Won't you be my neighbor?

Had a lovely, overly-productive weekend. Between repeated trips to local nurseries, Menard's and the Depot, we barely had time to sit. But, I did get to relax on the patio yesterday chatting with family and friends. And eating. Oh, yes, and drinking. Vicki took a look around the neighboring back yards and asked, "Do you have to be shirtless to work in your yard around here?" Lo and behold, every man working (or playing) in his yard that afternoon had removed his shirt. There was a shirtless man chopping wood (yes-chopping wood, tho I'm not sure where he got the wood as there aren't any trees, yet), a shirtless man mowing the lawn, a shirtless man working on his swingset . . . shall I continue?

It seems to me that the majority of these activities should not be done without a shirt. For example, lawn mower manufacturers will recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes and protective glasses as debris may come spitting out of the mower. I'm guessing they did not include "shirt" in that warning as they assumed people would be wearing a shirt. I know I've always looked forward to having pieces of landscaping shrapnel imbedded in my skin.

Why the shirtlessness? I've never quite understood this about guys. They'll doff their shirts at the drop of a hat. Maybe I'm just jealous. I do my fair share of working in the yard. I, too, get hot. But do I remove my shirt? Not typically--yeah, if I'm weeding and have a bikini top on, but otherwise NOPE. Why not? The whole modesty, decorum, and, oh yeah, legal thing. Here's what I think: if a woman's nipples are inappropriate for public view, then all nipples are inappropriate. I mean, come on! A woman's nipples at least serve a valuable purpose. What do a man's do? All I'm asking for here is a little consistency. Either all nipples or no nipples.

Thank you.

"The circle is now complete . . . "

Of course, big geek that I am, I went to see Episode III on opening day. While I'm too practical to go to a midnight showing on a work night, I did stay out late Thursday to see it. Need I really gush? I just loved it! True, I must turn a blind eye to the dialogue--no one ever said the dialogue was Oscar-worthy--but, all in all, an excellent chapter in the Star Wars saga. I cried! Yes! Even the second time I saw it! On Sunday, Beej and I took my parents and brother (who had not yet seen it). As we emerged from the theater, I turned to see my mom with this stunned, concerned look on her face. I asked, "What's wrong?" "I had no idea it would be that emotional!" Yeah, she cried, too. There are things that I look forward to in the DVD release. Deleted scenes and all. But, I feel complete now. Sure, I think it'd be great if we had a post-trilogy (7, 8, & 9), but I am satisfied.

In other news, another Bellydancing for Beginners session has ended, and once again I performed a solo. This time I was the only returning student who felt up to the challenge, and how could I turn down Annette? I was really prepared--I choreographed a dance to the new Shakira song, "La Tortura"--and had mom videotape. OK, so she kept hitting the record button and pieces of the dance are missing. Anyway, I showed it to BJ. After mine, I had Annette's solo taped. As he started to watch it he said, "We don't need to see that, you're much better." And then, in this powerful voice, he proclaims: "The circle is now complete. Now you are the master."

It was love at Force sight.

Crazy May

backside
Originally uploaded by wouldpkr.

Man alive--seems like tonight is the first time in ages I've had a real chance to sit down and blog! Last night we had an awesome spring storm. Honestly one of my favorite things about the midwest. I took several photos and some video myself, but I stumbled across this gem on Flickr. Just beautiful! And yeah, same storm system just taken a little farther north of us.

There is just something about the rawness of thunderstorms. The violence, the unpredictability, is humbling. You can't help but feel your place in the world. And, as trite as it is, everything feels fresh, clean, and bright after a good storm. I love the way the sky looks as the sun bursts through right after a late afternoon storm. Black, ominous, heavy clouds to the east with this other-worldly golden light illuminating everything. Now look, I've gotten all poetic.

Shhh

While the BJ's away, the Katie will play! Here's one time I'm glad BJ doesn't read this blog. Our 4th anniversary was this week ("4 years and you haven't cut off my head, yet" he says). Sadly, BJ was not feeling well, but that's beside the point. While he is in California this weekend (Happy Birthday, Papa Otto!), I am creating a "love den" for him. Ha ha! It is a a surprise, so keep it quiet.

See, since we moved in just over a year ago we have not done a thing to our master bedroom. No pictures hanging on the walls, no paint, same (worn) furniture I grew up with. I bought a new duvet and we got a ceiling fan. Not exactly a haven to either relax or get busy. So, I'm painting, bought a bunch of candles, picture frames, and new sheets. Love den! I tell ya, years of watching home makeover shows have taught me what a difference a little paint and some accessories can make. I love this stuff!

Oh, and in site news: when BJ returns, we will be actually creating a true web site. Be on the look out soon for lippoldtHAUS.com. The format and photos will remain the same, so don't fret. I will let you all know when the change occurs.

Enjoy your Saturday!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!
Originally uploaded by KLLippoldt.

Best wishes for a happy life, Katie & Steve! We love you both!

Pagan

You know, ancient civilizations had it right--it's all about sun worship. Oh, glorious sun! Where have you kept your face hidden all this time? True, you would steal brief, cold glances in our direction. But this weekend, to bask in your warm, bountiful rays was pure heaven! I fear God may have punished me for my gluttony (good grief--that small patch of back I can't reach is itching like crazy!), but so be it.

I have had my sun, and it is good.

Let there be light.

You know who

You know who
Originally uploaded by Abu.

Will the hilarity never end?

Not to offend . . .

100_1825
Originally uploaded by chadnibal.

Holy crap--being the dork I am, I had to see what other Harry Potter dorks were out there in Flickr land. Lo and behold, I found this!

"Republicans for Voldemort" Just too much! I am cracking up!!!

More photos

Well, Deanna shamed me a little bit. I had fully intended to complete my spring break photo album sooner. But, darnit, it's a pain in the butt to re-size and do all that formatting! So, since I have very recently discovered the joys of Flickr, you may now see the rest of my trip here.

And, since it's so easy and they do most of the hard work for me, I'll be adding the first half of those photos, as well. No more FrontPage crap! Woo-hoo!

PS--Sorry for the site-business-only post. I'll be back on my game soon.

Oh yeah . . .

And I wrote that entire novel without mentioning the reason behind the title. Once again, I'm 3/4ths done with Order of the Phoenix (yeah, HP) and the name "Bellatrix Lestrange" is in my head. I know she's evil and all, but I like that name. It sticks with me.

I think I shall name my firstborn child Bellatrix. Bellatrix Lestrange Lippoldt. Awesome.

Bellatrix Lestrange

I'd say it was quite a weekend! And, I was more than ready for it. We had (groan) Prairie State Achievement Exams (PSAE, for short) this week; all the juniors have 2 days of testing, the sophomores one day, and the freshmen and seniors get to stay home. In other words: I did not see any students for two days. While this was good because I got 2 whole days to write reports, it tends to drag on for me. Imagine, if you will, sitting in a rather uncomfortable chair, in a dim (by choice) 5'x8' windowless room, at a desk not designed for computers, typing on a laptop for 16 whole hours. OK, OK--so I took frequent breaks, longer than usual lunches, and zoned out a few times. Still! I was ready to do what I wanted to do this weekend.

The big news this weekend was that BJ has finished (the first half of) the puzzle! I kind of get the impression that he's going to conveniently forget about the other half. He was puzzling at high gear for the past week or so, and I'm really impressed at the progress he made in a short time. Since the requirement was that he finish it (the half?) before our first child is born, I'm wondering if he's actually showing me that he's eager to get started. That is so sexy!

This weekend I also made a trip to Ikea. Oh, how I love thee Ikea! I think that's going to be my belly dance stage name: Ikea. Anyway, Vicki and I trekked up to Schaumburg bright and early on Saturday to beat the crowds. My Mission: find several (2-3) affordable book shelves for the new craft room. And, maybe some other cheap stuff, too. Ha ha! Mission accomplished! I was so pleased. $100 later I had 3 book shelves (with a greater load capacity per shelf than the one I had picked out that was more expensive), 2 halogen display lights, 3 book ends, and four organizer boxes. My little den is just fantastic, now! It's coming along just like I hoped.

Good lord, am I domestic?

Gracious--I've also become super-suburban! Was there any doubt? I mean, growing up in Naperville you're kind of screwed. To further prove our suburban-ness, we met up with the P's, T's, and M-G's for a night out on Saturday. You know, drive to neighboring suburb to hang out with your other married, suburban friends, dinner at a sit-down chain (in this case, Red Robin), drinks after -- if your husband doesn't start feeling sick. All in all, a great time! I wish the weather had been nicer as the plan was originally mini-golf. Alas, winter seems to want to descend upon us once again. But, it was so nice to see everyone. I'm really glad we're heading into "high social season"!

To make a long post even longer, I had a great husband moment on Sunday. My goal Sunday was to get the kitchen and mud room cleaned up for our party on Saturday. There was much to be done, and I'm determined to impress. Now, a while back my pal Anne and I bought these great BCBG velour track suits at Marshall's. You know, the kind teenagers and celebrities wear? Turns out, they're super-comfy and make your butt look awesome! So, I threw those on for Cleaning Day. At one point, I'm leaning over in the sun room dusting off our wood folding chairs when BJ comes downstairs. From behind me I hear, "You look like Newlyweds! You know, I mean Jessica Simpson!" Ah, what every wife wants to hear as she's cleaning house! I just had to grin--I don't know if it had to do with the good bonking that morning, but (sorry mom!) I could have jumped him right there.

Welcome May! (never mind that I took this picture a week or two ago when the pear tree was blooming)