I’m a single 35-year-old looking for love AND a great many other things, too. Aren’t we all?!
Yes—it’s meant to be cheeky! (“Adorably quirky” is generally how I hope other people see me. I know it’s mostly wishful thinking.)
I mean, yes—I AM a single 35-year-old woman (newly 37 now, yikes!) looking for love (see also: boyfriend, future husband, father of hypothetical eventual children, etc.). But I’m also seeking SO MANY other things: joy, professional success, work/life balance (or blend, as the kids are calling it these days), strong personal relationships, peace, patience, self-love. Aren’t we all seeking lots of things all the time?! Some change by the day (or the hour), depending on the situation; others seem to stick with us for the long haul of life.
I’m Lauren. I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I was raised Catholic and still take my adorable grandmother to Mass. I have one younger brother who got married last summer—so now I have a sister, too! My parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this year and are just about the best people you’ll ever know. They are also fantastic role models for love and marriage—no pressure! By any standard, I have enjoyed a largely charmed life, for which I am exceedingly grateful. Sometimes I also think I might be waiting for the other shoe to drop.
On the other hand, my struggles are real. I’ve always been a late bloomer. I had my heart completely shattered at the ripe old age of 28 and was devastated to lose a job I had loved five years later. I’m lonely a lot. I am equal parts extrovert and introvert. I’m terrific in social situations and can talk to anyone. I love having the odd day off with absolutely nowhere to be and no one to see. I’m frequently told I have the best laugh.
I work in marketing and communications for nonprofit organizations. I LOVE my work, especially em-dashes and the Oxford comma. In my spare time, I like to perform in and choreograph community theatre musicals. I love leisurely dinners out with friends, musicals, dance, yoga, scarves, my curly hair, good grammar, witty banter, my Nespresso machine, crowd-pleasing wines, coconut, and dark chocolate. Everything in my closet is in the same five colors: navy, cream, gray, coral, and chambray.
I want this to be a bite-sized blog—500 words per post, max (and yes, I will be checking). Who has the time or attention span for anything more? (I don’t.) One thing you won’t see here is advertising. For one thing, the blog is only five minutes old. For another, this blog is not my path to becoming an influencer but rather a creative writing project. Any brands or products I mention are ones that I buy (or am personally gifted from family or friends), want, use, read, or like. I believe there’s a distinct difference between giving advice and sharing what works (or doesn’t) for me, and I try to be very mindful of that in my writing. Welcome aboard!