In the Capital of Corn

Completely Whole. Slightly Tired.

2011-10-17T21:35:00.000-05:00

Just in case wasn't clear in my last post. My hand is 100% fine. Not even a bruise. However, I did have "phantom pains" all of the remaining day, which I cannot determine if they were real, or perhaps my overactive brain imagining it due to the visual trauma I witnessed. I was just completely shocked the doors did not automatically reopen. I thought it was one of those things that had to happen, Like Automatically.
So I just meant to send out a warning to all other elevator riders, don't try to catch it, just wait for the next one.
It reminds me of a time when I was really little, I must have been in kindergarten or younger and I simply could not understand why I was not allowed to go to sleep with gum in my mouth. I was told by some adult, I vaguely recall this being my mother, that if I fall asleep chewing gum it would end up in my hair. But I could not fathom how something could travel from inside my mouth and end up in my hair. How is this possible???? My 5 year old brain didn't realize that I slept with my mouth open, and that when I nodded off it would fall out of my mouth, unto my pillow, and gradually end up in my hair. (which for the record it most definitely did) I believe I spent the next morning sitting in the kitchen on a stool getting peanut butter applied to my hair in order to try to remove the gum. I guess sometimes in life you must make the mistake- no matter how many people warn you otherwise. Although I hope all of you heed my advise and keep your hands out all elevator doors.

Two weeks ago I almost lost my hand, and other things your should know about me

2011-10-16T21:23:00.000-05:00

The title of this post is no joke. Two Friday's ago at work I was trying to catch an elevator and it was starting to close I stuck my hand in between the closing doors trying to get it to reopen. I was under the impression they would open back up and let us in. And yet to my horror, the doors just kept closing. It was like watching a slow car wreck and not being able to prevent it. The doors just kept closing, and slowly my they closed on my hand. And. Stayed. Closed. Alison, a coworker, who saw the whole thing could only say, OMG Lynne, OMG Lynne, OMG Lynne. Slowly I just pulled my hand out, it really had only been stuck in about mid palm, and calmly pushed the button for a new elevator to come. I was completely shocked that the sensors did not somehow "sense" me and open back up. It was certainly the near death highlight of my week. And continues to be a source of oh my goodness I will never stick my arm in an elevator again experience for me. Has anyone else gotten a body part stuck in an elevator???

Last week has been pretty awesome. My birthday was great, and a had an awesome time celebrating a birthday week. Sunday Laura and the kids took me to Deal's Orchard where on the way there I got to hear Emily and Dallas giggle hysterically when every rumble strip on the road- and Laura and I remembering Greg and I doing the same thing on every family road trip, and I got to hear this amazing exchange:

Dallas: She is my Aunt Lynne
Emily: No Dallas, she is both of ours, you have to share.
Dallas: No, she is mine, and I am hers
Emily: No Dallas, you have to share.

Nothing quite uplifts the spirit like to being fought over by the two of the most adorable children in the world!
Things are busy but get here. How about you?

Accessorizing with Lynne

2011-08-25T21:28:00.002-05:00

I got so many compliments on my outfit today I decided it must be documented. For the record my office is allowed to dress causal until after Labor Day- hence the jeans.

lips: fiery by tarte

eye shadow: combo of shag by Urban Decay and stray dog also by Urban decay

eye liner: zero by Urban Decay

blush: vibrant 24 by neutragena

Here is the overall shot- I have been rocking the bright lip lately, unfortunately I haven't quite find one with staying power, this one looks good for approximately 1 hr or until you eat anything. But it is easy to apply and I like the color. Any makeup pros out there with tips for lasting lips? Also for the record the eye color and hair are God given (hair has much help from Rebecca @Bekahstyle)

head band: Gold Leaf goddess look- target clearance section

Like I said above the headband I found on clearance, and although I think it is a bit of a bold statement I went for it for a couple of reasons: I have paid more for a cup of coffee than this thing cost me, I think my dark hair really helped pull it off, and I am a goddess so I should look like it right? Only drawback it after 10 plus hrs of wearing it hurts- it is definitely made of real metal.

Necklace: Gift from Great- Grandma Johnson

I have had the necklace since I was about 15, my great grandmother gave it to me one Christmas, I distinctly remember her saying I probably wouldn't appreciate it then, but the beads were from the holy land and she wanted me to have it. Great Grandma was probably right, but I kept it, I loved it, it just took me years to learn how to properly accessorize with it. I remember the beads were from Jerusalem, but she never stated where the pendant came from, it looks so similar to the painted plates I remember from childhood: someone from my family must have painted it. When I don't double or triple it up, it hangs way past my waist. It is lovely and delicate and is a beautiful reminder of my great grandmother. I have always envisioned it as my something old on my wedding day- here's hoping it can still be.

earrings: forever 21

The earring are from forever 21- I am sure I didn't spend more than 1.99 on them. They have just the right amount of blue in them to go with a ton of my clothes. However they are gold and don't get that much wear due to my abundance of silver jewelry- if this headband gets a lot of wear, so will these earrings

Tang Top: Old Navy Clearance, Shrug Dress Barn

I got the blue and white tang top on super clearance at old navy- I paid less than 10 bucks for it, I have pared it with both the navy shrug in the picture and a white cardigan before, I like the navy look a bit better and I think it accessorized better.

Everything went with a dark wash jean (again from old navy) and gold sandals, although I like pairing red shoes with anything navy. Plus who doesn't love a pop of color with any outfit? I think this a pretty perfect outfit for a causal Friday, I don't really have the right shade of dress pant to pull it off during the week.

The Switch: more than impressed

2011-08-21T22:53:00.000-05:00

This weekend I DVR'd The Switch. And it was actually a pretty impressive movie. General plot is that Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) decides to have a child on her own. However, she is uncomfortable with the idea of never knowing the sperm donor- she states she wants to look him in the eyes- so she purchases the goods from someone she can meet. Her best friend Wally (Jason Batemen) is a neurotic overly truthful guy with bad fashion choices she put in the "friend zone" some 6 years prior. Through a series of mishaps all performed in various levels of drunkness Wally in his words his "hijacks Kassie's pregnancy" although this is not discovered until 7 years later. I will admit the first half of the movie it s bit crazy, mostly the whole idea of a insemination party, where the drunken switch takes place, was a little hard for me to swallow. But actually the rest of the movie makes sense. When Kassie realizes she is pregnant she moves home to MN because is it is a better place to raise a child- which allows you to believe she and Wally are now parted and don't have the similarities between man and child in front of them 24-7. After 7 years Kassie moves back to NY and Wally finally meets Sebastian, a neurotic easily depressed- yet determined child, he at first is put off by his odd-ness. But as the movie progresses and Wally unravels the truth he becomes endeared to Sebastian and now cannot risk losing either him or Kassie from his life. Kassie in the meanwhile is pursing the man she believes to be Sebastian's "seed guy" there is a whole touching scene where Kassie explains Sebastians birth story. Mostly I was entirely enchanted by Jennifer Aniston, Jason Batemen, and the young actor playing Sebastian. Totally worth a redbox rental!

Footloose: A distracted review

2011-08-16T22:15:00.001-05:00

This past weekend Directv was having a free Cinemax preview and I took the opportunity to dvr like every movie ever. Including: Footloose. I am a little shocked I haven't ever seen the original as I have watched all John Hughes movies and Dirty Dancing more times than any person ever should admit to, second only to the number of times I have seen Clueless. Plus Kevin Bacon is like totally a Baldwin in it, before being a Baldwin was even invented. However after watching Footloose in its entirety, if perhaps admittedly in a distracted manner (I was making homemade chicken pot pie) I may have found out why this movie never made an appearance into my life before.

While I found the music amazing, Almost Paradise, Holding out for a Hero, and naturally Footloose, I couldn't quite get over where the music was being used in the movie. Holding out for a hero- perhaps one of the most underrated songs ever heard used in a Tracker Chicken Race. Really Chicken with trackers? Only Hollywood would put vehicles that cost more than the average American can imagine racing each other until one falls into a creek. Do you really want to hold out for a hero that has no sense of value?

A shocking amount of domestic violence- which is apparently no big deal to like anyone? First the preacher slaps his daughter (clearly portrayed in the heat of the moment and he does express repentance- but his wife witnesses this and says nothing? really???) Later this same girl gets seriously beat up by her thug boyfriend- He drives away, she ends up on the ground bleeding with a black eye. Which other than a call to Kevin Bacon to come and get her leads to no comments about this abuse? She walks around the next scenes of the movie with a shiner- but no big deal because she has her sun glasses on.

Ren (how have we not gotten to the ridiculous names?- we also have a girl named Rusty) is an amazing gymnast for no other reason then to be pushed out off school activities and to have a slamming, if improbable angry dance scene at a deserted mill.

While like I liked Ren (Kevin Bacon), Rusty (Sarah Jessica Parker), and the friend (Chris Penn) - I hated Ariel, I found absolutely nothing redeemable about her, she constantly exhibited reckless and annoying behavior.

So to be honest not my favorite, but fun moments and good music.

p.s. While I don't remember any times where my parents absolutely wouldn't let me watch a movie as a child I have two memories of censorship, I vividly recall having to leave the room when Patrick Swayze gets murdered in Ghost (to this day I don't think I have ever seen that part of the movie) and when visiting a friends house during 2nd or 3rd grade my friends older sister was watching Dirty Dancing and we couldn't watch where Johnny and Baby finally hook up. So perhaps Patrick Swayze just isn't suitable for young kids

Wherein all things happen at once

2011-08-16T20:20:00.000-05:00

Life is a changing once again. Work has been a bit hectic, as I have been working a minimum of 5 hours of overtime a weeks for at least 2 months. Not only are we busy but things are changing. We have lost a couple of senior members of our team to promotions or other opportunities (which is sending EVERYONE scrambling). And not only are we busy, we have moving, again. Last February we were told a bigger more important, i.e. department that makes actual money for the company, department needed our space. So boom- we got the boot to Downtown Des Moines. By April we had moved. It has been great, my commute is almost exactly the same- the downtown traffic is a bit busier in the evening but nothing much changed. I really enjoyed being so close to all the activities going on all summer. But as it turns out- again another department wants our space. So now we are headed back to West Des Moines- however a new campus once again, well will be behind the Perkins on Jordan Creek Parkway (proving that my life revolves around Perkins). So now I will try not to get to attached to any space. I can't say I loved the new building, the cubicles were more isolating- you would be surprised what 8 inches of height on a cubicle wall can do for your privacy- but I adore my new neighbors. Hopefully I won't loose those in the move. Things keep changing and I am trying to keep up! Sounds like I need a vacation!

Showtime how many hours of productivity have you wasted for me?

2011-07-18T22:07:00.000-05:00

If you have been following my tweets you may know that showtime has pretty constantly showing all three twilight movies back to back to back. It sucks me in every time. It like an addiction I can't seen to shake. Who else is getting sucked in?

Updates Updates..

2011-07-18T22:04:00.000-05:00

I went ahead and plunged into the project of reading all 7 Harry Potter books prior to watching the last film, if you don't remember i remarkably never read them although everyone else is the world seem to have. I had thought I owned them all- turns out I was missing book 5 and had a make a quick trip to target for it. But all in all I loved them. Like the good reader I am that doesn't have to chase around kids I was able to plow through 1-3 in a long weekend. Book 4 took me almost a week and I was finally able to finish it shortly after returning from my cousin Kendra's beautiful wedding. Book 5 also took me about a week, I had started working longing hours that week and couldn't stay up all night reading anymore. Once I hit book 6 things went super fast- I finished it in a little over a day and book 7 took 2. I was finished right in time to join my sister and her kids at the Nevada aquatic center (Laura had warned me not to bring the book because I would be needed to be hands on with the kids- I assured her it would be done by then) The last book was amazing I pretty much did the ugly cry from the shrieking shack on. (don't lie to yourself- you did too the 1st time you read them)I finished them just in time to devote an entire week to watching one of the movies each night to be caught up for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2. Now that I have read the books I pick up a ton more from the movies, but I also have my gripes- it seems like every time the trim Dobby out of the plot the replace him with Neville (buy hey I love Neville- so bygones can be bygones. I adored the last movie- it was nonstop action and I had tears! But I think this guy at ew.com sums it up pretty perfectly and with some humor (although I will again the Ginny/Harry love didn't always translate on screen- I felt more invested in the books) WARNING SPOILERS if you haven't seen the last movie : http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20431232_20510900,00.html

I am inexplicably watching Harry Potter... again

2011-06-16T21:52:00.001-05:00

I have been watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 for like a week straight. I cannot get enough. Maybe I am just prepping for July and the final chapter of the movie. The odd thing is I haven't read the books. For an avid reader like me it was weird that I never jumped on the HP train- so many of my friends and family did. Several years ago when I was still in college- I think Laura may of just moved back to Iowa- I started reading the 1st one. I think I even got all the way to the end. But just never picked up the 2nd? The truly crazy thing is I have them all- they are cast offs or duplicate from friends and maybe a family member or two. I remember buying the 7th book just because a friend who was traveling with me finished the 6th and wanted to re-read the 7th- but we weren't near home or any libraries we could borrow from so I said I don't have that one I will just buy it and when you are done you can give it to me. Who buys the 7th book a series they have never read? Me.
So now I have them all- and about a month to kill before the the final movie is released to theatres. What say you? Should I plunge in and finally read them. If I do will you make me start over at 1- even through I am mostly sure I have read it to the finish? Or do you suggest I wait until I see the last movie?
The thing is I always see the movies. Maybe not in the theatres right away, but always eventually. I own 3 of them- weirdly 1, 6 and 7.1. I enjoy the movies and try not to ruin my real HP friend buzzes by asking any questions until the end of the film. Perhaps watching the movies is better that way- I never leave thinking about all of the things they messed up from the book. However sadly I do get caught off guard when a character dies.
So thoughts? Read or don't read?

Sometimes on Sundays...

2011-06-12T22:16:00.000-05:00

Sometimes on Sundays I like to switch from using my laptop/computer as a DVD/Blu-ray/Streaming netflix device and use it as an actual computer. Which really means I check out some websites in bigger formats- normally I browse constantly on my evo 4g- while it has a impressive screen size for a cellphone it cannot compare to a 15 inch laptop. Also I use this as an opportunity to sync my ipod. Am I alone out there as someone who uses their main computer as a device to watch media? Sometimes I feel like it is a really expensive blu-ray player. Mostly I just say it is utilizing my technology in a way that is the most helpful/fun for me. It is almost completely unlikely I could live without a personal computer- but now I am using it for so much more. How about you?

Please and thank you

2011-06-07T20:58:00.000-05:00

It has been almost two hours sans computer freeze. This means Lynne is one happy camper. Rejoice. (and knock on wood)

Fingers crossed, toes crossed, arms and legs crossed.

2011-06-07T19:56:00.000-05:00

I finally convinced my computer to complete the self repair. Please please please let this be the real fix! Everyone think positive thoughts and send them my way.

Old Friend... How I missed you

2011-06-05T21:59:00.000-05:00

Sorry the for the gaps in posts. I know I promise to do beter, and better and better, and yet month passes by. I have been really frustrated with my Computer lately. It has been freezing up and being non responsive a lot as of late. Everytime I try to fix, with vaio care, it freezing on the exact same fix part- no matter how many time I try to fix it. It is frustrating to say the least. All the people in my life are mac people and I want to ask them to look at my computer but I feel they would be even more out of water than I am. I am hoping and praying I have the patience, knowledge and know-how to fix or get it fixed soon. Life has been pretty great. I am feeling the heat- literally, my break partners at work had been venturing outside (when it wasn't raining) but late last week we called uncle and stayed in the skywalks- nothing is worse than having your clothes plastered to you due to humidity. I have been pretty privledged to be able to see my favorite people in the world several weekends in a row (Siblings + nieces and nephews) and I will get to see them again next weekend to Honor our Mothers big Birthday- I won't spoil it, as I am not sure sure is advertising the number this year. How has everyone else been? Big plans for the summer?

In search of red lips

2011-05-05T20:31:00.000-05:00

For a couple of weeks now I am been in search of the perfect red lipstick. Typically I am not a lipstick type of gal. However I feel that is the one part of my makeup routine that is truly lacking. I have been a basic burts bees chap stick user since college and occasionally break out a color on the lip for weddings or outings. I find the naturally color of my lips kind of blah. But don't know what to look for in a good lipstick, should I go gloss, lipstick, lipstain, lip linner? Anyone out there with a great brand or color to suggest? Leave me some love.

One last post

2011-04-29T08:02:00.002-05:00

The itty bitty bridesmaid Prince Charles held up is his granddaughter (well Camila's Granddaughter) now it all makes sense. Still cute.

Cheers...

2011-04-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

Best Wishes for the happy couple. I am calling it a morning and grabbing a cat nap. Highlights: Harry the ginger continually smiling and laughing- and my lip reading of Williams words to Kate: they mostly involved you are beautiful and lets kiss.

Rewatched the kisses

2011-04-29T07:37:00.002-05:00

thank you DVR- also on inspection Camilla looked to have urged Charles to pick up the itty bitty bridesmaid because she was too short to see.

2nd Kiss

2011-04-29T07:31:00.000-05:00

So freaking adorable. And a little longer than the first. Also the sight of Prince Charles holding that itty bitty bridesmaid one part adorable/ one part he hasn't held a child in several years.

The Balcany

2011-04-29T07:29:00.000-05:00

Yay! The Kiss I think I saw William say "well should we kiss? lets kiss" ADORABLE. They are probably to refined to do it again. But man. so. freaking cute. Also Harry has such wide smiles today. He finds everything so funny.

Kiss... Kiss.. Kiss

2011-04-29T07:24:00.002-05:00

Can't wait!

Can't get over British Names

2011-04-29T07:17:00.002-05:00

Beatrice and Eugenie- come on America lets make this happen!

More British names

2011-04-29T06:51:00.002-05:00

Harriet- maybe it sounds more British just because itty bitty British child said it. Everyone thinks it has been a perfect day.

No commercials?

2011-04-29T06:43:00.002-05:00

Is BBC commercial free? because I love it!

Keep Holding on

2011-04-29T06:35:00.001-05:00

Like Randy Jackson would say. I am in it to win it. As in I am holding on until the balcony appearance. Which is approximatively 1 hour away. BBC is interviewing adorable British children. So freaking cute. Everyone loves Kate's dress (or what they saw of it).

Hilarious Comment from ew.com

2011-04-29T06:24:00.002-05:00

Harry and Pippa are stuck in the mobile version of the kiddie table. Sing it Hilary. Sing it.

Itty Bitty Bridesmaids

2011-04-29T06:19:00.001-05:00

The cutest thing you've seen ever? umm yes. Especially since they are with Harry.

They cut away

2011-04-29T06:17:00.000-05:00

BBC cut away from The Duke- Phillip entering the Queens Carriage- which seems smart as it looked tricky. But would have been amazing television is something had happened. William is saluting everyone. Do you think he is just because it is the wedding day- or does he do that every time he visits?

Carriage Rides always amazing way to end a wedding

2011-04-29T06:12:00.000-05:00

Do you hear the roar of that crowd??? William looking suddenly more handsome with a hat on. Sadly he did not really help her in except to hold her flowers. I wanted something more dashing. But that would have been less refined. Grand procession underway!!!! They really are a striking couple. He wave is a bit vigorous wouldn't you say? He will get tired if he keeps that up.

OMG

2011-04-29T06:08:00.000-05:00

Look at Harry's shoulders in that outfit- the man looks bulky. Maybe it is all of the roping. Still handsome. The couple looks truly happy! Good for them. William looks a bit wobbly walking but I think it is on the account of how he needs to walk to not step on Kate's dress. (lets hope so as even in England it is a bit early for drinking)

English Breakfast Tea

2011-04-29T06:03:00.000-05:00

So I totes don't even know how to make tea. But that won't stop me trying to this morning. I need to feel like I was "living the experience" and ever since my rant about the dreamy Damian Lewis I have been distracted by his fan page. The closer they show them, the more curious I get about the cousins outfits- look slightly awkward in the style of Helena Bonham Carter.

Getting into the Sprirt

2011-04-29T05:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at the store in preparation for this morning I bought: English Tea, Strudel, and beer. I was shocked that they didn't have scones made in preparation for me to buy. So I settled for strudel. now I am going to enjoy.

Distinctly British Names

2011-04-29T05:48:00.000-05:00

Why are there no Pippa's in america? I am going to bring that back (or perhaps for the first time) in America who is with me? Although I did go to high school with a girl names Georgina and I also felt a bit awful for her. (like where your parents so sad you weren't a boy they saddled you with a boy name anyway?) Who vows to name their next few children distinctly British Names? Phillipa, Pippa, Tulula

Favorite Royal Family Member?

2011-04-29T05:41:00.000-05:00

If you have been reading this you know mine- Harry. Clearly he ia a ginger, which I have long since had a weakness for- ummm hello! Also he is British- he is like a Royal Damian Lewis. I said it: Damian Lewis- both British and a Ginger. Also an amazing actor who I have been obsessed with since high school. As a bonus he is married to a member of the Harry Potter cast. So if I saw them at the Royal Wedding it would be like a dream come true. Any way back on point: who if your favorite member of the Royal Family?

Ew.com live blogging it too

2011-04-29T05:35:00.001-05:00

I have to say they are doing a better job- but mostly because they are going to the funny jokes and readers are commenting. Some was complaining about the amount of songs and comparing it to Glee. I lol'd and completely agree- but I will take songs over SLOWLY. SPOKEN. VERSES. Not that I don't believe that scriptures are important. But why must have Kate's brother spoken so slowly. Apparently I need to stop saying Kate and start calling her Catherine. Why do you think she wasn't a Cate and was a Kate?

Do trees really grow in there?

2011-04-29T05:26:00.000-05:00

I am fascinated by the trees. Are they really a staple of Westminster Abbey? Must be- because why would you decorate with them. But still seems odd. Again the hats- those amazing hats. Why doesn't america embrace that more? Maybe they are built in staple for British Women to keep people a minimum length away from them. Prince Williams cousin's (Freggie's children) look all grown up and are beautiful young women- with fabulous hats.

too many names.

2011-04-29T05:21:00.001-05:00

William- I completely didn't catch those. William Arthur Phillip Louis? Catherine Elizabeth has it so much easier. Update the ring: I always feel bad when a wedding is televised and they have to force on the ring. Not because it doesn't fit, but because of nerves it doesn't go on smoothly. Now multiply because the whole WORLD is watching. Man and Wife so soon. What else is going to happen. It can't be over already?

Celebrities where for art thou?

2011-04-29T05:15:00.001-05:00

Honestly I was hopping to see shots of like all the members of the Harry Potter cast- as in my mind they are like British Royalty. No luck as of yet. Is it silent on all other channels now? BBC commentators haven't said anything since Kate started walking down the aisle. Which I agree is nice, but I live in fear I am missing out of the facts. All of the facts. Update: everyone has held their peace. And that opening of the wedding completely took me back to the ending scene of Pride and Prejudice.

Music

2011-04-29T05:11:00.002-05:00

I love this Hymn. I wish a had a hymn book so I could sing along. Celeb shots of crowd. Elton John. The Queen. Other British People. Prince Andrew and his wife.

Harry!

2011-04-29T05:09:00.003-05:00

Just saw an amazingly adorable shoot of Prince Harry turned around to look a Kate with a huge smile on his face. I heart him. Kate has arrived at the alter- William looks very pleased to have her there and she just laughed at something he said. Cute. to. too. cute.

Any guesses on what might go wrong?

2011-04-29T05:06:00.000-05:00

Now I am not wishing for a mistake. But one has to think with the ridiculous number of names the average member of the Royal Family have- their might be a repeat of the Prince Charles/Princess Diana wedding name switch. Update: Seen William and Harry now. William looks dashing but is really suffering from hair loss more than I had noticed before. Harry- such a looker but looks quite wide in the upper body in the uniform. I worry he has the look of the crazy gym rats. Hopefully just the wrong camera angle doing that.

Kate Arrives

2011-04-29T05:02:00.000-05:00

OMG guys she is getting out of the car. I am transfixed. Sarah Burton designed the dress. 2 meters 17. for the train (see things I miss out of when you watch BBC america? I don't know the metric system. Dang american education!!! Kate truly looks amazing.

Watching BBC

2011-04-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

Ok I have been sticking with BBC america- now I fear it is too late to switch and not miss some vital comments/views of the wedding. They are sharing some facts but mostly about fashion and locations she is driving by.

Va Va Voom

2011-04-29T04:57:00.003-05:00

Kate's sister looks amazing- amazing in that dress. I am shocked at the level of sexiness allowed in a royal wedding.

Roars from the crowd

2011-04-29T04:55:00.000-05:00

As Kate's car is progressing you can hear the crowd getting louder and louder. She is smiling brightly and waving. looks like her hair is down and she seems very giddy happy.

Kate!!!!

2011-04-29T04:53:00.002-05:00

We have seen our first view of Kate- looks like she has a lace overlay on with long sleeves. What we have seen from the car is amazing. She is on her way! She is wearing a tiara.

Sleep has thwarted me

2011-04-29T04:52:00.000-05:00

I had planed to get up a bit earlier to check out some of the pre wedding fabulous-ness sadly I wanted sleep and missed the arrival of Prince William and Harry. My heart pines for Harry- he is gorgeous.

Bold Color choice Your Majesty

2011-04-29T04:49:00.000-05:00

Haven't seen the queen outside of the car yet but BOLD yellow look. Go for it! UPDATE: she looks regal. Her hat much simpler than others.

Charles, you seasoned playboy, you

2011-04-29T04:47:00.000-05:00

Prince Charles and Camilla have arrived! Say what you will about his looks but I think every man is improved by a military uniform. Camilla's hat- not my favorite but still classy and understated, I feel like she won't steal the spot light but look great in pictures. Oh close of up Charles- he was actually a little dashing there- dare I say Wills is starting to look quite a bit like him.

Choices, choices

2011-04-29T04:40:00.000-05:00

I am still trying to decide on which Channel to watch for the Royal Wedding. I have on NBC for a while but felt the familiar voices of Ann and Matt were taking me out of the element. On the other hand BBC america is a tad bit boring. Fun fact: members of the royal family are arriving to the church in British made cars.

Royal Wedding day!

2011-04-29T04:35:00.000-05:00

Wow- it's happening guys! People are arriving at Westminster Abbey- Kate's mom just got out of her car and wow she is gorgeous. Kate will age well if her mother is any indication. And the freaking hats, guys, the hats. I so badly want one.

The return of live blogging

2011-04-27T19:25:00.000-05:00

Exciting new everyone! Friday morning I planning on waking at the crack of dawn and live blogging the whole royal wedding experience. It will be just like that time I blogged the presidential inauguration except less American and more British. But the big question is what channel to watch? Part of me want to stick classic and go with BBC America- as you know it the most British option available. But I fear it won't be hooky enough. When I watched the presidential inauguration I picked CNN based on the ridiculous facts they were running across the screen and all of the celeb sightings. However- dare I say- I feel the occasion deserves a slightly more refined approach. Thoughts? What channel are you planning on watching/recording.

In need of a redesign....

2011-04-26T21:58:00.002-05:00

Personalize a picture collage

Back from the dead.

2011-04-26T21:16:00.000-05:00

Ok it wasn't that serious. As you know if you were following my tweets in my 6 month hiatus from blogging. I was mirco-blogging. But I am back, turning over a renewed leaf- and attempting to update more than every couple of months. Minor recap since my last lame blog post:

I moved- still live in the Des Moines area- now I am officially in Urbandale and I have lost a roommate. (He still lives nearby- but I have a place of my own now)

I had a dramatic holiday- as in I was dramatic and didn't enjoy Christmas eve through Christmas in the true Christian spirit - I need to make a change next year as I don't want to spend my Christmas feeling sorry for myself and crying on the phone. But all of my extended family Christmas's with the Johnson's and Fehling's were amazing!

I vacationed in Boston, Mass. - I have an amazing friend who manages to keep moving to amazing places I can visit/crash on her couch. We did the freedom trail and didn't let the cold weather get us down, and we had an EPIC and I mean EPIC day at Sam Adams Brewery. When my camera is charged again I will share so much more.

I got a promotion at work- Got the exciting news while on vacation- nothing like coming home to a pay raise!!!!

My work moved- we used to be at the Jordan Creek campus- now we are in downtown Des Moines. I love the change. So much more to see and do- the sky-walks are much more connected than I previously thought.

Things have been exciting and busy. Ok now it's your turn- do I still have any followers out there? what have you been up to?

Where are all the parents?

2010-11-16T19:38:00.000-06:00

How can it possibly be that are never parents on tv? like ever? except for FNL- which is awesome. And why am I watching one tree hill on glee night? Because Shea never comes home from work on time- that's why. But really- can you have a whole Thanksgiving episode on a 20ish character show and no one goes home to visit their parents?

Gnomes and Sailors oh my!

2010-11-15T19:51:00.000-06:00

As it turns out I am horrible blogger- but you already knew that.

2010-11-15T19:22:00.000-06:00

I know- its been ages. But I have been busy. Excuses over. Here is what I have been up to-
Homecoming- it really did rock- weather was fantastic. I saw some really great friends, ran a successful write in campaign for Alumni Band Board and won 2nd place in the costume contest. Once again- I can never thank my mom enough- I have never in my WHOLE life had a store bought costume. Therefore I have always done pretty dang well in costume contests. Yay craftiness.
Elections 2010- I managed to figure out same day registration at my polling place. I only threw a small tantrum when I did not receive an "I voted" sticker. I watched election coverage all evening- and it wasn't even a homework assignment, super adult of me I thought.
Apartment Shopping- my lease is up at the end of December here. And while I will be sad to bid my roommate adieu I am actually pretty stoked to have my own place again- and enough closet space for all my stuff. Plus a den! Can you imagine the awesomeness when I instead refer to it as my Library- or Office???? Finally someplace to hang that really expensive diploma!
P.S. Family members-I am working my Christmas list- are you?
P.P.S- Non-family members that love me thisssssssssssssssssss much you can have my Christmas list too!

My pumpkin could kick your pumpkin's butt!

2010-10-26T19:51:00.000-05:00

Clearly I am awesome- you only have to look as far as my pumpkin to confirm it. My roommate Shea and I have a tradition of getting intoxicated at Old Chicago and craving pumpkins (hey if it happens twice, it is tradition)
Behold:

My first attempt- it is entitled Sorrow!

Shea's pumpkin- he always free hands and I will admit it is good- but not great like mine.

I got so excited when I made me first one, I went out and got another. and it kicks butt.

I love Halloween- have you craved pumpkins? Are you going to dress up? Let me know!

Little Charley Johnson is pretty adorable

2010-10-26T19:15:00.000-05:00

Charley loves his hands- eating them that is

Also he enjoys standing and the dogs...

So freaking adorable you can't even stand it!

I was very blessed last week to spend a few hours hanging out with Greg, Chelsey and Charley. Everyone was having a good time, including little Charley- he giggles, smiles, and tries to roll over (Greg and Chels assure me he can, he was never able to get over his arm while I was there.)

Thank you!

2010-10-13T19:22:00.000-05:00

Special thank you goes out to everyone for the awesome birthday wishes. Special props go out to Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Jim- because they sent me my birthday card while on vacation from Hawaii!- Cheryl has never forgotten to send me a card and it is one of the highlights of my year to get it in the mail- thank you!

The amazing Birthday Pie- Laura and Emily made me!

The Kibbe's made my birthday extra special- they took me out to dinner. We went to Fuji in Ames, and sat at the Hibachi Grill- so both dinner and a show!

Laura and Emily made me a Cherry Pie (my favorite) Apparently Emily had voted for Chocolate Pie, but since it was my birthday, I was lucky enough to get cherry.

Emily working on my card

Emily was very excited to make me a birthday card- she showed me all the types of glitter she had, and which ones she wanted to use. She wrote both her name and mine in the card.

It turns out you can find tons of things a Ikea

2010-10-10T21:32:00.000-05:00

This is what Ikea did to my living room.

Also it moved my TV

But then I built some of it, and it started to reform...

Look at that sharp looking shelf, built all by myself!

Sexy Shelf with one door.

Look that door even opens! Thank you Shea for your door making skills.

Two shelves built, the tall one still incomplete

Now the 2nd shelf has 5 drawers. Hooray!

Inside the drawer with the fancy DVD holders!

Finished project with hardware- the tv is even hooked up and working. Also I will buy a pop to whoever can first name the cancelled tv show I am watching!

Meeting Loretta...

2010-10-10T21:14:00.000-05:00

She's a beaut and she is all mine. I love her down to her very last inch and cannot wait to show her off to EVERY SINGLE PERSON I KNOW. So if i know you, you should invite me somewhere, and then I will show up with Loretta and things will be grand!

Lovely lovely Loretta...

It is hard to tell, because I take pictures at night, but she is really a lighter blue than this.

The amazing Robert Kibbe- who did someone a amazing work both finding and bargaining for this car has promised to remove the dealer sticker for me!

I love her, you should met her. Yes so so much!

And now for some smiles...

2010-09-26T15:01:00.000-05:00

It was like God said- "Lynne, you had a rough day, so now here is some news that will make you smile" :http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/09/26/emily-deschanel-weds-in-l-a/
This is the most awesome combinations of two shows I love I can think of.
Congrats Emily and David! I hope at the reception the whole cast of It's always sunny and Bones got together to think over a crossover episode.

Goodbye old friend....

2010-09-26T14:41:00.000-05:00

Well my car is officially a goner. Yesterday I was in a car accident on my way to Ames to babysit, the football traffic, and rain caused an accident at the exit, that in turn caused traffic to stop suddenly and my brakes locked up and couldn't avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. We are thanking God that everyone walked away with little more than seatbelt bruises. My car was not so lucky- it couldn't limp away on its own, a wrecker took it to its final resting place at Carney's salvage yard. But as sore as I am today I will be forever grateful for my car fulfilling its last job, Rob said it did exactly what it should have, the airbags deployed and the front in crumpled just like it was supposed to and stopped the damage from entering the cabin of the car. Even if I had a passenger with me they would have most likely been just as safe as me- only bruises from the seatbelt and air bag. This also means the new car search/decision 2010 can be put off no longer. Rob has found 2 good leads in Iowa- so I might have a car by the weekend. To speed things up I have decided to open my mind and not picky about color any longer.

Meeting Noelle...

2010-09-11T19:49:00.000-05:00

I love being an aunt- and this one is already a looker. Welcome to the family Noelle Rose Kibbe!

Noelle's lovely parents checking her out fresh out of the bath

Charley, being pretty freaking adorable, plus startled by the flash

Why don't the ebay gods love me?

2010-08-31T20:58:00.000-05:00

I have won the same car twice, TWICE on ebay! And still- not a real winner- because the reserve still hasn't been met. I just want to own it, ebay, own it!

I agree, I so, so agree

2010-08-18T19:30:00.000-05:00

Lourve him!

Please Ron Perlman, Please. My love for Guillermo Del Toro knows no bounds. My love for Hellboy is a very close second. So please Ron Perlman, PLEASE!

a clever title is still eluding me

2010-08-17T22:23:00.000-05:00

A Skyscraper Amongst the Corn
In the Capitol of Corn
In a City with a Single Skyscraper
In a State with a Single Skyscraper
In a skyline of corn

I need more ideas! Everyone please help!

I located that charger, now you can locate cuties!

2010-08-17T20:04:00.001-05:00

My car hit 150,000 miles on my way to Grandpa Johnson's

Laura and her (and mine) nephew Charley!

The lovely Family (reach for it Charley, reach!)

Charley and I chillin at Em's 4th birthday (thank you Greg for capturing this)

Emily turns 4!

I need a new title- as this is no longer descriptive...

2010-08-14T11:25:00.001-05:00

Okay I have been a former resident of my village of wooden shoes for more than 9 months - so I finally have decided to take the plunge and change the name of my blog. But I need some help- which one do you like?

In a City with a Single Skyscraper
In the Capitol of Corn
In a State with a Single Skyscraper

Other suggestions are welcome!

were going vintage y'all

2010-07-23T21:07:00.000-05:00

After a delightfully filling Buffet City dinner, Shea, Nicole and I came home to be lumps of the couch. While in the process of being lumps I turned on the tv and Baz Luhrmann's version of Romeo and Juliet was on the Fox Movie Channel. I happen to love this movie it takes me back, way back to six grade and Katie Petty's house. As I continued to tell Shea and Nicole the various reasons why I love this movie, they both confessed they had never seen this version of the movie. And I am all like what? Where were you in 1996? See I was in LOVE with Leo DiCaprio like maybe 18 months before every other girl my age was. Which rocks. But also kind of a curse with me I love something a lot, but when it hits super mainstream I resent all other who get on board. But now as time has passed I can LOVE it again. So this weeks Film Friday is vintage y'all. If you haven't seen this version of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet you totally should.

I'm a grown up now.

2010-07-15T22:04:00.000-05:00

Different people gage being a grown up in different ways. This is how I gage:
In the last year....
I went through a period of unemployment without having to seek assistance with my financials.
I stop waiting for someone else to care as much about my birthday as I did, and threw myself the best 25th birthday party I could imagine.
I went on a fabulous vacation (and crossed an item off my life list) by going to the Winter Olympics, just because I wanted to.
I turned 25 (lower car insurance rates).
I test drove a car for the first time, and sat through the "we want to get you in this car" speech without once being tempted to go for it, even though I really liked the car.
I got a job that I actually get excited to go to everyday.
I moved without my brother's truck or friends truck, but not without my brother's assistance.
I threw my back out.
I started to enjoy the taste of coffee for the first time.

What made you say- I'm grown up now?

From the Urban Dictionary of Lynne

2010-07-09T18:25:00.000-05:00

Fancy Pants:
1. Pants appropriate for a business causal workplace
2. Contain more than one button/ slide catch
3. Enable it impossible to pee faster than a minute thirty based solely on the unbuttoning/buttoning of the pants.

I am so thirsty I could just quaff that down...

2010-07-06T18:29:00.002-05:00

–verb (used without object)

to drink a beverage, esp. an intoxicating one,
copiously and with hearty enjoyment.

–verb (used with object)

to drink (a beverage) copiously and
heartily: We spent the whole evening quaffing ale.

–noun

an act or instance of quaffing.

a beverage quaffed.

Origin:
1515–25; orig. uncert.

—Related forms

quaffer, noun

outquaff, verb (used with object)

un·quaffed, adjective

—Synonyms
1. swallow, gulp, swig, guzzle.

This week I am not sure I used it right, but I love it all the same.

This is what a young cool girl does on the 4th of July

2010-07-05T13:55:00.000-05:00

I didn't do anything fun. I mean I had fun but I imagine the average person looking in would have been: "What? That poor girl has no life" I cleaned the kitchen, did all my laundry, and completely rearranged my room. It's hard going from a huge 1 1/2 bedroom apartment all to yourself to a 2 bedroom apartment where one of the other rooms belongs to someone else. I have like 1/5 the closet space and twice as much furniture that needs to be in my room that can no longer hang out wherever I want it to. I used yesterday to essentially open Shea's Bedroom door and go "Oh yeah, that floor plan works better" and shamelessly copy it. (except you know with better style). Luckily for me Shea was out boating and didn't have to see me eying all his stuff. Now I have even space in my room to throw out my arms and twirl round and round. Because isn't that what every girl want for her room?

Yankee Doodle Pops

2010-07-04T19:20:00.000-05:00

It was a lovely evening with the family!

This is horrid

2010-06-28T19:40:00.000-05:00

Horrid, is like my new favorite word. For sure. I have used it in like perfect context 4 or 5 times in the past week. I want everyone else to enjoy it as well. So here you go, from dictionary.com:

–adjective

such as to cause horror; shockingly dreadful; abominable.

extremely unpleasant or disagreeable: horrid weather; She thought her uncle was horrid.

Archaic . shaggy or bristling; rough.

Why is it sill there?

2010-06-27T15:50:00.000-05:00

Conversations with Emily have always been adorable, and no more so then the one I had with her Friday night:

(a little background- I have three small stars tattooed on my right foot. Emily has seen them many many times before, she usually just points at them and says "stars" at which point I say "yes, those are stars" the end)

Emily: "Why is it still there?" (pointing at my tattoo)

Me: "Emily, those are always there"

Emily: "But why? Mine come off."

Me: "Mine are permanent, they stay on all the time, no matter how much I wash them."

Emily: "Sometimes, I have tattoos, here or here (pointing at her arm, and leg) but then I rub them, and they come off."

Me: "Yeah I think your Mom likes it that way."

Silent Sunday

2010-06-27T15:31:00.003-05:00

When the terminators take over this is the moment I will look back on...

2010-06-24T20:25:00.000-05:00

Did you ever know it was once a dream of mine to be able to "live off the grid"? I think it would be putting it mildly to say there was a time in my life where took the Terminator movies a bit to seriously, and during this time I recognized that someday because of the takeover of machines I would need the skills to live off the grid. Unfortunately I pay my taxes, do practically everything electronically, and maintain 4 or so social networking sites, including this blog. So not so stealthy with the off the grid living after all. What really hammered the final nail into the coffin was the need to be finger printed as part of a background check for my new job. Now for sure I am stuck in the traceable world. But on the upside I am gainfully employed! So you win some, you lose some.

2010-06-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

Friday night my siblings and I threw a retirement party for my Father and Step mom. I had a great time seeing everyone.- baby Charley is getting big- and is too darn cut for words. Dallas seemed all grown up to me, he was communicating with more words than the last time I saw him- and was so darn cute when he laughed. Plus he blew me kisses as he was leaving, my heart melted for sure. That little man is a going to be a lady killer. Emily is talking up a storm as usual. She and I both had yellow dresses for the party and we danced the evening away. By the time I captured this picture Emily and I might have been a bit sweaty- but really who wasn't? Dad and Barb were quite popular dozens of people braved the storm and heat to help them celebrate retirement!

Dallas loved wearing my glasses!

Because I cannot capture lighting...

2010-06-21T21:44:00.000-05:00

Mario Update...

2010-06-16T22:28:00.000-05:00

I played 2 player today, and totally got through the castle (which in fact may only be a dungeon and not the real castle at all) and the water world and to the real castle! But Toad is still totally screwed, b/c I don't know how to carry him to the finish line, also I like my sister said it is too geeky to look it up online.

I got to the castle, but then I couldn't figure out to carry the toad...

2010-06-14T20:22:00.000-05:00

The weather has either been a bit unbearable hot or super rainy therefore I have been using my free time at night playing Super Mario Bros on Wii. When we got the Wii way back in December this was the one game I insisted we own, having a few fond memories of it from childhood. Sadly I was super bad then, and I am super bad now. But I have played like three days straight and now on only 5 lives I can get through worlds 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 and most of the way through the castle. Right as your clear world 1-3 this message pops up and asks you to go back and save toad. I don't care about toad really, but I went back for him. I can't figure out how to carry him to the finish. It is frustrating. I just want to win. Any tips out there y'all?

I wish that I was Jesse's Girl

2010-06-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

So true confessions time. Out of the massive amount of people I know who watch Glee, I might have been the only person truly convinced that Jesse St. James wasn't a straight up bad guy. Like for realsy- I just kept saying Glee is going to win him over. He won't be able to resist the positive powers of Glee. I mean come on- he is going to really super like Rachel, he is going to stay in New Directions and help them win at Regionals. Clearly I was/am diluted. Even after the episode where it became clear that he was infiltrating New Directions and Rachel with his Glee Director's (who is also Rachel's mom) encouragement, I held strong to the idea that he would end up on the Good side- the Glee side. I don't like being wrong, I especially don't enjoy being wrong about shows I really like. But I will survive and pretend that deep down he is playing for the Glee side.

I think I truly, truly clung on to the idea that Jesse could stick around in the long term because I very much love the way that Lea Michelle's and Jonathan Groff's voices blend, and have ever since I heard them on the Original Broadway Cast recording of Spring Awakenings. If you haven't seen/heard the musical I completely encourage you to. It is magical- so are they, and there goes my dream of being Jesse's Girl...

A Guilty Pleasure... I dare you not to love

2010-06-05T13:04:00.003-05:00

Here is the truth: I love Celine Dion. It isn't just an idle love, like I really LOVE her. Perhaps ten or fifteen years ago when she was all over the place in terms of popularity, I was too young and thought my musical tastes were too cool to include someone like Celine. But back then they included the Backstreet Boys and the Spice Girls. (Don't judge, they are still on the ipod) Now with a massive sweep a maturity I love Celine for exactly who she is. And she is awesome. Part of my reawareness of the awesomeness that is Celine Dion came a couple years ago. I was watching a Kathy Griffin stand up special where she talks about her love and experience meeting Celine. It suddenly made me realize you can make fun of someone and still love them all at the same time. I dare you to listen to any one of her greatest hits and not love her. So that is why when earlier this week she announced she is pregnant with twins was a genuinely excited and please for her and her family.

This one goes out to all my siblings- who are parents

2010-06-02T21:29:00.001-05:00

Yes I think of you when I hear this. And it is because I love you

You are Killer or a Knight?

2010-06-01T21:18:00.003-05:00

With two movie coming out in a matter of weeks with essentially the exact same plot: how do you choose?
Are you a Killer or a Knight? Shea is going with Killers- thinking the funnier option is the way to go. I personally was a fan of Mr. and Mrs. Smith and therefore am going with the more similar option of Knight and Day- plus regardless of how fast Tom Cruise's star is falling he has a successful action movie or two under this belt. Cameron is no stranger to kick a little ace either.

How will you choose- or will your refuse to try either Mr. and Mrs. Smith knockoff?

And it is over...

2010-05-31T02:59:00.001-05:00

It took 18 hours, but finally we are done. We only took 1 very brief break to get ice cream. Wow- WOW

And then Princess Leia proves she is also a BAMF

2010-05-31T02:23:00.002-05:00

Han Solo (upon seeing a gun Leia was hiding): I love you

Leia: I know

Nice reversal

Tisk tisk, tiff tiff

2010-05-31T01:51:00.002-05:00

Han and Leia are fighting, this makes me uncomfortable. Han don't be jealous of ugly Luke- he is her brother!

Don't worry we turned the light on

2010-05-31T01:37:00.003-05:00

Things have perked up a bit, ewoks are out in full force and there are now approximately 3 new commercials playing every other break. BTW at this point in the movie last week, we completed spaced/slept until LOST- so now we are trying to perk up and take it all in.

things are getting sketchy

2010-05-31T00:54:00.003-05:00

We are embarking on hour 17 of Star Wars. Things are getting sketchy here- Shea and I are now laughing uncontrollably- at everything. We have a memorized all the commercials Spike TV plays. But we are getting down to it.

I know this is controversial....

2010-05-30T23:51:00.003-05:00

But as a child- Return of the Jedi was far and away my favorite of the star wars movies. (I get it, die hard fans pretty much pan it because of the ewoks, which naturally is what drew me to this movie as a child.) Now when asked I will tell you The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite. But I still have a special place in my heart for the ewoks, and all of the crazy anatics R2 and C3PO get into in this one.

And then Han Solo proves he is the biggest BAMF in the universe

2010-05-30T23:02:00.002-05:00

Leia: "I love you"

Han: "I know"

Talk about self assured and cocky

Darth Vader is no longer a whiny little boy

2010-05-30T22:30:00.004-05:00

I had forgotten we got to see a glimpse of Darth Vader's scared head in empire- it is pretty chilling. Plus lets be honest he has beyond the best theme music

Double Plus bonus he is no longer a whiny little twerp

Maybe it is about Chemistry

2010-05-30T21:44:00.001-05:00

I take back my harsh words about awkward romances and George Lucas, I mean the Luke and Leia thing still skeives me out, but i am digging the Han and Leia tension in Empire

ewwwww

2010-05-30T21:01:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had the problem where you cannot unlearn some information no matter how hard you try? When watching the Star Wars movies I can never un-learn the fact that Luke and Leia are brother and sister and thus whenever I watch A New Hope, or especially The Empire Strikes Back- I get grossed out. Remember when Luke and Leia kiss? yuck! Or the times in A New Hope, Luke talks about how pretty Leia is, in a not so brotherly way? The Kiss in Empire has just expel some shrieks and ewws from our apartment. How about you?

How come everyone is such a bad shot in the future?

2010-05-30T20:33:00.002-05:00

It seems to me, everyone sucks at shooting in star wars. I feel like the waste a ton of ammunition- thank the force they have Luke and Han- they make up for the spotty shots of Leia and Chewy

P.S. more than half way through!

Hello beautiful

2010-05-30T19:27:00.002-05:00

After a short break for some DQ- we are back- and Han is looking good!

A New Hope

2010-05-30T18:34:00.004-05:00

Finally on to the original. It is like 100% better, maybe it is my memories or the jokes. But I love it! Plus we have dropped a Whiny/Crying Anakin for a more humorous Whiny Luke Skywalker