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!!!!

American Idol: My Picks for the Girls Night

I have to say that I was relieved to hear those girls sing last night. Renewed my hope in the season! My picks for the guys yesterday were more picks of what was best among what I had to work with. Last night my picks were for actual TALENT because I finally saw some!!!

Stephanie Edwards won my vote first off. WOW that girl can sing! What a way to open the night! I was super impressed (and in pain) with her ability to slam down onto her knees like that in heels and a skirt! And then she got back up with so much grace! You go, girl! I like her. She's spunky and sassy and she can sing.

And then I really liked Sabrina Sloan. Thought there for a minute it might be the night of the S's for me. She was excellent. I really enjoyed watching her have fun out there. I used to be leery of people who came in as professional singers - I'm not sure if I thought they had too much experience or if I thought since they were already singers, they should leave Idol to those who didn't have a chance otherwise or what, but by last night I was just so desperate for real talent, I was happy to see Sabrina!

I've been a fan of Melinda Doolittle since auditions becuase she was SO GOOD without being SO ARROGANT. I loved her last night. After her comment about how far it truly is from the background mic to the main mic, I thought she owned it nicely. And yet she was so grateful for the feedback! I really like her. She's a nice girl with a great voice and she deserves to go far.

And rounding out my top four (yes four today!) is Lakisha Jones. That girl rocked! I wasn't sure I'd like her singing a Jennifer Hudson song because I can't stand Jennifer Hudson (I respect her talent but always found her to be very full of herself during her Idol season). Then I remembered I've never heard Jennifer sing the song, so who cares whose song it is? You go, Lakisha!

My surprise of the night was Gina Glocksen. She was the sole contestant I had an opinion about before the start of the 24. And it's not a favorable opinion. She's struck me as someone who feels she's owed another chance, when I think she should be grateful for it. (That may not be the case at all - it's just how she comes across to me.) Because of that, I was prepared to write her off last night, but she did a good job! She might win me yet.

WHAT IS UP WITH RYAN AND SIMON? I thought they'd calmed down until Simon accused Ryan of wanting a date with whatever girl that was (I wasn't impressed with her song, so I don't remember who she was.) Good for him for saying that didn't deserve a response, but WOW the claws are out between those two this year!!!

And finally - I agreed with Simon (as I often do...just don't like to say it) that the dog walker seemed out of her element - like she was trying too hard. OH! And Hayley Scarnato did sound old with her song. I like that song very much but she sounded like a beauty pageant contestant - too much vibrato and not enough spunk. When Celine spunks a song, you can't unspunk it and expect it to sound the same.

So there - Phats, I'll go see what you thought now!! Christina?? Any thoughts this week?

Scrapbook Sampling #3

Here is the kissing the frog picture. Could my nose look any bigger? Not sure. Anyway, Skyepuppy - here's the tiara you asked about! To explain the background...this was a work party, held in a spare office. We had these giant sticky notes on the walls with our brainstorming of how to have a better office flow. One of my co-workers is pointing to the line that says "more marriage counseling." How appropriate.

And here is my "hole in ten" pic. I am SO not a good mini-golfer. Everyone else got a hole in one with a celebratory picture. This is me: combo of mourning my lack of a hole in one and also experiencing pure dread for the go-cart racing they were about to make me do.

My American Idol Picks for the Guys' Night

This is the first season I've NOT had strong feelings for or against constestants before the top 24 were selected. Going into last night, my main pick was Chris Sligh - the guy with the Jack Osbourne hair. I like him because he's very funny AND he can sing. I didn't think he was the best singer, but I loved his personality so much that he was my pick. He didn't make my top 3 for last night, but I thought he did a good job and he handled Simon's rather rude Teletubby comment with much dignity.

Last night my top three pics were as follows:

Brandon Rogers - he could have sung the phone book off key and I wouldn't have cared. Did anyone see those EYES?? He's going to be the Ace Young/Constantine Maroulis of this season when it comes to working the camera with the eyes.

Blake Lewis - I didn't like him at all in the auditions because of the beatboxing thing but he has really grown on me since, and I thought he did a great job last night of showing he can do something BESIDES that. However, I agreed with the judges - that is his thing and he should work it in every week in some way.

Phil Stacey - I was NOT a fan of him initially because he missed his baby's birth to audition and I thought that was a misplaced priority. But he's gotten much cuter since the first audition and I think he's a little less flippant than I first thought. And he was a GREAT end to last night's lineup.

My two least favorite were Sundance (just painful all around) and Sanjaya (which made me sad because I thought he was amazing in auditions).

I'm interested to see who wins me over and who makes me mad in the girls' round tonight!

Scrapbook Sampling #2

I know this doesn't do full justice to the Pippi Longstocking pigtails, but it did best capture the whole jammie outfit - complete with princess socks and teddy bear slippers. This party happened in the winter...can I tell you how nervous I was to drive across town on snow and ice in my jammies with this hair? I could only imagine explaining to the paramedics...

And this was the matching Focus adventure. Skyepuppy - have we persuaded you now that the Focus is the coolest way to go??? And do you like how we wore shirts the opposite color of our cars? We didn't even plan that part! More proof that great minds think alike...

Scrapbook Sampling #1

I thought I would allow you to see some of the pictures I mentioned in Sunday's scrapbook ranting. The first one here is of the "I ordered medium, not well done" comment written on my leg. It's kind of fuzzy - sorry. And all the weird things in the corners are other pictures overlapping on the page.

And this is the picture of me (fresh from a highlight - hence the undone hair) in my day of looking like David Phelps. I'm not sure if it was the blue shirt that made me decide we were twins or what...