Idol Chit Chat...Top 5

Neil Diamond night! I have been waiting for this since they announced that Mr. Diamond would be a mentor in early March...AND they are singing TWO songs each! 10 Neil Diamond songs! I might pee my pants.

First up is Jason singing Forever in Blue Jeans. It wasn't hideous. He has that chill, beach-bar-band vibe about him, and I would love to sit on a deck, over-looking the ocean somewhere, drinking a margarita and eating some crab legs while listening to him sing, but I just don't get him much beyond that anymore. I am bored with him.

Oh, the judges are going to wait until after both songs to say anything. This night just keeps getting better and better...except for the hockey game, which I am flipping back and forth between. Come on Av's!

Next is David Cook. Bummer...I don't know this song. But I'm liking it. I'm really liking it. Is it me, or do you hear Bon Jovi when you close your eyes and listen to him? It only works with the eyes closed, because when you open them, you see David's ginormous forehead, which looks nothing, nothing, like Bon Jovi...who is still hot after all these years.

Brooke is singing I'm a Believer. Oh no...it's way too bubblegum pop. When I close my eyes this time, I conjure the Brady Bunch doing their happy little dance in matching outfits embroidered with burnt orange and avocado green flowers. Oh no, oh no, oh no.

Ugh! David Archuletta singing Sweet Caroline, which of course he is fucking up. Why does he need to put runs in every single damn phrase? He's killing me softly with his song...but not in the good way. When I close my eyes I hear all the tortured souls in hell screaming for salvation. Make it stop...please, make it stop!

Syesha is singing Hello Again. Actually, this was pretty good...except I am having a hard time listening, because I am staring at her big, bare feet. What's with the bare feet again this week? Is she the Luna Lovegood of A.I., and someone has stolen all of her shoes? Please, give them back. I find it disturbing. When I close my eyes, all I see are icky feet. I don't hear anything. Have I mentioned that she looks like a black version of my cousin, Becky? Well, she does. It's quite freaky. But Becky wears shoes! SHOES!

Now the judges are talking, and Pauler is clearly drunk off her ass. She thinks they've sang twice. What? Randy, Simon and Ryan try to explain to her that the second songs were sung by the voices in her head, but she is utterly bewildered. Pauler: "This is hard!" Ohhhh, poor Pauler. Her job is hard. Keeping five people straight for half an hour can be exhausting work. Better have a nightcap and head off to bed there, Sweetie Pie, before you over extend yourself.

The friggin' Av's lost, if anyone cares. I TOLD Quenneville not to play Theodore. He is blocking only 87% of the shots thrown at him. Budai is at 97.5% for the series. But yeah...play Theodore. Quenneville must have a big off season vacation planned, with plane tickets for May 5th. Looks like he'll make that flight. Maybe he can even get it bumped up to May 2nd. Why waste a weekend?

Anyway...round two.

Jason is singing September Morn, and it is awful. Yuck! CO cannot stand Jason anymore, and I listen to his rant instead of the rest of the song. Judges didn't love it either...except maybe Pauler. I can't tell what she is saying. Someone bring her another drink, and maybe she will pass out.

David Cook is singing another song I don't know. Again, I like it...not as much as the first song, but I like it. I may have a double download of his songs this week. Simon thought it was brilliant. I am seeing what Tracey is saying about the smug...he doesn't look all that surprised that the judges love him. Oh well, I have to go with the smug over the suck.

Brooke is singing I am I Said. I know Neil, Neil whom I LOVE, recommended she change the lyric from New York to Arizona, but I didn't like it. It didn't make sense with with the "but nowadays I'm lost between two shores" part of the lyric. Arizona is not near a shore. In fact...it's pretty near to L.A. in the grand scheme of things. While she was changing things, maybe she should have said nowadays I'm lost on the 10 freeway between the Colorado River and the shore, near the Joshua Tree National Park. Still, Arizona stuff aside, I like this. This is the best she has sounded since Let It Be. Very nice!

Archuletta is singing America. I wondered who would play the patriot card. I should have known Little D would find a song with a message. Again, he is turning it into some pop ballad with an slight R&B twist. Again he looks like he is smelling poop, and therefore might cry. Again, the judges love him, and I cannot for the life of me understand why. Again I feel like vomiting my dinner.

Syesha is singing a campy stage version of Thank the Lord for the Night Time, which is pretty good...I think. I can still see her feet, so my hearing is impaired.

Going home this week...besides the Avalanche...is Syesha. I wish from the bottom of my soul that it will be David Archuletta, but he played the patriot card, and now all of the tweeners and their parents will vote for him.

A Sports Blog

A quick one, anyway, considering there is so much going on right now.

First, the NFL draft. Four...count them 4, USC players taken in the first round. How's that for some R-E-S-P-E-C-T?

Second...while we are on the subject of the draft, my Broncos did alright, I guess. They addressed some weaknesses at O-line and wide receiver, having lost some long term players, and, in my mind at least, some future Hall-of-Famers in these areas. They also attempted to address some defensive weaknesses. Time will tell, as it always does, if these were good choices or not. I just wish they could get a Trojan on their team. Please? Just one? For me? It's been a long time since Dennis Smith retired, and I need me some alums on my team, okay? Please?

Third...my Avalanche are falling apart in round two of the Stanley Cup play-offs. What the hell happened? Theodore looked great in the first round, and he hasn't been able to stop a damn thing in round two. Seriously, Quenneville, do NOT start him tonight. The Red Wings are in his head and Budai is playing well. Just let Theodore rest. On the fat chance we can come back in this series and beat the hated Red Wings (insert derisive snort here), we will need him in the next round. While we're on the subject of the Avs, I have to say something blasphemous. Forsberg...I love him. I have always loved him. BUT is it me, or does he ALWAYS seem to get hurt in the playoffs? What is up with that? I was so happy to get him back, but here we are again, and now...I have my doubts.

Fourth...Lord, the Nuggets suck.

Fifth...From recent headlines "Does Roger Clemens' affair matter?" I am guessing it matters very much to his wife and kids. And it proves that he lies like a dog. But seriously, it's not as if I believed him before, and this changed my mind. This is just more mud to sling. I know one thing...this mistress is every bit as loathsome as Clemens. She carried on a years long affair with a married man, then conveniently goes public with this information right before she attempts her big comeback via some idiotic television show, with no concern whatsoever for the other people who might be hurt by this (I am not talking about Clemens himself...he made his bed, literall and figuratively, but the innocent victims of this affair, his wife and kids). Can you say publicity whore? Of course she denies having leaked this information...which I believe about as much as Clemens' claims that he was off the juice.

Lastly...some motor sports news. Ashely Force and Danica Patrick recently became the first women to win an NHRA Funny Car and Indy Car race respectively. You go girls! THESE are the women who should be making headlines...not some attention-starved, minor-talent tramp.

The Soundtrack of My Life - Track 18

I have not abandoned this project...or this blog for that matter. I am still trying to catch up from tax season, weddings, etc.

So here is another...

One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer - George Thorogood

This is a great song. First there is the theme...who can't get behind a drinking song? Secondly...this is THE most quotable song I know, and for someone who loves to quote lyrics and movie lines, this song is a boon! The great lyrics coupled with his distinctive delivery of those lyrics just makes this song tremendous fun. My good friend, B, and I have spent more time than I can safely admit, quoting this song at one another, so it reminds me of her, which is my number three reason this is a great song.

Here are a few of my favorite lyrics (which lose something in written form...minus the inflections delivered by Mr. Thorogood):

"that don't confront me Long as I get my money next Friday"

A quote delivered whenever money is borrowed between B and I.

"but I'm tired!"

This one totally gets lost without the inflections...but is delivered whenever one of us is complaining about our workload. In other words...pretty often.

"I don't know man, ahhh she kinda funny, you know. I said 'I
know, everybody funny, now you funny too.' "

Delivered when we are talking about other people being, uhm, odd...which is also pretty often.

"One bourbon, one scotch, one beer

Well I ain't seen my baby since I don't know when

I've been drinking bourbon, whiskey, scotch and gin

Gonna get high man, I'm gonna get loose

Need me a triple shot of that juice

Gonna get drunk don't you have no fear

I want one bourbon, one scotch and one beer

One bourbon, one scotch, one beer. "

One variant of the chorus, delivered whenever we want a drink...which is, uhm, pretty often.

I am not liking where this is going. Okay! Fine! We like to drink and complain and gossip...sometimes all at the same time. Whatever! Just forget I brought it up, okay? Jeez!

I think I need a drink.

Idol Chit Chat...Top 6

It's weird how skipping just one week made me feel out of the loop. Who are these people again? How do I feel about them?

But they start to sing, and I remember how I feel about them. I feel indifferent, disappointed, revolted, annoyed, sad, and joyful.

First, indifference...also known as Sayesha. Last night, I must admit, she was very good. I agree with Randy. I think Broadway may be her thing.

Second, disappointed...also known as Jason. I liked him so much in the beginning. He was different. He was interesting. Now, what was once different has become boring...he is the same old thing every week, and the worst pure vocalist of the people left. Last night he exhibited poor song choice. Memory is one of the most well known Broadway tunes out there, and it is a big song with big notes...none of which he attempted, nor was capable of, I think. It was, well, disappointing.

Third, revulsion...in the form of David Archuleta. I may have mentioned this previously, once or twice, but just in case I was somehow unclear or vague, or you weren't in tune with my subtleties, let me reiterate. I seriously DO NOT LIKE this whinny, manipulative, little cry baby. I know...I can be hard to read, hiding my feelings as I do. And, yes, I do realize he can sing, BUT, every other singer in this competition has been challenged to come out of their comfort zone, and sing something that isn't their thing...except David A. Every week he gets away with singing a sappy ballad. The one single week he attempted something remotely upbeat, he sucked. He could never sing a rock song. This would be a good year for Queen week...if only to expose this kid for the one trick pony that he is. WHY does everyone think he is so great? I would rather slit my wrists with a plastic spork than pay a single penny to hear him sing.

Moving on to annoyance...or Carly. I don't know why she bugs me so, but she always has. It started out with the fact that she has had record contracts before, and I don't know that she deserves this chance, and was exacerbated by the hideous fashion choices, the overage of tats, that weird face she makes when she goes for the big notes (it's the shape of her mouth and the crooked teeth, which I know she can't help, but still just BUGS), the waxing and waning "Oyrish" accent, that seems more pronounced when she thinks it will work to her advantage, and lately, the "poor, picked-on, pitiful me" card she's been playing. She sang alright last night; her clothes were better; and given the choice between her and David A., I would vote for her a million times over, but I still don't really like her.

Then there is sad...oh so sad, Brooke. She is another one I loved in the beginning...her folksy sound recalled artists of the 70's I loved...Carly Simon, Carole King, etal. The night she sang that acoustic version of Love is a Battlefield, I almost peed myself, I loved it so much. Then, somewhere after Let it Be, she started to fall apart...and it has been so sad to watch. So sad. She seems like a genuinely nice person, and I think her face is just angelic and lovely, but I think her time has come to depart. Last night's restart (the second of the season), and another declining performance, just showed that she is in her head too much, and she can't take the pressure. She is starting to look like she is going to cry every week, and one cry baby is already one too many, I think.

Finally, some joy...in the form of David Cook. Last night was not his best performance, but it was good. And it showed his adaptability to other styles, which he has, unlike some people. He was not my front runner in the beginning, but he has given some stellar performances that have recruited me to his side. I would pay to hear him. In fact I have already...having downloaded three of his performances so far. I don't think he will win (rockers don't seem to win this competition, even when they should), but he will fair much better in the post A.I. world than the brat who, it sickens me to say, probably will win (gotta love those tweener votes). But regardless of the outcome, David C. has all of my votes at this point. I can't imagine anything that would change that this late in the season.

And I think he may have Pauler's votes too.

Pauler: "You have a wonderful instrument."

MM: "And you can sing, too."

A New Rollercoaster Ride

Well it's official. My oldest son got married yesterday in Las Vegas.

I don't know how I feel about this yet. There are concerns, certainly, but now I don't want to voice them, for fear they will come to pass. There are questions, still, but now I don't really want the answers to them, as knowing a terrible truth, should one exist, is not going to fix anything, or make anyone feel better.

Now, all I want is for this to go well...for him, for her, for the baby on the way, for all of us.

Now, all I want is a good relationship with this girl who is now my daughter-in-law (henceforth known as DIL #1). Not only because I know that also means keeping the good relationship with Orin, and being allowed a good relationship with the future grandbaby, but also because it would be nice to have a daughter.

Now, I am officially a mother-in-law.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Idol Chit Chat...Top 7

Since becoming addicted to Idol in it's 4th season, I have never deliberately skipped a show...until this week. I just couldn't take Mariah Carey, whom I loathe even more than David Archuleta, directly after inspirational song week. That was too much torture.

So I got nothin'.

Sorry.

iTunes Tuesday - The April 15th Edition

Happy April 15th everyone. I realize no one really appreciates this but me, but to celebrate, I am offering an iTunes Tuesday with a party theme. All of these songs are about parties or celebrations.

1) I'll cry if I want to...why?

2) If I was struck by lightning walking down the street, for what am I waiting for an invitation to arrive?

3) If I am slippin' away, sittin' on a pillow, what is this the night for?

4) There's a party goin' on right here, a celebration to last throughout the years. What two things should you bring?

5) Callin' out around the world...summer's here and the time is right for what?

6) If there ain't no doubt, we are here to party, what kind of nights are these?

Party On, Wayne.

Answers

I was slow posting the answers to The Boss quiz, but they're up now. Nightfly took all the ones anyone knew. I answered the rest. Good job 'Fly.

Good weekend everyone.

Idol Chit Chat...Top 8...Of Tears or Poop

Oh good Lord, inspirational song night. I should have turned the channel. I despise inspirational song night almost as much as Pauler's 3-sizes-too-small dress. What the hell was that? I could hardly concentrate on the horrible music for staring at that dress. She was visibly uncomfortable. She couldn't hold her arms at a proper angle for fear of her breasts springing free. It was torture to watch.

In fact, I think torture was tonights theme...

Michael Johns sang one of my all time favorite songs, and it was only okay. I hated the little screaming bit at the end. Last week he was awesome. I downloaded last week's song, and love it, love it, love it. This week was such a disappointment after that.

I can't remember the order in which they performed, so I'm just going to skip around.

Syesha was deluded to think there will be no comparisons between her and the original artists of the songs she chooses. Either way, I wasn't impressed. I am not a fan of Fantasia either, so that didn't help. And Randy really thinks Fantasia is the best Idol contestant ever? Bleh. I am shaking my head in wonderment.

Kristy Lee was actually very good last night. I like the song she chose, and she sang it very well. Also, she looked fantastic...which can't hurt in the vote department. Could be that is why she is still around. You think?

Jason Castro...I do love this version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and he is doing it well...except for the lyrics blunder at the very beginning. Uhm, it's "there's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby", not there's a dream that I dreamed of once in a lullaby. How do you dream a dream in a lullaby? That's just ridiculous. But he pulled it off. You didn't see him panic. I think he may have been my favorite of the night.

David Cook...dude, I love you, but uh-uh. That was chaos. I have to say, part of the problem with David Cook's song was the back up singers. there were waaaaaaaay too many of them last night. What it's inspiration night, so we need to bring out an entire church choir for back up? They drowned out the performers and you couldn't hear properly. Dial it down a notch with the back up!

Carly had a similar problem, although that wasn't her only problem. I don't understand what all the uproar was about Simon commenting on her appearance last week. He was only trying to help her...and he was RIGHT. Her clothes ARE hideous. And this week he flat out lied to appease the public...she looked horrible again! That tucked in tank top with the big 80's slanting stripes, and the hideous gold belt...I shudder! I know, I know...the 80's are back. The question is WHY?

The 80's are my era...I was in high school and college in the 80's. I was teh cool in my skinny jeans, leg warmers and day-glow top. I rocked. But when I see pictures of my big hair and my three pairs of socks, all color coordinated to match my off the shoulder sweater AND my eyeshadow, I have to wonder why anyone would want to revisit this decade of fashion...ever!

Okay, back to Carly...I have a second question. Why do people insist upon singing Queen songs that are too big for them. Nobody sang, or performed like Freddie. You're just going to make yourself look weak if you can't pull it off. And she couldn't. It was terrible all around.

Brooke...it was, as Simon said, "a pleasant walk in the park." It didn't knock me off my feet, but it didn't suck, either. It was eh. Good eh, but still just eh.

Then, of course, there is David A. He must have been wiggling in anticipation this week. Inspirational Song Week! Inspirational Song Week!! A sanctioned request to sing a boring ass ballad with a message for the people. My God, I'll bet he peed himself in excitement! I can't say much more. The second he began to sing, I fell into a coma so deep and complete, I only just woke up to write this. Okay, I may be exaggerating just a little, since he wasn't the last singer, but...

I don't like him, okay? I don't! I don't care how well he can sing. I don't care how many screaming tweeners send him postcards begging to be his prom date. I don't care how many little old ladies want to pinch his fat baby cheeks. He bores the snot out of me. Every time they talk to him, he looks like he is 1) about to cry, or 2) smelling poop.

You think I'm kidding? Watch next time they are interviewing him. Watch his face! Tears or poop...you be the judge.

iTunes Tuesday - The Boss

In honor of my lucky co-worker, Di, who is listening to all of these songs as we speak, and of the fact that he is one of only two artists who appears on my 101 list three times, here is a special iTunes Tuesday (I know I haven't done this in ages, but...) on Monday...the Bruce Springsteen edition.

1) If you've got a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack, what does everybody have? A Hungry Heart (Nightfly)

2) If you ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines, what were you born to do? Run (Nightfly)

3) If you learned more from a 3-minute record, baby, than you ever learned in school, what promise did you swear to always remember? No retreat, Baby, no surrender

4) If I believe in the love that you gave me; I believe in the faith that can save me; I believe in the hope and I pray that some day it may raise me above what? These Badlands (close, Nightfly)

5) Same song as #4, what "ain't no sin"? It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive

6) If there's a girl that lives up the block who back in school could turn all the boy's heads, what do you sit around talking to her about? Glory Days (close again, 'Fly)

7) If you've got a new suit of clothes, a pretty red rose and a woman you can call your friend, what are these? Better Days

8) If you ain't getting nowhere just living in a dump like this, what are you doing? sitting around getting older (Nightfly's answer. I was thinking Dancing in the Dark, but he is definitely not wrong. Good job!)

9) If you went down to the courthouse and the judge put it all to rest, what 4 things were there none of? No wedding day smiles, no walk down the aisle, no flowers no wedding dress

10) If you'd sit on his lap in that big old Buick and steer as you drove through town, what were you and your dad taking a good look at? Your Hometown (Nightfly)

11) If want her to show a little faith, there's magic in the night, what is she? She ain't a beauty, but hey, she's alright

12) Same song as # 11, if all the redemption you can offer is beneath this dirty hood, with a chance to make it good somehow, what else can we do now, except...? Roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair

13) If you were bruised and battered, and couldn't tell what you felt, and you were unrecognizable to yourself, where were you? The Streets of Philadelphia (Nightfly)

14) The flag of piracy flew from your mast, your sails were set wing to wing, and you had a jukebox graduate for first mate, who couldn't sail but she sure could sing, what did you do when they said "Sit Down"? What are you doing in general? When they said sit down I stood up. Growing Up.

15) If at night you wake up with the sheets soaking wet and a freight train running through the middle of your head, what is wrong with you? I'm on fire (Nightfly)

16) If everyone dreams of a love lasting and true, but you and I know what this world can do, what should we do? Let's make our steps clear, that the other may see. I'll wait for you, should I fall behind wait for me.

17) If you are sittin' here in this bar tonight, and all you're thinkin' is you're the same old story same old act, what are you taking? One step up and two steps back.

Rock on, Boss Man!

The Soundtrack of My Life - Tracks 16-17

Several artists appear multiple times on my 101 list, but only two appear three times. The first of these is The Boss...aka Mr. Springsteen.

The first song I have already discussed here. The other two, are:

If I Should Fall Behind

My wedding song. I probably need not say more. It's about a couple, obviously, but it's also about how life, and relationships are hard, and sometimes you have to make an effort. The lyrics in their entirety:

We said we'd walk together, Baby, come what may
There come the twilight should we lose our way
As we're walking, a hand should slip free
I'll wait for you, should I fall behind, wait for me

We swore we'd travel, Darlin', side by side
We'd help each other stay in stride
But each lover's steps fall so differently
But I'll wait for you, should fall behind, wait for me

Now everyone dreams of a love lasting and true
But you and I know what this world can do
So let's make our steps clear that the other may see
And I'll wait for you, should fall behind, wait for me

Now there's a beautiful river in the valley ahead

There 'neath the oak's bough soon we will be wed
Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees
I'll wait for you, should I fall behind, wait for me

I'll wait for you, should I fall behind, wait for me
I'll wait for you, should I fall behind, wait for me
Yeah, I'll wait for you, should I fall behind, wait for me

Better Days

Another song that reminds me of CO. It must be the Bruce connection. Again, it's the lyrics I love:

Well my soul checked out missing as I sat listening
To the hours and minutes tickin' away
Yeah just sittin' around waitin' for my life to begin

While it was all just slippin' away
I'm tired of waitin' for tomorrow to come
Or that train to come roarin' round the bend
I got a new suit of clothes and pretty red rose
And a woman I can call my friend

These are better days, Baby
Yeah there's better days shining through
These are better days, Baby
Better days with a girl like you

The message, I think, is that if you wait to be happy, you will wait forever. You have to be happy now, with what you have, and not live with the philosophy that if only I had THAT, then I'd be happy. That philosophy fails, because when you get THAT, it fulfills you for awhile, but then something else comes along, and you now want IT. And the cycle continues.

There is only one thing that has the power to fix your life; one thing that can make you happy...and it's you.

I work with a woman who is a miserable human being. She only sees the negative side of everyone and everything. I swear she wakes up in the morning and seeks out misery. I wonder why it is so hard for her to just wake up and decide to have a good day. Sure, it doesn't always work. But if you decide to be happy, to have a good day, the little things might bug, but they don't put a pox on your entire day. On the contrary, if you anticipate a bad day, you usually get your wish, and the littlest thing seems like a harbinger of the ills to come.

Don't get me wrong...I am not all that optimistic by nature. I tend to always imagine the worst possibility right out of the gates. But then I reel myself in, and realize it probably isn't as bad as I imagined. I also cheer up pretty quickly when "shit happens." I have a sign in my kitchen that says "Decide to Be Happy." I try to decide it every day.

Here's wishing you all Better Days!

The Soundtrack of My Life - Tracks 11 -15

Lest you feared I was going to write long dissertations about each and every song on the 101 list, here are a bunch in a row, with minimal commentary.

Runaway - Del Shannon
This song is just fun to sing, albeit badly, if I am involved. And everyone knows it, so sing along now...

"And I wonder--
I wah-wah-wah-wah-wonder,
Why,
Why, why, why, why, why she ran away,
And I wonder,
A-where she will stay-ay,
My little runaway,
Run, run, run, run, runaway. "

Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
My favorite Journey song. I got nothing more than that.

"Working hard to get my fill,
everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice,
just one more time

Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on..."

Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
I do love me some Southern Rock, and this some, while completely predictable, is the best there is. "Turn it up..."

"Big wheels keep on turning
Carry me home to see my kin
Singing songs about the Southland
I miss Alabamy once again
And I think its a sin"

Blinded By The Light - Manfred Mann's Earth Band
I know...all "douche" issues aside, I still love this "song with the funky break." Bruce Springsteen making no lyrical sense at all, which is the beauty of it, really.

"Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun
But mama, that's where the fun is"

Goodbye Stranger - Supertramp
The story behind the lyrics...a man who can't commit; a man who is a first class asshole. I know this guy. It actually reminds me of several people I have known, and since I have never been their victim, I have loved them in spite of loathing their behavior. Still...loathe the man, love the song.

"Now I believe in what you say
Is the undisputed truth
But I have to
have things my own way
To keep me in my youth...

Now some they
do and some they don't
And some you just can't tell
And some they will and
some they won't
With some it's just as well"

The Soundtrack of My Life - Track 10

Remember When - Alan Jackson
I maintain that I am not really a country music fan. Having said that, you may be surprised at how many country songs found their way onto my 101 songs list. I was surprised by it myself.

I am also surprised by the spelling of the word surprised, every time I spell check it. Why do I always want to drop the first "r"? I say su-prise, not surprise. Is it me? Does anyone out there pronounce that first "r"?

Anyway, that is so not the point of this post. Where was I?

Oh, yeah...so all evidence to the contrary, I maintain that I am not a country music fan. So why this song? I actually know the answer to this one. It is 4 lines of lyric...

"We lived and learned, life threw curves,
There was joy, there was hurt...

We came together, fell apart
And broke each other's hearts "

Marriage is so much harder than you ever think it is going to be. As a young person, and maybe this is just a girl thing, but I don't think so, you watch movies and television or you read books, and they are filled with these seemingly perfect relationships...true love...sweeping romance, and you get the notion that love conquers all. All you have to do is find your one true everlasting love, and everything that is broken will be fixed. Perfection will be yours.

Of course the logical side of our mind knows that is not possible, but the illogical, in-love, optimistic side hopes against all hope that it is. And for a few moments...it is true, and you start to believe it.

Then something happens...maybe a disagreement, or some disappointment...it may even be you disappointing yourself, or it may be no one's fault at all, but shitty things in life simply happening to you, but the disillusionment comes all the same. And suddenly you look at this person, this "love of your life", this "soul mate," and you really see them for the first time. The human. The imperfect person.

You are faced with the reality that nothing is perfect...including you.

Marriage is so much harder than you ever think it's going to be, but it is also so much more than you ever think it's going to be. I could never have fathomed in those youthful daydreams of true love, what it really meant to have someone love you, flaws and all. To know that person is going to see the very worst you have to offer...your worst habits, your worst temper tantrum, your worst mistake, your worst bout of the stomach flu, and they will still be there the next day, loving you in spite of it. And to know when you feel beat up by life...money problems, job problems, kid problems, health problems, whatever, this is the person who will defend you, hold you up, back you up. Whatever you need them to do, they will do it.

It is incomprehensible, unimaginable, and incomparable.

That is what this song reminds me of with those few little lines. We lived and learned. There was joy and there was hurt. And some days we even broke each other's hearts. Anything worth having is worth earning, and you do earn it, and it is hard, but it is worth it!

My oldest son is getting married in less than two weeks. I doubt he knows any of this, but I hope he is ready to know this. I hope he can know this.

Idol Chit Chat...Top 9

Mom: "It was Dolly Parton night."

Me (two time zones behind her): "Country night, or just Dolly Parton?"

Mom: "They all sang Dolly Parton songs."

Me: "I only know the one song."

Mom: "9 to 5?"

Me: "Oh, okay two I guess."

Mom: "Jolene?"

Me: "No. I don't know that one."

Mom: "Yes you do."

Me: "I don't."

Mom: "You do!"

Me (silently to myself): "No I DON'T!"

An hour later in front of the tv:

Brooke White: "Jolene..."

Me: "Oh crap. I know this song."

-----

And surprisingly, I knew several more.

Again David Cook and Michael Johns were aces. I thought Brooke was good too. I am really liking her. She seems like a very genuinely nice person.

Carly was eh. Kristy Lee was also eh...and this is her thing. Not a good omen.

Shyesha hit the big note, and I didn't think she was going to, but still she should not have attempted it.

When, oh when, is Ramielle's mediocrity going to send her away?

David A. and Jason...you know they keep ragging on Jason for sounding the same week after week (which is true), but they never say anything to David about his same 'ol same 'ol-ness. No, instead they praise him. He is B-O-R-I-N-G! All he sings are pop ballads. He is the Michael Bolton of the teenage set. The single time he has deviated from the ballad norm, he sucked it up.

He can sing fine I guess, but I wouldn't cross the street to listen to him, much less buy anything he sold. Is this what they think American wants to hear? Maybe that's why few of the Idols have had stellar sales, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry not withstanding. Of course those three don't put people into a coma when they sing either.

Perhaps it's me. Maybe I am out of touch with what the young folk like, but I have a hard time thinking it is this drivel. I would much rather hear Jason's repetitive reggae-ish sound over and over than David A.'s tired old ballads.

At least he didn't scold us this week. I guess Dolly isn't very political, and he couldn't find a song of social awareness in her repertoire. Thank God! He must have been bitterly disappointed, not being able to tell us all how to behave.

End rant.

Bottom three (a prediction of what it will be, not what it should be): Shyesha, Ramielle and Kristy Lee, with Shyesha going home. It should be Ramielle, but it won't.