Lollys Lounge – Laura James & her random comments on web development, music & raising small children

Whether its the dire August  weather, the credit crunch or the thought of two major deadlines looming, I’m in desperate need of a pick me up. So I thought I’d try and compile a list of things that always work to lift my mood.

1. Listening to music – especially uplifting, dancey, bouncy music – dance or rock or cheese mostly. (Any acoustic guitar poignant stuff is liable to have the opposite effect)

2. Dancing – or exercising I guess. But music is generally involved – it can make running on a treadmill feel like less of a chore and I can  imagine I’m in a music video

3. Cuddles – from anyone really. Don’t think we get enough in this lifetime. That’s why I try and cuddle my children whenever they (or I) need it.

4. Fresh air. Definitely getting out of the house gives you some perspective and being in nature helps you realise that life goes on and is pretty beautiful no matter what idiotic things are screwing up  your head at the time

5. Nice smells. Aromatherapy oils (refreshing ones like rosemary, lavender etc) or joss sticks - can remind you of happier times

6. Feeling desirable – whether its wearing clothes that are a bit feminine or putting on some make up or perfume, anything that stops me thinking that I’m “just” someone’s mother or wife and have no intrinsic value definitely lifts my mood

7. Writing my diary – something that’s probably more neglected than the gym-going but probably more hepful to my sanity. My diary allows me to process my thoughts and help me get some perspective on whats really important. Plus its great to read further down the line (and I can laugh that I got wound up about such small things). Plus it helps me excrete all the mental crap in my head before I go to sleep! (and no – its not the same as blogging…)

8. A cup of tea

Four years old?! Can you believe it?! I certainly can’t – time really does seem to have flown by. Here’s the birthday card I just made him (sorry Hasbro)

Just reliving the momentous event when our lives changed irrevocably (for the better?) here:-

http://s108767233.websitehome.co.uk/birthstory/mybirthstory.htm

Kid Pensioner feels the funk of Fattyboombasstic

“Oh no we’re just going to come over as really nice again,” bemoans singer and lyricist Laura James, idly twisting the head off a tiny kitten. Her band mates cackle as they take turns punching the huddled body of an old lady who had, moments earlier, “looked at them funny”.

Ok some of the above is not entirely true. Venue has invoked some dubious artistic licence to more clearly delineate the essentially sunny and good-natured demeanour of Fattyboombasstic, a band who are, by their own admission, “an antidote to all the navel-gazing angst-ridden middle-of-the road rock that is out there” Their Myspace site spells it out loud and clear: “Our songs are FUN and FUNKY AS F*CK!” [Read more →]

Well today we have had our first Fattyboombasstic photo shoot and got interviewed by Venue magazine!

OK so it was our mates Tony & Berry who were taking our photos in the sun in the garden and the park – but they did a great job. Take a look at the full set here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fattyboombasstic/

Then off to the Porter to meet David from Venue for our intereview. Sadly Pete couldn’t make it as he had to teach bass to someone. It was quite odd having an interview. Really us 3 just sat around talking nonsense for about 20 minutes while David recorded it on his Dictaphone (“Don’t be silly you don’t use your dictaphone!”) So goodness knows how it will turn out. I was worries that we were coming across to “nice” and not “edgy” enough – no tales of drunken debauchery or excessive drug use to entice the Venu readers I’m afraid.

Lets hope the pictures of us larking around in the garden pretending to be Charlie’s Angels is enough to titillate them…