tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111000852024-03-21T22:13:57.123-07:00Memoirs of a Master Control OperatorLaurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.comBlogger330125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-73427925605491899402015-04-09T00:03:00.000-07:002015-04-09T00:03:47.682-07:00Syndromes. <div class="MsoNormal">
I never knew cooked carrots could be this delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A buttery, salt-laden nub burst between my
teeth, these weren’t the carrots I grew up eating. My mom didn’t cook, and when
she did, it was alright. I sensed this was not the “Joy of Cooking”, as she never
seemed thrilled when she had to whip something up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a painstaking task, and it was either
for her coworkers, or if we were lucky, us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I never thought much of my childhood, and when I did, I would get into
the rotten parts only (thanks depression!) but I knew, I had a pretty
interesting upbringing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My brother was born mute – didn’t cry, which scared them
into thinking he was born deaf. Autism wasn’t a big thing at the time, (No
Jenny McCarthy) because of this there wasn’t much of an umbrella to branch out
and explain different spectrums. Mental health wasn’t thought much of, and they
simplified to such an extent that most people were misdiagnosed. Some were medicated to the point of drooling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which is pretty fucked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joseph was diagnosed with tourettes syndrome, a mental
syndrome that is not at all what he has. He definitely was on the autism spectrum, but
since the only way you could have that is if you were the severely retarded (think: drooling and yelling). As a result, he
was not counted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately for his sanity, my brother is a psychosomatic personality. He
meticulously read and researched every morsel of information he could squelch
about his mental state. He became an ambassador of the handicapped- well,
TouretteSIcapped, which meant that he informed everyone he met about the
reality of the "syndrome". How it wasn’t all cuss words, and such. He would have
these “ticks”. There would be so many “fuck yous”, and middle fingers, I think
my pops was thinking they were at him - inner guilt? I would always silently chuckle, because I never really knew what
else to do. Any one in his company would get so flustered and helpless, as to help cease the cuss. I
would try to relax him by saying our favorite silly words, but mostly, I would follow the sleepwalker rule. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, once they correctly diagnosed him, he still
had the tics. I’m assuming this was due to my mother not allowing him to read
any information about his new disorder. Smart move. I can't say that this is the case now, as he has switched sides, and has ambassador-ed up for Team Aspergers. Instead of blaming his tics on Tourettes, he now blames his nude night walking on being an Aspie, after he was busted on camera gallivanting in the buff by a retail store in the middle of the night. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They should consider themselves fortunate to have such an open minded spokesman. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-58826356703668943642014-01-10T02:47:00.001-08:002019-05-17T21:01:30.282-07:00Gut 1, Lauren 0<div dir="ltr">
Douche bag...Walk away.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Hey Beautiful. What 'chu up to today"</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Hmm. He does have dimples(!) and really great <u>hazel</u> eyes...is that a yellow tooth?</div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Are you trashy, or classy gal? I prefer a trashy one, been dealing with a classy cunt for far too long."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
That is indeed, a yellow tooth.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Your eyes, I can't stand how beautiful they are. Blue, not like my crappy hazel ones. I always wanted eyes like yours."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Ok. So he DOES have some piercing hazel eyes. And he kind of dresses like Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In Inception. (Oh, the vests!)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Yeah, do you speak any other languages? I really dig girls that are worldly."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Considering his Spanish could use 15 more minutes a day on watching "Dora the Explorer", I don't think he should be interviewing unless he meets his own criteria. But he does wear some tight pants.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
"So, like, do you smoke? Would you have any..." I regrettably didn't, then he slid his hand into his pocket. When I squinted and realized he had his own measly cigs, I rescinded the regret.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Yah, there's not many cute girls around. We should hang out sometime, really see if we connect."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
HEY. IT'S YOUR GUT TALKING TO YOU. WHY THE HELL ARE YOU IGNORING ME? I AM TELLING YOU "NO." </div>
<div dir="ltr">
A long drag off his cigarette allowed his eyes to shift nervously as they awaited my response.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
"I'm really busy with my yoga practice right now, and honestly, I think I like girls."</div>
Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-26485436947004930432014-01-03T22:36:00.001-08:002014-01-08T20:39:06.844-08:00<p dir="ltr">"I consider it a safe word, because it stirs up warm, comfortable sensations in me from growing up. Especially since cacao <u>grows</u> on trees." </p>
<p dir="ltr">Maintaining my attention was growing difficult, as my mind roamed to a sketch comedy that perused it for that purpose.  <br>
"Growing up in Peru, my sister used to pick it and make chocolate covered fingers with it. Yeah, it really puts me in the comfort zone when..."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Oh Peru. I loved that coastal, rocky land. Ceviche,  Pisco sours, Alpacas...gosh, I really hope I can visit-</p>
<p dir="ltr">"Deep frying my little brother's cat was also a joyous memory. He would scream, and I would cackle loudly at his misery..."</p>
<p dir="ltr">I felt a set of brown eyes seeking out my reactions, but I gave them none. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Cats. I always wanted one of my very own. But I hated the responsibility that came with ownership.  I just wanted  one to snuggle and love when I felt <u>like</u> it. I'm a bit of a selfish bastard at times. </p>
<p dir="ltr">My companion, who at this point had it with me and my wandering mind, got up and patted me on the head. </p>
<p dir="ltr">"Hey...hey, where are you going?" I was hoping she would tell me more about her cats. I love cats. </p>
<p dir="ltr">"</p>
Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-72642979381121188692014-01-02T02:52:00.000-08:002014-01-02T03:00:43.039-08:00Loner times"Hey, I was just kidding!! Get back over here!"<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The sun wasn't doing much to melt my shuddering shoulders. Even as a child, I never liked being around other children. Obnoxious. Bossy. Loud. Their stupid games and made up truths. The scaly reminder of "leaves of three, you should have let them be" was more pleasant company than my peers. At least I could imagine puffy, itchy animals in my battle wound. Carefully oozing calamine lotion to prevent opiate-like scratching, I insured that the pink goo would add to the creations I discovered. My mother would gaze disapprovingly, hinting without subtlety that others needed relief as well. I ignored all cries; I knew my uni-dragon needed it's tail and horn a delightful shade of frosty pink. </div>
Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-3601621316678380282014-01-02T02:50:00.000-08:002014-05-27T17:50:07.968-07:00Daydreams and realityFeeling the weight of the truth, my arms wield him into a tenacious hold, with the hope that it could make him forget. Is this what I wanted? A connection so strong, yet it confuses me terribly. We are always making connections, believing what we feel to be real and binding, and maybe forever.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Is it though? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Loneliness creates this beautiful illusion for us. What we are lacking in our 9-5, or in our relationships, we discover in a new being. And it cannot be freed from our thoughts. Destructive as they may become, we focus on them, instead of creating new adventures in reality. </div>
Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-64636763385008080792014-01-02T02:48:00.002-08:002014-01-02T03:08:08.714-08:00Orange tinted dreams. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Please, come back to me.." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pleaded with my subconscious while squeezing my eyes closed. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waking up after a Malarone induced dream left me somber. Especially since it involved an infant Orangutan purchase - I finally discovered the nurturing side in me.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
I made no attempt to be an adult and prepare myself for the day. A quick glance at my mobile reminded me I did have 3 more minutes...in that window I could easily have at least 4 more ape adventures. Maybe I could teach it to hula hoop, drive a Cadillac, and hang up all my artwork. Practical with a dousing of outlandish seems respectable. Examining each challenge I had in store was proving to be far too lofty for the time frame I had to work with. A deep, frustrated sigh reminded myself that these shenanigans were to take place another time. As I slipped on a non-stink lined panty, I chatted to myself schizophrenically that I can always zone out at the office to the rhythm of the copier. My responsible voice rapped my loony one with a ruler, shaped like common sense. Being a responsible human sucked. With each whisk of the mascara, I envisioned my fingers being engulfed by tendrils of flowing ape hair. Unraveling my thoughts a bit prematurely, my lashes now resembled a big boned spider. The misfortunate of being out of cotton swabs also stabbed me - de-clumping my day dream mess was harder than braiding baby Orangutan hair. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
"C'mon, shake dat ass, show me wut you workin' with!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Mystikal reminds me that I have responsibility in this life - to shake dat ass. Wait, no. To go to work. I haphazardly toss my shoes on, and forget my lunch, while displaying what this cracker is workin' with to the neighborhood. </span>Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-26006675127332164572013-11-25T23:48:00.003-08:002014-11-13T01:15:16.906-08:00Lies and make believe.<div class="MsoNormal">
"Say…have you seen the blues man?"<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p>It came out more as a pondering thought, similar to asking me if I smoked. I could feel him rooting around his pockets for a lighter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hesitate, not sure if I wanted to engage in street philosophy. "Yes." I reply, not used to hearing the confidence soar in my
voice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Where didya see ‘em, by chance?" His query was genuine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My bottom was grazing the crumb laden cushion of
the Yaris, while my mind was yearning for the dialogue. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Oh, you know," I nonchalantly drawl, "everywhere. He’s all
around us." Cue warm smile. 5…4…3…2... I calculate, waiting for the pitch. No one just has conversations just because, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"What’s your name?" His eyes, quite intensely cued on my reaction, were soft and genuine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Lola."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lola? Was that all I had? Of all the names I fantasize about, that was my best, fake name? As I was silently cursing lack of imagination in name choice, my new hobo friend threw out another inquiry. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Lola, have you evah been to Atlanah,
Georgia?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
" Hmmmm," as dreamily as I could dredge, "nah, I haven’t. But I’m gonna." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That seemed to please him. </div>
Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-54522129358966348202013-07-07T00:21:00.001-07:002013-07-07T00:21:31.932-07:00Best quote I have read in a while<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 19.190340042114258px;">"...True literature can only exist when it is created, not by diligent and reliable officials, but by madmen, hermits, heretics, dreamers, rebels and skeptics..." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 19.190340042114258px;">Yevgeny Zamyatin </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 19.190340042114258px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 19.190340042114258px;">A friend </span></span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">affixed</span></span><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 19.190340042114258px;"> a different quote by this gent to her status update, and I, being intrigued, yearn to discover more about him. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 19.190340042114258px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-73140558499091650182013-04-21T22:57:00.001-07:002013-04-21T22:57:10.471-07:00Prehistoric Laurenation.I HAVE NO MICROWAVE!<br />
<br />
Yes, that's right!<br />
<br />
In 2013, I JUST put a frozen dinner in the...wait..the OVEN!!<br />
<br />
Yeah, that is correct! <br />
<br />
I have succumbed to my frugal ways, and denied my 21st century-self convenience!<br />
<br />
A-ha!<br />
<br />Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-30162978626148219172013-04-20T02:29:00.003-07:002019-05-17T21:04:37.082-07:00Wednesday afternoon.Jam, eggs, butter-shit. Eggs, butter, jam. Yes.<br />
<br />
I'm glad my OCD is more awake than me right now. Clumsily slapping on jam, I already forgot the well-placed order of condiments I had anally slashed off in my mind. The texture of seed and slippery white combined is an unhappy occurrence.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
My mind unravels to far away lands...surrounded by short people that could be mistaken for robots. Maybe they are robots. They seem technologically advanced enough. That might already be happening.<br />
<br />
A strong, southern female voice interrupted my wanderlust.<br />
<br />
"He killed him, he killed him in COLD BLOOD".<br />
<br />
Ah. The town cryer is back. Part of me thought she was on hiatus, especially after all that Lucifer talk that was being tossed around two days prior. Usually when one gets to proclaiming about the lord of the underworld, I think it's time for a nap. But honestly, I've really learned a lot from her. I now know that Lucifer can't mess with God's children. And, who ever "he" is, he's now dead. In cold blood.<br />
<br />
<br />Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-26984656056098774582013-04-17T01:20:00.003-07:002013-04-17T01:22:32.116-07:00Reality Show"You cannot mess with God's children, Lucifer! You make horrible decisions, but the LORD still loves you, baby girl!"<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Smells of charred garlic tickled my nose. At this point, I don't know why I bothered roasting brussel sprouts. The 7:16pm showing of "Drunken Evangelicals" was blurring into "Teen Mom: the Torrance edition", and I was no where near done enjoying it. Two smokes left, perfect. I lit the next to last, curious how this "episode" was going to end. The exchange was between two neighbors: an older woman, and a younger female. I was half-hoping it was a May-December relationship. The baby girl brand could really mean anything. As I continued to over analyze the exchange, the smoke alarm hinted loudly that I really should take out the charcoal formally known as brussel sprouts from the oven. </div>
Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-41749977142871043492013-04-06T03:36:00.001-07:002013-04-06T03:36:28.278-07:00All the single ladies.7:48am.<br />
<br />
Really?<br />
<br />
Deep sighs ricochet off my lungs, reminding me to quit that youthful tobacco habit. I cough hard, knowing that should clear the issue, and make me buy ONE more pack of camels.<br />
<br />
8:58am.<br />
<br />
Ever since I started Lexapro, water has been the standard on my bedside table. Damn dry mouth. I've accepted the side effect has been a fucked sleep schedule. My eyes force themselves into R.E.M land with thoughts Bukowski would be proud of.<br />
<br />
10:29am<br />
<br />
Is that my phone, or did I leave my vibrator on? Again.<br />
<br />
11:37am<br />
<br />
Should I admit I that I'm trying to prolong the fantasy land I was in for at least 20 more minutes? At least in this faraway land, the boy that I'm infatuated with doesn't tease - it's all give, and I take.<br />
<br />
12:16pm<br />
<br />
I work in an hour and a half. If I just rinse off, I should be able to get ready in 45 minutes. I think I have a Cliff bar to eat on the way to work.<br />
<br />
1:04pm<br />
<br />
Dear Febreeze, you've saved me again. I didn't forget about you, Cucumber Melon spritz: your stripper aroma is gonna save me from having to shower - but not without coworkers questioning my whereabouts last night.<br />
<br />
1:58pm<br />
<br />
Whoever invented Tide pens, gets my mouth around their genitals. Genius!<br />
<br />
2:03pm<br />
<br />
Made it. Despite my bed head that I have coined, "Beach Wave", everything turned out. Although my pervert colleague has been taking a special interest in me...I think it's gonna be a good day.Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-65912100479165236242013-03-18T13:36:00.001-07:002013-03-18T13:36:30.168-07:00Reaching around, an attempt at a cuddle fails. I was better off fantasizing about it. Never thought I was that person, desiring human stimuli. But, here I am. Craving a unattainable feeling. More than not, we explain to ourselves ritualistically, that we are independent souls, floating where we want to be, not necessarily where we should be. Creating a world that has everything we have scoured together for a perfect fantasy, it's destruction is inevitable. We desire things we think we should have, that are "entitled" to us. Leaving that extra bit of sleep in our eyes has made our vision fragmented. Rather than force ourselves to experience people as who they are, we paint a tremendous coating of us on them, and project what we want them to be. Happiness cannot be found within a facade of ourselves.Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-38153867161735441872013-01-25T02:03:00.002-08:002013-01-25T02:03:34.930-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmZTQaXzv-E/UQJYauukMXI/AAAAAAAADRU/0VCK5SHicX0/s1600/424170_510640915643438_1115339365_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmZTQaXzv-E/UQJYauukMXI/AAAAAAAADRU/0VCK5SHicX0/s320/424170_510640915643438_1115339365_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-35848131758901093992013-01-25T01:58:00.004-08:002013-01-25T02:00:11.526-08:00On a Thursday.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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“Wait, bro, I was sayin’ how demonic that chick was I tried sleepin’ wit last night… She put a
paper mache goat head on and tried fuckin’ me wit it! Fo’ real, bro! No lie, no
lie!” Forgetting to grab what I came for, this conversation makes waiting in
line worth it. “nah, bro, she ain’t into Luche Libre shit, she likes, what’s
that broads name? My kids are really into it-Dude, Dora the explorah?” This
outlandish idea made me close to being the owner of a fitted LA Kings hat.
“Nah, dude, you trippin’? Dora ain’t no
skeeze bro! She classy grade A shit, not like that hookah.” I tried my best to
listen- I was desperate to find out who this “hookah” was, even when the clerk
impatiently demanded credit or debit. The misunderstanding that had occurred
was likely due to him being desensitized to the CLEARLY genius conversation I
was overhearing. The eyeroll reminded me my instinct was correct. “ Seriously
tho bro, come over. I got this jacked up video of a alligator ranch, and this
guy is wrestling them, and putting his hands in their moufs and shit-oh and I got
some Victorias.” Before I could pretend that I forgot to pick up some chewing tobacco,
the duo was already half way out the door. “Nah, nah, man. That fucked up goat
chick is coming over tonight .” <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-8599093649162658042012-12-23T22:34:00.001-08:002012-12-23T22:34:53.912-08:00<div><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bqkyWyuZnhk/UNf3i2S0EEI/AAAAAAAADQs/6pPWFpdHnoc/IMAG1158.png' /></div>Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-54003502938505976602012-12-17T17:30:00.003-08:002012-12-18T11:59:55.642-08:00Dave EggersI have fallen in love with someone new. The heart palpitations came on so fast, and without doubt, I felt my affection careen elsewhere.<br />
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He's taken me places where you refuse to go, and along the way, assures me it's ok to be strange. Reminding me of my adventuresome soul, there's anecdotes that slide out-which I found offensive at first, but reassuring after I learned to breathe. </div>
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we exist on a different plain, me and him. There's an understanding that imagination shouldn't be kept to ourselves, regardless of where it comes to life. He has chided me about the way I internalize situations, instead making good use of self-expression.</div>
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there are times when I feel that we belong to the world, not each other. Holding one another back from experiences is what we could never-EVER do. I appreciate his way with the written word, and the way he has brought light back into my soul. </div>
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He might not know this yet, but I think he may just be the one. </div>
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Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-563619326559891102012-12-10T03:12:00.001-08:002012-12-11T00:35:19.549-08:00Holga cooperation photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">Holga attempts at out smarting me each time I plunge the shutter. Her sassy mouth didn't get me this time:</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-lFzq4_XLw/UMXCyIpLl_I/AAAAAAAADOU/ZpCwsOZxuQU/s1600/96330004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-lFzq4_XLw/UMXCyIpLl_I/AAAAAAAADOU/ZpCwsOZxuQU/s320/96330004.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents yard in MN</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqwhQCmr_FE/UMXCynXNZcI/AAAAAAAADOc/s1yDfIAaMKc/s1600/96330006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqwhQCmr_FE/UMXCynXNZcI/AAAAAAAADOc/s1yDfIAaMKc/s320/96330006.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Might not be the BEST, but I dug it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8_hs1Mm3Ro/UMW_5ghva_I/AAAAAAAADNs/r31wDWO0z1M/s1600/96300002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8_hs1Mm3Ro/UMW_5ghva_I/AAAAAAAADNs/r31wDWO0z1M/s320/96300002.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pioneer-town, CA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1Yv1ui0JIc/UMXCEQbLMoI/AAAAAAAADOE/hwc0irX8ENA/s1600/96320003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1Yv1ui0JIc/UMXCEQbLMoI/AAAAAAAADOE/hwc0irX8ENA/s320/96320003.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first shot was a Gargoyle, the second, the church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byn2vifwYPo/UMXCIly2GDI/AAAAAAAADOM/bsrXE3fy-hk/s1600/96320007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-byn2vifwYPo/UMXCIly2GDI/AAAAAAAADOM/bsrXE3fy-hk/s320/96320007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appreciated how this double exposure turned out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pesky light leaks</td></tr>
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<br />Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-64447653240701664492012-12-10T02:49:00.000-08:002012-12-10T02:49:27.490-08:00Already at December, excuses are flowing like the 405 at 3am. Projects I haven't finished that need completing - a friend commented: ghosts of hobbies past. which I have nick named the other space in my apartment where the shells of ideas and projects lay. Reprimanding myself has done no good, and there has yet to be motivation. My procrastination was cast aside when the ukelele I added to the pile knows what a G7 feels like...not sure what to do with all this extra serotonin.Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-32291264330330894322012-11-18T02:13:00.003-08:002012-11-18T23:21:04.127-08:00Things I continue to lie to my self about1.<u> Finishing what I started: </u> I LOVE the first phase of deciding to learn a language/play an instrument/learn a new craft/read. When I decide to something, I really am enthusiastic. I tell everyone, half hoping the spread of my new hobby will encourage me to success. When I was asked a month ago how my Arabic was going, I responded: schwayay-schwayay (little by little) which was met by approving nods, and praise for my foray into migraine inducing linguistics. Little do they know, that was the only word I retained.<br />
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2. <u>I have lots of passion for what I do:</u> The only thing I have it for is the one thing I can't have...a houseful of cats.<br />
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3. <u>enrolling in a MMA or yoga class: </u> Surrounded by other people, sweating. Self-explanatory.<br />
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<u>4. I'm going to write a blog entry that does not include a list: </u> Sarcasm not required. You already know it's not going to happen.<br />
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5.<u> Finish all the drafts in my blogger: </u> refer to number 2.<br />
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<br />Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-74315107125237988462012-07-18T00:52:00.000-07:002012-07-18T00:53:35.175-07:00Book Club!!My coworkers and I, well, my coworker announced that we should have a "Star Wars" book club. After much debate, and interjection about needing some Wicket (he may have an untold biography out there), we settled on <u>Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith.</u> Apparently, my Ewok or Wookie suggestion was ignored, and abused. I didn't think it was that possible to conjure up that much stink eye from one person. Noted.<br />
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The e-book is free online, even though I am quite the stalwart supporter of regular old books. I will see how long I will be able to read this on my phone. I foresee that I will break down and buy this softcover book...I'll be known as Darth Impetuous by noon tomorrow.<br />
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<br />Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-66824296963802828012012-07-13T20:43:00.001-07:002012-07-13T20:44:23.730-07:00When I learn to play the piano, I'm coming back, and stealing this one.<div><br/><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FBAAiY-ppIk/UADq3z-Ju_I/AAAAAAAADB0/4WB5R6zFGA0/IMAG0691.png' /></div>Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-80510802437929473192012-07-07T09:25:00.001-07:002012-12-14T03:00:01.055-08:00Zuma beach snapshots<div>
I prefer the company of a paintbrush and a blanket, over a wetsuit and a cold ocean. After wandering the beach for my spot, I plunked my sack of activities down, and enjoyed the salt and the scene. <br />
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<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TpQILTtyVkg/T_hiy_swgQI/AAAAAAAADBg/N0UEvBmr2LY/IMAG0739.png" /><br />
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sLjT7HURyfI/T_hi7QeBQZI/AAAAAAAADBo/t77DDUyiWvg/IMAG0737.png" /></div>
Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-62296741821147931712012-06-11T01:50:00.003-07:002012-06-14T11:38:44.051-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you see a billboard with a seductive lass on roller skates, lounging in a hip, swim suited pose, waiting for a refreshing(?) beverage to gush; you start wondering if you are in need of this. Or really, is she selling a swimsuit? I always need another one of those. I finally bought another one last year, and have high hopes that this one is going to last. Ok, so this Cockta, I was very curious about this fab soda that I had seen around town(s). We had arrived at a cafe in Split, and scanning the usual suspects I realized I was in need of something rare...beautiful...refreshing...energetic. My blues hovered around this mystical beverage. So mysterious, I cleared my throat of uncertainty and announced my new beverage adventure to the waiter. Aha! I bet you thought I was going to order beer, or coke, as I eyed him up, embarrassingly waiting for his surprise. Or dismay. I just wanted some flicker in his eye of pride, or happiness that someone was ordering a beverage from the neighboring country, and not some Coca-Cola, or Pepsi. I live in my head a bit much, and perhaps I am just used to people in the U.S. getting excited about a character wanting something different. Or possibly it is a very popular beverage and it is ordered every few minutes so this is not unusual, and I am really over analyzing this moment in my mind...affirmative. Once the drink came to the table, I clung on to the berry flavor, and lamented on how it reminded me of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OK_Soda" target="_blank">OK soda</a>. My partner had no clue what I was talking about since I lived in a test market, and had the chance to experience things he wasn't privy to. Suicide, or all the flavors combined. I got a raised eyebrow on the former. Apparently, that's not a tempting picture. I shrugged him off, watching the ill described soda slowly trickle into his mouth. I was crossing my fingers that drinking it would induce a roller skating bonanza! which would be me on skates trying to make it happen on cobbled stones. Sad for me, hilarious for everyone else. Someday Cockta, someday. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Paqt-2aTTNk" width="560"></iframe></div>Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11100085.post-13871303121727115042012-05-29T01:01:00.001-07:002012-05-29T01:02:51.364-07:00Night time on the Danube<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To say I had an amazing time on my trip is an understatement. Presently, I am not sure there is an adjective that could properly define my adventure. Although I will say one: frustrating. I wished so badly that I could communicate with all these brilliant people I came across. I was fortunate to be a anglophone in this instance, as many spoke it as their second language. Two, there was some self-damnation for having a camera that lacked a viewfinder. Santa already has my wish list for Xmas 2012. <br />
<br />Laurenationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04475717042260617626noreply@blogger.com0