What the hell is up with The WB not giving me fair warning that "Gilmore Girls" was not going to be on last night because, instead, they aired some crap American Girl movie entitled "Felicity." Seriously, that is not fair. It almost ruined my night. That is, until Hugh Laurie saved the day! Another excellent "House" ep.
On another note, I have an eye exam tonight. I am considering getting contact lenses. I haven't had them since junior high - and that was a tremendously bad experience. One soft lens, one gas permeable...and I never got them clean enough...and I ripped one...and then I lost one...and I was stuck wearing the Sally Jessy Raphael red frames that I thought were cool when I was ten.
Yeah, I was a pretty ugly junior high-er. But that is another post for another time.
Anyway, I am assuming the the contact lens technology has advanced since that time, and that I would have an easier time of the whole experience. However, I am tremendously lazy and don't want to have put any effort into being able to see (hence, the wearing of glasses), which is similar to my not wanting to put any effort into my hair (which is why it is a blessing that I have naturally curly hair). So...should I go with contacts and move into the 21st century of eyewear...or do I stick with a good ol' pair of glasses????
Tough call.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Monday, November 28, 2005
Sweetie...Dah-ling...SweetieDah-ling...you don't mind if I call you that, do you, Saffy?
On Saturday, BBC America had an AbFab (uhhh, that is "Absolutely Fabulous" for those who don't know) marathon. Needless to say, I didn't leave my couch for about 6 hours. It was heavenly.
Jennifer Saunders rocks!
Jennifer Saunders rocks!
On My To Do List...
To my chagrin, I did not get a chance to see Rent over the weekend. Sorry, LK, we will talk once I see it. I read your review and have this odd feeling that I will agree whole-heartedly.
However, I did see Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire, and all I have to say about it is - ROCK ON, MIKE NEWELL. It was EXCELLENT. This would have been an extremely difficult book to whittle down to a 2 1/2 hour movie, but they did it - and boy was it amazing. I was completely impressed. I thought it could not have been done better than Alfonso Cuaron in Prisoner of Azkaban, but Mike Newell did a phenomenal job. The Tri-Wizard tournament, the Winter Ball, and even the short scene at the Quidditch World Cup - truly entertaining.
YAY! I was concerned that it was going to be another Chris Columbus mess (he directed the first two), but I was pleasantly surprised. Newell really captured the darkness of the book as well as the loneliness Harry experiences during his fourth year at Hogwarts.
OH - I did drink some great wine and eat a ton of mashed potatoes...but I don't think it is necessary to dwell on such gluttony ;)
However, I did see Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire, and all I have to say about it is - ROCK ON, MIKE NEWELL. It was EXCELLENT. This would have been an extremely difficult book to whittle down to a 2 1/2 hour movie, but they did it - and boy was it amazing. I was completely impressed. I thought it could not have been done better than Alfonso Cuaron in Prisoner of Azkaban, but Mike Newell did a phenomenal job. The Tri-Wizard tournament, the Winter Ball, and even the short scene at the Quidditch World Cup - truly entertaining.
YAY! I was concerned that it was going to be another Chris Columbus mess (he directed the first two), but I was pleasantly surprised. Newell really captured the darkness of the book as well as the loneliness Harry experiences during his fourth year at Hogwarts.
OH - I did drink some great wine and eat a ton of mashed potatoes...but I don't think it is necessary to dwell on such gluttony ;)
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
It's Turkey-Lurkey Time!!!*
Well, my first T'giving in my new house is tomorrow! YAY! My brother is coming down from Chicago (if he doesn't get stuck in the heinous blizzard we are supposed to get) and we are having a nice little family holiday together. Of course, I am purchasing much of the big dinner from Fresh Market, but hey, I am a busy, working woman - in the cleanest sense of the phrase - and do not have time for a Martha Stewart dinner...I barely have time for the Rachael Ray Thanksgiving dinner in 60 minutes dinner. So it is all about me and Fresh Market.
Don't be a hater.
Things to do over the long weekend:
1. See the new "Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire" AND "Rent"
2. Watch a bunch of DVDs that my mentor here at work insists I see (including "Annie Hall"...which I don't know about b/c I am not a huge Woody Allen fan)
3. Drink some great pinot noir and eat about a pound of mashed potatoes.
4. Figure out what is going on with my brother and his French pseudo-girlfriend.
5. Meet up with my favorite ex-Juvenile Law prof/DTS sponsor/lover of "Mamma Mia," as he is going to be in the area.
And maybe I will catch up on some work...........maybe not.
I think it sounds like a plan!
*For Chuck
Don't be a hater.
Things to do over the long weekend:
1. See the new "Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire" AND "Rent"
2. Watch a bunch of DVDs that my mentor here at work insists I see (including "Annie Hall"...which I don't know about b/c I am not a huge Woody Allen fan)
3. Drink some great pinot noir and eat about a pound of mashed potatoes.
4. Figure out what is going on with my brother and his French pseudo-girlfriend.
5. Meet up with my favorite ex-Juvenile Law prof/DTS sponsor/lover of "Mamma Mia," as he is going to be in the area.
And maybe I will catch up on some work...........maybe not.
I think it sounds like a plan!
*For Chuck
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Dangerous Liaisons Lite
So last night I watched Valmont on Encore. Why would I watch such a movie? Well, because my other husband, Colin Firth, plays the title role. But here's the problem...it is a completely crap movie. I mean it is BAD. And the sad part about how bad it is (ooh, that was very Dr. Seuss of me), is that there are some decent actors in it...okay, Annette Bening is in it. She is wonderful. But the creepy pedophile principal from Ferris Bueller, Meg Tilly (sister of Jennifer, former wife of my dear Mr. Firth), and Mr. Firth are just plain wretched. Actually, Colin isn't too bad. He is quite believable as the filthy cad, Valmont, but his long wig is so distracting that I couldn't even focus on his acting! I mean, it looked like a dead animal was super glued to his lovely head.
Sadly, this movie came out at exactly the same time as another movie based on the same story - Dangerous Liaisons. And it just couldn't hold its own against the brilliant work of John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer. Now that was a great movie!
And I won't even try to compare the poorly-made Valmont with the truly entertaining updated version that came out a couple years later, Cruel Intentions, with Ryan Philippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Let's just say...the movie is bad. And no amount of Colin Firth could save it.
Pity.
Sadly, this movie came out at exactly the same time as another movie based on the same story - Dangerous Liaisons. And it just couldn't hold its own against the brilliant work of John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer. Now that was a great movie!
And I won't even try to compare the poorly-made Valmont with the truly entertaining updated version that came out a couple years later, Cruel Intentions, with Ryan Philippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Let's just say...the movie is bad. And no amount of Colin Firth could save it.
Pity.
Monday, November 21, 2005
I need a weekend from my weekend!
Phew!!!! Busy, busy weekend...
Friday night - Mr. P and I did most of our Thanksgiving shopping. My brother is coming from Chicago and is POSSIBLY bringing his g-friend, Josie. So we had to make sure we had all necessary groceries, beyond the actual T'giving dinner - which we are getting from Fresh Market (the greatest dinner ever for $59.99).
Saturday - Mr. P & I went to the Notre Dame game! It was my first Irish experience and we had a great time. Most of the coaching staff at Unnamed Catholic HS where Mr. P is assistant principal went down early (like 8 am early - which where we live means they left at 6 am early) and scouted out the parking spot and started making breakfast on the grill. By the time we arrived - at around 10 am - we were served eggs and bacon and sausage! Then they started on lunch foods...brats and hamburgers...these people know how to tailgate. Of course, all of this food was washed down with beer and screwdrivers. Mr. P & I bolted after lunch and headed to campus where we met up with an ND student who had gotten our tix. Checked out Touchdown Jesus and watched the band and then headed to our seats. And by seats, I mean the tiny strip of wood in which I had to squeeze my big ass. Holy crap. I was sitting so close to the person next to me, that in some countries, I think we are now married...I am not sure. Beyond the claustrophobia-inducing seating, it was a great time! ND beat the hell out of Syracuse - and the weather behaved the whole time! :)
Sunday - You woud think that I would have spent all day Sunday recovering from Saturday...but noooooooo! I had to go to Sears and pick out a snow blower. Do you know how much I don't give a crap which model we buy? As if that wasn't enough excitement for one day, Sunday night, we had to attend a fundraiser for Unnamed Catholic HS at a local bar here in town. For 20 bucks, you got snacks, all the draft beer you could drink, and a live band. So, although I didn't do much drinking, I danced my ass off...as usual. The place was packed with people - both drunk and sober, getting their schwerve on. It was a great night! Too bad it was SUNDAY!!!
So, here I am...Monday morning...throat sore from screaming at Saturday's game, muscles sore from dancing at Sunday's fundraiser...oh yeah, and arm sore - because I had to get a FREAKING FLU SHOT THIS MORNING at 7 am. Needless to say, I am going to be pretty much worthless for the rest of the day!!!!
Friday night - Mr. P and I did most of our Thanksgiving shopping. My brother is coming from Chicago and is POSSIBLY bringing his g-friend, Josie. So we had to make sure we had all necessary groceries, beyond the actual T'giving dinner - which we are getting from Fresh Market (the greatest dinner ever for $59.99).
Saturday - Mr. P & I went to the Notre Dame game! It was my first Irish experience and we had a great time. Most of the coaching staff at Unnamed Catholic HS where Mr. P is assistant principal went down early (like 8 am early - which where we live means they left at 6 am early) and scouted out the parking spot and started making breakfast on the grill. By the time we arrived - at around 10 am - we were served eggs and bacon and sausage! Then they started on lunch foods...brats and hamburgers...these people know how to tailgate. Of course, all of this food was washed down with beer and screwdrivers. Mr. P & I bolted after lunch and headed to campus where we met up with an ND student who had gotten our tix. Checked out Touchdown Jesus and watched the band and then headed to our seats. And by seats, I mean the tiny strip of wood in which I had to squeeze my big ass. Holy crap. I was sitting so close to the person next to me, that in some countries, I think we are now married...I am not sure. Beyond the claustrophobia-inducing seating, it was a great time! ND beat the hell out of Syracuse - and the weather behaved the whole time! :)
Sunday - You woud think that I would have spent all day Sunday recovering from Saturday...but noooooooo! I had to go to Sears and pick out a snow blower. Do you know how much I don't give a crap which model we buy? As if that wasn't enough excitement for one day, Sunday night, we had to attend a fundraiser for Unnamed Catholic HS at a local bar here in town. For 20 bucks, you got snacks, all the draft beer you could drink, and a live band. So, although I didn't do much drinking, I danced my ass off...as usual. The place was packed with people - both drunk and sober, getting their schwerve on. It was a great night! Too bad it was SUNDAY!!!
So, here I am...Monday morning...throat sore from screaming at Saturday's game, muscles sore from dancing at Sunday's fundraiser...oh yeah, and arm sore - because I had to get a FREAKING FLU SHOT THIS MORNING at 7 am. Needless to say, I am going to be pretty much worthless for the rest of the day!!!!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
DVR is My Friend
After moving here to the Fort, Mr. P and I decided we would splurge a little ($9.95 a month!) and get the DVR option for our cable service. Holy cow - that is the best 10 bucks a month I have ever spent. Why? Well, because every show that is worth a crap is on Tuesday nights...what happened to "Must See TV" on Thursdays??? Why can't the TV Powers that Be spread the love? On Tuesdays alone - from 8 pm to 10 pm - the following shows air: "Gilmore Girls," "Supernatural," "Bones," "House," "My Name is Earl," and "The Office." That, my friends, is completely unfair. So I have had to make some TV sacrifices.
I have, of course, continued my obsession with "Gilmore Girls" (thank you, Heidi)...even with the crappy deal with Rory going off the deep end, living with the G'parents and joining the DAR...so it stays. I tape "Bones" during that time b/c...well, David Boreanaz (sp?) is a fine piece of manflesh...and a great actor....oh, and it is a good show. I then watch "House" - b/c I continue my obsession with Hugh Laurie as well. But I also have to tape it b/c Mr. P is not home and will want to see it. (Note - Mr. P. does not have a Hugh Laurie fetish...he just likes the show). Such dilemmas. This means NO hot Supernatural boys...and no superbly funny "My Name is Earl" and "The Office"...what is a girl to do?????
Don't even get me started on moving "The West Wing" to Sunday nights opposite "Cold Case."
I have also found my new Wednesday favorite TV show - and NO, it is not "Lost"...I missed the boat on it. And I just don't think it is a TV show you can jump into. So, instead, I am hooked into "Criminal Minds." Anything with Mandy Patinkin in it and I am there....now, if only he would sing, it would be even better. But how do you work a Broadway tune into a story line involving the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit? I guess about as well as you work one into a storyline about a Chicago doctor ("Chicago Hope"). Come on, Mandy...just one song!!!
Overall, I have been quite impressed with some of the new shows this season. But I still have nothing to watch on Monday nights (once football is over, natch) and Thursdays...what are you guys watching????
I have, of course, continued my obsession with "Gilmore Girls" (thank you, Heidi)...even with the crappy deal with Rory going off the deep end, living with the G'parents and joining the DAR...so it stays. I tape "Bones" during that time b/c...well, David Boreanaz (sp?) is a fine piece of manflesh...and a great actor....oh, and it is a good show. I then watch "House" - b/c I continue my obsession with Hugh Laurie as well. But I also have to tape it b/c Mr. P is not home and will want to see it. (Note - Mr. P. does not have a Hugh Laurie fetish...he just likes the show). Such dilemmas. This means NO hot Supernatural boys...and no superbly funny "My Name is Earl" and "The Office"...what is a girl to do?????
Don't even get me started on moving "The West Wing" to Sunday nights opposite "Cold Case."
I have also found my new Wednesday favorite TV show - and NO, it is not "Lost"...I missed the boat on it. And I just don't think it is a TV show you can jump into. So, instead, I am hooked into "Criminal Minds." Anything with Mandy Patinkin in it and I am there....now, if only he would sing, it would be even better. But how do you work a Broadway tune into a story line involving the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit? I guess about as well as you work one into a storyline about a Chicago doctor ("Chicago Hope"). Come on, Mandy...just one song!!!
Overall, I have been quite impressed with some of the new shows this season. But I still have nothing to watch on Monday nights (once football is over, natch) and Thursdays...what are you guys watching????
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
525,600 minutes...how do you measure a year?
Well, at the request of Robin and Amanda and due to the assistance of Blogger, I have found my blog and I am BACK! But much has changed. I am now in a new house in a new neighborhood in a new city - all of which I love - along with my new job!
I plan to say much more about all of these changes as time goes on. Let's just say, for the moment, that I am extremely content. Life is good, readers...really, really good. But with the recent news some of us have received regarding a dear friend, it is difficult to rejoice in my contentness. So we will leave it at that for now...and pray that all turns out well for him and his family.
Nevertheless - I am back - check in for what's going on with me and my new life: the new house, new shows, and new tunes...same ol' me.
I plan to say much more about all of these changes as time goes on. Let's just say, for the moment, that I am extremely content. Life is good, readers...really, really good. But with the recent news some of us have received regarding a dear friend, it is difficult to rejoice in my contentness. So we will leave it at that for now...and pray that all turns out well for him and his family.
Nevertheless - I am back - check in for what's going on with me and my new life: the new house, new shows, and new tunes...same ol' me.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
At the Jazz Kitchen...
Jeff Coffin
Yup, the same guy who stayed at my house and hung out with me at the coffee shop and played with my doggies...
Jeff Coffin and his Mu'tet (a play on the word "mutation") will be playing at The Jazz Kitchen in Broad Ripple on Saturday night - I believe they will have two shows - 8:30 and 10:30. If you are a jazzer, a musician, a music-lover, whatever, you must check them out. Jeff is amazing, and the musicians he has backing him up are phenomenal!!!!! Keith's b-day is Saturday, so this is a perfect birthday gift...we are really looking forward to it. Gotta have something to brighten up this week from hell. Cheery, huh?
For further info:
www.thejazzkitchen.com
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Yep, I am alive...but just barely.
Hey, guys!
Sorry it has taken me so long to post anything new here at ol' JB&C. I am afraid that, with packing up my house, helping Keith find a new job, finding a temporary home in Indy, finding a new home in the Fort and studying for the bar, I just haven't been able to post as I have in the past! Things are really really crazy right now. UGH.
Bear with me - hopefully, I will be able to find time to regale you with stories of 45 high schoolers traveling on a stinky bus to see the Mouse, house hunting, and my trip through bar hell.....just not right now - my house is almost completely in boxes, my husband and dogs are all on the verge of nervous breakdowns and I have a heinous sinus infection....
LOVE YOU!!!!! :)
Sorry it has taken me so long to post anything new here at ol' JB&C. I am afraid that, with packing up my house, helping Keith find a new job, finding a temporary home in Indy, finding a new home in the Fort and studying for the bar, I just haven't been able to post as I have in the past! Things are really really crazy right now. UGH.
Bear with me - hopefully, I will be able to find time to regale you with stories of 45 high schoolers traveling on a stinky bus to see the Mouse, house hunting, and my trip through bar hell.....just not right now - my house is almost completely in boxes, my husband and dogs are all on the verge of nervous breakdowns and I have a heinous sinus infection....
LOVE YOU!!!!! :)
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
A Grammy-winning Saxophone Player Slept Here
(Post inadvertently suggested by Kel)
Okay, here's the deal. I am not going to do an AI recap this week because overall I wasn't THAT impressed. There. I said it. Loved Bo's version of "Stand By Me" and Carrie's rendition of "Trouble." Oh, and thought that "On Broadway" was pretty darn good as well - by Scott. Beyond that...eh. Nothin'. Oh, yeah - A.Feddy was baaaaad this week. It is a flat note mess. Ooh, but House M.D. was really good. Is it weird that I think that Dr. House (Hugh Laurie) is hot? Because I really do. And what's even better is that, in real life, he has a kick ass British accent....and you know me and British accents...ahem...Colin Firth.
But what I do want you to know is why I probably won't be posting for the next three days. A Grammy-winning artist is coming to stay at my house...and I really need to clean! My husband's spring jazz show is Thursday night here in Muntucky and the guest artist for this show...none other than Jeff Coffin. Who the hell is Jeff Coffin, you say? Only the saxophone player for Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, one of my most favoritest jazz/bluegrass/funk groups ever. Keith & I love Bela Fleck so much that we named our black Lab Bela :) So, this is a pretty big deal. The thing is, he is staying at my house the next two nights! So, that means...not only do I have to prepare for my last final - closed book Evidence (absolutely gross, I know)...and make sure everything is ready for the weekend when the fam comes up for graduation...I have to get my house ready for some serious company...and go to the store...as I am pretty sure he might want something more than a can of Diet A&W Cream soda, ranch dressing, a carton of yogurt, and leftover Kraft mac & cheese.
Oh - and if for some reason you KNOW who Bela Fleck is and are interested in seeing his amazing jazz sax player live in concert with the best group of jazz kiddos ever - and are in the Muntucky area - let me know and I can get you tickets!!!!
Okay, here's the deal. I am not going to do an AI recap this week because overall I wasn't THAT impressed. There. I said it. Loved Bo's version of "Stand By Me" and Carrie's rendition of "Trouble." Oh, and thought that "On Broadway" was pretty darn good as well - by Scott. Beyond that...eh. Nothin'. Oh, yeah - A.Feddy was baaaaad this week. It is a flat note mess. Ooh, but House M.D. was really good. Is it weird that I think that Dr. House (Hugh Laurie) is hot? Because I really do. And what's even better is that, in real life, he has a kick ass British accent....and you know me and British accents...ahem...Colin Firth.
But what I do want you to know is why I probably won't be posting for the next three days. A Grammy-winning artist is coming to stay at my house...and I really need to clean! My husband's spring jazz show is Thursday night here in Muntucky and the guest artist for this show...none other than Jeff Coffin. Who the hell is Jeff Coffin, you say? Only the saxophone player for Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, one of my most favoritest jazz/bluegrass/funk groups ever. Keith & I love Bela Fleck so much that we named our black Lab Bela :) So, this is a pretty big deal. The thing is, he is staying at my house the next two nights! So, that means...not only do I have to prepare for my last final - closed book Evidence (absolutely gross, I know)...and make sure everything is ready for the weekend when the fam comes up for graduation...I have to get my house ready for some serious company...and go to the store...as I am pretty sure he might want something more than a can of Diet A&W Cream soda, ranch dressing, a carton of yogurt, and leftover Kraft mac & cheese.
Oh - and if for some reason you KNOW who Bela Fleck is and are interested in seeing his amazing jazz sax player live in concert with the best group of jazz kiddos ever - and are in the Muntucky area - let me know and I can get you tickets!!!!
Monday, May 02, 2005
If you've got the poison, I've got the remedy.
Actually, if you have poison, I don't have a remedy. But if you have a construction defect, a constitutional violation, a personal injury OR a breach of contract, I MAY just have your remedy. Yes, ladies and gents, the dreaded Remedies final is finished. I have to admit that I am a bit weepy. Not about being done with that damn final, mind you...because it was effing HARD...but sad that I will not see one of my favorite profs on a daily basis anymore. He met me outside of class and one of things he said, in his very serious, professor-y way, was "Don't be a stranger." *sigh*
Why am I so bothered by all of this ending? Is it because I truly never thought I would? Is it because I thought I would be in the comforts of law school forever and ever? I have no idea. All I know is that I have so enjoyed the experience. I have a wonderful, kind, and extremely funny group of friends that helped me to see my way to the end of this journey. And I have been fortunate to have amazing professors who:
Why am I so bothered by all of this ending? Is it because I truly never thought I would? Is it because I thought I would be in the comforts of law school forever and ever? I have no idea. All I know is that I have so enjoyed the experience. I have a wonderful, kind, and extremely funny group of friends that helped me to see my way to the end of this journey. And I have been fortunate to have amazing professors who:
- could make civ pro interesting (Tradition...tradition!)
- could make admiralty law funny (the little oar...come on - that was funny stuff)
- was so damn interesting, I stayed awake for two hours of labor law on Tuesday nights
- wore kick ass Pink Floyd ties
- facilitated interesting and insightful free speech discussions, using the Socratic method as it should be used
- said things like "What else is there to do in Sandusky? Smoke crack & ride rides!"
and one who said "Don't be a stranger." *sniff, sniff* Thanks, Prof. W....you too.
Yeah, I am going to be a complete mess by Sunday. I better find a way to hide tissues in my robe.
On the ol' iPod...
Just thought I would post a short ditty before I immerse myself back into the land of compensatory damages, injunctions, contempt & all other concepts that are lovingly referred to as remedies...
Per my schizophrenic music tastes, here are then five songs on my iPod:
"Knock Yourself Out" by Tower of Power...which if you have never heard ToP - you need to go out right now and buy an album...HOT! Uhh...the music...not the guys...they are really old. But the music is smokin'.
"Song Tease Megamix" by Barenaked Ladies. BNL is known for their ability to mix up a bunch a crazy songs at their live shows....this one includes "Gettin' Jiggy With It," "Hit Me Baby One More Time," "Near/Far" (the Sesame Street song!) which goes into the Titanic song "My Heart Will Go On." It is an impressive mix of music.
"Moment's Notice" by Harry Connick, Jr. (from the album '25').
"Autumn Leaves," a classic song performed live by Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea.
"What It Takes" by Aerosmith
OH - and the theme song from "Facts of Life" is next :)
Just thought I would share!!!!
ONLY TWO MORE FINALS TO GO!!!!!
Per my schizophrenic music tastes, here are then five songs on my iPod:
"Knock Yourself Out" by Tower of Power...which if you have never heard ToP - you need to go out right now and buy an album...HOT! Uhh...the music...not the guys...they are really old. But the music is smokin'.
"Song Tease Megamix" by Barenaked Ladies. BNL is known for their ability to mix up a bunch a crazy songs at their live shows....this one includes "Gettin' Jiggy With It," "Hit Me Baby One More Time," "Near/Far" (the Sesame Street song!) which goes into the Titanic song "My Heart Will Go On." It is an impressive mix of music.
"Moment's Notice" by Harry Connick, Jr. (from the album '25').
"Autumn Leaves," a classic song performed live by Bobby McFerrin & Chick Corea.
"What It Takes" by Aerosmith
OH - and the theme song from "Facts of Life" is next :)
Just thought I would share!!!!
ONLY TWO MORE FINALS TO GO!!!!!
Saturday, April 30, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, April 29, 2005
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...
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. ;)
Thursday, April 28, 2005
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?
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?
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
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
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
Monday, April 25, 2005
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!!!!
(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!!!!
Sunday, April 24, 2005
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.
Does anyone else get all teary-eyed during the scene when he shows up at the hospital???
Just me?
Cool.
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