American Idol...My Take on the Finale

American Idol has come to a close.

Season 9's winner is Lee Dewyze!

I couldn't be happier.

AI has gotten some bad press this year. Several people are amazed the show is still on and even more people claim this is the worst season yet. I must be tone deaf. I love the show and don't think this season was any different than past seasons and am thrilled they left out the "gimmick" people like bikini girl and Norman Gentle. It's a people invested show and I think, if you're a hater of the outcome, you're neglecting to really understand how the show works. Just saying.

Here's my take...

Crystal was my favorite from the top 24. I wanted her to go all the way. I predicted Crystal, Big Mike and Andrew in the final 3 (Out of the top 24). It didn't quite work out that way. It never does. There are a lot of variables and while some people, like Lee, soar in their talent, others get lost in the mix. As America watched, this youngin' (24 is young to me) "brought it" each week. We didn't see much of him during the tryout phases so I was shocked when I first heard him sing in the top 24. I decided to keep an eye on him. As he found his confidence, his humble demeanor drew me to him. By week 7 I was routing for him to win. There's also the "Daughtry-affect" that comes into play. You realize you have two talents that will do phenomenally well and have to pick which would do better under the title. Crystal, like Daughtry, in my opinion, will do better not having to follow the guidelines of the Idol Winner.

America picks their favorites early on and we're allowed to change our minds. We've spent hours watching these performers and feel like our votes should count. When one of our favorites goes home those votes have to go somewhere else (if you're of the voting type) so it's no shock that when Casey went home Lee was the winner. See what I'm saying?

Some are blaming the 'tween crowd for producing back-to-back-to-back cute, stubbly, pseudo-rocker winners the last 3 years. I'm not a 'tween. If the 'tweens were really in control shouldn't Aaron Kelly have won? Three years ago I want David Archulletta to win from the jump. David Cook was another (like Lee) of those guys you never really saw early on. We watched him grow as an artist and by the end I was excited for either of them to win. Last year, I invested my votes (in my head, never picked up the phone) for Danny Gokie. He had a large fan base and again, when he left those votes had to go somewhere. A Danny Gokie fan doesn't just change their taste and vote for Adam Lambert, those votes go to the guy who isn't Adam Lambert. That's what makes the show so fun. It's anyone's game, really. It all depends on whether your style is like another favorite. So, in the end, America votes for the music they like best. Makes sense, right?

I'll be interested to see who replaces Simon. The show will definitely be lacking something without him but it's the talent that I watch for so I think the show will be okay.

Twitter Hop Thursday

Welcome to Twitter Hop Thursday, hosted by Simply Stacie, The
King's Court IV, Little Yaya's and Blessed, Review Retreat and Moms Wear Your Tees!

Would you like more Twitter followers and to be introduced to more cool people to follow? Come and join us!!

1. Add your Twitter to the MckLinky (you only have to add it to once and it will appear on all).

2. Click on the Twitter ID for the five hostesses and follow each of them on Twitter. We will follow you back.

3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like, but make sure to leave comments with links so they'll know where to follow you! The more people you follow, the more follow you back!

Spread the word by tweeting this link! You can use the share button right below the post. You can also add this MckLinky to your blog! Write your own post or copy and paste this one. Below the MckLinky box, you'll see "Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click here for instructions and code...." Have fun Twitter-Hopping along!
This is a Blog Hop! 63 entries so far... you're next!

Time to Tackle the Dreaded Swimsuit Search

We had a work picnic yesterday that hardly anyone showed up for. The boss and his family, The four of us, one of the young girls that just started working (and is also bestest buddies with Boss' daughter) and one other manager and his wife. It was perfect. Sucked a little that no one else showed but the kids had a great time. We had plenty of food. Once the Manager and his wife left we realized that everyone that was left was our Vacation crew. We've got a house booked in Nags head for a week in August and it will be my Boss and his family, the four of us, and the bestest buddy of Boss' daughter. So the dreaded topic of swimsuits came up.

Turns out the Boss' wife has already purchased hers. I thought we could tackle the shopping together but apparently she is was more organized than I am (we already knew this). So now I must take on this chore alone. I don't even know what style I want. My back is breaking out but I'm sure the sun will provide the perfect acne solutions for that. I'll start looking online. Anyone find the perfect suit and want to share the information? I really want to get this task done so I can start getting excited about the trip and start planning menus and excursions. Is it August yet?

Facebook, Speed Racer, 3.14 and More...

The TT questions are brought to you by Berleen, the color of black coffee, which I need more of and the number 8,299,598,330.


Are you a Facebooker? Are you addicted to those stupid games that suck a person in at the drop of a hat? Would you care to share your Facebook identification link so that we may all stalk you be your friend?
I am a Facebooker. I have played games but am not currently playing any now. I get bored with them really fast. My badge is over there on the right. I'd love to be FB friends.

If you had to be magically transformed into an animal that you loathe, which one would it be? And don't give me those "none" answers...
A mouse? I really wouldn't like to be a mouse.

What is the strangest thing you have said to:

* get a job?
* get a date?
I don't think I've ever said anything strange for either. It's never been hard for me to get either. I did find myself with my zipper down after a series of interviews for my very first job at 16. I got the job...and maybe a reputation that paved the easiness of all further positions?

What cartoon character do you find the most sexiest?
Speed Racer

When dog food is new with improved tasting, who tests it?
My kids use to regularly eat dog food when they were little. Should I count them?

What does OK actually mean?
It could mean "OK, I heard you." or, if someone gave me what they thought were the best weight loss pills and I said "They're OK." It would mean they are not the best, not even that good, just OK. Isn't it also Oklahoma?

If a person owns a piece of land do they own it all the way down to the core of the earth?
I'm only interested in the top layer until I can afford an in-ground pool then I'll want depth but not even close to the depth you're talking about. I'd say no and it's probably not sage to dig that deep.

When you were in high school and were sitting in math class... when the day came to learn about 3.14, did you get hungry?
Not a big fan of 3.14. I'm more an Ice cram Gal...and brownies.

Have you ever been on the radio?
Yes

Beans, beans the magical fruit The more you eat, the more you toot The more you toot, the better you feel So let's have beans at every meal!
Why do people say that when beans are vegetables?
I thought they were legumes. Neither rhymes with toot so....

What about tv? And I don't mean physically on top of the tv either, you silly people. Same goes for the radio question.
Yes

Do you think Adam & Eve had belly buttons?
Of course. Why wouldn't they?

If you were going to own a liquor store or a bar, what would you name it?
No idea. Don't really want a liquor store, Cosmos would be a good name for a bar.

How about you own a grocery store - what's it's name?
Another thing I would never own. No name comes to mind.

If you could only watch one tv show for the rest of your life and no other, what would it be? And yes, it's going to be in series form so you don't actually have to watch the same episode over and over.
Crap. That would be hard. It would have to be commercial free. I wouldn't want to see ads for other shows. That would be tough. I'll say Survivor but reserve the right to change my mind.

What was the name of your 3rd grade teacher?
You had to ask. I can think of every teacher from Kindergarten to 6th grade but am now drawing a blank on third grade. I'm going over to Facebook to ask.

Do you know how to parallel park?
Yes and I still suck at it...try to avoid it at all costs.

What kinds of cereal do you have in your home right at this very moment?
Rice Krispies, Captain Crunch, Some generic Peanut butter Crunch and I think some others.

If you were to have a garage sale tomorrow, what is the first item you own that you would say "I'm selling THAT!"?
We have a surplus of ride-on toys that the kids have outgrown and they fill the garage so I would sell those. But I have no interest in having a garage sale so they'll be here for a while longer...until I donate them.

Too Much TV, Facebook and American Idol ~What the Hell

Wednesdays are great for getting all the "What the Hell" moments out of your head. Sharing them with the world and feeling better for doing so. Created by Stacey and Elle at Blue Monkey Butt, I regularly steal it and link up. Try it!

Facebook is a crazy way to see how other parents choose to raise their kids. A glimpse into the braver souls. I do not consider myself over protective but is has never entered my mind to take my young kids atv riding. What the Hell? If I'm honest, it has entered my mind. To the extent that Hubster thought it would be a good idea and I adamantly said "NO WAY!" end of subject.

I had a guy and his 7-8 year old son come into the boat store to buy some supplies. Turns out the father was assembling a skateboard ramp for his young son. Again. What the Hell? He said something about their not boys unless they break something. Yeah. My kid's sporting a cast from a Frisbee accident. He owns a skateboard and I have all ideas he and his friends will be building jumps and ramps, I'm just not doing it for them.

American Idol. What the Hell? Those duets ROCKED last night. All I could think before they started though was "What if one of them is really bad?" That's a lot of trust to have to put in another person when you're this close to the Finals. Glad it worked out for all of them. My guess is that Casey is going home tonight.

Yes. I'm a little addicted to TV. It's my guilty pleasure after everyone goes to bed. I veg on the couch and watch 2-3 hours of recorded shows. Hubster's started coming back down (he usually goes to bed with the kids). I don't mind him watching but after years of having this time alone, and getting into shows he doesn't even know exist, It's frustrating spending my quiet (alone) time answering questions about the story lines and characters. What the Hell? I hope he catches up soon.

While were on the subject of my TV addiction...What the Hell are the peeps on Survivor thinking? Russell must.go.this.week.

All righty. I'm off to go Strawberry picking with Puddin Pop. It's looking to be a beautiful day.

It's Been Sneakin' Up On Me

I'm a huge American Idol Fan. Have been since season 3. This year there have been mixed reviews on the talent and some have speculated that it's the worst season so far. I beg to disagree. Here and here are my early comments on the top 24



I started out routing for Crystal Bowersox and designated her as the winner. She is an amazing talent and I will listen to what ever she puts out. I love the sound and tone of her voice and envy the individual she is and the music she creates.



Big Mike is another of my favorites. He's the snugly Teddy Bear with the awesome pipes and can sing anything and make it sound good. His back story is touching and I appreciate everything he has done in the competition and think the judges made the absolute right choice in saving him.



Lee DeWyze is my new favorite to win! It's been creepin' up on me. We really didn't see a lot of him in the early stages and I was like "Who?" when they announced the final 24. He was shy, lacked confidence, but still belted it out every week. I think I'm crushing on him a little and would love to see him win.




Any input?

Broken Heart, Chicken Minis and some Beading

A friend of mine lost her husband to cancer early this morning and it saddens me to imagine what she is going through. We're only friends through facebook but getting that e-mail this morning broke my heart a little. Is that strange?

Still looking into a life insurance online quote. Hubster needs it too now that he is currently un-employed. We also discussed weather or not we needed to get the cobra coverage for health insurance since (we thought) he would be starting a new job within the month. It's been 5 weeks with no start date in sight. 3 visits to the pediatrician, 2 emergency room visits and a visit to an orthopedic and we're damn glad we opted to get it.

We had Puddin Pop's Birthday Party over the weekend at Chick-Fil-A, her favorite place. I ordered party platters to feed all the guests. If you haven't tried the chicken minis...you need to. It's a single nugget in a mini biscuit brushed with honey butter. So delicious. I'm not sure if it's on the breakfast menu because we usually only go for lunch or dinner but I would encourage everyone who has a Chick-Fil-A near to get their hands on some. You won't be disappointed.

Puddin Pop and I spent some time beading together last night. She got a kit for her birthday and I broke out my beads that I have had packed up for over a year. I got the bug again so we'll be doing more today. She is making some pretty bracelets...all on her own.

That's my random for this Tuesday. Make sure you head over to The Un Mom to link up and read some more random posts.