Maurice is at it again.

...comes in and thinks he owns the place.

Mom feeding the orphans

Day in the life of Chevy

Minnie needs her space

My once and always obsession

Diane Arbus.




I adore her work, so I thought I would do a short post in tribute.

My friend Emilie and I adore her, we caught her exhibit at the Walker back in 2006, I believe.

finicky felines make for good side dishes

My sweet, dear mother runs a foster care for kittens and mama cats that are about to give birth. She does it for a no-kill organization in Minnesota called "Last Hope", and she has basically re-organized her life to care for the orphan kittehs.

When I go home, I sort of (read: REALLY, REALLY, EXCITED!!!!) get pumped to sleep over at mom's house because I wake up swathed in felines. It's really the best ever.

Anyways, I am thinking of posting all of the kitty pics my mom sends me via picture messages. They border on arcane, but I really appreciate being sent pictures of little Felis domesticuses.

And, whatever they find in their live trap. (skunks, raccoons, stray troubled cats)

RIP Elliott Smith

Cavities and crowns = good times

Watch out, you may be getting this.

Unfortunately, there's no bacon tux, but the box is pretty funny. I think I would be one of the people that would be upset upon opening to find not a tux but some other gift.

Bring on the bacon! tux...

Grabbing my ankles isn't too bad

Ah...Los Angeles.

City of (broken) dreams, palm trees, health food, and business tax.

Yep.

I'm sure most cities do, but it's the first time I have been afflicted with it. I work a few freelance gigs, and now I have to pay up to City Hall. My boy and I went down to the Van Nuys City Hall, and all they did was give me waiver to clear the penalities. Not to say that i am not grateful for not having to pay the extra, but you know. Paying nothing would've been nice. (insert winky face here)

But, I am happy; albeit broke.

Mom, I'm home!

I have finally given in. There's menus in the works, and yours truly is going from inventor of micro nations to cooker of quasi-gourmet meals.

It's quite the transition, I'm sure.

Maybe some samosa0-filled potatoes?

Post-depression photo op

It took this with photo booth shortly after I received an email from my ex stating that he was in a bad mental state (putting it lightly and keeping it short), and he used all money for the hospital and for a new phone- making me pay all the rent for the month. (and somehow he got to stay there rent free until he moved back, and I'M the bad guy? Not to mention he had insurance, so he didn't have to pay out of pocket...which makes me believe that there are some loose ends in that story...)

Continuing on, I was very upset and called my parents, and a couple good friends to tell them what he had done to me. And after many cigarettes and tears, I took this photo before I was promptly kicked out of the coffee shop where I was dwelling.

More random shots of the large apple

Top of the Empire state, this pigeon has the most ideal view. He also was being harrassed by Italian tourists; but guess who got the shot?

Random window dressing.

One of many signs at Coachella

I refused to give him my wallet. He took my eggs instead.

I think he's inleagues with the squirrel.

Sweet crema...I miss you so.

How Southern California ice skates.

Random NYC

paperwork...blech

I finally gave in to my need of cleaning and sorting my paperwork. It has been a dreadful journey, one that I took a break from a few minutes ago. I disappeared to Vegan plate and rewarded myself with some chicken satays.

Mmmmm....

So, now that I am back and ready for some action; I decided to let you know of my goings and comings. I still have more pics to post, but I need to slice them up right, and I can't spend too much time on this blasted thing.

One more thing: I did this top 5 things that I want to learn, and one of them I chose "ass kicker". But here's the thing: an image of a prosthetic leg came up and the image said "This is my ass kicking leg" then the rest of it was all, "win an asskicking contest"

Oh man.

Too funny.

Some Coney Island excitement

Just a simple shot of the boardwalk, the rides were all closed. I actually brought my Holga- so just hold on to your fedoras 'cause I actually shot with color this time.
....and, I was eating this corn when this overly friendly fellah came up and stole my cob. He was very antsy about it; almost two stepping perhaps? I thought I did a good deed, but when I saw his graveyard of cobs that would put the Corn Palace to shame, I felt used.

You won this time squirrel.

WashingtonSquareparkistantalizing

One of several enthralling and slightly alluring photos from my excursion to the large pomme.

NYC...again!

I am leaving in mere hours!

...will post pics when I get back!!

Hurray!!

Conspirator.

Oh Chai latte, we had so many happy times together; remember in MPLS when it was a crisp fall evening and I would sip you excitedly. Perhaps a mate was in tow; we would inhale your pumpkin spice goodness in between tobacco filled debates.

That, unfortunately, was ages ago.

Last night before work, I stopped by a chain coffee oasis for a chai and latte. The latter was for me; my coworker is a big fan of the chai. After making nice with the barista, I scooped up the hot bevvies with the thought of handing off the drink to my pal.

Sigh.

I thought we were friends chai; I thought we went waaaay back.

Little less than 2 minutes, chai is makin' itself at home, spillin' every which way without a care or concern. In complete disbelief, I made attempts to clean up the chai party that was happening in my car.

No avail.

My submissive nature made it easier for it; I stacked my latte on top and felt the wrath...

...allll down my arm.

Burning, awful pain; Chai latte, you are a jerk.

after the blast

One of many Holga images.

Someone needs to clean their scanner. Maurice dining in during an unusually long rain.

yay!!

I write reviews for Yelp, which is an oddly guilty pleasure. Telling people what's good and what is terrible is a hobby of mine.
Anyways, Yelp sends out a weekly email about what's good in different parts of L.A. They did one about comic shops in the valley, and they took a snippet of my review for the email! I know this does not seem like a big deal, but I am super elated that they chose mine.

Here's a piece:

"An unpretentious comic shop?" Lauren H raves that's exactly what you'll find at the House of Secrets in Burbank: "You can chat with the owners about your favorite writers and trades... Then they tell you about awesome upcoming events with them. Yea!"

It made me grin.

Oh, Minnesota...

El (vice) presidente de Laurenation

M.I.A. at Coachella...upon seeing her performance, it was decided she was the perfect fit.

Instead of formatting my blogs into list form

my writings of self-importance will be deduced into one-sometimes misspelled-grammatically-incorrect run on sentence.

If Ebola and Swine flu got into a fight, who would win?

Ebola, obviously.

I totally want this hoodie

This hoodie rocks it so hard, it's on herbivore.com and I would like to own it.

the future president of Laurenation

Oh Karen O, you would be so righteous for the head of state. When my nation comes together, I am sending you a note on fancy stationary (hmmm, would puppies be too lame?) and asking (begging) you nicely if you would be my chairman O.

this is an every day activity for me

It really happened! Coachella made my dreams come true!

I really stuck my tongue in Rollins' ear!!

Morrissey....

I love you.

Coachella, 'ella!

Aw man, I'm going to Coachella this weekend!! Really excited to se M.I.A., even tho she is replacing Amy Winehouse. Would've enjoyed seeing her, but whateves. totally pumped about the lineup. And just being there. I have been agonizing over what on earth i am going to wear, but i think I have mastered it. A quick once over the wardrobe is required. My palms are almost sweating over here. But most importantly, I am really excited to be hanging out with my awesome boyfriend for the whole three days. I am meeting his parents for the first time, and I am a tad nervous. Thinking it should be interesting. You'll be the first to hear about it. Overall, excited to spend all day and night at a hot festival enjoying good music with my boy.

San Antonio

Last week I took a few day excursion to the great city of San Antonio, TX. My flight landed at 10pm, then I spent the day with my friend at the air force base, then I took her to my hotel room for a facebook session. She was happy to unwind, then we drove down to Riverwalk for a bit. I was hoping to get a glimpse of the Alamo, since it had been over 10 years when I was last here. But no dice.

one more thing that might make you angry

I joined twitter.

Sorry.

just to let you know.

I didn't buy smokes. I was totally a good girl.

Overheard at the doctor's office.

"...Armenians don't use birth control. they don't. They put it in their plants. I have never met an Armenian that uses it. Sometimes they even put it in their shampoo. Makes your hair really shiny."

Secrets make you feel filthy.

finally released. feeling like my self again, need to get stuff done. rebuilding myself, although lacking self-confidence. explicit insecurity and broken out skin. not depressed because of thursday. just an overall feel. lots of self-loathing. need to knock this off. snuggled with maurice, kitty drool over my hand. rolling over on his back he purred his thanks. came back for my affection, employment rang. kicked him out and fed him my salmon-flavored apologies.

I think that sounds about right.

a gift for my boyfriend

So, I'm thinking...

the pie chart to end all pie charts

Where his stuff went to...

misc. magazines and vhs (North Hollywood)

---

Reply to:
Date: 2009-03-03, 8:08AM PST

Hello!

I have a box of Playboys from 2007, 2006, 2008 I think. A few books that I have are some far side collections, a thick book on tyrants, mythogical gods and some random crap. MY ex left the crap in my house so out it goes!! Also, some vhs movies as well. I will put it out in front of 12745 Vanowen St.

Thanks!

• Location: North Hollywood
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 1058342552

I made this promise before

I am going to stop using cusswords in my blogs.

Really.

I should learn to use bigger, beautiful words instead of my foul mouthed usual.

Seriously.

You can even call me out if I fu-screw this up.

thanks.

Maurice

My boyfriend took a picture of the neighbor cat, which turned out quite nicely.

What I love most.

Food, I will never leave you.

Chicken Satay*, Orange Chicken*, garlic pepper chicken*, miso soup, avocado rolls, ginger dressing, cake batter ice cream (well, I will not refuse any ice cream-even pot laced kinds), any kind of thai food. I just love you food. I really, really, adore you and if any jerk calls you out- you know i got your back.

Really wanted you to know that.

*vegan.

A Henne and Her Holga...part 1

I took my purple Holga up to Ventura, CA for a night of excitement and old people fishing.
There's only one way to hang in Ventura.

More to come...

Old Poloroid pics....

My sister cleansing the dinner ware
Michael hard at work being the "Master" Control Operator.
I have a Poloroid Land camera from the late '60s that I love to shoot with. I took these a few years ago. This one with my Mom and Gramma was taken shortly after my Aunt's funeral. The one below is mom's fave kitteh, Minnie. She looks like a fat ass there though.

A book about Micro nations...

What do you think?

I was passing the idea through my mind the other day and I couldn't help but think how fun of a project that would be. Maybe selecting a few places, some that are in the U.S. and some abroad. I couldn't believe that they are some here too.

So...are you up for a trip?

New awesome toy....

My boyfriend bought me this for Valentine's Day:

I admit; the device almost gets more used for it's wi-fi abilities...whoops!

Blog watch '09

I bought some satay mix the other day and I need to make some satay skewers. Or, I might have to go to my fave spot in Studio City and get some.

Laziness.

Orange chicken sounds good too.

I think I just need some protein.

I miss my friends

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

- Oprah Winfrey

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

- From the movie Annie

A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

- George Washington

Misfortune shows those who are not really friends

-Aristotle

The werewithal to have self-realization.

I am a COMPLETE slacker.

After being fed-up with my utter laziness; my boy gave me an idea: construct a syllabus. Then, I can study certain areas more intensively and then, ONLY then, conquer the program.

Well,

hopefully.

I have just been angry with Laurenation; she doesn't study, she lies to herself, and always starts things she doesn't finish.

No more.

matter of fact

I went to comment moderation and i realized I have 6 total.

Loser.

wow, like, you totally inspire.

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live."- Norman Cousins

I was naturally a loner, content just to live with a woman, eat with her, sleep with her, walk down the street with her. I didn't want conversation, or to go anywhere except the racetrack or the boxing matches. I didn't understand t.v. I felt foolish paying money to go into a movie theatre and sit with other people to share their emotions. Parties sickened me. I hated the game-playing, the dirty play, the flirting, the amateur drunks, the bores."
-charles bukowski

Never again will you be capable of ordinary human feeling. Everything will be dead inside you. Never again will you be capable of love, or friendship, or joy of living, or laughter, or curiosity, or courage, or integrity. You will be hollow. We shall squeeze you empty and then we shall fill you with ourselves."
-george orwell, 1984

I swear, by my life and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.
-Ayn Rand

Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.

-Henry Miller

it's like this, and uh like this, uh...

I took my pro tools class. Basically two 8 hours days of lecture. I bitched on my survey. Also bought a 110 level (level 2) book and I am hoping to purchase the program with the ed discount. A lot of frustration all around. Don't feel like writing, yet I have so much to say.

Meh.

What is the deal son?

Is it just me, or does Tommy Lee Jones say "son" at least once in almost every one of his movies?

Hemorroids are like lil road blocks

Audio editing.

I think that's what I want to do. Being at my Avid class the other day, it sort of hit me. It's an area that I have always wanted to dabble in.


So, I'm thinking a Pro Tools class at Video Symphony in Feb.

I've been getting along for long before you came into the play

...the bullshit in my soul has ceased; he no longer wins a place in my gray matter. the swirl of forget-about-its and why-does-it-matters have settled in. journal readings and cruel messages matter nothing to me.

internally, i can honestly say i am at peace.

externally; I need a haircut.

How i am not myself!

Unraveling at a fast pace, thinking maybe I should gather my things and move on, but another portion of my grey matter unfurls in a dangerous direction which I cannot see or really smell, and that is what is the achilles of me is that I require a scent of defeat after I realize that I am an extradorinary machine, but really, all that I really, really, desire is a hug from a human that can recite my my last five adventures without flinching.
True loneliness only elipses sadness, because alot of people think that if you are lonely, well, then you must be sad; to be verdad, I am a lonely person, but not a sad one. I always feel that I am missing out on something, somewhere, or perhaps there is a being that I could be interacting with and not feel like I am perpetually annoying them.

…the lifeform that occupied a part of my life didn't really know me, and he never hid it well.

When you've been co-habitating for six years.

Life is about growth, which is wonderful, though not always easy. Indeed, many of lifes lessons can be painful or difficult. Yet, such challenges are often the ones that present the most opportunity for spiritual growth. Initiations for growth come in many forms. In fact, we can view every challenge in life as an opportunity to learn and grow. While these disruptions in life are not easy, they are necessary. The challenges the universe sends us can seem unbearable at times: a job we dont want to spend another day at, a broken heart that feels as if it will never heal, or a long and painful illness. And then, there are the challenges that can be just as scary because we are being called to step up to the plate in ways that we may think we are not yet ready for: overcoming our fears in order to realize a lifelong dream, leaving behind a situation or people in our life that we may have outgrown, or moving across the world for our dream job or life partner. At such times, it can feel as if the world is testing us and that life is asking more of us than we think we can give. We may feel uncomfortable, frightened, and unsure of what to do. However, life isnt so much going against us as it is encouraging us to grow. During these periods, we can grow stronger by putting one foot in front of the other, as we work through our challenges. We may be asked to let go of old safety measures, shift old patterns of behavior, or step into the abyss of the unknown. When we do rise to the occasion, we end up better off for having made that journey. Not only do we end up learning and growing, but we inevitably become more compassionate to the challenges of others and wiser in the ways of the world. Our faith in the universe also grows because, ultimately, we cant help but realize how much we are supported and taken care of at all times. When we are in the midst of a growing period, it is not easy to see our reward, but it is there, waiting for us to grow big enough to reach it....the dailyom.com

I love me some twins...

GEMINI - LEO : Noble generous Leo will be a toy in the hands of Gemini – and will be pleased with it! Gemini are clever and diverse in a sexual game, and Leo will be admired by the behavior of his partner. Leo will let Gemini go their own way. This partnership is ideal. Liaison will be splendid and admirable; a more durable relationship is quite probable

But, my bags aren't packed yet!

Sick of not sleeping in my own bed, dealing with bullshit that I just want to be done with. Seth has realized (finally) why I broke it off. He took me for granted for all these years, and I did all the work to keep us together. I felt like a mom. The drain from being with him was finally getting to me. When I went back home for a celebration, my friend Isaac drunkenly told me that it was good that i broke up with him because I sounded so unhappy when we were in south america. i knew he had a point; no matter if it was an intoxicated mess of one or not.

urban dictionary 1, laurenation, 0

2. Man Child

A man child is a male who is over the age of 25, who still lives as though he is a juvenile. Many man-children are not gainfully employed, and survive off of the financial support of their enabling parents. Heavy video-game addiction to fantasy games such as World of Warcraft are key to the man-child.

Isn't this familiar?

I finally broke up with Seth last month. It was a long time coming; but it was most definitely coming. I really didn't think I would actually do it, but living in misery wasn't working for me. He is moving back to MN, much to his dismay. I asked him why he doesn't just get a second job and a roommate, but he wants to do this on his own terms.

As for me, I am looking very, very proactively for my on place to start over in. I am looking all over L.A., hoping to stay under 800. But who knows, I need to get something before January. Albeit, I am a little too close to buying a pack of smokes.

Frickfrack.

My part time love

5 days a week, I walk this lovely being by the name of Nelson. There is only a 30 minute obligation-but the time flies a little too fast for me, and before I know it an hour has passed. Nelson enjoys a good belly rub, and a gnarly chew on my pants. I don't really appreciate the latter.



... don't even try it.

Apologizing for the lackluster

Yeah, I know what I said.

There will be pictures, with said blog, coming soon. With Jill passing, programs to learn, and booking trips to hometown for commitment ceremonies there hasn't been much time left for bonding with blogger.

I will say that previously mentioned events are clearing up-and I promise you that I will entertain. My eyes are leaning towards an excellent cupcake recipe that will be made in your honor.

Seriously,

Laurenation