Seven.Caged.Tigers

As mentioned a bit ago, American Idol is back on television. Last night, the field of over 240+ was flown to Hollywood and just 32 were pulled to compete and be voted on for the final 10. Well…this year is a bit different than last. This year, over 70,000 people tried out. Compare that to the just 11,000 or so last year. The numbers alone would suggest that there should be *much* more talent in the group and that the final ten should be amazing. Combine that fact with the idea of image. Last year, Simon was pretty rude to people that were even an ounce overweight. This year it seems that the trio of judges chose based more on voice than on “look” although look was certainly a factor to some extent. Anyway…we’ve got 32 performances to look forward to from every size, shape, color, and sound imaginable. It should be interesting to say the very least. I personally can’t wait.

Another weekend, another moment or two of relaxation. I spent much of the time (thankfully) quietly in front of the television. I did however watch a few movies…Windtalkers, Jacob’s Ladder, and The Postman. The last one was pretty crappy, but Jacob’s Ladder was good. Though, I knew it would be. I first watched it when it was released originally on VHS. Unfortunately, I was a young teenager and had zero concept of what the movie was about. Now 10+ years later, it made a lot of sense…and it was VERY enjoyable and supremely creepy.

Aside from that, JT and I saw The Two Towers. Of course I saw it on opening day, but he wanted to finally get his chance. So I sat quietly eating my nachos while he enjoyed the movie. I also bought an exercise bike. I vow to use it. Every day. All day if necessary.

American Idol is back on television. What does that mean? Well…it means that I’m spending every night it airs glued to the telly. I particularly enjoyed the Detroit show and the rather un-talented hopefuls. As with last year, it’s the overall lack of talent that best defines the show. Then again, I’m not so interested in American Idol as a whole. The formula seems dated, even though it was just introduced to the states last year. We’ll see if somebody more lasting will win this year….we’ll see…

Today will thankfully be a very short day…only four hours at work and then off to the doctor. Of course, this is the big, bad doctor responsible for fixing my cancer about seven years ago now. It’s funny how (despite the fact I know I’m healthy) I’m still a bit nervous.

Wish me luck

This weekend is exactly what I needed to relax…at least enough to get through the next week. JT and I stayed in both Friday and Saturday nights and then again Sunday. Saturday was nice because we went to a 2-year-old’s birthday party. Olivia, my cousin’s little girl, was adorable…kinda sorta makes me want to have one much sooner than later.

Also, I saw a few movies including the laughable fear dot com and the ridiculous A Walk To Remember. Of the two, I got the biggest kick out of the second, probably because of the over-use of teh word baby. Every time Landon called Jamie “baby” I was on the floor laughing. At least I still have The Good Girl. While JT thought it was a stupid movie (no violence, and only old man nudity), I thought it was AMAZING. I’ve officially falled in love with Jake Gyllenhaal…or at least as much as I ever was with Brad Pitt (drool).

I’ve been a part of enough weddings to know that sometimes brides have questionable taste when it comes to choosing garb for their maids. A perfect example of this phenomenon can be found here: Ugly Dress.com.

Anyway, I am proud to say that in our wedding in 2001 the girls got to wear very nice, not in the least bit frilly or stupid, dresses. I’ve heard other horror stories about everything from strangely floral dresses to just plain ridiculous outfits (and hats!). And then there’s the case of the pucker-material purple mini dress that a friend had to wear one time. So far, I’ve never had to wear anything so disgusting. I’ve been in three weddings (aside from my own) and have worn two different dresses. The first was in a color called “Chambord” and the second a color called “Stone.” Both had nice shapes and while not easily worn for other evens will by no means be the butt of any joke in 10 years.

I do however pity those bridesmaids who must wear the dresses on the above site.

So my sister and Robin are gone. They stayed in the states for 15 days…much to short of a period of time in my humble, sisterly opinion. It was really nice to see her and to meet Robin. He is a good guy and I’m happy for Cheryl. There is an up side to this departure. My life has been VERY busy since about Thanksgiving and finally it seems that maybe things will wind down a little and I’ll be able to relax for once.

I just want to offer a major congratulations to Karyn who FINALLY is getting married. Karyn, my last unmarried bestest friend, will in about a year join the ranks of the married world.

Congrats again to Karyn and Jim.

Ah yes. Another weekend that flew by much too quickly. After two days of work and two more of rest somehow I was still unprepared to be back. It’ll probably be next week or something before I can get back to form “officially.” I’m still loving my new computer (it’s what I’m using right now to type). I love having the ability to be at work and home with the same materials in tow either way. I can do research at work and call it up at home if need be. It’s a wonderful, lovely way to exist

Are you damned?

You’re coming back! And if you are a Hindu you are going to have very specific characteristics:

“The slayer of a woman and the destroyer of embryos becomes a savage full of diseases; who commits illicit intercourse, a eunuch; who goes with his teacher�s wife, disease-skinned. The eater of flesh becomes very red; the drinker of intoxicants, one with discolored teeth….” (Garuda Purana)

After nearly two weeks off from work, I’m back to the daily grind. Actually it’s not going to be at all busy until the students are back for classes on this coming Monday. Therefore, fortunately for me, I’ll have plenty of time to wind back up and to eventually be productive [again]. JT and I spent New Years in Oak Park for a house party. Of course it was a yuppie house party, but that was fine. I knew most everybody so I wasn’t completely alone. Anyway, I had about three too many drinks (for a total of…well…three) and spend much of the evening with a vicious case of the hiccups. I sounded like a drunked idiot. One more drink and I would have been either sick or asleep.

Gosh I feel O-L-D.