my real life: ten things I’m really into

Posted on 20. Apr, 2011 by Princess Lasertron in FAQ, personal

Great question sent to me by a reader recently:

Dear Princess Lasertron:

I have been reading your blog for a few years and I love the look into your life that you share with your readers. I know that you love party planning, needlework, your community, stuff like that–but outside of work and your daughter, what are you into?

-Rochelle

1. Amateur Radio

It’s a little-known fact that radio was my obsession before I started my business. I started in journalism in high school (and won state twice with my staff, and once as a feature writer!) and then worked for my local newspaper, and then that interest evolved into news radio where I found a real passion. I did radio in college and worked for a popular local news radio station, and I wanted to become a producer before my business took off.

Though it takes the back seat now to my work–today’s passion–my hobby is still radio and I am steadily studying for my technician license. I fantasize about setting up a shack in my house and building an antenna, and someday I would like to have a career in radio still.

2. …and Art Bell

My two biggest inspirations in radio have been the late-night shows Nightcaps and Coast to Coast AM. I am not the tattooing type, but if I ever had to get ink it would be Art’s call-in lines for Coast from the 1990s. I got in trouble when I was little for listening to Coast late into the night–sometimes until 3 or 4am–but I think it was an amazing influence on my imagination and curiosity. I’ve been listening now for 17 years. (I can’t believe that.)

3. Sunglasses

I’m not a purse person or a shoe person. I have dozens of sunglasses though–they are my weakness. They always look good and are such an easy way to set the mood of an outfit. Glamorous? Retro-inspired? Youthful?

4. Trolling Forums

My husband and I sort of fell in love over forum trolling and I spent many entertaining hours in high school changing the facts on Wikipedia pages. I don’t make time anymore to develop stories or characters or invest in really derailing topics, but I still get a rise out of saying something lulzy or untrue on Facebook or in message boards and seeing who will rise to take the bait. If you don’t fall for the joke, you get to be in on it.

5. Going out to eat with friends

I don’t cook anything well and I like to work through meals, so nothing makes me happier than going out to one of my favorite restaurants with a friend in tow. My coworking space started by going out to eat to work constantly with friends. My employees and I go out all the time to talk about our ideas and progress. And when Alice comes along? Well, she just loves being seen.

6. Reality TV

If someone is getting voted off, thrown under the bus, or having their wig yanked off, it is on my DVR.

7. Collecting dishes

When I got married I took the opportunity to register for all of the dishes I loved most. Almost all of my dishes are by Rosanna Bowles, who I got to meet a few years ago at Country Living’s Women Entrepreneurship conference. I tried to be cool but I was totally freaking out.

8. Industrial Dance music

My husband introduced me to gothic/industrial dance music, much of which originates in Germany. I started listening to translate the lyrics for him and got kind of hooked. I am a secret goth.

9. Libertarianism and Austrian Economics

I don’t talk a lot about politics online because I think it is too divisive and internet arguments never change anyone’s mind. But a big aspect of my “real life” is advocating Libertarian viewpoints and the problems with centrally planned economies.

10. Traveling

I used to go to a handful of places each year, but most of my non-business-related travel is on hold right now through Alice’s babyhood. I have a travel savings account that I am loading up for when she is four or five years old and old enough to appreciate–and remember–our trips together. I love to be continually reminded that I am a citizen of the world, and it’s important to us that Alice learn to respect other cultures and experience life through the lens of others who share this earth with us. …And I always say that’s why I love Omaha so much–because it is a great place to come home to.

Feel free to ask me anything on Formspring, or my e-mail is always open!
xo