The Lowdown

Who: Laura Latterman, with cameos by Nancy Decker



What: The original idea was for the two of us to try and follow the book and actually adhere to the rules (as much within our abilities and safety). However, it seems that I, Laura, will be doing most of the blogging - Seeing as how I'm the only one crazy enough to keep up with it. I'll share little tidbits about my life in general and my book-related accomplishments. Feedback and suggestions are appreciated!



Why: Mostly because I can; however, it also gives me an odd hobby and adds some spice to my life. And, it's a great way for my friends and family to keep up with me.



When: Day 1 was August 12th, 2010... It's a loooong work in progress.



Where: Littleton, Colorado & San Juan Capistrano, California





And this is where the magic begins...






Thursday, September 30, 2010

Symmetry!

Day 51
09-30-2010
"Today, find how symmetrical you are"

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I Have Dreams...

Day 49
09-28-2010
"Dream Book Entry"
So, last night I dreamt that I was about 13-yrs-old and good friends with Leonardo DiCaprio (circa 'Titanic' performance).  If that wasn't odd enough, Leo was somehow connected to my dream-hybrid version of Michael Myers (Halloween) and Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th).  So, part of my dream was like a camera view of the inside of this creepy house and I could see the Michael/Jason dragging a corpse...  I remember turning to Leo and asking what's going on, and him explaining.  In my dream, I think I was sort of a part of the movie, but not in a realistic sense...  Like, Leo was playing the young version of Michael/Jason, but wasn't really evil, but was...  So weird.  Then he was telling me that if you bleach the blood out of a shirt, then the splatter pattern looks cool...  Then we were driving through a cool old nostalgic neighborhood.  Then we were in my house (which was not my house) and I was talking to Leo about him being raised a Seventh Day Adventist.  And he was upset because his mother was crazy, but I tried really hard to explain that my boyfriend was not...  Then I offered him to stay for dinner, but he instead said he'd just call his limo to pick him up.  SOOO WEIRDDD!!!




Day 50
09-29-2010
"Do something drastic to your hair"
So, I got an appointment to get my hair done today after work.  If so, I'm looking at 2 inches shorter, lots of layers, and more auburn.  Rock on.  Here's how it turned out.  It's much more red/copper in the sun.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Goldfish!

Day 45
09-24-2010
"Primal Scream"
After work, I went and cleaned my old apartment.  I vacuumed, dusted, swept, scrubbed and mopped.  All in an effort to be over and done with the place and to get my full deposit back.  Once I was finally done, I hopped in my car, all gross and sweaty, and got on the highway.  I went to grab my chapstick from my makeup bag only to come back with bright red fingers.  One of my lipsticks had the cap fall off and I had lipstick (bright obnoxious red) EVERWHERE.  I then put on my flashers, pulled over to the side of the highway, and SCREAMED bloody frickin Mary until my head hurt a little.  Then, I calmly wiped off my fingers, closed the tainted makeup bag, and headed back on my way.  I felt better after that.


Day 46
09-25-2010
"Go on Strike"
Which I happily accomplished by skipping school.  That's right.  I played hooky.  Why?  Because I really wanted more sleep, and I felt that my mental well-being was more important than the educational institution.  Besides, every single day I resent how expensive it is to go to school and yet how much I dread it.  Why the hell should I have to pay for (or in my case take out student loans to eventually pay for) something I don't even enjoy.  There should be programs out there for BA via Work Equivalency and by passing an exam.  Like when working high school students drop out and get their GED.  I deserve a GBA in Administrative Assistance.  Okay, so, now that I feel guilty for skipping a day of school, I'll get off my soapbox and chill out.


Day 47
09-26-2010
Today I was to count my blessings.  According to Benrik's sliding-scale, I counted 78.  Apparently, I am quite blessed.  Which makes me laugh to say aloud, because I usually say that I'm "quite blessed" in regards to the girls if ya know what I mean.  ;0)

Day 48
09-27-2010
"Downsizing Day: Today fire someone from your entourage."
I turned in my keys for my apartment at One Dartmouth Place.  I told them how happy I was to have them out of my life.  I feel so much better now.  Now I get to wait a month to call and check on my deposit.  I should be getting $200 back between my move-in deposit and my pet deposit.  Those mfers better pay up!!!

~ Laura

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Rocky Mountain Roller Girls


@ the Roller Derby on 09/25/2010

@ the Skylark Lounge before hopping on the party bus 

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Poems: Lost & Found

I found a whole bunch of my old poetry at Poetry.com. Here is some of my work from when I was in high school and early twenties.  Some of it I'm proud of, and some of it is crap.  Either way, I'm amused.

Yesterday was the answer to the universe...


Day 43
09-22-2010
"Compose a poem and leave it in public to brighten up someone else's day"
Here is my contribution to the masses.  I printed 10 copies and put them up at random where ever I went with the address to my blog!

Lunaversary
The days become as crisp and fresh as the first time we kissed,
Nights spent by the fireside, and our conversations.
This is the season in which the true joys of love are embraced.
As the leaves change, we do not.
Blanketed in contentment instead of snow;
We continue together into the cold.
Warm in our hearts.
Hot in our passion.
Complete.

Day 44
09-23-2010
Tattoo a banana!
Apparently there is a whole blog dedicated to banana art.  I submitted mine for inclussion.  :0)  Submit your own to tattooedbanana@yahoo.com!

~ Laura

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Cha-cha-changes

Well, as you may have noticed, although Nancy has not fallen off the face of the planet, she has however fallen of the book wagon.  Sadness.  So, I'm thinking I might revamp the site a little.  There's still the chance of a cameo from her here and then, but I think I'm the only one crazy enough to keep up with this.  Also, I'm the only one with enough bordom spent in front of a computer while at work.

Also, you may have noticed, if you've convinced yourself to purchase your very own copy of the book, that I've been doing all my days out of order.  I quickly realized that there are just some things that I cannot accomplish, or cannot attempt on working days, and therefore I've been re-numbering my book.  It's actually ore fun to be going through the book with a Sharpie and knowing what I can accomplish on certain days.  :0)

Today, I'm on an Astrology kick, so today I'm "Touring My Stars" for Day 42.  I got a personalized chart courtesy of Chaos Astrology which I'm going to read all 13 pages of today and see what I think of it.


Text message from Jason this morning: "Hey, we've been dating for a month.  Happy Lunaversary."  Which he followed up this evening with flowers!


After dinner with Heather, I made an effort to straighten, organize, and bring in more stuff from the garage.  It's looking pretty good!



~ Laura

Monday, September 20, 2010

Mega Blog Part 6

Day 37
09-16-2010
"Today, Eat and Run"
I'm morally opposed to a dine'n'dash scenario.  I'm trying to figure out how to go about this without being penalized at all.  The problem with eating and running, is that whatever you ordered comes out of the tips of your server.  So, was thinking maybe sit down somewhere and order a cup of coffee, then once it's arrived, ask where the restroom is, and then surreptitiously leave.  And, whilst I might be able to concider how to accomplish it, I still just don't feel okay doing it.  :0(

Day 38
09-17-2010
"Defy Superstitions"
Well, I walked under the tallest wooden ladder I've ever seen indoors at work.  The Victor, the building engineer, was changing lightbulbs and that ladder just did not look sturdy.  But, just to goof with him and Larry, the security gaurd, I walked under it.  Other superstitions mentioned in the book include whistling inside the house and placing your keys on the table.  I've never heard those two, but I'm pretty sure I do them every day.  Also, I own a mostly black cat.  ;0)

Day 39
09-18-2010
"Everyone has a favorite dinosaur"
Saturday my geology class had a field trip to Dinosaur Ridge, Red Rocks, and Triceratops Trail at Fossil Trace.  I saw dino foot prints, petrified bones, palm frond imprints, raindrop indentations, and a ton of sunshine.  I got some great pics!  I'm still a fan of the Brontosaurus, though.

Day 40
09-19-2010
"Measure your bicep"
My right arm measures at 13.5", and I can say that a good majority of that is actually muscle.  Woo-hoo!  Benrick thinks I'm average.  Meh.

Day 41
09-20-2010
"Today Walk Barefoot in the Grass"
So, I ended up at Kate's Wine Bar in Old Town Littleton after work.  I didn't want to go home yet, and I just really wanted to have a glass of wine.  Jason called and ended up meeting me up there.  It was a nice way to finish up the work day.  I went home and was domestic for a while, and just before hopping in the shower, I went down the stairs off the back deck and stood in the grass.  I couldn't stay out for too long.  We'd been having thunder storms and I didn't feel like getting struck by lightening.  In fact, while at the wine bar, there was a lightning strike that must have been ridiculously close because it sounded like a cannon.  It scared the entire restaurant!  Anywho, I managed to go to bed early, finally, and got a wonderful nights' sleep.

~ Laura

Mega Blog Part 5

Day 31
09-11-2010
"Control your dreams"
Well, I wish this was easier said than done.  I've been having some weird dreams lately.  I had a baby named Ian, Renee and I were stuck in a torrential down poor while dog-sitting, and Lisa was put into witness protection and was given a house.  I tried doing a little research as to what was going on in my subconscious.  Apparently I was trying to protect my inner child from dark emotions; Ian means Gift from God, so I guess a new beginning or relationship is a gift from the heavens right now (Jason?); And I'm keeping too many secrets for my friends and I feel responsible for their well-being.

Unwelcome Rain:
  • A feeling of actual or feared challenge, punishment, bad luck, or untimely circumstances in your life somehow
  • Nuisance, frustration, challenge, criticism, or a perceived attempt by someone else to "ruin your fun" or be a "downer"
  • "Dark" emotions such as depression, anger, or despair
Pets:
  • Responsibility
  • Unconditional love or acceptance
  • Innocence or other childlike qualities
  • Your own inner child
Having a Baby:
  • A new beginning or a new phase in life, relationship, career, etc.
  • Your subconscious mind exploring what it would be like to have a baby
Protecting:
  • Dreaming that you are protecting someone or something can represent the following feelings or actions:  Protectiveness or empathy, Responsibility or duty, Secrecy or keeping secrets
  • Consider who is protecting whom and why, and the possible parallels with your feelings about your real life.
Day 32 & Day 33
09-12-2010 & 09-13-2010
"Apply for Knighthood" & "Patriotism Day"
Seeing as how I am not a member of the United Kingdom, I cannot apply.  However, after attending the Scottish-Irish festival, I've been rather fascinated with researching my heritage and discovering what clans I'm a member of.   I found the form to register with Clan McFie.  Apparently, the Duffys of Ireland were part of the Scottish clan McFie.  I'm asking my mom to send me information on our family tree so that I can research what clans and crests I belong to.


Day 34
09-14-2010
"Write to a dictator to stop torture"
Well, I signed up at Amnesty International's USA site and protested unlawful detentions to the Prime Minister of Iraq.  I printed out a copy of my letter and placed it in my book to follow up on later and see if I made any difference.  I was also intrigued to discover that UC Denver has an Amnesty International student group...  I might need to look into that.  I enjoy activism.

Day 35
09-15-2010
"Be on the lookout for the paranormal"
Well, that night I marathoned through Warehouse 13 which is kinda like researching the paranormal.  Actually, I've been thinking about ghosts a lot lately, since I'm living in a new home now, and there are lots off noises that happen.  I know that I can chalk them up to the house settling and the neighbors, but it's more fun and creepy to consider that perhaps one of the gazillion thrift store items I have is perhaps possessed, or maybe there's a ghost keeping an eye on the house.


~ Laura

Friday, September 17, 2010

Mega Blog Part 4

Day 28
09-08-2010
"Learn to Speak Swedish"
Unfortunately, all I could think about what Eric Northman from True Blood...  *drool*
Vänligen suga mitt blod means "Please suck my blood" in Swedish

Day 29
09-09-2010
Practical Joke Day
I super glued a quarter on the steps outside my old leasing office.  Take that ODP.  I hope every idiot that lives in your complex swoops to pick it up and stumbles when there is resistance!

Day 30
09-10-2010
So, I tried to call a number at random to read the silly pseudo-religious monologue to, but all five random local numbers I tried came up as disconnected.  I feel I got off a little easy on this one, but it was a weird request.

~ Laura

Halloweenie!

I'm a little torn.  What should I be?!

Flo the Progressive Insurance gal?


or

A Sexy Gothic Vampire / Fang-Banger?


or
A Sexy Pirate Lass?



Currently, I'm thinking Flo for work and buy the apron, button, white pants & polo shirt, and then do the sexy Vampire look based on clothing that I alerady own...

~ Laura

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Mega Blog Part 3

Day 25
09-05-2010
Discover Nauru
I sent a letter to the current president of Nauru care of the United Nations Mission of Nauru in New York, NY.  I complimented his nation on it's beautiful South Pacific Island beaches and expressed my hope to one day sunbathe on them.  Oh, and I wished him well and his people happiness.  :0)

Day 26
09-06-2010 (Labor Day)
I was supposed to agree to meet someon ein 10 years time - That someone being a stranger.  This also happened to be the day that I went to the Great Divide with my mom.  We made friends with Maggie and her husband on the Micro Brew Tour (they were visiting from Jersey City).  So, I decided it'd be appropriate to ask Maggie to fulfill this requirement.  We're now friends on Facebook.com and we're keeping in touch.  The goal is to hopefully meet up at the Great Divide brewery on Labor Day 2020 at 3pm and talk about why we both moved to Denver.

Day 27
09-07-2010
"Spend some time in a church today"
I've been thinking alot about church lately.  Not because I want to go, but what it entails and what it means to different people.  Jason and I have now been dating for a few weeks, and he is super involved in his church.  He's Seventh Day Adventist, and it seems that everyone else I know knows more about his faith that I do, seing as how they all keep asking me if he's a whack-job.  But, from what I've gotten to understand about him, is that he is open-minded and fairly progressive for a conservative republican.  Which is good, because I'm afraid I might offend him.  Meh.  I don't like church.  It freaks me out.  Too many people...  Makes it feel like a cult to me.  I'm more for visiting religious historic landmarks (like back home in San Juan Capistrano, CA) and keeping your spirituality more of a one-on-one thing between you and your creator.  To me, faith should be personal.  I will just never really understand the church environment.  It gives me the willies.

~ Laura

Mega Blog Part 2

Day 21
09-01-2010
"Plastic Fantastic"
So, I think if I were to get plastic surgery...  I'd probably be looking at liposuction, a tummy tuck, and a breast reduction/lift.  I think my face it pretty, even though a bit chubby.  So, as you can see, my only qualm is my size.  I'm fat, but mostly happy.  ;0)  I've got curves I'm proud of, but I'd like them to be a little more in check.  Although I never intend to have plastic surgery, it's the easy and expensive way out, it's still kinda funny to think about.  All those dotted lines over your naked body.  Weird.

Day 22
09-02-2010
"Things you will never do before you die: A check list"
This was kinda like a reverse bucket list.  There were a few things I was being optimistic about, such as leaving "Get wasted in New Zealand" unchecked since I hope to do that before I croak.  But, there were a lot of things that I know I will not do, and some of them I'm very happy not to.  I checked that I will never use a parachute, and I hope that remains true!

Day 23
09-03-2010
Decide what you want to be reincarnated as.  And I want to be a well-loved house cat.  :0)  Also, I'm supposed to mail in a donation of $5 to the Dalai Lama Foundation.  And, since I've now been paid, I will accomplish this.  My check memo reads: For Cathood.
The Dalai Lama Foundation
61 Renato Court #24
Redwood City, CA 94061 USA

Day 24
09-04-2010
"Choose your final meal on death row and make it."
I'm not quite sure what my final meal should be; probably an amazing steak, which I'm not good at cooking.  So, in lieu of a steak, I made an amazingly yummy pasta dish with a tomato cream sauce, meatballs, fresh veggies, bread and wine.  It was delicious.  And, if life ever somehow finds me on Death Row, I would not regret having my own home cooking for my final meal.



~ Laura

Mega Blog Part 1

Day 17
08-28-2010
“KILL Something Day”
I totally kicked the crap out of a centipede.  I distinctly remember this, because before I kicked its many-legged butt, it scared the crud out of me by marching right past my hand while I was packing.  Useless cats just watched me fend it off instead of helping.

Day 18
08-29-2010
"Pretend to be a Secret Agent"
Well, this day happened to be another date with Jason.  So, it was a bit difficult to act like a secret agent.  But I did hum the song "Secret Agent Man" while I was taking a shower, and made a grand effort to obsessively look over my shoulder all evening.  I kept looking around and being very observant on our date.  And, to make sure that I wasn't poisoned on my second glass of iced tea at Lucky Strike Lanes, I snuck over to the counter and poured my own drink.

Day 19
08-30-2010
Today I had to add a line of poetry to ThisWebsiteWillChangeYourLife.com's World's Longest Poem attempt.  My contribution: "Off to Vegas they went begrudgingly."  I wonder if they will get it.

Day 20
08-31-2010
"Ignore Today"
Done.


~ Laura

Revisiting the Unabomber

So, I recieved a letter in the mail back from the US Penetentiary Administrative Maximum department in Florence, CO.  Apparently Ted Kaczynski cannot receive "correspondence stamps or stamped items".  So, they returned my self-addressed envelope with a form letter.  "The correspondence or letter has, however, been provided to the inmate with a copy of this notice if applicable."  How conciderate?!  ;0)

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Festival




Jason and I went and had an blast!  We saw celtic drummer-rock, drank Scotch with new friends, I got to see Nikki, my little Irish Dancer (aka Nicole the non-choir girl), do some step dancing, bought earrings, had yummy food, met some more of Jason's friends, and watched jousting!  It was flipping awesome, the weather was gorgeous and with Estes as a backdrop, you can't get more beautiful.  Click here for more photos on Facebook!

~ Laura

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Interesting Eats


Agave Watermelon Cream Soda and Dark Chocolate with Bacon pieces.

The lunch of champions.

~ Laura

Friday, September 10, 2010

Monday, September 6, 2010

Thrift Store Shopping & Beer Tasting

So, my mommy came to visit me over Labor Day weekend.  And, like any good daughter, I put her to work.  We did a bunch of thrift and bargain shopping/hunting and then decorated my new room.  Here are some pics of our handy work!











And, after a long day of hard work, Nancy and I took my mom out for Vietnamese!  Mmm...  I <3 Pho!

I think that was a #56 special...  ;0)


Saddly, my mom had to go home on Labor Day.  But, not until after she was immersed in the beer culture of Denver by way of the Denver Micro Brew Tour!



Mom and I tasting an IPA


Mom waiting for the tour to start


 Trying the Colette at the Great Divide


Mom on the 16th Street Mall tram


Mom at Breckenridge Brewery using our Free Pint coupons from the tour.
Mom: "I can't believe I actually like a dark beer!"


Cheers!


 
~ Laura

Life As I Know It

Things have been crazy lately.  So, bare with me as I play a little catch up.  I think I was a little overly ambitious with trying to move, start school, date and have my mom come and visit all in the same 2 weeks.

I'm mostly moved in with Nancy.  I'm living here now, and my mom and I spent the last two days rearranging and decorating my room.  Moving the cats was hilarious - I've never heard Dora meow more than while she was free range in my car, driving down the highway, while people drove by pointing and staring.  It's all working out nicely, though.  But, sheesh, I am SO sore.  My shoulders and wrists hurt from all the heavy lifting.

School started back up this past week as well.  I had my first Saturday class last weekend, and I think that I'll actually find geology an interesting field - Or at least the field trips will be awesome.  So far technical writing is okay, but I think I might actually need to read the text.  Ugh.  Whoever heard of putting in effort for school?!

On a sad note, a family friend lost a battle with acute myeloid leukemia last weekend.  Craig Brandemeier was a strong man, husband, son, brother, friend, and an inspiration.  I'm happy to have had him touch my life and my thoughts go out to his family.

On the lighter side of life, however, things have been going very (very) well with Jason.  It's so nice to meet a genuinely fun and sweet guy who is both cute and nerdy and also a gentleman.  I'm quite happy and he makes me all stupid.  I really hope this works out - So keep your fingers crossed.

My mom flew in for Labor Day weekend and I've been having a blast just hanging out with her.  We've been doing a lot of shopping and thrift store bargaining (thank the gods for student loans) to get some decor and furniture for my new digs.  Saturday we had dinner over at Nancy's family's - That went really well.  I wanted my mom to meet them, since I don't have too many people out here that she knows, and so that they would know an emergency contact for me just in case.  Sunday we redecorated more and then went out for Vietnamese and ice cream.  Good stuff.  And, today, Labor Day, we're considering checking out the Taste of Colorado downtown.  We'll see - Unfortunately my momma heads home tonight.  But, I think I might plan a little 3-day trip of my own back in November or such.  I just miss everyone so much.

And, as for our blogging attempt...  It's hard when life gets in the way.  I have the feeling I'll be the one doing most of the blogging, but Nancy might pop in now and then.  So, the next few posts, aside from the few pics I posted, will be catching up with our Book adventure!

~ Laura

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Playing Catch Up

So, I will be mega-blogging tonight after I do some super cleaning and straightening...  I've been busy!  Moving, school, dating, work, friends, more moving.  Eek!  In the mean time, here's a pic of Jason and I from last night.  :0)  He's so cute.  We one free shots by coming in 3rd in a trivia contest.  As you can tell by the blury photo, the gal that took the pic had been at the bar for a while.  ;0)