Wed - March 1, 2006
Fast Forward Spring
Number 1 Pet Peeve: When it takes someone 1
and 1/2 hours to say what could have been said in 20 minutes. MAX
Another thing that makes me mad: When my kids go to Disneyland without me.
Another thing that makes me mad: When my kids go to Disneyland without me.
Posted at 05:21 PM
Thu - March 2, 2006
Good Grief
Now
listening:
Can't Wait:
This album to load onto my iPod
Pics from CA spring beak
Birthday celebrations in Chicago
Spring
Spring weather
Finishing the book
Intel chip in the iBook's
My own iBook
March Madness
Can't Wait:
This album to load onto my iPod
Pics from CA spring beak
Birthday celebrations in Chicago
Spring
Spring weather
Finishing the book
Intel chip in the iBook's
My own iBook
March Madness
Posted at 06:51 PM
Fri - March 3, 2006
Wed - March 8, 2006
Little Women
Give the movie a few seconds to load...then click
on the box. Here's some reading material while you wait.
Birds are singing in the morning...it’s a very tiny window of what I will call happy birdom...when the birds herald spring and it’s a sweet song not a heckle that will surely come when you want the windows open but you also want to get a gun and have a little fun so you can go back to sleep until 6am or so.
I wonder when I will be able to listen to my new Alan Jackson album without crying. Probably right around the time I can listen to “O Holy Night” without tears.
It’s quiet this morning, the Little Women party atmosphere of this festive occasion has left the building...doesn’t mean it’s left our hearts. Funny how time gets spent. Those of you that had to miss out can either read between the lines and come to your own conclusions or you can skip this one and just act like it didn’t happen. We know better, and to quote our favorite line from the movie..."That’s bull**** mom."
Chelsea.
I tell you what...I have never seen anyone at your age and wounded spirit past attack life with such single mindedness. While making sure you keep moving forward with all the book learning ,,,you have come into your own with maturity, tenacity, and grace. By the look in your eyes it seems you have resolved to take care of your heart, soul, body and mind. And I for one, can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, sisters...aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Angela.
Wow, what a difference a year makes. You have taken the good with the bad, figured out how to discern the difference and then lately seemed to be softening the edges like it’s your job. You are leading the way to Freygirldom and adamantly dragging along any female relative that is brilliant enough to stop kicking and screaming long enough to enjoy the ride.
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from you heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Ruthie.
In hindsight it might be that you have had the toughest job of all. Middle child, baby girl, older sister to the boys...and then your own boys. You have plowed through making the hard choices and wise decisions. You have taken care of all the businesses...spiritually, physically, socially, and mentally. As of late, it appears you have conquered the last “...ally” with gusto because emotionally you seem to be the happiest just being Wruth! Good for you.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 & 12 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of young women. I know that there is nothing better for you than to be happy and do good while living.
Joy.
Looking around your life it appears you have landed in the garden of peace and contentment. And rightly so that you should arrive first ...seeing as you’re the oldest, and all. Even though you have had a tough row to hoe...you have kept going, figured it out, and then put all your energies into straightening the whole plot out! And now as we walk just a few short steps behind you we are privileged to study your ways and enjoy your blessings, grace, and well...joy!
Psalm 119: 104 & 5 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefor I avoid every wrong turn. Your word is a lamp to me feet and a light for my path.
Jennifer.
What a absolute delight it gives me to call you friend and daughter. You are going to make it through these next few months with grace and charm and some day will look back and fondly tell your own girls to embrace life and do so no matter what... Paris, Chicago. Boyfriend, or not. College or camera! Tackle the task at hand, take some new risks, and before you know it you will be Jennifer Grace Wilke-Schmid. Your name is my name, too!
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait up on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run and not be weary they shall walk, and not faint.
Let’s set a date for another rendezvous and include some more freygirls and/or friends. Hopefully, by then we’ll even be littler women. And speaking of:
Birds are singing in the morning...it’s a very tiny window of what I will call happy birdom...when the birds herald spring and it’s a sweet song not a heckle that will surely come when you want the windows open but you also want to get a gun and have a little fun so you can go back to sleep until 6am or so.
I wonder when I will be able to listen to my new Alan Jackson album without crying. Probably right around the time I can listen to “O Holy Night” without tears.
It’s quiet this morning, the Little Women party atmosphere of this festive occasion has left the building...doesn’t mean it’s left our hearts. Funny how time gets spent. Those of you that had to miss out can either read between the lines and come to your own conclusions or you can skip this one and just act like it didn’t happen. We know better, and to quote our favorite line from the movie..."That’s bull**** mom."
Chelsea.
I tell you what...I have never seen anyone at your age and wounded spirit past attack life with such single mindedness. While making sure you keep moving forward with all the book learning ,,,you have come into your own with maturity, tenacity, and grace. By the look in your eyes it seems you have resolved to take care of your heart, soul, body and mind. And I for one, can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, sisters...aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Angela.
Wow, what a difference a year makes. You have taken the good with the bad, figured out how to discern the difference and then lately seemed to be softening the edges like it’s your job. You are leading the way to Freygirldom and adamantly dragging along any female relative that is brilliant enough to stop kicking and screaming long enough to enjoy the ride.
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from you heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Ruthie.
In hindsight it might be that you have had the toughest job of all. Middle child, baby girl, older sister to the boys...and then your own boys. You have plowed through making the hard choices and wise decisions. You have taken care of all the businesses...spiritually, physically, socially, and mentally. As of late, it appears you have conquered the last “...ally” with gusto because emotionally you seem to be the happiest just being Wruth! Good for you.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 & 12 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of young women. I know that there is nothing better for you than to be happy and do good while living.
Joy.
Looking around your life it appears you have landed in the garden of peace and contentment. And rightly so that you should arrive first ...seeing as you’re the oldest, and all. Even though you have had a tough row to hoe...you have kept going, figured it out, and then put all your energies into straightening the whole plot out! And now as we walk just a few short steps behind you we are privileged to study your ways and enjoy your blessings, grace, and well...joy!
Psalm 119: 104 & 5 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefor I avoid every wrong turn. Your word is a lamp to me feet and a light for my path.
Jennifer.
What a absolute delight it gives me to call you friend and daughter. You are going to make it through these next few months with grace and charm and some day will look back and fondly tell your own girls to embrace life and do so no matter what... Paris, Chicago. Boyfriend, or not. College or camera! Tackle the task at hand, take some new risks, and before you know it you will be Jennifer Grace Wilke-Schmid. Your name is my name, too!
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait up on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run and not be weary they shall walk, and not faint.
Let’s set a date for another rendezvous and include some more freygirls and/or friends. Hopefully, by then we’ll even be littler women. And speaking of:
Posted at 10:30 PM
Sat - March 11, 2006
Belief
I find myself holding back on occasion.
I don’t want to be misinterpreted. I don’t want to offend or scare
anyone. But the fact that the world does not always sit right with me or maybe
I don’t fit right with the world haunts me day and night. Today’s
popular culture and the media have failed miserably in representing me and my
human struggle to believe, my search for answers. I wish desperately to become
a believer in the truest sense of the word. To be like a child that finds the
silkiest edge of their security blanket and satisfactorily rests, knowing that
all is right with themselves and their small world.
If I trusted the ones that claim to have arrived, then I too want to become the overconfident adult that has all of life’s questions answered in 2 or 3 simplistic statements. “There is a God who created everything and loves me individually and eternity will go on forever!” What? Will there come a time when I just cross over to the other side and once and for all accept this, believe?
Or will I forever struggle with my demons? I just don’t know the answers to so many questions. I feel like the father in Saint Mark that cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief!”
I do know I want to.
And I am somewhat consoled by joy along the journey, happy family memories, a heartfelt chat with a friend, laughing, a warm spring day, the starry, starry sky, the edge of the grand canyon, a chance encounter, a love story, a beautiful melody, an act of kindness, or simply a smile.
I just can’t stop the broken record that plays over and over again in my head in a very distinct Lucy Ricardo voice. “Someone’s got some ‘splainin’ to do.”
I guess his ways won’t fully make sense to me until I’ve secured my version of the journey by living it.
If I trusted the ones that claim to have arrived, then I too want to become the overconfident adult that has all of life’s questions answered in 2 or 3 simplistic statements. “There is a God who created everything and loves me individually and eternity will go on forever!” What? Will there come a time when I just cross over to the other side and once and for all accept this, believe?
Or will I forever struggle with my demons? I just don’t know the answers to so many questions. I feel like the father in Saint Mark that cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief!”
I do know I want to.
And I am somewhat consoled by joy along the journey, happy family memories, a heartfelt chat with a friend, laughing, a warm spring day, the starry, starry sky, the edge of the grand canyon, a chance encounter, a love story, a beautiful melody, an act of kindness, or simply a smile.
I just can’t stop the broken record that plays over and over again in my head in a very distinct Lucy Ricardo voice. “Someone’s got some ‘splainin’ to do.”
I guess his ways won’t fully make sense to me until I’ve secured my version of the journey by living it.
Posted at 07:28 PM
Tue - March 14, 2006
The Big Dance
Is this an all boys club or
what?
I'm hurt and offended.
I don't know if I can even face a work day with this kind of humiliation.
I'm thinking discrimination lawsuit.
Duh! It just hit me! The only reason a serious basketball fan, such as myself, would not get an invitation to join the scramdog pool.
They are scared to death of me.
I'm hurt and offended.
I don't know if I can even face a work day with this kind of humiliation.
I'm thinking discrimination lawsuit.
Duh! It just hit me! The only reason a serious basketball fan, such as myself, would not get an invitation to join the scramdog pool.
They are scared to death of me.
Posted at 07:47 AM
Wed - March 15, 2006
Anne Marie
Take away all the ones that are not going to grad school at GVSU!
Congratulations Annie!!!!
Posted at 08:29 PM
Thu - March 16, 2006
Sun - March 19, 2006
Spring Break '06
Take a rest; a field that has rested
gives a bountiful crop. ~ Ovid
If you can believe Ovid, I should accomplish great things this week.
If you can believe Ovid, I should accomplish great things this week.
Lay around, play on iWeb, Grad school, Cornerstone, HD, Red Doors, B-Ball, lay around.
Lay around, Miracle Workers, Do some homework, research, planning, thinking, singing, lay around.
Lay around, game day food, familiar face commercials, get your picks in, happy hour awry, lay around.
Lay around, disguise the lazy family fun during west coast calls, American Idol party, lay around.
Lay around, begrudge your own picks, trash talk, let the games begin, dumb Wahabi rules, lay around.
Lay around, Barnes & Noble, Grand Traverse Pie Company loses over Dirt Pudding, lay around.
Lay around, Hoosiers; top and bottom of the pool, same sweatshirt, different day, lay around.
Posted at 10:11 AM
Mon - March 20, 2006
Welcome Home
I think those words are about the two most
heartfelt, honest, and sincere words in the English language. You know me, I've
got a hankering to travel and a sort of unsatisfied wanderlust, but whenever I
do leave home in the rear view mirror I'm always itching to get back there.
Same goes for the farm. So today I say Welcome Home to the old Young
Americans just because their homecoming is lifting Melissa's spirits,
unbelievably high. (And because I found this cool picture on their web site)!
To Jen and Annie, I say enjoy your home for the next few months. You'll never
be in these circumstances again and you will certainly leave your personality
and stamp on those that have walked this part of the path with you. Ben &
Tony same goes for you guys. I'm proud as I can be that you two share, house,
office, boss(es), and even get-a-way destinations and have only wanted to
eliminate each other while playing video games. To myself: I've been motivated
lately by asking myself this simple question, "What will it matter in the
eternal scheme of things?" And the e-mails, blogs, phone calls, and chats with
friends have gone the distance in challenging me to stay the course. Last week,
Thursday if I'd have gotten the news I had just 72 hours to live, I wonder how
many would have been spent watching basketball. Just a
thought!
"But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13
"But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13
Posted at 03:17 PM
Tue - March 21, 2006
Idol Chit Chat
Taylor:
you make me love you, even in your leisure
suit and white shoes. DO NOT LET THEM TOUCH YOUR
HAIR.
Kelly: My favorite tonight and not just cuz you sang Patsy Cline, but you really sang Patsy Cline.
Mandisa: Soulful, heartfelt, classy, convincing, music to my ears.
Elliott: You sang awesome as always and tonight you said what we've all been thinking. "Not a big fan of Barry's music."
Chris: Gutsy of you to do "Walk The Line" although most probably didn't even recognize it.
Kathryn: Absolutely growing on me, if there is a girl at the end it should be you.
Paris: You can sing and probably don't need this competition You're the real deal.
Ace: Gonna say it straight up...it's all about the looks, even though you don't seem to let it go to your head. Paula...stop acting like you're swinging a lasso when he sings. Don't you have an assistant?
Kevin: You came, you sang, ummmm what did you sing?
Lisa: You're safe, but it wasn't memorable. Stop wearing capri pants. I thought you guys had help.
Bucky: Good-bye
Kelly: My favorite tonight and not just cuz you sang Patsy Cline, but you really sang Patsy Cline.
Mandisa: Soulful, heartfelt, classy, convincing, music to my ears.
Elliott: You sang awesome as always and tonight you said what we've all been thinking. "Not a big fan of Barry's music."
Chris: Gutsy of you to do "Walk The Line" although most probably didn't even recognize it.
Kathryn: Absolutely growing on me, if there is a girl at the end it should be you.
Paris: You can sing and probably don't need this competition You're the real deal.
Ace: Gonna say it straight up...it's all about the looks, even though you don't seem to let it go to your head. Paula...stop acting like you're swinging a lasso when he sings. Don't you have an assistant?
Kevin: You came, you sang, ummmm what did you sing?
Lisa: You're safe, but it wasn't memorable. Stop wearing capri pants. I thought you guys had help.
Bucky: Good-bye
Posted at 10:40 PM
Wed - March 22, 2006
Please Mr. Postman
I thought today would be just another day.
So we're going to build a Senior Living Housing Complex on Grand Haven Road. So far, at this job, I have never really felt like I fit in. And maybe it's just me but I repeatedly let myself feel inferior and I'm always struggling with being creative on a tight budget. Most of my "out of the box" thinking ends up on the cutting room floor or turns mysteriously into someone else's next big thing. So imagine the little dance party going on in the right side of my brain when I discovered that I was going to get to design from the ground up on this project. And it would actually have the "fun" stuff seeing as how it was not going to be an office when complete. Tiny little interior homes with fixtures, cabinets, countertops, hardware, and floorplans There would even be common areas to fill with furniture and window treatments. Can't you just see it all now...some brick, cedar shake, patio columns, overhangs, french doors, balconies, dormers, cupolas, american flags and weather vanes. Spacious interior hallways with lots of light and cozy lanterns hanging over door knockers and copper address numbers. Our own little slice of Cape Cod with a touch of Mackinac Island, practically in my back yard. But today when I went to work I came to the earth shattering conclusion that my job does not define who I am and I am anything but passionate in this position.
We toured 2 or 3 similar elderly facilities as part of the planning process today. I was beyond moved by what I saw and it wasn't in the construction, floor plans or even the color scheme. It was in the people. Older people (well, at least 62 and up). People that had been placed here, probably not of their own accord. People whose children rumaged through their earthly possessions in order to scale down. People who had inevitably strived their whole life to acquire and then came full circle while trying to decide between their dining room table or the lazy boy. I wanted to sit down and talk with each one of them. I'm positive their stories were aching to be told, and I for one was ready to hear them out. One friendly face who was not waiting for Easter to wear her bonnet played hymns on the baby grand piano. I wanted to know if she used to play at church and what was her favorite. In the craft room there were 1/2 dozen doughnut shaped bird feeders ready to be hung outside. Each had a name attached to the red yarn. Homemade welcome banners hung at slight angles on each door. Some were in German and Dutch, (I think). Apostrophes pointed to the lucky couples, and I wanted to hear boring or romantic tales of how they met. Some were lone names and made the yearning greater, sad as it might be. There were tons of tiny flags and armed forces memorabilia in their framed glass shadow boxes that adorned their tiny stoops. I wanted to stop at each one and hear about every detail of these strangers lives. I wanted to thank them if they had served in war, especially Viet Nam. There were family pictures that instantly made me angry if the photo participants chose not to visit or call. There were bulletin boards galore with tons of notes directing traffic from the game room to the solarium for the euchre tournament and calendars announcing Vive a la France tonight in the dining room. I wondered if any of them had ever visited Paris.
Now those of you that know me, know that I can pretty much cry at anything. I still haven't made it through Melissa's rendition of "O Holy Night". Jen played three lines of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" on her little borrowed keyboard and I wept uncontrollably. I'm not ashamed to say that I could not hold back the tears during Ben's "What If" movie when the lonely traveler walked amongst the repetitive Arlington grave markers while searching for the answers to life. (Annie's mom cried, too). I've been pretty blessed and don't even know if I have ever really experienced deep emotional pain and sadness. But today as our tour came to an end, one lonely man leaning on his walker and struggling with his mailbox key, sent wave after wave of the sharpest non physical pain rippling to the very depths of my stomach. He finally got the box open and slowly bent over to look into the empty abyss. Like a bad accident, I could not look away, and my heart screamed, "If there is a God in heaven please let there be some sort of personal letter in that box!!!" I knew there wasn't. He knew there wasn't. But he had to make sure and so he reached his hand in, first part way, then one more wishful reach a little further just to make sure he hadn't missed something the mailman had shoved to the back. Of course, I had to excuse myself from the group and made a flimsy restroom excuse. I'm not sure why I was so affected but I'm positive that scene will play over and over again. What am I to take from it? When will I learn all that I am to know? Where is my journey going to take me next? Who am I suppose to meet along the way?
I thought today would be just another day.
So we're going to build a Senior Living Housing Complex on Grand Haven Road. So far, at this job, I have never really felt like I fit in. And maybe it's just me but I repeatedly let myself feel inferior and I'm always struggling with being creative on a tight budget. Most of my "out of the box" thinking ends up on the cutting room floor or turns mysteriously into someone else's next big thing. So imagine the little dance party going on in the right side of my brain when I discovered that I was going to get to design from the ground up on this project. And it would actually have the "fun" stuff seeing as how it was not going to be an office when complete. Tiny little interior homes with fixtures, cabinets, countertops, hardware, and floorplans There would even be common areas to fill with furniture and window treatments. Can't you just see it all now...some brick, cedar shake, patio columns, overhangs, french doors, balconies, dormers, cupolas, american flags and weather vanes. Spacious interior hallways with lots of light and cozy lanterns hanging over door knockers and copper address numbers. Our own little slice of Cape Cod with a touch of Mackinac Island, practically in my back yard. But today when I went to work I came to the earth shattering conclusion that my job does not define who I am and I am anything but passionate in this position.
We toured 2 or 3 similar elderly facilities as part of the planning process today. I was beyond moved by what I saw and it wasn't in the construction, floor plans or even the color scheme. It was in the people. Older people (well, at least 62 and up). People that had been placed here, probably not of their own accord. People whose children rumaged through their earthly possessions in order to scale down. People who had inevitably strived their whole life to acquire and then came full circle while trying to decide between their dining room table or the lazy boy. I wanted to sit down and talk with each one of them. I'm positive their stories were aching to be told, and I for one was ready to hear them out. One friendly face who was not waiting for Easter to wear her bonnet played hymns on the baby grand piano. I wanted to know if she used to play at church and what was her favorite. In the craft room there were 1/2 dozen doughnut shaped bird feeders ready to be hung outside. Each had a name attached to the red yarn. Homemade welcome banners hung at slight angles on each door. Some were in German and Dutch, (I think). Apostrophes pointed to the lucky couples, and I wanted to hear boring or romantic tales of how they met. Some were lone names and made the yearning greater, sad as it might be. There were tons of tiny flags and armed forces memorabilia in their framed glass shadow boxes that adorned their tiny stoops. I wanted to stop at each one and hear about every detail of these strangers lives. I wanted to thank them if they had served in war, especially Viet Nam. There were family pictures that instantly made me angry if the photo participants chose not to visit or call. There were bulletin boards galore with tons of notes directing traffic from the game room to the solarium for the euchre tournament and calendars announcing Vive a la France tonight in the dining room. I wondered if any of them had ever visited Paris.
Now those of you that know me, know that I can pretty much cry at anything. I still haven't made it through Melissa's rendition of "O Holy Night". Jen played three lines of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" on her little borrowed keyboard and I wept uncontrollably. I'm not ashamed to say that I could not hold back the tears during Ben's "What If" movie when the lonely traveler walked amongst the repetitive Arlington grave markers while searching for the answers to life. (Annie's mom cried, too). I've been pretty blessed and don't even know if I have ever really experienced deep emotional pain and sadness. But today as our tour came to an end, one lonely man leaning on his walker and struggling with his mailbox key, sent wave after wave of the sharpest non physical pain rippling to the very depths of my stomach. He finally got the box open and slowly bent over to look into the empty abyss. Like a bad accident, I could not look away, and my heart screamed, "If there is a God in heaven please let there be some sort of personal letter in that box!!!" I knew there wasn't. He knew there wasn't. But he had to make sure and so he reached his hand in, first part way, then one more wishful reach a little further just to make sure he hadn't missed something the mailman had shoved to the back. Of course, I had to excuse myself from the group and made a flimsy restroom excuse. I'm not sure why I was so affected but I'm positive that scene will play over and over again. What am I to take from it? When will I learn all that I am to know? Where is my journey going to take me next? Who am I suppose to meet along the way?
I thought today would be just another day.
Posted at 06:50 PM
Tue - March 28, 2006
No Day But Today
Sometimes life just jumps up outta
nowhere and smacks you right in the soul. Occasionally it’s a wake-up
call and it doesn’t necessarily hurt as bad as it shocks you. Now and
again, like yesterday must have felt to Melissa, it’s a definite blow to
the heart. Early Sunday morning they received the news that their friend had
passed away while touring with the group in the UK. They are all devastated and
I can’t help thinking about his family far away in Nebraska, trying to
come to terms with that kind of heartache. It must be so hard to even accept
the news to be true, let alone start the grueling process of sorting out the
unhappy, unwanted, details. I pray that all, even amongst their pain and
sorrow, can remember the joy, happiness, and laughter that their son and friend
brought into their lives. And somehow find peace and tiny slivers of hope at
the end of their prolonged, shadowy tunnel.
Posted at 06:13 PM
Wed - March 29, 2006
Idol Chit Chat
Lisa:
It would help if you could have hit the
notes.
Kelly, Kelly, Kelly: Showing us your barefeet was the highlight and once again hitting the notes and holding them in tune is key.
Ace: It sounded like you were out of breath the whole time…oh wait, that was Paula. Your sultry stare, scar showing, Ace-fan-club-with-Paula-as-President antics are not working for me. Like I said before, being able to sing is paramount.
Taylor: Even though you could be my son, I must admit, you've awakened the latent boy crazy gene that I have avoided for the last 38 years or so. Ewwwww, I sound like Paula.
Mandisa: Praise Him, Praise Him. You were put into this competion for a reason. I was raising the roof on my treadmill and getting awkward stares from others that think there should be some kind of fitness etiquette rule book! Simon said, “A bit indulgent, not for me, I didn’t get it.” “Of course you didn't, Simon, someday you will.”
Chris: If I didn’t like you so much I would have said you stepped over the rocker edge just a bit, but I like you so I'm not going to say that.
Kathryn: You sang a Christina Aguilera song and for the first time I realized that it had a melody. Loved the outfit.
Bucky: I've got good news and bad news. First the bad. It was painful for me, and I'm country through and through. The good news is you caught the mike everytime you threw it which was often.
Paris: Everything, the vocals, the dancing, the bling, the outfit, and the hair extensions was all a bit too Beyonce for me. Sweetie, the pussy cat comment from Paula was not a compliment.
Elliott: Pretty good for a white boy.
Judges: STOP SAYING, "IT WAS NOT A GOOD SONG CHOICE FOR YOU." OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I think there ought to be a show for auditioning judges and emcee’s.
One day, someone will have to explain to Paula how old she is.
Bottom line: Will be Lisa, Bucky, and should be Ace, but probably will be Kelly.
My favorite tonight: George Huff from season 3 singing and dancing along with Mandisa.
Kelly, Kelly, Kelly: Showing us your barefeet was the highlight and once again hitting the notes and holding them in tune is key.
Ace: It sounded like you were out of breath the whole time…oh wait, that was Paula. Your sultry stare, scar showing, Ace-fan-club-with-Paula-as-President antics are not working for me. Like I said before, being able to sing is paramount.
Taylor: Even though you could be my son, I must admit, you've awakened the latent boy crazy gene that I have avoided for the last 38 years or so. Ewwwww, I sound like Paula.
Mandisa: Praise Him, Praise Him. You were put into this competion for a reason. I was raising the roof on my treadmill and getting awkward stares from others that think there should be some kind of fitness etiquette rule book! Simon said, “A bit indulgent, not for me, I didn’t get it.” “Of course you didn't, Simon, someday you will.”
Chris: If I didn’t like you so much I would have said you stepped over the rocker edge just a bit, but I like you so I'm not going to say that.
Kathryn: You sang a Christina Aguilera song and for the first time I realized that it had a melody. Loved the outfit.
Bucky: I've got good news and bad news. First the bad. It was painful for me, and I'm country through and through. The good news is you caught the mike everytime you threw it which was often.
Paris: Everything, the vocals, the dancing, the bling, the outfit, and the hair extensions was all a bit too Beyonce for me. Sweetie, the pussy cat comment from Paula was not a compliment.
Elliott: Pretty good for a white boy.
Judges: STOP SAYING, "IT WAS NOT A GOOD SONG CHOICE FOR YOU." OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I think there ought to be a show for auditioning judges and emcee’s.
One day, someone will have to explain to Paula how old she is.
Bottom line: Will be Lisa, Bucky, and should be Ace, but probably will be Kelly.
My favorite tonight: George Huff from season 3 singing and dancing along with Mandisa.
Posted at 05:59 PM
Fri - March 31, 2006
Happy 117th Birthday
It's open every day of the year.
It belongs to the city of Paris. It is painted 3 shades of brown every 7 years
by 25 painters that use only brushes. When it was built it was the tallest
stucture in the world. It is the ultimate tourist destination in the world. It
is against copyright laws and permission must be granted and fees paid to the
Société Nouvelle d'exploitation de la Tour Eiffel to publish photos
taken of her after dusk. Sometimes I’ m just a radical rebel that has to
exercise my rights and revolt against society. Sue me.
Posted at 06:21 PM
Sat - April 1, 2006
Sun - April 2, 2006
I Apologize
That was just my flimsy excuse for an April
Fool's Day Joke. Jake ruined it. I realize now that it wasn't even funny.
Jokes start with "Knock, knock..." and "Whadda ya get whenya...?" (hey Nate,
'member Love Train?)
Ran into the producers at Chili's and they solidified my judge status for POP Go The Sailors! Very excited.
Happy hour with Kate before her world tour got us all caught up on...well, a lot of things.
Everything is ready for the turbo tax man.
I have uncovered tiny little new green growth in my flower bed. Absolutely ecstatic. While raking, I noticed my picket fences look strikingly similar to the Desperate Housewives Logo.
Speaking of housewives...check this out. One Week In May
Ran into the producers at Chili's and they solidified my judge status for POP Go The Sailors! Very excited.
Happy hour with Kate before her world tour got us all caught up on...well, a lot of things.
Everything is ready for the turbo tax man.
I have uncovered tiny little new green growth in my flower bed. Absolutely ecstatic. While raking, I noticed my picket fences look strikingly similar to the Desperate Housewives Logo.
Speaking of housewives...check this out. One Week In May
Posted at 01:24 PM
Tue - April 4, 2006
Opening Day
Don't ya just love opening day. It holds so much
hope!
Cubs ~ 16
Reds ~ 7
That's what I'm talking about.
As far as basketball goes...I'm dead serious...I hope to be traveling Europe by rail next year during March Madness.
Cubs ~ 16
Reds ~ 7
That's what I'm talking about.
As far as basketball goes...I'm dead serious...I hope to be traveling Europe by rail next year during March Madness.
Posted at 07:35 AM
Idol Chit Chat
Personal
Business:
Annie, Mars Hill Sun?
Tony, come over right away, we'll watch baseball in HD!
Old Business:
American Idol Judges: You're not helping. How many times do I have to tell you. Straighten up and treat this like a singing competition. What if the judges could not say the following:
Randy... "It was just arrrright for me."
"America, we got a hot one tonight"
"Check this out"
" You are da bomb"
"Dawg pound"
Paula... "You know I love you"
"We all know you can sing"
"I loved it...your style is just so...(throw arms up in the air)how do you stay true to you...your...I'm...me...you are...just so(throw arms up in the air again)I don't know if I might want to fall in love with you...You know you can sing you"
Simon... "It sounded like a bad night at the karaoke bar"
Note to producers: What's with the famous singer helpers that sit in front of the baby grand and four meticulously lined up colorful guitars and make fake-look-how-much-I've-helped-these-pour-souls-now-please-come-and-see-me-in-Vegas-or-Leelanau-Casino-comments.
What happened to the performances by the competitors on the results show? Remember them? The competitors in the singing competition? Where did the footage of them from their hometowns and families go? Make me fall in love with them not Shikira!
I'll make this short.
Kenny did give one great piece of advice. You have to tell a story when you sing. This is how I ranked the storytellers this week.
Elliott: I felt it. What a great slow dance wedding song. What ya doing Aug 20?
Chris: Made my own little memory and it was Jen and Tony's first dance.
Taylor: I still love you but Otha's going to marry Melissa
Kathryn: Effortless, it was like you'd sung this 100 times before. Another great outfit, too.
Mandisa: A little weak on the vocals tonight, but your spirit still came shining through
Kelly: The singing was your best so far, but that's just it.
Paris: Turn the page and move on, but keep this hair style.
Ace: I just flat out don't believe you.
Bucky: Ride off into the sunset.
New Business:
My mom had two blog entries in one day. Oh and she gets credit for taking all the cute baby pictures I've posted as of late.
If you have a digital calendar with the time, month, day, and year...tonight for a second...just a little after 1am it will read 01.02.03.04.05.06.
Annie, Mars Hill Sun?
Tony, come over right away, we'll watch baseball in HD!
Old Business:
American Idol Judges: You're not helping. How many times do I have to tell you. Straighten up and treat this like a singing competition. What if the judges could not say the following:
Randy... "It was just arrrright for me."
"America, we got a hot one tonight"
"Check this out"
" You are da bomb"
"Dawg pound"
Paula... "You know I love you"
"We all know you can sing"
"I loved it...your style is just so...(throw arms up in the air)how do you stay true to you...your...I'm...me...you are...just so(throw arms up in the air again)I don't know if I might want to fall in love with you...You know you can sing you"
Simon... "It sounded like a bad night at the karaoke bar"
Note to producers: What's with the famous singer helpers that sit in front of the baby grand and four meticulously lined up colorful guitars and make fake-look-how-much-I've-helped-these-pour-souls-now-please-come-and-see-me-in-Vegas-or-Leelanau-Casino-comments.
What happened to the performances by the competitors on the results show? Remember them? The competitors in the singing competition? Where did the footage of them from their hometowns and families go? Make me fall in love with them not Shikira!
I'll make this short.
Kenny did give one great piece of advice. You have to tell a story when you sing. This is how I ranked the storytellers this week.
Elliott: I felt it. What a great slow dance wedding song. What ya doing Aug 20?
Chris: Made my own little memory and it was Jen and Tony's first dance.
Taylor: I still love you but Otha's going to marry Melissa
Kathryn: Effortless, it was like you'd sung this 100 times before. Another great outfit, too.
Mandisa: A little weak on the vocals tonight, but your spirit still came shining through
Kelly: The singing was your best so far, but that's just it.
Paris: Turn the page and move on, but keep this hair style.
Ace: I just flat out don't believe you.
Bucky: Ride off into the sunset.
New Business:
My mom had two blog entries in one day. Oh and she gets credit for taking all the cute baby pictures I've posted as of late.
If you have a digital calendar with the time, month, day, and year...tonight for a second...just a little after 1am it will read 01.02.03.04.05.06.
Posted at 11:42 PM
Sat - April 8, 2006
Happy Ending
In the middle of one
night
Miss Clavel turned on her light
and said, "Something is not right!"
Miss Clavel turned on her light
and said, "Something is not right!"
I've heard my kids cry wolf on a number
of occasions. So Jen's, "my stomach hurts" did not alarm me until she asked me
to come and kept repeating..."I've just never felt anything like this before."
After sleeping with my ear next to the phone on Wed night, I knew I would go
when I got up Thurs morning. 3 days, one health clinic, 2 doctors, 6-hour stay
at Swedish Covenant Hospital, an ultrasound, blood work, and one pelvic exam
threat later, Jen gets a clean bill of health, the pain subsides and all is
well.
Interspersed through out the 52 hour appendectomy scare we did have some awesome mother daughter time. Wish we could say the same for our reality TV week. A.I. is totally rigged because Mandisa getting voted off is pure bull****. And then the nerds came in last on A.R. What? Producers!!!!! Make it a non-elimination round, we love the nerds. Nerds rule. So we held high hopes for our Survivor night. Boston Market, pinot, and popcorn. Then Austin, the first christian acting christian ever gets voted off. I can hardly watch anymore. But I will. In reality on Friday, while checking in at the weirdest family practice office ever, in walks a middle age Greg Maddux look alike in full Chicago Cubs regalia. All but the cleats. As he turns his back to us we can't help but notice the name on his uniform...Maddux. I kid you not. It WAS opening day at Wrigley, but what grown man would wear that to the Dr.'s office. I can only assume it was Greg Maddux himself getting a pregame check up. And I had my digital right in purse. Later when we had a break between blood work and ultrasound, we stopped by North Park to turn in some homework and I saw a girl with flashing strobe lights embedded in her sandal heels. Ya know, the kind that no kid over 5 would be caught dead in. Jen pointed out to me that it was not a college student but a high school group touring the campus. Whew. So then back to the hospital for one more test and the results. Finally a waiting room with magazines. We check in, sit down, and just before burying my head in TIME, I look up to see, none other than another grown man in all his baseball finery. OK so it probably wasn't Greg Maddux. More waiting. Annie reassured us with the not too well known fact that the appendix is only about the size of a large bean. Tony is on a 10 hour road trip. We were in the hospital for over half of it. Kate has landed in CA. Melissa's roommate asked her and Otha to leave while she entertained her MySpace boyfriend. Ben has an interview with the staff at Mars Hill on Monday. Jen does not have an Ovarian cyst or appendicitis. Life will go on. Crazy people on the internet, jeep man honking continuously while I turn into the Emergency entrance, and Matt will forever agitate, irritate and make me laugh till I cry. The Cubs will always have their fans. Reality TV is so not. 2 and 1/2 days with Jen waiting, more waiting praying, talking, laughing, I spy, and two or three stir crazy seizures,...priceless.
"Good night, little girls!
Thank the lord you are well!
And now go to sleep!"
said Miss Clavel.
And she turned out the light-
and closed the door-
and that's all there is-
there isn't any more.
Interspersed through out the 52 hour appendectomy scare we did have some awesome mother daughter time. Wish we could say the same for our reality TV week. A.I. is totally rigged because Mandisa getting voted off is pure bull****. And then the nerds came in last on A.R. What? Producers!!!!! Make it a non-elimination round, we love the nerds. Nerds rule. So we held high hopes for our Survivor night. Boston Market, pinot, and popcorn. Then Austin, the first christian acting christian ever gets voted off. I can hardly watch anymore. But I will. In reality on Friday, while checking in at the weirdest family practice office ever, in walks a middle age Greg Maddux look alike in full Chicago Cubs regalia. All but the cleats. As he turns his back to us we can't help but notice the name on his uniform...Maddux. I kid you not. It WAS opening day at Wrigley, but what grown man would wear that to the Dr.'s office. I can only assume it was Greg Maddux himself getting a pregame check up. And I had my digital right in purse. Later when we had a break between blood work and ultrasound, we stopped by North Park to turn in some homework and I saw a girl with flashing strobe lights embedded in her sandal heels. Ya know, the kind that no kid over 5 would be caught dead in. Jen pointed out to me that it was not a college student but a high school group touring the campus. Whew. So then back to the hospital for one more test and the results. Finally a waiting room with magazines. We check in, sit down, and just before burying my head in TIME, I look up to see, none other than another grown man in all his baseball finery. OK so it probably wasn't Greg Maddux. More waiting. Annie reassured us with the not too well known fact that the appendix is only about the size of a large bean. Tony is on a 10 hour road trip. We were in the hospital for over half of it. Kate has landed in CA. Melissa's roommate asked her and Otha to leave while she entertained her MySpace boyfriend. Ben has an interview with the staff at Mars Hill on Monday. Jen does not have an Ovarian cyst or appendicitis. Life will go on. Crazy people on the internet, jeep man honking continuously while I turn into the Emergency entrance, and Matt will forever agitate, irritate and make me laugh till I cry. The Cubs will always have their fans. Reality TV is so not. 2 and 1/2 days with Jen waiting, more waiting praying, talking, laughing, I spy, and two or three stir crazy seizures,...priceless.
"Good night, little girls!
Thank the lord you are well!
And now go to sleep!"
said Miss Clavel.
And she turned out the light-
and closed the door-
and that's all there is-
there isn't any more.
Posted at 04:36 PM
Wed - April 12, 2006
Palm Sunday
Matthew 21:9 The New
Testament
The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!"
And for those, like me, that need proof and historical facts. This whole scenario, along with countless others was prophesied hundreds of years before by none other than the Jewish forefathers.
Zechariah 9:9 The Old Testament
"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout and sing daughters of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!"
And for those, like me, that need proof and historical facts. This whole scenario, along with countless others was prophesied hundreds of years before by none other than the Jewish forefathers.
Zechariah 9:9 The Old Testament
"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout and sing daughters of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
There are two ways to enter a city. Historically
on Palm Sunday, Jesus came riding into Jerusalem from the East. Not too many
people know that shortly before Jesus came riding into lower city Jerusalem
that Pilate had entered from the west in all his majesty riding on a stallion.
The two kingdoms could not have been more of a dichotomy. Pilate rode into the
upper city (it is still called upper and lower city today). Pilate represented
the high priests, religious leaders, and the small percentage of the folks that
were rich. Oh yeah, the same ones who thought it would be a good idea to kill
Jesus, the impostor. Jesus was cheered by the underdogs. The farmers, the
poor, the ones who believed he was the Messiah, Jew and Gentile alike. Pilate
was all about control, intimidation, and keeping the upper echelon happy.
Jesus was humble, unpretentious, obedient, and subdued. Pilate marched in full
armor with an army of thousands for protection. Jesus rode on a borrowed donkey
and knew the end of the story.
There are two ways to enter a city. A nation. A church. A marriage. A neighbor's house. A conflict. An argument. A friendship. There are two ways to treat people. There are two ways to govern people. There are two ways to react when you have been wronged.
There are two ways to enter a city. A nation. A church. A marriage. A neighbor's house. A conflict. An argument. A friendship. There are two ways to treat people. There are two ways to govern people. There are two ways to react when you have been wronged.
Posted at 07:04 PM
Love Thy Neighbor
Party at the Stoned House with my new best friends, Joy, Julie, Sharon, Robin, Heather, & Carlo. There were others but they didn't stay long enough to become friends. Hurry home Kate! And by stone house I mean...
Posted at 07:05 PM
Two Words
Judges ~ Drunken
puppets.
Ryan Seacrest ~ Fast forward.
Kelly ~ I'm scared.
Ace ~ Just don't.
Bucky ~ Who's voting?
Chris ~ Lose eyeliner.
Kathryn ~ Mandisa's spot.
Paris ~ Third best.
Elliott ~ Yes, please.
Taylor ~ American Idol.
Ryan Seacrest ~ Fast forward.
Kelly ~ I'm scared.
Ace ~ Just don't.
Bucky ~ Who's voting?
Chris ~ Lose eyeliner.
Kathryn ~ Mandisa's spot.
Paris ~ Third best.
Elliott ~ Yes, please.
Taylor ~ American Idol.
Posted at 07:12 PM
Fri - April 14, 2006
Family Juls
Damn it all to hell,
anyway!
Why is it that just the simple act of growing up together cannot be enough to hold the tie that binds together?
Let's face some facts here.
We're all busy.
We're all different.
We're all getting older.
We're all going to die.
There will come a time when we run out of time.
Anybody with me on stopping this crazy noncommunication cycle?
Now that you feel totally and absolutely guilty...head down memory lane and send me a favorite "remember when" from our childhood? Don't write anything you wouldn't want to see in print. (evil grin). And no fair using, "Remember when we rode Flicka and Dixie to Lafayette!
Juleeann@mac.com
Why is it that just the simple act of growing up together cannot be enough to hold the tie that binds together?
Let's face some facts here.
We're all busy.
We're all different.
We're all getting older.
We're all going to die.
There will come a time when we run out of time.
Anybody with me on stopping this crazy noncommunication cycle?
Now that you feel totally and absolutely guilty...head down memory lane and send me a favorite "remember when" from our childhood? Don't write anything you wouldn't want to see in print. (evil grin). And no fair using, "Remember when we rode Flicka and Dixie to Lafayette!
Juleeann@mac.com
Posted at 10:13 AM
Sun - April 16, 2006
Happy Easter
As they had been known to do on Sunday nights
after church, my parents had some
folks over for a visit. Someone was playing our little spinet organ and I heard
my dad singing this song. That was the night I first started on my journey to
believe. To believe in Jesus. To believe He had come to earth and died for my
salvation. To believe that this was my way, my truth, and my life. Now I
hadn’t committed many hardcore sins, and in retrospect, I’m sure
that first prayer of salvation was all about an insurance policy against a
terrible and firey ending. But turning my eyes upon Jesus, that Sunday night a
long time ago was the beginning of my
faith.
Today it seems hard to rekindle that childlike faith. And for sure I can say that I’ve strayed. Many times. Things of this world always entice me and I struggle to even want to get back on the path. I not only need a holy week to remind me, sometimes a holy decade.
I want the paradox and the mystery of Holy Week to haunt me long after today.
I’m positive I’ll have more to say after Easter service but for now, I will try to look full in his wonderful face and hopefully the things of earth will grow stangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.
Seven Days That Shook The World
by Greg Kandra
Soon the palms will be whips. The leaves will be thorns. Jubilation will become jeers.
It is easy to be distracted by the events of the world, and not really pay attention to what we will do this holy week. Somewhere, wars are raging, and politicians are squabbling. Somewhere, Easter eggs are being sold, and chocolate is being inventoried, and plastic grass is lining wicker baskets. But not here, not now, not yet.
For close to two thousand years, we have gathered like this, in places like this, to light candles and chant prayers and read again the ancient stories of our deliverance and redemption.
But are we aware of what we are doing? Do we understand what it means? Do we realize the price that was paid? A proper accounting is impossible. The ledger—His life, for our souls—seems woefully unbalanced. Has anything we have ever worried about, or lost sleep over, or agonized about, even come close?
He was a man like us in all things but sin. He must have been terrified, His mind buzzing with questions. Long after the others had drifted off to sleep, did He stay awake and worry? Maybe He sat up alone, late at night, whittling a piece of wood, the way His father had taught Him, until a splinter sliced His skin, drawing a rivulet of blood. He might have flinched and thought: Well, this is nothing. And still it stings. How intense would the pain of death become? How long would it last? How much humiliation would He be forced to endure, stripped and bleeding?
Because, of all the calendars in all of human history, this is the week that changed the world.
Today it seems hard to rekindle that childlike faith. And for sure I can say that I’ve strayed. Many times. Things of this world always entice me and I struggle to even want to get back on the path. I not only need a holy week to remind me, sometimes a holy decade.
I want the paradox and the mystery of Holy Week to haunt me long after today.
I’m positive I’ll have more to say after Easter service but for now, I will try to look full in his wonderful face and hopefully the things of earth will grow stangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.
Seven Days That Shook The World
by Greg Kandra
Soon the palms will be whips. The leaves will be thorns. Jubilation will become jeers.
It is easy to be distracted by the events of the world, and not really pay attention to what we will do this holy week. Somewhere, wars are raging, and politicians are squabbling. Somewhere, Easter eggs are being sold, and chocolate is being inventoried, and plastic grass is lining wicker baskets. But not here, not now, not yet.
For close to two thousand years, we have gathered like this, in places like this, to light candles and chant prayers and read again the ancient stories of our deliverance and redemption.
But are we aware of what we are doing? Do we understand what it means? Do we realize the price that was paid? A proper accounting is impossible. The ledger—His life, for our souls—seems woefully unbalanced. Has anything we have ever worried about, or lost sleep over, or agonized about, even come close?
He was a man like us in all things but sin. He must have been terrified, His mind buzzing with questions. Long after the others had drifted off to sleep, did He stay awake and worry? Maybe He sat up alone, late at night, whittling a piece of wood, the way His father had taught Him, until a splinter sliced His skin, drawing a rivulet of blood. He might have flinched and thought: Well, this is nothing. And still it stings. How intense would the pain of death become? How long would it last? How much humiliation would He be forced to endure, stripped and bleeding?
Because, of all the calendars in all of human history, this is the week that changed the world.
Posted at 10:42 AM
Tue - April 18, 2006
Idol Chit Chat
Disclaimer. I was so scared for the contestants
tonight. Weren't you? Rod Stewart songs? Taylor and Elliott would probably
fight over Forever Young. Maggie Mae = Chris. Ace would probably nab...Do
You Think I'm Sexy. Stay With Me? And then I remembered that American Idol is
all about promoting stars that have run out of money and need to hawk a new
album or casino so, whew!
The classics. Heaven, I'm In Heaven. So bear that in mind as I try to critique...6 out of the 7 songs are high on my list of favorites. I watched it live, then played it back without judges commentary and yes, for a short while tonight, I died and went to heaven. Now if only Alan Jackson or Vince Gill would cover the classics, well that would be grounds for divorce. And I would give up my inheritance if one of my girls would decide to sing these ledgendary songs. Yes, just throw in a couple of Judds songs and the money is yours.
Chris ~ What A Wonderful World.
The first three notes and I knew this would be my favorite tonight. Sorry Taylor.
Playback - My favorite tonight.
Paris ~ Foolish Things.
You have a ton of different looks and sounds. Tonight was my favorite. Loved the outfit. Loved the mannerisms. Loved that you didn't take the mike out of the stand. Raw emotion. Classy act. Not too mention your voice.
Playback - Forget Beyonce. Sing Billie and Ella, girl.
Taylor ~ You Send Me.
You send me.
Playback - You thrill me.
Rewind - You move me.
Tivo'd - Honest you do.
Elliott ~ It Had To Be You
Oh yeah! You lean on that mike, boy. You sing those standards, son. I would buy this album and go to your concert even if this was the only song in your repertoire.
Playback - Frankie, Dean, Sammy, move or roll over.
Kelly ~ Bewitched, Bothered, And Bewildered.
You said it we didn't.
Playback - Butchered
Ace ~ That's All
Nice touch with a suit and tie. Wish I could say the same for the pony tail. Strongest vocals you've had so far and that's not saying a whole lot.
Playback - Lucky you, your ace in the hole tonight will probably (should) be Kelly.
Kathryn ~ Someone To Watch Over Me
Almost perfect. You can sing. You can sing in tune. You pick the right songs. You tell a story. You sing effortlessly. You pick great outfits and most importantly...I like your attitude.
Playback - You're scaring me cuz you could win with performances like that. Sorry Taylor.
Overall I loved this night of AI more than any. Real people singing real songs and standing up and taking their medicine (psycho-babble) like seasoned artists. My only regret tonight was that Mandisa couldn't sing "Return To Me." Good Luck to you all, but if Kelly or Ace doesn't go home this thing is rigged.
The classics. Heaven, I'm In Heaven. So bear that in mind as I try to critique...6 out of the 7 songs are high on my list of favorites. I watched it live, then played it back without judges commentary and yes, for a short while tonight, I died and went to heaven. Now if only Alan Jackson or Vince Gill would cover the classics, well that would be grounds for divorce. And I would give up my inheritance if one of my girls would decide to sing these ledgendary songs. Yes, just throw in a couple of Judds songs and the money is yours.
Chris ~ What A Wonderful World.
The first three notes and I knew this would be my favorite tonight. Sorry Taylor.
Playback - My favorite tonight.
Paris ~ Foolish Things.
You have a ton of different looks and sounds. Tonight was my favorite. Loved the outfit. Loved the mannerisms. Loved that you didn't take the mike out of the stand. Raw emotion. Classy act. Not too mention your voice.
Playback - Forget Beyonce. Sing Billie and Ella, girl.
Taylor ~ You Send Me.
You send me.
Playback - You thrill me.
Rewind - You move me.
Tivo'd - Honest you do.
Elliott ~ It Had To Be You
Oh yeah! You lean on that mike, boy. You sing those standards, son. I would buy this album and go to your concert even if this was the only song in your repertoire.
Playback - Frankie, Dean, Sammy, move or roll over.
Kelly ~ Bewitched, Bothered, And Bewildered.
You said it we didn't.
Playback - Butchered
Ace ~ That's All
Nice touch with a suit and tie. Wish I could say the same for the pony tail. Strongest vocals you've had so far and that's not saying a whole lot.
Playback - Lucky you, your ace in the hole tonight will probably (should) be Kelly.
Kathryn ~ Someone To Watch Over Me
Almost perfect. You can sing. You can sing in tune. You pick the right songs. You tell a story. You sing effortlessly. You pick great outfits and most importantly...I like your attitude.
Playback - You're scaring me cuz you could win with performances like that. Sorry Taylor.
Overall I loved this night of AI more than any. Real people singing real songs and standing up and taking their medicine (psycho-babble) like seasoned artists. My only regret tonight was that Mandisa couldn't sing "Return To Me." Good Luck to you all, but if Kelly or Ace doesn't go home this thing is rigged.
Posted at 10:21 PM
Fri - April 21, 2006
FREE KATIE
NOW THAT THE BABY IS HERE, CAN WE TALK?
OUTLOUD?
AND YES THIS WHOLE ENTRY WILL BE IN CAPS, CUZ I'M SCREAMING.
OK CAPS ARE OBNOXIOUS, BUT JUST KNOW I'M VERY UPSET.
Consumption. There's a good place to start. Hey stupid people, don't buy the tabloid issue that prints the first picture cuz then the magazine will be stuck with the $5,000,000. bill. 5 million folks! ONLY IN AMERICA! Oooops, sorry. Then instead of silent birth, we might get a little relief in the check-out isle. Quiz for ya.
Which one of these events was deliberately planned to coincide with the release of Mission Impossible 3
a. the in-vitro fertilization, birth, and delivery
b. the true confessions that daddy was mean
c. one little monkey, jumping on a couch
d. placenta for dinner
e. here's the church of scientology, here's the steeple, open the door and see all the tools to help you make more money.
Answer: All of the above
Perhaps Katie could have held on to Tom's testicles while she was giving birth to see if he could keep silent.
Let's see what's next. MI-4 The marriage, MI-5 The divorce, MI-6 Need I go on, cuz I will?
Speaking of consumption...
Here's a thought...if you have 2 children and a car that seats 4 people gas will cost you the going rate. For every extra unnecessary seat in your car...your gas price is multiplied by $100. So the typical soccer mom hauling around one screaming kid would have to pay $300-400 per gallon at the pump.
You say you want a revolution...
Remember. Don't buy the tabloid with the first baby picture...think what you could do with the $3.50...hmmm buy a gallon of gas.
AND YES THIS WHOLE ENTRY WILL BE IN CAPS, CUZ I'M SCREAMING.
OK CAPS ARE OBNOXIOUS, BUT JUST KNOW I'M VERY UPSET.
Consumption. There's a good place to start. Hey stupid people, don't buy the tabloid issue that prints the first picture cuz then the magazine will be stuck with the $5,000,000. bill. 5 million folks! ONLY IN AMERICA! Oooops, sorry. Then instead of silent birth, we might get a little relief in the check-out isle. Quiz for ya.
Which one of these events was deliberately planned to coincide with the release of Mission Impossible 3
a. the in-vitro fertilization, birth, and delivery
b. the true confessions that daddy was mean
c. one little monkey, jumping on a couch
d. placenta for dinner
e. here's the church of scientology, here's the steeple, open the door and see all the tools to help you make more money.
Answer: All of the above
Perhaps Katie could have held on to Tom's testicles while she was giving birth to see if he could keep silent.
Let's see what's next. MI-4 The marriage, MI-5 The divorce, MI-6 Need I go on, cuz I will?
Speaking of consumption...
Here's a thought...if you have 2 children and a car that seats 4 people gas will cost you the going rate. For every extra unnecessary seat in your car...your gas price is multiplied by $100. So the typical soccer mom hauling around one screaming kid would have to pay $300-400 per gallon at the pump.
You say you want a revolution...
Remember. Don't buy the tabloid with the first baby picture...think what you could do with the $3.50...hmmm buy a gallon of gas.
Posted at 09:36 AM
Thu - April 27, 2006
Ramblings
I haven't done a bullet blog in a while. And it's
always fun to run my commentary on comments heard while living life. I'm toying
with another "poem" and by poem I mean non-rhyming short phrases that describe
my heart and seldom make sense. I'm holding back on a sermon about
consumption. Fortunately, my minds made up and I'm just going to ramble. Some
will affect some and some will not. Here
goes.
If we were licensed for foster care, chances are Shanita would put a stop to our empty nest.
I was invited to happy hour at Gracie's 16th birthday party, but not to the Redwings Room for the first game of the playoffs. Grandma Meg and Aunt Shirl thought Kate and I would bother them during the game. We would have.
Jennifer joined the celebration with her sweater buttoned correctly which is more than I can say for her during her audition for acceptance into Cornerstone's music program. She forgot to check her blind spot.
Meg makes me miss Melissa more. mmmmmm
Mark: "Thought we were going to have to send a Taxi down to Kate's to pick you up tonight."
Me: "Who's we?"
Mark: "Me and the dog."
Tony comes and goes now at all hours of the night and sometimes twice a day.
Melissa's tour placement for fall warranted a 3am call just to say she won't know anything until May 19.
How about them Pistons? And Redwings? And Tigers? Wonder if the Lions have enough quarterbacks?
Melissa is learning to apply Romans 12: 15 & 16 to the Young Americans Rollercoaster. " Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Do not be proud but live in harmony with one another."
Another 3am call to confirm that it's pretty evident she will call Springhill home for most of the summer.
With a 3:30am call close on it's heals cuz she gave Mary her phone to call with her happy Boyne news and Mary scrolled down to mom in Melissa's contact list. Love ya!
I'd rather pursue a dream and experience failure, rather than dream a dream and never pursue it. Random quote.
I'm thinking Robin Williams' movie RV was rushed to production. Our very own RV dvd is set to premier in just a few short days. No pressure, Ben.
Let's hear it for the boy. Footloose by extremely talented middle schoolers was entertaining, uplifting, funny, and moving. I didn't here a pitchy note or see Austin break character in the least. His glue that held him together when the piano player lost her way must have come from his mom and aunt who both now know what it's like to hold your breath and pray all in the same gasp. Austin played Rev. Shaw to perfection and was by far the most believable. Well, him and Willard. Somebody's eyes are always watching and I hope they're mine for all Austin's High School Musicals.
Road Trip: Plan B
Summer Springhill Participants: 5 and counting.
I know I owe you an Idol commentary, but after watching 118 musical acts in the last 2 days for Pop auditions, you're just gonna have to wait. And wasn't my judgeship everything I'd hoped it would be? Yes it was. If Paula Abdul can get a multimillion dollar 5 year contract to clap like a seal and lasso the good looking contestants that are 20 years her junior...I should be able to get a call back for the next couple of years, if for no other reason than the fact that I was sober both nights.
If we were licensed for foster care, chances are Shanita would put a stop to our empty nest.
I was invited to happy hour at Gracie's 16th birthday party, but not to the Redwings Room for the first game of the playoffs. Grandma Meg and Aunt Shirl thought Kate and I would bother them during the game. We would have.
Jennifer joined the celebration with her sweater buttoned correctly which is more than I can say for her during her audition for acceptance into Cornerstone's music program. She forgot to check her blind spot.
Meg makes me miss Melissa more. mmmmmm
Mark: "Thought we were going to have to send a Taxi down to Kate's to pick you up tonight."
Me: "Who's we?"
Mark: "Me and the dog."
Tony comes and goes now at all hours of the night and sometimes twice a day.
Melissa's tour placement for fall warranted a 3am call just to say she won't know anything until May 19.
How about them Pistons? And Redwings? And Tigers? Wonder if the Lions have enough quarterbacks?
Melissa is learning to apply Romans 12: 15 & 16 to the Young Americans Rollercoaster. " Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Do not be proud but live in harmony with one another."
Another 3am call to confirm that it's pretty evident she will call Springhill home for most of the summer.
With a 3:30am call close on it's heals cuz she gave Mary her phone to call with her happy Boyne news and Mary scrolled down to mom in Melissa's contact list. Love ya!
I'd rather pursue a dream and experience failure, rather than dream a dream and never pursue it. Random quote.
I'm thinking Robin Williams' movie RV was rushed to production. Our very own RV dvd is set to premier in just a few short days. No pressure, Ben.
Let's hear it for the boy. Footloose by extremely talented middle schoolers was entertaining, uplifting, funny, and moving. I didn't here a pitchy note or see Austin break character in the least. His glue that held him together when the piano player lost her way must have come from his mom and aunt who both now know what it's like to hold your breath and pray all in the same gasp. Austin played Rev. Shaw to perfection and was by far the most believable. Well, him and Willard. Somebody's eyes are always watching and I hope they're mine for all Austin's High School Musicals.
Road Trip: Plan B
Summer Springhill Participants: 5 and counting.
I know I owe you an Idol commentary, but after watching 118 musical acts in the last 2 days for Pop auditions, you're just gonna have to wait. And wasn't my judgeship everything I'd hoped it would be? Yes it was. If Paula Abdul can get a multimillion dollar 5 year contract to clap like a seal and lasso the good looking contestants that are 20 years her junior...I should be able to get a call back for the next couple of years, if for no other reason than the fact that I was sober both nights.
Posted at 08:49 AM
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Published On: Jan 13, 2007 10:43 PM
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Published On: Jan 13, 2007 10:43 PM