. I was homeschooled
Yep, from grades 5-12th. And yes, I do have people skills.
4. I love Lucy
My sister and I grew up without cable and watched an episode from our I Love Lucy DVD collection almost every night. As a result, we have spotted mistakes in the official I Love Lucy trivia book.
5. And I love the Dick Van Dyke Show
We also have the Dick Van Dyke Show DVDs. And we can mimic Laura’s many nuances of “Oh, Rob!” to a tee.
6. I don’t own a pair of jeans
I simply can’t stand them.
7. I often stay in pajamas all day
That is the benefit of taking online college courses and blogging!
8. I play piano
Although I fostered different sentiments when I was younger, I’m grateful my parents stubbornly required piano lessons for 12 years of my life. I think music–especially using music to release emotions–is extraordinarily healing.
9. I love Alphonse Mucha art
I’ve bought an Alphonse Mucha calendar for the past 5 years.
10. I’m an entrepreneur at heart
I’m always cooking up a business scheme. When I was little, I graduated from lemonade stands to selling my hoarded halloween candy to my sister and neighbor kids in July.
11. I’m a neat freak
When I’m stressed, I’ll re-organize a drawer or my closet. It’s a bit ridiculous.
12. I’m a recovering Type A
Guess what? Being a die-hard perfectionist has taken a toll on my health. So now my goal in life is to learn to chillax.
13. I belong in Pacific Northwest
We’re living outside of D.C. for a few years for Dad’s job, and I cannot wait to return home to the Pacific Northwest. Because I like rain, Pike Place Market, super fresh Alaskan salmon, and folks wearing socks with their Tevas (you’ll only get that if you’ve been to Seattle).
14. I dislike traveling
Well, that’s probably because it’s such a hassle to travel with an autoimmune disease and while following the GAPS diet. But I love being home and having my routine. And staying in pajamas all day.
15. I fainted at the sight of my own blood
In 9th grade, I had returned home after 2 weeks in the hospital due to a colitis flare. I was changing the band-aid over the spot in my arm where the I.V. needle had been. It looked to me like a gaping hole in my arm, and I ended up fainting. With my eyes open. For a moment, I think my parents thought I had died.
16. I’m a total sucker for infomercials
And I would probably believe in Bigfoot if my family didn’t force me to change the channel when “Finding Bigfoot” airs.
17. I watch puppy videos when I’m sad
Who doesn’t? My favorite is this puppy who loses self control.
18. I’m mostly Danish
I have Danish roots from grandparents on my mom’s and my dad’s side. We weave paper hearts and cook krumkake at Christmas. And I love my extremely fair complexion from my Scandinavian ancestors.
19. Until last week, I was wearing bobby pins upside down.
Of course, I was in good company because everybody else wears them upside down.
20. I’m starting a distance-learning course at NTA this February!
I’m so excited to start training to become a nutritional therapy practitioner that I’ve (very prematurely) designed my business cards and bought my new business domain.
Okay, enough about me! I want to hear from you now. What type of posts/recipes do you want from 20-year-old me? What are the food restrictions/food allergies you’re working with, so I can tailor recipes for you?
You are so cute! And I love your blog! I am like you in many ways except I’m way older and glad you have time to research things and start out ‘right’ in life. I went into the mainstream medical field which did not go well with my autoimmune problems. We share a Scandinavia heritage, bad driving, recovering type A, and organizing when stressed. I actually think the last thing is a good thing although lately I’ve just been getting rid if things so eventually there is less to organize. That’s the practical Scandinavia side;). Why have 24 t-shirts when seven are fine, one for each day of the week? Also one purse and a pair of black shoes brown shoes boots and sandals are all a girl really needs. This allows me to free up my mind to focus on healing and readjusting priorities. We can’t take it with us. I’m excited you are going to NTA and look forward to resting more about it!!!
What a coincidence! I think it is so funny that we both organize when stressed and end up getting rid of things. I love what you said about freeing up your mind to focus on healing and readjusting priorities. I couldn’t agree more!
Two things – I was born and raised in DC, welcome to the area! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday, Lauren!! What a great list. Can I share one more thing about you? You have a great laugh and your whole face lights up when you smile. That’s one thing the blog can’t convey:) Miss you!
Awww, thanks Auntie! Miss you too!
Your post made me smile as tomorrow is my birthday and I am turning…double your age! But, my 20 year old stepson just moved in with us last week and since then, I’ve been reminiscing about my 20 year old self. I wish you an amazing 20 years ahead; seems like you’re on a great track already!
Happy Birthday Lauren! Its really great getting to know you more and learning about your European roots! Sounds like your family is lovely! And i sometimes stay in my Pjammies all day too if i don’t have work and am blogging lol!
Great post!
Happy birthday day..so your b-day is close to mine!..but you are a year older. So fun to look at that puppy video again
My birthday is in January too except I turned *gasp* 29. I’m a terrible driver too.
Happy Birthday!
I hate driving, but I don’t know if I’m actually good at it or not, I just hate doing it! And I could never be a doctor, because I get queasy at the sight of any bodily function, but especially blood!
I just clicked on the link to see if I was wearing bobby pins upside down too (I’m always doing the wrong beauty thing), but apparently I’ve been doing it “right” this whole time? It must come from my OCD-only show the smooth side of things-side?
Lauren Happy Birthday!!! I love the 20 facts about you. My daughter is 19 and I think she could relate to numbers 1 and 15. She can’t park very well when driving and use to hit curbs alot when making turns but I think that is better. Hopefully you can help with some recipes. Here is my problem!!!!
I don’t know about everybody else but I am getting kind of sick of almond flour for pancakes, and cakes etc. If you use coconut flour you can only use a little and I tried Pie crusts and I am sorry they just do not turn out well. The oil in the crust makes the crust very oily tasting. I have been trying several sugar cookie recipes and putting the dough in the fridge before laying it out and then using cut outs but by the time you lay out the dough on your counter it has already warmed up and sticks to everything. I am on the SCD Diet so no sugar, dairy, grains etc. SCD does not allow the other flours so I really miss a good crust. Plus I think breakfasts are really hard to find food. It’s hard to eat hamburger from the night before and call it a sausage. So it’s almound flour pancakes, eggs, or fruit. I do have to say once in awhile I make oatmeal (not instant). It doesn’t give me symptoms or any type of flare but it technically is not allowed on SCD. Oh well I must be feeling sorry for myself because I am craving food. Hope you have a Great Birthday and keep up the good work. I love your blog.
MJP
I yearn to visit the Pacific Northwest. And I love “I Love Lucy!”
I found your blog awhile ago, but I just never commented. Happy “almost” Birthday!
I’m currently following GAPS and I just love all of the amazing recipes that you post. Sadly I’m going to be doing the beginning stages of Intro for awhile though, so I won’t get to try many of them just yet… So, to answer your questions above: I guess I’d love to see some simple recipes that one can eat with a lot of limitations on GAPS, and keep coming up with the awesome dessert ones–Much appreciated in the future!
Lauren, Happy Birthday! I have been reading your blog for a while now and I love it. I already realated to things you’ve said in other posts, but now I see that we have more in common. I’m 17 and have been homeschooled my whole life. I have three sisters and four brothers, and I totally stress organize. I am a perfectionist (i try not to be), a bad driver, and wear bobby pins upside down. Anyway I just wanted to wish you a wonderful birthday and say that you are a truely beautiful and wonderful person. God bless.
You guys are so sweet! Thanks for all the birthday wishes
Big internet hugs to all of you!!
I am 38 year old homeschooling mom of four girls married to my soul mate. Two of my children have issues with grain and other things. I love your recipes, learning how you are healing, and your general perspective. It is good to know that we are not alone and that others are struggling along with us. Thank you and have a wonderful birthday!
Happy Happy Birthday! Wishing You a Day Filled With Love and Laughter!
Hugs From a Die Hard Seattleite!
Just stumbled upon your writing from another site I follow. Today I made apple pie filling. Its too hot to eat still. Dealing with GI stuff (no diagnosis yet) with my 16 year old elite swimmer son. Home schooling my kids, love connecting with grown homeschooled kids. I’ll probably be stalking you for awhile since we are still figuring out what is the problem. And if we need a nutritional coach, your hired, I like helping people getting their businesses going.
Hi Lauren, you are so cute! Happy Birthday! I truly enjoy your blog and have learned a lot from you! You have great energy! I sure wish I knew you personally so I could introduce you to my 21yr old son. You are exactly the type of young lady I would love to see him with. Your parents must be so proud of you! I would be! You are adorable!
Have a wonderful week!
Happy Birthday Lauren!
I am also from the Seatle area:) I was curious if there were any restaurants that were safe for you that you enjoyed around here.
Happy belated BD to a very intelligent, sensitive, mature young lady! Guess I’m older than the hills from all of you but I still have all the health issues of stomach and skin…I just wrote you for the 1st time…wonderful blog Lauren!
Just love your 20 facts…reminded me of myself ! Listened to Moon River…my favorite! I went to church school my whole life…watched I Love Lucy and Dick Van Dyke…didn’t own a pair of jeans till I was 40 and spend a lot of time in PJ’s all day…that’s how I clean house! I play the piano and have struggled with OCD by daughter claims…and type A. Lived West coast and East coast …presently in Richmond, Va…..not far from you! Mydaughter had pet rats…she’s 24! Sounds like you could be my daughter!!!! Wish you a happy year ahead….daughter changed majors from nutrition… : ( !!!!
Awesome! I didn’t know you lived outside DC, too. We’re neighbors!