ISSMA State Qualifiers, Excedrin & Really Great Husbands

For those of you that are (or were) not high school music nerds, ISSMA stands for Indiana State School Music Association...I think. All I know is that they decide who is good and who is not good in high school band and choir in Indiana. Now that we have that out of the way...

My husband's high school wind ensemble competed at Pike High School at ISSMA state concert band qualifiers on Friday night. Ummm...yeah, he is a HS band director...NOT still IN high school - just wanted to clarify that for the readers! He teaches at a relatively small high school and has since 1998. When he started there, he had one concert band with about 20 students. It was bad...worse than bad. He NOW has one concert band, one wind ensemble, a beginning jazz band, and, his pride and joy, the advanced jazz band, appropriately called "10 o'Clock Jazz Band" - his band program numbers about 120 students. Yeah, he rocks.

Anyway, back to state qualifiers. The whole night, I hung out in their homeroom and made Remedies flash cards and read my outline - except for during their performance, of course. And guess what??? His wind ensemble got a GOLD! YAY! This is the epitome of good music education and good conducting and great kids and phenomenal instruction. I can't express how excited and proud I am of my husband and his students - considering his small band played along side bands from Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, and other big ass high schools.

To show my extreme excitement over this accomplishment, I proceeded to be smacked upside the head with the worst migraine I have had in about 2 years. I spent the entire ride home from Indy huddled in a ball on the passenger's side with my head in my hands and my jacket over my eyes to block out the light, bawling like Paula Abdul after Constantine left American Idol. Periodically, I would move my hands from my head to my ears to block out the sound of the windshield wipers. Yeah, it was rough. Really rough. I somehow drove myself home from the high school and swore that I had somehow contracted viral meningitis. I mean, it was bad. Luckily, I made it to my bed, gulped down two Tylenol PM's, put a cold washcloth over my eyes and fell asleep. This morning, I was gently awakened by my Gold-winning hubby who gave me 2 blessed Excedrin Migraine caplets, a big glass of water and a freshly-cold washcloth...and then...I fell back asleep. He periodically checked on me and changed my washcloth.

I love him.

So...I have spent the whole day laying on the couch watching the Gilmore Girls marathon on the ABC Family Channel with said amazingly wonderful, thoughtful, talented, brilliant husband, trying to rest my apparently pissed off brain. And I have done no studying today. And am feeling incredibly guilty about it. But come on...at some point, when the brain says "No more information," it means NO MORE INFORMATION! I will resume the stuffing of information into my tired brain tomorrow. But now, it is time for me to watch Law & Order: SVU until the Tylenol PM kick in.

Y'all have a good night. I know I will.

A couple more random thoughts...

from my finals-stressed, information overloaded and utterly disorganized and uncreative brain:

1. Good news first - we think we sold our house!!! YAY! Pending the inspection and everything, we are good to go! And considering we had an inspection done RIGHT before we put the house on the market, I don't think there will be any problems. SO - hooray for house-selling!

2. The current law school mess. There is a really good analysis of what is going on - if you want to read it - where I have commented, go here. If you want more of a tirade about it, you can go here. Why is it more of a "tirade," you might ask? Well, he uses the word "asshat" which made me laugh :) All I have to say is: Holy balls, people! WTF?! The comments have now gone past polite commentary about one young professor and his students desire for him to have tenure...

• to bashing other well-respected professors, which I think is completely inappropriate (yes, I know about the First Amendment...I took Freedom of Speech, Press, and Religion - from our favorite retiring prof, but I still think it is disrespectful and shows that some of these students have overinflated senses of entitlement)
• to commenting on the brilliance of other professors (which for the most part, I agree - I had a kickass first year lineup of profs - including young tenure wanting prof- and tho' I did not have W as a first year, everyone knows I adore him) -
• NOW to talking about how good said young tenure-wanting professor looks in a SWEATER VEST and comparing said professor to VIN DIESEL. Come on, folks....really? Don't y'all have some finals or some shit. We have resorted to discussing the hotness or lack of hotness of our faculty. Yikes. This can only end badly.

That's it....back to remedies...that is taught by my fave "Kenny Rogers" looking prof. ;)

Paula Abdul = Tammy Faye Bakker

Holy crap! Did anyone else see the end of the American Idol when Constantine was singing his farewell song???? She was bawling like someone kicked her dog!!!! I have never seen anything like it.

As for Constantine's departure, I am surprised. I mean, yeah, it was a really really bad performance. I mean really bad - in fact, his performance of "How You Remind Me" last night was actually waaaay better than the same song on Tuesday. I think if he would have sang more and screamed less, he might have been able to stick around. Because it was really bad on Tuesday. Did I say it was bad? Horrendous.

But what I was even more shocked about was the list of people in the bottom three:

Constantine, A. Feddy, and Vonzell (!!!!).

What? Yeah, she didn't do THAT great Tuesday night, but damn - that girl is good. And so is A. Feddy for that matter! Where was Scott? Holy cow - what is this world coming to? America - you were doing so well when you got rid of Anwar...and now what have you done?

Oh, well.......at least I won't feel the need to shower after every episode due to the extreme filthiness I feel everytime Constantine pouts at me from the TV screen. That's a plus, right?

Now it's time for the breakdown*

Well, of course, I am supposed to be studying, but I just had to write up this week's AI redux...I finally got around to watching last week's as well. Yeah, I am behind, what of it? Don't judge. But I will not bore you with my opinions of last week's ep. Needless to say, I am thrilled that Anwar has finally left the building! YAY! Way to go, America.

As for this week's show, all I can say is that the performances, overall, were subpar. I found myself agreeing with Simon more this week than I have the rest of the season. It was kind of frightening for me. Anyway, here it is, what you have been waiting for (Chuck!), Kelly P's thoughts on AI:

Carrie started the show with "When God Fearin' Women Get the Blues." She looked cute in her little cowboy shirt, but didn't seem to want to move around a lot for fear of getting her stick-straight hair caught in her lipstick. I thought the performance was really pretty good. I liked the song and she seemed really comfortable with it. It was twangy and country and cute. I think I liked it way more than the judges did. And I laughed my ass off when Simon said he didn't understand "this kind of music" - and then chalked it up to the fact that he's English. HA!

I believe next was my FAVORITE PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: Bo Bice with "I Don't Wanna Be." I agreed with Simon that the Lenny Kravitz sunglasses had to go. But, damn, if that boy can't work a mic stand! He is a very sexy rocker-guy. The song was perfect for him. He had great pitch and great stage presence. HE is the only rocker in this competition. Plus, I LOVE the fact that (being that I am a band director's wife) Bo ALWAYS acknowledges his back-up musicians. That is the sign of a true performer: respect for your accompanists. YAY for Bo - he is back!!!!

My LEAST FAVORITE PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: HANDS DOWN - Constantine Margoulis with "How You Remind Me." Robin has a similarly scathing review of his performance over at her blog - check it out. It was wretched....just wretched. As Simon said (hee hee), he did a much better job with his more "croon-y" songs - songs that are more legit and less rock 'n' roll and made the point that, when he left his band to be on AI, he went over to the "light side." Right on, Simon! The song sucked. I can't even put into words how truly bad it was. Terrible vocals and not much better performance.

The last three performances were really just kind of okay:

My usual favorite, Vonzell Solomon, performed "I Turn to You," a Christina Aguilera song. Okay, anytime anyone attempts X-tina, I get a little worried. And in Baby V's case, I was right. I thought the whole thing was on shaky grounds, pitch-wise. She looked lovely, as usual, and has amazing stage presence, but I really think she needs to stick with more uptempo songs. Both Randy and Paula thought the performance was just wonderful, but Simon's comment was not near as glowing. He said something to the effect of: It is really loud in here and hard for the judges to hear in the auditorium and that he thinks that the performance was not near as good, vocally, as they thought - i.e. it had pitch issues and seemed to be on the verge of flatness the whole song. And he was right. (Robin agrees with me here as well!) But I still love her, and can't wait to see what she will sing next week.

Anthony Federov sang "I Surrender" which I found out was a Celine Dion song. No idea. It was really pretty. The guy has a lovely voice and is very cute. BUT, Simon nailed it last week when he called him "insipid." Perfect. He is insipid and kind of sickly-sweet. But he really does have a great voice...especially at the top of his range. Very very talented....but I just don't think he is going to be the next American Idol. I don't know.

The show closed with Scott Savol....yep, never the best way to end a show. He sang "Dance with My Father." I think that was the name of the song - a supremely depressing, weepy song about someone's dad who died. Okay, as someone whose dad died, I can appreciate the sentiments of the song....but damn, what a freakin' downer of a song. I think that for next week, to make up for the absolute buzz kill of a song, he should be forced to sing "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go"...just a thought. Oh, and the performance was okay. Kind of boring...kind of sad. But okay.

Bottom three tonight: Scott, Constantine (god I hope so), and Anthony. With Scott hitting the road...b/c I know that the women of America will not vote Constantine off as they think he is hot...or they have a thing with "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"...one of the two.

That's all - KP OUT!


*"Never gonna get it, never gonna get it, never gonna get it, never gonna get it, never gonna get it, never gonna get it, never gonna get it...never get it..." En Vogue

National Poetry Month & Finals Hell

To celebrate National Poetry Month (thank you, E. Spat & THL), as well as the beginning of finals, I give you Shel Silverstein:

(Hey, I never said I was an intellectual.)


"I cannot go to school today"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.

My mouth is wet, my throat is dry.
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox.

And there's one more - that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue,
It might be the instamatic flu.

I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke.
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in.

My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My toes are cold, my toes are numb,
I have a sliver in my thumb.

My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.

My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There's a hole inside my ear.

I have a hangnail, and my heart is
...What? What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is .............. Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!"

GOOD LUCK WITH FINALS, EVERYONE!!!!

fyi

NEW DAVE ATTELL QUOTE ALERT!!!!

Does anyone else...

really love that Cingular Wireless commercial with the "Sweet Melissa" song? With the guy trying to get to his wife before she has the baby???

Does anyone else get all teary-eyed during the scene when he shows up at the hospital???

Just me?

Cool.

THEY DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats & lots of love to Kee Kee & Chuck on passing the bar! Way to go!

To see the rest of the list, go here.

Echoing sentiments...

from Kelly's post yesterday.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

To my friends who find out bar results this morning, I am thinking of you...and praying...yep, me...praying. And sweating...and my stomach is a bit sick....but I am praying for you!

Lots of love to you, C & K!

Stolen from Amanda

A really good "The Way I See It" from Starbucks.

As I was preparing for Evidence today, I found this on the back of my venti vanilla latte...

The Way I See It #30:

"The secret of attraction is to love yourself. Attractive people judge neither themselves or others. They are open to gestures of love. They think about love. They think about love, and express their love in every action. They know that love is not a mere sentiment, but the ultimate truth at the heart of the universe."
-- Deepak Chopra, author of The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire and other spiritual guides.

Interesting, no?

A sentence I never thought would come out of my husband's mouth...

but it did last night:

"I would MUCH rather watch 'Gilmore Girls' than 'American Idol!"

Huh?

Beauty still thrives in a place filled with sadness. 

The fence.

Before... 

and after...

"I'll take salpingo-oophorectomies for a thousand, Alex."

And I will make a guess that Kelly is the only one that will know what that heinous word in the title means...

I spent most of Saturday studying medical terminology for my food & drug law final that is a week from Tuesday. I now know what the true medical term is for these very important medical conditions:

the removal of a pair of testes (orchidectomy),
an enema (proctoclysia), and
what this test is to me:
a headache (cephalgia) AND a pain in my ass (rectalgia).

Yep...Kelly P.'s the one they call Dr. Feelgood,
she's the one that makes you feel alright.
she's the one they call Dr. Feelgood...
She's gonna be your Frankenstein!!

Ring the bell, school's back in...

So, I heard "U Can't Touch This" on my way home from class last night.

I knew every word....even the "oh's." Is this wrong?


Yeah. I thought so too.

Just checking.

You're right. It's wrong to destroy literature. It's such fun to read....and Mo-lay really pumps my nads.*

Thanks to E.Spat for the blog chain letter. Now I actually have to think...damn.

1. You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451, which book do you want to be saved?
First off, I love Fahrenheit 451. I read it in Mrs. Poffenbarger's 8th grade literature class. Yes, that was her name. And, needless to say, she was only there one year. I think the book was a bit controversial for a small town central Illinois junior high school! As someone who has loved to read her WHOLE life (no kidding, I started reading at two), this book scared the shit out of me. Okay, to answer the question. This is easy. No question about it. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. This is probably my all-time favorite novel. I read it every year, and when I was teaching, would suggest it to all of my students!

2. Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
Yep...two of them. First, from Anne of Green Gables: Gilbert Blythe. It could have been b/c, in the movie version, the actor who played him, Jonathan Crombie, was adorable. He was smart and funny and sweet and I loved him. Second, from Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy. Okay, okay - again, it could be b/c of the movie - I mean, who didn't love Colin Firth's portrayal of this wonderful character.

3. The last book you purchased?
The last book I purchased, besides an Evidence hornbook which should not count, because goodness knows I am NOT reading it for pleasure, was The Daily Show's America the Book: A Citizen's Guide to Democracy. The last audio book I purchased was James Patterson's Honeymoon. (Gimme a break, people, I spend three hours in the car everyday - I need something to keep me awake!)

4. What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading law textbooks, just finished Prep, and am getting ready to start Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason. It is kind of a Da Vinci Code type of book, only better. Here's a blurb about it from Amazon. Of course, this might have to wait until after finals. Damn those pesky tests! EDIT: Kel reminded me that I am also currently reading The Purpose-Driven Life. Duh. Sorry!

5. Five books you would take to a deserted island?
Okay, this is a toughie. Five books...five books....
(1) Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Duh.
(2) Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
(3) Take the Cannoli by Sarah Vowell
Both of these are books that never get boring. I could read them again and again and still find them freaking high-larious.
(4) The Testament by John Grisham
I know, a Grisham book - seems rather cliche. But, first off, this is my favorite Grisham book and I have read it and listened to it a zillion times. And second, there are some useful tips for what to do if you get stranded somewhere!!!
(5) Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
Okay, I probably should have picked the Bible, or An Idiot's Guide to be Stranded on a Deserted Island, or something practical, but I could NOT be stuck on a deserted island w/o the original chick lit novel!

From what I understand, I have to pass this on to three people or else I will be doomed forever (thank you, E.Spat), so I choose: Amanda, Robin, and Kelly. Have fun, ladies!!!! :)

*Judd Nelson as "John Bender," The Breakfast Club

Songs from the Year You Were Born... (AI Recap for Chuck!)

was the theme of last night's American Idol. And all it did was make me feel really, really freakin' old. But overall, I was pretty impressed with the performances and agreed with the judges. Here's the recap: (again, in no particular order b/c I am doing it from memory)

Favorite performance of the night (once again): Vonzell Solomon.
Vonzell sang "Let's Hear It For the Boy" by Deniece Williams from 1984. NINETEEN EIGHTY FREAKIN FOUR. This song was perfect for her. She had the look, the sound, the energy. She was ON! I definitely think she may have what it takes to go all the way, even after being in the bottom four last week.

Least Favorite performance of the night: Nadia Turner. Once again, I am ill impressed with Nadia. First off, I couldn't even tell you what the song title was. I remembered that it had something to do with dreaming - b/c that is why she said she picked it - and Crystal Gayle sang it. Yep, I would definitely pick a song that that crazy-ass long haired lady sang. It was unmemorable, and I have to agree with Simon - it was "musical wallpaper."

The others:
A. Feddy sang "Everytime you Go Away" by Paul Brown. And for some reason, I am thinking this song came out in 1985. That is crazy stuff right there!!!! But, he did an excellent job. And although I don't particularly care for how he looks, or his Ellis Island-esque story, the song was perfect for him. I think this performance will keep him out of the bottom three tonight.

I know Robin loves Anwar - but I just can't get into him. He did a song by the lady that did the Psychic Network commercials (I am drawing a blank) called "I'll Never Love this Way Again." Good song, he sounded lovely, and techincally, he is extremely skilled. But once again, all I've got is...ehh. Boring.

Bo picked "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I expected sheer brilliance from this performance. I mean the song was perfect for him. He looked great...he had the whole "rocker" microphone thing goin'. But vocally, it wasn't as good as I think it could have been. He doesn't sound as strong as he did at the beginning of the competition. But I still thought it was a good performance. I do love Bo.

After introducing the audience to Daryl Hall & John Oates, who just happened to be in the audience last night, Ryan introduced poor Scott Savol who chose a Hall & Oates song as his choice for the evening's performence, "She's Gone." A great song. But Scott had a couple major issues, vocally, with this chart. The verses sounded sharp to me, as if he just couldn't get down enough to hit the low notes...but what he lacked in the verses, he waaay made up for it in the choruses. He truly did an excellent job during those sections of the song. And, both Hall & Oates were extremely pleased with his performance. But the judges were not as impressed. Randy mentioned the pitch problems, but what was so great was, that Scott agreed with Randy - he knew he had a hard time with the verses and admitted it! So, although I think he is going to be in the bottom three again tonight, he made a great effort. Oh, but his blue-jean-baby-queen demin mess has GOT to GO!

Okay, here we go. Constantine sand "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. Now, based on my prior posts about said favorite rock band, I was none too pleased to see that he was going to attempt to perform this classic song. I mean, that takes serious balls. But........it was damn good. I agree with Randy - showmanship - 10; vocals - 7. HE IS A SHOWMAN! He was perfect! However, he has some serious pitch issues at the end. Which could have just been the sheer difficulty of the song. But he just did an amazing job. He may have pulled ahead of Bo with this performance. And for some reason, I actually thought he looked hot last night. I don't know - I think it was just the song! (I hope. Ick.)

Alright, if you are waiting for my recap of Carrie Underwood's performance of "Love is a Battlefield," I am afraid you won't get it. My husband picked that moment to come into the living room to talk to me. UGH. So, if anyone wants to pick up this recap, I would appreciate it! I saw the clip at the end and thought she looked and sounded great, but that doesn't really get us anywhere, now does it?!!!

So - my predictions for the bottom three: Scott, Nadia, & Anwar.

KELLY P., OUT!!!!!

List of Random Thoughts

1. I have a cold. I think I will blame it on Heidi and her petri-dish niece.

2. I am supposed to be researching fireworks injuries in states that are required (by state law) to report them annually: Massachusetts, Texas, Colorado, New Hampshire, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Funny thing is, only Massachusetts, Texas, and Hawaii annually report the injuries. In fact, when I spoke to the fire marshal's office in Colorado, the yokel said, "Well, I believe that Bob used to do 'em...but he retired, so we don't do 'em anymore." Oh, good. Blame it on Bob and his retirement. Nice. Very frustrating. But such is the life of a law clerk at a fireworks law firm. (Only 2 more work days left!)

3. Both Crawford v. Washington (and its reconciliation with Ohio v. Roberts) and Daubert make my head hurt. (For those of you that haven't taken evidence, just wait...you WILL get a migraine...I promise.)

4. I have been to Mass two Sundays in a row. I am considering converting. But I have a problem with the whole abortion thing...and the whole birth control thing...and the whole gay marriage thing...........yeah, maybe not.

5. I want some hot pink Chuck Taylors, the new Sarah Vowell book, and a new summer handbag. I hate being a poor law student.

6. I am fascinated with this website. (Thanks to E.Spat at WWFFD for the heads-up). You will be too.

Thanks to Rory...

for sporting this shirt on an episode of "Gilmore Girls"...

I am currently sporting it today!

Is it not adorable? And so appropriate for we bookworm law students that believe that brainy really is beautiful...

Oh...in case you are wondering, besides Evidence Under the Rules, Child, Family & the State, Food & Drug Law, and Remedies, I am also currently reading:

The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren (thank you, H!),
Prep by Curtis Satterfield (v.v. good so far)
& a re-read of Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (the whole Pope/Conclave thing inspired me).

Isn't that sexy????????

Love for sale...appetizing, yummy love for sale...

Okay, maybe not LOVE for sale...but Keith & I are getting ready to put our house on the market, as we are moving to the Fort this summer (for my new job - YAY!) and will be purchasing a home there. The realtor is coming over tomorrow to meet with us about preparations for this scary feat! I have gotten the monthy utility averages and the mortgage information and we have been doing minor repairs and painting, as well as some light landscaping....and we still have a ton more work to do. However, I have never sold a home before. Are there some tried & true house-selling tricks about which I do not know? I have heard that you are supposed to bake something...but that would just make my house smell like burnt food....that is not a good smell at all. I think I might just light a candle and go with it.

Any other thoughts? Or things that you saw on "Sell This House"?!!!

I need the info.

But in happier news...

On The West Wing...

My boy Santos pulled through last night...and named the best running mate that there was to name.....Leo McGarry!

YAY!!! The Santos/McGarry ticket. Excellent...

I am just glad to see that John Spencer will be sticking around. His character is a high point of the show, and he is truly a fantastic actor.

Oh, but I missed last week's episode...what is up with "the leak" in the White House? Based on what I saw last night and what I understand is going on, I am thinking that the show is setting C.J. up for a fall. Anyone else think so?

Wake Up, America!!!

What in the hell were you thinking???

NIKKO??? NIKKO.

And the other bottom two: Vonzell & Scott????????? Are you kidding me????

Three of the best voices on that show in the bottom three.

How disappointing.

"The Lullaby of Broadway" or why American Idol put me to sleep last night.

*Long post warning - sorry*
Per Chuck's very persistent (and very annoying) requests, I give you Kelly P.'s rundown of last night's American Idol. Last night's theme was "Showtunes," a topic near and dear to my heart (and the aforementioned Chuck's). As someone who has sang 6 out of the 9 songs in either high school or college voice recitals, I can safely say that most of the choices were not safety songs. These songs are tough to sing, even for trained vocalists, and more so for those that have no formal training. So, I give them major credit for taking risks. Also, many of them have never sang B'way before and were out of their element (ahem, Bo)...so I also have to applaud their effort! Okay, now that I have done away with the niceties....

(This may not be in the right order as they have not posted anything about last night on the Idol website, so I am doing it from memory!)

First up, Scott Savol, singing "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha. Well, he looks nice... No more awful baggy, poorly fitting outfits. This is probably the best he has looked the entire competition. Plus, he is not taking any of it off, as he did two weeks ago - this is always a plus. A tough song - with a very tough range. He pulled it off pretty well, I think, considering he had never done any charts like this before. The last note was phenomenal. But he is definitely near the bottom of my favorites list....the very bottom is yet to come.

Next, Constantine Maroulis singing "My Funny Valentine" from Babes In Arms. Okay, this scared me at first. I love this song. I mean LOVE, and have sang it on numerous occasions...and I was fully prepared for him to just mangle the song. I was pleasantly surprised. Even with all his weird pouts and strange sex-you-up poses, he did an excellent job. Kind of a sexy, breathy rendition - but with tons of power behind the belting notes. Randy made the comment afterwards that he didn't "believe the whole rocker thing" - and neither do I. That is what has bothered me about him for so long - his rocker persona is fake. He is a pop vocalist...or even a B'way vocalist...not a rock star. I can't believe I am saying this but this was one of my favorite performances of the evening.

Carrie Underwood was next - and I was excited to hear her...and then was pretty damn disappointed. She picked a boring song, "Hello, Young Lovers" from The King and I...and then proceeded belt through it. And I KNOW you are supposed to make the song "your own" (thank you, Paula, for that brilliant piece of advice...you idiot.)...but damn. Has Carrie ever HEARD The King and I EVER? There is no BELTING in The King and I....period. So...not good. And boring. Did I say boring?

Anwar Robinson was up next with "If Ever I Would Leave You" from Camelot. Umm...yeah, I got nothin'. Unimpressed...not much to say. It was pretty....pretty boring. But he has a lovely smile and but he also has kind of creepy buggy eyes.

And then there was Nikko. Let's just say for the record that I love Nikko. But I really dislike R&B music....maybe it is b/c I am from the St. Louis area that I have to like Nikko. I don't know what it is...I just love him. Anyway, he sang "One Hand, One Heart" from West Side Story...another of my favorite songs to sing. This is the number one request when I sing at weddings. It is a lovely, simple song. But Nikko "made it his own." (Again, thank you Paula...you drunken idiot.). But not really, because it is the same interpretation that Tevin Campbell did on the CD The Songs of West Side Story that came out in 1996. Just sayin'. But it was excellent all the same. Again, I love him.

Next, Anthony Federov with "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" from Sound of Music

....zzzzzzz.... (I'm sorry, but all I can do when he sings is stare at the hole in his throat. I know, a terrible thing to say, but true.) ....zzzzz.....

Bo!!!! Okay, now, I also love Bo...but I kind of felt sorry for him last night. If ever there was someone that was at a complete disadvantage b/c of the theme of the evening, it was Bo. Let's be honest, people. If Bo is chosen to be the next "American Idol" - there is no way in hell anyone will ask him to bust out his rendition of "Sunrise, Sunset" or "Let Me Entertain You" - come on. He IS a rock star. But, I have to say, though, that he DID pick the best musical and the best song for his voice and personality. The guy looks like he should be playing in Pippin, the 1970's "rock" musical about Pippin, the son of Charlemagne. And, "Corner of the Sky" is an excellent song......but not for Bo. He just didn't do very well. Poor Bo.

BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE EVENING: Vonzell Solomon
Vonzell sang "People," from Funny Girl - made popular by Barbra. Yep, the Barbra. And I think Vonzell held her own. THAT is a hard song. The range alone makes it extremely difficult for some to sing - and she sang it effortlessly...like a pro. Furthermore, she is just so beautiful....I can't say enough. Amazing performance.

And for my least performance of the evening....and my least favorite person on the show....your favorite faux-hawk and mine...Nadia Turner. Nadia sang "As Long As He Needs Me" from Oliver! Umm...the exclamation point is part of the title...not there to show my excitement about her effing up the very first song I ever learned for a voice recital......yeah, I'm not bitter. I dislike her intensely and she has no place on that stage. And she had pitch issues through the whole song. So there.

There you go, people - my opinions on last night's AI.

Kelly P. OUT.

Melancholy Song for a Lovely Day

Nothing goes together better than a beautifully sung, deeply mournful ballad and the Federal Rules of Evidence, right?!

What I was listening to while reading for Evidence class and sitting outside in the warm sunshine:

"Maybe" by Alison Krauss & Union Station

Yesterday the odds were stacked in favor of my expectations
Lying above the rest, never falling from the nest
Tuesday came and went and now I'm in a little situation
Maybe it's for the best, I can live alone I guess

Maybe I can stand alone
Maybe I'm strong as stone
Even though the bird has flown
Maybe he'll fly on home

Forgive if I'm keeping you apart from better conversation
I'm numb from all my doubt, trying to sort the whole thing out
Tell me that I'm smart enough to deal with all the information
Spinning inside my head, every word he ever said

Maybe I can stand alone
Maybe I'm strong as stone
Even though the bird has flown
Maybe he'll fly on home

I'm Walkin' On Sunshine

whoa, whoa, oh...

Gotta love springtime in the Midwest. It's going to be above 70 degrees today in the Circle City.

To celebrate this lovely weather:

I am wearing sandals and capris.
I listened to a Jimmy Buffett CD on my way to school. "As the son of a son of a sailor..."
I had my sunroof open.
I am wearing pink.


I am a happy girl.**

**Now, if only I was sitting on a restaurant patio somewhere drinking a beer, I would be a supremely happy girl.

It's a Kind of Magic

While I am on the topic of music...

I have to thank The Unnamed Source for this latest topic, as he recently posted about one of my favorite bands, Queen. (I would link him here, but I am a goddess...not a super-goddess, let's not push it! However if you want to see his post, he is linked over there with everyone else!)

Anyway, as some of you may have guessed from the title, I am a Queen fan...a huge Queen fan. So, inspired by TUS, I busted out my Classic Queen CD for my commute to school. And, wow. First off, how fantastic were they?! I mean, just great stuff. And second, I was just flooded with memories of high school and my first "serious" boyfriend, Mike.

I was a freshman, he was a...everyone now...senior. My parents hated him and I LOVED him. I thought he was the coolest person in the whole world. How did we meet, you ask? Well, study hall, of course. He sat at my study hall table in the library. And, me, being the weirdo music freak in high school had written the names of rock bands and singers all over my notebook: Metallica, Led Zeppelin, CCR, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors...you get the picture. Finally, after weeks of him staring at me and my notebook, he leaned over and said, "Hey, Led! Led!" I was like, "What the balls is wrong with this guy? calling me Led...who the heck is Led?"

So, of course, I proceeded to continue working on whatever awful algebra assignment I had that day. Finally, he reaches over and pulls my hair Anne-of-Green-Gables* style. I turned and looked at him and told him my name's Kelly. "Not to me," he said, "it's Led...you know, Led Zeppelin." He then asked if I really liked the bands on my notebook, or was I just a poseur. I told him that I did. He said, "Prove it. Name a song by each of the artists." And of course, I could. I think he was impressed, because he then asked me if he could give me a ride home from school, and I accepted. From that day on, Mike called me "Led." And introduced me to Queen. We listened to "Queen," and "Queen II," "A Night at the Opera" and "A Day at the Races" and all sorts of other great music. He made me watch "Highlander," whose soundtrack is almost completely made up of Queen songs. He played piano and would play me their songs, and I just thought Mike was the greatest guy.

Now, why did my parents hate him so? Well, he wasn't really what you would call a parent's dream boyfriend for their daughter. He had one of those skater haircuts. He was a slacker in school. In fact, I am still wondering if he graduated. He drove a red sports car...okay, not really a sports car, but I loved it. It was a Nissan Pulsar...hey, it had a sunroof and I thought it was badass. Mike smoked and drank...but interestingly enough, he never did around me. My parents would forbid me to see him and wouldn't allow me to ride in his car. But I snuck around and did it any way. He was my one rebellious act in high school. And it was so completely worth it, just to be introduced to a band as great as Queen.

*Anne of Green Gables - a children's lit novel by L.M. Montgomery. During Anne's first day of class, Gilbert Blythe leans over and pulls her red braid and whispers, "Carrots, hey Carrots!" and Anne proceeds to break her slate over his head.**
**Why, yes...I am a complete nerd, why do you ask?

Shuffle, baby!

Just a quick post to say that I heard the following songs on my new favorite radio station on my way to work - in this order:

"Word Up" by Cameo
"Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas
"Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds


THAT EFFING ROCKS!!!!

Why does it rock? Because it completely fits my schizophrenic taste in music. I am like the Sybil of taste in music...I am the Three Faces of Eve of taste in music...I am the...okay, you get it. (I hope so, because I have run out of really good multiple personality references).

It still rocks.

Linky Link Links

Dear Favorite Bloggers (you know who you are: Kel, Robin, Prof. Cooper, E.Spat, Kevin, etc.):

I am a baby blogger. I have no idea how to do links. I currently have two on my blog only because Heidi was kind enough to do them for me. She then showed me how to do them...but I BELIEVE (I am not sure) that she was speaking Farsi. There was something about a tag or a target or something. No idea. So, once I buy Blogging for Effing Idiots or whatever self-help book is out there for really, really inept people, I will add your link to my blog.....whether you want it there or not :)

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Kelly P.

P.S. I just added Kel's "Just Playin" to my list. YAY!

EDIT: Okay, so now I am link obsessed! I am the link goddess. Ooh, but if I have forgotten someone, which is unlikely because I am the link goddess, please let me know!!!

Gotta agree with Kel on this!

I listened to the new radio station she discussed yesterday on her blog: 104.5 Jack-FM. I have to say that I loved it. I understand the complaint about no actual deejay, but for me, deejays get in the way of music. When I want to hear talk, I listen to NPR. But if I am in the mood for some tunes, deejays just piss me off and take time away from the music. So Jack is right up my alley. Plus, they play the coolest mix of music. And it is like a little game for me, a sort of "Name that Tune" on acid!

This morning, on my commute, I heard the following artists: Def Leppard, Chaka Khan, Pink Floyd (three artists which go together like bologna, peanut butter, and Chicken McNuggets), Sarah McLachlan, Bruce Springsteen, Huey Lewis & the News, and something that I thought was "Philadelphia Freedom" when it started, but then it sounded like the Bee Gees on helium....no idea. But come on, people!!!! Chaka Khan and Pink Floyd - that kicks ass! Yeah, you could get that on your iPod...if (1) you had one, or (2) you had the foresight to download both Pink Floyd and Chaka Khan on your iPod!!!!

I love Jack. He makes me happy. And that is all that matters in my world!

IT IS DONE.

The dreaded bar application has been turned in.

I have copied, and graphed, and charted my previous residences and places of employment. I have to admit that I "guesstimated" a bit on the dates of said employment. I mean, come on, I have no idea how long I worked at Arby's in 1995, nor do I know the address of the Decatur Park District where I worked the summer after my freshman year as a singer/dancer.

I got my picture taken and laminated it on to a little card with my name on it. WTF??? I don't get it.

I copied my ONE ticket and an Order Book Entry for my traffic violation...for which I pled to an ordinance violation to get out of paying! Yes, my dear readers...I have been convicted of the ordinance violation of littering. How do you think that will go during my character and fitness interview?

"Ms. P., it says here that you littered. Wait, wha? You littered?"
"Well, that is what I PLED to, but in all actuality, I ran a stop sign. But it was 6:00 in the morning and there was no one around and the cop was an asshole...I mean, he told me to stop playing with my hair and pay more attention to the road...come on, I think that is sexual harassment...okay, so I DID run the stop sign, but couldn't afford the ticket...so instead I pled to littering....I mean, littering is better than 'failure to yield,' right?"
"I am sorry, Ms. P., but such behavior is completely unlawyerlike. No bar exam for you."

Damn. What do you people want from me? I am only human! You have my fingerprints, my picture (which if I were Amish, would be a major issue...what do they do about the
Amish?), my entire life history. Luckily, I don't have any major psychological/drug/alcohol issues (that anyone knows about ;)), but if I did, that would have to go on there as well. What else do you want, you evil bar examiners???? My first born child. Well, fine...take him/her...

*sigh*

Oh, well. It is done...all there is left to do now is pray....and, again, if I were Amish, this would not be a problem...but I am Methodist....so I will go to a potluck...or play softball...or have a progressive dinner...something like that.

**And on a side note: what is up with my obsession with the Amish?

The Road to Final Four...

is paved in blue and orange.

GO ILLINI!!!!!

We're loyal to you Illinois,
We're "Orange and Blue," Illinois,
We'll back you so stand
'Gainst the best in the land,
For we know you have sand, Illinois,
Rah! Rah!

So crack out that ball Illinois,
We're backing you all Illinois;
Our team is our fame protector,
On! boys, for we expect a vict'ry
from you Illinois!

Okay, so I am calling it "Easter Spies"

I stole this from a bunch of people...thought the questions were fun and waaay easier than having to come up with something on my own :)

1. What blog, other than your own, do you read the most?

Will Work for Favorable Dicta; Just Playin'; Waiting for the Punchline; The Great Spirit & Obiter Dictum ...ooh, and Go Fug Yourself (I would link them but I am technologically retarded).

2. Are you a gadget person? Do you have the latest thingamajigs and whoozits and geegaws?

Gadgets....hmmm....my husband has an iPod which I love and use when I can. We also have a really nice digital camera and one of those docking stations. Beyond that, not so much.

3. If I gave you $1000 on the condition that you couldn't spend it on something responsible (e.g., bills), or save it, what would you do with the money?

Ooh, vacation...I really really really want to go to London....and a new Coach purse...and another vacation ;)

4. What are your five favorite sitcoms of all time, other than "Seinfeld" and "The Simpsons"?"

I adore "Seinfeld" and "The Simpsons."
The two sitcoms I watch now:
"Scrubs" - Hi, I *heart* Zach Braff.
"Arrested Development" when I can catch it.

And my three favorite from when I was younger:

"Facts of Life" - Come on, nothing is better than the girls & Mrs. G.
"Family Ties" - I have a serious thing for Alex P. Keaton.
"Bosom Buddies" - The theme song alone is fabulous!

5. Organize a film festival based on a theme. Choose a theme and a handful of movies with that theme, and tell us what you've chosen.

Gotta go with an 80's theme like Amanda did:
- "The Breakfast Club"; "Pretty in Pink"; "Goonies"; "Beverly Hills Cop"; "Sixteen Candles"
"uhhh....does Barry Manilow know that you raided his wardrobe"

OR a Chevy Chase theme:
- "Fletch"; "Fletch Lives"; "Caddyshack"; "Spies Like Us"
"What kind of name is Poon? - Comanche Indian"

OR a Jane Austen theme:
- "Pride & Prejudice" with Colin Firth; "Emma" with Gwyneth Paltrow; both "Bridget Jones" movies as they are based on Jane...and "Clueless," which was based on "Emma"
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

You got it, Lawren!

YAY for Lawren who guessed from where my graduation quote derived...and who I figured would get it! Either her, Chuck, or Prof. Cooper! It is from "Jekyll & Hyde" the musical - and from a song called "This is the Moment." I have sang both that song and other songs from the show. I just wanted to have something that was me - and what better than a B'way song :)

Here are the full lyrics - I apologize for the lack of spaces between verses - for some reason Blogger won't let me break it up!

"This is the Moment" from Jekyll & Hyde.
Music by Frank Wildhorn/ Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

Jekyll:

This is the moment, this is the day

When I send all my doubts & demons on their way

Every endeavor, I have made ever

Is coming into play, is here and now today.

This is the moment, this is the time

When the momentum and the moment are in rhyme.

Give me this moment, this momentous moment;

I'll gather up my past, and make some sense at last.

This is the moment, when all I've done

All of the dreaming, scheming, and screaming become one.

This is the day, just see it shine

When all I've lived for becomes mine.

This is the moment, this is the hour

When I can open up tomorrow like a flower.

And put my hand to, everything I planned to

Fulfill my grand design; see all my stars align.

This is the moment, my final test;

Destiny beckoned, I never reckoned second best.

I won't look down, I must not fall;

This is the moment, the sweetest moment of the them all.

This is the moment, damn all the odds

This day or never, I'll sit forever with the gods.

When I look back, I will recall, moment for moment

This was the moment,

The greatest moment

Of them all!

Graduation Quote Decision Made!!

I finally decided on my quote for my graduation annoucements, with help from Kelly. I wanted something that was me...and for those persons that know me, this quote and its origin is VERY me.

Here it is:

When I look back, I will always recall,
Moment for moment, this was the moment,
The greatest moment
Of them all!

Can anyone name from where I got this quote? Anyone? Bueller??

American Idol Redux

Okay, as a vocalist, I have to say that I am rather impressed with most of the contestants on this season's AI. Having said that, I must recant a comment I made in an earlier AI post.....

Mikalah NEEDS TO GO. Wow. She is scary bad. Randy made a really good comment about her. He missed the energetic, teenage Mikalah. She got up and was all sexy, sultry Taylor Dayne, and she looked like she had been playing in her mom's makeup. Not good. Plus her vowel placement is so very bizarre. She is gone.

LOVED Carrie Underwood's rendition of "Alone" by Heart. She was absolutely amazing. She has absolutely no break from her head to chest voice and THAT alone is completely impressive...plus she picked an extremely difficult song. It was so much better than all the country stuff. She looked great and I now love her.

THANK GOD NIKKO IS BACK. Ooh, I just love him and thought he really pulled it off last night!

Thought Bo did a nice job. Very subdued performance and a lovely song.

Vonzell - Great, great, great...she looked fabulous and sang her ass off.

Beyond that, I was less than moved. Constantine's facial expressions half scare me and half make me want to go take a shower. The faux-hawk that Nadia was sporting was over the top (gotta agree with Simon there) and her song was awful. Anwar was okay, although I do really like him, but picking a song by Chaka...damn, boy - that took guts. And I am sorry, Jessica Sierra...NOT GOOD. I love that song and all, but to me - that is kareoke, that is not AI. Her look is ehh. Her voice is ehh.

I am sure I am forgetting performers, but those are my thoughts!

Ooh, and "House M.D." was on afterwards....such a good show! Everyone must watch "House"...if just to see Hugh Laurie & Robert Sean Leonard!

Thanks for the suggestions...

However, when I arrived home, my husband put a paint roller in my hand and we set to work painting our bathroom. As you may (or may not) know, we in the process of putting our house on the market, as my new job (YAY!) moves us to the Fort. This means spackling and painting and all sorts of other heinous Trading Spaces-esque activities. So I was unable to watch nor read anything stuffy & elitist as I wanted. However, we did listen to Bela Fleck & the Flecktones as well as NPR. Does that count for anything??? Probably not. Keep the suggestions flowing, though, as I might have time to redeem myself this evening!

And to add to my closet redneck-ness, I have changed my quote that is found under my blog title. Rather than someone intelligent and political like Richard Schiff's character, Toby Ziegler, now the quote is from Dave Attell. You may know Dave Attell from his Comedy Central show "Insomniac." He also has a comedy album called "Skanks for the Memories" - from where I got that particular quote. He is fabulously funny and filthy and, at the suggestion of BFF Amanda, I will be changing the quote every couple weeks - so check it out!

Git 'R' Done

It's official - I am a full-fledged resident of Mun-tucky!

I spent yesterday napping, watching NASCAR, and both Blue Collar Comedy Specials. I tell you what, that Larry the Cable Guy is one funny guy....

What has happened to me???????????????

When I get home, I am going to watch something to redeem myself for my Sunday sins.

I need something uppity and elitist.

Any suggestions?

When Irish Eyes Are Smilin'...

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!!

In honor of this special day:

• Look for four-leaf clovers
• Watch "Leprechaun"
• If you aren't into "horror" films, watch "Darby O'Gill & the Little People," "Finian's Rainbow," or "The Commitments"
• Eat corned beef & cabbage
• Drink Guinness....or any beer dyed green.
• Listen to The Cranberries, The Corrs, Clannad, or The Pogues
• Learn Irish Step Dance
• Or my favorite: sing "Danny Boy"

Everyone, sing it with me:

"Oh, Danny Boy...the pipes, the pipes are ca-a-lling...from glen to glen, and down the mountainside...."

HOWDY, KIDS!!!

I am back from the dead!!!! But because things have been so very boring and sickness-filled, I don't have much to say, so.....

I am going to copy off of Heidi and answer the five questions she stole from E.McPan and Frolics and Detours:

1. Tell me what's in your desk drawers right now.
Depends on which desk. Well, actually it doesn't - b/c my desk at work doesn't have drawers and my desk at home isn't a desk but a dining room table turned into a desk, and dining room tables don't have drawers either. However, to entertain my three readers, I will give you a brief list of what is sitting ON my desk here at work, besides the normal work related things like case files, your basic office implements, and that fun air-in-a-can.
2 pictures of my husband & I - one from our wedding and one at first year Barrister's Ball
A picture of Lucy, my Brittany spaniel
A picture of Bela, my black Lab
A Harry Potter mug full of "your basic office implements"
A card from BFF Amanda with a picture of an alarm clock on the front...well, what used to be an alarm clock.
My bar application - ewwww!
A t-shirt from Western Pyrotechnic Association Winterfest given to me by my boss (okay, for those of you that don't know - I work at a firm that specializes in the fireworks industry...strange, but true)
Used tissues - ewwww times two.
And my coffee mug emblazoned with my law school's logo

2. How many states have you visited or lived in, and which of the others do you most want to visit?
Lived in: Illinois, Indiana
Visited: California, Utah, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Washington DC, West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama
Plus: Hong Kong & Guangzhou, China; Labadee, Haiti; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Cozumel & Cancun, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Port Lucaya & Nassau, Bahamas.
Want to visit: I most want to visit New York City, Savannah, Georgia, New Orleans, Louisiana & Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

3. What was the last cd you purchased, and what was the last movie you rented/bought a ticket to?
Last CD purchases: Ray Charles - genius loves company
Last movie rented: "Friday Night Lights" & "p.s."
- LovedFNL...thought it was excellent!
- Did not like p.s. Maybe I didn't get it - which is always possible. However, I love Laura Linney, Topher Grace, Paul Rudd, Gabriel Byrne, and Marcia Gay Harden...HELLO! That is a great cast...and yet, I was unmoved.
I also BORROWED the first season of "Gilmore Girls" from Heidi and am officially in love with this show.........and Luke Danes...but that is a topic for another post.

4. Have you ever sung karaoke? If not, what song would you be willing to sing in front of people?

Yes. But I don't enjoy doing it, because I take it too seriously.

5. What was the best concert you've ever attended, either because of the performance or because it was otherwise memorable?

Hmmm....aside from Buffett WHICH ROCKED....I would have to say either the Eagles Reunion Tour - "Hell Freezes Over," the first Elton John/ Billy Joel tour from 1995, OR my first Barenaked Ladies concert (I believe it was for "Maroon") - they put on THE best live show!!!

That's all I've got, folks....

no time for blog

too sicky sicky.

must pick up the lung i just coughed up.

bye.

BARRISTER'S BALL 2005

The Kellies in action!!!

All in all, BBall 2005 was a great time! And the after-party wasn't bad either - as is evident from the picture!

Thanks to all my favorite people for making this such a great night.

And thanks for my award....whatever it was ;)

So much to say...so little inspiration...

1. I have JUST starting watching this season's American Idol. Yes, I am behind. I am well-aware. However, I have to say that the people that got booted last night definitely deserved a good booting! My faves right now: for the guys - Nikko Smith & Bo Bice; for the girls.....*cricket, cricket* I am ill-impressed with the women. However, I did enjoy Carrie Underwood and really liked Mikalah Gordon. But I bet her personality will get on my nerves. We will see.

2. There is a fabulous show that comes on after American Idol on Mondays. It is called House M.D. Holy cow - it is great! Hugh Laurie is hilarious - and it is so great to see Robert Sean Leonard workin' it in a white lab coat! Just started watching it this week and I already can't wait for next week's episode!

3. Heidi and I went to Greenwood yesterday...okay, we went to Greenwood TWICE yesterday. She treated me to a pedicure as a "thank you" for helping her with her paper. We had tons of fun shoe shopping and lunching at Qdoba! But of course, I forgot my coat so we had to traverse back to the damn nail place. Yeah, and on the way...got lost in some neighborhood with street names like "friendship way" and "friendship drive" and "friendship boulevard." What the hell? Why do they do that? Couldn't the street name people be a little bit more creative?????

4. What did I think of last night's episode of The West Wing? I'm glad you asked! I thought it was really very good. It was nice to see the president again, as he has been MIA lately. Loved Toby with the kids...loved Cliff Calley with....everyone. Damn, he is cute. And the episode was FUNNY - which was a nice relief from last week's brawl! YAY!

5. Busted out my BNL greatest hits CD today on the way to work. Listened to "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" - what a great song! Just sayin'.

6. I had to listen to above-named CD because my Jeep ATE MY TAPE. Damnit. I am in the middle of listening to "American Pastoral" by Philip Roth on tape. I am sooo digging it. It is read by Ron Silver - who I know as Bruno on TWW. And right in the middle of a particularly important section, the tape goes "wereoidufsahidgule." Yeah. Nice. I was pissed. Those of you who know me know I am an uber-nerd and LOVE books on tape. It makes my hour and a half commute go by quickly. So now I am either just going to give up on this book or go on to the next tape with no idea what happened in the last tape. Grrrr.

That's it for now...more ranting later.

If you are on time, you are late.

Okay, folks...I am feeling a bit guilty. I did not attend my family law class this morning. And, trust me, even more than guilty, I am bummed that I missed the shot of Kelly's breast. (Just kiddin', Kel!). And I have already seen the professor and spoken to her about it, so I am not "spilling the beans" on myself or anything. I feel like I had a really good reason for not being there.

I was late.

I know, I know. I wasn't sick, I wasn't in a ditch on I-69 (thank God), I wasn't working on an appellate brief (thank God again). I was late. Yeah, I have a thing. I hate late. I despise those students (and we all know who they are) who walk in 20-25 minutes late with a steaming cup of coffee and bagel. Oh, well, I was late, but I had to get some breakfast, or lunch, or dinner, or brunch, whatever. NO. That is wrong. It is wrong and disrespectful to the professor. Especially when that same student spends the entire first half of class sending out emails, then leaves halfway through the second half of class to answer his/her cellphone....

Okay, damn - that is not where I was wanting to go with this post.

Back to what I was saying. I was 10 minutes late for class. And so I didn't go. I felt so bad for being late that I just didn't go. I went to a study room and worked on some other reading. Later, when I spoke to the professor, she was completely cool - understood where I was coming from, and told me that I could be late every once in awhile, that it was okay. Well, it just isn't. I hate when students are late. It distracts from what is going on in class. I feel bad for the professors when people walk in late - and then say they are unprepared or bumble their way through a case. Come on, people! It is a waste of everyone's time. Just don't come to class.

*stepping down off soapbox*

And the Grammy went to...

WOW.

If you haven't heard this...go to your local Starbucks and get it. Yes, you read correctly. Get a triple, half-caff, sugar free, fat free vanilla latte, a pumpkin scone....and this CD. Or, do what I did and download it from iTunes. Favorite tracks right now:
"Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" - Ray & Elton John
"Sweet Potato Pie" - Ray & James Taylor
"Crazy Love" - Ray & Van Morrison

Awesome.

And the Oscar goes to...

Wow, again.

Jamie Foxx is truly amazing in this film.
I am speechless. Is that really the same guy who played the chick on "In Living Color" who said "I'm gonna rock yo' world!"??? Impossible.

I write the songs....

God, I love Barry Manilow.

Is that wrong????

Yeah?

Okay, just checking. *sigh*

Shameless Solicitation of Ideas

Okay. I need some sort of inspirational quotation for my graduation announcements. I have been uninspired by the quotes I have read so far. Any ideas?!?

The only quote that I love and was emblazoned on a button on my bookbag (but is NOW gone for some reason...damnit....someone probably stole it like they did my lunch...) is:

"Well-behaved women rarely make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Now, if you know me, that is a perfect quote........for a button on my bookbag. But not for my graduation announcements. Someone out there has to have some ideas! Help me out, folks! Come on...Kevin, don't be shy - I am sure you have got a least a few hundred inspiring quotes rattling around in that big brain of yours!

Hook me up, people!

**For Amanda**

"He is such a cute little nerdlet."

*snort*

*sniff, sniff*

Does anyone else think that the previews for this week's episode of TWW should have focused less on Toby and Josh's silly fisticuffs and more on Toby's sadness/anger over the loss of his brother David?? I was so very moved by the scene between Toby and C.J. in Toby's office when he admitted to her that David committed suicide. How he could not go and sit with David's family and look at pictures because he had spent hours sitting with David's body, as per Jewish custom. And how during that time he just grew angrier and angrier that David had just given up on life. I just cried and cried. I am such a sap.

Why wouldn't John Wells focus on THAT during the previews? I mean, I thought the verbal sparring between Toby and Josh was well-acted, and quite intense (the two guys have a lot of history there!), but the actual fighting kind of reminded me of Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones's Diary"....

I hate John Wells. I miss Aaron Sorkin. HE would have put that in the previews!

I still heart Toby.

Today in Family Law...

We are discussing immigration and children, specifically the concerns that the law addressed in the 1970's when children of Vietnam vets were being brought into the country in the thousands. My classmate brought up the public policy concern that the soldier may already have a family at home. Professor D says, "Yes, can you imagine - Matt, the soldier in Vietnam, gets it on with a Vietnamese woman, but he has a wife and family back home. Then all of a sudden, his Vietnamese child wants to come live with them in America...What would happen?"

Why, they would make a musical about it!!!!!!

Anyone know what went through my head after she finished that scenario?


"They're called Bui Doi...the dust of life...conceived in hell...and born in strife.
They are the living reminders of all the good we failed to do.
That's why we know, deep in our heart...that they are all our children too."

While I was studying...

I was listening to iTunes on my computer. I began to notice that the music blaring from my speakers was an extremely bizarre compilation of genres and musicians. You tell me. Here's my current "Party Shuffle":

1. "God Only Knows" - The Beach Boys
2. "Pinball Wizard" - The Who
3. "Bent" - matchbox 20
4. "Songbird" - Eva Cassidy
5. "Diggin' On James Brown" - Tower of Power
6. "Parrot" - Dave Attell (yes, the comedian from "Insomniac")
7. "Ariana" - Spyro Gyra
8. "Molly on the Shore" - Percy Grainger
9. "Satin Doll" - Stan Kenton
10. "Slither" - Velvet Revolver
11. "Flake" - Jack Johnson
12. "Peter Gunn Theme" - The Blues Brothers

and..."Theme from Diff'rent Strokes."

That's just not right. I mean who listens to matchbox 20 and Percy Grainger in the same sitting? I don't even think most people (certainly not the members of matchbox 20) would know who Percy Grainger is!!!!!

Okay, back to studying...

Some random thoughts that, together, make up a post...

• I don't get hearsay. I just don't get it. I am hoping that, at some point, there will be an a-ha moment soon; otherwise, I am screwed. I am going to need a major tutoring session. Or a really good commercial outline...just kidding, Professor Cooper...I would never consider buying one of those things ;)

• Don't put a piece of grape Bubble Yum in your mouth before class starts. You are guaranteed to be called on first thing. And, there you are, with this huge mess of gum in your mouth and nowhere to go with it! And then you have to go and apologize to the professor at break regarding your rude behavior. NICE.

• I love new shoes - especially new red shoes - that are on sale - and that are comfortable!!!!

• When did it become the 'thing' to have your date with you when you shop for prom dresses. Let me tell you - it is pretty embarrassing to shop for Law Prom dresses when a bunch of high school neo-maxi-zoom-dweebies are hangin' out in front of the dressing rooms waiting for their girlfriends! Not good...leave the boyfriends at home in front of their X-Boxes.

• What is up with all the magnetic ribbons? I mean, I know that this has been the topic of conversation on other blogs, like Kel's, but I still don't get it. Maybe Kevin can explain it to me...not that he is a magnetic ribbon advocate - just that he is really good at explaining things!

• Don't spill an entire French Chambord Martini on your crotch in front of your friend that has a digital camera. All of a sudden you are the topic of a caption contest. I probably should be embarrassed. I am not. But I probably should be...what does this say about me?

• I watched almost an entire season of an hour long show on Saturday...that is a really long time to spend in the dark in front of your television. I am still recuperating from it...and from the bottle of red wine I drank. Is red wine supposed to turn your tongue purple?

Law School/Confidence/Fears

I am afraid of letting my husband down...

I am afraid of not "cutting it" as a lawyer...

I am afraid of failing class. The bar. Can you fail the bar review?

It is amazing how law school can make you feel so good about yourself on somedays and then on others, the experiences brings to the surface every insecurity you have ever had. When I started law school, I was confident that I was a relatively intelligent person and that I was relatively personable....and I was married, so who cared what I looked like?

Then, as soon as I walked through the big glass doors, that confidence drained right out of me. I found I was incapable stringing words together coherently. I was completely illiterate...I had to carry a damn dictionary around with me everywhere I went. And I couldn't walk down a flight of steps without falling.

And, all of sudden, I cared whether the my purse and shoes matched - WTF???? First year, I was the queen of jeans, a long sleeved T and a short sleeved T with some B'way show, University Singers emblem, or school mascot emblazoned across the front - this was nicknamed the Kelly P. uniform by H...and she was right. It was my uniform, my comfort zone. I figured the more I layered, the less people could see of me.

This all changed after my first year of law school.

I decided that if I was going to have to grow up, I might as well dress like a grown up. No more Kelly P. uniform, except on days when I just can't handle putting an outfit together. I found out that clothes came in other colors besides black! I branched out and bought green and pink, and learned from Adriane that a kickass handbag makes all the difference.

I also found my voice again. Literally and figuratively. My experience in moot court made the Socratic method less miserable. I found that I could handle being drilled by a professor, and that it was okay to disagree with the professor, and it was even okay...to volunteer in class! *Gasp* I also realized that professors are people. Engaging, fun, kind (even hilarious!) people with interests other than case law and lectures. I began to involve myself in events and activities that were important to me (and not just my resume) - like "The Vagina Monologues." I also participated in the below-mentioned Law Revue talent show and started performing again! I was fortunate and so blessed to be asked to sing in my friend Amanda's wedding. (That experience was a highlight of my law school years.) And, hell, I even did kareoke once or twice!

Law school has helped me to find 'me' again - the 'me' that rejoices in many many things that I forgot I cared about: good girlfriends, great wine, interesting books, and fabulous music. The 'me' that gets a tattoo! The 'me' that cares about the First Amendment, gay rights, and the the rights of women to choose. The 'me' that is proud of her curvy, sexy body - societal norms, be damned!

I STILL can't walk down a flight of stairs without falling on my ass....no amount of education can help that!

IN HONOR OF THE ONE SHOW I HAVE TO WATCH...

The cast of "The West Wing"...okay, not the cast THIS SEASON...but a damn good picture of the cast all the same!

My favorite...Toby Ziegler...
(yep, Robin - I just dig him..grumpiness and all )

Sam Seaborn...yes, I realize he is not on the show anymore...but, in my heart, he is still the Deputy Communications Director :) 

President Josiah Bartlet and his "senior adviser," Leo McGarry 

Josh Lyman & his former assistant, Donna Moss 

C.J. Cregg, the new Chief of Staff

"V-Day" Weekend

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! As some of you know, my weekend was pretty damn crazy! As I blogged earlier, the annual law school talent show was Saturday night. I believe it was a quite successful event. There were some amazingly talented people that took the stage....can you say "Piano Man" - HELLO?! Where did he come from??? And why is he in law school??? (Way to go, Bob!!) Overall, it was an extremely entertaining evening! Many thanks to Lauren and Kevin and the rest of the committee for their help with the organization of the show! And thank you to those who came to the show - I hope you had a good time!

You might have thought that the talent show was the highlight of my weekend. Well, it was - but it tied with Sunday's event. On Sunday, eleven law students and one brave professor, with the help of our very talented producer/director, Susan, staged the play, "The Vagina Monologues." It was such a liberating and exciting experience! We performed two shows, one at 3 and one at 7 and had a great turn out at each. Our production was performed in conjunction with V-Day. V-Day is a non-profit organization that distributes funds to grassroots, national, and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls. Through V-Day campaigns, local volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues to raise awareness and funds for anti-violence groups within their own communities. In 2004, over 2000 V-Day benefit events were presented by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.

I am so very proud to have been a part of such an important and powerful event. I was blessed to meet and work with empowered, amazing, strong women and was so inspired by the whole thing that I wore my "Vagina Warrior" t-shirt to school today in honor of V-day!

If you want to learn more about the V-Day campaign, check out
www.vday.org.

Once more with feeling...

Well, folks - it is almost here...it is the reason I have not blogged since this past weekend.

It is....

the bane of my existence....the monkey on my back...it's

THE ANNUAL LAW SCHOOL TALENT SHOW!

Okay, it really isn't at all. I actually love it. I love taking part in it. I love planning it. Of course, I get completely anal-retentive and control-freakish, but it is still a good time. I love the fact that professors come out and show that they have other interests besides punitive damages, med mal claims, International Shoe, that damn Erie Doctrine, and trademark infringement. They aren't afraid (or maybe they are!) to get up in front of the same students that they have in class and rock out to an oldies tune or take part in a comedic skit. I also love discovering that fellow law students can do something other than type, read, research and write! We have percussionists, vocalists, guitarists and guys in garage bands! Who knew, right?!

The event also brings the entire law school community together - faculty, staff, and students...and this does not happen very often. Also, all the proceeds go to the Loan Assistance Repayment Program - a program that helps law students that wish to work in public interest law but cannot afford it because of their student loans. It is such a worthy cause, and those involved are so happy to assist the LRAP Committee in reaching their financial goals.

I am truly proud to be a part of such a great event. I hope that, those of you reading this blog and are in the Indianapolis area, can come out for the show!

Oh - and there's a cash bar....if that helps ;)

EDIT: And- fyi (for Robin) - if you didn't buy tickets in advance - IT's OKAY!!!! They will be on sale at the door as well!!! Same price: $5!

Happy, happy to me....

Today is the big day...the big 2-8. Wow. I just got a call from my friend Adriane wishing me a happy birthday and asking if I feel older. Can't say that I do. In fact, I kind of forgot today was the day. I went to the grocery store, and, after carding me for my alcohol, the cashier said, "Oh, today is your birthday!" And I had to think about it! DUH. With my husband being out of town, and being busy getting the house cleaned for my company tonight (YAY!!! Can't wait, Kel and Amanda!)...it slipped my mind!

Oh well...it has been a rather lovely day so far. Reading my new copy of EW, watching Kevin Costner in Oliver Stone's JFK on TV, eating Haagen-Dazs chocolate out of the carton and hanging out with my recently-groomed puppy dogs...what more could a girl really want?

If you could have a day to yourself to do whatever you wanted, what would you do???

If anyone needs birthday gift suggestions ;)

Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz

The Wicked National Tour is starting in Chicago on April 29th - tickets would be nice!

If you haven't heard this show...what the hell are you waiting for???
Don't walk- RUN to your nearest music store and pick this up!

In honor of my girl, Amanda....

Amanda & Kelly P....and wine. Of course, wine!

After reading her Friday Five, I am compelled to do my own (and to try out posting pictures)!

My five favorite things about Amanda
1. Her story-telling abilities. This girl can take a story about a guy walking down the road and turn it into an 8 hour soliloquy about the guy's girlfriend and how that girl knew Amanda's boyfriend.....it is a head-spinning event....and truly entertaining...even if you do forget the beginning of the story in the process!

2. She is a fabulous shopping buddy! One of my favorite memories of law school is skipping class (not your class, Professor Cooper!) and going to Wine Wednesday at Champps, then to Victoria's Secret. There is nothing better than pinot grigio and new underthingys!

3. I can live vicariously through her and she through me! She shares her dating stories and college partying experiences with me...and doesn't make me feel silly when I have to ask what a bong is! I still don't quite understand it...oh well. And she willingly sits through show choir videos and lets me teach her how to do a jazz square at 1 in the morning!!!!

4. She is amazingly talented (at more than JUST tying a cherry stem with her tongue), strong-willed, resilient, graceful, and filled with a love of all things torts that I absolutely cannot conprehend.

5. She forgives & forgets...and is always there when I need her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MANDOLIN!!!!!

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Textbook Faux Pas

My fellow Illinoisans (yes, Chuck, that is a word!) will appreciate the following rant:

In my evidence textbook, there exists the following sentence:

"Proof that Whitney Seaver once attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign..."

Urbana-Champaign???? Urbana-Champaign????? WTF???

That doesn't even make sense. That's like saying "I'm having a jelly and peanut butter sandwich." It's just not right. It's Champaign-Urbana, you freaky Evidence bookwriters...if you can write thrilling, brilliant problems about hearsay and impeachment and verbal acts, the least you can do is get the name of the damn city in the right order. Urbana-Champaign...sheesh.

Okay, carry on.

Why Jelly Beans & Corduroy, you might ask???

I don't exactly know! Well, I sort of know...

It is basically a play on names and words. Although my blog is relatively anonymous (except to those at my law school, where blogs spread like syphillis), I wanted a name that was me - literally, me. My name. Okay, let's break it down:

First, "Jelly Beans"...

Those of you that know me know this story, so I apologize in advance. My first name is Kelly (duh). My middle name is Jean (I was named after my dad, Gene - don't make fun....). When I was in seventh grade, I had a serious crush on a guy whose name was Seth Bean. My friend Jenn pointed out that we could never marry. Why? Because my name would be....wait for it...."Kelly Jean Bean." Nice. Oh, but if I didn't use my middle name it would be "Kelly Bean." Even better. So between that...and my name "Kelly Jean".... my friend started calling me "Jelly Bean." Hence, "Jelly Beans."

Now, "Corduroy," that one is a bit easier to explain. My maiden name sounds similar to "Corduroy." Whew - that one was difficult! So, to put the two together, I thought, sounded fun...and is also a play on my name. Fun stuff!

There it is, folks, "Jelly Beans & Corduroy." Not a real exciting story full of hilarity, but a story all the same.

Under my picture I would like....

CLASS DUMBASS.


I just sent an email to our SBA president letting her know what I wanted on our class composite under my name (Dean's Tutorial Society Board) and indvertently sent it to the entire law school list serve! Nice.

I suck.

What I'm Listening to...an addendum to "Random Shit" :)

Over the past few months, I have found myself sinking back into the comfortability of the kind of music I listened to during high school. For most, that might be bands like Warrant & Poison, or R&B groups like Bell Biv Devoe & Boyz II Men...for me, it was "Phantom of the Opera," "Miss Saigon," "Les Miz," and "Jekyll & Hyde." Yes, boys and girls, this blogger was a complete Broadway freak-nerd-dork.

A couple things happened that brought me back to the music of the Great White Way:

1. Last year, I went to see "Miss Saigon" at our local college auditorium. Now, I know that we don't get the best national tours...sometimes we get "B" tours, and sometimes we get "C" tours. I think this one was a "C." In fact, I would probably have given it an F. But that is beside the point. What I did enjoy was the music. I realized I had missed the melodies of those shows. I missed the chills I got whenever I heard "Bui Doi." I missed the sizzle of "The Heat is On in Saigon." So, I busted out my tape - and not even a real tape, but the tape my friend dubbed for me in high school when we sang "I Still Believe" for our show choir dinner theater show - and I sang, and sang, and sang, at the top of my lungs....and it felt good.

2. Last year, my friend Chuck (also a huge B'way buff) told me, "Kelly, you have to hear this new show, you would love it!" The show was "Hairspray." He made the me the CD....and waited for my response. I didn't listen to it. Why? I don't really know. I knew I would love it. For some reason, the thought of listening to new B'way was painful for me. I don't know how to explain it. For years, my life revolved around performing, voice lessons, and theater. Then I stopped. And that was the hardest thing I ever did to myself. Harder even than my first year in law school. So, Chuck kept bugging me and bugging me, and those of you that know Chuck know that he is quite good at pestering: have you listened to it yet? have you? have you? I got tired of Chuck's pestering and put it in my car stereo.......and I absolutely loved it. It was the most entertaining thing I had listened to in years. It was light and funny and powerful all at the same time! I completely wore out my CD. A few months afterwards, my mom, my aunt and I went to see "Hairspray" at the Fox Theater in St. Louis.....and it was just as good as I imagined it would be.

3. This summer, PBS ran a 6 hour series called "B'Way: The American Musical." The show was hosted by Julie Andrews and did an amazing job of tracing the history of musical theater from its roots in vaudeville, operetta, and minstrel shows, to the dawn of what would become the modern American musical, Show Boat, and on through many changes that seemed to reflect those in American culture itself. The show focused on the works of Florenz Ziegfeld, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Bob Fosse, and David Merrick, as well as shows like Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Company, Cats, and Wicked. The shows were analyzed through performance clips and interviews with songwriters, stars, directors, producers, critics, and historians. It was so great to see actors like Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin, Angela Landsbury, and the late Jerry Orbach in their element. Plus, they discussed shows that weren't as widely known to the masses as the Andrew Lloyd Webber shows of the 80s - shows like "La Cage Aux Folles," "Follies," and "Sunday in the Park with George." I enjoyed the show so much that when they showed it again last weekend - I watched all six hours in a row....and made a list of CDs I need to purchase!

4. WICKED! I kept hearing about this new show on Broadway called "Wicked." I saw a clip of the show as part of the above-mentioned documentary. I saw a woman with green skin and powerful pipes sing "Defying Gravity" at last year's Tony's, as well as in the 2003 Macy's Parade. I had to find out what was up with this new show. I learned everything I could. I bought the CD, read the book, written by Gregory Maguire, on which the show was based, and read everything on the Internet that I could. I was hooked. Not only is it a fascinating topic - the concept of what makes someone evil - but the woman who played the Wicked Witch of the West, Idina Menzel, has just THE MOST amazing voice I have heard in a long time. She also played in the original B'way production of "Rent" with her husband Taye Diggs. What is great is, I even have my husband hooked - and some of his students, b/c he played it for them! A couple of them went out and bought the CD as well. I have started my own little B'way revolution!!!!

So - that's it. To make a short story long, that is why I am currently listening to "Wicked" at work, "Sunset Boulevard" at home, and "Pippin" and "Lion King" at school. I love the music of B'way, and miss it at the same time......maybe once I graduate, I can find a local theater company with which I can perform, and a voice teacher to help me get my voice back in shape. But until then, my friends and husband will have to deal with my terrible habit of belting out showtunes in the car and bugging them about a song that they HAVE to hear!

Computer Updates....

David, or David the TECH GOD, as I like to call him, seems to have put Humpty Dumpty back together again! I just received an email from him telling me that "barring any major nuclear meltdowns," he should have it back to me by Wednesday!

DAVID ROCKS!