2013 Oscar Snarkiness

Yes, I have a ton of reading I should be doing for school, and hey, sleep every now and then is nice,  but what would the DivaDomain be without a snarky blog recapping the Oscars?

This year I saw several of the nominated films, including Django Unchained, Les Miserables, Zero Dark Thirty, Silver Linings Playbook, Pitch Perfect (wait, that wasn't nominated?  Well it should have been) and Lincoln.  I haven't seen Argo or Flight yet, although I intend to at some point.  Here are my observations from this year's Grammys (Grammies?  What is the correct plural?  It's too late and I'm too lazy to look it up) - I mean Academy Awards.

• I think it is ridiculous to give the Oscars a musical theme, and then not allow all of the songs nominated for Best Original Song to be performed live.  If I were Scarlet Johannsen and my nominated song wasn't being sung live but I had to suffer through yet another rendition of Jennifer Hudson belt "And I Am Telling You," I would be ticked.
• Seth MacFarlane- no Stewy impersonations, the jokes were neither funny nor offensive, just boring.  Seems to me like he played it safe.
• Also not funny- what was up with Paul Rudd and Melissa McCartney?  Something didn't translate well tonight because I do think they are both great comedic actors.
• What WAS funny:  Jennifer Lawrence tripping up the stairs, Christopher Plummer's "Von Trapp Family Singers" intro, and Meryl Streep scratching her behind (she clarified and said she was stepping on her dress, but I still choose to believe she was working on a wedgie).

Poor girl!  Has this ever happened to anyone before?

• How classy and gracious was George Clooney for not trying to get some camera time during Argo's Best Picture win?  He let Ben Affleck (and the third most-sexy producer in Hollywood) have their time to shine.
• Ben's rambling speech-on-speed was endearing.  I supposed he had to cram in a Best Picture and Best Director speech into one since the Academy snubbed him on the latter. 
• Charlize Theron must have one heck of a publicist- she danced and presented, but has been fairly absent in films lately.  She certainly is beautiful.  Guess this screen time was her way of reminding the directors that she's still out there looking for work!
• Anne Hathaway is beautiful and classy and her speech, while it seemed rehearsed, still came off as sincere and poised.  
• Barbara Streisand, while no one questions that you can still sing the pants off of most anyone, can we all agree that your long, straight, platinum blonde hair is unnatural looking on a 75 year old woman?!
• My favorite dresses were Jennifer Anniston's, Amy Adams', and Jennifer Hudson's.

• Kristen Stewart looked high.  And perhaps the ladies who won the Oscar for Best Hair & Makeup got a hold of her tresses before the show.
• The 9 year old girl nominated for best actress was the epitome of not-humble when she whooped it up every time the camera caught her.  
• I was pleased that Quentin Tarantino won for best original script for Django Unchained, and that Christoph Waltz won for Best Supporting Actor and felt both were deserving.
• The orchestra was so loud that they drowned out the singers all evening.  It was annoying to not be able to hear or understand the vocalists while the glorious music swelled behind in front of them.

Because we needed to hear Russell Crowe sing one more time

• Though you couldn't always hear Adele (see above comment... and with a powerful belting instrument such as hers, it is a shame she wasn't heard over the music), she looked and sounded good.  I'm choosing to ignore the pitchiness at the end of Skyfall.  You would be flat too if you were being blasted by an orchestra and trying to be heard (or pushing, just trying to hear yourself!).  Real women have curves.  It's refreshing to see a woman on stage who looks beautiful but isn't stick-thin.  Kudos to her Oscar win for best song.
• I was disappointed that Hugh Jackman didn't win for Best Actor, but my second personal favorite nominee was Daniel Day Lewis, so I could handle the win.  Much better than Mama B anyways who threw a small Bradley-esque fit when Meryl Streep announced the winner.
• I love an excuse to say Jean Dujardin's name! 

This is your official Critic-of-the-Movie Critics, signing off!

Too Much T.V.?

I have been on a TV binge for the last month and a half.  Ever since I took the LSAT, I have been playing catch up on all the fall TV shows I neglected, and let me tell you, I am Loving it!  Every night after I put Bradley to bed, it's like a whole new world!  2 episodes of Grey's Anatomy here, an episode of Glee there, a season's worth of Nashville;  I could really get used to this!  My current shows, in alphabetical order, are:

• Downton Abbey
• Glee
• Grey's Anatomy
• Nashville
• New Girl
• Parenthood

If Nashville weren't my hometown I wouldn't waste my time on this one, but I love the shots of the city and the fact that the show centers around country music.  New Girl makes me laugh out loud every single week.  Grey's has gotten good again and keeps me hooked every week with cliffhangers.  Parenthood makes me cry every week, and Glee is the guilty pleasure I just can't give up.  The big group numbers just take me to my happy place of singing in choirs.  Downton Abbey I'm watching on Hulu and catching up (currently started season two) so that eventually I will be able to watch the current season three on TV.  Lately I dream in British accents, and being a maid seems like such a glamorous lifestyle. 

And of course, whenever the Wildcats are on I'm glued to the tube as well.  It sounds like a lot when it's all written down like that, but my television habit is not an addiction or anything.  I can quit anytime I want to.  No big deal.  Anyway, why haven't there been any new Tori & Deans?  Seems like it's been forever since the last season.  I must nurture my love for Tori, and it's hard to do that with no new shows.  I've had several other recommendations by people, but there literally aren't enough hours in the day for me to add any more, but here they are, in no particular order:

• Big Bang Theory
• Modern Family
• Suits
• Game of Thrones (thanks to Ari, I will forever think of this as Game of Thongs)
• Portlandia
• Justified
• Breaking Bad
• Boardwalk Empire
• Some show that's supposed to be the modern-day FRIENDS?  Can't remember the name.

What else am I missing that I absolutely must watch?  What should I bump to make room for any of the above?  What are you watching?  Yes, you.  

Things I'm obsessed with these days

John Mayer's newest album, Born and Raised - for me he's the songwriter who tracks right along with where I am in life, from the self-discovery of my early 20's, to the dating and breakups in the years that followed, and now he tackles getting older.  I love his lyrics, and yes, his gravelly smoky voice.  I agree he's a polarizing figure; you either love him or you hate him.  My favorite track on this album is a tie between the "Age of Worry" and "Something Like Olivia."

The Pistol Annies - I still can't believe I hadn't heard of them before a few months ago. Do yourself a favor ladies, and check out the killer country twang, tight harmonies, and snarky girl power of their single, "Hell on Heels."

I am loving my no-frills moisturizer, CeraVe, recommended to me by my dermatologist.

Kale... who knew it was so tasty?

I have no choice but to be surrounded with Star Wars and Superheros.  I'm learning more about either than I ever wanted to. Welcome to the world of little boys!

• My new Kate Spade purse.  She's my first, despite the fact that I have been obsessing over these designer bags for the past 11 years... But who's counting? I snagged this oversized leather bag on super-sale and am pleased with my purchase.
• Bullet points
• And for my guilty summer pleasure : season 2 of the Glee Project.

Must See TV

Until basketball season really gets rolling and UK repeatedly claims the prized ESPN Super Tuesday slot, Tuesday is my big TV watching night.  I make time for sports, and a few select shows, and Glee, Parenthood, and New Girl, all happen to fall on Tuesday night.  (Thank goodness for DVR and on demand!)

Glee is in its third season, and while it started out strong, I feel like it's gotten weaker and weaker each season.  Though this week's episode was a lot of fun and back to the "old Glee" style, if things don't pick up, I'll be saying arrivederci!

Parenthood makes me laugh and cry every week, and I can't help but notice the striking similarities between my life and Sarah's, although I hope I'm not as annoying as her character is!

The surprise favorite of the year though is New Girl staring Zooey Deschanel.  I laugh out loud every week, and feel like the show is just starting to hit its stride now that the characters have been established.

Eat More Gator

I decided to delay Bradley's bed time on Saturday night and allow him to climb in bed with me and watch part of the Kentucky Florida game massacre.  Upon looking at the Gators' helmets, Bradley asked me why they had Chic-Fil-A on their heads!  It took me a split second to catch on to what he was seeing:

I have no idea how he knows what Chic-Fil-A's logo looks like by memory, but his comment cracked me up!

He wasn't really into watching the game (me neither, Bradley) so he kept asking me to turn back to "the hurricane."  There was a show on the weather channel about Hurricane Katrina.  A preschooler who's fascinated by hurricanes?  Yep, he's my kid, alright.

ESPN U betcha!

I am especially crazy about Kentucky basketball this year. Perhaps it's because we're currently ranked number 2 in the country. At any rate, I was all geared up to watch last night's game between UK and Alabama, which started at 8 o'clock central time, perfect since that's Little B's bedtime. Right around 7:30-ish, Brian is flipping channels and trying to find out what channel the game is on. I assumed ESPN since almost all (maybe all) of our Tuesday night games have been ESPN Super Tuesday games. But one should never assume. We found out quickly that the game was on ESPNU instead, a channel we don't have.

Our computer is in the shop, so any chances of me watching streaming video or listening to it on the computer weren't happening as my poor Mac that we're forced to use right now is old and slow, and would not allow me those capabilities. Brian firmly says, "take Bradley into his room to play. I'll talk to Mediacom and get the game for us." I have learned not to question the man when he speaks with such authority, so into Bradley's room we went.

20 minutes later, with Bradley asleep in bed, Brian triumphantly announces that we not only have ESPNU, but that we have it for free for an entire month! I was able to watch the Kentucky game last night, and will be able to see many more good college basketball games in the month to come, and just as soon as our free preview ends, it will be time for March Madness- absolutely perfect! My husband is a man who can get things done, and he never ceases to amaze me with his ability to talk his way in and out of things!

Full of glee

Finally, it seems it's cool to be a choir geek!

I am totally obsessed with the new show Glee. I have the first soundtrack already and have serenaded Bradley far too many times. We had a little singing and dancing party the other day in the living room when I got the cd finally (thank you, St. Nick!). I will be catching up on the couple of episodes I missed tonight online, since Glee comes on when I'm in choir on Wednesday nights. Yes, it's outlandish. Yes, there are gaping holes in the weak plot lines. But it's supposed to be over the top! It's the music that makes the show shine, and as a result, I am a happier person upon finishing an episode. I'd be willing to be no CSI follower can say the same thing with all the gory crime scenes they endure week after week. Glee is positive and uplifting, and has great messages to share. And did I mention the singing is phenomenal?

Piggybacking off Glee's popularity, this week only, there is a reality sing-off show for a capella groups called The Sing-Off that I will be tuning into. Tonight was the first episode where 8 groups performed but only 6 move on to tomorrow night's show. Check it out on NBC at 8pm Central.

Aw Ricky, I wanna be on the show!

Upon pursuing the Facebook status updates last night, I saw where my friend Kathleen had posted an update encouraging everyone to vote for Ricky Braddy on American Idol. Wait- THE Ricky Braddy??!! The one from Nashville who went to Belmont that I did a musical with? Was the gist of my comment to Kathleen. The very same, was her approximate answer. If you don't believe me, you can follow the thread on our Facebook pages. But I digress.

Ricky sang the male lead opposite of me in Pull-Tight Theater's production of Pirates in My Pants (or Penzance, take your pick) a few years ago. He's also the reason my 65+ year old director had to step in at the last minute and sing the part of the 21 year-old love interest with me, completely grossing me out with his lewd gestures. Stupid Ricky. Stupid strep-throat. But of course I am kidding... only about the part about Ricky being stupid.

He is a fantastic singer, and went to Belmont earning his commercial voice degree. I have no idea what he's been up to since, but now he's earned a spot on reality-mega-hit American Idol. I feel like Will Ferrell in Elf at the prospect of actually knowing someone on the show! Ricky!!! Ricky!!! I KNOW him!

I don't normally watch American Idol, but this has piqued my interest. Assuming he makes it past the next round (AI-avid-follower Heather gave me the inside scoop today and told me Ricky didn't get much air time, so that may hurt his chances) tune in to your tvs and vote for Ricky if that's your thing. Yep. That's about the extent of my excitement today.

Telling a Tori on myself

Everyone is entitled to their own trash tv obsession.  Ari admittedly watches "Rock of Love," Laura's guilty pleasure is "Real Housewives of Orange County," and mine was "Kimora Lee Simmons: Life in the Fab Lane."  I say it used to be, not because I am too busy being a mom to watch trash tv- Please!  Truthfully I find myself watching more tv these days during nursing sessions, but sadly enough, we don't get the Style network here, so (Gasping in horror)- No Kimora Lee Simmons!!

Not to fear.  Turns out there is an abundance of trash tv out there, and I quickly found a replacement for Kimora:  "Tori & Dean's Home Sweet Hollywood" on Oxygen.  Yes, I'm ashamed to admit I watch the Oxygen network, and even more ashamed that I am glued to a celeb-reality show about Tori Spelling, not even my favorite character way back when, when 90210 ruled my middle school world.  (Although who remembers her before-they-were-stars role as Violet, Screech's girlfriend on SBTB??!!)  In case you haven't seen the show, it follows around Tori Spelling, her husband Dean, and their one-year-old Liam.  Tori's expecting their 2nd child, and may I say, had way cute maternity clothes, and on the season finale last night, Tori and I bonded.

There was a segment where a very preggers Tori served ice cream at Baskin Robbins' Bump Day this past spring.  Immediately it put things into perspective for me at how close together hers and my pregnancies were.  I went to Bump Day at Baskin Robbins with Natalie, and may I say, I was nowhere near as big as Miss Spelling-McDermott was at the same stage.  Guess I know what they mean now about 2nd pregnancies affecting you differently than the first!  Also, at the end of the episode was the birth of the new baby Stella, and her birthday was June 9, 2008- two days after Bradley was born.  

Call me crazy for getting just a teensy bit too obsessed with this show (hey, at least I'm not watching Lifetime!), but I felt a kinship with Tori, knowing we were going through our prego period at the exact same stage and time!  Okay.  Maybe just a little crazy.

One final sidenote, whenever I hear "Tori & Dean," I still think of Taureen Dean, the former FL basketball player.  Again, crazy, I know, but what can I say?  I think everyone's entitled to their own little trash tv obsessions.  Don't judge me.

And the academy award for best dressed goes to...

My post ripping the poor actors to shreds for their bad fashion choices was getting too long so I opted to do another, shorter post for the few glammed up gals that I gave a thumbs up to.

My favorite lady hands down was Mrs. Josh Kelley! Katherine Heigl, like so many of Hollywood's finest, chose a one-shouldered number, but unlike most of her peers, she coordinated it with appropriate makeup, classic hollywood hair, jewells, and clutch. Yay, stylist, for putting this Grey star in a hot fire engine red!

Another lady who I haven't read a single thing about since the awards was Mrs. John Travolta. Kelly deserves a lot of credit here for pulling off this tangerine gown in a fresh, glowing, yet age-appropriate way! I think she looks stunning.

Call me cliche, but I think last year's best actress winner for "The Queen" Helen Miren looks positively regal in this satin ruby gown with sparkley sleeves. And love her or hate her,

Penelope Cruz always seems dead-on with her understated ensembles. The gal can pull off classy if anyone can.

Okay, that's it on my vain obession with Oscar fashion! More to come on the whirwind life of this Diva soon!

when bad fashion happens to good actors

I know, I know, it's been forever since I've blogged! There's so much to do, and so little time to do it all. The other stories can wait. Right now I need my Oscar fashion opinions out there for the world to agree with. I am a devoted follower of the Oscars each year, and try to manage to see the big movies nominated. That didn't so much happen this year, but it doesn't mean I can't be a catty girl and comment on the outfits and hairstyles our stars sported. I mean, come on, it's only the biggest PR event these actors and actresses have for an entire year, and it's their chance to get all glammed out with no expenses spared. So that said, were our little starlets on a fashion budget this year, scrimping on jewells, hairstyles, and boring cheaper gowns?

See example A: Cameron Diaz forgot her makeup AND her bling, and I hope to goodness she didn't pay a stylist to tame her tresses! I've heard the rainy weather was wreacking havoc on all the ladies 'dos, but this was just ridiculous. See examples B and C, Jennifer Garner and Ellen Page. Both are sporting the same undone, hair in the face, growing-out bangs. Somebody please get these gals some bobby pins!

Anne Hathaway took a big fashion risk with this crimsom number. From what I've read she's appeared on both the best and worst dressed lists. Like so many ladies this year, she opted for a one-shouldered gown, but unlike most of them, hers featured a hideous swath of material flowers across the boddess, and this weird drapey off the shoulder accent. I'm not a fan. Even her big doe-y eyes can't distract me from a fashion disaster when I spot one.

Speaking of other controversial red-carpet dos and don'ts, Heidi Klum looked smashing in this bright red dress, but she accented it with hot pink earings and clutch! Isn't she the poster girl for fashion with Project Runway? At what point did it become fashionably daring to mix cupid's colors?? Now you know I'm a sucker for pink, but not at the expense of ruining my amazing red (carpet) ensemble. Go back to fashion school Heidi... carry on, people!

Hollywood's worst dressed couple had a new winner erm-Loser- this year. Usually reserved for Johnny Depp and his quasi-wife, This year Best Actor winner Daniel Day Lewis takes the honors with his red piped tuxedo jacket and Brown (yes brown!) lace up boots, and his wife's choice is Cher-meets-my-Christmas-presents, and is straight outta the 80's!

And finally (you knew I saved the best for last!) My Best, Worst Dressed Actress is none other than Tilda Swinson, aka the snow queen from the Chronic(what?)cles of Narnia. She merits 2 pictures because she's just that jaw dropping, and not in the good way. The hair is bad (as if she didn't look androgynous anyways?), no feminine jewels, and ohmygosh, I want to attack her with an eyeliner pencil so bad it's not funny!! The shapeless gown with way too much material is reminiscent of Missy Elliot's outfit in the Fly video from way back when. Aka, Tilda put on a garbage bag, combed her hair back with some Dep gel, smoothed some moisterizer into her face apparently.

The SuperBlog

For the first time ever, we're blogging in real time during the Super Bowl. Stay tuned into your webpages here for up-to-the minute commentary on pre-game, commercials, half time entertainment, and the game itself

PREGAME:

My family and I were delighted to catch the 4th annual Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet! Much more entertaining than the talking heads, the Puppy Bowl is a football-field -decorated play area where puppies of all breeds run around and play together. Referees come in from time to time and throw penalty flags for unsportsmanlike conduct and make puppy substitution, and you can vote online for your Puppy Bowl MVP!

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Performed by Jordan Sparks, last year's American Idol... sounded good, but she obviously was singing along with a pre-recorded track of herself. I get so tired of hearing people lip sync just so it will sound better. Whatever happened to real-live performances? I was way more interested in her black-tipped french manicure that complimented her sleek black dress.

Only a few minutes till kick-off, and to clarify my stance on the great quarterback debate, Eli Manning is just precious- I look at him and just want to pinch his cheeks! Tom Brady on the other hand is more of a man's man, and I'd like to pinch his (ahem) Other Cheeks ;o)

GAMETIME

5:37pm... 2 Patriots injured already, Manning's already made a few completions. The first commercial break was dull- a fire-breathing cat-allergic bud light one, and an homage to the Godfather in an Audi commercial... yawn. We have already decided that we hate the robot graphic that Fox is using for every break.

6:02pm- the Giants scored first with a field goal, but the Patriots retalliated at the end of the first quarter with a TD of their own. We all agree the gray pants for both teams are lackluster. Noteworthy commercials so far were the Diet Pepsi Max one with Chris Katan and the Night at the Roxbury "what is love song," and the Bridgestone tire one with all the animals screaming.

HALFTIME

Pats lead 7-3 despite Tom Brady getting sacked 3 times already. The Giants' defense is all over him like white on rice. The Justin Timberlake pepsi commercial was amusing, but my new favorite was the t-mobile one with Charles Barkley and Dwayne Wade. Stay tuned for Tom Petty's half-time show review.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers- For a bunch of old white guys, they had good crowd appeal and sounded great. Much better than last year's Prince escapade. A pretty no frills half time show- just good music, and a bunch of jumping football fans trying to get on tv.

8:59pm- well, after we here in the Bradley household thought the Patriots had sealed the deal, but with 35 seconds to go, Eli Manning connected with Plaxico Burress to go up 17-14. This has been a low-scoring, relatively boring game thus far, and just got good here at the end. I will be happy no matter who wins- I'd like to see Eli follow in big brother's footsteps, but it would also be a feat to see the Patriots complete the elusive perfect season.

9:03pm. Holy Crap- the Giants have just won the Superbowl and beaten the unbeatable New England Patriots!

EVENING RECAP

Boring commercials, boring game... but a great upset finish to the 42nd Superbowl. The Manning brothers get back to back Superbowl wins. This is is your official Diva blogger, signing off!

somethings to smile about

What a difference a day makes! Call it the end of summer blues, or the quarter-life crisis, but those who come in contact with me on a regular basis know I have been pretty “blah” lately. Well I have news (Finn has plans, I have news). This morning I have newly blonde shimmering hair, I took my first ever yoga class, it is a sunny, and-dare I say it- beautiful Fall day (hey, you gotta work with what you’re given… it’s not summer, but a sunny fall day isn’t such a bad thing really) and I am listening to country music at work and wearing my pink cowboy boots... and for the first time in a long time I am happy.

My mood started to shift last night once Derrick took the foils out of my hair and began to dry it. Laura and I went together. She cut off 11 inches to donate to Locks of Love and has a super-cute and sophisticated hairstyle. She looks much more grown up than her big sis, but I’m sorry- I refuse to part with my longish hair right now. With my newly discovered forhead wrinkles, I need all the youthful illusion I can muster!

Need another reason to be giddy? Here's one: raise your hand if you about jumped out of your chair during Grey's Anatomy last night when McSteamy came out of the bathroom?! I cannot TELL you how excited I am that he is back on the show for a stint... really, just how many hot men can you put on one show? Let's continue this experiment- I like this game. I did think the tree going through the kid was a tad far-fetched, and kind of overdone... I mean, wasn't the trainwreck episode more dramatic where the two people were wedged together with a pole running through them? As if the paramedics wouldn't have cut off a branch with protruding limbs and leaves before loading a patient into an ambulence. Dumb, dumb, dumb. But I guess I was too distracted by all of the pretty people to care too much about the weak writing on this particular episode.

It's Friday, I have a great weekend ahead of me and I am one happy camper! Goodbye September!

the start of another Greyt Season

They say there's always a right and wrong choice to make. Things are always Black or White. But what about those in-between times? What about the Greys? I myself prefer the Greys and the anatomy of them. That's right people. Grey's Anatomy Season 3 kicks off on abc tonight. Please ignore my awful jokes in lieu of being excited about this tv show tonight. Don't watch it? You should! What could be better than hot doctors and love triangles? Seriously- every person on this show is beautiful. Even the janitors are pretty. And that's what life is all about right? Being pretty and having romantic relationships. Oh- and let's not forget a disposable income, hence the medical professions.

Very little real medical science is applied or even has much to do with any real plot lines on this show. We watch for the juicy gossip and maybe even a small percentage to hear the up-and-coming music they will cross-market and include in the episodes. (I mean seriously- who can't hear the Fray's How to Save a Life or Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars without associating them with Grey's Anatomy?!)

Tune in to your televisions tonight. I'll be tivo-ing it to watch later on. Sorry I have to miss the big Premier (jewelry) party, Laney- we'll talk tomorrow.

Now you have homework. After watching the show tonight I want to hear the opinions of you the reader- which hot MD should Meredith choose? McDreamy or McVet? (Personally I'm ready for them to bring back McSteamy for an episode or two, but he's not one of the choices here)

"I wanna quit the gym!!!"

Day 4 of the Darcy Plan, and Lana, Sarah, and I are going strong. I couldn't help but giggle this morning as I remembered a Friends episode where Chandler wants to cancel his gym membership. His catch phrase is a panicked, "I wanna quit the gym!" Here ya go, for your recollection enjoyment:

Monica: (Picking up a card from Chandler`s wallet.) My God! Is this a gym card?

Chandler: Oh yeah, gym member. I try to go four times a week, but I`ve missed the last 1200 times.

Ross: So why don`t you quit?

Chandler: You don`t think I`ve tried? You think I like having 50 dollars taken out of my bank account every month? No, they make you go all the way down there! Then they use all of these phrases and peppiness to try and confuse you! Then they bring out Maria.

Ross: Who is Maria?

Chandler: Oh Maria. You can`t say no to her, she`s like this lycra spandex covered gym treat.

Ross: You need me to go down there with you and hold your hand?

Chandler: No!

Ross: So you`re strong enough to face her on your own?

Chandler: Oh no, you`ll have to come.

[Scene: Chandler`s gym, He and Ross are there to cancel his membership.]

Ross: Whoa-whoa-whoa, hey! Now remember what we talked about, you gotta be strong.

Chandler: Yes. (In a stronger voice) Yes!

Ross: One more time, "Hey, don`t you want a washboard stomach and rock hard pecs?"

Chandler: No! I want a flabby gut and saggy man breasts!

Ross: Good! That`s good!

Chandler: Okay. (They go inside) (To the guy at the desk) I wanna quit the gym.

Gym Employee: You wanna quit?

Chandler: I wanna quit the gym.

Gym Employee: You do realize that you won`t have access to our new full service Swedish spa.

Chandler: (He turns to Ross and Ross makes a "Be strong" sound.) I wanna quit the gym.

Gym Employee: Okay, Dave in the membership office, handles quitters.

Remembering this episode this morning and recounting the story to Lana while we walked to the locker room with hot coffee in our hands was apparently too much to ask. We both spilled scalding coffee on ourselves in the process of laughing. Hmm. Must remember to handle one thing at a time. Spinning? Check. Coffee? Check. Walking and talking? Not so much. Oh well- guess I have my trusty gym membership to assist in my eye and hand coordination technique.

Soul Patrol or McPheever?

It's about that time- who will be crowned the next American Idol? If it had been up to Simon, Taylor Hicks would never have even made it to Hollywood! Honestly when I began watching the show a few months ago I could never have predicted that he would have made it to the Finals (Chris Daughtry, we miss you!). On the flip-side, I pinpointed Katherine as a really good singer from the first episode I saw.

This show is addicting and will take up 2 of your weeknights all tv season once you start watching. Thank goodness for TiVo since I'm never home when the show is actually on!

I must say that by the Finale (which is tonight- get with it, people!) most viewers already know who they want to vote for. I doubt there were many who waited to hear all 3 performances last night before finally deciding whether to cast their votes for Kat or Taylor. The next step of course is actually getting through to vote. I tried several times within that 4-hour block and never could get through on the phone. I also happen to be one of the fortunate Cingular customers who have the luxury of voting via text message. Even that was an impossibility last night it seemed. Out of the 10-20 text messages of "VOTE" that I sent, I only received one reply confirmation that my vote was received. So I'm wondering if only one of mine counted, and all that other hassle was for naught.

Most of the time I actually agree with Simon Cowell, though I can't say that I would be quite so blunt in my commentary. Awful jacket, Taylor- yes, I agree. Amazing Somewhere over the rainbow, Katherine? Yes- agreed. And his opinion that the rounds looked like this:

round one: Taylor
round two: Kat
round three: Taylor

was right on the money. I was surprised however that Simon didn't criticize the original songs more, though I guess he has been warned not to offend the song writers. Even still, Katherine butchered hers more than Taylor did. BUT, as a singer even I could see that Katherine was unfairly dealt the more difficult song, with a melody that jumped all over God's creation and was written in a terrible range for her. As bad as she sounded, I actually felt sorry for her since she didn't have a say in the song choice.

My pick is Taylor. Let's see what the rest of America decides.

the McWeekend in review

It occurred to me today that I haven't posted any random blogs lately about things that have no conjuncture with my own personal life, so I promise to scrounge up something good in the next few days. For now you'll have to settle for my usual weekend update. This one was a good one- full of stories and laughter and new inside jokes from all those involved. (You who witnessed the Roadhouse Tea debacle, you know who you are, and that's all I'm sayin')

Friday started out with a bang. We were culminating the birthday celebration for Maury by heading downtown to Robert's on Broadway for what was dubbed "Hats and Boots Night." But a girl's gotta eat right? So Beth, her husband Daniel, Maury, and myself met at Logan's for dinner since Laura was working that night. She's always in the bar area on Friday nights which means the tables are first-come-first-serve, so I got there a few minutes early to try and stake our claim on one of Laura's tables so the others wouldn't have to wait as long once they arrived.

The timing worked out perfectly- Maury arrived, and a few minutes later this one table paid their check and Laura informed me they'd be getting up soon and to watch for them to leave. The second they started to leave, Maury and I walked a few feet towards the table, allowing the bus boys to clean the table off first when this lady with awful hair slid into the booth in front of my very eyes!!! I was in utter disbelief! Where the heck did she come from? I had no idea, but I was about to find out. The lady kind of glared at me triumphantly as I stood there and picked up my jaw from the floor, and I stated to her very matter of factly,
"Ma'am, I was waiting for this table."
And she replied, "sorry, it's first come first serve."
"Yes, I'm aware of that," I said, "but my sister is the server and I have been standing over here (I gestured) for 20 minutes waiting for this particular table to get up."
Mind you, the lady could have sat at any other table in the bar area, whereas Laura only has certain tables in her section that she's responsible for, so I had to wait for another of her tables to open up. I could feel the heat rising in my neck and face and had Maury not been there to pull me aside I probably would have sat down at the table across from her and beaten her to a pulp- or else attacked her with vicious rhetoric (name that movie!!). So back I went to my spot where I had been standing in the bar before to wait for the next of Laura's tables to open up.

By this time Beth & Daniel arrived, so fuming, I tell them what just happened. What really burned me up was that 2 seconds after I relinquished the table against my will another table in the bar emptied, but by that time it was too late. Not too much longer after this, Laura's next table opened up which happened to be next to the awful woman with unfortunate hair, so I said loudly to anyone who would listen, and I hope this woman and her husband were,
"Thanks Laura, this is the best table in the entire restaurant!!"
I know. It was a cheap shot, and I should have let it go, but come on!!! What decent person wouldn't be a little more understanding??? I mean, it was my sister's table, and the table-snatcher had to have seen me walking towards that table before she got to it- it's not my fault she was rude and slid into the booth while I was trying to be considerate of the bus boys to try and let them do their job! What do I get for being considerate I ask you? A rising blood pressure, and a desire to drink.
The Roadhouse Teas happen to be excellent at Logan's, but let me warn you that one is sufficient. Two is too many, especially if one does not eat their dinner. I learned that the hard way Friday night and provided entertainment for all with my antics. Maury and I headed to Robert's where we donned our hats and danced the night away. The place was extremely packed- I guess our guys are not the only ones in Nashville who are fans of the house band, the Brazilbillies.

Saturday a bunch of us went to Thompson Station Church to see Maury D and the Shanks (aka Maury, Adam & John) play at this craft fair the church was hosting outdoors. It was a gorgeous day here in Middle Tennessee (I had many a sungasm this day) so after the music was over and I perused the craft booths a little bit, I headed home to help out with yardwork. We sang out annual "Mulcho Man" song while we weeded and mulched, and had an amazing dinner that night after a hard day of work of grilled hamburgers, baked beans, coleslaw and french fries outdoors on the deck. This was the first outdoor meal of the season- the first I hope of many.

Saturday night Em & I watched a few episodes of Grey's Anatomy on dvd (season one) and then we all got together tonight for part one of the season finale at the Penthouse. Commercial breaks were spent talking about how hot McDreamy, Denny, and were. Also we discussed the implications of Izzie's actions, and who we think needs to be together on the show. Yes, I realize they are not real people but when you're watching this show and all 5 of us let out audible screams as the episode ends ("the scream heard 'round the world"), you start to realize it's not just a show! You actually care about these people- erm- I mean- characters.

We concluded our Mother's day by standing around the Penthouse kitchen enjoying some birthday cake for Karen's birthday. Rhonda bought it and it was a small sheet cake. Of course this led to countless sheety jokes. Such as being full of sheet, the cake was brown sheet, us talking sheet, and my personal fav, holy sheet (since it was a Sunday). I am exhausted now. And I'm sure that if you made it to the end of this blog too that you're exhausted from reading. Cheers and good night!