It's not Sarah Jessica Parker's fault

I really love her scent, Lovely. It's unique, it's lasting, it's feminine. The bottle is pretty, too. I feel all girly when I'm wearing Lovely.

I was embarrassed the first time I bought it, though. And I have felt a little silly each subsequent time I've approached the cosmetic counter. Here's why …

Years ago there was a movie named Educating Rita. The heroine was a student by evening and a hairdresser by day. She spoke of her clients with a mix of amusement and contempt, especially the 250 lb. grannies who would bring in magazine photos of Princess Diana and request, "Make me look like that."

I imagine that each time I buy Lovely bath gel or body lotion or cologne, the woman behind the counter is rolling her eyes, thinking, "So this pudgy, middle-aged broad thinks wearing the scent will make her like Sarah Jessica Parker."

But just as I wouldn't buy a fragrance because a celebrity endorses it, I shouldn't not buy it because of a celebrity endorsement, either. I like Lovely. And I'm going to keep wearing it.

Besides, these days those manning the cosmetic counter at Marshall Field's are probably wondering how long their severance will last once the folks from Macy's take over. They couldn't care less what I buy. I can be such a silly woman!

I'm looking away now

I heard about the destruction of the UN post and the casualties late this afternoon. It broke my heart. It's THE UNITED NATIONS, people! This is how massive world wars begin. I can't stand it.

I checked CNN.com regularly at work. I've watched CNN since I got home. I heard Senator Allen talk about how great it was that Israel also managed to take out a Hezbollah leader. I'm against terrorists and murderers, of course, but it makes me very uncomfortable and sad to hear a self-proclaimed Christian sound like a cheerleader when discussing the death of a fellow human being. ANY fellow human being. (It's interesting that Allen is against protecting a woman's reproductive rights but is downright giddy over the violent death of another person. WWJD, Senator?)

All this is so sad. All this is so pointless. None of this will accomplish anything. Iraq, Iran, Korea, Lebanon, Israel, Pakistan … Dear God, where are we headed?

I'm turning away from CNN now. Maybe My Fair Brady is on VH1. I need complete escape.