American Idol -- Looking to the Finale

So who is suprised? ANYBODY?
I would imagine Syesha isn't even surprised by the outcome of tonight's announcement of who was in the finale.

The show of David vs David. We've known it for weeks now it was just a matter of going through the motions to get here. I haven't voted up until this point - but I will next week.

My random thoughts:

Randy Jackson has been an idiot this season. Paula is as Paula ever was, but Randy takes the cake for stupid contradictory comments this year. From his comments to Michael Johns about American Idol not being about dreams that it was about finding the best singer although every week someone is mentioning the word DREAMS!! Take THAT, Mr Jackson! Also, with DA singing an R&B hit and having Randy say -- "It's not who you are." Really? How do we know who DA is besides the show puppet of this father and American Idol? And ending with Randy's comments to DC after his performances this week too. Does he even have a clue? Is he worth really having an opinion on this show? Does he even make an impact? At least Paula is entertaining!

Who needs this more?
David Archuletta needs this more than David Cook does. I can see DA being the "Okay kid, stand here... move there... tilt your head this way....that way....." and ultimately, "Go Home kid, your 15 minutes of fame are up." What looked like the second coming of the Beatles in his homecoming video will be replaced by the next new thing because you know what ..... little girls, tweens and young teens change their flavor of the week VERY QUICKLY. God forbid DA turns into an awkward looking adult and not the cute smiley boy -- he's done. Finished. Kaput! We'll see him on WHERE IS HE NOW. David Cook on the other hand, I can see doing a Chris Daughtry. I see him lasting longer than a mere 15 minutes. How much lasting power does he have? I'm not sure because the music industry is (quoting Ben on Lost last week) "a fickle b*tch". That being said, I think his talent and uniqueness will serve him well.

What I'm looking forward to -- THIS SEASON BEING OVER. I really HATE the filler this show has...and even more than that I truly hate the group performances!

I do have to hand it to them, the Ford Focus commercials have been pretty fun this year!

American Idol - The Show of Davids

I don't think I'm alone here in thinking that this show is over. It's just a matter of the winner will be an Archuleta or a Cook. But rest assured it will be a David winning this thing. It's just a matter of waiting the time to get to the finale. There are no more surprises left. Brooke and Syesha have been playing in the bottom three (and the bottom two for Syesha) for awhile now. They don't have the fan base. Dreads Castro has the fan base, and that's about all he has. If he cut his dreads off and went bald, I'll bet you the fan base would fall out so fast it would make his head spin.

I loved the faster paced show this week. Idol with music and less filler make me VERY happy! Now if we could just do half hour results show and leave out all the filler THERE I would be EXTREMELY happy!

David Cook, “All I Really Need Is You’
David Cook, “I’m Alive”

My dh doesn't agree with me, but I feel David is a lot like Daughtry. A smart powerful voice! At least THIS year they appreciate it more. Thank Mr. Daughtry for opening the doors to THAT!

Brooke White, “I’m a Believer”
Brooke White, “I Am I Said”

I'm a Believer was an embarrassment! I actually felt bad for her! Hey! I have the perfect career move for Brooke: GO WORK IN A PIANO BAR! They seem to really like you behind the piano best. Since you have no stage presence -- it probably isn't a bad idea.

David Archuleta, “Sweet Caroline”
David Archuleta, “America”

Two of my favorite ND songs! Although, I thought he butchered Sweet Caroline, America was AMAZING!! Record labels are going to eat this kid alive -- chew him up and spit him out after his fifteen minutes of fame are over. But he'll have a good run while it lasts.

Syesha Mercado, “Hello Again”
Syesha Mercado, “Thank the Lord for the Nighttime”

Loved the last song. It's too bad her fan base won't cover her. Jason Castro just has to show up and smile on screen and that will get more votes any performance she will ever do -- it's sad. She's actually very good.

Jason Castro, “Forever in Blue Jeans”
Jason Castro, “September Morn”

I didn't mind either of these two songs. I don't understand what the judges wanted from him. He's a laid back musician who will always give you a laid back performance. He is what he always was. I guess they thought they could mold him into something. Kudos to him for sticking with his style......but I stand by my previous comments of him.

American Idol - Night on Broadway.. yippee

Another boring theme night at the American Idol Corral. Ughh... well at least we know who's going home tonight. Try as the judges might, Jason Castro is a force to be reckoned with from the Itunes download totals I read. So I don't care what they tried to do ... Brooke is going home tonight.

David Cook, “Music of the Night” -- sounded wishy-washy in spots - but he was able to put the Cook feel to it in spots.
David Archuleta, “Think of Me” -- had it muted. How was it?
Syesha Mercado, “One Rock and Roll Too Many” -- cute. I agree this is her area and just in the nick of time. Saves her from the bottom three.
Carly Smithson, “Jesus Christ Superstar” -- in her comfort zone, but she's lost her appeal to me.
Jason Castro, “Memory” -- I actually liked it. Suprisingly.
Brooke White, “You Must Love Me” -- Grew bored of her weeks ago. 1 Trick pony.

My votes for the bottom three:
Carly
Jason
Brooke

My thoughts on going home: Easily Brooke (although Mr. Archuletta forgot the words early on and he was safe -- can anybody say DOUBLE STANDARDS)

100th Post Blabber Fest

This is my 100th post on Debt Freedom Fighters
As I hit the NEW POST on my Blogger Control Panel today, I noticed that low and behold, I snuck up on my 100th post! Of course, a 100th post deserves great things like cake and balloons - however, I'm having morning coffee and the hair is in a funk and I have no make-up on so we'll just have to leave as "Oh Yeah! 100th Post! Whooo Hooo!" There I got that out of my system.

Who would have thought that Mariah Carey week would turn into Boys Night. Hats off to them. I was going to skip the show because I'm not a Mariah Carey fan and my opinion was it was a tactic to move the less talented girls forward another week. Again, I was wrong! This is becoming a habit that I'm not liking too much!

David Cook, “Always Be My Baby” -- Amazing. Thank you Simon for getting your head out of your butt this week! God, when this guy belts it I get goosebumps.
Jason Castro, “I Don’t Wanna Cry” -- It's Jason. Love him or you don't - he is who he is. At least he didn't have his "little guitar"
Carly Smithson, “Without You” -- Is she falling apart after her first trip to the bottom three or what? She's not near as vocally strong as she was early on. I think the eliminations are weighing heavily on her.
David Archuleta, “When You Believe” -- no comment.
Syesha Mercado, “Vanishing” -- good performance, I thought. But does she have the fan base?
Kristy Lee Cook, “Forever” -- After last week's Michael Johns elimination, I will never like another thing this girl does on this show. Her time was up weeks ago. At the start of the song she looked pained -- actually I thought she botched the words or something because her face contorted. LOL Alas, that was musical expression. Who knew?
Brooke White, “Hero” -- Hiding behind the piano again, Brooke? I don't know.... She's good but I don't see her selling a whole lot of albums.

My votes for the bottom three:
Carly, Brooke and Kristy

I'd be happy with any of them leaving....but particularly Kristy

It's just hair
If that was the truth why do women feel the need to spend so much money to look beautiful?
I spend my birthday money from my mom on a salon day. Cut, color, highlight and eyebrow wax. Exciting, huh? I wouldn't have done it without the birthday gift because I don't put that kind of money in an envelope for hair cuts. Truth be told, those little "natural highlights" as Shelley called them aren't being covered by box color for longer than a week. I'm not ready to start showing age yet.

Once I get camera batteries I'll start taking pictures - my camera has been dead since before Thanksgiving. UGHH!

The Big Announcement
Long and Short of the Motley Crue Major Announcement was that they are doing a Cruefest with the other bands on the music label that Nikki just got signed as President for. I don't want to see the other bands on the list - and I'm not much for the "fest" of these concert things. Turns into a long day of dealing with drunks. And if I'm not one of them -- I don't want to deal with them! LOL. Presales for the tour happened yesterday as I was out doing errands. It wasn't until 9:00 last night that I realized I even had a password for presales (without joining the Fan Club) from an email I'd received. At that point, the available seats were well away from the stage and I'm not interested in being anywhere but rows 1-4.

Good news is, the new album will be ready on time! JUNE!

Inner Brat
As you know, I still have the 2 debts left. This is the lowest debt I have had in quite some time, but still nothing to be proud of. It's dirty credit card debt.

My son (with his new driver's license) wants that car! Although, he has given up on my parental need to help fund this new adventure of his - he doesn't have a whole lot saved up. So what kind of car can you get? An old car with a whole lotta miles on it!

This is where my maternal inner brat kicks in. And unlike the child inner brat, I feel this one is worse because you almost feel justified. I started looking at used cars for me so I may be able to give him my old car while he saves up for a better car. My car has a lot of miles and I don't know how many miles she has left - but at least he wouldn't drain his savings to get her on the road. How about that for hair brained ideas?

I keep looking at that debt total and trying to figure out what I can do to eliminate it in like -- A WEEK! LOL

On the Workfront
Let the training begin! I am the coordinator of our training program. We do a major training blitz every spring to get the servers we need to contend with the summer tourist crowd. That means extra days and extra hours and even a touch of overtime which I don't see any other time of the year. Great! My paycheck soars up about $200 or more (bi weekly) I can't wait to see the extra money take down that damn credit card debt! It only lasts until mid June so I have to take advantage of it while it's here.

The dh's work is stable, but under new ownership who isn't quite sure how to get the ball to move in the right direction. There's a lot of side stepping, rethinking and hem-hawing going on over there. All that might lead to an end of his overtime. I'm hoping they rethink some more! LOL

Revolution Money Exchange
I just read that they've extended their free $25.00 offer to sign up until May 15th!
Interested in signing up - click the little box in the right panel. :)
THANKS!

Oh Man! Look at the time!
I have to get ready for work -- make that money!

American Idol - (not so) Inspriational

What would that make me if I was uninspired by music that inspires others??


David Archuleta, “Angels” -- different sound for him. Nice- but I still want to know what genre HE belongs in HIMSELF.
David Cook, “Innocent” -- his head didn't look in the game. Not pompous as Simon said, but I don't think he was there. Didn't care for the song too much, but I still love his voice!
Jason Castro, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” -- Okay seriously! I'm beginning to wonder about my musical tastes if they thought this was anything but obnoxious! I couldn't wait for it to be over.
Brooke White, “You’ve Got a Friend” -- I liked it. We definitely know what kind of album she would put out there.
Michael Johns, “Dream On” -- Steven Tyler he is not, but yes Randy - American Idol IS about dreams! Idiot! He was an ass last night. Back to Michael Johns. He picked another powerful song to hopefully capture his Queen accolades. Just goes to prove the judges don't know what they want.
Kristy Lee Cook, “Anyway” -- Did a nice job. Did she get over the hump?
Syesha Mercado, “I Believe” -- Very nice song - I liked it better than when Fantasia sang it (but still liked Diana's version better)
Carly Smithson, “The Show Must Go On” -- Angry? I saw it during the chorus, but I do that when I sing too (and it's not a pretty picture vocally or visually! LOL) I think Simon is getting bored with her.

My votes for the Bottom Three:
Carly
Jason - not if the judges flowery spew swayed the votes
David - being honest although I think he is the star of this show -- that song didn't do it for him.

My vote for the one way ticket home:
It should be Jason - by everything good in this world it should be Jason HOWEVER
I think it may be
CARLY.

I've been Tagged! - 7 Random Things

I've been tagged by FLORIDACHIC at Debt Smack to list 7 random and/or weird things about myself. Hmmm.... Okay - here goes.

1. I'm a Motley Crue fan since 1983. Yes, THAT Motley Crue -- followed by a Yes, REALLY!
I was able to meet the band in 2003 backstage at the Better Live than Dead tour. It was a mind blowing experience because you were allowed some time (albeit short) to talk to each of the band members, get autographs and took a picture with them. My "man" is Nikki (to the left of me in the picture) but Tommy (to my right) was so incredibly friendly. That whole experience is a story for another day.

2. Going along with #1 - in high school I was a rocker chick! It was the 80's and I was a mix of Joan Jett, Madonna and Glam Metal. Black makeup, big earrings, spiky mullet, even red leather jeans, studded belts and fingerless gloves! ROCK ON!

3. I've been to DisneyWorld twice in the last 10 years. I was like a kid in a candy store the first time. A state of AWE the whole first day. I'm a heavy planner so we had good time and caught a lot of the action!

4. I love hand cranked homemade pasta! My absolute favorite thing is homemade ravioli, but it's such a pan in the butt to make by hand I make it VERY rarely. My pasta machine was my grandmother's and doesn't have the capabilities of attachments (like a ravioli maker) like the new ones do.

5. I've worked in the restaurant business my WHOLE LIFE! Minus a few months working as a teacher's aide in a day care setting right out of high school. My parents owned different sorts of restaurants during my life. A Hot Dog Stand, A Diner similar to Mel's Diner if you remember that show, A Bar, A Sub Shopppe and an Italian restaurant. I worked at all of them except the bar. My dad passed away in 1994 and a year later my mom had to sell our last restaurant. I took a couple months off - and found the job I am working now... a restaurant.

6. My son is named after a comedian's skit that I heard in the 80's. About what a cool guy ____ was. He was everybody's friend and everyone wanted to hang around _____. Much more to the skit, but you get the idea. It stuck with me and I never needed to think of another name.

7. I don't remember meeting my husband for the first time. The story he tells is that he used to come order pizza from our restaurant all the time. I don't remember ever talking to him there. (nice first impression, huh??) I do remember seeing him outside of work and thinking, "My! My!!" though... but not at the restaurant. The story of him asking me out for the first time is a winner. There was a parade going through town and I couldn't get past it because the streets were blocked so I decided to stop at the restaurant for awhile to talk to my dad. He wasn't there, so I stopped in the bar next door to see if he was in there. I had no make-up, no hair done and I believe wearing sweats when this guy who I had crushed on before came up and asked me out. I was flabbergasted because I looked like the Wrath of God and he asked me out anyway. I found out after the fact that he had been crushing on me and that's why he ordered so many pizzas! LOL


I tag:
Kris at Simply Us
JW at Need to Be Debt Free
Jennifer at Finding Financial Peace


Here are the rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog. Some random, some weird.
3. Tag up to 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

American Idol -- Dollywood

I like Dolly Parton. You have to give her a lot of respect for being in the industry as long as she has and being as successful as she's been! That being said, I really HATE Artist Theme Weeks! And every year the judges are the most critical as they don't enjoy it either. WHY must we do this! Nobody really stood out to me -- but I tell you what. I hope David Cook stood out enough to not get voted off tonight in a sea of "Ehhhh"

David Archuleta - "Appalachian Memories" -- This is one of those vocalists where everything on the album will sound the same.
Syesha Mercado - "I Will Always Love You" -- Ups and downs during the song - but I still had tears. I just knew Simon was going to tear her apart. Nobody could do Whitney.... oh except Mr Archuleta.
Carly Smithson - "Here You Come Again" -- Was what it was. She went through the motions. I agree with Simon. Yes, we know -- you are the one with the tattooed arm. We got it. Can you wear SOMETHING with sleeves already!??
Kristy Lee Cook - "Coat of Many Colors" -- One of my favorite Dolly songs! I liked what she did. Funny thing about her is she takes what works the week before and duplicates it and hopes it works again. Will America buy it?
Ramiele Malubay - "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" -- Can she PLEASE be in the bottom three this week? Enough with the "cutsie" votes already!
Michael Johns - "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right" -- Chills! Loved the ending!!
Jason Castro - "Travelin' Thru" -- Nice job, Hippy. I actually liked this one.
Brooke White - "Jolene" -- Perfect song for her! I liked this one too.
David Cook - "Little Sparrow" -- Glad the judges liked it because I wasn't sold. I still have chills from last week to carry me through though.

My votes for Bottom Three:
Ramiele (for the love of everything!!)
Shyesha (for not being able to be Whitney incarnate. So sorry, Simon.)
Carly Smithson (for her wardrobe inadequacies)

(in denial over here, I WILL NOT PUT HIM IN THE BOTTOM!)

Voted off: Ramiele

Ramblings .....

If I didn't care about debt anymore ...
This may be my car. $400 per month payments for a really classy ride with bells and whistles galore! I'd probably need to take a class in order to learn all of what the buttons and knobs did. I didn't check, but I bet the darn car would probably talk to me too! Ahhhh, if I didn't care about my debt at all -- I'd have a really sweet ride.

But the reality is that I DO care - and I DON'T want the $400 monthly payments. My 1997 Lumina has been one heck of a car for me and besides the fact that the air conditioning unit doesn't work anymore ... there isn't a reason to replace her. She has her blemishes, but then again -- so do I. It was fun, however, to build a car online and watching the numbers increase insanely with each gizmo and gadget that I added.

On the Work front
Welp, the storytellers are still keeping the latest script under wraps at my dh's job. We're not being fed contradictory stories this week, so I guess that's okay. It's funny though being and outsider and seeing how things work.

"Whoa! Guys! We are so busy! We can't keep up with all the orders. I can see overtime lasting for {insert long time frame here}." Yippee... overtime for {insert long time frame here}! This is great news! Then two weeks later you hear "Whoa! Guys! No overtime. In fact, we are going to cut some people's hours. If you want to take vacation time ... go ahead and use it now. We don't know when it will pick up." Really? What happened to ALL THOSE ORDERS and the overtime that was going to be lasting so long because we were OH SO BUSY? I learned to take it with a grain of salt but you begin to wonder if the business itself can be bi-polar instead of the bosses that run it. Currently, the overtime is there - and I'm going to milk it for all it's worth!!

Evaluations
On a scale of 1 - 5 what does the staff think of me? This is the question on the block the last two weeks as the staff got manager evaluations to fill out. What they tell me to my face - 5's. I'm aces! The favorite. Truth? Who knows. I don't think we'll even get to see them. It's for the owner and the GM to "review". Why? I dunno. What are the consequences? Probably nothing. Raises? Pshhh! Yeah! Right!!! I can dream, but since we got raises less than a year ago, I'd have to say NO.

De-cluttering
I was blog jumping again this week and I came across an interesting post on another "new to me" blog. This one was from DEBT SMACK and the post was about how those with vacation houses don't have the same clutter clogging it like our everyday houses do. They have the bare essentials that you need and somehow, it's always enough. My comment basically was that I am a sentimental pack-rat. I save things that have value, no value, or may have value someplace down the line. It was an interesting read - and although I would LOVE to simplify my life, I don't know if I could keep my house like a vacation house.

Oops
I put a little bit more to the Bank of America card than I should have this month. I forgot that although I transferred the money to the checkbook to pay for my annual home owners insurance that I forgot to write the check out for it. So THAT'S where all that extra money came from! Ahh well. A little less payment next month. Good thing the insurance isn't actually DUE until May 1st.

American Idol Top 11

Okay, was it the overkill of Beatles Night Part Two - because there was a lot of so-so performances last night. Little David redeemed himself and Brooke was one daisy chain away from Hippysville. I did enjoy David Cook, but I'm beginning to see that I'm become impartial - as I have him as my "favorite". The rest for me was "Blah, blah, blah!"

David Archuleta, “The Long and Winding Road” - Flawless, but I have to ask the Archuleta fans out there who are voting like mad for this kid -- What kind of album is he going to put out? It's the same thing I asked the Soul Patrol too. What genre does he belong to? He's a great singer - don't get me wrong but I just don't see where he fits in the whole scheme of the record business.
David Cook, “Daytripper” -- I couldn't disagree more with the judges. This guy is Daughtry reincarnate and they'd be wise to see that! Taylor Hicks vs Chris Daughtry -- should I go look up the numbers? Would I buy his album? YES!
Syesha Mercado, “Yesterday” -- Maybe it was me, but her voice sounded close to tears. Was that the point? The last few seconds I caught onto, but other than that -- it fell short in my eyes. I thought she looked fantastic though.
Brooke White, “Here Comes the Sun” -- Okay, she and Jason Castro should go run off and make hippie children together. She's not comfortable on the stage whatsoever UNLESS she's sitting down or hidden behind an instrument. She can record, but she won't be able to tour!
Ramiele Malubay, “I Should’ve Known Better” -- This was a mess. Cute kid, but not good.
Jason Castro, “Michelle” -- His face "sold the perfomance" are you kidding me? How did that happen? He's having fun -- so I'll leave him alone. I must be getting used to him, because I don't even consider him in my bottom three, but he's close!
Carly Smithson, “Blackbird” - Solid. She must have had fun for St. Pat's Day because I noticed a LOT more Irish accent to her speaking voice this week.
Michael Johns, “A Day in the Life” -- I'm starting to agree with the judges. I enjoy this guy, but he's starting to run in the middle of the pack considering I thought he was going to be walking away with this thing.
Amanda Overmyer, “Back in the USSR” -- had it's moments of greatness and it's moments of weakness. I disagree with the judges in their selecting her next song as a ballad because the last time they talked her out of singing her way -- they hated it and she was almost eliminated. Paula, for pete's sake -- Shut up!
Chikezie, “I’ve Just Seen a Face” -- Moments of train wreck and moments of Taylor Hicks - I'll pass... No thanks! Every other week theory in play again.
Kristy Lee Cook, “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” -- you know, I'm still singing that song today - I didn't mind it as much I figured I would. But it's inevitable. Her name is stamped on the stage for the Bottom Three.

My Bottom Three:
Chikezie
Ramielle
Syesha (although I believe Kristy will be sitting here)

American Idol Top 12

So was this an ironic day on American Idol. Both boys who have been rumored to already have people writing songs for them for AFTER their stint on Idol did poorly last night. A little bit of reality set in?


1. David Cook, “Eleanor Rigby”: This was great! I was wondering where he was going for a little bit in the beginning, but by the end I had a full idea! Nice to see that he was genuinely thrilled with his performance rather than sitting cool.
2. Brooke White, “Let It Be”: Again, same sound as she's always had. Is she going to be 2008's Carrie Underwood? No stage presence just a pretty face with a very nice voice!
3. Carly Smithson, “Come Together”: Very strong voice! But often plays second fiddle to SOMEBODY!
4. Jason Castro, “If I Fell”: The faces he was making while singing were cracking me up. Again, the hippy will pass another day.
5. Michael Johns, “Across the Universe”: I was hoping for more from him. He's got a solid voice, but after watching some of the performances tonight, he kind of fell short.
6. Amanda Overmyer, “Can’t Do That”: Well, she was all smiles tonight. Makes me wonder MORE of what was eating her last week! Did a nice job.
7. David Archuleta, “We Can Work It Out”: As Simon said after David Cook, "If this was a singing competition instead of a popularity contest you would probably win" Well, here's the thing: Despite him forgetting the words and really floundering with this song, I doubt Lil David will be in the bottom 3 -- EVEN THOUGH it is a FATAL FLAW most of the time.
8. Chikezie, “She’s a Woman”: My favorite performance of the night. Man, he gets into his songs sometimes, doesn't he!? Just amazing energy and full of life on stage!
9. Ramiele Malubay, “In My Life”: So many better than her -- especially after Chikezie. She couldn't hold a candle.
10. Syesha Mercado, “Got To Get You Into My Life”: She's cute. I think she's counting on her acting background and her presence to keep her in. Sooner or later that won't be enough.
11. Kristy Lee Cook, “Eight Days a Week”: Of course, that will be the only song I wind up singing today. Damn her! I hated it. She's trying to hard for something and if it's to please Simon who changes what he wants day to day.... you can just forget about it and hang it up. Which is what I think will happen tonight.
12. David Hernandez, “I Saw Her Standing There”: Are you kidding? This was terrible! How could you DO that, David!

My vote for the bottom 3:
David Hernandez
Kristy Lee Cook
Ramielle Malubay

Who's going home:
Kristy Lee

Who would go home based only on THIS performance and IF this was truly a SINGING competition:
David Archuleta

Working at a restaurant has it's perks!

Holy Ricotta Cheese, Batman!
The owner of the restaurant and I were chatting yesterday and he asked me if I liked Ricotta Cheese. Well, let's see -- An Italian girl living in Wisconsin -- OF COURSE I LIKE RICOTTA CHEESE! What do you make when he says he's going to give you some? Typical lasagna or stuffed shells, most likely. What do you do if he gives you a 5 pound tub of homemade Ricotta cheese? You get creative REALLY FAST!

Not for the faint of heart or the high of cholesterol!
So besides a lasagna made with the BEST Italian sausage from the Italian grocery I go to - and now this homemade ricotta cheese what else do you do with FIVE POUNDS of it?

Here we go!

Ricotta Cheese Cake (I made it with marble cake mix)

Sicilian Cheesecake (I am following the suggestion to omit the cinnamon/salt/orange and will add amaretto instead!)

I'll pack some of this stuff for the freezer as there is NO WAY I'll be able to eat this much this week. Just alone up top here.... 4 pounds of ricotta and 12 eggs!

If my mom wasn't making a Calzone Pie for Easter, I would have made one of those too. (That's another 3 pound ricotta cheese meal! LOL)

American Idol -- 8 Men Standing

I am the 80's -- my whole teenage scene was 100% the 80's. Was excited to see the 80's -- but the guys didn't seem to pick the best featured songs of the 80's. The David Hernandez song was great, but bugged me because it wasn't popular in the 80's -- it was popular in the 90's. It was a remake from a one album commercial flop by a band called Original Sin. So I guess that's why it was a valid song choice - on a technicality. Still a good vocal. I've got to give him credit.

Foreshadowing:
I hope that none of the girls do HEART again! Loved Heart, had enough of with this group of gals already.

Amanda will do Bonnie Tyler, "Making Love out of Nothing at All" or "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (my opinion for a song choice for her- soley NOT a spoiler)


Best of the Night:
David Cook, “Hello” --I hated this song in the 80's. David's version was stellar! LOVED IT! (guitar could have been left out)
Michael Johns, “Don’t You Forget About Me” -- I'm sorry -- I just like this guy!
David Hernandez, “It’s All Coming Back Me to Now” -- blew me away!! HOWEVER as far as I can remember it didn't get fame until 96 when it was recorded by Celine and again in 2006 by Meatloaf.
David Archuleta, “Another Day in Paradise” -- Good as always. Ehhh...

Just Alright, Dawg:
Chikezie, “All the Woman I Need” -- He's on one week, he's off another week. This was his off week.
Danny Noriega, “Tainted Love” -- Liked how he made it current, love HIM and his personality. Not sure if it was strong enough to keep him around.

Sorry - Not Getting it.
Luke Menard, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” To me, this is the last of the dead weight. Once he's gone - the big dogs can play!
Jason Castro, “Hallelujah” - Didn't get why the rave reviews. Pushing for votes for someone else to get voted out is my guess. Of course, I never heard the song before so what do I know.

MY votes for going home:
Luke Menard (finally) & Chikezie

Who I think they will send home:
Luke & (gulp) Danny :(

American Idol - Top 10 Girls

I don't know if it's because I was not feeling so well, but I was pretty bored with the whole show. While nobody really stood out for me, I didn't have any strong dislikes either. The truth of the matter ... I wouldn't buy any of these girl's albums at this point. Second truth be told -- the only AI female that I truly supported and bought her album was Kelly Clarkson!

Asia’h Epperson, “All by Myself” -- She's sick? I thought she was going to cry early on, but she pretty well smoked it in the end.
Brooke White, “You’re So Vain” -- Why does it seem like they are pushing this girl along? It wasn't BAD - but she wasn't mind blowing either.
Ramiele Malubay, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” -- adorable.
Carly Smithson, “Crazy on You” -- okay, this rocked. I still don't like her screaming face though. She looks like she's in pain.
Alexandrea Lushington, “If You Leave Me Now” -- I guess last week was a fluke. She was all over the place tonight. And then to make a comment that "I'm the underdog here." Awwee!
Kristy Lee Cook, “You’re No Good” -- Actually liked this best of the night I think. Not saying a whole lot though -- but between her and Carly as my faves of the evening.
Syesha Mercado, “Me and Mr. Jones” -- Didn't make my head snap like last week, but I'm still a fan.
Alaina Whitaker, “Hopelessly Devoted You” I loved Grease! One of my favorite movies -- but I always DREADED this part of the movie as I CANNOT stand this song!!! Her intro blew my mind because my ds is just like her -- down to the fresh fork thing! LOL
Kady Malloy, “Magic Man” -- If I close my eyes I like her. Her voice is nice -- I just can't get past the looks she gives. She just looks like she would be a diva (not in a good way)
Amanda Overmeyer, “Carry On My Wayward Son” -- I'm over her. This was just wrong. Tell her to change it up ... she changes it up a little bit ... and we beg her to go back. She's not really a good singer unless she's doing her Grace Slick/Janis Joplin voice. She can rock it .. no doubt about it -- but she can do that in a small club somewhere. She'd get to the chorus and I was tilting my head back and forth like it was a Barney tune.

Who I think will leave:
Amanda and Alexandrea

American Idol - Top 12 Girls - Updated

A few suprises for me tonight as I watched Idol.
I worked late so I missed a few - but the recaps helped.
But I'll be honest - I like male vocalists better anyway..
so I disagree with the Dawg. The guys smoked it!


Who I missed, and recaps weren't enough for me
Brooke White, “Happy Together” - perfect song for her. Woah...did you catch the makeup? I'll bet she was unfortable. Even if she did win this thing. The LA mongers would eat the poor girl up.
Kristy Lee Cook, “Rescue Me” They said she was sick. Really sick? Well, she did pretty good for being sick - but I didn't get enough even through entertainment week to have an overall opinion of her.

My Personal Faves of the Night
First let me start my saying that my original favorites walking into this are NOT in my faves of the night! I was suprised by how blown away I was with these girls!

Ramiele Malubay, “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” - adorable. I would never have guessed that voice would come from her. Aside from the fact that she reminds me of Jasmine Trias -- she is an amazing vocalist.
Alexandrea Lushington, “Spinning Wheel” -- Holy cow! Who is THIS girl!? {{clap clap}}
Syesha Mercado, “Tobacco Road” - Phil Stacey did this song last year and I loved it. I love this girl! She's amazing. Plus I love the song!
Joanne Borgella, “I Say a Little Prayer” -- She has a different type of vocal, but I really enjoy her voice.

Those I liked -- Okay:
Kady Malloy, “Groovy Kind of Love” - Yikes. Don't turn your back on this one. She's down right spooky! Had a great voice, I thought - but the emotions on her face while receiving criticism was scary. If we were in high school together, I would have taken a different hallway than she was on. YIKES (two times)
Amanda Overmeyer, “Baby, Please Don’t Go” Another one of my original favorites. Perfect song for her, but I guess I'm growing wary of her. She reminds me of Dilana from Rockstar: Supernova. There were just better girls tonight.
Asia’h Epperson, “Piece of My Heart” Another of my early favorites. Maybe just playing the "not as good as game", but there were others better. And Nikki McKibbon did such a job on that song they should have retired it from the American Idol database. (wink)
Alaina Whitaker, “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday” She cute. She reminds me of someone I can't put a finger on. Who is this girl?? Vocals okay - cute as all get up!

Those I could have done without:
Carly Smithson, “The Shadow of Your Smile” My other favorite. I couldn't believe how bad it was. What's with all the yelling? Are you proving that you can sing the high notes? That many times? "Yup, thanks Carly, got it. Again? Okay, Carly...seriously. We got it." I couldn't beleive that Randy and Paula were singing praises. I was wondering if it was just me out of my rocker -- but then Simon shed some new light. His light I agreed with.
Amy Davis, “Where the Boys Are” Creature of no air time. Who is she? I don't know. Here or not...matters not to me. Unlike a few others that were sick, this one was NOTICABLY sick. Poor thing. They just never hyped this girl enough. Perhaps she should have a YES in her name?

My Choice for the plane ticket home:
Kady Malloy, “Groovy Kind of Love”
Amy Davis, “Where the Boys Are”

Voted Off:
Amy Davis, “Where the Boys Are” - had a feeling
Joanne Borgella, “I Say a Little Prayer - Definately didn't see THAT coming!

Wendy's new score: 1/4

American Idol - Top 12 Men - Updated

What does this have to do with debt reduction? Chalk it up as cheap entertainment, I guess!

I said that I was NOT going to watch another season of American Idol. I said it when Constantine got voted out years ago. I said it again when Chris Daughtry got voted out. I said it again after a lack luster Season 6. But here I am -- watching again. Upset that Josiah didn't make it to the top 24 because I just loved that kid, but moving onward.

Our Top 12 Men sang last night. Some I got - some I didn't. Some blew me away - and some....well they just blew!

Talk about confusion - has anybody realized that there are 3 Davids & 2 Jasons this year!?

Here's my thoughts on the performances last night.


My Personal Faves of the Night:
Michael Johns, “Light My Fire” -- love him since Day 1. I did say this though. Chris Daughtry was hands down - the walk away winner of Season 5 - however he got voted off. Although this guy seems to be the Season's fave male doesn't mean ANYTHING in the world of American Idol.
Danny Noriega, “Jailhouse Rock” -- this is where I hate Simon. He tried shooting this kid apart and discrediting him. This kid has a bunch of personality, and unlike Sanjaya from last year - he's got vocals to back him up. I totally disagreed with Simon because I wasn't expecting this performance from Danny and I was blown away!
David Cook, “Happy Together” -- as always - seems overly confident but good vocals. Is it me or does he look like he's in pain when he's singing?
David Archuleta, “Shop Around” -- could this kid be any more HAPPY! I was giggly for him!
Jason Castro, “Daydream” -- Trippin' Dude! Another one with good vocals that I really knew nothing about going into tonight. But I can totally see him sitting in the back of a VW van at a Grateful Dead concert banging on a hand drum (family friendly blog -- but you know where I was going)

Those I liked -- "okay"
Garrett Haley, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” -- who's this guy except someone I would have had a crush on if it was still the 80's? Good vocals though I agreed with Paula, I was expecting him to start it off slow and then belt it. Sorry -- you got the hair -- I'm expecting a Rebel Yell!
Robbie Carrico, “One” -- Wasn't sure what to think about this guy - reminds me of a mix of Bucky/Bo -- but this song was nice!
Colton Berry, “Suspicious Minds” -- Okay, so I was pretty ticked off at this kid for taking Josiah's spot in the top 24. I put my feelings aside to see that he does sing better than Josiah, but he certainly isn't as cute!

Those I could have done without:
Chikezie, “Yesterday” - lounge singer but I loved the orange suit! REALLY!
David Hernandez, “In the Midnight Hour” I'm probably the only one who just doesn't get this kid. Here or not -- don't really care.
Luke Menard, “Everybody’s Talkin" -- This guy was ALL OVER THE PLACE. Although I think Simon having to get the last word in when Luke's last statement tried to save face was a little uncalled for. Poor kid didn't stand a chance.
Jason Yeager, “Moon River” -- Maybe his kid being there might have saved him, but as soon as I knew it was Moon River that he was done.

My Vote for the Plane Ticket Home:
Luke Menard, “Everybody’s Talkin’”
Jason Yeager, “Moon River”


Voted Off:
Garrett Haley, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do - Lack of airtime? Was he that bad?
Colton Berry, “Suspicious Minds” - either people didn't like HIM or they really resented him taking Josiah's spot!

Wendy's Score 0/2

Winter Blah-dom

The Storm that Wasn't
The weather people like messing with me I think. Throughout this whole week the forecast has changed dramatically of what was going to happen today. I've heard everything from flash floods, freezing rain to up to 18 inches. Of course, I work the night shift tonight which means I'll be on the road when what is now rain turns to ice driving home. If I'm lucky someone will have thrown some sand down, because I think we are all out of salt. Joyous! Black ice and night driving do not go well together.

A Needed Break
Besides OUR neighboring tourist town there's another BIGGER tourist town north we have plans to visit for the day. A quick rejuv. Of course, everyone and their uncles are thinking the same thing - and the town's hotels are to capacity. You know what THAT means, don't you? Crowded restaurants, crowded stores, crowded, crowded, crowded. Gasp! Why do I keep doing the tourist town stuff?

Glory of Grocery Shopping
My husband found a store in a town not too far away that does DOUBLE COUPONS every day! It's the same chain that I used to shop that did double coupons on Tuesday before the SuperWalmart put them out of business.
This gives me another store choice as I try out my E-Mealz menu list next week. I'll be excited to share my review. I've printed two weeks worth of meals and the recipes look simple and NOT way beyond frugal like '101 ways to eat on beans and rice' like I feared. It's real food! There's meats, there's vegatables and thank GOD -- Pasta and Bread!

Financial Stand-Still
Of course, when you are flying along for what seems to be a mile a minute, sooner or later you have to come to a stand still. And I'm there. I should be picking up soon at work, but the snow, being sick, lack of things to work on.....they all have played hell on my paycheck this winter. My worst winter in the last 5 years!
We've been flying right along that I hadn't even noticed that fact until this weekend when I played the comparison game. I hope to have an incredible spring with extra hours or I will have to go look for a moonlighting job.

UGHH!

What a way to spend Valentine's Day

All I can say is -- Thank goodness we're celebrating Valentine's Day later in the month. Today's just not good for me. LOL

We both work today, me ... late probably, dh has a fantasy draft online tonight and ds will most likely be on the phone with Miss Caitlin all night. The good news is: I get to spend Valentine's Day with Sawyer!


Lost: 8:00 CST on ABC

Hey, Guess what. It's snowing.....AGAIN!

Oh boy is it ever snowing. Everything is closed -- they are closing highways because the plows can't keep up. No worries. I'm home, hubby's home, the boy is home....we are all snug in the house....and BORED! Well ds not so much...he's got XBOX LIVE. So he's entertained.

So far since the snow started yesterday I've:
Baked Brownies, Beer Bread & Zucchini Bread
Made Spinach Crab Dip, dinner last night, prepped dinner for tonight and set up the crock pot for tommorow night.
OH! And homemade hot cocoa for when the boys came in from shoveling earlier.

I've had it with the kitchen today.

I did had on the tv and started watching Oprah. I don't usually watch daytime tv at all... I save myself for night time sitcoms, Lost and begrudgingly American Idol. Today on Oprah, they were talking about the book: The Secret. I know it got a lot of hubb-bubb last year. I never really catch on to things brand new I guess because although I had heard about it -- I never intended to read it.

Has anyone read The Secret? What did you think about it? Of course, because it was on Oprah today the auctions on ebay closing anytime soon have got bids up the ying yang. Tell me that lady doesn't have power over people! YIKERS!

GO PACK GO -- Football Sunday

Okay, so this couldn't be any MORE off topic, however -- today is the game that could put Green Bay back into the Super Bowl.

Yesterday, I don't even think we hit single digits - today no better. (of course a snow storm scheduled again for this pm into Monday)

I'm not a real football fan - and lately I haven't really cared because I've been steering clear of football pools and strip cards, but you HAVE to root for the home team!

So to Brett Farve and The Pack --- let the Giants Fall!

Mindless Fun on the Internet

Sometimes I just need to vegetate. Time for myself. Non productive wasted time. When I'm done with email, blog updates, message boards & blogs , take a survey, window shop for things I can't buy -- I need just dumb fun thing. My favorite thing? Play BUNCO on Netwinner.

What's so cool about BUNCO?

It's like playing BINGO without having to keep up with the bingo caller that moonlights as one of those auctioneer guys! And you don't even need a dauber because it automatically fills itself in! It's like BINGO for dingbats and because of that ... I'm addicted!

Netwinner also has a Prize Wheel which is like picking out Powerball numbers and you have to match the numbers. I'm lazy. I do the QUICK PICK and let the balls fall where they are.

Soon, I'll have enough points for a $25 gift card. I'll probably bank it until Christmas shopping time rolls around again.

Oh, the best part - besides the fact that I can be half awake and playing? It's FREE. There's some ads on the side that you can click or not -- which is how they get their money to give away, I'd guess.


My other insane fascination is ROCKSTAR GAME. Again, free. You make a band, practice, tour the country, write songs, release singles and albums. Of course, in the most generic fashion - but it's been keeping me occupied. My album was ranked number 2 in the WORLD (for a day... but STILL) You get 7 points every 3 hours and you use those points to either tour, practice or save up to write songs and release albums and singles.

Hint while playing ROCKSTAR GAME: Ingore the ads. They'll frusterate you!

My band's name is: Metal Angel
(the same as the dream band I used to write about during high school in the 80's)


What are your guilty pleasures on the internet?