I've already nodded off on the couch once tonight. Most normal people would take that as a sign to leave said couch and just go to bed. I, however, view this as a sign to fire up the laptop and look for some distraction on the internet. It is only 9:50 pm and that is just way too early for bed.
We were talking about bedtimes at work today and the two pharmacists with whom I share all of my days go to bed at 10:00, maybe 11:00 at the latest. Gasp! I am working with adults.
You see, I am not an actual adult. I look like one because I have children and wear sensible shoes, but I am really more of a college student. The concept that I might miss something exciting by going to bed at 10:00 is firmly rooted in my psyche. You just might have to walk around campus with a cute boy or get pizza with your sorority sisters or ride with somebody to Kinko's and talk in the rain all night long or start watching a movie you had seen a hundred times. Getting four or five hours of sleep was not only sufficient for the week, it was sustaining for the raucousness of the weekend.
That crazy schedule generally always worked to my benefit too. The ride to Kinko's and the all-night talk in the rain was thirteen years ago. Sometimes Mr. Lipstick and I still talk all night long, but thank goodness, now we have a roof over our heads.
Tonight JBB hunted for fossils again in the rock pile and Pretty Girl pranced around the yard chasing a Mickey Mouse ball. By the time they were bathed and fed and hugged and tucked into bed, I was a near zombie, but I just didn't want to surrender my day to sleep just yet. I may not be walking around campus anymore, but I was at least going to stop by Lipstick-land.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Happy
Remember that Clinique fragrance "Happy"? I always liked it, but it kinda stunk on me. Not great with my body chemistry. Now Nonna is a different story. She has that enviable body chemistry that can make any fragrance smell intoxicating. Her favorites are "Georgio" and "Red" and people have literally followed her for aisles around the grocery store just to keep catching a whiff of the wonderful scent of whatever she happened to be wearing at the time. She, of course, will be mortified that I have posted this on the interwebs-just like she is mortified when people say, "ooooooh, Mrs. Nonna, you sure do smell good!"
Well, I digress. The title of Clinique's "Happy" was my segue to writing about my happy weekend, but the tangent about Nonna's perfume was just too tantalizing. Somehow it was one of those magical weekends with perfect weather and just enough time for relaxing and productivity. Our family spent lots of time together, most of it outside. Last year I had a near obsession with going to "the park." This year Mr. Lipstick is in his third year of law school and life is much more hectic. Time is more precious. Going anywhere seems like a hassle and the backyard is suddenly appealing.
This weekend we tinkered with our newly planted flowers and played with all the usual toys. We also found a little brown frog. I freaked out because I don't like frogs. They are squishy and they have that strange pulsating chin...thing. Well, before you know it, JBB and Pretty Girl were freaking out too. Then I realized that I was in the process of screwing up my kids. Here we were-in our backyard in the presence of nature (learning experience) and I was completely and utterly destroying the entire moment. So...I ran upstairs, grabbed the camera, and we started taking pictures of the little dude so they could show their friends at school. Then we watched him for the next fifteen minutes or so as he hopped across the yard and we yelled, "bye, Froggie" as he disappeared into the bushes.
JBB discovered that Mr. Lipstick's giant pile of stone (that will become a wall around the back yard) is actually a giant pile of fossils and I discovered that laying in the backyard looking up at the sky is about the most relaxing thing that one can possibly do on a Sunday afternoon. It only got better when Pretty Girl curled up with me. Everyone seemed very content and no one even said a word about "the park."
Well, I digress. The title of Clinique's "Happy" was my segue to writing about my happy weekend, but the tangent about Nonna's perfume was just too tantalizing. Somehow it was one of those magical weekends with perfect weather and just enough time for relaxing and productivity. Our family spent lots of time together, most of it outside. Last year I had a near obsession with going to "the park." This year Mr. Lipstick is in his third year of law school and life is much more hectic. Time is more precious. Going anywhere seems like a hassle and the backyard is suddenly appealing.
This weekend we tinkered with our newly planted flowers and played with all the usual toys. We also found a little brown frog. I freaked out because I don't like frogs. They are squishy and they have that strange pulsating chin...thing. Well, before you know it, JBB and Pretty Girl were freaking out too. Then I realized that I was in the process of screwing up my kids. Here we were-in our backyard in the presence of nature (learning experience) and I was completely and utterly destroying the entire moment. So...I ran upstairs, grabbed the camera, and we started taking pictures of the little dude so they could show their friends at school. Then we watched him for the next fifteen minutes or so as he hopped across the yard and we yelled, "bye, Froggie" as he disappeared into the bushes.
JBB discovered that Mr. Lipstick's giant pile of stone (that will become a wall around the back yard) is actually a giant pile of fossils and I discovered that laying in the backyard looking up at the sky is about the most relaxing thing that one can possibly do on a Sunday afternoon. It only got better when Pretty Girl curled up with me. Everyone seemed very content and no one even said a word about "the park."
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Keeping Up with the Jonses (or The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall)
Abandoned and derelict mansions fascinate me. They are the perfect mix of beauty, tragedy, and mystery. Once majestic and regal, they were constructed as a proclamation of their owner's wealth, pride, and station in life. Eventually these homes were transformed into ruins, often becoming reflective of the owner's deteriorated wealth.
I am most absorbed with Wyndclyffe. Its destruction was not by fire or natural disaster, but merely neglect. Uninhabited since 1938, nature has nearly reclaimed this once glorious place. All of these structures hold a strange appeal for me. I can't help but imagine that at the time of inhabitance the owners must have felt invincible, as if the world had an insatiable desire for whatever gadget, widget, or service the family business was selling. Clearly, they were no more immune to the changing economy than those recently dethroned in today's recession.
As a child I remember Nonna describing this over-inflated sense of self-importance as having, "the world by the tail on a downhill pull." Hearing people brag about their possessions/experiences/accomplishments these days makes me pause my eyeroll just long enough to think that an abandoned McMansion isn't nearly as sublime as Wyndclyffe.
Enjoy these links...
100 Abandoned Houses
WebUrbanist
Illicitohio
...and these photos
ETA: Hey y'all...here's some more info about the deteriorating French chateau: Paris Parfait
Googling the terms "abandoned mansion" and "derelict mansion" yield very interesting results. Prepare to be enthralled. Detroit is fascinating and heartbreaking (the large photo on the bottom left of the collage is of the James Scott mansion). One really comical finding is the abandoned Mike Tyson mansion. It is the tackiest thing you've ever seen (and he didn't even abandon it...he sold it to a guy who made a lot of money producing Tae Bo infomercials and that guy abandoned it...anyway.)
I am most absorbed with Wyndclyffe. Its destruction was not by fire or natural disaster, but merely neglect. Uninhabited since 1938, nature has nearly reclaimed this once glorious place. All of these structures hold a strange appeal for me. I can't help but imagine that at the time of inhabitance the owners must have felt invincible, as if the world had an insatiable desire for whatever gadget, widget, or service the family business was selling. Clearly, they were no more immune to the changing economy than those recently dethroned in today's recession.
As a child I remember Nonna describing this over-inflated sense of self-importance as having, "the world by the tail on a downhill pull." Hearing people brag about their possessions/experiences/accomplishments these days makes me pause my eyeroll just long enough to think that an abandoned McMansion isn't nearly as sublime as Wyndclyffe.
Enjoy these links...
100 Abandoned Houses
WebUrbanist
Illicitohio
...and these photos
ETA: Hey y'all...here's some more info about the deteriorating French chateau: Paris Parfait
Googling the terms "abandoned mansion" and "derelict mansion" yield very interesting results. Prepare to be enthralled. Detroit is fascinating and heartbreaking (the large photo on the bottom left of the collage is of the James Scott mansion). One really comical finding is the abandoned Mike Tyson mansion. It is the tackiest thing you've ever seen (and he didn't even abandon it...he sold it to a guy who made a lot of money producing Tae Bo infomercials and that guy abandoned it...anyway.)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Plan Ahead
(special thanks to my Super Cool Uncle for brightening my inbox with stuff that's always worth forwarding)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Arms Race
You would think that since I carry Pretty Girl around everywhere (AND even still carry JBB too) that I would have arms like these, but...you would be wrong. Introducing my latest obsession: Operation Batwing. I feel shameful and shallow, but y'all, I am gonna feel embarrassed without some deltoid definition come summertime. Tell me I'm not the only one...
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
This weekend...
We went to Tenebrae (Latin for shadows; Good Friday service). JBB loved the candles and Pretty Girl kept trying to scream. We left early because I became convinced that being in a quiet corner of the balcony was not sufficient to shield fellow worshippers from the toddler chaos.
We went to the art museum for an egg hunt. JBB had a blue snow cone and Pretty Girl fell in love with the Easter Bunny. It was sooooooo crowded.
Mr. Lipstick watched Twilight with me. His review: "well, honey...I don't want to ruin it for you. You really like it that much?".
Attended Easter service at church. "Because HE lives, I can face tomorrow...all fear is gone..." I love that song and I especially loved hearing it today. Jesus Christ died for our sins and arose from the dead on the third day. I am as sure of this as I am my own name. The older I get, the more meaningful it becomes to me.
We took the obligatory Easter pictures in the yard. I was really the only one excited about this; Mr. Lipstick had even changed out of church clothes. I don't know why everyone gets grouchy about pictures. I mean, it's not like I insist on taking a million pictures or that I tend to drag out the process until we get the perfect picture...
I did a lot of laundry. Still have a lot left.
Had an egg hunt in our yard. It was funny and fun and I may have had more fun than the kids.
I am now reluctantly headed to bed. I just don't want the weekend to be over. It was that great.
Hugs to you all! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!
We went to Tenebrae (Latin for shadows; Good Friday service). JBB loved the candles and Pretty Girl kept trying to scream. We left early because I became convinced that being in a quiet corner of the balcony was not sufficient to shield fellow worshippers from the toddler chaos.
We went to the art museum for an egg hunt. JBB had a blue snow cone and Pretty Girl fell in love with the Easter Bunny. It was sooooooo crowded.
Mr. Lipstick watched Twilight with me. His review: "well, honey...I don't want to ruin it for you. You really like it that much?".
Attended Easter service at church. "Because HE lives, I can face tomorrow...all fear is gone..." I love that song and I especially loved hearing it today. Jesus Christ died for our sins and arose from the dead on the third day. I am as sure of this as I am my own name. The older I get, the more meaningful it becomes to me.
We took the obligatory Easter pictures in the yard. I was really the only one excited about this; Mr. Lipstick had even changed out of church clothes. I don't know why everyone gets grouchy about pictures. I mean, it's not like I insist on taking a million pictures or that I tend to drag out the process until we get the perfect picture...
I did a lot of laundry. Still have a lot left.
Had an egg hunt in our yard. It was funny and fun and I may have had more fun than the kids.
I am now reluctantly headed to bed. I just don't want the weekend to be over. It was that great.
Hugs to you all! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Grrrr......
The DVR has totally spoiled me. I don't ever watch commercials (except ShamWow...BTW, did you see he got arrested) and I depend on my DVR to deliver my scheduled entertainment/brain rot in a reliable manner. Imagine my rage, my disappointment, my utter frustration when I couldn't see Adam on American Idol. Gasp! I looked frantically and in vain for a link last night. Thank you eonline; here it is...Adam Lambert singing "Mad World."
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
One Day at a Time
I used to have blond hair, mainly because my highlights slowly took over my whole head. Thankfully the highlights are all gone; my hair is completely grown out and totally healthy. Then why, why, WHY do I have an almost irresistible urge to start the highlighting again? I miss that young and hip feeling that I had when my hair had streaks of blond. I seem to have convinced myself that I will feel young and hip all over again if I have some highlights. The only problem is that back then I was young and hip. Now I am in my 35th year and have worn my hair in a ponytail for two weeks straight.
Have you seen Valerie Bertinelli lately? She has most definitely de-frumped herself. Here is the before...
Here is the after...
I've gotta say...VB is looking pretty hot and I am totally inspired. My other constant source of beauty inspiration/envy...The Jen.
And while we're on the subject of beautiful people, look what I just had to have at the end of my grocery run today.
It was a truly necessary purchase. Really. Since Mr. Lipstick is in need of some lawyer-ly clothes, I simply must examine some of the latest trends in menswear and who better than GQ to guide me along the way? That's sounds plausible, right?
Have you seen Valerie Bertinelli lately? She has most definitely de-frumped herself. Here is the before...
Here is the after...
I've gotta say...VB is looking pretty hot and I am totally inspired. My other constant source of beauty inspiration/envy...The Jen.
And while we're on the subject of beautiful people, look what I just had to have at the end of my grocery run today.
It was a truly necessary purchase. Really. Since Mr. Lipstick is in need of some lawyer-ly clothes, I simply must examine some of the latest trends in menswear and who better than GQ to guide me along the way? That's sounds plausible, right?
Saturday, April 04, 2009
I Only Shop for Swimsuits Online
I am absolutely giddy with anticipation for the summer. I can't wait for the pool to open but most of all, I am ready to get back to the beach. Sigh...I loooooove the beach. LOVE IT. Now I know that doesn't exactly make me unique. I mean, who doesn't love the beach?
Well, Nonna and Mommy Lipstick hate the mere thought of the beach. Sand and water with waves is less appealing to them than reading old hunting and fishing magazines in a doctor's office. Daddy Lipstick is indifferent about it, I guess. I was about twenty years old before I ever saw the ocean. I remember running on the beach and splashing in the waves for the first time. It was fabulous.
Even Mr. Lipstick is not a fan. He thinks sitting on the beach is boring and hot, but most of all, he has an absolute aversion to putting on sunscreen. He wears it, but he throws a pretty mighty fit about it. Of course, I even love the smell of sunscreen. I don't feel greasy; I feel moisturized.
Thankfully, Mr. Lipstick willingly surrenders to my vacation desires. He builds sand castles and plays in the water with the kids. He lovingly provides the muscle to transport the loads of gear that we absolutely must have with us. He even tries to act happy about it. I love my Mr. Lipstick. Hmmmm....
Oh yeah, back to the swimsuits. I got the Land's End catalog this week. I know they are supposed to have the best-fitting swimsuits, but I just don't get it. I thought everything was tacky and they have no magic combo to suck in your tummy and push up your boobies. Since I may or may not be looking for those qualities in a swimsuit, I moved on to my long-time fave, Victoria's Secret. Now there is a company that understands boobies. Here's a suit that I really like.
I also love their tankinis, especially this one.
I usually end up deciding that a solid color looks classier, but in the beginning I love the suits with the patterns and bright colors. What do y'all think?
Well, Nonna and Mommy Lipstick hate the mere thought of the beach. Sand and water with waves is less appealing to them than reading old hunting and fishing magazines in a doctor's office. Daddy Lipstick is indifferent about it, I guess. I was about twenty years old before I ever saw the ocean. I remember running on the beach and splashing in the waves for the first time. It was fabulous.
Even Mr. Lipstick is not a fan. He thinks sitting on the beach is boring and hot, but most of all, he has an absolute aversion to putting on sunscreen. He wears it, but he throws a pretty mighty fit about it. Of course, I even love the smell of sunscreen. I don't feel greasy; I feel moisturized.
Thankfully, Mr. Lipstick willingly surrenders to my vacation desires. He builds sand castles and plays in the water with the kids. He lovingly provides the muscle to transport the loads of gear that we absolutely must have with us. He even tries to act happy about it. I love my Mr. Lipstick. Hmmmm....
Oh yeah, back to the swimsuits. I got the Land's End catalog this week. I know they are supposed to have the best-fitting swimsuits, but I just don't get it. I thought everything was tacky and they have no magic combo to suck in your tummy and push up your boobies. Since I may or may not be looking for those qualities in a swimsuit, I moved on to my long-time fave, Victoria's Secret. Now there is a company that understands boobies. Here's a suit that I really like.
I also love their tankinis, especially this one.
I usually end up deciding that a solid color looks classier, but in the beginning I love the suits with the patterns and bright colors. What do y'all think?
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Ten Things
Theoretically I should have lots of extra time and energy since JBB is spending the week at The House of Endless Chaos and Ultimate Indulgence (yep, he's visiting Mommy and Daddy Lipstick). I have mostly been sleepy and lazy, and I have done little besides work and remain enthralled with Pretty Girl. Since a paragraph is apparently beyond the realm of my abilities, I present the following list of Useless Facts about Me.
1. My ultimate dream vacation spot is Japan.
2. I could eat Mexican food every day.
3. Today I wore high heels and two people asked me if I had lost weight.
4. I have not lost any weight (since, you know, I love the Mexican food).
5. I want Adam Lambert to win American Idol.
6. Sometimes I think it would be a lot easier to just wear a wig.
7. Our cat is named Penny. I found her on September 10, 2001. That night Mr. Lipstick bathed her and we played with her and giggled at her purring. The next day was neither innocent nor ideal.
8. I love bubble gum.
9. I think tattoos are cool; Mr. Lipstick thinks they're tacky.
10. I don't understand why the more dressed up a man is, the more layers of clothes he wears...and why the opposite is true for women. I am working to get those Michelle Obama arms just like the rest of America, but if the men are not sweating in their suits, then isn't she freezing?
Finally, a survey for you fellow Twilight fanatics. Complete the following sentence:
"I would totally be a vampire so I could have..."
my answer: superhuman strength
1. My ultimate dream vacation spot is Japan.
2. I could eat Mexican food every day.
3. Today I wore high heels and two people asked me if I had lost weight.
4. I have not lost any weight (since, you know, I love the Mexican food).
5. I want Adam Lambert to win American Idol.
6. Sometimes I think it would be a lot easier to just wear a wig.
7. Our cat is named Penny. I found her on September 10, 2001. That night Mr. Lipstick bathed her and we played with her and giggled at her purring. The next day was neither innocent nor ideal.
8. I love bubble gum.
9. I think tattoos are cool; Mr. Lipstick thinks they're tacky.
10. I don't understand why the more dressed up a man is, the more layers of clothes he wears...and why the opposite is true for women. I am working to get those Michelle Obama arms just like the rest of America, but if the men are not sweating in their suits, then isn't she freezing?
Finally, a survey for you fellow Twilight fanatics. Complete the following sentence:
"I would totally be a vampire so I could have..."
my answer: superhuman strength
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