YOU LOOK SO GOOD FOR 150!

Cat was so red & fluffy & fabulous this week - very vogue of her, really! And Adam's got his chain working, ok a little worrying, but whatever. They welcome special guest judge and teen movie director/choreographer supreme -- Kenny Ortega!!! (High School Musical anyone?)

Well, people, I almost titled this blog So You Think You Can Go to the Hospital II, The Pain Continues... they have got to quit beating up these kids, or get them spotters or something!!! This week Billy is unable to perform due to injury, joining the illustrious boo-boo ranks with Alex and Ashley.



Dance #1: Lauren/Twitch

HipHop (Wild West style!)

Lauren is the last girl standing this year, and that dance was bad-ass! The costumes were cool, the dance was hot, and the performance was strong, hard, and totally believable. Adam thought her growth was phenomenal; Mia thought it was hard, but sexy; Kenny (honored to be there :) thought it was courageous, funky & energetic; Nigel said she's done everything asked of her this season and the performance was 'bad' (like to-the-bone).



Dance #2: Jose/Alison

Contemporary

Alison is sooo in luv w/Jose - hopefully she doesn't get her tush kicked by his gurl. Speaking of butt-kicking - Jose totally kicked it with that dance!!! Glad that Sonya didn't try to toss in any of his style to make it a crowd-pleaser, because 1 - didn't really need any help that way and 2 - it's kind of insulting to him to insinuate that the only way people will still like him is if he can do his own style a little bit in each dance. Newsflash - everyone already loves him!!! My first thought was that he looked ballet-ish out there, which apparently was (kinda) the purpose. He was a perfect partner for Alison and it was an excellent routine for him to be given.

Dance #3: Robert/Lauren

Jazz

I had no idea Robert was such a dirty boy! He was very naughty in the rehearsal footage and had Lauren blushing hard!!! That boy did some really beautiful, really sexy, smooth jazz moves. I almost blushed myself! The judges were impressed w/him.

Dance #4:

Adechike's Solo!

Dance #5: Kent/Kathryn

Jazz!

It was fast and fun, strong and entertaining... the parts I saw anyway. Had to miss part of it to get the stuff out so Phoebe could make S'mores brownies (that girl luvs to make any kind of brownie, ok?). But it was perfect, except the costumes which looked home-spun to me, but whatever, the dance was great.

Dance #6:

Robert's Solo

Dance #7:

Lauren's Solo

Dance #8: Adechike/Comfort

Hip-Hop!

Loved the song! Alicia Keys rocks!! That was a seriously powerful, edgy, excellent, emotional and turbulent performance! Felt the same as Adam; like it was a scene in a movie and we could get into it and be a part of the drama. Awesome!

Dance #9:

Jose's Solo! -- James Brown!!!

Dance #10:

Kent's Solo!

Dance #11: Lauren/Robert

Samba!

Ole! Robert was on fire tonight! I agree w/ Kenny - he supported his partner well, then kicked butt when they were dancing their parts alone. Lauren did very well - she can make any dance beautiful!!! These 2 were so hot tonight - together and in their other dances... texted Jessie during one of these that he could easily be the entertainment at this weekend's bachelorette party :)

Dance #12: Adechike/Jose

Pasa Doble

That had to be one of the most macho dances I've ever seen!!! These guys made it beautiful and powerful to watch, and they obviously worked very hard and it was truly good (judges were not excited, but not blah either). Jose let a bit of his Latino out, but maybe not enough.

Dance #13: Kent/Billy -- sub TWITCH!!!

Stepping (college style)

Loved it!!!!!! Twitch makes Kent look so tiny! But he did GREAT! Is there anything or any move that boy can not do? He is too fantastic (had a serious JT quality here). Wish we could have seen Billy do this but it's always super to see Twitch.

Overall, a good week, Billy is in the bottom - no clue who will be joining him - actually think Adechike and Jose are good guesses though!

FRENCH VANILLA CAPPUCINO DAY!

The Valero by my house has a double-caffinated french vanilla cappucino... bliss!!! I am a caffeine junkie... used try to be snotty about it, you know with the fancy roasts and non-fat whip, extra foam and so on and so forth.

Anyway! You know you're not picky about your coffee anymore when you rave about the stuff at the convenience store, though. And the last non-motion picture film I watched was when I happened upon the one my daughter made of my neice being chased while riding a tricycle at my grandma's bbq/b-day party, and the only thing you could here was them screaming and laughing thier butts off. So it did kind of need sub-titles. Now I do have my book club books, and their pretty smart, but the last book I read cover to cover had the words 'captain underpants' in the title -- talk about culture!

Have to admit, though, that I really don't mind the diet cokes and I think my life is more fun now than it ever was back then.

P.S. Can't wait till party at Jeanne's!!!

LAY YOUR HEAD ON MY PILLOW...

Some background info;

I have a really nice radio in my office that my man bought for me for some reason or another and it's delightful... however due to circumstances beyond my control (radio towers, satellite positioning and whatnot) I can only get 1 station to come in clear a day, and it's not always the same station. Today it was 'Country Legends!' - and I'm thinking, ok at least it's not top 40 or 80's pop (which are my usual choices, so I'm about wasted on Lady GaGa and Journey, ok?!)

BIG SURPRISE - these old tyme :) country tunes had me feeling so incredibly mellow all day! So maybe I was singing along a bit too loud at times (sorry Ed!) , but there was no stress. Plus I learned all kinds of things.... like older women make beautiful lovers (cougars are not a new thing! who knew?!) Big Bad John had a heart of gold, angels come in all races, and all manner of things (jeez, I'm starting to get all twangy and syntax-y like the dj's). There was romance, heartache, good times and sad, and voices came before looks, and rhyming was everything (is that why I can remember songs I haven't heard in 25+ years?)

So thanks, Dolly, Willy, George, Waylon, Patsy, Roseanne and even you Elvis (love you!!) for the memories, for the soft warmth of nostalgia, and just a good day :)

2HOT4U

How did I of all people become the peacemaker? People you ask of me what is not in me to give!! Grrr... don't ask!!!
Anyway, things worked out in a way that I did have a bit of culture this weekend when my daughter and I took the long meandering walk and discussed sculpture and whatnot (goal partially met!). Then we both had lunch at a funky little sandwich shop where we tried foods that were not our usual fare (thanks snappy British guys in front of us whose orders we copied exactly). I'm afraid it might have been sucked out of me when my sister and I watched 'She's Out of My League' this afternoon. This genre is beyond me I guess... couldn't stand 'There's Something About Mary', and 'American Pie' or any of those other ones whose main objectives are letting the weirdo/nerd/loser have the hot girl in the end, grossing everyone out as many times as possible, and using the f-word more frequently then warranted. Don't get me wrong, it was funny-ish and we're all happy for him but honestly? Maybe it's because I don't know those people... or they don't behave that way in front of me? Not since college anyway. Also doesn't help that I am easily grossed out... it takes very little to make me want to barf, and these movies do it. Yuck!

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN GO TO THE HOSPITAL...

Mia, someone is lying to you... it's the person selling you those goof-ball sweatband thingies and telling you that you don't look like a total moron in them. You needed to know, and your 'friends' wont tell you. Peace.
Ok, this week Ashley is the one with the boo-boo. Can we go a week w/o breaking one of these kids, please? This pattern concerns me! On to the dancing!
Dance #1: Lauren/Mark
Tahitian (like hula-ish)
There was a lot of booty-shaking going on, but even Phoebe was impressed with the overall dance, saying it was cool, but not too hoochi. And it was, very cool. Expected less gushing and ooh-ahh from the judges - they're running fast and loose naming every dance 'the best ever' this year. Relax!
Dance #2: Adechike/Anya
Salsa
He seemed super-stressed in the rehearsal footage. Unfortunately it seemed to me that they sacrificed chemistry for technicality. The dance was fantastic choreography-wise, but it lacked that hot feeling you typically get from a salsa. Nigel was too generous w/ the love, I think. Oh, and the see-through shirt was disturbing for me - yuck!
Dance #3: Jose/Courtney
Broadway
My first reaction was 'oh, no! how is he going to pull this one off?' Jose's performance was excellent! Totally believable, I didn't even really look at Courtney (sorry!) Nigel must be off his meds or something, but we are agreeing on nada right now, and usually that is not the case! Only Adam had anything useful and smart to say about the dance.
Dance #4: Robert/Alison
Contemporary (TRAVIS WALL IS AWESOME!)
It was a truly beautiful pc that was danced well and had an almost palpable emotional connection with the audience and btwn the dancers!!!!
** About Travis -- I love his stuff because you don't have to be an artsy-trendy know-it-all type to get the message he's sending, he speaks to everyone!
Dance #5: Billy/Anya
Jive
Yes, the choreography was challenging, and the music was fast and furious, but it did not warrant all the gushing!!! There wasn't the connection btwn the dancers that I thought should be there, especially w/the story line behind the whole thing.
Dance #6: Kent/Neal (sp?)
Broadway
That was sooo Broadway!!! How fun! They did so well, w/only a few little bits out of sync, but i think that may have been an optical illusion because of their size/build difference? Can Kent do wrong in the eyes of America (or 'tween girls?)? Even the judges were watching the same dance this time! Feel comfortable saying, like Adam, that his dancing future is secure.
Dance #7: Lauren/Billy
Jazz
Sooo JAZZY! And cute! Lauren seemed at a loss about what to do w/her feet sometimes, but ok. Billy did rock, it's like he was born to do that dance! But Lauren had her clumsy moments. According to the judges, however, I must know diddly-squat about dancing because once again -- super gushy.
Dance #8: Jose/Dominic
B-boy
How exciting! Wish it could have been funkier, but then again, the originality of the concept was refreshing and unexpected and they were both fantastic!!! Hopefully makes up for Jose getting screwed by the judges earlier!
Dance #9: Adechike/Kent
Com temporary
That was so new and smart and great! And they did it so well!! I was worried they might try to out-do each other (sub-consciously, I mean, they're just both so strong). And the story was so right.
Dance #10: Robert/Ashley (sub. Catherine)
Disco!
Always a disaster! But this time not so much! Got off to a slow start, otherwise it was fun and crazy and wonderful!!! Have to admit Robert makes me sigh whenever I see him :)

'SURVIVAL IS ALL RELATIVE'

Towards the end of May, my bmf K and I were discussing his most beloved (and previously unseen by myself) show, 'Lost', and he ended up kind of challenging me to watch the show to see whether or not I enjoyed it (my uninformed opinion was that it was cult rubbish, like 'Bachelor' or similar). I didn't understand why so many people could be mesmerized so thoroughly by this show, and in a lame-ish attempt to be ironic, I netflixed season 1 and got the first disc in time to watch the first episode the Monday night after they aired the last episode. I sat and watched the first 4... and have since watched the rest. Despite some icky moments (torture? really? and blowing people up?!) and some too 'this is gonna be very suspenseful and mysterious, you guys!' music, I must in all fairness admit it's a cool show to watch. And I am going to watch the rest of it (you'll get more posts on Lost in the future, I promise you that). The characters are believable and easy to connect with, the ones we love have flaws and the ones we hate have redeeming qualities. I like that you see the why and the circumstances that make people act and react the way they do instead of the usual 'bad guy/good guy acts accordingly'.
Would I recommend this show? Yeah, if you are looking something to get all deeply involved in, then this is it. As I understand it (though I'm making myself not peek at all the available blogs on future episodes) they never quite answer every question or solve every riddle... but that's cool, it's not a movie after all, its real life :)

CAESER - ITS A SALAD & A DRESSING!

I am just about dying for some culture right now. A visit to the museum, seeing a local jazz band, or just watching a musical on tv would be nice. Not sure why, could be that my daughter is trying to beat a game on the Wii that requires playing some classical music piece lately and my head has been full of Ode Du Joy for the last week. Or Jessie telling me about her sister's fab wine tasting party this past weekend. I think that the main thing would be experiencing something new and beyond myself, something that makes me think or just dream of grander things. Maybe reading something that didn't include OMG or LOL... I really used to read a lot but not so much these days. It's summer! There must be something going on around here (hopefully free?) that I can do.
To do by next week;
1. google arty goings on around my home
2. watch less Disney channel
3. finish book club book, plus the other one I started last weekend
4. watch old school movie w/ gene kelly or someone similar
5. cook something french
That should do it!!!
Goals are delightful.

PARTY EV-ER-Y-DAY!

oh, snap! I have one question -- where does one buy leather pants? Just found out that my rockin' beaux is almost as big a KISS fan as he is an Eagles fan. ('Joy & Pain of Classic Rock - that was the Eagles!) We're talking I may have an honest-to-God KISS face painter on my hands here, and this is a very new experience for me. I only know 1 song by these guys!!! Never even watched that reality show about that 1 dude, you know who I mean, the 1 on the Dr. Pepper commercials? Gene Simmons! That's right.
This should be interesting, but I need to make sure I'm prepared so I've compiled the following shopping list;
1. black/white face paint - preferably hypoallergenic (I have very sensitive skin)
2. aerosol hair spray - that 80's hair is very labor intensive
3. talcum powder - for the putting on of the leather pants
4. platform shoes - why the heck not?
I'm sure there are other things, guess I'll have to watch YouTube vids of past concerts to make sure everything is kosher.

ROCK 'N ROLL 4-EVA!!!!!

ALTERNATIVE IMAGES

He sounds so dainty... sorry, dude receptionists throw me off and I know he's not really a 'receptionist' but he always answers the phone. Not that it's a 'woman's job', but it's just that rare, at least here in Texas, maybe not so much in California or New York. I am making a call while typing away on this blog, so as the Muzak plays...
Anyway,
As expected, Mr. Cranky-Pants' alter-ego 'Senor Happy' has made an appearance today. There's skipping, and friendly hellos and general merriment and it makes me nervous, puts me on edge. The funny stories are back, the witty banter, the illusion of safety. I'm freaking out!
It's kind of like when someone acts like they're all smart and classy but you just know they aren't. That they'll get all trailer/ghetto/Maury Povich on you with the slightest provocation. Maybe it would be cool if we were all like soap opera characters - if you're good, you're good, if you're evil, than you're evil... and only a knock in the head(car accident/cliff fall/gun shot wound, ect.) or the arrival of a previously unmentioned evil/good twin would make you otherwise.
So, okay, maybe there's not any skipping - that might be funny.
Totally off subject --
Awwww... K just said in the most natural, 'oh it's just a fact of life like the sky is blue' way that L is smart. Compliments should always come that naturally and spontaneous... :)

CHEEKY!

Where is Mary Murphy?! I miss her! ** FYI - Mia looks like a goober w/that gold sweat band looking thingy.**
Gasp! Alex has a boo boo! He will automatically be in the bottom 3 Thursday, and if he can't dance next week he's out... tragic! He's one of the best, most versatile contestants!
Dance #1 - Lauren/Pasha
ChaCha!
OMG, that was so smoking hot! They had some sizzling chemistry, that was soooo saucy.
Dance #2 - Jose/Lauren
Contemporary?
He did so well! That boy is so special and he works so hard! No wonder why everyone luvs him.
Dance #3 - Kent/Comfort
Hip Hop
Despite some awkward moments, it was cool to watch and definitely enjoyable! Don't you want to pinch his cheeks?
Dance #4 - Adechike/Courtney
Jazz
Finally a jazz routine that's really jazzy! Not as hot as it could have been, but still good.
Dance #5 - Billy/Katie
? - I don't know why I can't hear the style sometimes!!
They all said it was great and wonderful, but honestly, I only liked the costumes -- sorry!
Dance #6 - Ashley/Dominic
Hip Hop
That was so cool! And such a nice surprise from her - she did a great job!!!
Dance #7 - Robert/Catherine
Jazz
An interesting concept, but after the first half not too great for me - they never got to the fluid part they were talking about. Would be fun for a high school dance maybe
Dance #8 - Adechike/Alex
Bollywood - Mara in for Alex
Not my favorite to start with - always looks the same. He did well, but kind of lost it in some parts. Agree with Nigel in that his style did not blend well or add to the performance value, unlike Jose's. As harsh as I feel I'm being, Mia was too ugly.
Dance #9 - Lauren/Kent
Contemporary
That was too sweet! They were perfect together and what a kissie-kiss! I thought that was delightful (was that Disney calling?)
Dance #10 - Robert/Ashley
Quickstep
Why do they put this idiotic dance in there? It's supposed to look awkward when professionals do it (yeah, okay I've see a few of the Ball Room competitions:) So how do they expect it to be any good here?! On the slower parts they looked in control, even confident, but during the faster parts they looked terrified! I think I even saw him counting @ one point?
Dance #11 - Billy/Jose
African something-or-other
Okay, I'm not going to use the obvious word to describe this dance, but come on!!! I will only say that it was not masculine AT ALL! Hopefully this horror won't harm either of their chances... Dear God!!! The judges must have been hopped up on goof balls at this point or something.

Can't wait to hear about what happens tonight!

TO MR. CRANKY PANTS

Dear Mr. Cranky Pants,
Ok, we all understand that you'd rather not be here, that's understandable and all, but why oh why do you have to be so mean? Stomping around and slamming doors is not the way to get people to change. It's also not teaching a lesson to the person you're really mad at, as they are last one to notice or care. Trust me, if we had any idea what you wanted, or if what you wanted was the same as what we've been told to do before, than we would do it, if only to make you happy! Alas, it can not be done. So sad! But true. Where is the jolly, story-telling Mr. Pants of days past? Will he be back soon, perhaps after a tasty, relaxing beverage? Please get happy, and soon, because walking on egg-shells hurts my feet.
Sincerely,
A

p.s. -- tonight is SYTYCD!!! :)

AN ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS

The first time I ever heard those words was while watching 'Jungle Book' about 20+ years ago, yet over the last few years, it seems they have come up over and over again. They play in my head in a taunting rhythm everytime I hear some bony twit (and, surprisingly, some not-as-bony-as-they-wish twits) say in their annoyingly vacant, nasal twang "oh, tehe, I, like totally just forgot to eat" (paraphrase). It's the same feeling I get when people who weigh approximately 100 pounds less than me whine about how bloated and disgusting they look. Have you ever wanted to just blurt out 'you know what, you do look disgusting today!'. It makes me kind of hateful, but I have had to leave the room sometimes just so I wouldn't say it. Guess what, forgetful girls, you don't have to go there to get people to look at you - seriously! People who don't forget to eat. People who feel like they're working so hard to be your size and if your size isn't good enough, then really, what's the point? Maybe be motivating instead of nauseating? (i know, not a real word, but you get what I'm saying). So, please, take some ginkgo, eat a salad, and use your powers for good not evil. Or just hush because no one likes you. :(

TO THE LEXUS LADY

Dear Lexus Lady,
Hello! We've never actually met, but I see you everyday driving around in the neighborhood. You're the one who doesn't know where the blinker is located in your car or how to operate it, I'm the unfortunate person who has to drive behind you and guess and pray to God that I can predict where you're going or which lane you'd like to drive in minute to minute. Not as much fun as you might think, ma'am, not really. I thought by now I knew you, but then this afternoon you did something new... you went to the same place that I did. Weird! That was bound to happen eventually, though, right? What I don't understand (but honestly should have somehow anticipated) was that you would try to push me out of the parking space that I was already halfway into. Seriously?! Now instead of me thinking you're an airhead with a faulty vehicle I'm starting to think you're a self-centered, vacuous cow. Yeah, that was me mouthing 'oh no you didn't! - and then racing you into the bank (and maybe on-purpose not holding the door open for you). Excuse me, but you're lucky I didn't give you a thorough cussin'!!! Poo on you is all I'm going to say... poo on you.
Sincerely,
A

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER

Ok...

This has been a really weird week. Feels like I've been walking around half-awake for most of it! Apparently I'm getting too old to be staying out until all hours on the weekend, which is kind of depressing. My friend K called me this morning and after about 30 seconds of conversation asked if I was okay because I sounded so sad... and I'm really not! I'm actually feeling kind of happy-mellow today - heard my fave song on the radio this morning, had a yummy breakfast, got a new Netflix movie, had a super-sweet and love-y conversation with my man... everythings coming up roses today, it just looks like I'm allergic. But it's been this way since Monday (which I don't really even remember) and I'm not sure how I'm even functioning! Could be hormones... or the rainy day, don't know at this point but I wish it would either stop or I could take a nap.

BA DA BA, BA DA BA!

Cat is so flashy!



Dance #1 - Adechike/Lauren

Hip-hop! Awww he hearts her so much! :) Seriously, that was too too cute! He did so good and it seems like he got a little Brooklyn on him while he was growing up after all.

Dance #2 - Ashley/Ade

Contemporary? I didn't hear the style, playing ping-pong w/phoebe. That was funky, though, and actually kind of moving. Very full of emotion and deep feelings.

Dance #3 - Billy's solo

That boy is flexible!!!

Dance #4 - Robert/Courtney

He hearts his mom!!! Um, that was a very gothy, touchy cool kind of dance. Love how he totally gets into character for every dance, he's sooo good at that!

Dance #5 - Jose's solo

He always picks great songs! That was fun! Is he cute as a bug or what?

Dance #6 - Melinda/Pasha
Salsa - that was not as sexy as Christina's last week (we miss you!) she seemed stiff to me and Nigel totally agreed! It was fun, but not hot. -- I know I've said she's not my fave, but she seriously did a poor job on this one, not picking on her! OMG! Mia and Adam actually expressed regret for saving her last time!! 2 late for C, yo!

Dance #7 - Kent's solo!
How sweet! Isn't he just so cute and talented?

Dance #8 - Alex's solo!
He is so intense and pulls you right into it... very interesting

Dance #9 - Lauren/Neil
Broadway - Very, very Broadway (and 1/2 striptease) How saucy!

Dance #10 - Ashley's solo!
Cheerleader chic

Dance #11 - Billy/Catherine
Contemporary? Jazz? Not sure, more ping-pong lol! Very pretty and delicate, I thought it was wonderful and didn't agree w/the judges on that one

Dance #12 - Robert's solo!
I just really liked that

Dance #13 - Jose/Anya
Samba? I was worried at first, but it was hot and fun! Super!!! He is the man.

Dance #14 - Melinda's solo!
Even her tap is weird, and it's her thing, so what are we supposed to do?

Dance #15 - Kent/Alison
Jazz - How cute and sexy! It was naughty, and precious and kind of great! Also, reminds me of Cameron Diaz & Justin Timberlake they way those 2 looked together

Dance #16 - Adechike's solo!
So earthy and serious and beautiful!!!

Dance #17 - Lauren's solo!
She's so lovely!! It was so nice!

Dance #18 - Alex/Twitch
Hip-hop! OMG!!! that was so so so fantastic! I had to you-tube it this a.m. so i could see it again, that was the best ever!!!