We were blessed last week with 48 hours with one of our all time favorite people, Lauren. Or as she is known around here, Auntie Lolo. I first met Lauren when I started work with a fast-paced, high pressure PR and Public Affairs firm in Santa Barbara. I was a new bride, filled with a naïve, rosy Westmont colored outlook on the world—when asked in my interview how I handled stress, I honestly answered, “baking.” Lauren was an import from NYC, a little jaded, tremendously smart and super stylish, she instantly was the coolest person I had ever met. The office was relishing the chance to watch these opposite forces collide. Prior to my first day in the office, where I would arrive with a honey colored Hawaiian honeymoon glow, my new co-workers had a pool going on how many days it would take for Lauren to make me cry.
But then a magical thing happened— we fell in love. All the ways we were different made for excellent conversation, laughter and growth. In an intense work environment, we balanced each other out to make a great team and a power duo few would dare to cross. Even with our mutual adoration, Lauren would still roll her eyes and make gagging sounds when I talked to Mr. Edwards over the phone at work and I would shoot her nasty looks to clean-up her nasty language. Nearly twelve years later, Lauren continues to be the person with whom I am my most un-edited self. No matter the ugliness, whining or the selfishness my heart reveals, she loves me, kicks my booty when needed and always believes in me. And in return, she knows that I will do the same. It just works.
Mark has always loved Lauren, but his devotion moved to a higher stratosphere when she began working for Survivor and Amazing Race (two of his favorite shows) and then married a super cool guy who happens to geek out for all things Skywalker. When Lolo walked in the door last week, Ben and Clara liked her at hello, loved her at surprise Star Wars aprons and worshipped her after discovering she had both an iPhone and an iPad (Angry Birds! Wheels on the Bus!). I loved every minute of talking, confessing, laughing, plotting and sorting out life, motherhood, marriage, redecorating her LA pad from afar and introducing her to the Southern wonder of Bojangle’s.
With over a decade of friendship comes ease and understanding, but also a well earned vantage point for realizing that we aren’t so different after all—Lauren is strong and sophisticated on the outside, while holding a tender heart, full of empathy, loyalty and even sentimental sweetness. I still am an optimistic, sunshine girl, but have discovered that I can be motorcycle mama tough when I need to be…well, at least sassy, little scooter tough. The basic elements remain unchanged. Lauren will forever be way cooler than me and I still clutch my Kitchenaid mixer as a form of therapy.
Thank you, Lolo for the visit. Thank you, Dave and Miss Julia for loaning out your favorite gal. Thank you for enduring friendships— those that are snug and safe, but also give you plenty of room to grow.
