A Good Week! Yay!

I've seen the best
I've seen the worst
I wouldn't change what I've been through
I've touched the sky
I've hit the wall
But I did what I had to

On my way here
Where I am now
I've learned to fly, I have to want to leave the ground
I've fallen hard
But I've been loved
And in the end it all works out
My faith has conquered fear
On my way here
Clay Aiken, On My Way Here

Part of the lyrics from the first single on his new album that was released Tuesday (May 6th) - I love it. It makes me cry, and it's almost like he's been living my life for the past few years (although I realize he didn't write the song.) Anyway, the whole album is good - his best yet by far, in my opinion. Of course, I will always love that voice, and the production quality and the songs seem better this time around.

So! I finished my first week back at school and I have lots to say, but I just wanted to let y'all know that I have had a GREAT week, and I am loving life right now, and I'm all-over-the-place thankful to my Lord, from whom all good things come. He is so good to me. I'll write more later about what I've been up to this week, for those of you who are interested! But for now, I'm a sleepy girl and I need a nap. :-)

Before I went back to school, I got my hair cut and my hair guy (Ron Wilson from Ron Wilson Hair Gallery, he is fantastic) talked me into highlights:

I decided after awhile that they were too red and were making me look a little washed out (and I'm translucent anyway) so I bought some Perfect 10 at Walmart and darkened the red a little. The red still shows through, but not so much, which is exactly what I wanted. I was scared as I was washing out my Walmart dye, though, because the suds? Were purple. Lavender, actually. So I was terrifed that I'd end up like one of those little ladies with violet hair. To ease your troubled mind - I didn't.

More later.

A quick update

I haven't written for awhile - I had the pain clinic decrease my fentanyl patch from 50 mcg/hr to 37.5 mcg/hr (which is a 25 patch & a 12.5 patch) beginning 4 days ago, and I've been in quite a bit of pain, despite my breakthrough meds. I'm also decreasing my Paxil from 40 mg to zero (I'm down to 10 mg), overlapping it with Prozac so that the short half-life of Paxil doesn't cause SSRI discontinuation syndrome as I cut it down (the whole discontinuation thing TOTALLY sucks - tingly extremities, "electric shocks" through my head, extreme irritability, total insomnia, and crying for no reason.) If you're taking Paxil and want to taper off of it, talk to your doctor about adding 20 mg or so of Prozac during the taper, for a Prozac a day keeps the SSRI discontinuation syndrome away. At least it has for me - I've been decreasing by 10 mg every 2 or 3 weeks, and haven't had problems so far. Except for my anxiety going through the roof.

I start back to school in a week, and I'm so nervous about it. I could really use your prayers, please - because I'm still sick, and I'm so anxious, and sad, and lonely. It gets increasingly harder to put on a face in public, you know? So I haven't written here, because I'm afraid I would end up saying what I actually think. I'm just not one of those people who is all, "I'm fine on my own!" because I'm not. I need Christ. I need Scott. I need my family, and I need friends. I need people to hug me occasionally; to send a quick message to let me know they're thinking of me. I need to be told that things are going to be okay. I don't care if that makes me seem weak, because I AM weak. I'm not sure how else to cry for help - help. Help. Help.

Re: American Idol Results

Whaaaaaaaaaaat?

That is all.

Somebody hold me.

This scary girl would have made a fantastic Clay fan (actually not - she only has one phone, when they were known to use a landline and all cell phones that they could get their hands on.)

Thank goodness for that piece of glass that keeps frustrating her - it keeps people like her from the famous types.

AI7 - Top 8 - Inspirational Songs - Liveblog

Whoa, Paula, the girls are about to bust out. Let's remember the children, okay? What about the chirrun????

They're singing "inspirational songs" - Michael Johns is kicking it off with Dream On by Aerosmith. I really hope he doesn't mess this up because I like him and this is one of my favorite songs. Man, the past did go by like dusk-to-dawn, didn't it Michael? I feel you on that one, buddy. Whoa, falsetto - well, that wasn't too horrible. It didn't upset my cats or anything. Judges - Randy thinks this is an important week because they're telling us who they really are now. Okay. Those other weeks they are just kidding. Randy doesn't buy that Michael is anything like an Aerosmith singer. Michael says he had to do it because he's here living in America and dreams can come true. Paula says - SERIOUSLY, Paula, are we strapless? Are we strapped? Are we in a boudoir? Geez. Paula says he's unbelievable adorable blahdeblah, and something about her Chihuahua. Simon is SLIGHTLY with Randy because he doesn't like when Michael does an impersonation of a rock star. He thinks it was a little wannabe-ish. Ryan says something disturbing about a tight shot and Simon's Chihuahuas, and Paula does the drunken baby seal clap. I thought it was okay, but I wasn't blown away. Sorry Michael Johns - I do love you, though. Mwah.

Syesha Mercado is telling us that Ramiele is exhausted, and that she misses her because she's been her roommate since Hollywood week. Syesha is singing I Believe by Fantasia - because, well, if you believe, then it's a good thing. Wow, that was really good - I liked it even better than Fantasia's, because there's something annoying in Fantastia's voice. Judges - Randy says she took on another tiger this week and that Fantasia was one of the best singers to cross the stage, and that she had this connection thing with the audience that Syesha didn't have. Syesha seeks clarification on this point. Paula says that this is one of her most shining nights. Simon says that to be fair, there are going to be comparisons. He thought she sang it really well, but it lacked this big big wave of emotion that was there when Fantasia sang it (duh, it was when she won the competition.) Anyway, I think Syesha is doing better and that she's probably safe this week.

Jason Castro is doing Over the Rainbow - the version that Israel Kamakawiwo'ole did with a ukulele. Oh, I like this version - this is happy. La, la la - I'm actually enjoying this. Randy says, Jason Castro is back toNIGHT! Paula said something and I missed it. Simon said it was fantastic. I say, Jason was much better than he has been.

Kristy Lee Cook is singing Anyway by Martina McBride - a verse of the song means a lot to her. You know, I really don't think she deserves the Vote for the Worst award. Judges - Randy says there were a few pitch problems, but he loved it, actually. Paula thinks it was her best so far and, for the record, Paula is still mostly in her outfit. Simon thought Kristy was very, very good indeed, and he points out that she looks like a star tonight. See, good for Kristy. I don't think she should win the whole thing, but I don't think she's that bad - I just think she had one bad, bad, very bad week. Onward to David Cook and Carly Smithson.

Uh, who is the guy sitting on Simon's lap? I'm scared, Mommy.

David Cook is singing Innocent by Our Lady Peace. I like this song too - the kiddies are picking good songs tonight. Except no, David, everybody doesn't have a good heart at the end of the day. Sorry, but they don't. And everybody can't sing a good song at the end of the day, but you can, buddy. Paula's dancing - careful, careful - you're in a precarious situation indeed. Judges - Randy didn't get it tonight. Paula says that David is "it". Simon didn't like the performance much - he thought it was a teensy bit pompous. (Bwah! Pot, kettle?) Apparently, the white jacket is pompous. And Simon says David wasn't nearly as good as the past few weeks. Well, I agree with that. But I enjoyed it anyway. Mom thinks David just got out of bed - or, he just came out of that "priceless" commercial.

Carly is singing The Show Must Go On by Queen - life goes on, and blah blah and such. So, that was just okay. I'm not wild about that song. Judges - Randy says it started out good, was pitchy in the middle, and ended up just okay. Paula agrees that her voice is pretty perfect, but she didn't feel the connection with Carly. Simon points out that Carly looks good - heh. He thought it was an unusual choice of song, and oversang it to the point that she kind of fell out of it at the end. (Mom agrees and is shocked that she knew that much. And then Mom offers that Carly might have seen Paula's boobage in the middle of the performance and gotten thrown off - because wouldn't that throw anyone, really?)

David Archuleta had trouble picking a song this week, until he came to Angels - yay! Robbie Williams represents on American Idol (Corrie, my favorite veerd Dutchlandian, I'm thinking of you.) So I'm getting chills here (no offense to Robbie - I get chills with his version too.) And preteen girls everywhere just died of love for this kid. Judges - Randy wants David to check it out. He says that he loved the runs at the end, and thought it was crazy hot. The squealers in the background agree. Paula thought it was fantastic. Simon thought it was the best song choice tonight, although it wasn't his best vocal - he thought it was a bit nasally. Although he does acknowledge that he's nitpicking because David will sail to the next round. You know, I think David seems like a sweet and humble kid, and I won't hate on him if he wins. But I hope some of the others (Brooke, David Cook, Michael Johns, I'm looking at you) make albums so that I can buy them. And I hope they don't pull a Ruben and make an album and then run away forever. That is all. Oh, Brooke is singing Carole King! I hope it's You've Got A Friend. It almost has to be, right?

Yay, I was right, it's You've Got A Friend. I have a family slideshow of me and my cousins to this song - anybody want to see it? I'll post it if you do. It's - well, however long the song is. I think this is absolutely the right type of music for Brooke - like I said last week, I'd like to see her fall into the Patty Griffin/Carole King/Kathleen Edwards/Alison Kraus type. Judges - Randy wasn't jumping up and down but he's not mad at Brooke either. Whew, that's good to know. Paula remembers her sister singing this song, and she thinks Brooke is definitive. Simon says it was like a pleasant walk in the park - original? No. Pleasant? Yes. Hee - I love Simon. I like the tone of Brooke's voice, and I like the song, so I was happy.

Let's see - David Archuleta will get eleventy billion votes and come out at #1. Bottom 3 - Kristy Lee Cook, Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado. I'm really not sure which one will go home, but I think it should be Jason - Kristy and Syesha deserve another week.

Also, if Idol Gives Back ends up a few bucks over budget, let's buy Pauler a cute little wrap or something - please? Her boobage was more than a little distracting tonight - I can't believe there wasn't some kind of tongue-in-cheek joke on camera, knowing that crew.

AI7 - Top 9 Dolly Parton week - liveblog

So I turned on the TV at 8:02 and don't have TiVo at the house (just the apartment) so kill me. Dolly thinks Brooke White is really good. Brooke thinks Dolly is tiny but huge - a legend. *I* think Dolly has had waaaaaay too much plastic surgery and hair dye, but she's a traditional country queen and I love her anyway. We used to clog to one of her bluegrass songs - Travelin' Prayer - I hope someone does that, because it's a great song. Brooke is singing Jolene - ha, this reminds me of a friend in high school who used to sing this song with a different name. I made my poor friends listen to all kinds of music in my car. Anyway, Brooke. I like her voice, I like her earrings, and I like her "front porch-style" band. Not my favorite performance of hers, though. Judges: Randy thinks she had some pitch problems, but could make an album of songs like this. Paula says Brooke is consistent and has an emotional connection with each song she picks. And, lest we forget, Paula reminds Brooke that she.is.Brooke.White. Simon disagrees with Paula and says that the song was devoid of emotion and wasn't one of her best performances. And then he sort of insults the band, which is silly. Mom says that Brooke seems so sweet and that's why she likes her. And I say - well, I like her voice and agree with the sweetness factor. She reminds me of a Patty Griffin-type artist, and I would enjoy an album of songs that are Griffin-ish.

David Cook is doing his own arrangement of Little Sparrow, from one of Dolly's more recent bluegrass albums. He's glad Dolly was willing to listen to him and offer help, and she says that he's great. Yeah - I like his voice a lot, but I'm not sure you can rock up a song called "Little Sparrow". Let's see what the judges say. Randy likes that David has been showing his range in the past few weeks, and says that he delivered another consistent performance. Paula likes David's haircut. And she's never heard a guy do that song. (Very helpful, Paula.) Simon says that if you can make a song about sparrows good, which he did, then congratulations.

It's Ramiele Malubay. Dolly says Ramiele is cute, sweet and scared, and is glad to have finally run into a contestant her size. Ramiele was star-struck, and Dolly thought she sounded cute singing the bouncy song, Do I Ever Cross Your Mind. Sorry, but I'm bored. Randy says that he wasn't jumping up and down but wasn't mad at her either. He gives it a 6.5/10. Paula was worried that Ramiele wasn't going to connect with the audience, but says that she had a great minute and 30 seconds. Simon says it was cute, but forgettable and very reminescent of something seen on a cruise ship. I agree with Simon. I'm pretty much done with Ramiele myself.

Look, it's Idol mail. Some girl sent Jason Castro a bunch of postcards and says that his voice is as soothing as the scene on the front of the card (which is a Colorado postcard, so I'm assuming that's where this girl is from.) Jason picked Traveling Through, and Dolly thinks it's perfect for him because he's funky-looking. At least I think that's what she said. Well, Jason's a little more upbeat this week, at least - he's off the stool. I think this is one of his better performances in the past few weeks. Randy thought it started a little rough, but picked up in the middle - he worked it out with a singer/songwriter vibe. Paula thinks this is one of his stronger performances, too. (Ack, I hate agreeing with Pauler.) Simon didn't like it all and thought it sounded like the same song from before - he didn't think Jason sang it well, and that this type of music doesn't suit him. Well, boo. He was still better than Ramiele.

Carly Smithson is singing Here You Come Again, which I liked when I was little, forgot about it, and then remembered it when Clay Aiken covered it on A Thousand Different Ways. She's killing this - yay, Carly! Mom pronounces her as best thus far. I agree. Randy believes that the performance will be one of the better performances of the night. Paula has this mini freakout about that voice of Carly's and how good it is. Simon thought it was good, not great - audience gives the obligatory boos - and Simon goes on to say that she should have a word with whoever's dressing her because she doesn't look like a star. Mom agrees and says that during the light during her performance, she looked like she was wearing only boots and no pants. Not good.

Kristy Lee Cook and David Archuleta are next. Snore.

David Archuleta is singing Smoky Mountain Memories. He says that the song gave him chills and it reminded him of singing a song about his home and his family. Dolly says that she's trying not to cry so that her false eyelashes will stay in place. Ha. Dolly thinks David is going to be a star. You know, now that I hear that David has a psycho stage dad (not sure if it's true or not) I have more sympathy for him, because that sucks. It's like people who are in medical school because their mom or dad wants them to be there - it's miserable. So, David is sounding good - and this song isn't annoying and preachily liberal (let's all have no possessions! Yay!) Randy says David Archuleta is back, and that his was the best performance of the night. Paula says David has a beautiful aura. Hmm. Simon says that David was on the money with his song choice. I hear the pre-teen "Eeeeeeeeee!" in the background.

Dolly and Kristy have this "you're pretty! No you're pretty!" thing, and then Kristy gets into Coat of Many Colors. Dolly says Kristy's mom is going to be proud of her, and Kristy says she'd rather Dolly be proud of her at this point. [pause for performance] Well, that wasn't bad. I'm not rushing to iTunes to preorder it, but it's okay. Randy says country is her wheelhouse. Paula says she looks beautiful and it was her best performance. Simon deems it as "pleasant but forgettable." Ryan loves Kristy Lee's French pedicure. Ack. Kristy blows a kiss at Simon and says, "Love youuuu!" What was that about?

Syesha Mercado is next with I Will Always Love You, which she will undoubtedly Whitney up. But we shall see.

Dolly thinks that Syesha made a good choice in the way she performed I Will Always Love You - she did a simplistic version like Dolly originally did, and added some Whitney. Syesha is on a piano that someone is playing. I remember in high school, couples had this as "their song" when The Bodyguard was out, and I was always thinking - uh, it's a breakup song, y'all. But nobody ever listens to me. Whoa, that was a heck of a glory note. So I liked the beginning the best. Randy says that she took on the biggest tiger of the night, and he thought she did pretty good, although it's hard for him to hear anyone else sing that. Simon says it's one of the best pop songs ever written. He says he wishes she hadn't burst into the Whitney-fied version at the end, because the beginning was good but she paled to Whitney at the end. When will these people learn, seriously? You don't sing Whitney, Christina, Beyonce, Mariah. You don't, or they aren't going to like you - unless you're better than the aforementioned, and you're not. So don't. I forgot what Paula said - something about velvet and how Syesha is getting bigger and bigger and bigger. Not sure that's a compliment.

Dolly says Michael Johns is nervous, but she can tell he's a real fan. He's all twitterpated about singing one of her songs to her and her liking it. And it looks like he brought her some yellow roses - aww. I ::heart:: him. He's singing It's All Wrong But It's All Right. (I wonder what took up too much time tonight? It's 8:59 and MJ is still singing.) Well, I rather enjoyed that. I'd forgotten about that song, and Michael did a great job. Randy says he keeps bringing it up a notch every week. Paula thinks it's interesting that people like Dolly's songs even though they haven't heard them before, and says it's because they have great melodies and great hooks - and that Michael is a star, a rock star, a blues star, and looks awesome. Simon says ... uh, something positive, but I didn't catch it because Paula was blathering too much.

Ramiele, please go home. Get thee back to wherever you're from - Miami? I think Jason and Kristy will also be bottom 3. Kristy is probably safe because of Vote For the Worst.

Still crazy, but possibly sincere

You know, it just occurred to me that the day that Tom Cruise was boinging around on Oprah's couch, that he may have really just been that excited. Since he and Katie are seemingly still together, and Suri (which I still think sounds like a British apology) exists and doesn't appear to be a robot or an alien. How about that.

I would write about the wonderfully good day that I had on Saturday, in which I actually FELT WELL, and the fact that Jim Sturgess (from 21 and Across the Universe) has gone directly to the #1 position on my Geeky Hollywood Fake Boyfriends List. Don't worry, Scott knows all about this. But it's not a threat to him, given that he's the only person on my Geeky West Virginia Real Boyfriends list.

But I can't elaborate now, because I've just discovered that I'm accidentally watching Jerry Springer: My Boyfriend is a Woman. Ack.

Ultimate Peep Show

Sorry that it's a little late - but I spent all of Easter in the fetal position thanks to my stupid pancreas. Still, this makes me laugh:

Looks like a seedy joint. Thanks Karen!

Also, I didn't blog the last two weeks of Idol because I wasn't home last Tuesday and this Tuesday, I just felt crappy and wasn't in the mood. But how about that David Cook, huh? And Michael Johns - love those two. Love Brooke White as well, but I wish she would have done the whole song with just the piano last night. Oh well. I predict Chikezie goes home - lackluster performance plus the attitude with the judges. Oh, and I am done with David Archuleta - the kid is starting to annoy me with his message songs that should be sung by someone about 10 years older than he is, if they're sung at all. And why did he pick some obscure song from someplace else - Australia? - when he could have picked great 1990 hits as The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) from Cher, Ice Ice Baby, Rico Suave (I mean, you know??), and Mama Said Knock You Out? (I actually like Mama Said Knock You Out, but it's a funny title. "Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years ..."

Dear FOX - a cautionary haiku

Channel which ruins all
"Shall be available soon"?
Best by nine - or else!

I'm having cable trouble. And a massive headache (Mia, what do you DO about these horrific migraine things? They're a new and terrible critter for me to deal with - like the pancreas wasn't enough.) And I'm shamefully hooked on American Idol, and I MUST WATCH IT at 9PM Specific (Family Guy humor, there) to see who gets the boot this week. My guess is that it'll be a country boot, swung out of time to a line of chirpy violins, and will land squarely on the butt of one Kristy Lee Cook. Seriously, don't they have people to advise these kids when they're about commit show suicide?

Anyway, I'm not sure what it is about blogs and haikus, but for some reason, I feel obligated once in awhile to post one once in awhile.

Edit - So dialidol.com says that no one is safe except David Archuleta. Pfffft.

AI7 - Top 12 liveblog

Oooooh, pretty new intro sequence. Oooh, pretty new set. Ooooh, pretty blinky lights! Ricky Miner and the band, in their very own penthouse! Ewwww, Simon needs to button up, buttercup. Ryan agrees with me. For this show, we’re opening the Lennon-McCartney songbook. Sorry, but mehhhh. Don’t kill me, but I never got into The Beatles much. I tried, I really did, but I can’t do it. Randy says these songs will be around forever. Paula says the songs are full of melody, and that some of the contestants can get away with changing it up. Ryan asks Simon if the songs are difficult. He says it depends on the song, duh.

Syesha Mercado is first – her mom is a singer, and she is a “working actress” herself. She’s a student at FIU (? I think that’s what she said.) She’s singing Gotta Get You Into My Life. She’s singing well, but I’m bored. I think this may have been a “safe” song choice for her. Randy: Nice arrangement. Started rough, ended up having fun with it. It was all right. Paula: You know you’re a good singer. It started off pitchy. But midway through you found your zone. You look fantastic and sounded great from the midway through to the end. Simon: I thought it was better than “all right”, Randy! Good choice of song. I thought you looked very very nervous. Kim: Like I said, I’m underwhelmed by these songs, so I’m probably not going to be thrilled by anyone. [Simon] Sorry. [/Simon] Chikezie and Ramiele are making goofy faces. Har harrrr, goofy faces!

Chikezie is next. Chikezie apparently worked at LAX in security. Ryan asks if he ever went through Paula’s bags. He says that they usually switched him to X-ray when she came through. He says Pauler is safe to travel with. Whew, I was wondering. Chikezie was raised on Nigerian cultural music. He’s singing She’s A Woman, accompanied by the patented Chikezie funk. Woo. He’s starting on the edge of the stage with tambourines and other various noisemakers – now he’s up! He’s up, and rocking it out with guitars and whatnot. Well, this is entertaining. The crowd is going berserk. Randy: Chikezie, man! I was thoroughly entertained. Who knew? I loved the arrangement, starting with the whole down south thing, I was looking for the jug – then, who knew you had that falsetto! Paula: You started with O Brother Where Art Thou vibe and ended with a rock vibe – it paid off. Simon: I’m really surprised that I actually agree with these two. (Chikezie is flipping out here.) Simon loves that he has changed within a week, unlike Syesha. Kim: There goes 99 of my cents to iTunes. Now Ryan and Chikezie are doing this tribal dance thing all over the stage, and I think both of them may pass out.

Ramiele Malubay. She worked at a sushi place, filled little little cups with soy sauce, put little little lids on the little little cups, and then smelled like soy sauce. Her family is from the Philippines – her sister plays the guitar and the drums, and everybody else sings. She’s singing In My Life for her “good friends who have left the show already”. Good grief, Ramiele, you knew them for 5 minutes. Randy: That was pretty, but it was also pretty boring. I kept waiting for you to change it up. Paula: You look lovely. It was a safe choice – don’t hold back, because the world needs to see what we hear in your voice. Simon: [Obligatory making fun of Pauler for saying that we need to see what they hear. Has she finished one cup already?] Ramiele, I was bored to tears from the beginning on the stairs to the middle - and the dreary song choice. I expect better than that from you. Kim: That was understated and pretty, but I’m not sure she should have followed Chikezie.

Jason Castro is from Texas & goes to Texas A&M. He spent time with cousins who don’t speak much English, but they loved The Beatles. Tonight he’s singing If I Fell. He’s on the Stool of Seriousness again tonight [tm Shack]. And he’s making some scary faces. Sorry Jason, I like you, but I’m bored. Randy: Listen, I liked it, I didn’t love it. That’s one of my favorite songs of all – the switches into the melody threw me, although I like the falsetto. Paula: I disagree with Randy. I feel your heart, and I think the audience feels your heart. You don’t do all of the riffs and the runs, and you don’t have to because you have an emotional connection with the songs that you pick. Simon: How do you know he has an emotional connection? Anyway, Jason, not as good as last week. Good enough to stay another week. It was very, "student in his room at midnight". So then Ryan and Simon have this banter about leaving the student’s room at midnight, and I don’t really get it, and I’m kind of glad about that. Anybody else get it and want to enlighten me?

Carly Smithson is next. So Amanda Overmyer is her roommate in their new apartments. Her grocery must haves are orange juice, eggs, celery, and ranch. Ew. She lives in San Diego – which is apparently a real chill, laid-back city. She misses Ireland and her family. Awww. She works seven days a week as a bartender and waitress, and sings on the weekends. She’s singing Come Together. Wait, I lied – I do like this song. She just has a fabulous voice – I think I’m always going to like her performances. The audience is nuts. Randy: So Carly, that felt amazing, didn’t it? You know what I loved about that – you were strong, confident, there wasn’t a note out of tune. Stellar performance. Paula: Watching you up there, I felt like I was already watching a star. Simon: Okay, week after week, so far, I think that you have chosen the wrong song. Until now. (Simon is tricky, tricky.) He goes on to say that he is reminded of six years ago, same week, Kelly Clarkson. Which is a good comparison, obviously.

The judges are all so ready for David Cook. David Cook was a bartender in Tulsa, with turquoise fingernails, and that’s really all I got out of that pre-performance clip. Oh also, he’s singing Eleanor Rigby. Well, I guess that sounded all right, and David seemed to be having himself a good time. Randy: See, you can rock out on Idol, you can rock out on The Beatles. Started a little shaky, but when you hit the chorus, it was rocking. Paula: Insert a bunch of horse metaphors here. Dark horse, thoroughbred, etc. (Now Randy and Simon are goofing about a horse description for Simon, and they come up with “donkey”. Ha.) Simon: David, I thought it was brilliant. If this continues as a talent competition rather than a popularity contest, you could win this thing. Kim: *just watching as David lets out the largest inhaled breath that anyone has ever inhaled*

Brooke White is originally from Mesa, Arizona. Before Idol she was a nanny, watching two twin girls. Awww. She was really excited about singing Lennon/McCartney songs, and tonight she’s singing Let It Be. Well, that was a good performance – I’m always impressed when someone can play the piano and sing at the same tme. Randy: I can see you as a kid practicing that on the piano, thinking that some day you’d get on some show and it’d be a big break for you. Is that true? (Brooke is tearful.) Paula: It’s that connection that makes people fall in love again. Or something. Simon: It was one of the best performances of the night. It was believable – there’s a difference between being karaoke and showcasing your talent and being believable. Kim: I think she seems like a genuine person, and she’s talented, and I like her.

Apparently there’s a new venue for the finale – the Nokia theater. And will David Hernandez be there? Since they're talking about old jobs, let’s see if he mentions his job as a gay stripper. Somehow I doubt it. Oh, he worked at a “pizza bistro”. Is that code? He took a Beatles class in college. He’s singing I Saw Her Standing There. Well, he’s definitely a good singer and a good performer, but I’m just not thrilled with his ex-gay stripper role. I just don’t think it goes with the “American Idol” title, that kind of resume. Oops, I missed what Randy said. Paula: You know I love your voice. I feel like you overdid it a little bit. You’re a brilliant singer, but there were too many runs. Simon: Corny, verging on desperate. Not a particularly strong performance – sorry. David says he’ll just turn it down a bit next time, if he has a next time.

Amanda Overmyer says the backstage routine is different for everybody – she’s sitting in the corner thinking about things, some people are freaking out, etc. She’s singing You Can’t Do That, putting her “Amanda” spin on it. She’s having fun with this, and I’m entertained. I can’t understand every word she’s saying, though. The crowd liked it. Randy: That is the true mark of great songs. You took a Beatles song, and took it to a Southern bar and rocked it out. Very cool. Paula: You’re smiling, you’re having fun, you look fantastic. You were great up there. This is the best season of talent – I’m blown away. Simon: I didn’t think it was as good as last week, although you are a breath of fresh air in this competition. And I only understood about 1/3 of what you were saying.

Michael Johns has been in America for 10 years. He coaches some tennis on the side – mental note: take up tennis. He’s singing Across the Universe tonight, which helped him through a painful family experience. Awww. He’s doing a great job with this, but then again, I’m a fan. I think his voice is so great. Judges! Randy: I don’t know if it was your best performance – it was good, but I was waiting for something big to happen. A little sleepy. Paula: I disagree with you again, Randy. It takes an inner confidence to stand in the middle of the stage with a microphone, and just … Michael: Sing? Paula: Just sing. Simon: I’m still a big fan of yours, but it was a little monotonous. You should have done something with the song like Carly. Kim: Not his best performance, but he has a great voice and deserves to be around for a lot longer.

Kristy Lee Cook is from a small town in Oregon. Her family is a big music family – she’s called her mom asking for input on making the song her own. She’s singing a countrified version of Eight Days a Week. It seems like the background music is going too fast for the song. I was thinking that, and then Mom just confirmed it. So I’ll write it – and I think it’s messing up her performance, really. I have no idea what the judges will say to this. Randy: I actually liked the arrangement and the idea of the song, but I felt like you were trying to force some runs in. Half of me liked it, half of me didn’t. Paula: I didn’t enjoy it and I’ll tell you why. I just didn’t get it. Simon: Kristy, I thought it was horrendous – you sounded like Dolly Parton on helium. It was a very brave but probably foolish thing to do. It was like being at one of those ghastly country fairs. Kim: Hey, I’ve clogged at those. Kristy: *I* liked it. Kim: I think she deserves another week, just for taking that risk. It took some guts, and I think the messed-up performance wasn't completely her fault, because like I said earlier, the band seemed to be off. Sorry, band.

It’s David Archuleta and the crowd goes wild. His mom is from Honduras and listens to salsa and merengue. His dad is a jazz musician. Oh, he’s getting a little stressed thinking about singing We Can Work It Out. Somebody give him a hug. Eek, bad note there. Randy: I’m a fan of yours and I like your voice. This week, it felt very forced – I keep hearing the Stevie version in my head. Paula: Not your best week, but you’re a frontrunner. It’s okay though, we love ya. Simon: David, we’ve got 12 people here, all in the same position, so I’m going to treat everybody fairly. That was a mess. At this point in the competition I expect incredible performances and that wasn’t. Kim: Oh, don’t cry yourself to sleep Little David, you’ll be fine – there’s lots of prepubescent girls in America.

The best tonight – Carly, David Cook, Brooke White.

Worst – Kristy Lee Cook, David Hernandez (sorry Katrina!), and Ramiele Malubay or Syesha Mercado.

Saturday Night Live sketch from March 8, 2008 - Spoof of Hillary Clinton's 3 A.M. campaign ad

Oh my gosh, SNL actually did something funny. And what's even more amazing - the sketch has FRED ARMISEN in it! And y'all know how I feel about the notoriously unfunny Fred Armisen - I think he singlehandedly brought down SNL, and that he could take any classic comedy and make it uncomfortably unfunny. Like Best In Show, or Office Space, or the More Cowbell sketch (best SNL sketch ever.)

Of course the Clinton/Obama spoof got pulled from YouTube within about six seconds of being posted, but I found this copy on TV Crunch.

THIS is the rest of the story

Back in November, I wrote a post that I titled, "The Lord answers prayers, part deux" about Scott's employment and how God really answers prayers and is faithful in taking care of our needs. I thought it was probably best for me not to be very detailed at the time, but I can be now, and I am so so so sooooo relieved and happy about this that I just have to write about it. It's going to take me a little while to get there, though, so hang on. When Scott came back from Virginia Tech with his Ph.D. in 2005 to do a postdoc at the university here, I was ecstatic. (See?) But in the back of my mind, I knew that a postdoc is a temporary position (his was for 3 years.) And after that, what? Like I've said before, I am a total homebody and this area is and always will be home, because this is where a big part of my large extended family is, and this is where I have always lived. It's more than that, though, really - some people enter medicine and feel called to join Doctors Without Borders, or to do missionary work overseas. I admire those who heed that calling, but I see a need here - here, an area that has always been home to me, full of people who have helped and encouraged me along the way. Friends of the family, teachers, church family, on and on - I am an "almost doctor" because of God and because of the encouragement and prayers from my loved ones here at home. It doesn't make any sense for me to grow up here among all of this love and encouragement, get my medical training, and then go to Timbuktu to care for people there. I feel that I should give back to all of those who have been there for me throughout my life - they need healthcare as well, and nothing else makes sense to me. To go elsewhere and use my degree just seems silly.

And also, there's Scott. Scott, who I've given 10 years of my life - the years when I was my prettiest, the years when other guys my age were the most available (now they're all married or engaged - heh) - but I don't begrudge those years at all, because I also gave Scott my heart, at the very beginning, and I'm never getting it back.

Not only do I just love him to pieces, but he is such a wonderful person, y'all - he's crazy brilliant, but he's also country at heart (I'm a hunting widow every fall, there's wildlife hanging on the walls of his house that he once saw alive, and his freezer is a mixture of goodness from the slaughterhouse - deer and pig. Eeeeck.) He's completely adorable with his niece and nephews, and they love him right back. He will spend hours watching sci-fi with his grandma. He loves his mama. He has shelves and shelves of Bible study materials that he actually uses - he teaches Sunday School and teaches Bible study one Wednesday per month, and hasn't missed Sunday school for almost 25 years. YEARS! He doesn't smoke, drink, or curse - he has never tasted beer or been in a bar. He's witty and makes me laugh. He's completely trustworthy, responsible, and reliable. I've never, ever, not in 10 years, been suspicious about another girl (although there is one that I'm irrationally jealous about for no particular reason.) Oh, and he's cute, too. And to beat it all, I gave my heart to his family as well - and they're all here, too. The only thing I can't figure out is why Scott picked ME and seems to have settled on the fact that I'm the only one for him, when he could do so much better. Oh well.

So you can see why I'd want to keep him, and why I want to keep him HERE. And for seven years now, since he left for graduate school, I have worried and prayed about his future employment - prayed, worried, prayed, worried, felt that things were all right, then went back to worrying, and praying, and worrying. I couldn't imagine leaving home and I couldn't imagine saying goodbye to Scott - the thought of either brought a flood of tears and more worrying and praying. But God is so faithful. The worrying was so unnecessary, and all of the tears and lost sleep and anxiety and panic was without merit, because I serve a big God and He loves me, and He loves Scott, and He had the whole thing figured out a long time ago.

Yesterday Scott found out that his application for a tenure-track assistant professorship at the local university, our alma mater (where we met, actually), was accepted. Starting in August, he'll be a professor of chemistry at [BLANK] University. And in about 7 years, when he gets tenure and becomes a full professor, then that's a darn-well permanent position. Not like these chemical companies that are here for awhile, and they hire chemists, and then all of a sudden they'll be like, "By the way, you're moving to Texas tomorrow." Scott has a good job here at home, in his field, that uses his degree. God is so, so good, and I love Him. And Scott. And everybody. I love everybody!

One of my favorite verses applies again:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).

Do you think this means I shouldn't worry so much about getting through medical school, because God is going to work that out too? Hmmm ...

This is Scott and two of his nephews and his niece - when he would come back home from Virginia to visit, they'd all just pile on him. It was so cute.

Life's good.

AI7 - Top 8 girls liveblog

I was on the wrong channel! The WRONG CHANNEL! I'm obviously an idiot. Go read SarahK's account instead - it's funnier anyway.

I never care what Ryan says at the beginning. I'm sorry. Ryan says that some people are saying that Randy's too nice this season. Randy says the guys were just good last night, and the girls better bring it tonight. Pauler says that the 80s had lots of good songs, as well as ugly clothes and weird makeup. Simon says everyone needs to step it up and that no one is safe.

Asia'h Epperson - she was an extra in a movie, and was roller skating, and she totally fell and totally busted her butt and everyone was totally laughing. Haaaaaa. She's wearing a pair of unfortunate high-waisted and tight pants and singing I Wanna Dance With Somebody by ... dum dum dum ... Whitney Houston. I'm totally distracted by her pants - are they like, braided at the top? Pauler likes it - or, as Mom says, "She's celebrating early." Randy name-drops and says that it was a tall order that she took on, but that Asia'h showed that she should be here because it was HOT, baby. Paula: "You're picking big songs, and that one time you were sick, and now you're well, and you nailed it." Kim: "Thanks for the quick recap of the last few weeks of Asia'h's life, Paula." Simon: It wasn't as good as Whitney (duh) but that she deserves a spot in the top 12. Kim: I agree. But those pants should be burnt immediately, along with all T-shirts that say, "Trust me, I'm a doctor." I HATE those.

Ryan's in the red-rum with Kady Malloy. She wigged last week because she thought she was going home. (Pretty good assumption, since she was in the bottom two.) She was sooooo embarrassed when ... in 9th grade she sang Beautiful by Christina Aguilera (she was in NINTH GRADE when that song came out??) and her music teacher hated it, and then she tripped over some cords and the sound equipment came crashing down and made that feedback sound - "Eeeeeeeeeeeeee!" Kady is singing Who Wants to Live Forever by Queen. That was pretty - I think it was her best week so far. Randy: Interesting song choice, and she did a nice job of it. Pretty good. Paula: Best performance to date. Kim: Ack! I hate when I agree with Paula. Paula: The softness on your natural voice is where the magic is for you. Kim: I don't agree with that. Simon: It's all a bit gloomy and somber when you sing, like a Stepford Wife. Ryan wants to know why she comes off cute and relaxed on the tapes, but lacks personality when she sings. Simon says that he's made his point and Ryan should get over it.

Amanda is next. Somehow, she burnt down a pool. And - shocker! She's singing a Joan Jett song. I Hate Myself For Loving You. I love this song, but she's boring me with it. I predict a no-likey from the judges - "kareoke" is going to come out of someone's mouth. Mom: Is she wearing two wigs, a light one and a dark one on top? Kim: Uh, no. Randy: Oh, there! There's the Amanda we loved when we saw her. Paula: Your face is beautiful, I love your hair, we're still in love with you. Simon: If I'm being honest, I loved it. One of the best girl performances of this part of the competition. Kim: Whoops, missed that one. I still wasn't blown away, although I did like her scarf a lot. And I wish she'd just dye all of her hair black.

This one time, Carly walked around the corner from work to a bar and was talking to her friend who was a little inebriated (I'm betting Carly was too) and Carly got her leg stuck in a railing. So her inebriated friend brought out butter, oil, and bathroom soap and greased up her leg. Carly is singing I Drove All Night by Roy Orbison, Cyndi Lauper, Celine Dion, what-have-you. Another of my favorites (the Roy Orbison version in particular), and she's doing a great job with it. I think I ::heart:: this girl. Has anybody bought her old CD yet? I'm thinking about it, but I was wondering if it was any good. Kim: Yaaaaay! Randy: You know Carly, you keep smashing it every week, all the high notes - boom boom boom! Dude, another great performance. Paula: Let me tell you something dude, dude, dude. You are like a dependable dog. Hardy har har. You look great, you're having a great time, and there aren't enough adjectives to describe your singing. Simon: I didn't like it. Wrong song choice. I liked it when you sang that Chaka Khan song or whatever. Carly's mom is in the audience, and has met her husband for the 2nd time this week. Ack. Mom has met Scott like, 5,326 times. But I don't think you can say "met" after the first time, can you? Anyway.

Kristy Lee Cook was most embarrassed when she was seven - she used to pretend she was a dog. Growling, barking on her hands and knees, and for some reason, her parents bought her her own dog bowl. Yipes. I don't know if I would have told that story on national television. Kristy is singing one of my favorite songs ever in the world - Faithfully by Journey. It takes me right back to junior high dances and crying in the bleachers over stupid boys. She did an okay job with it - I'm not loading up iTunes to buy the single. Randy: [is all over himself because it's Journey] I actually liked it, because it sounded country, and you could have a single out of that. Paula agrees that it could be a country hit. Kim: Uh, not sure if I agree with that. Paula: I have nothing but positivity. Kim: And vodka. Simon: Your biggest problem is that you're forgettable - I can see you coming in 10th. Kristy: That's all right with me! Randy: I think the guys loved you. Kim: Danny and David Hernandez totally didn't love her.

Ramiele Malubay was embarrassed when she was in the 5th grade and she rode her pink bicycle to a guy's house that she liked, and she left her picture - on the porch, I guess? Anyway, the guy and his mom came outside and laughed and the picture. Awww, boys are so stupid. Ramiele suddenly has more hair on the left side (her left) and I like it much better. She's singing Against All Odds (Take a Look At Me Now) by Phil Collins. I wish I had the guts to get cute highlights like that. Randy: Another big song, big vocals - I thought it was a good vocal, but you got mad vocals, get your confidence back. It's like you're thinking while you're singing. Paula: You have such a beautiful face. And a beautiful voice that comes out of you, and - I'm not going to say colors - textures! - blabber, blabber, blah. Blahdee, blahdee, bloo. You deserve to be in the top 12. Simon: It was good because you're so little and cute. But it actually sounded very old fashioned. I didn't hear that big money note I would have liked, and I'm not jumping out of my chair. Sorry. Kim: I was swaying in my chair. Danny Noreiga is wearing Ramiele's glasses. Dis.Turb.Ing.

The judges are discussing moths, melon balls and yogurt. And iTunes. Okay. Brooke White told some random guy at church that she was tired and hungry and wanted to go home - and it wasn't her dad. Happened to us all at some point. I told a woman that I didn't know that she HAD to buy me something once. She didn't buy it, but my actual mom probably did. Anyway, Brooke. She's sitting on the edge of the stage and singing an interesting version of Love is a Battlefield. I really like this. I think she has a unique voice. Randy: I liked that you were just sitting there singing and someone else was playing the guitar. It was definitely very interesting - I'm not sure you brought anything new to the song. Paula doesn't understand what's going on here - I guess she means the squabbling over whether she choreographed this video or not. I really don't remember what Paula said after that. Simon liked it because it was totally different. Mom: Paula is totally soused, Ollie. (Ollie is my cat. He does not know who Paula is, what soused means, or when tonight is.)

Syesha Mercado wrote a "Do you love me, yes or no?" letter, included a piece of strawberry bubble gum for good measure. The boy told the teacher and ate the bubble gum. I'm guessing it was a "no". So Syesha is singing Saving All My Love For You by Whitney Houston. I think she should have dressed up a little more for that song. Mom: She's looking for votes for legs, not voice. Judges are running out of time. Three good(s), three yeses. Actually, four good(s). Although I was a little bored with it, I have to say.

The guys get the Spirit Stick this week. But as far as the girls go - my favorites this week are Carly and Brooke. Going home - I'm going with Kady and Kristy Lee.

Randy says the girls worked it out tonight. Simon is not happy because the girls were not nearly as good as the guys - I agree. Simon says his favorite performance was Amanda - I totally do not agree, although I usually like her. Blake Lewis is singing tomorrow on the results show? Yay! Blake, my possible movie buddy!

AI7 - This one time, when I was dressed as Boomer the Roo

Ryan gives us a rather ominous introduction, and I am quite unsure as to whether the two who don't make it through the week will be sent home or to the guillotine.

And it's the 80s! Woot woot! Luke Menard is first. Yay! His most embarrassing moment is when his sister, who always wanted a younger sister, dressed him up like a ballerina. How cute. I really hope Luke and his Orlando-ly cuteness stick around another week so I can look at him. Randy says he got it together at the end but it was corny. Pauler rambles on forever, she starts about 18 sentences without finishing them and finally says that she liked it. Simon thought it was weak, girly, and didn't like it. Luke is like, "I don't care, I'm pretty." Oh, and he sang Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!.

This AT&T commercial with the little girl and the monkey? Where her dad goes on a business trip and takes monkey pictures whilst someone sings, "You're the only reason I keep on comin' home". It brings a tear to my eye. I'll just admit it.

David Archuleta went to Honduras (? I think that's what he said) for a fundraiser, and his voice went out in the middle of the song and so his mom ran up on the stage and finished the song for him. Heh. He's singing Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins - dude, he's all about these "message" songs, isn't he? And I'm afraid that our squishy-squashy cheeky-pinchy little David Archuleta is a little baby liberal. Pity. Randy says he feels like he was at a David Archuleta concert with the piano and whatnot. Paula says a bunch of things about his perfection and imperfection and how his perfection is imperfection. Whatever. Simon tells his that it wasn't as good as last week but still good. He says that David is going to make it into the final 12 and probably into the finals finals, but he needs to quit picking these sad songs. I agree. David is like, "Imagine and Another Day in Paradise are sad songs? I didn't know! Look at me, I'm so cute! Now pinch my cheeks, all of you! Pinch!"

What the frick is wrong with my Internet connection?? I can hardly liveblog if I can't get live, can I??

Danny Noreiga tripped in front of his crush! OMG! And he turned as red as a "cute little tomato"! A cute little tomato that looks like Jessica Alba, I say. He's singing Tainted Love by Soft Cell. I hate his hair on a guy. I want to punch his hair in the face. Randy says there's some good stuff and bad stuff. He says he's a little shy in his vocals. Whatever that means. Paula says he's a bright light in the competition. Yeah, a rainbow-colored light. Paula loves that he's true to himself but he should take the purple things out of his hair. Simon thought the whole thing was horrible, absolutely useless. He hated the arrangement, hated the performance, hated the vocals. Danny Nore-gay-ga does this "brush you off of my shoulder" move. I HATE when they do that!

David Hernandez had a pea-sized booger in his nose one time. Maybe it was the size of a walnut. He's unsure. And I am unsure as to why this was a problem, because mom was talking to the cat in a quite loud voice. But it probably wasn't important. David Hernandez is, perfectly, singing a Celine Dion song. He's singing It's All Coming Back to Me Now, which will be like, 13 minutes long if you let it. I expect the judges are going to do that, "When you sing a Celine song ..." thing that they do. Watch. [Edit - They didn't. Huh.] Mom observes that Randy has on a twinkly shirt. Randy says this song was a good choice for David and his Big Voice. Paula says David is getting better and better. Simon says David has 100% secured a place in the finals with that performance.

There's a discussion between David and Ryan about David's shoes. I won't comment on that - it speaks for itself.

Michael Johns had something unfortunate happen to him when he was dressed as Boomer the Roo one time. I didn't catch what it was. Man, I suck tonight. Okay, so he's singing (Don't You) Forget About Me by Simple Minds and wearing a Michael Jackson jacket. I like this guy a really lot. Randy loves that it was like "Aussie boy goes home for 80s week" and says that he reminds him a little of Michael Hutchins. Paula says he has to go all the way through. Simon says that he prefers him when he's singing as a soul singer rather than a wannabe rock singer. He says that he really, really likes Michael though. Randy and Michael discuss that the song was in The Breakfast Club. You're gosh darn right it was. Commercials.

Jason Castro's embarrassing moment - he was on a date, with a girl, he specifies, and went to tie his hair back with - his hair, apparently. Anyway, the dread broke off in his hand. Okay, I'm done with that story. Jason is singing Hallelujah by David Buckley, and he starts on the Stool of Seriousness (tm Shack) and the studio's all dark and atmospheric. Randy says it was a tough song to sing, and then he says, "Good lookin' out, baby." I'm unfamiliar with that phrase. Paula starts a bunch of sentences and doesn't finish them again. She randomly complements all of the guys with a drunken baby seal clap, and then says that Jason is vulnerable and unique and stuff. Simon says that Hallelujah is one of his favorite songs of all time, and that Jason was brilliant. Yay, Jason! Simon says that Jason is getting better and better. Yaaaaay, Jason!

Chikezie went to the same bathroom in high school all the time because it was so clean - and then one day, he notices the sign on the door - "Women's". He always wondered why there were no urinals. See, this is why guys shouldn't go it alone when they go to the bathroom - it's better to go in groups so that you don't inadvertently go to the wrong one. Chikezie is singing All the Woman I Need by various people, like Whitney and Sister Sledge and Luther Vandross. I didn't catch what Randy said, except that the last note surprised both he and Chikezie. Heh. Paula says his vocals are so good tonight, and that everybody is so good tonight, and she's so excited. Yay! Simon says it was a little cabaret.

So, David Cook was my favorite of the night, I think. I finally paid some attention to Jason Castro. I still like Michael Johns a lot. I think, I fear, that my Lukey-Luke is on the chopping block - HOPEFULLY with Noreiga.

Paula ends the show by standing up behind the table and wobbling all over the place, as she says that the guys were, in a word, "Phu-nomenal." See y'all tomorrow! Somebody refill Paula's cup!

I'm off to finish watching Becoming Jane and to make some of my super-awesome fruit salad.

Well, I guess that's a good thing...

... since he's going to be basically my only option. Also, my Hillary score was 10 and my Barack Hussein Obama score was 5. Heh.

Take the quiz yourself.

Doctors are funny!

That is, except the tactless ones that ruin the Internal Medicine clerkship for 3rd year medical students. Anyway, I found this article online from The Journal of Family Practice (Howard J. Bennett, April 1995) and it amused me. It's about humor in the medical practice, and has wit throughout. Here's a couple of my favorites:

A surgeon, an internist, and a family physician go duck hunting.

The surgeon sees a duck, shouts "Duck!" and shoots it down.

The internist sees a duck, shouts "Duck! Rule out quail! Rule out pheasant!" and shoots it down.

The family physician sees a duck and blasts it out of the sky with a burst of machine-gun fire. As the tattered carcass falls to the ground, he remarks, "I don't know what the hell it was, but I sure got it!"

Rule out quail! Rule out pheasant! Hee. It's funny because it's true. I also like this:

To the Editor:

Last year, my husband, a pulmonary fellow, sent me a valentine; he thought that the cardiac system was receiving far too much attention on that day. I thought that your readers would enjoy the valentine.

A Pulmonologist's Valentine
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Without your lungs
Your blood would be too.

Here's the whole thing, if you're interested: Humor in the Medical Literature - Editorial

Kim is ...

... already tired of that "I drink your milkshake up" line. Already! That didn't take long.