American Idol does Atlanta

OK, more of the same on night number two, this time in Atlanta. I like Mary J. Blige and have a lot of respect for her comments. She took some undeserved grief from a not very good singer. I hope when he saw the playback he realized what an absolute Jack Donkey he was.
Names to remember? Vanessa, Jermaine, Malorie and of course cop Brian. Being a poor country girl is going to go a long way in the sympathy vote, but I hope she polishes her vocals a little... I found her a little breathy. Jermaine, the church singer is going to make it a long way as long as he doesn't fall flat in Hollywood. Hope he gets a really good group, he is my favorite so far. (no, it's not just the church thing) Brian, the police officer was really good, but as Randy said the voice didn't match the look, so really, I hopes he changes his look a little bit. His persona reminds me a little of Clay Aiken. There were some other singers that made it that didn't get highlighted much. Isn't this fun?
Later,

American Idol Year Nine

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding American Idol. First Chris wins over Adam, then Paula Abdul leaves and then Ellen DeGeneres is signed to "take her place". Now the final straw is "this is Simon's last year". Sorry, people, my prediction is this will be Idol's last year. With Simon's new show the X factor being brought to the U.S. I really doubt that Idol can compete, but we will see won't we?
My first impression from last night which was Boston auditions is more of the same. There are always some really horrible singers... how do they get through to the judges? There were some sweet stories that will probably be recapped again. Maddie, who has brother's with Down Syndrome. Cute girl, good story and she is on my list to watch. The other story that was touching was Justin, who had cancer and is now cancer free. The few names I gleaned from good singers were: Maddie, Justin, Bosa, Leah, Katie and Tyler. We will see as the season progresses... I'll keep you posted.
Later,

Thanksgiving!

I love Thanksgiving! My family always had turkey with all the fixings and it was a time when family gathered for the meal and usually for the day. Many holidays were spent with family and friends that were like family. I remember the turkey was always good except when my mom decided to make "turkey roll" or in my explanation "paper turkey".
In the past few years, we have a meal here or go out. I have enjoyed watching the posts on face book to see the varied selections of food and activities.
I have thought alot about Thanksgiving 20 years ago. My parents were married in 1939 on Thanksgiving Day. In 1989, we gathered in Enid Oklahoma to celebrate their 50th anniversary with a vow renewable at the church, followed by a reception. We had a great time!
I didn't know it until the first part of December, but I was pregnant that Thanksgiving. We had 2 boys and I really wanted a daughter. I found out I was pregnant the first part of December, Laci was born July 18, 1990. It doesn't seem like 20 years ago. Sometimes it seems longer, sometimes just yesterday. I have tried to remember the Thanksgiving in 1990, but I honestly don't remember anything about it. Where we went, what we did, completely draws a blank. I'm sure we celebrated, but not really sure about any details.
Laci died in January 9f 1991. I would consider this one of the worst things I have experienced.
So, flash forward 20 years later. I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving. We are having friends and family to our home and I have a feeling it's gonna be a great day!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Having the Flu

The worst thing about being sick is well, being sick. I started a dry, tickle in the throat cough on Friday. The next day I was coughing consistently every 4 or 5 minutes. It was really just annoying, but I was getting tired coughing. By Sunday morning, I was ready to plan my funeral. I ached from top to toes. My fingers hurt to bend them. I was coughing about every 30 seconds with gasps of breath in between and my throat felt like it was on fire. The only time I wasn't coughing or suffering from a sore throat was when I was swallowing water or eating. I overstuffed and became waterlogged. So, Tuesday was my regular doctor's visit for diabetes, but I morphed it into "I'm sick!". Well, after the flu test, which is quite unpleasant. They stick a long q-tip up both nostrils and try to scrape brain matter onto it for a good sample. Not really, but it felt like that was what the doctor was trying to do. The test came back positive for influenza B. Guess I don't need that flu shot I was going to get. Now, I'm waiting to hear if I have H1N1 or "swine" flu. At this point, it doesn't really matter. They give you tamiflu for both strains. I checked the Internet and I have all the symptoms of H1N1, but those are the same symptoms as Influenza B.
I packed up all my nesting items and am cocooned in an upstairs bedroom. I am supposed to stay away from people for 10 days. That's apparently how long I will be contagious. So, I am doing homework, sleeping off and on and moaning a lot. Feeling achy all over like when you have the flu, (DUH) is making this break from hectic activities really lame. That's why I said the worse thing about being sick is "being sick".
I am fortunate that my husband is a very capable cook so Kady won't starve. My appetite is minimal since it's hard to swallow. Good thing I like soup. I also didn't know that daytime TV was so boring. Good thing the new fall season just started so I can watch something in the evening.
I'm just really glad that I take classes online, face book and write this. Otherwise, I would be going out of my mind! Oh well, this too shall pass. I guess next year I should take my flu shot in August. I'll put that on my calendar.
Later.

So I had a bad day

One of my favorite songs is Daniel Powder's (sp) Bad Day. Well, yesterday, I had such a bad day I was ready to just sit down and cry.
For openers, Kady has had trouble sleeping at night and yet again, she didn't sleep well the night before. Then, I happened to stumble on a blog that confirmed one of my really good friends had basically been lying to me about everything and everyone in their entire life. What a bummer! What I took for truth, was really a set of circumstances so far removed from reality that I wondered once again, "Why do I trust anybody?" Don't people know with the internet that the truth is always revealed? I mean, really people!
Then, after a rushed doctor's appointment, Kady and I went to Walmart. Me, responsible mom, left my purse in the cart in the parking lot. I didn't even realize it until about 2 hours after we left Walmart. Thank God! And, I really mean that, when I returned to Walmart Customer Service, my bag, and everything, was all intact and ok. I never carry cash, and I had a lot of cash in my bag. ALL THERE! It was really a God thing. I have heard through facebook a lot of people with similar experiences, but not such a good ending.
Don't you know I was ready to end my day?
To celebrate, I colored my hair.... really dark to match the dark black tips my nail manicurist had me do this time. Truthfully, it matches my mood.
I think I just need some sun. Not hot weather, just a little peek of light.
Fortunately, all things do come to an end, including bad days.
Here's to another new day and hope it will be better than yesterday!

Values

I'm taking a humanities course through Liberty University online. One of the topics we discussed was our values. Our values our those things that we would die for. It's something I have thought and discussed before with my friends, but I really enjoyed the idea that I would hear some feedback from those in different areas of the United States.
There wasn't really any earth shattering news to report. Most people agree that your values change as you grow older and as you grow in the Lord.
When we are young, we value what is on our level. I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian home where my parents taught and lived good moral Christian values. I thank God that I wasn't abused or neglected as some children are today. We were poor, but I didn't even know that until I was in my 30's. We had plenty to eat and a roof over our head. We never went hungry and always had a roof over our head. For that, I am truly grateful.
As we get older, our values change. I would like to believe that our values get more refined. We have life experience so we know and learn what is really important. Hopefully, we have and will train our children with the same strong, good values that we were raised with. I believe we have.
Our oldest son is an officer in the Army and he has gone to Iraq two times. Our second son was in the Army and went to Kosovo. He is now a firefighter and is training to be an EMT. Our next son is a financial manager for an IT corporation. The next son is a marketing representative and mascot for San Antonio Spurs. Our youngest son will be a senior in high school and has plans to attend college because he wants to be a police officer. Our daughter is 10, and has lots of plans for the future. But right now she volunteers at church in the nursery and at her dance studio with younger classes.
I think we are going in the right direction. That's important isn't it?

God, do we make you proud?

If you are on face book, then you know that my youngest daughter Kady is dancing in a recital tonight. Last night at dress rehearsal, from 5 to 10pm, I made an observation. There is about 150 girls that dance this year. There are little girls that haven't been walking very long all the way up to the teachers dancing. I have noticed it before, but never quite so obvious, that each parent believes their child is the "BEST" dancer ever. Of course, I think that about Kady too! Some girls, immediately look to their parent(s) to see if they are doing well, or not.
So, my thought was... as we go through our day. Sometimes stressful, sometimes not, God looks at us and loves us as if we were "only" children. Kady isn't an "only" child, but because she is so much younger than her older siblings, she is raised pretty close to that stigma.
Some days our "performance" may not be that great. We might slip and fall (tap shoes are slippery.) Our hair bows may fall out, our shoe might fall off, and we might forget all the right moves. But, because we want our Father to be pleased, we are striving to make Him proud. Or are we?
Whatever we do, in word or deed, may we only do what pleases Him and brings glory to His name.

SLEEP

SLEEPING IN

I love to sleep. If I believed in reincarnation (I don't) I think either I was a cat or would come back a cat. Cats sleep 20 out of 24 hours. But since I don't believe that way, its just a weird thought I guess.
I get up early when the sun beams in, or when someone is loud in the morning and wakes me up. Since I'm actually somewhat an insomniac, when I sleep, I sleep hard, when I wake, I'm up!
I remember sharing with a friend how much I had been sleeping. She had a newborn at the time, so sleep was elusive. She said telling her how much I was sleeping was like counting all your money in front of a poor person. She was right. I remember the newborn days.
My oldest son is adopted. I brought him home at 3 days. I was anxious once I heard about him being born, so I didn't sleep for two nights, wondering and thinking and planning for this baby boy. I was in for an incredible shock. I lost two nights sleep, so day three when we brought him home, that night.... he was awake every 2 hours to eat. I could not remember anyone ever telling me that babies don't sleep at least 8 hours at night. Thank God for naps! By the time he was 3 months old, he slept 8 hours straight. That was heaven!
In Psalm 3:5, 6 David says, "I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side." Sleep doesn't come easily during a crisis. David could have had sleepless nights when his son Absalom rebelled and gathered an army to kill him. But, he slept peacefully, even during the rebellion. What made the difference? David cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him. (See Psalm 3:1,ff) The assurance of answered prayer and divine protection brings peace. It's easier to sleep well when we have the conviction that God is in control of circumstances. If you are lying at night worrying about circumstances you can't change (or you can, but don't know how) pour out your heart to God, and thank him that He is in control. Sleep will come.
Jesus slept in a rocking boat during a violent, loud storm. He knew who was in control. Sometimes God calms the storm outside, and sometimes God calms the storm within us.
Let Him do both.... Sweet dreams!

I know a little overdue... but

Unless you live under a rock you know that Kris Allen won American Idol. I was pleased and actually posted him singing "God in this city" on face book. Sure, Adam was a better singer, only better vocally. I think I got really tired of everything he did had to be different. Sometimes a song just needs to be sung.(period)
Its interesting how all the hype is still going on about Adam "not winning." Recheck last blog entry.... I actually thought that Kris might win. I understand Danny Gokey blogs and predicted Kris winning for the same reason I suggested.
The top 10 were on two nights "Larry King live" with Ryan Secrest as the host instead of Larry King. Ryan was really good, and much better eye candy than the aged King. I like him because he really seems like the boy next door.
I gotta repeat though... I was really disappointed about "the song." It wasn't the words for me, it was the "theatricalness" of the tune. It seems like it was so much like Miley Cyrus' song that it was too familiar.
Adam was also on TMZ and apparently some posers have been tweeting and blogging in his name. So, don't assume anything you see in print is truly from Adam or Kris unless it is a reputable source. You can always check your source through www.snopes.com to see if its true.
I have to admit I will miss American Idol in the weeks ahead until it starts all over again in January. If I hear when an AI finalist cd will be released, I'll try to post it.

American Idol....Adam vs. Kris

At the end of last week, they did a coin toss and Kris won. He chose to go second, which makes sense.
Adam is an awesome singer. I liked both of his first two songs. He also looked really hot in his "silver" suit. I liked both of Kris' first two songs too.
I mentioned on my facebook status that the song Kara co-wrote sounds a lot like Miley Cyrus' song "The Climb". Did anyone else notice the similarity between that and their song? She actually sang it on American Idol a few weeks ago.
Tomorrow night's show is bound to be an awesome show. I don't really have a prediction for who I think will win because a lot of it has to do with more than just their singing ability. I did read though that Kris may win because most of Danny's fans will vote for Kris and I know there was only 1 million votes separating the top two last week. That means, even if Kris was second last week, he has the potential to win.
I still stand by the premise that both Adam and Kris will be making albums. I think they both know this now too. I also believe Danny Gokey will be recording soon too. Also, Allison will be picked up by someone soon too I believe. Keep your ears open and let me know if you hear when any of the top 4 has a CD released. I want to know. Later.

Bye Bye Danny!

Well, I am disappointed. I didn't want Danny to leave, but, I can claim neither responsibility or fault. I didn't call to keep anyone. I also know some that were trying to call Danny had trouble getting through, but with over 80 million people voting, the phones were jammed.
I think the worst disappointment for me was missing the last 5 minutes. I had recorded the show, and although I was watching it the same night, it only recorded one hour. I hope that they re-show the last few minutes again. I haven't been able to find it online anywhere. No doubt, the phones are going to go crazy next week. The show should be good. The finales always are really great. You will have to stay tuned for Wednesday because that's when the votes are counted.
Until next time.... Later.

What's going to happen?

After listening to the three sing tonight, I was thinking. (That can be trouble)
I think as a performer, Adam Lambert is almost (I said almost) in another league, as he has been all season. I appreciate his words at the end about appreciating the other two guys, and they were awesome. But, (you knew that was coming) I am thinking perhaps the finale should be between Kris and Danny. Partly, because at this stage, Adam is a performer and will have a career for years to come. He is talented. But, I like good competition and I think a finale between Kris and Danny would be more on a level ground. Don't know if that makes sense to anyone but me, but that's what I decided.
I was thinking about this earlier yesterday about how Adam Lambert has essentially paid his dues. He moved out to California a few years back and has been trying to break into the music field. That being said, he has obviously paid his dues. But, does that necessarily give him an edge?
Actually, from the beginning, American Idol was to discover someone who might not otherwise be discovered because of the nature of the competition. (I watched "Pop Star" too. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the was the pre-show like AI before AI began. They did a girl group "Eden's Crush" and a boy group "O Town". I bought both of the Cd's. No voting, just judges judging. But, they sang behind screens where you could only see their outline. After a few weeks, the winners (4 or 5) started as a group performing without screens. Interesting concept, but you know they make tons more money with callers calling in to vote. The phone company probably loves AI don't you know?
Last year I didn't care which David won, because I liked them both. So, my hope is that Danny wins. I'd like to see the finale be done by Danny and Kris, with Adam leaving tomorrow. But, I think Kris will probably leave tomorrow. I guess if I really "cared" or was at least manic about it, I would vote, but I don't.
We will see tomorrow, won't we? Later.

Bye Bye Allison!

Leaving at this point of the show has to be a little bittersweet. They still will travel on the summer tour for the top 10. I wasn't too surprised that Allison left. I think the three guys just have a bigger fan base. It doesn't mean that she won't be making cds. In facet, having Doughtry on last night was proof of that. Also, I have to admit, I don't care for "No Doubt". I absolutely fast forwarded through their song after the first 30 seconds. I just found their song a little annoying. OK, not a little a LOT! Sorry if you're a fan. I always enjoy when the idols get to choose their own music. It will be fun to see their visits back home too. Until next week on Idol. Later!

Top Four of American Idol

Don't you love it when Adam begins a show? Slash was a little surprising as a "mentor". I know he is a musician, but I didn't think he would care much about a "pop show". This is Adam's genre, so he did no doubt, exactly what everyone thought he would do...an excellent job. I liked Allison's song, and thought she did a great job. I kinda feel for her, she always gets such tough criticism, but she is only 17 people! Can you imagine where she will stand when she is Adam's age. I really liked the duet that Kris & Danny did too, but Simon was catty when he told Danny he sang better. I didn't like the cattiness. It is beneath him as a judge. Kris' song was good, especially if you liked that song, and I do. He is amazing on the guitar isn't he? Gotta say though I didn't like Danny's ending to his song. It was OK for that song, but a little out there. I wish he had stuck to what he knows. It was edgy, like he wanted and good until the "cat screech" at the end. The duet by Adam and Allison was awesome. But, it was kind of predictable. They had a great song, great blend, great outfits, and they should record a duet together. Just guessing... Kris will probably leave tonight. If it's not Kris, it will be Allison. Anyone else would surprise me. I could see the finals being Allison and Adam, except that Danny has a lot of fans. (I am one). We will see!

American Idol Top Five

Kris was great last night. He is one of my favorites, as he voice is always pitch perfect on. I think he may have surprised a few people by the enthusiasm Jamie Fox showed. Allison is always spot on with song choices, so she was predictable, but enjoyable last night. Seems like her voice has improved over the last few weeks. She has more control. I thought Matt did a really good job. I think at this point in the competition, the whole group can see themselves winning. Danny Gokey was good as always, and I'm glad he showed his range more this week. That boy can sing! Adam was perfect as always. He is such a drama king though isn't he? I loved the way he walked down the stairs. His song and all his notes were flawless. He is so perfect, I am so impressed that week after week, he continues to surprise and perfect his vocals. I'm looking forward to this week when Taylor Hicks will be back to sing. Its his genre. I think that Matt will probably leave this week. At this stage of the game, I love them all, but I know someone has to leave. I'm not sure why Simon thinks Allison will leave, because I believe she has a good following. We will see later, won't we?

Late... but comments about American Idol this week

I intentionally haven’t been on-line until I could watch recorded American Idol this week. (That’s ok, didn’t have time either)
PART 1 OK, now is the week for Lil to go home. I’ve said this repeatedly, but who is listening to the judges for real? Her song was so all over the place. She is no American Idol winner.
Kris’ version of “She works hard for the money” was amazing. Paula’s comment of it being like Santana was a hot compliment! Wow! I would buy that single.
Danny Gokey is still one of my favorites. Even though he can really sing, I am not a fan of the song he sang. He is still so entertaining, even though he was singing a not so great song…. He was fabulous!
Allison’s rendition of her “disco” song was really well done. But, I would have liked to hear her sing something a little more up-beat. Doesn’t she have amazing vocals?
Adam Lambert is so above the rest. His voice is so perfect. I would buy him singing the phone book, or my grocery list. He took such a risk and I loved it! I also really like his humbleness. He has never been catty or egotistical. I love it!
Matt is so much fun to watch performing. He took a really well known song and made it kind of bluesy and hip. I think he will be around the entertaining world awhile, even if he leaves American Idol before the final. His talent is similar to Justin Timberlake in that I believe he is not just a one hit wonder. I knew that Simon wouldn’t like his song. I think he might have a different opinion if he was female.
Anoop sang a rendition of disco that I couldn’t really even recognize when he started. That was really a risk and I hope it works for him. It was to say the least, original. He is going to be a popular “pop” singer. If he stays in the genre, I think he will sell, sell, sell. He can really hit those notes too. Ballads are great for him, I agree with Kara.
My prediction is Lil and Anoop will leave. Anyone else leaving will surprise me. Will the judges wish they had saved their save? Stay tuned for Part 2
(I’m going to post these together, even though I watched the Tuesday night show first before writing above, and then watched Wednesday and wrote the following.)
Part 2 Paula is still an amazing dance choreographer! What a talent! The seven did a great job of dancing, although you could tell they were lip singing. Finally, Lil leaves! It didn’t make me sad except that we had to listen to her sing one more time. I admit I fast forwarded through her song. The medley of disco songs was interesting… songs were recognizable but the singers were not.
David Archuletta was awesome as always. He is such a sunny voice to hear. I love his upbeatedness! (new word for the day)
I was right on about who was leaving. But I know that Allison being in the bottom three was pretty hard for her. When it gets down to the final few, someone good leaves. Anoop has such class, and has demonstrated that throughout this competition. He is a true gentleman.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the season. Bring it on!

Judges save Matt!

I am so confused! What is wrong with America's vote? If someone can explain why Lil is still not in the bottom, I would really appreciate it. I knew when Lil was not in the bottom that the Judges would have to save Matt. He was better than she was period. I am seriously doubting what people are thinking about when they vote...proving Simon wrong? So the good news is, Matt is saved. The bad news is two fold: Next week two people leave, and the genre of music will be disco. I don't think its completely bad news, there are some good songs from disco, which is my era. But, there is a bunch of bad songs to choose from too. If Lil doesn't leave next week, there definitely needs to be a re-count. Logically, Matt and Lil leave next week but, American Idol defies logic.

American Idol does songs from movies

Allison starts off the show with one of the best movie songs! She has really stepped it up and seems to be in it to win it! She has such a recognizable voice that I am looking forward to her first cd release. Anoop did a better job this week than he had been doing. He may not win American Idol, but I believe he has a good career ahead of him. Adam was amazing as always. He and Allison are just in a league of their own, aren't they? Matt did a good job on the piano with his song, but I would have preferred he sing something else. Danny Gokey chose such an emotional song and sang it well, but I think he got caught up in choosing a song he liked instead of a song he should sing. That is two different things. I'm sure its easy to over analyze song choice when its down to the last few. Randy was so far off with Kris' song. What was that about? I totally agreed with Kara that he did an amazing job. So the song was obscure? I was glad for that, it makes it interesting to hear a song not so popular. I almost feel asleep when Lil sang this week. She really looked good, but her song was abysmal. I like gospel, but I didn't feel like she really measured up to the other six singers. Anyone leaving besides Lil will really make me question the voters. More later after the results.

Good-bye Scott

I really liked Scott and his final performance was one of the songs I really liked him singing. I had to wonder if his ego wasn't kind of topping out. I know in the "heat of the moment" you can say things you might filter out if you had a chance. But, I didn't really like it with the attitude. I was right on about Lil being in the bottom three. I think that the judges might actually save her. They only have 2 more chances to use their veto, so we will see if that happens. Remember its just a one week reprieve. After they use the veto, the following week two people will leave.
The entertainment for the show was different. I wasn't familiar with Flo Rida and I'm not a fan of rap, but the song was entertaining and the dancers were really awesome. I'm a Kelly Pickler fan, but I didn't like her performance. She looks like she lost weight and her dress and shoes were adorable. I almost felt like her song was a little "off".
Can't wait for next week.