I've just returned from getting a bikini and under arm wax, and apart from being in some pain (why oh why did I not take some ibuprofen before I went?!), I'm also slightly miffed. Why do the women (and men, but I only see women) in these Beautifying Places always succeed in making me feel blowzy and frumpy and sloppy?

I'm clean, dammit! And neat. And tidy. I condition my hair, I wear makeup occasionally, I remove what body hair I need when I need to do so. And yet, I always walk away from a haircut/waxing/pedicure/etc. feeling vaguely guilty, as though I've somehow betrayed my poor, beleaguered body by not keeping up constant...beautifying nonsense. Grr.

If it's a sales pitch, it's bloody effective. Or would be, were I not such a stubborn woman. Sheesh. There is only so much time in my day. I do *not* want to spend it styling my hair or perfecting my makeup or trimming my cuticles or moisturizing things that really don't need moisturizing. Especially since, once all that's done, I can't go anywhere or do anything to risk messing it up. Blah. Leave me the hell alone, you Beautifying People!

And now for something completely different:
(the red states are where I've been)



create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Mad Math Puzzles! They're supposed to get harder, but...either I'm a genius (ha!) or they're really not that tough. Fun, though. Still quite fun.

.........................