Can We Just Skip to the Top Five?

After last night's American Idol show, I've decided I only like a couple of people, so let's just skip to the end and have the finale! Here are my thoughts...Phats, I'll just apologize in advance because I know you and I are going to disagree on Haley.

1. Haley - I liked the outfit better than last week in that this one actually looked like clothing as opposed to whatever last week's disaster was. But it makes me really sad that she is the only girl in this season who relies on her looks and the shaking of her booty to get votes instead of displaying her voice. I've already written those two sentences ten times to make them as nice as I can, and I have more to say, but I'll stop there.

2. Chris R. - I don't think he's the best singer, but I thought he did a great job last night and he is enough of a charmer/performer that I forget he can't sing as well as some of the others. Unlike Haley, he knows how to use charm without shoving it down the throats of the audience members.

3. Stephanie - She was good but she can do better. I'm worried that she's in the uh-oh middle category of people who will get forgotten in votes.

4. Blake - LOVED HIM this week. I thought he was the best guy. He's got a very wide talent range and he's a super performer. He might be the one guy who can compete with some of the girls.

5. Lakisha - I was with the judges - not her BEST week - but MAN she looked beautiful and I thought she handled the "age" criticism very gracefully. But if my best day compared to her worst day, I'd be happy to sing that well!!! The song though - kind of reminded me of something that would show up in a sappy Disney movie.

6. Phil - I thought he was more fun than the judges gave him credit for. I thought that song showed talent and he should have gotten a better review. I like Phil. I don't think he's the best singer, but I want him to stay.

7. Jordin - She is just a sweetheart. I love her fun personality and her big voice. She did a great job keeping control of that song when everyone was going nuts in the audience.

8. Sanjaya - WHAT?!?! I agree that it was his best night but it was kind of manic, I thought. I don't know - I was so distracted by that crying girl that I couldn't pay much attention to what he was doing. Still, I think he may have saved his spot for another week.

9. Gina - LOVED LOVED LOVED the haircut. Sassy! If my hair would do that, I'd get that cut too. Her song was okay but I just love her. She has officially won me over and I'd like her to stay.

10. Chris S. - See, he's good but to me, he was in that uh-oh category this week too. He's kind of plateaued off where the others have stayed really strong. I'm worried for him.

11. Melinda - LOVE her haircut too and I love it that she really IS that sweet. She can sing anything and she is just wonderful. Let's just quit now and call her the winner. SHE would be a good idol. She keeps it a singing competition, she looks good without looking sleazy, and she is just 100% sweet. THAT should be the role model.

My bottom 3 this week would have to be Stephanie, Phil, and Chris S. just because I thought they didn't improve as much (even as Sanjaya! - gasp!) and I'm worried they'll be forgotten.

Okay Phats, yell at me!

Happy Spring!

In celebration of the first day of spring, I wore a skirt. I sincerely thought it was going to be warmer today than it was. Woops.

But warm or not, today was just a great day. A great start to spring! My favorite part was when I stopped by my house during my lunch hour and noticed my tulips peeking up through the dead leaves I have yet to remove. (Another woops.) Clearly, based on how tall they are, they've been up for a few days, but I only noticed them today. It seemed appropriate.

I'm excited for sunshine and summer clothes. I'm ready for flowers and leaves and birds - and even if that means I have to be ready for mowing, I'll take it.

So...happy spring!!!

Sunday, March 18, 2007

I was listening to the radio Friday and the morning show on my station did a call-in day. I love those days – more for topic ideas than anything else. The host had stolen this particular topic from someone else, so I don’t feel terribly awful about stealing it from her. The question was this: If you could relive a day or event in your life (excluding your wedding day or the birth of your children), what would you choose to relive and why? I enjoyed listening to the various responses and subsequently came up with my own list.

I came up with ten things – because top tens are the only way to do lists, right? I was going to give you all ten this week, but some required explanation, and I didn’t want you to get tired. So for today, I present to you the first half of the top ten moments I would relive if I could.

1. The Easter Pageant. I realized the other day that Easter is soon. The whole season hasn’t been the same for me since the Easter Pageant ceased to exist. I participated from the time I was two until it ended when I was about twenty-five. I miss seeing the regulars of the cast – seeing who got married, who had a baby, who got a new hair color (boy couldn’t I have given some a run for their money there?), and who had grown up so much since last year that I didn’t even recognize them. I miss the long rehearsals in the cold Coliseum – complete with the half hour to forty five minute delay at the final one while we waited for the introductory cross to practice in the dark for the first time. I miss the musty smell of the old building and the creak of the bleachers as kids ran up and down them before rehearsal. I even miss the early morning costume and makeup call on Easter Sunday. We didn’t know that the last year would be the last year, and although I savored so many memories over the years of my participation, I’d love to have the chance to be in the pageant one more time. Most of all, I would love to relive the one performance in particular where God met me on a little bench by the wooden well. There may have been a performance going on and a couple thousand people in the room around me, but in that moment, it was just God talking to Bekah.

2. Malinda’s Going Away Party. One of my sweetest friends in elementary and junior high school was an Amish girl named Malinda. The Amish stop going to school after eighth grade, so one day near the end of the our eighth grade year, Mom helped my group of friends and me plan a surprise going away party for her. Our class had an outdoor field trip that day, where we marched down to the fairgrounds and wrapped up our Civil War unit with all sorts of projects. By the end of the day, we were all sweaty, sticky, and sunburned, but no one missed the party. Dad let all my friends in the house to hide in our basement, and Mom and I brought Malinda home for what she thought was just a night of having dinner with me. Malinda was completely shocked when everyone yelled “Surprise!” and we had the best time eating pizza, watching TV, and giving her gifts. We even broke tradition (don’t tell) and took a few pictures – which are very precious to me now since I’ve not seen her in over a decade. The evening was one of my best memories with my junior high/high school friends.

3. High School Graduation. You’ll never get me to say I want to relive high school in its entirety, but I did love my graduation day, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I knew the day would be busy, but I also knew it was a day I’d only experience once, so I prayed specifically that morning that I would just enjoy the celebration and make vivid memories. And I did. I signed a song in my church that morning as a tribute to my church family, I loved every minute of my graduation ceremony – despite the heat of the gym and the duct tape colored robes, and had the greatest time at my open house. I enjoyed talking to everyone who came through to see me that day. That evening I went back to school for the seniors’ Final Fling and had a great last evening of memories with my friends. High school wasn’t perfect, but that day was pretty near perfect in my mind.

4. My First Publication. I was entering my junior year in high school when I sold my first article. I remember standing in my bedroom, getting ready on one of the last days of summer, when the phone rang, and on the other end was the editor of Youthwalk – a devotional magazine for teens. She told me she’d received the freelance article I’d submitted and had chosen it for publication. I called my Mom at work and we both cried. She didn’t even know I’d sent anything in. I had no idea that was the beginning of a long writing adventure, so I’d love to go back and embrace even more of it. As a side note, one thing I do remember about that phone call was that the editor had an extreme southern accent and for days, when I would talk about writing, this southern accent came out of me. I guess I thought writers needed to have an accent.

5. Washington D. C. Vacation. I believe it was the summer between my first and second grade year that my family went on vacation to Washington D.C. It is the only vacation I remember going on with more than just my parents. My sister Julie joined us for this one and we drove our little Ford station wagon with the carrier on top. This was before the days of child safety seats or seat belts, and I rode all the way there and back, sprawled out in the way, way back of the station wagon, with all my books around me. Mom even came up with a “gift schedule” where she would pull out a travel gift every so often (when we’d reached a certain time or location) so that I had something new to help pass the long hours in the car. But anyway, I would like to relive this one because one day we were having lunch at the Capitol Building with a Representative Dad knew from his job of chaperoning senior trips each year. During lunch, the Representative asked Mom and Dad if I could go with him for a few minutes, and they agreed. He took me onto the floor of the House of Representatives and allowed me to push a button that cast a vote for something. I had no idea what was happening, but when I got back to the table and informed my government-teacher father that I had voted, he couldn’t believe it. I wish I could go back and understand just how rare that opportunity was for me!

So there you have it…the first half! I’ll be back next week with five more for you.

And They Stay

Well Sanjaya and Haley both stayed - neither one really shocked me. Sanjaya will stay for a while...for reasons no one really understands but everyone accepts as just the way it is. Haley will stay because Simon has now decided to like her. Well, and because Phats and his crew love her so much.

But here is the link to the dress that I just don't get - let me know what you think!!!

http://www.americanidol.com/photos/view/?set=136&seq=107

I'll just hope for a wardrobe improvement next wek!!!!!!

I Gave It Another Shot

Phats and Jessica (our student worker) convinced me to give American Idol one more shot tonight. Since I cave to peer pressure, I watched.

I won't comment on everyone because some people didn't impress me that much one way or the other. But here's what I feel deserves commentary.

* Melinda. I cried for her. I cried because she's so full of soul when she sings and because she loves the whole American Idol experience, and that is refreshing to see. I cried because she cried and because she deserved all the applause she received. She's warm and real and I want her to win.

* Lakisha. She looked beautiful tonight and she did a super job on that song. She's down to earth and good and she deserves a shot. I'd love to see her in the finals and I don't think I'd be upset if she won either - because she's just that good.

* Jordin. She is just amazing. The song she sang was my favorite song of the night. I'd not heard it before and I loved the melody and the lyrics. She did a great job with it, she looked beautiful, and I would love to see her hang in there and give those people ten years her senior a good run for their money.

* Sanjaya. Bless his precious little heart. It was so painful. He looked like Shirley Temple and the whale/wail thing CRACKED me up. I think he's just as sweet as he can possibly be, but wow...it was bad.

* Haley. The whole reason I wanted to quit watching this season. I will try to be as kind as I know how to be, but she brings out my opinionated side! Okay first of all - her hair didn't used to be that long. As in...two weeks ago it wasn't that long...was it? I hate it when they do that. Secondly, WHAT WAS WITH THAT DRESS??? I didn't need to see that much of her. It was like lingerie meets a t-shirt and collides with an 80's bridesmaid dress. BAD. I truly do not think she is a bad singer, but I didn't think she was that great tonight. But even all of THAT does not matter next to my true issue with her. She cannot take constructive criticism without rolling her eyes. You know what? So she didn't like what the judges said. Well I'm guessing Brandon and Chris Sligh and even Stephanie didn't like their feedback either. But they kept smiling and nodding. She rolled her eyes and bit her lip and that, to me, is very disrespectful. And then when Simon (whose drink must have been drugged) gave her those lavish compliments, she burst into tears and started profusely thanking all the judges for their feedback. No, see, you only get to do that after you politely sit through the bad part. That is my whole problem with her. She is beautiful and a good singer, but it all boils down to attitude, and hers leaves behind a very sour taste.

Haley's moment in the spotlight was nearly enough to ruin the entire evening for me. But fortunately, with Jordin ending the show and the recap of Melinda's song, I remain a fan for at least another week.

That said, let it be known that as much as my blood pressure really needs Haley to go home, Sanjaya is the one who should go this week. He was worse than Haley.

Plant a Flower...Put out a Fire...

I was online last night just about to post my "Happy Plant A Flower Day" post when I heard sirens. I happened to be on the phone with Mom at the time, so I said something about it and joked that they were coming to get me.

Then they actually got closer.

And closer.

And closer.

And stopped.

Apparently there was a small electrical fire down the street. Nothing big...in fact, I'm not even sure there were real flames. But every truck in the city showed up for it, I think. Must have been a slow night. Our whole street was strobe light central. The cats weren't sure about it at all. Everyone on the block emerged from hibernating to stand on the porch and watch - most of us on the phone.

It humored me. There's a fire and everyone has to not only watch, but call people to drag them into the excitement of our street.

Of course by the time the last truck left, it was about 11:30 and I was exhausted from day two of the time change. There was no time to wish anyone a happy flower planting day.

It's okay. I wouldn't have had time yesterday anyway. But today is a new day, so I wish you a happy day, even if you choose not to plant a flower!

The Big Zero Six

Today is Kaegan's sixth birthday. He wasn't too thrilled when I woke him up from his nap for a bithday photo shoot - but he chippered right up when he found out he got a new toy!

This picture was taken a year ago today, but I can't top this pic, probably ever, so I thought I would reuse it. After all - he hasn't really changed much.

So anyway - he gets treats and I get cake. Hey, just because he hates chocolate doesn't mean I have to go without it, right?

Sunday, March 11, 2007

It’s been a while since I sat down with a piece of fiction. It seems like every time I have a moment to read, I’m reading something that I will use in writing or teaching. But when I do sit to read a good story, I have a really bad habit of skimming the entire book so that I know what happens and where I’m going with the story line, and then I go back and read for content…for detail. I just seem to not be able to enjoy the rich word-paintings of the book until I know exactly what happens in the plot.

Am I the only person who does that with life, too? I was speaking to my Ladies Bible Study group last Monday evening, and I told them God had just talked to me (an hour earlier) about enjoying the journey of my life. I had come home from work somewhat upset…okay, bawling my eyes out…about some news our office received right before the end of the day. I collapsed on the stairs to cry, because that is my serious crying spot. I’ll cry all over the house, but when it’s a big deal, I sit on the stairs. I had my head against a step, and Braeya crept up next to me and sniffed my face. She must have remembered that it’s a weird thing when water comes out of my face, because she scampered on up the stairs to play with Kaegan and left me to sort out my feelings on the puke green carpet.

God and I had a serious conversation there on the stairs. I had a lot of questions and He actually offered a few answers. (A few more than I was expecting, really!) While I had that going for me, I decided to ask more and more. The fiction reading syndrome, I guess. I just wanted to know where this whole path would lead me. God knew my little manipulation game, though, and He stopped me.

It just so happened that the chapter I was teaching in Bible Study that night had to do with joy. God took full advantage of that situation and reminded me that while it was okay to be upset…while it was okay to be unsure…underneath all of it, I needed to carry a spirit of joy. Joy isn’t happiness. It was okay with Him that I wasn’t happy right then. But happy or not, I had every reason to be joyful, and I needed to dig out that joy and show it.

I promised to do that and tried to get back to my question-asking, but God had more. He pointed out that life is a journey. All the little things that happen along the way are details put there by the Author to make the path more beautiful from start to finish. And while I might be able to pick up a piece of fiction and skim it for the main idea before going back and gathering the details, life doesn’t work that way.

My options are to skim through life and life a skimmed life or to pay attention to the details as I come across them and enjoy them for what they mean. That’s the idea of the joy in the journey. Michael Card wrote a song with that title, in fact.

So I was challenged to go through the rest of the week and find joy in it. The week had its rough moments when I felt anything but joyful. But it really was a wonderful time. Yesterday, especially, was very sweet. I’m on cat-sitting duty for a friend, and since yesterday was extra-beautiful, I decided to walk over to her house instead of drive. It’s probably close to a mile away, and I enjoyed a good stroll in the sunlight. I could hear birds singing, and there was a perfect warm breeze blowing. After I fed the cats, I continued my walk for another mile or two, just taking in the blue sky and greening grass.

It was the perfect time to talk with God, and this time I wasn’t trying to weasel information out of Him. I was just enjoying the beauty of the day. He told me as I walked that I was doing well at experiencing the joy of the journey right then. That moments such as that one were the joy-filled moments He talked about. And while we chatted, He filled in a few more bits of the story for me.

It’s time to kick the habit of living from one milestone to the next…sitting around impatiently waiting for a particular dream to come true…angrily pounding on the door of Heaven for answers. Those moments will come when they’re supposed to come, so I might as well savor the “filler” moments. The details. The tiny moments God intended to bring joy.

In More Pleasant News...

To chipper up the blog after the Idol post - I do have some exciting news in the land of less food and more exercise!!! :)

I went clothes shopping Wednesday evening. It had been so LONG since I went shopping and I wanted to hit a few sale racks before everything was super picked over. Unfortunately there had already been a lot of picking, but I found a few new things.

The best, part, though, was that I was down a whole size! The size, of course, varies, depending on which store I shop. Amazing how fat I am at Fashion Bug and how skinny I am at K-Mart. But hey, either one is better than shopping for formals. There is nothing more detrimental to a girl's self esteem than shopping for a formal gown. I went up a good two sizes when buying bridesmaid dresses for my professional wedding attendant career.

So anyway, I have been inspired to keep the portions little and the elliptical in full use. Still a long way to go, but definitely a start!!!!

Am I Done?

The question that always plagues me at some point during the American Idol season. Have I had enough? The thing is...it's never gotten to me before the season STARTED.

Until tonight.

There is no way...at all...under any circumstance...that Haley should be in that top twelve over Sabrina. My opinion is stronger than that, but I'm trying to remain calm so I'll stop with that statement.

I feel the same way about Sundance and Sanjaya, but I knew somehow Sanjaya would make it into the top twelve. He just has that aura. He's like the John Stevens of this season...the one that keeps going and no one knows how.

But Sabrina. She should be there.

So I'll give myself until next week to decide if I'm going to continue watching. But it just might be the end of the road for me too.

The Girls Have It

I hate it that there's the equal six/six rule for guys/girls. I had a much harder time thinking of girls I wanted to see gone from the show. This week scared me - there's too many good ones and the danger of losing one of them is too great for me.

Jordin - She is cute, energetic, and fun. Cracks me up that she is so much younger than the rest - and yet I forget that about her. (Not true in Sanjaya's case.)

Sabrina - She is a stunning woman. Her hair, her complexion, her features - STUNNING. And yet she's not so full of herself that it's distracting. I love her powerful voice. I want her to stay.

Antonella - WHY WHY WHY is she still here? I rolled my eyes when she sang - cause I was bored!! I hated the outfit. I have heard bits and pieces about her "scandal" and think her outfit only lent itself toward those rumors, not away from them.

Haley - I actually laughed when Simon said he couldn't remember her name. I know her name, but right after Antonella sang, I thought to myself, "Who else would I want to go home besides Antonella? I like everyone else!" Then I saw Haley up in the top part of the stage and I thought - "Who is that?" Guess he has a point. She is pretty forgettable in this crowd. I tried to distance myself from my feelings about her last week when I thought she was flippant toward the judges. I thought she did better with that this week, but I still think it sounds like the talent portion of a beauty pageant when she sings. I don't deny she's good - but she is NOT in the league of the others.

Stephanie - She is a sassy, spunky young lady and I just love her. Very powerful, very fun, very lovable. Want her to stay.

Lakisha - I like the sparks of off-stage personality that I'm starting to see from her. I literally screamed when Simon called her beautiful. He has come a long way from the days of cutting down the over-size-two girls. Classy of him to say she's beautiful. I was thrilled for her.

Gina - I think she finally won me over this week. I loved her as a rocker. I like the idea of a girl in that role. I liked Constantine and Bo and Daughtry - but I like that switching over to the girls' camp this year.

Melinda - Song of the night. Performance of the night. I cried. I cried and I won't lie about it. I loved her song (you have to remember that I grew up without any secular music, so 97% of songs are new to me), I loved her attitude, I loved her humble spirit, I loved her confidence, and I loved it that she's as OCD as I am. AND I love it that she renamed it "equal opportunity." I was so happy for her that I absolutely cried.

So my vote for GO HOME is Antonella and Haley. I hope we don't lose any of the rest.

It Might be the Girls' Year

Wow. Rough night for the guys of Idol. I got a phone call near the end, so the last three performances did not get my best attention (or maybe even my worst since my opinions that I formed while talking seemed to contradict everything the judges said).

Here's my thoughts -

Blake - I hated his outfit, particularly the pants, but I thought he was creative with his song. It got better for me as he went along.

Sanjaya - I think I could have handled his song a bit better, had it not been prefaced with the hula visual. I also hate it that he has better hair than I do. :) I still think he sounds like he's in high school - which I realize he is. Unfortunately for him, he's the only one IN high school, so it's a very obvious separation of talent.

Sundance - He must have trimmed that facial hair in some way because this is the first night it was not distracting to me. Tonight I actually thought he was really nice-looking and his eyes are especially nice. He is NOT Daughtry or Bo Bice - I thought he should leave the mic stand on the floor and not scream.

Chris R. - I thought he sang a litle rough, but I thought he did a superb job of song choice. Girls are gonna love him!!! He's a cutie. And I did too want to know how he lost the weight, Simon!

Jared - This is the first week that I've really liked everything about him - and go figure, the judges didn't. He's a classy, clean cut guy. Last week I didn't really care if he made it into the top, but this week it might not be so bad if he did!

Brandon - He was better than last week, I thought, and it looked like a fun song. This would be where I got the phone call, so I didn't really get enough of the song to make a full analysis.

Phil - I heard his falsetto and I really liked it. Apparently none of the judges cared for him. Maybe I can't multi-task as well as I thought.

Chris S. - CLEARLY I didn't hear that one well because as I was writing down on my paper "Best of the Night" the judges were giving him a "This was bad, dawg." Maybe I just want him to go on because I really do like him.

Having said all of that, I think Sanjaya should go home, hands down (even though I think he's a great kid) and my second "go home" pick is a toss-up between Brandon and Jared. Furthermore - I still think it's a girl's year. None of the guys are in the league of 4-5 of the girls.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

I am not smarter than a fifth grader. Did anyone else watch that new show this week? I stayed tuned after American Idol just to see how smart I really am. After three nights of questions, I have no idea how I made it this far in adulthood. Clearly I am a stupid woman.

And yet, the show truly proves the point that I tried to make time and time again during school – Why do I need to know this stuff? It won’t ever matter!! Teachers assured me that it would, in fact, matter at some point in my life. I think this week’s quiz alongside some ultra-cute, ultra-personality-laden ten year olds was the first time such knowledge was ever needed.

So I submit to you the following things that make me boldly say, “I am not smarter than a fifth grader,” along with my statements of why that is a-ok with me!

* I guessed right that Columbus Day is in October – only because my Dad’s birthday is somewhere around Columbus Day. In the real world, though, Columbus Day is not a paid work holiday, so why do I need to know when it falls?

* On a total whim, I guessed that polar bears do not feed on penguins. How was I supposed to know that they live on opposite ends of the planet? Hasn’t anyone watched Lost? Polar bears live just about anywhere they want to, whether or not it makes sense.

* If a triangle has an area of 16 square inches and a base of 8 inches, how high are the sides? Well it isn’t 8 inches, I can tell you that. Turns out, it’s 4. About all I know of triangles is that they make the shape of a yield sign on the road – now that is actual useful information – especially if there’s a car coming!

* Red + yellow = orange. I knew that. Brick red + peach - primer = pink. Learned that one the hard way. Also learned that two shades of reddish brown faux-painted over said pink makes a great shade of terra cotta.

* Did you know the sun is a star? It is, and it’s the closest star to earth. I knew that one too, but more importantly, I’d like to know where the sun is these days. I have some snow that needs to melt.

* The lady on the show did not know that Canada’s border with the U.S. is longer than Mexico’s border with the U.S. Apparently the longer border does not speak louder than the trouble-laden border. Another point scored for the squeaky wheel.

* After much thought, I correctly guessed that there are 200 decades in two millennia. Given that my own life span is closer to two decades than two hundred, this hasn’t really mattered to me yet. Two decades can, however, feel like two hundred. Or two millennia for that matter.

* I must admit that I, the writing major, incorrectly answered the question, “How many times does the letter E appear in Pledge of Allegiance?” I guessed five. Turns out allegiance is not spelled allegience. Apparently it does not matter that I actually know the pledge and learned in Girls’ State how to properly position my hand over my heart while reciting the pledge. Probably doesn’t matter that I also know three verses to the Star Spangled Banner.

* The Big Dipper is not in the constellation Orion, but rather in Ursa Major. I didn’t know about Ursa Major. I know that Ursula was a big bad sea villain in The Little Mermaid. Guess that doesn’t matter.

* I did not know that there are 15 teaspoons in 5 tablespoons. I guessed 10. But hey, I can make a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies, proving I know how to actually use teaspoons and tablespoons. Isn’t that all that counts?

* Do you know what element on the periodic table is symbolized with NA? No, I sure didn’t. I passed Chemistry by the grace of God and Mr. McBride. I haven’t looked at a periodic table since. All I know is that sodium is bad for you. Doesn’t keep me from enjoying it.

* I correctly guessed that the largest species of bear is the polar bear. See? That first season of Lost is helping!

So I’m not smarter than a fifth grader. Shoot, on the third night, I wasn’t even smarter than a first grader.

Know what that proves?

All you really need to know, you learned in Kindergarten.

And My Thoughts on the Girls' Night

I forgot my notes at home - yes, I actually make notes. I have inherited my mother's short short-term memory, so if I don't write it down, I forget it. But we're down for the count here at work again, so I thought I'd take advantage of the moment to post my thoughts - at least as much as I can remember:

* Alaina - I've never been crazy about her and I'm still not crazy about her. I thought she did better this week than last, but she's not nearly in the league of some of the others.

* Antonella - My opnion from Alainia carries over to her. If the two of them went home this week, that would be absolutely fine with me. I'm not crazy about their personality or their talent.

* Gina - I still struggle with her. I thought she did a good job last night, but she's still a little bit too full of herself for my tastes.

* Hayley - I think she is beautiful, I think she and her fiance make a terrific looking couple, and I think she has good talent. I also think she did a great job of taking the criticism they gave her last week and implementing it. Where she lost me was in the critique this week. I am trying to give her the benefit of the doubt that she cried because she was emotional over the dedication and disappointment in their comments. But to me it came across as flippant before the tears and she lost all my vote (as if I vote!) there.

* Jordin - She is just as cute as she can be, and I have such a hard time remembering how young she is. Unlike Sanjaya, I think she can contend with the largely mature crowd. She fits right in with people 8-10 years her senior. I hope she stays.

* Lakisha - She is amazing and better not be one of those that gets out early because people forgot to vote for her. I was VERY happy that Simon left her weight alone.

* Leslie - MUCH better than last week. She got my vote for most improved. She's still not as good as many of the others, but she did a lot better.

* Melinda - I agree 100% with the judges. Her humble attitude is going to take her as far as her voice. She is amazing. She and Lakisha are my top two favorites.

* Sabrina - Great closing to the show. I thought she did great despite a couple of weak notes. She's powerful.

* Stephanie - I loved her sassy hair and her sassy song. I do think she was better last week, but she was still REALLY good.

Nice Improvement, Guys

I was relieved to see there was at least a MEASURE of talent among the Idol guys last night. Here's my quick list of how I felt about the performances:

* Phil - I didn't think he did as good a job as he did last week, but the fact that he's my pick for the best looking guy overrode that.

* Jared - I really did not like his song, but he was really funny after the song - talking to Simon about the Love Boat. That saved it for me.

* AJ- I don't even remember what he sang, and it was just whatever for me.

* Sanjaya - I was cringing all the way through. I like Sanjaya and I think he's cute, but it really was like a bad high school musical/show choir/talent show for me. I was glad Randy thought so too - I didn't feel so crazy.

* Chris Sligh - He's MARRIED?? That was my surprise of the night. I've not looked to see if the contestants have complete profiles on the website - and if there's one out there, maybe it says he's married. But I had no idea he had a wife! Wear a ring, boy!! Good song - what I heard of it after being so surprised about the marriage thing.

* Nick - SAPPY. He did a good job - and I actually sort of knew that song - but he still isn't my favorite.

* Blake - my favorite of the night. Good job - loved the beatboxing making an appearance - loved it! Fortunately I didn't know the original version, so I can't say that he was a copycat.

* Brandon - He was on my top three last week but this week he was more in AJ's league in my book.

* Chris R - HATED that song. I thought he sounded like he was rushing to get in all the words, I couldn't understand him, and I thought it was awful all the way around. And then the judges gave him the performance of the night vote. Go figure.

* Sundance - I had SO wanted him to go home last week but I liked him a small bit this week. Maybe the baby sob story won me over.

That's my thought! Phats? Christina? Others?

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Yesterday I bought a 1081 page keyboard. Yes, you read that right. J I ventured away from home (on my day of rest and writing) just long enough to purchase a new keyboard. It had occurred to me that the one my friend Jim loaned me a few weeks ago is still sitting here in use – and it’s just a loaner keyboard. The goal is for me to purchase a new one of my own.

So I made my way to Staples, but no one seemed super interested in helping, and I couldn’t find anything that really looked inexpensive enough, so I left and went to the bookstore instead. I was sucked into the $4.99 sale. Why does that always happen to me? I’m such a sucker for books. I called Mom on the way home to tell her that I was returning home keyboardless (sorry, Jim…I promise to get yours back to you soon!) but with a sack full of new books. She asked what books I bought, and I said, “Oh, I don’t know. Ones that were on sale.” That should have clued me in right there…an unnecessary purchase!

Oh but it’s been so long since I bought a new book…or a new anything that wasn’t really urgent. The post-Christmas/extra-heat months are always the ones filled with minimal shopping. But in my defense, let me just say that between the sale and a few dollars left on a gift card, my out of pocket expense for said purchase was only $21.32. That’s really good for six books!

So last night, after the laundry, the cleaning, the cooking dinner, the writing, the batch of cookies, and the near-death-inducing elliptical workout, I snuggled down in bed, extra fleece piled high, to read a chapter in one of the books and watch as much of Sarah, Plain and Tall as I could stay awake to see. (Such is a day in Bekahland.)

I’ve been told by multiple people during this past week that I’ve been quiet. That usually worries people – because I am a bit of a motor mouth. I received several concern-laden “Are you okay?” conversation-starters this week. And yes, I am fine. I just have a lot on my mind. If I understood it…if I knew where it was leading…if I could follow the path…I would explain it. But I don’t understand or know right now. I just know God is moving and doing something and if I talk too much, I might miss an important piece of the puzzle. So I’m practicing the “Be still and know that I am God” part.

So last night, when I got to the end of chapter one in Lisa Bevere’s book, Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry, I found this tucked into the end of her prayer for her readers. “Let the issues that need to be put to rest be ultimately put to rest. Dispel my fears and draw me under the safety of Your wings. Open my heart and tell me Your stories so I can know and understand Your purpose.”

Her chapter had been titled “God’s Bedtime Story,” and I really liked the vision that brought to my mind. I remember the days when I was little and my Dad used to come into my room when I was about to fall asleep. Rather than reading me a story from a book, he’d sit beside my bed and tell me Bible stories. That’s where I got my start in having a fighting chance to win a round of Bible trivia. By the time he was done telling me the stories, I was ready for sleep. I was done being energized, I was done fidgeting, I was done arguing with the call to rest.

Even though I don’t know what God is doing, and I don’t know His timetable, I like the idea of resting with His Voice of peace lulling me to sleep. I like the permission to be quiet before Him and wait for Him to speak. Even last night, as I buried myself under the blankets and left Sarah and Jacob behind on the TV screen to figure out that they were really in love and that Kansas was the place to be, I felt very peaceful. Very ready to be done trying to figure out what God was saying and let Him tell me in His time.

God so nicely melted all the ice we got yesterday so that I could make my way to church, because He had things to say to me there. My friend Julie sang the great song, In the Presence of Jehovah, and I was reminded that troubles vanish…hearts are mended…in the presence of the King. Pastor Brian preached about listening to God’s voice to know when to stay and fight a battle and when to run from the battle, and I was reminded that to hear the Voice, I have to be still.

Even on the way home, my Selah CD rolled around to Be Still My Soul…and even though this particular verse is not in their version, it’s the verse God has planted in my heart so many times this week: Be still my soul – thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past; Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake – all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still my soul – the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

I’m thankful I ended up with Lisa’s book instead of a new keyboard, because I needed to know that God has a story for me, and I needed to be prompted to keep listening. Whatever He has for me is not far away, I don’t think. I want to be prepared when He announces His plan. I want to be rested by His bedtime story, safe in His presence, and listening for His voice.

The End of the Samplings

At last - the end of the pictures from last Sunday's scrapbooking post!

Here is the picture of the day I served as a TP model for a bridal shower. My team was great - jewelry, bouquet, and the whole nine yards!! Too bad we didn't win. :(

This is shortly after the COMPLETELY incoherent conversation I had with Ronnie Booth at the concert. I think the only recognizable word that came out of my mouth was "Picture?" as I wildly pointed to a camera to further communicate my point. He was very gracious...

And then this was the next day - when I had to sit down after shopping and seeing Ronnie out shopping too. This is probably one of the WORST pictures ever taken of me - but it was still funny.

More Scrapbook Samplings - Almost Done!

This is the crawling fruit pizza filling that created quite a disaster the night before my roommate's graduation open house. One of my friends had stopped by to see me while I was making it, so she tried to help - but it didn't cooperate any better for her.

I'll spare you all seven pictures, but this was during the signing of the book-o-papers for my house purchase. I think this may have been when reality officially hit.



This was from the living room painting project. My ceilings are wallpapered (I didn't do it - the person who lived here before me did it) and I was trying to make it look like a tin ceiling. It turned out really great - after it stopped looking so PINK and I was no longer covered in red paint!

This is from the Christmas party when I ruined half the food. I was trying to unwrap my gifts while getting my nose to not look so Rudolphy. :)

New Friends

Well okay they're not new, but they're new to my blog list. I just thought I'd tell you who they were - some of you might know each other. Anyway, these friends of mine are the four newest links at the end of my list.

Angela - was my roommate for three years after college. She (and her cat Igor) lived with Kaegan and me while she worked on continuing her education. You'd think I would have learned to do the same, but I'm still recovering from undergrad - STILL. Anyway, even though she moved out (and has added Mara to her cat family) - she is still a very good friend and a GREAT listener!!!

The Hutchins Family - Marty and I went to college together and Lori and I went to church together. They were married a few years ago (Some of you might remember the story of me falling through the aisle runner at a wedding? That was the Hutchins wedding) and now they have a little boy and another baby on the way. They're moving back to our area after living on the west coast since they were married. I'm excited to have them coming back!

Jenna - was a student worker in my office. You might recognize her from the Focus Twins picture. She's a sweetheart and I miss her so much in the office. I loved it when she came back to sit and chat!!!!

Cathy Hunnicutt - worked in my office when I was still a student worker myself. When she left, I ended up with her job. She was a great friend and encourager and is now battling breast cancer. Her blog is an update on her journey - and I know she would appreciate any extra prayers!!!

Scrapbook Sampling #4

HERE is the wax disaster. The pile on top of the buffet are all the napkins and paper towels we'd used to wipe up the initial spill. You can see all the wax on the front of the buffet - even in the handles. And of course, the infamous wax puddle on the floor.

Because I don't want him to hate me, I've cropped the guy out - but this was the sweater that ended up looking like underwear. I PROMISE IT'S REALLY A SWEATER!!!!