Memoirs of a Master Control Operator

2012-01-29T02:05:00.000-08:00

I find myself in the same situation each year, making a list of the year past biggest offenders. Somehow, I allowed myself to continue this oddly destructive behavior. Would it be possible for me to instead elevate my present to positive change? Feeling more and more that all I have done is re-create the scenarios that have made me who I am - unfortunately I wallow in the negative, reminding myself consistently of my failures. How is that? I review my successes, mumbling under my breath how I finally(!) had woken up, and started moving forward to make progress. It has been a journey, indeed, but I am frustrated and generally baffled by this odd situation.

rainy day festivities

2011-11-20T16:45:00.001-08:00

Not limited to painting with watercolors, and feasting on roasted butternut squash

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2011-11-17T02:29:00.001-08:00

Lately feeling life wind down, all I can see is work with the occasional nap. Internet has been taxing my ability to remain patient. International excursions invade my daydreams, hope they become memories. Fingers drum lightly, the swaying melody isn't sure where it's headed...gathering my tentacles as if they were blackberries...

A couple tips for leading a satisfactory life.

2011-11-06T18:19:00.004-08:00

1. Paint: Even if you suck like myself, it releases a great amount of tension, and I find it quite relaxing. It could even lead you to some startling realizations. Ones like, maybe I shouldn't listen to Ravi Shankar while painting.

2. Indulge in Dessert: I sort of do this more often than not. You probably noted this awhile back if you were reading past entries, and think I wear dentures. Here, I am partaking in a lemon bar. I use the excuse that I need my vitamin C.

3. Shoot photographs: I have been tinkering around with a Holga 120S, and I enjoy it. Granted, it does not afford me the ease of a digital due to not seeing each frame; but the lack of instant gratification strengthens my critical eye. Lord knows I don't want to pay fifteen dollars for 12 pictures of my feet.

4. Go to a museum that suits your fancy: I LOVE the Mesozoic era, and there's nothing I find more delight in than prehistoric reptiles. (except for number 2) The Natural History Museum can count on more of my business with this new Dinosaur hall.

5. Act completely ridiculous: I look just like a Joshua tree, don't I?

6. Make faces: Sort of a repeat, but really, does this ever get old? Especially when you do it at a fellow driver who's cussing at you. He most certainly isn't going to expect this.

But, isn't she a Vulcan?

2011-10-31T18:02:00.001-07:00

My boyfriend's inquiry during Star Trek: The Search for Spock.

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2011-09-17T23:03:00.001-07:00

Whoever thought that "build your own pinhole camera" was a great idea needs to be fed to zombies.

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happy labor day!

2011-09-04T16:27:00.001-07:00

I know if you're a MCO, or work in broadcasting, you'll be reading this at work like I'll be doing.

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Possible Maurice replacement?

2011-09-04T00:54:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the few that know me personally, or have just read a lot of my blog entries, then perhaps you remember that sweet lil' mooch that lived next door. He would use me for a warm napping area, and a meal, meow his thanks, then dash into the night. He left me feeling used, and a little manipulated, really. Maurice understood the agreement; he was the Part-time cat. He would come in for some meow mix, and in turn, I would get a warm sleeping kitty. It worked. Since then, we both moved away, and I have longed for that mildly symbiotic relationship.

Fast forward to last night: I'm walking into the court yard of my dwelling, and what do I hear? The haunting cries of hunger, and loneliness, that could only belong to a cat, or to someone that was mocking a cat. I frantically waved my arms at her, told her to "c'mon, you're gonna wake up the whole building with that howl". She continued her defiant talk, as she sniffed at each door, hoping for a snack. Rolling my eyes, I coerced her to come with me, sweet talking her along the way. Little did she know, I was terribly unprepared. She came in, we snuggled, not before she ransacked my kitchen for a bite. I apologized profusely, and blamed my significant other for his inconsideration when he tossed out a can of cat food. She didn't care, and frankly was not paying the slightest bit of attention. Cosmo, who had commenced her daily annoyances, was now a point of interest.

After wrestling with the collar, I found out her name was Meko. It was very crucial that I discovered her real moniker before I graced her with my own. Especially since I found out that "Maurice" was indeed, a "Pucker". He later explained that after many attempts on his life, the renaming brought him much needed machismo. I would have felt just dreadful gifting him with a name like "pudding", or "skittles". There's a lot of guilt I don't have to concern myself with.

"Meeeeeeow'.

I guess Cosmo is only so entertaining. Meko, now situated at the door, was ready to roam. Apparently, she only enjoys the attainable; since chasing Cosmo and eating a hearty meal were out, so was she.

Another day at the office

2011-09-04T00:13:00.000-07:00

Stinkbugs know how to do the twist.

2011-08-16T01:40:00.001-07:00

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Currently reading...

2011-08-11T11:45:00.001-07:00

Walking Dead

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Surprise, Surprise!

2011-07-28T23:29:00.003-07:00

No, really!

I ACTUALLY did what I set out to do.

Just promise me you won't go around thinking I'm all motivated and crap.

Narcissisism with Objects, part I

2011-07-10T21:06:00.006-07:00

A life better lived

2011-07-06T00:10:00.003-07:00

I can't really name it "resolutions", more of a to-do list.

Shocked? Of course you're not.

I have been finally partaking in some social activities without my heart exploding, and it has been rather blissful. Surging anxiety that usually has me down for the count, is now easily swatted away like a Jehovah's Witness.

Empowered? Yes.

It has empowered me to the point of making some positive, neat changes in my daily routine.

1. Visit the large body of salinated water at least once a week. I acknowledge that I have thrown out this promise before, but after today's romp; I'm feeling motivated. Despite the new skin tone on my back, I will spend some quality time.

2. Buy local, in season produce. My reasoning for this is due to one terrible tasting butternut squash. I procured one at Fresh and Easy a few months ago, sliced it, generously applied the sweet, salty cream bath, and sent the squash on it's way to deliciousness. In the long 45 minutes that followed, I dabbed my mouth, catching all the drool that was needed to digest that buttery, caramelized squash. When I finally was able to luxuriate in that first bite, the dream died. The melty, sweet, delectable texture that I have been craving was flat, tasteless, and dreadful. I tossed it, knowing not even those pigeons outside would touch it. Belch.

3. Ride the bike. Go to the Gym. Swim. Stop being a lazy Lucy and get off the couch fer cryin' out loud!

4. Become a stronger swimmer so I can enjoy the ocean more. I can dog paddle, and half-ass breast stroke. One time I was "swimming" a dolphin swam over and kicked me out of the ocean. Rude.

Next week this list could include eating chicken faces for dinner every Monday.

Skymall recognizes the other half.

2011-06-29T00:20:00.001-07:00

Record shops in Denver ask politely.

2011-06-29T00:19:00.000-07:00

Half assed Jurassic Park

2011-06-24T17:17:00.001-07:00

Passing this park reinvigorates my desire to hoard amber drenched insects.

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A "Super 8" IMAX morning*

2011-06-12T12:41:00.001-07:00

*may include rapid heart rate, nausea, and an inclination to clap.

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"...Movin' on up!" or "Hope and Change"?

2011-06-08T01:25:00.002-07:00

Random LACMA

2011-06-08T01:05:00.002-07:00

Eaten by the mouth of madness

2011-06-02T22:28:00.001-07:00

Tim Burton exhibit at LACMA.

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A break from the eye candy

2011-05-30T00:39:00.004-07:00

Not sure if my pictures are pleasing or not, but I owe you a post including updates. If you enjoy my free-wheelin' photo taking, I promise; there will be more.

First item of note:
1. The Significant Other and I are planning a central European holiday in September. Since he has hit the turning point in his life otherwise known as "40", there has been a blitz planned. Not to mention, he has never traveled outside of the North American continent. There has been talks of flying into Poland (Krakow), traveling around to the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Croatia. This all has to go down in 2 weeks. Gonna try to make it happen...just call me (insert military leader here).

Second Item of note:
2. I have begun to work at a different facility, and oddly, a different shift! Second, actually. The whole "sleeping at night" thing is actually quite delightful. The old Laurenation is slinking back in, waking up with the sun, making coffee and eating pancakes with everybody else. Gosh, I even keep my blankets on my bed instead of my windows now. There is a lot to be said for being a conformist.

Third item of note:
3. Went to a lovely wedding this weekend, followed by a BBQ this afternoon. Enjoyed the chance to socialize with people I rarely see. Completely wonderful. Also, had the opportunity to stand around awkwardly while frantically thinking of conversation topics. Perhaps I have been out of the normal world for too long? Figuratively speaking, the "Shawshank Redemption" comes to mind when I think of 3rd shift. When you have been working an oddball schedule for 4 years, then you are thrown in with night sleepers, you just feel like you don't belong. I almost dashed into my boss's office begging to be switched back after I encountered a fully populated break room. Scantly familiar and unseen faces staring at me, wondering who I was, where I've been, "are you new?", ect...ugh.

Fourth item of note:
4. I am trying my absolute danged-est to write a children's book. I have been painting panels at a studio in Santa Monica, which are substituting as my illustrations/inspiration for now. I do this with the hope that I will not look back on this entry and laugh at myself while flipping through old posts. I have a tendency to talk about "really important" projects like they are almost done, then COMPLETELY procrastinate to the point that I have no interest in it anymore. I blame this on my father from whom I have inherited this very unique trait. I am most definitely his daughter in that regard.

Bubble gum alley photo shoot

2011-05-27T10:05:00.001-07:00

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A morning pamper

2011-05-27T10:04:00.001-07:00

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Good morning!!

2011-05-06T10:43:00.002-07:00

Steel cut oatmeal with flax seeds and mango...with matcha green tea. Crumbs from shortbread cookie also seen...but heavily denied.

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2011-04-29T16:57:00.001-07:00

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Rorshach test time

2011-04-29T16:30:00.004-07:00

Pancake? Or elephant, brontosaurus, Massachusetts...?

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2011-04-29T16:30:00.003-07:00

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Ladies and gentleman, please allow me to introduce ...

2011-04-08T20:22:00.001-07:00

...my very first batch of home made seitan! Can't wait to try it!

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Make shift radiation

2011-04-05T01:46:00.001-07:00

The office kitchen

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Morning facial or zombie?

2011-03-08T09:10:00.001-08:00

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Aren't we the cutest?

2011-03-05T03:43:00.001-08:00

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On a Tuesday morning.

2011-02-16T01:43:00.001-08:00

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TGFVG

2011-02-14T02:17:00.002-08:00

Veggie Grill is my boi and I's new addiction. They serve all vegan, delicious fake meats in a not terribly expensive way. It's healthy, awesome, and unfortunately, only in southern CA.

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Something to listen and enjoy.

2011-02-12T19:37:00.003-08:00

My before mentioned friend, Ben, is in a way excellent band in Denver, named, "The Skeleton Show".His band mates all live in a large home, and put on shows every month with Denver-based musicians. Please check them out if you are interested in rock 'n roll.

Thanks.

http://www.myspace.com/theskeletonshow

College veggies; rejoice!

2011-02-12T19:24:00.002-08:00

A large part of my soul has been missing for at least 15 years. That was the last time I had chicken ramen. Its a delightful comfort food, or a good sick food, not a good "watchin' my blood pressure" food- though this ramen is lower on sodium, and, has no chicken in it. Its vegetarian, kosher, and it sells for around 70 cents or so, which should sell you on it. Although, if you're anything like my dad, it may be "too rich for my blood".

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Good morning, Los Angeles!

2011-02-12T07:35:00.001-08:00

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outfit of the day

2011-02-12T03:18:00.001-08:00

One could say that I am slacking on this project. I wouldn't disagree with them either, due to the guilt and shame that I feel daily (Monthly). I found the sea green corduroy pants at a Unique thrift shop, shoes are DSW, tights: possibly Hot Topic, and Forever 21 rounds it out with the top. The belt is also F21.

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Illinois?!

2011-02-12T02:56:00.001-08:00

If anyone has suggestions for hobbies, I'm all ears.

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One update to rule them all

2010-12-20T03:22:00.002-08:00

1. My tree died the other day, which I am presuming it was due to the extensive period that I had it on. Sad, really. For something that only is operated for about 3 weeks a year, you'd think it would hold out.

2. Finally got my super fun car: a Toyota Yaris. I believe the name "Manischevitz" has been bestowed, mainly due to my overzealous love of kosher goods.

3. Going home for a few days, and I am hoping it won't be hellish. The weather, of course.

4. Enjoyed seeing Tron: Legacy with a friend at the DGA screening room. Felt pretty cool for about 15 minutes.

5. It's been raining a whole bunch lately! Usually don't mind, but the roads are really awful.

That'll do.

Minnesota state of mind Part II

2010-12-19T02:39:00.007-08:00

I remember a time when I welcomed the rapid heartbeat of caffeine. It doesn't seem too long ago, indulging in one espresso after the other. Sweaty palms. Carrying on conversations with soon to be friends. Phone numbers exchanged, empty promises of "next time". having a list of shops where I would have my social hour, while the others were marked as centers of productivity. I loved running into some of the characters, especially when I was feeling lonely or suppressed of creativity. Most times, the fables they told had my jaw grazing the nearby Utne Reader. I could feel my eyes widening, if not for them; but for my own joy at having such outlandish people to listen to. Only silent gestures and murmurs of shock were exchanged while my ears were filled with anecdotes. Being more of a private person, I prefer to hear various accounts from another. Speaking of which, I have heard some of the best while minding that role. Heartbreak, drugs, thievery, and scandal headlined most of the sordid tales. I felt honored that these raconteurs felt comfort with me hearing their stories. Trusting me with their childhood traumas, or just a banal day in the life, I was allowed to see in. When they would leave me to chat someone else up, I would feel relieved initially, then distracted. How am I supposed to write self-indulgently when all I can think about is his home invasion? My drama was considerably tame, and less interesting to say the least. I ended up drawing half-assed female faces, along with short biographies.
One time I was there, writing and drawing in a flurry, a fedora clad fellow sauntered up, and jotted: "music hides you from the bullshit", then went on his way. My mind wrapped around that slogan many times, being cautious due to uncertain intent. Maybe he thought what I was writing was bullshit, which wasn't completely off base. The more I obsessed about it, logic finally entered the room and assured me that he meant well. When I look back, I know my penmanship and aura warranted his mantra. Never would have guessed in that one moment, I would fully appreciate the human condition.

A mid-winter's adventure/lewd photographs Part 1

2010-12-11T10:19:00.005-08:00

A friend of mine came into to town on Wednesday, and we made the best of the short time we had. He's one of the hippest cats I know. He plays in a band called "Skeleton Show", in Denver, and everyone should check it out. Although he may not enjoy the corn dog pic; hindsight is 20/20, right?

half assed Virginia

2010-12-07T01:18:00.001-08:00

Maybe its time to teach myself to knit.

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To all the Google searches

2010-12-01T15:02:00.009-08:00

I know a lot of you land on this site when searching for Master control operator. Let me tell you of my years (8-plus!) of master controlling.

1. Enjoy tedium. Checking network logs, making sure everything is airing correctly. There won't a lot of new things to learn once you settle in, and sometimes, it is a dead end job. (exceptions, of course) If you like MC'ing, this won't be an issue. Some people love this job, and I understand why. It doesn't require an awful lot of brain power (which can be a good thing), as long as your common sense smart, you will have tremendous success in this field. (Please note: there are moments of trouble shooting, live events, and other obstacles that I really can't fit here that do require a good amount of brains, patience, and deep breaths)

2. You are there to ensure if there is failure of a device, automation, content, or a human, to correct the problem instantly, and get the program on air. Black on air = losses of tons and tons of money. And possibly your job.

3. Grabbing satellite signals, so you can record programs for future airing. Some places don't have you do this, sometimes they arrive on tape from distribution centers. Or on hard drives, flash drives, FTP, Aspera, ect. Or if you're lucky, you work at a facility where the ingest department is separate from the master control.

4. enjoy watching tons and tons of TV. It's an odd job for someone like me, but it enables me to do other things in my spare time because you can't take master control home with you. I work with people that do stand-up comedy, musicians, ect.

5. I've never worked at an affiliate station, only for cable networks. I can't speak for them. I work at a multi-network one, so I can only speak for those. We run fully automated on a server, so no more manual takes, or playing tapes. It's all loaded in the computer for air. We only deal with the traffic department at each network.

6. Get used to not getting credit. I at one time did live master control and at the end of the season, they would never put us in the credits. I mean, how did all those breaks roll, and who put them on air? (Sort of like being that old guy in "Wizard of Oz" behind the curtain) I know it's a trivial complaint, but it would've been nice to have a shout out after the 125+ events that required an MCO.

7. Multi-tasking. Some don't require this, but get your octopus arms ready; some require you to take on multiple items at once. Especially ones that have an immediate deadline, and you STILL haven't grabbed that hot pocket out of the microwave, and ran to the restroom yet.

Any questions, comments?

La Vida en la actualidad

2010-12-01T14:37:00.004-08:00

1. Ole Blue died. My Saturn of 10 years has called it quits. The positive: found out I now come equipped with a high credit score...go go responsibility!

2. Attempting to buy a Toyota Yarrrrr-is. I have the financing, just waiting on the pira-private seller to hand over the vehicle.

3. put my Christmas tree up. It's silver with fiber optics, and I waste most of my day staring at it.

4. A friend will be coming next week for a weekend extravaganza. Have to start pretending that I am really cool, and that I am constantly overrun with plans.

5. Possibly having a dinner party. My anxiety and I will keep you posted if that happens.

defining moments of master control

2010-11-17T01:22:00.002-08:00

Making a creature out of my work vittles...if you didn't believe I work master control due to the lack of tech blogs, this should sell you. Although on second look, prehaps I should have shaped the brownie into something fun, like a pellet, or at least something that could fit into his smallish mouth.

Michigan

2010-11-16T23:50:00.002-08:00

Sorry U.P, just didn't have enough brownie left.

what kind of person are you?

2010-11-10T03:48:00.001-08:00

I'm a person that eats her food in to the shape of states.

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Meow-zers!

2010-11-08T20:07:00.002-08:00

I guess I should apologize for not being around lately, but I have good reason. (I know, you've heard this all before)

I am finally embarking on a personal project that I am very passionate about: a documentary about my mother, who is a foster mom for unwanted, and sometimes undesirable cats. She does it for Last Hope, an organization in MN, and she spends most of her time and devotion to these felines. At first, I was considering doing it about the organization, but I needed something to focus on. I am very excited, and have been spending most of my waking hours developing it. Hopefully, my forgetful self will update and share the progress. I am hoping to start principal photography next spring...keeping my fingers crossed.

cats want you to vote

2010-11-02T19:26:00.001-07:00

On my way to my polling center, I was greeted by these lovely felines.

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bad mood bears

2010-10-15T16:32:00.003-07:00

Whenever I am prepping myself for bad times ahead, or just having a bad time of it, I enjoy going to the olive bar at Whole Foods. My prescription: olives stuffed with feta, and picholines. My rainy day turns into a perfect day with elevated sodium levels, and oily finger prints.

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trying times

2010-10-09T20:04:00.002-07:00

I procured some oranges due to my craving of juice, and good health. I made a silly assumption that 3 oranges would yield a tad more. There I go, dreaming big again.

September in a nutshell

2010-10-04T20:01:00.001-07:00

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One of my favorite pictures I have taken.

2010-09-15T14:46:00.002-07:00

This is actually a re-post from over a year ago, but I felt like I needed to do it again. One of the reasons being A: I really miss the subjects, and B: I miss shooting with the camera. I have it, but I need to bring it in for repairs due to the camera eating film. Its a Polaroid land camera from 1965, and it just takes really great photos. When I scanned it the first time, it didn't turn out so good.

A classy work photo

2010-09-11T01:02:00.001-07:00

No more low end tea parties.

2010-09-10T20:48:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Chinatown, I have a lovely teapot! My old one suffered the fate of rust, which made me realize that I may have been a tad cheap initially. At least I'm self-aware, I guess.

Trash delivery made fun by Spock

2010-08-20T16:54:00.001-07:00

Manhattan beach exteriors

2010-08-20T12:06:00.001-07:00

A lovely day in the camera hood.

2010-08-19T14:40:00.001-07:00

Outfitting

2010-08-19T13:56:00.002-07:00

An oldie, but a fantastically goodie. I have had this versatile dress for at least, 5 years, and I have received lots of wear from it. Some days I layer shirts over it, throw on a sweater, or just wear as is. I half-assed the process in which to do a four image picture. As geeky as I am, you would think I would be terrific at these photo editing softwares...but mediocrity is my middle on this one.

Change of many paces

2010-08-14T18:36:00.005-07:00

I have been making attempts at being more choice with my fashions as I step out. Time and time again, I glance at myself when out with friends, and I wonder; is this how I want to represent myself? I have been so lazy lately with my garb, it has consisted of plain V-necks, with jeans and a cardigan (which is classic, and looks nice) but really want to be a tad more pleasant looking.
Blaming it partly on the Sartorialist (sp?) and on other interweb sites, I think at 29, yours truly needs a clothes lift.

Without further adieu, outfit for day 1.

Lady Joplin's porsche, Grammy museum

2010-08-14T18:02:00.002-07:00

Laundry is tres exciting

2010-08-12T15:52:00.001-07:00

This cat is the bees knees.

2010-08-11T20:33:00.002-07:00

Fancy Cookies, Fancy Times

2010-08-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

(I wrote this in March, of 2005 while master controllin' in MN. I believe it was an overnight shift)

5:15am I gaze longingly at my now-empty bag of chips, with the hope of maybe some little mouse or a borrower decided to nest inside. Distraught, I throw the bag away, but not without taking one last peek in the bag.

5:18Am I decided to capitalize the A in AM.

5:19am After much debate, the a went back to lowercase.

5:19Am Alright, I sort of enjoy the large A. Very much in command, almost boastful, but not enough to intimidate.

5:20AM The M started a revolt among the letters and almost wouldn't stop until I made her capitalized. I thought I never wanted children. Until AM came along, I was childless.

5:23AM A told me a great story. She acted it out with a great flourish, so great that she knocked my tea over. I tell her everyday that there is a career in stand-up with her name on it, but she insists on being a exotic dancer/rodeo clown. It's her life.

5:26AM I think A wants to have babies. Last night, I overheard her telling M and that scrawny johnson boy from next door that she wants someone to fill her with babies.

4:30AM Whilst changing the clock to set the next alarm for my recording at 6Am, I accidently added an hour*. Mostly wishful thinking.

*Please do not feel led astray, I really didn't know that I am an idiot and added an hour. These events really did happen.

4:33AM A confessed that she was feeling a mommy tendancy. She told me that I wouldn't understand and that I am lucky to "own" ( I have tried to repeatedly tell her that it's built in) a uterus to spawn. I think the best part of this conversation was that she came home after her rodeo clownin' and still had her outfit on.

Dreams actualized.

2010-08-05T20:27:00.001-07:00

Update for the interested party.

2010-07-20T18:03:00.002-07:00

1. I will be heading to the Carolinas next week, for some good times. I will hopefully do some mobile blogging, if I remember. I am a bit of a jackass sometimes.

2. Currently been working on my portfolio, on and off. It's coming along. I re-posted one on my Vimeo, with a couple of tweaks.

3. Also working on a project with my co-worker. It involves a family of Wigs, (not to be confused with the Whig party, history buffs) incidentally all named wig. Well, the main character is nicknamed "Wigzy", but it's just something silly we are putting together. I will have a file uploaded soon for the interested parties.

4. Been going to the beach a few times a week, along with doing lots of weight training with my cardio. I will be boob-less in no time...kidding.

I think that will do.

I love bread.

2010-07-20T17:59:00.002-07:00

Love and circus freaks

2010-07-16T19:35:00.007-07:00

I've come to the conclusion that I am sick of meeting and hearing about gorgeous people. Some might point and wave the insecurity flag in my face, and to that I say, not true. I am a very secure and confident lass, albeit a bored one.

We live in Los Angeles, with lots of good looking and if yer lucky, intelligent people. Now, I am totally down for meeting cool, good looking people. But it's 2010, can't we be more, um, creative?

I would much rather have this preface:

"Ok, so Jack's partner is really great, no worries. But one thing: He has a quatto on the side of his head."

This scenario would be preferential as well:

Them: "So, Anne is coming over, and I just have to tell you real quick...she has a slight abnormalcy."
Me: "What, does she have narcolepsy or something?"
Them: "She has a mouth like Predator."
Me: "Uhm, is that possible?"

See?

Quote of the Week.

2010-07-12T17:25:00.001-07:00

"Is that the one with the gold robot?"

My co-worker, when asked about Star Wars.

Quote of the Week.

2010-07-08T20:32:00.001-07:00

"All they do is sleep and cause mischief."

My brother, complaining about his autistic roommates at his group home.

Always enjoyable.

2010-07-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

BUST Magazine

Totally awesome.

2010-07-04T20:26:00.001-07:00

1. Baking oatmeal chocolate/chocolate chocolate chip cookies on a 4th of July, while the live-in is hanging out with friends.

2. Enjoying the last few days of alone time, considering I have been in school, and not able to really enjoy the time.

3. Am working on a sewing project that is coming out "eh", but all-in-all, it has been great to get back into doing hand crafts.

4. just really happy and in love, which is an excellent change of pace.

5. should probably get to work on my portfolio...whoops!

A Minnesota state of mind. Part I

2010-07-04T16:38:00.003-07:00

The other night at work, a co-worker and I were discussing Los Angeles' inadequacies. We generally do this every few weeks, due to the mass ego that native Californians sometimes possess. He being from Boston, I; Minneapolis, compare how intelligent, and diverse our home cites are. Sometimes they are gaps in discussion, due to the daydream state we both indulge in.
I pick up with the lackadaisical began; continuing to describe my days employed at Wal-mart. At the time, there was a family of God fearing Liberian refugees, who had endured the horrors of a brutal civil war. They were some of the most kind, intriguing, and welcoming people I had ever had the honor of meeting. The eldest of the family, John, would always tell me I can always call him and talk if I needed to. And a few times, I did. I had such a great relationship with these people, and it's a regret that I was 18 and naive, and let that slip away. It was such a wake up call to me, interacting with people that I have only heard about on tv. The intense reality of the branding scars I was shown due to the constant rape she endured, stories from their childhood from when they were forced to drop the jump rope, and wield AK47s instead. One of their brothers still lived there, and they were trying so hard to bring him here.
I had such an incredible amount of respect for this family. After everything they had encountered; their consistently positive outlook made my teen angst completely trivial.

Pema Chodron to save the day.

2010-06-19T20:31:00.003-07:00

I have been reading "When Things Fall Apart", and I enjoy posting occasional paragraphs that inspire and change my perspective.

My favorite for today:

"We proceed as if we were separate from everything else, as if we were a fixed identity, when our true situation is ego less. We insist on being Someone, with a capital S. We get security from defining ourselves as worthless or worthy, superior or inferior. We waste precious time exaggerating or romanticizing or belittling ourselves with a complacent surety that yes, that's who we are. We mistake the openness of our being - the inherent wonder and surprise of each moment - for a solid, irrefutable self. Because of this misunderstanding, we suffer.

Verified loser status

2010-06-18T20:44:00.001-07:00

I apparently wrote this to myself back in 3rd grade.

Cosmo and me

2010-06-18T20:42:00.001-07:00

Eggs and relaxation. Both provided by Cosmo.

2010-06-18T20:20:00.003-07:00

I am ultra chic*.

2010-06-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

* Ultra bored

Wheelies!

2010-06-18T20:13:00.001-07:00

Biking thru Hermosa, Manhattan, and Redondo.

Santa Barbara-ing

2010-06-02T20:09:00.001-07:00

Intellectuals abound in lsla Vista!

2010-06-02T16:06:00.002-07:00

Adventures with butternut squash

2010-06-01T20:27:00.001-07:00

My first time cooking butternut squash wasn't too bad. I peeled, chopped and marinated the pieces in a olive oil, soy sauce, and crushed coriander. The coriander needed to be crushed a bit more, but after allowing it carmelize, the taste was similar to sweet potatoes on thanksgiving. Yum. Thanks to Veganomicon.

Day at Hermosa.

2010-05-29T17:16:00.001-07:00

I would like some cheese, thanks.

2010-05-29T04:30:00.004-07:00

Yesterday, I watched the motion picture, "Penelope". If you are unsure about the story, I beg you to check out the wiki page for the synopsis. It was quite short, but pretty filling. The one really cheese moment is whe-wait, I can't give you that. It would make this a spoiler.

My point?

Ok, I'm not saying I want a pig face, or money, I have been feeling very isolated lately. I deleted my Facebook.

(take a second to digest that, public!)

Working overnights has really been killing me lately. I just want to have the option of going out for drinks with a friend, or a show. I only get that option 2 nights a week, and I try not to complain. I am very fortunate for the job I have, with the benes and all, but sheesh. I live in the 2ND largest city in the country, and I haven't really "lived" it up, you know? There is so much I want to experience, and I understand I have time. I just wish it wasn't taking so dang long.

Is there any overnight proletarians feelin' my pain?

Of course, I found more.

2010-05-28T13:47:00.001-07:00

Lovely flora in Redondo.

2010-05-28T13:46:00.001-07:00

I want this now.

2010-05-27T16:59:00.004-07:00

Ravioli Di Zucca from Pasta Pomodoro...roasted butternut squash, in a browned butter and sage sauce...yum.

You are getting very, very creative...

2010-05-23T02:43:00.002-07:00

Today in class, my instructor introduced us to Oblique Strategies.

What, you ask?

Technically, it was originated for musicians, by a musician and an artist (Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt) to pull the haplass, stuck creature out of the despair of creative block.

(read: WTF I am gonna write/play/arrange/draw next?!)

Our heroes have devised a stack of cards with one sentenced cryptic remarks, that will hopefully pull you outta the abyss. Or, throw you in; whatever you like. You can purchase a stack of cards online, or there are website alternatives that offer up the phrases one click at a time.

The wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oblique_Strategies

Oblique Strategies, one click at a time: http://music.hyperreal.org/artists/brian_eno/oblique/oblique.html

'Cause hoola hoopin' in your living room is where its at.

2010-05-23T02:42:00.002-07:00

I was in a creative/angry spot, so, like any respectable adult; I decided to whip out my favorite childhood plaything. After 10 minutes of non-stop hoopin', I sort of left my "mark", if you will... in my carpet.

My Wednesday night

2010-05-23T02:41:00.000-07:00

Massive Attack and Pizzeria Mozza...yaaay!

Imagine this beast in yer yard?

2010-05-23T00:04:00.001-07:00

Sloth from La Brea tar pits

My dream volunteer job

2010-05-22T23:16:00.002-07:00

Cleaning off fossils found in the La Brea Tar Pits.

Videos and such

2010-05-14T17:04:00.003-07:00

I have created a Vimeo for some of my work, if anyone is interested in checking it out:

http://www.vimeo.com/user3820194

There's only 2 uploaded, but more is sure to come.

Seriously.

Thanks!

One more thing.

2010-05-14T13:18:00.002-07:00

I deactivated my Facebook.

Never before I have felt so free.

The amount of time I have wasted on that site, not too mention the information I have shared with people.

Hmmm...

A taste of Coachella

2010-05-14T13:12:00.003-07:00

I apologize for the double picture. Blogger would not allow me to delete it, so now, dear readers, you can enjoy my brazenly devoured churro twice.

An update.

2010-05-14T12:57:00.003-07:00

I actually did create a Wordpress blog, but after much thought, I have decided not to use it. At first, I was lured in by the fancy app on my phone, but, like I said; Blogger is my much used and soiled blanket.

I'm also issuing out an apology: my creative loins are not up to par, and this blog has been suffering. My lame lists, and my mostly picture blogs have been my blogging style for awhile. I blame this on my new/renewed interest in audio post. The technical leanings have rearranged the grey matter- which I am not complaining, but writing has not been coming to me like it has in the past.

I guess I leave you with a bunch of excuses, and pleads to continue hanging out with me. Even though my blog does not include many memoirs about Master Control, but if it did; you might never come back.

Laurenation: "When I was checking the logs, I noticed the offset for break 2 was not present. "

You: "Zzzzzz...."

See?

When you are sleep deprived, and hungry for boredom, Laurenation is yer gal.

Changing horses mid-stream might be a good idea.

2010-05-01T22:27:00.004-07:00

For a while now, there has been some debate in the house of Laurenation whether or not I should change blogging formats. Blogger, which has been good to me over the years, has been slightly frustrating to use. My pictures don't post correctly, the captions end up crooked, and mobile blogging on my new phone has been a tad more complicated.

Blogger, please don't blame it on my Cliq XT. I know you love the blame game, but this time; I am thinking it's your fault.

The Android marketplace has a Word Press application that makes it easy to blog on the go, which I enjoy tremendously. Posting pictures during my adventures is mas importante, and sometimes it doesn't go swimmingly. There's formatting issues, and usually need to go back in and fix the empty spaces on the entries...hmmm.

The hardest part is I have been on Blogger since 2005, and it has become my warm, well-loved blanket.

Decisions, decisions.

Desert animals?

2010-04-30T17:33:00.005-07:00

A short while ago, my boyfriend and I trekked to the Mojave for a visit. He has familia there, and I just tag along. He was raving about this place called the "wild desert reserve" for months now, and I finally demanded a showing.

So, one fine day in November, we took a trip.

Giraffes...

This poor goat wanted some leaves so badly. He continued to gaze hopefully at the branches, waiting for some to fall, or for one of us to assist him.

This lil' fellah was just hanging out. He wasn't in a cage, just some random desert lizard, enjoying the mid-afternoon sun.

Ostriches!!

I have a ton more pictures, but blogger is being it's normal, irritating self so that will be all for now.

Underwear idea?

2010-04-30T17:15:00.002-07:00