Introducing “Assuming Beta”

So, I told you I was going to tell you about some changes to my blog. I changed the name. Ta da! You may have already noticed.

I decided to change the name of my blog to “Assuming Beta” during my first quarter of the MBA program, in part because the concept of “beta” kept coming up in my classes. Beta is a financial term and a statistical term. It also denotes a state of incompleteness in terms of software development – think Gmail and how it was in “beta” for number of years.

As I struggled to get my footing over the last three months, I came to the realization that my life is a constant state of beta. Ever changing, evolving… and incomplete. This is a good thing, and something that knocked me over when I was able to describe it with a word as simple as “beta”.

That’s it.

Okay, that’s not all of it. I also changed the layout/design significantly. This is still in “beta” to some extent, so bear with me.

My NPR Name: Mallison Orvieta

I´ve been listening to a lot of NPR these days. I can´t get enough of Fresh Air with Terry Gross.

Anyway, I thought this idea to create your own NPR broadcaster name was pretty funny.

I´m Mallison Orvieta. Orvieta being the town in Italy I where I was stranded with only my wallet because I got off the train way before our final destination of Florence. Long story. Great little town.

About.

Topics taken from this NY Times article. I thought it was interesting that they formatted an entire article as if it was a forwarded email.

Idea of a perfect day: Roaming around a foreign city.

Greatest misconception about me: I’m quiet and reserved.

Prized possession: Wedding ring.

Superstition: Great song.

Morning routine: I haven’t had a routine lately, since the 8-5 gig is up. So recently I’ve been stirring around 8 when Scott leaves. I spend the next hour ignoring the world. Then I’ll get up and ignore the world some more by playing Animal Crossing.

Personal hero: My little brother Spencer for his curiousness and adventurous spirit.

My computer: It’s my first non-hand-me-down computer. Tablet HP laptop with an “I Voted” sticker on it.

Favorite movie: I always say “When Harry Met Sally” when people ask me this question, but I don’t really mean it. I can’t think of a favorite.

Favorite TV show: Ditto to movies… I could pick one, but it wouldn’t be a very genuine answer. I don’t get a lot out of movies and TV shows.

Favorite musician: Ben Kweller.

Latest gadget: We got a GPS for Christmas. I can’t wait to do some geocaching and trip tracking.

Always with me: Tissues. I’m constantly sniffling.

Topic I won’t bring up at parties: Religion. I also try to avoid talking about other people’s work. I’d prefer to hear passions.

Guilty pleasure: Taco Bell!

Home decorating: Now that the bathroom is remodeled, I’d like to repaint every wall in the condo. And then tackle a kitchen remodel.

Location: Seattle for now. Peru in 25 days.

Favorite item of clothing: Hoodie pull-overs. I have at least 4 of them.

Personal philosophy: I try to be open and loving. No ruts.

Traveling ritual: I wear my black yoga pants, a cami and hoodie on the plane. I also like to indulge in a Lucky magazine.

What I miss about America when abroad: Ice and cold beverages.

Favorite place to visit: I think my favorite trip so far was Botswana. I also was very inspired by Scandinavia. I loved Mexico too. Okay, I can’t decide.

Clothing item a traveling woman needs: Walking shoes that aren’t tennis shoes.

Next big purchase: Tuition!

Obsession: I have a love affair with my label maker and storage bins/boxes.

Least favorite online behavior: Opening up an IM conversation with something open-ended, like “Hey…”.

Place I spend most time: Anywhere but home.

Best mementos: Wood giraffes from Botswana trip.

Collections: I collect crafts ideas and inspirations in an insanely organized OneNote notebook.

What’s always in the refrigerator: Super pulpy orange juice and flour tortillas.

Fitness routine: I’ve been using a trainer to keep me motivated over the last few months. It’s been great. Otherwise, I don’t have the will power to have a routine.

Favorite Web-site: Google Reader!! I love keeping track of my blogs all in one place.

Evening routine: Scott and I will usually ‘nerd out’ or watch a movie or TV series until we’re sleepy.

Favorite restaurant: Serafina is my favorite fancy place. The Deluxe is my favorite place on Broadway (because I have a crush on their bartender Eric, and um, their burgers are good). And B&O Espresso is my favorite brunch spot.

Favorite kitchen gadget: Waffle maker!

Web-site I won’t visit: Republicans.com???

Fantasy career: CMO.

Snow days of old.

I’m three years old in this picture. Wish I still had that hot red snow suit. (Notice how I could double as the fire hydrant in the background.)

We watched TV for the first time in 6 years.

Scott and I watched 24: Redemption last night… on television, with commercials. Yes, we were so desperate to see the season opener of 24 that we plugged in our cable for the first time in 6 years. I didn’t know our cable was hooked up and ready to go, actually. It’s included in our condo association fees.

Scott had to pull a simple cord out of the closet. We hooked up the TV which is normally reserved for playing video games. I made popcorn and we laid in bed to watch. It was surreal.

The worst part (other than the classic 24 torture scenes) was the commercials. Scott figured out after a couple of commercial breaks that we could hit the mute button, which helped a little. The flashy parts were what got me… lots of singing and dancing.

And what is UP with the commercial for the divorce lawyer? The one where the couple is arguing, and then they see an ad for this divorce attorney on their TV, and then they both spring up and grab the phone. Wow. Note to readers who might not know me very well, I do advertising research for a living. Oye.

"I can't wait…"

I’ve been saying this a lot lately, and it’s TRUE… I can’t wait! We’re down to 66 days before we leave for Peru, and really it’s more like 65 because it’s about time for me to go to bed. OH MY.

Certain things that Scott and I have been putting off until Peru came closer are now happening. I’m making lists galore of things we need, things we’re taking, things we need to do.

Since I pulled out all of my art/craft stuff this weekend for card making, I’ve been setting aside some things in a special area for Peru. Here’s my list.

Photography Stuff

• Camera, lenses, etc.
• Tripod
• GorillaPod*
• My two fav photography books: Understanding Exposure and Learning to See Creatively

I’m forgoing purchasing a wide angle lens** because I can’t find anything in my price range. My 18-55mm stock lens will have to do.

Drawing/Painting

• Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
• Brushes
• Basic oil paint colors
• Pastels

I’m guessing I’ll be able to find something to paint on down there.

Printing

• Lino blocks (a bunch)
• Cutting tools
• Inks
• Brayer
• Hand printing press* (it’s only 6 lb!)
• Ream of paper
• Paper cutter (with scoring blade)

That’s it. Um, now that it’s written down it looks like a lot. It’s all justified though. I’m going down there with not a lot to do, and I think all of this is going to be a great creative outlet. It’s also all stuff that I haven’t worked with as much as… well, as much as I have with paper and glue.

By the way, my beloved stapler is going to be staying home.

*Things I don’t own yet. Hint.

**Things I don’t own yet. A girl can dream.

Fire.

Fire tonight at the fire-hazard of an old, falling down house across the street from our building.

The house was vacated, slated to be torn down to make room for, you guessed it, more condos! I’ll be curious to see if it was some kind of arson.

The old tenants used to have a nice, huge orange cat that stalked and chased squirrels but could never catch them. I won’t miss their terrible lawn ‘art’.