I'm on the reader panel for a national magazine, and several times a month they send us questions to answer for upcoming issues. But today, I get an email from them titled:
Which cartoon character do YOU have a crush on?
Um... okay, I know sometimes an actor on a kid's show might catch our cougar-mom eyes. We're human. Totally understandable.
But a cartoon character? Count me in as morbidly curious. So I open the email and read:
"Do you sometimes watch Blues Clues with your kids just to check out Joe's sexy smile, or secretly wish the Man With the Yellow Hat on Curious George was real? Confess here: Which kids-TV star (real or animated!) do YOU have a crush on? Send your answers (include your age and city) and your answer could appear in a future issue."
I'm sorry... the Man with the Yellow Hat? Are we now so pathetic that we're lusting after a guy who lives with a monkey and dresses like a banana? (And how coincidental is that, huh?) Oh yeah, and he's NOT REAL?
Ew. Just... ew.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Pet Peeve Hunters
My husband and I regularly watch House Hunters on HGTV, probably for the same reason I love to pick up Real Estate Guides from everywhere we visit. No, I don't have any plans to move to central Georgia, but I do like to see what your dollar gets you.
But with this curiosity comes frustration and my resulting sarcasm. Because there are some things people look for or avoid in a home that I just don't understand. So rather than be the bigger person and accept the differences we all have... I just make fun of them. It's a lot more interesting that way.
Double sinks. I cannot for the life of me figure out this obsession that so many couples seem to have. I've been married for 15 years and for the most part both of us left at about the same time to go to work. Yet I can probably count on one hand the number of times my husband and I have needed to brush our teeth at EXACTLY the same moment. This is when that whole Taking Turns unit in kindergarten comes in so handy. If it's because the wife thinks the husband is a slob, then I assume they're getting separate kitchens and bathrooms entirely, no?
Stairs. Ah, the aversion of so many parents with young children. And being a parent myself I can understand to a degree. But guess what? I grew up in a house with stairs. We have stairs in our home now. And we bought this house when I was pregnant with my second, so my baby had to learn to navigate them when she became mobile. Which meant that I had to keep an eye on her. (I know, right?) So it's a little crazy to see people freak out because a three-year-old will have to face two steps to go up from a sunken living room.
A pool. Now, I grew up with a pool so maybe I'm biased. But it's hilarious to see people lose their shit when they're looking at a house that's just perfect... only to rule it out because it had a pool. Either it's a safety concern with their kids or they break out the "It's too much trouble" argument. But these are usually the same people to fish for an invite to their neighbor's house, where a sparkling blue oasis of chlorinated relief beckons them from the backyard. Yep, I'll remember that the next time you peek your head over my fence while I'm lounging in the cool water on a 95 degree day. Enjoy your sprinklers.
A vacation home. This one almost deserves a blog entry of its own. First, I have trouble wrapping my head around the concept of a vacation home. If you're only going to be there a few times a year at most, isn't it more logical to rent a place each time? Sure, you can always rent out your own vacation home when you're not there. But then you have to hire someone to maintain it, or drive/fly down there yourself regularly. Granted, one show featured a family that travels to Morocco regularly for work and charity efforts. That I can totaly see. Otherwise, unless you're truly a multi-millionaire I don't see the point.
Second, the features they want in these homes absolutely crack me up. I saw where a family of five bought a "vacation home" that was over 3000 square feet. Really? Unless Paris Hilton is vacationing with you (in which case you'll need the room for both her luggage and the quarantine area), I can't imagine why one family needs that much space for an occasional place to stay. "Oh, this will be great for entertaining..." Entertaining who, exactly? Are you expecting to be besties with the locals? Because I'm sure all of the area merchants whose families have been there for generations are thrilled with the obnoxious American family moving into a house the size of the town square. I won't even get into their lamenting about a lack of closets (how much clothing do you need for five days?) or counter space.
So am I the only one who thinks this way?
But with this curiosity comes frustration and my resulting sarcasm. Because there are some things people look for or avoid in a home that I just don't understand. So rather than be the bigger person and accept the differences we all have... I just make fun of them. It's a lot more interesting that way.
Double sinks. I cannot for the life of me figure out this obsession that so many couples seem to have. I've been married for 15 years and for the most part both of us left at about the same time to go to work. Yet I can probably count on one hand the number of times my husband and I have needed to brush our teeth at EXACTLY the same moment. This is when that whole Taking Turns unit in kindergarten comes in so handy. If it's because the wife thinks the husband is a slob, then I assume they're getting separate kitchens and bathrooms entirely, no?
Stairs. Ah, the aversion of so many parents with young children. And being a parent myself I can understand to a degree. But guess what? I grew up in a house with stairs. We have stairs in our home now. And we bought this house when I was pregnant with my second, so my baby had to learn to navigate them when she became mobile. Which meant that I had to keep an eye on her. (I know, right?) So it's a little crazy to see people freak out because a three-year-old will have to face two steps to go up from a sunken living room.
A pool. Now, I grew up with a pool so maybe I'm biased. But it's hilarious to see people lose their shit when they're looking at a house that's just perfect... only to rule it out because it had a pool. Either it's a safety concern with their kids or they break out the "It's too much trouble" argument. But these are usually the same people to fish for an invite to their neighbor's house, where a sparkling blue oasis of chlorinated relief beckons them from the backyard. Yep, I'll remember that the next time you peek your head over my fence while I'm lounging in the cool water on a 95 degree day. Enjoy your sprinklers.
A vacation home. This one almost deserves a blog entry of its own. First, I have trouble wrapping my head around the concept of a vacation home. If you're only going to be there a few times a year at most, isn't it more logical to rent a place each time? Sure, you can always rent out your own vacation home when you're not there. But then you have to hire someone to maintain it, or drive/fly down there yourself regularly. Granted, one show featured a family that travels to Morocco regularly for work and charity efforts. That I can totaly see. Otherwise, unless you're truly a multi-millionaire I don't see the point.
Second, the features they want in these homes absolutely crack me up. I saw where a family of five bought a "vacation home" that was over 3000 square feet. Really? Unless Paris Hilton is vacationing with you (in which case you'll need the room for both her luggage and the quarantine area), I can't imagine why one family needs that much space for an occasional place to stay. "Oh, this will be great for entertaining..." Entertaining who, exactly? Are you expecting to be besties with the locals? Because I'm sure all of the area merchants whose families have been there for generations are thrilled with the obnoxious American family moving into a house the size of the town square. I won't even get into their lamenting about a lack of closets (how much clothing do you need for five days?) or counter space.
So am I the only one who thinks this way?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
This disturbs me
"I poo... in blue!"
Maybe I'm a prude. But if your kid is old enough to wear a diaper that looks like pants, then maybe he's old enough to wear... oh, I don't know... pants?
Maybe I'm a prude. But if your kid is old enough to wear a diaper that looks like pants, then maybe he's old enough to wear... oh, I don't know... pants?
Gainesville Sports Examiner
Hey all, great news - I was recently named the Gainesville-area Sports Examiner on Examiner.com! I already have a few articles up, so check it out:
http://www.examiner.com/x-53316-Gainesville-Sports-Examiner
My page is dedicated to telling the stories of Gainesville area sports at all levels, from youth leagues to senior events and everything in between. There is so much to be proud of in our community – the development of a new league or camp, a unique person in Gator/Saints sports, a charitable endeavor by a local team, or a notable achievement by one of our outstanding area athletes. Most of you know that I'm a pretty big sports enthusiast, so I'm really excited to provide an all-encompassing platform to share area news.
If you have a story that you would like to see on the Gainesville Sports Examiner, please feel free to email me at kaplan_janice@yahoo.com to tell me about it. Thanks!
http://www.examiner.com/x-53316-Gainesville-Sports-Examiner
My page is dedicated to telling the stories of Gainesville area sports at all levels, from youth leagues to senior events and everything in between. There is so much to be proud of in our community – the development of a new league or camp, a unique person in Gator/Saints sports, a charitable endeavor by a local team, or a notable achievement by one of our outstanding area athletes. Most of you know that I'm a pretty big sports enthusiast, so I'm really excited to provide an all-encompassing platform to share area news.
If you have a story that you would like to see on the Gainesville Sports Examiner, please feel free to email me at kaplan_janice@yahoo.com to tell me about it. Thanks!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Jump-SLAP!
Are boys genetically programmed to jump up and slap anything they think is hanging within three feet of their heads?
This is my son's latest thing. Tree branch dangling above? Jump-SLAP. Doorway overhang? Jump-SLAP. Netting of a basketball hoop ten feet off the ground and nowhere near within his reach unless he's Kobe Bryant? Jump-slap-WHIFF.
Granted, I'd rather have him be like this than a kid who can't be bothered to reach for his drink because he'd have to move from his spot on the couch. But it's starting to drive me nuts.
This is my son's latest thing. Tree branch dangling above? Jump-SLAP. Doorway overhang? Jump-SLAP. Netting of a basketball hoop ten feet off the ground and nowhere near within his reach unless he's Kobe Bryant? Jump-slap-WHIFF.
Granted, I'd rather have him be like this than a kid who can't be bothered to reach for his drink because he'd have to move from his spot on the couch. But it's starting to drive me nuts.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Individuality, Interrupted
When I was a kid I often wore hand-me-down clothing from my older sister. My mom stayed at home and was notoriously frugal to make that work, so it was pretty much out of necessity. I never really minded this, as mom also took great care of our clothes so they didn't have holes in them and stains were treated pretty quickly.
Among the gems of my time-warp wardrobe was a pair of light green denim bell-bottom jeans. These were probably cute when my sister wore them in the mid-70s, but by 1980 they weren't exactly in demand. Still, I kind of liked the color and I didn't realize this fashion faux pas when I left the house that morning.
So you can imagine my surprise when I got a few funny looks here and there, and even a sarcastic, "HA... nice pants!" from a couple of girls a grade older than me. When I said a polite "Thank you" to them (I mistakenly took the taunt as a compliment), they laughed even harder. I was shocked, and I spent the rest of the day futilely trying to hide my pants. By the end of the day I was completely disheartened and secretly cursing my mom for making me wear them instead of just buying me a new pair of normal jeans.
After reading my story, you might think that I would be happy that the Alachua County School Board voted by a 3-2 margin to adopt a new uniform policy last night, effective at the start of the next school year. According to board member Barbara Sharpe, such a policy will "level the playing field" - so kids don't classify each other by the clothes they wear, or they won't be preoccupied by styles and brand names.
You might think again.
You see, I'm tired of over-protecting our kids' feelings. I'm all for being positive with them and encouraging good karma and sportsmanship, but when do we start preparing them for life? Instead of giving them tools to help them grow up and be confident with their looks and abilities, we're shielding them from any possible sadness or disappointment. We give every kid in the soccer league a trophy, even though some kids just aren't good athletes. We push every kid to read well beyond what they truly need to succeed, despite the fact that some kids just don't like it or aren't good at it. And now we'll make every kid look like a clerk at Blockbuster Video until they graduate from high school, just so they don't get singled out or preoccupied with D&G labels.
I learned something very important because of those hippie-dippy pants - how to stick up for myself. I wasn't getting a new pair of pants that day; we just couldn't swing it at the time, and that was the reality of the situation. And I had to admit, I did kind of like them. They were different (kind of like me, the dork that I was), and I thought the color was cool. Plus I didn't really have a choice.
So I sucked it up and eventually wore them again. And when I got a funny stare from someone I just ignored it. Or I looked them straight in the eye and smiled back at them. That usually shocked those kids; they expected an embarrassed slink-away or perhaps even tears. But they didn't get what they want, and then they left me alone. And that made me happier and more confident than any uniform could have done.
Today I wear what I want, and with confidence. I have learned what looks good AND makes me comfortable, and I wear clothing that shows who I truly am. That doesn't happen when you're shoehorned into a uniform. I also learned to hold no grudges - in fact, one of the people who commented on my pants way back when is now a Facebook friend of mine.
There are several reasons why I don't agree with uniforms. First, I haven't seen where it's such a huge disruptive problem. In fact, there is already a dress code in place and it seems to work just fine. Instead of policing spaghetti strap tops or shirt sayings as they do now, they'll just be making sure clothing is the right color and we have it neatly presented. No time saved there. Second, the school board voted for this despite an avalanche of mail from parents against the proposal, basing their vote instead on the "people they've talked to" (in other words, their friends). Third, now we have to buy TWO sets of clothing - uniforms for school, plus play/weekend clothes. Not sure how the school board thinks that this will be cheaper for the parents.
But my biggest reason is that I think we're shortchanging our kids in the long run. In life we don't get trophies merely for participating, we don't fit into academic molds of who we're supposed to be, and we don't have a dress code. Sooner or later, we have to learn how to suck it up and deal with who we are. We have to stick up for ourselves. We have to get our feelings hurt and deal with our shortcomings and experience disappointment from time to time.
As a parent, I see how hard that is to let it happen to our kids. But we have to let it happen, so we can teach them how to handle it. The uniform policy is a lazy way out, in my opinion - instead of teaching them coping skills and letting them be creative, we're washing our hands of it so we don't have to deal with it.
Barbara Sharpe, Wes Eubank and Ginger Childs, I hope you've enjoyed your tenure on the school board. And I'll be happy to help you update your resumes when you're voted out in November. For a fee, of course.
Among the gems of my time-warp wardrobe was a pair of light green denim bell-bottom jeans. These were probably cute when my sister wore them in the mid-70s, but by 1980 they weren't exactly in demand. Still, I kind of liked the color and I didn't realize this fashion faux pas when I left the house that morning.
So you can imagine my surprise when I got a few funny looks here and there, and even a sarcastic, "HA... nice pants!" from a couple of girls a grade older than me. When I said a polite "Thank you" to them (I mistakenly took the taunt as a compliment), they laughed even harder. I was shocked, and I spent the rest of the day futilely trying to hide my pants. By the end of the day I was completely disheartened and secretly cursing my mom for making me wear them instead of just buying me a new pair of normal jeans.
After reading my story, you might think that I would be happy that the Alachua County School Board voted by a 3-2 margin to adopt a new uniform policy last night, effective at the start of the next school year. According to board member Barbara Sharpe, such a policy will "level the playing field" - so kids don't classify each other by the clothes they wear, or they won't be preoccupied by styles and brand names.
You might think again.
You see, I'm tired of over-protecting our kids' feelings. I'm all for being positive with them and encouraging good karma and sportsmanship, but when do we start preparing them for life? Instead of giving them tools to help them grow up and be confident with their looks and abilities, we're shielding them from any possible sadness or disappointment. We give every kid in the soccer league a trophy, even though some kids just aren't good athletes. We push every kid to read well beyond what they truly need to succeed, despite the fact that some kids just don't like it or aren't good at it. And now we'll make every kid look like a clerk at Blockbuster Video until they graduate from high school, just so they don't get singled out or preoccupied with D&G labels.
I learned something very important because of those hippie-dippy pants - how to stick up for myself. I wasn't getting a new pair of pants that day; we just couldn't swing it at the time, and that was the reality of the situation. And I had to admit, I did kind of like them. They were different (kind of like me, the dork that I was), and I thought the color was cool. Plus I didn't really have a choice.
So I sucked it up and eventually wore them again. And when I got a funny stare from someone I just ignored it. Or I looked them straight in the eye and smiled back at them. That usually shocked those kids; they expected an embarrassed slink-away or perhaps even tears. But they didn't get what they want, and then they left me alone. And that made me happier and more confident than any uniform could have done.
Today I wear what I want, and with confidence. I have learned what looks good AND makes me comfortable, and I wear clothing that shows who I truly am. That doesn't happen when you're shoehorned into a uniform. I also learned to hold no grudges - in fact, one of the people who commented on my pants way back when is now a Facebook friend of mine.
There are several reasons why I don't agree with uniforms. First, I haven't seen where it's such a huge disruptive problem. In fact, there is already a dress code in place and it seems to work just fine. Instead of policing spaghetti strap tops or shirt sayings as they do now, they'll just be making sure clothing is the right color and we have it neatly presented. No time saved there. Second, the school board voted for this despite an avalanche of mail from parents against the proposal, basing their vote instead on the "people they've talked to" (in other words, their friends). Third, now we have to buy TWO sets of clothing - uniforms for school, plus play/weekend clothes. Not sure how the school board thinks that this will be cheaper for the parents.
But my biggest reason is that I think we're shortchanging our kids in the long run. In life we don't get trophies merely for participating, we don't fit into academic molds of who we're supposed to be, and we don't have a dress code. Sooner or later, we have to learn how to suck it up and deal with who we are. We have to stick up for ourselves. We have to get our feelings hurt and deal with our shortcomings and experience disappointment from time to time.
As a parent, I see how hard that is to let it happen to our kids. But we have to let it happen, so we can teach them how to handle it. The uniform policy is a lazy way out, in my opinion - instead of teaching them coping skills and letting them be creative, we're washing our hands of it so we don't have to deal with it.
Barbara Sharpe, Wes Eubank and Ginger Childs, I hope you've enjoyed your tenure on the school board. And I'll be happy to help you update your resumes when you're voted out in November. For a fee, of course.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
DWTS - "That's not the bed we rehearsed on!"
So it's really here, huh? The final three couples are duking it out for the championship, and I have to say we truly did wind up with the three best couples from the entire season. Some contestants went way too early, some outstayed their welcome. But over the course of the show these are the three who were definitely the best.
Costume Parade! Maks loves long samba skirts, doesn't he? Because once again Erin has long feathery things snaking down her legs. Then again, she's a tall girl so the longer skirts don't dwarf her so I think it's actually a neat call. Anna is wearing a classier version of Brooke's piano keyboard dress from several weeks back. And Nicole is wearing lingerie. No, seriously. I worked at Victoria's Secret back in college and I swear I saw that. In the whore section.
First we have Erin and Maks doing the samba. Ooooh, I forgot about when the judges visit each contestant to give pointers. I love this part. So we see Bruno sashay into Erin's rehearsal to help her with the samba. He gives her some great pointers about one move, and as she executes he fills his sassy quota by screaming, "Look at that ass! Look at that ass!" to encourage her. So, the samba... Erin's playing the "I'm most improved" angle and it's fitting because she really has gotten over much of her gawkiness. She's still not as graceful as her body type should allow, but they're both having a lot of fun and her legwork is awesome. With the exception of one part where I guess she's supposed to shimmy but looks more like she's about to lay an egg, I loved this dance. They get 10s from Carrie Ann and Len, but when Bruno follows with a 9 you can tell they're disappointed. Not in a "we were robbed" kind of way - more like a "oh man, so close to a perfect score!" way, which is much preferred. The highlight of this whole segment, though, is how the cameraman completely omits Brooke from the shot as she goes through her "vote now" spiel. All we see is Erin goofing around and Max stripping. Awesome.
Next up are Evan and Anna with the Viennese waltz. Okay, this is interesting because Len comes in and tells him how to connect with his partner - instead of doing a step and then another, treat the interval between steps as a "moment" with her. Great advice - but then they do their waltz to Piano Man. A song about a bunch of people getting drunk in a bar. Really, what moment can you have with this? The big connection with this song is when you're with a bunch of people late in the evening and you're too soused to dance so you just sway back and forth and hoist your Solo cup and sing the lyrics. Or you're at a Billy Joel concert and he does his thing where he stops playing in the last chorus and just listens to the audience sing the refrain in perfect tune. It's a thing of beauty, that moment... but not something you can really capture in a waltz. And that's exactly what happens - the dance is well done and technically beautiful, but I can't connect it with the song at all. He gets a 10, 9 and 9 and people are disappointed, but I think that's right.
And now Nicole and Derek do their rumba. Not surprising that Carrie Ann is her mentor, and not just because she's the last judge left. CA has propped Nicole all season and I'm surprised she didn't walk into the room with a bouquet of roses and a diamond ring. She suggests that Nicole lets go and loses herself in the dance (my interpretation: stop freaking out about camera angles and being an artist and just enjoy dancing already). Their rumba... dang. Seriously beautiful. I enjoyed that tremendously. But yes, there's a lift. And Derek can say all he want that the music was over, but it clearly wasn't - and they were totally in character of the dance during that lift. Nice try, but no. It's a lift. And a deduction. Two nines and a 10 from Bruno.
So now we have the freelance round. Erin and Maks have fueled curiosity about their freestyle ever since Maks wrote on his blog that theirs won't be fast but not slow either. It's to "Alone" and right away we see a couch and a bed. This should be fun. Hmmm... I give them a LOT of credit for doing something very different, and it starts out kind of hot and fairly emotional. But it goes into something kind of frantic, with Maks flinging Erin around and a lot of spinning. If that's what Maks calls "the story of our relationship" then I just don't want to know. They do one awesome lift that the crowd loves and Erin emotes really, really well. But it was too hectic for most of this. Two nines and an eight (that was a bit low), so 55 for the night.
Evan and Anna are disagreeing and I don't like it. They're both trying to be very respectful, but Anna is crying and I don't like that. They wind up doing "Footloose" and I'm back in 7th grade waiting at the Commack Multiplex bouncing off the "luxurious reclining seats" (the place was brand new and one of the first big theaters around). Oh yeah, the dance... it's lots of fun, but a little crazy in a scarecrow on speed kind of way. But if he tamed it more, it wouldn't have had a wow factor - it would have just been technically sound but kind of dull (think Mya's freestyle last season). They get straight eights - ouch! Not good for such a tight competition. They end at 52 for the night.
Finally Nicole and Derek complete the night with their freestyle. They start in sparkly business suits dancing to Elvis, and I love it. And I hate that I love it, because someone with Nicole's level of experience doesn't belong in this show at all. But they're awesome. I LOVE how they didn't do an actual ballroom dance but still incorporated some ballroom steps in the routine. I can even suspend my disdain for her when they flub a lift at the end, and I'm actually disappointed for them. They earn straight nines, tying them with Erin and Maks (!) for the lead.
Interesting how we had not one 10 in the freestyle round - has that ever happened? No foregone conclusion tonight. It's anyone's mirrorball!
Costume Parade! Maks loves long samba skirts, doesn't he? Because once again Erin has long feathery things snaking down her legs. Then again, she's a tall girl so the longer skirts don't dwarf her so I think it's actually a neat call. Anna is wearing a classier version of Brooke's piano keyboard dress from several weeks back. And Nicole is wearing lingerie. No, seriously. I worked at Victoria's Secret back in college and I swear I saw that. In the whore section.
First we have Erin and Maks doing the samba. Ooooh, I forgot about when the judges visit each contestant to give pointers. I love this part. So we see Bruno sashay into Erin's rehearsal to help her with the samba. He gives her some great pointers about one move, and as she executes he fills his sassy quota by screaming, "Look at that ass! Look at that ass!" to encourage her. So, the samba... Erin's playing the "I'm most improved" angle and it's fitting because she really has gotten over much of her gawkiness. She's still not as graceful as her body type should allow, but they're both having a lot of fun and her legwork is awesome. With the exception of one part where I guess she's supposed to shimmy but looks more like she's about to lay an egg, I loved this dance. They get 10s from Carrie Ann and Len, but when Bruno follows with a 9 you can tell they're disappointed. Not in a "we were robbed" kind of way - more like a "oh man, so close to a perfect score!" way, which is much preferred. The highlight of this whole segment, though, is how the cameraman completely omits Brooke from the shot as she goes through her "vote now" spiel. All we see is Erin goofing around and Max stripping. Awesome.
Next up are Evan and Anna with the Viennese waltz. Okay, this is interesting because Len comes in and tells him how to connect with his partner - instead of doing a step and then another, treat the interval between steps as a "moment" with her. Great advice - but then they do their waltz to Piano Man. A song about a bunch of people getting drunk in a bar. Really, what moment can you have with this? The big connection with this song is when you're with a bunch of people late in the evening and you're too soused to dance so you just sway back and forth and hoist your Solo cup and sing the lyrics. Or you're at a Billy Joel concert and he does his thing where he stops playing in the last chorus and just listens to the audience sing the refrain in perfect tune. It's a thing of beauty, that moment... but not something you can really capture in a waltz. And that's exactly what happens - the dance is well done and technically beautiful, but I can't connect it with the song at all. He gets a 10, 9 and 9 and people are disappointed, but I think that's right.
And now Nicole and Derek do their rumba. Not surprising that Carrie Ann is her mentor, and not just because she's the last judge left. CA has propped Nicole all season and I'm surprised she didn't walk into the room with a bouquet of roses and a diamond ring. She suggests that Nicole lets go and loses herself in the dance (my interpretation: stop freaking out about camera angles and being an artist and just enjoy dancing already). Their rumba... dang. Seriously beautiful. I enjoyed that tremendously. But yes, there's a lift. And Derek can say all he want that the music was over, but it clearly wasn't - and they were totally in character of the dance during that lift. Nice try, but no. It's a lift. And a deduction. Two nines and a 10 from Bruno.
So now we have the freelance round. Erin and Maks have fueled curiosity about their freestyle ever since Maks wrote on his blog that theirs won't be fast but not slow either. It's to "Alone" and right away we see a couch and a bed. This should be fun. Hmmm... I give them a LOT of credit for doing something very different, and it starts out kind of hot and fairly emotional. But it goes into something kind of frantic, with Maks flinging Erin around and a lot of spinning. If that's what Maks calls "the story of our relationship" then I just don't want to know. They do one awesome lift that the crowd loves and Erin emotes really, really well. But it was too hectic for most of this. Two nines and an eight (that was a bit low), so 55 for the night.
Evan and Anna are disagreeing and I don't like it. They're both trying to be very respectful, but Anna is crying and I don't like that. They wind up doing "Footloose" and I'm back in 7th grade waiting at the Commack Multiplex bouncing off the "luxurious reclining seats" (the place was brand new and one of the first big theaters around). Oh yeah, the dance... it's lots of fun, but a little crazy in a scarecrow on speed kind of way. But if he tamed it more, it wouldn't have had a wow factor - it would have just been technically sound but kind of dull (think Mya's freestyle last season). They get straight eights - ouch! Not good for such a tight competition. They end at 52 for the night.
Finally Nicole and Derek complete the night with their freestyle. They start in sparkly business suits dancing to Elvis, and I love it. And I hate that I love it, because someone with Nicole's level of experience doesn't belong in this show at all. But they're awesome. I LOVE how they didn't do an actual ballroom dance but still incorporated some ballroom steps in the routine. I can even suspend my disdain for her when they flub a lift at the end, and I'm actually disappointed for them. They earn straight nines, tying them with Erin and Maks (!) for the lead.
Interesting how we had not one 10 in the freestyle round - has that ever happened? No foregone conclusion tonight. It's anyone's mirrorball!
Friday, May 21, 2010
They really do need us, don't they?
This week my son had his first middle school football scrimmage. He has already played a season of tackle, and has been practicing with this older team for the past three weeks. And despite being pretty small for his age he loves hitting and getting hit. Heck, in flag football practice a couple of years ago he got mowed over by none other than Neal Anderson; poor Neal turned around in a panic to help him, only to see Dan pop up and say, "That was AWESOME!"
But as we sat on the bleachers waiting for the scrimmage to start, my athletic, fearless son looked at me and said, "Mom, I'm a little scared."
It's funny, I've never heard him say that. Not before his first tackle game last fall, not before he performed in a talent show three years ago. I've heard him say he was nervous, or excited... but never scared. So we talked a little, and I reminded him that once he starts playing it'll be just like it was last fall. And sure enough, he came to me later and told me that the fear disappeared after the first snap of the ball.
But it reminds me that history repeats itself with our kids. We always hear about how when they're toddlers, they want their independence and yet they need us so much. But I don't think this paradox is limited to toddlerhood. I remember being a teenager -a typical moody, fiercely independent teenager - coming home after school to an empty house... and the first thing I wanted to do was call my mom or dad. I didn't think I needed them, but that over-the-phone security blanket was just too cozy to resist.
I see it today in both of the kids. When I drop them off at school Dan makes me kiss him goodbye behind our car so his buddies don't see, only to surreptitiously wave at me again and again as I drive away. Erin wants me out of the room when she and her friends are hanging out, but she's the first to snuggle up with me when it's bedtime.
This is one of the reasons that I don't cry when I think about them growing up. History repeats itself with them.
But as we sat on the bleachers waiting for the scrimmage to start, my athletic, fearless son looked at me and said, "Mom, I'm a little scared."
It's funny, I've never heard him say that. Not before his first tackle game last fall, not before he performed in a talent show three years ago. I've heard him say he was nervous, or excited... but never scared. So we talked a little, and I reminded him that once he starts playing it'll be just like it was last fall. And sure enough, he came to me later and told me that the fear disappeared after the first snap of the ball.
But it reminds me that history repeats itself with our kids. We always hear about how when they're toddlers, they want their independence and yet they need us so much. But I don't think this paradox is limited to toddlerhood. I remember being a teenager -a typical moody, fiercely independent teenager - coming home after school to an empty house... and the first thing I wanted to do was call my mom or dad. I didn't think I needed them, but that over-the-phone security blanket was just too cozy to resist.
I see it today in both of the kids. When I drop them off at school Dan makes me kiss him goodbye behind our car so his buddies don't see, only to surreptitiously wave at me again and again as I drive away. Erin wants me out of the room when she and her friends are hanging out, but she's the first to snuggle up with me when it's bedtime.
This is one of the reasons that I don't cry when I think about them growing up. History repeats itself with them.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Pay to play, or pay to... pay?
Our deck needs to be replaced. Although it's still usable, some of the wood is rotting, several boards stick out and it has become an eyesore. But we don't have the money to fix it right now. We could get a loan, but the responsible thing to do is wait and save for this needed, but not urgently necessary, repair.
If you've driven around Alachua County, you know that we have some roads to be fixed around here. In a few years we'll actually have the money to pay for some of the work, because in 2007 the county levied a five-cent gas tax. (By the way, most people traveling through Gainesville marvel at how much gas is here, and this is one reason why.)
But apparently that is not enough. Because despite these responsible plans to fund our roads - waiting until we actually have money before spending it - our county commission is thinking about borrowing the money instead. (Money that, I remind you, will probably be banked in a few years anyway.) And not just enough money for the first project slated - they're talking about loans to cover a handful of other road projects as well.
The plan, they say, is to pay back this large loan fairly quickly - with the money from the tax. Yes, the same tax created to raise money in the first place. The money for the work that will be done with the loan instead. Even more absurdly, Commissioner Mike Byerly expressed possible support for an additional half-cent sales tax in case the existing tax isn't enough to pay off the loan.
To quote Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler... REALLY?
I hate potholes as much as the next person, but the commissioners should take a cue from what the rest of us have to deal with in this economy - if it's not in the budget, we can't have it.
If you've driven around Alachua County, you know that we have some roads to be fixed around here. In a few years we'll actually have the money to pay for some of the work, because in 2007 the county levied a five-cent gas tax. (By the way, most people traveling through Gainesville marvel at how much gas is here, and this is one reason why.)
But apparently that is not enough. Because despite these responsible plans to fund our roads - waiting until we actually have money before spending it - our county commission is thinking about borrowing the money instead. (Money that, I remind you, will probably be banked in a few years anyway.) And not just enough money for the first project slated - they're talking about loans to cover a handful of other road projects as well.
The plan, they say, is to pay back this large loan fairly quickly - with the money from the tax. Yes, the same tax created to raise money in the first place. The money for the work that will be done with the loan instead. Even more absurdly, Commissioner Mike Byerly expressed possible support for an additional half-cent sales tax in case the existing tax isn't enough to pay off the loan.
To quote Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler... REALLY?
I hate potholes as much as the next person, but the commissioners should take a cue from what the rest of us have to deal with in this economy - if it's not in the budget, we can't have it.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
DWTS - Performance #8
I don't know about you, but I thought that was the best night of dancing so far this season!
As always, we start with the Star Stair Parade (type that three times fast). For some reason I always love this part. The moment I hear that "da da da daaaaaa, DA DA DA DAAAAAAA" at the top of the hour I have to run to my living room, plop on the couch and stare at my TV. Tonight we have Erin in a very pretty shade of blue, Chad in a sheer shirt that I swear he wore earlier this season, Nicole looking very Latin and Evan all old-school dapper. Nothing terribly offensive so far.
This is when Tom says he has a Big Announcement - it turns out that all four remaining couples have led in viewer votes at least once this season. That's actually kind of interesting, because many people consider Erin an underdog in viewer votes. Chad has the NFL juggernaut while Nicole has Derek's rabid fan base. Plus she and Evan have scores high enough to withstand most popularity contests. It'll be interesting to see how that plays into the results tonight.
On to the dancing...
Erin and Maks - First dance is the Viennese Waltz, which starts well and - OH FOR THE LOVE OF PEACHES, SHE IS WEARING PANTS. Wide-legged, sheer-covered floppy pants attached to her sparkly halter top. Why, oh why, would you put someone in pants to do a waltz? She's supposed to float across the floor, and seeing what her whole leg is doing disrupts that illusion completely. Not to mention that it essentially turns her dress into a 70s disco pantsuit. Anyway, Erin's legs are shaky with nerves and her turns are odd (I've always found them halting; you can see it in her Pulp Fiction jive, too), but overall she does well and earns three 9s. Her paso doble is much better and she has a blast dancing it, but Maks again gives her a wacked-out costume. This one is a gold lame (lam-AY, not "lame") top and cape/skirt, black hot pants and black thigh-high boots. She looks like some kind of ballroom superhero; perhaps she can deflect Len's cranky comments with her wrists? Turns out she doesn't need to - she gets a 29 for her paso, and combined with her 27 for the waltz is sitting at 56 for the night.
Chad and Cheryl - C&C (are they a Music Factory?) also start with the Viennese Waltz and, hey, he's standing up straight! It always amazes me that someone with an ego as huge as Chad's gets so hunchy when he dances, almost like he's embarrassed to be so tall. But he finally got the message and is gliding, upright, across the floor. My only problem with it is that I see very little waltz to it - mostly posing, with a little waltzing here and there. Apparently I'm the only one who thinks so, however, because the judges give him the same 27 that Erin and Maks got. Things went downhill a little for his samba later, with Chad getting 25 for a stiff and jerky routine. The salsa is a party dance - he should be having more fun than that. With their 52, C&C are at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Nicole and Derek - I always find it odd that the Argentine Tango isn't in the Latin round, don't you? Just seems like it should be since, you know, it's from Argentina. And in Nicole and Derek's hands, it's amazing. You know how much I can't stand the fact that Nicole is even on this show as a contestant, but this is a beautiful dance - mesmerizing, technically perfect, and they do their flicks and kicks as they're spinning around instead of while standing still. Good lord, that must have taken ages to perfect. They get a much-deserved 30 from the judges before trotting out later to do the cha cha cha, complete with Prince-themed costuming. I'm just thankful they didn't put Derek in the purple velvet jacket and slap a black curly wig on him. This one was fun, although I'm surprised that giving a chair a lap dance counts as a ballroom solo. With their 29 for that routine, N&D are at the top for the evening with 59.
Evan and Anna - If Evan can sing (and for some reason, I get the feeling he can't), I hope he tries out for some theater's production of The Wizard of Oz. He would be an awesome Scarecrow, because he can move that gangly body with great flow and ease and because he's completely charming. And that is how I can describe his foxtrot. Dancing to "I've Got The World on a String" I totally believe he's in love with Anna's character in this moment. He gets a 29, but is saving the best for last. And that is... a paso that absolutely floors me. I missed the moment where they said it's inspired by those insipid Twilight movies (I just love the Evanescence song they use), but that explains the weird kiss he gives her at the end - which is actually a "bite" from the vampire. It's an unbelievable routine that nets them a perfect 30, tying them with Nicole and Derek at 59.
So who's going home? It's obvious who should - Chad. I think we can all assume that Evan and Nicole have their tickets punched, so it's down to the athlete and the sideline reporter. Erin has a four-point edge, but NFL stars have been known to overcome larger point gaps in this show. I think she'll just be happy if she makes the finals, so hopefully the viewers will be enough to keep her ahead for another week.
As always, we start with the Star Stair Parade (type that three times fast). For some reason I always love this part. The moment I hear that "da da da daaaaaa, DA DA DA DAAAAAAA" at the top of the hour I have to run to my living room, plop on the couch and stare at my TV. Tonight we have Erin in a very pretty shade of blue, Chad in a sheer shirt that I swear he wore earlier this season, Nicole looking very Latin and Evan all old-school dapper. Nothing terribly offensive so far.
This is when Tom says he has a Big Announcement - it turns out that all four remaining couples have led in viewer votes at least once this season. That's actually kind of interesting, because many people consider Erin an underdog in viewer votes. Chad has the NFL juggernaut while Nicole has Derek's rabid fan base. Plus she and Evan have scores high enough to withstand most popularity contests. It'll be interesting to see how that plays into the results tonight.
On to the dancing...
Erin and Maks - First dance is the Viennese Waltz, which starts well and - OH FOR THE LOVE OF PEACHES, SHE IS WEARING PANTS. Wide-legged, sheer-covered floppy pants attached to her sparkly halter top. Why, oh why, would you put someone in pants to do a waltz? She's supposed to float across the floor, and seeing what her whole leg is doing disrupts that illusion completely. Not to mention that it essentially turns her dress into a 70s disco pantsuit. Anyway, Erin's legs are shaky with nerves and her turns are odd (I've always found them halting; you can see it in her Pulp Fiction jive, too), but overall she does well and earns three 9s. Her paso doble is much better and she has a blast dancing it, but Maks again gives her a wacked-out costume. This one is a gold lame (lam-AY, not "lame") top and cape/skirt, black hot pants and black thigh-high boots. She looks like some kind of ballroom superhero; perhaps she can deflect Len's cranky comments with her wrists? Turns out she doesn't need to - she gets a 29 for her paso, and combined with her 27 for the waltz is sitting at 56 for the night.
Chad and Cheryl - C&C (are they a Music Factory?) also start with the Viennese Waltz and, hey, he's standing up straight! It always amazes me that someone with an ego as huge as Chad's gets so hunchy when he dances, almost like he's embarrassed to be so tall. But he finally got the message and is gliding, upright, across the floor. My only problem with it is that I see very little waltz to it - mostly posing, with a little waltzing here and there. Apparently I'm the only one who thinks so, however, because the judges give him the same 27 that Erin and Maks got. Things went downhill a little for his samba later, with Chad getting 25 for a stiff and jerky routine. The salsa is a party dance - he should be having more fun than that. With their 52, C&C are at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Nicole and Derek - I always find it odd that the Argentine Tango isn't in the Latin round, don't you? Just seems like it should be since, you know, it's from Argentina. And in Nicole and Derek's hands, it's amazing. You know how much I can't stand the fact that Nicole is even on this show as a contestant, but this is a beautiful dance - mesmerizing, technically perfect, and they do their flicks and kicks as they're spinning around instead of while standing still. Good lord, that must have taken ages to perfect. They get a much-deserved 30 from the judges before trotting out later to do the cha cha cha, complete with Prince-themed costuming. I'm just thankful they didn't put Derek in the purple velvet jacket and slap a black curly wig on him. This one was fun, although I'm surprised that giving a chair a lap dance counts as a ballroom solo. With their 29 for that routine, N&D are at the top for the evening with 59.
Evan and Anna - If Evan can sing (and for some reason, I get the feeling he can't), I hope he tries out for some theater's production of The Wizard of Oz. He would be an awesome Scarecrow, because he can move that gangly body with great flow and ease and because he's completely charming. And that is how I can describe his foxtrot. Dancing to "I've Got The World on a String" I totally believe he's in love with Anna's character in this moment. He gets a 29, but is saving the best for last. And that is... a paso that absolutely floors me. I missed the moment where they said it's inspired by those insipid Twilight movies (I just love the Evanescence song they use), but that explains the weird kiss he gives her at the end - which is actually a "bite" from the vampire. It's an unbelievable routine that nets them a perfect 30, tying them with Nicole and Derek at 59.
So who's going home? It's obvious who should - Chad. I think we can all assume that Evan and Nicole have their tickets punched, so it's down to the athlete and the sideline reporter. Erin has a four-point edge, but NFL stars have been known to overcome larger point gaps in this show. I think she'll just be happy if she makes the finals, so hopefully the viewers will be enough to keep her ahead for another week.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
What I want to do when I grow up
This past weekend my family and I were at The Villages to visit my mom for Mother's Day. And let me say that if you have never been to this place... you must go. Seriously. I don't care if you don't have any relatives there. I don't care if you don't have any relatives over the age of 40. You must go. Now. Really.
On the surface, The Villages looks like any other retirement community in Florida. Affordable homes, golf, leisure classes, golf, restaurants, golf, golf, shuffleboard and golf. Retirees at The Villages live tranquil lives in their Golden Girls world of tropical print caftans, wicker furniture and card games.
Or so you might think.
My husband and I first visited in late 2004 after my aunt and uncle moved there from Rhode Island. After driving the 80 or so miles from Gainesville I rounded a corner to find the western border of The Villages. And the first thing that struck me was the size of this place.
Okay, you can't call this a retirement community. Because to use the term "retirement community" would be like calling the Great Barrier Reef a fish tank. This place is huge. It's the Death Star of retirement communities, an actual city complete with its own chamber of commerce and gravitational pull. I continued driving... and driving... and driving some more, passing dozens of neighborhoods called -wait for it - villages, of course! As far as my eyes could see there were rooftops, pools, nature preserves and, yes, golf courses for miles around.
I snapped out of my disbelief in time to avoid someone rollerblading in the bike lane. "How nice," I thought, "they let people outside the community enjoy the roads and vistas, too."
Heh.
Silly me.
Because as I passed this guy on blades I got a look at his face, and he had to be at least 70 years old. Not rollerskating, rollerblading. And he wasn't just puttering along, either; dude was all Eric Heiden with the wide strides and arms swinging back and forth and he was flying by! Awesome.
My aunt and uncle took us to (or told us about) stores, restaurants, themed workout and recreation centers, concerts, sporting events and more. During the day these permanent vacationers zip around on golf carts or bikes or anything else with wheels that they can balance on, taking classes or playing sports or just going out for a few drinks. Every night at each of the two town squares, live music is played and a cash bar is available.
The grounds are absolutely impeccable, with flawlessly painted buildings and perfectly manicured landscaping. And you can enjoy it all while listening to the tunes of The Villages' own radio station, WVLG, which is piped in through speakers throughout each town square. While strolling down a picturesque sidewalk lined with customized golf carts (chrome rims are not unheard of), my husband stared with his mouth agape. "Good lord," he said. "It's the Cocoon Ride at Disney."
My mom, newly widowed at the time, was just as impressed and a year later she moved to The Villages as well. Mom was always a fun person, but since the move I've seen a new side of her. Mind you, she married my dad when she was 20 and moved straight from her parents' home to an apartment with him. She didn't go to college, instead jumping right into her job and her role as wife and, a few years later, mother. She lived a very happy life filled with love and good friends, but never led any kind of "single ladies" existence.
Now? Now Mom is out at least a few nights a week, has gone on her share of dates (nothing long term yet) and has dozens of girlfriends. She'll even ask occasionally to bring one with her when she comes to visit, telling me they'll be no trouble - "Oh, don't worry about a bed, we'll all just crash in the living room." She's living the college years she never had, and I love it. I'm waiting for her to bring her laundry next time.
This is what The Villages does for people. The residents are living every second and loving it. They aren't waiting to die - they're waiting for happy hour.
Yep. When I grow up, I want to live in The Villages.
On the surface, The Villages looks like any other retirement community in Florida. Affordable homes, golf, leisure classes, golf, restaurants, golf, golf, shuffleboard and golf. Retirees at The Villages live tranquil lives in their Golden Girls world of tropical print caftans, wicker furniture and card games.
Or so you might think.
My husband and I first visited in late 2004 after my aunt and uncle moved there from Rhode Island. After driving the 80 or so miles from Gainesville I rounded a corner to find the western border of The Villages. And the first thing that struck me was the size of this place.
Okay, you can't call this a retirement community. Because to use the term "retirement community" would be like calling the Great Barrier Reef a fish tank. This place is huge. It's the Death Star of retirement communities, an actual city complete with its own chamber of commerce and gravitational pull. I continued driving... and driving... and driving some more, passing dozens of neighborhoods called -wait for it - villages, of course! As far as my eyes could see there were rooftops, pools, nature preserves and, yes, golf courses for miles around.
I snapped out of my disbelief in time to avoid someone rollerblading in the bike lane. "How nice," I thought, "they let people outside the community enjoy the roads and vistas, too."
Heh.
Silly me.
Because as I passed this guy on blades I got a look at his face, and he had to be at least 70 years old. Not rollerskating, rollerblading. And he wasn't just puttering along, either; dude was all Eric Heiden with the wide strides and arms swinging back and forth and he was flying by! Awesome.
My aunt and uncle took us to (or told us about) stores, restaurants, themed workout and recreation centers, concerts, sporting events and more. During the day these permanent vacationers zip around on golf carts or bikes or anything else with wheels that they can balance on, taking classes or playing sports or just going out for a few drinks. Every night at each of the two town squares, live music is played and a cash bar is available.
The grounds are absolutely impeccable, with flawlessly painted buildings and perfectly manicured landscaping. And you can enjoy it all while listening to the tunes of The Villages' own radio station, WVLG, which is piped in through speakers throughout each town square. While strolling down a picturesque sidewalk lined with customized golf carts (chrome rims are not unheard of), my husband stared with his mouth agape. "Good lord," he said. "It's the Cocoon Ride at Disney."
My mom, newly widowed at the time, was just as impressed and a year later she moved to The Villages as well. Mom was always a fun person, but since the move I've seen a new side of her. Mind you, she married my dad when she was 20 and moved straight from her parents' home to an apartment with him. She didn't go to college, instead jumping right into her job and her role as wife and, a few years later, mother. She lived a very happy life filled with love and good friends, but never led any kind of "single ladies" existence.
Now? Now Mom is out at least a few nights a week, has gone on her share of dates (nothing long term yet) and has dozens of girlfriends. She'll even ask occasionally to bring one with her when she comes to visit, telling me they'll be no trouble - "Oh, don't worry about a bed, we'll all just crash in the living room." She's living the college years she never had, and I love it. I'm waiting for her to bring her laundry next time.
This is what The Villages does for people. The residents are living every second and loving it. They aren't waiting to die - they're waiting for happy hour.
Yep. When I grow up, I want to live in The Villages.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
DWTS - Performance #7
Well, what do you know? We finally got a week where I didn't hear the words "jiggly parts" the entire show!
Actually, I love Niecy. She looks like a lot of fun, but not so fun that she's never serious about hard work. Her partnership with Louis is adorable. And I appreciate how she'll gladly eat a cheeseburger without fear of bursting from a (gasp) size 2 dress.
Unfortunately, I think she's gone after tonight. Which is probably fitting - I think she and Chad have gone as far as they can with their skills. But Niecy is at the bottom of the leaderboard and I don't think her fanbase can compete with Chad's to make up the difference. As someone who also loves to eat, I'll miss her candor and acceptance. And dammit, the woman is funny.
Other than the jiggly parts bit, most aspects of the show remained the same. Chad making a move on Cheryl? Check. Nicole crying because "it's not easy" for her? Check. Brooke's weekly reminder that she once danced on the show? Check. Montage about how everybody wants to do their best? Check. And duh.
Chad and Cheryl - I think he has hit the wall this week. I love how much fun he seems to have when he dances, and at least he's working hard and not coasting on votes and his smile. But I'm not sure how much more he could improve. He's a decent party dancer who wouldn't embarrass a date on the dance floor (at least not due to lack of rhythm), but he's just not very graceful. His Argentine Tango was stiff, and his "jive" wasn't so much a jive - very few flicks and kicks. Quite disappointing.
Niecy and Louis - I really liked her waltz. I can see what the judges were saying about Louis jerking her here and there a little bit, but I've always had a soft spot for "I Got You, Babe." She positively floated across that floor and did the steps very well. Her paso, however... not so good. (And I'm still wondering why they'd include the 90s, while leaving the much more distinctive 70s out of the whole thing.) I think that dance has done in our Miss Jiggly Parts, unfortunately.
Erin and Maks -Hey CI and Bruno - how do you go on and on about how hot and awesome that tango was and then give these two a 9? It's the dancing equivalent of blue balls. That AT better get the encore tonight. It wasn't the highest score of the night, but it continued a nice breakthrough for these two and they have yet to get an encore this season. I was disappointed in their rumba, however. For two people to be this sexy and totally into each other, that dance was surprisingly lacking in chemistry. It wasn't smooth enough, and they didn't look at each other very much.
Evan and Anna - My geek love for this guy just got stronger with his Wall-E impression. That charm sneaks up on you, doesn't it? I knew he'd be a class act but had no idea he was actually funny before the second or third episode of this season. I thought his robot cha-cha was really good (nice choreography, Anna!), although his waltz bored me a little bit. From the message boards I've seen, though, it looks like a lot of people are voting for him this week. So he should be fine. He's actually my pick to win it all - he'll get to the Final Two with Nicole, but his dancing is close enough to hers where he'll beat her out on personality.
Nicole and Derek - Well, will you look at that... our little princess is having FUN! I actually enjoyed her dancing this week, and that's the first time I've been able to say that. She smiled! With teeth and everything! That foxtrot was totally charming, and they did a good job incorporating 50s moves into a paso doble (although they got an assist from the music department - was that even a song from the era?). Derek annoys me to no end with his attention-hogging mug, but I have to admit he's one of the best choreographers they have on the show. Now if we could only boycott the "woe is me, the Artist" rehearsal footage...
And now, on to my favorite night of the week. DWTS results, LOST and V. I'm a happy girl in May Sweeps!
Actually, I love Niecy. She looks like a lot of fun, but not so fun that she's never serious about hard work. Her partnership with Louis is adorable. And I appreciate how she'll gladly eat a cheeseburger without fear of bursting from a (gasp) size 2 dress.
Unfortunately, I think she's gone after tonight. Which is probably fitting - I think she and Chad have gone as far as they can with their skills. But Niecy is at the bottom of the leaderboard and I don't think her fanbase can compete with Chad's to make up the difference. As someone who also loves to eat, I'll miss her candor and acceptance. And dammit, the woman is funny.
Other than the jiggly parts bit, most aspects of the show remained the same. Chad making a move on Cheryl? Check. Nicole crying because "it's not easy" for her? Check. Brooke's weekly reminder that she once danced on the show? Check. Montage about how everybody wants to do their best? Check. And duh.
Chad and Cheryl - I think he has hit the wall this week. I love how much fun he seems to have when he dances, and at least he's working hard and not coasting on votes and his smile. But I'm not sure how much more he could improve. He's a decent party dancer who wouldn't embarrass a date on the dance floor (at least not due to lack of rhythm), but he's just not very graceful. His Argentine Tango was stiff, and his "jive" wasn't so much a jive - very few flicks and kicks. Quite disappointing.
Niecy and Louis - I really liked her waltz. I can see what the judges were saying about Louis jerking her here and there a little bit, but I've always had a soft spot for "I Got You, Babe." She positively floated across that floor and did the steps very well. Her paso, however... not so good. (And I'm still wondering why they'd include the 90s, while leaving the much more distinctive 70s out of the whole thing.) I think that dance has done in our Miss Jiggly Parts, unfortunately.
Erin and Maks -Hey CI and Bruno - how do you go on and on about how hot and awesome that tango was and then give these two a 9? It's the dancing equivalent of blue balls. That AT better get the encore tonight. It wasn't the highest score of the night, but it continued a nice breakthrough for these two and they have yet to get an encore this season. I was disappointed in their rumba, however. For two people to be this sexy and totally into each other, that dance was surprisingly lacking in chemistry. It wasn't smooth enough, and they didn't look at each other very much.
Evan and Anna - My geek love for this guy just got stronger with his Wall-E impression. That charm sneaks up on you, doesn't it? I knew he'd be a class act but had no idea he was actually funny before the second or third episode of this season. I thought his robot cha-cha was really good (nice choreography, Anna!), although his waltz bored me a little bit. From the message boards I've seen, though, it looks like a lot of people are voting for him this week. So he should be fine. He's actually my pick to win it all - he'll get to the Final Two with Nicole, but his dancing is close enough to hers where he'll beat her out on personality.
Nicole and Derek - Well, will you look at that... our little princess is having FUN! I actually enjoyed her dancing this week, and that's the first time I've been able to say that. She smiled! With teeth and everything! That foxtrot was totally charming, and they did a good job incorporating 50s moves into a paso doble (although they got an assist from the music department - was that even a song from the era?). Derek annoys me to no end with his attention-hogging mug, but I have to admit he's one of the best choreographers they have on the show. Now if we could only boycott the "woe is me, the Artist" rehearsal footage...
And now, on to my favorite night of the week. DWTS results, LOST and V. I'm a happy girl in May Sweeps!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
My weekly childhood flashback
Every Monday night my house is transformed back to 1976.
No, we don't change into our finest polyester or whip up a batch of rosy perfection salad. Instead, the kids get bathed and in their PJs early and at 8 p.m. we all settle into the living room for that week's installment of Dancing With The Stars.
Sure, we could record it and watch the next day. But there's just something so wholesome, so innocent and retro about all of us rushing to get our chores done and comfy clothes on so that we can sit and watch a scheduled broadcast television show. Together.
So what do we think so far? Of course we're already halfway through, but those already booted off can each be summed up rather quickly:
Shannen - Dull, but didn't deserve to go home first. I felt bad for her.
Buzz - Loved his personality, but the man couldn't dance. And it wasn't due to age either.
Aiden - There was just something off-putting about this guy. He seemed a little domineering at first, but he started to grow on me. Still, too clompy with his dancing.
Kate - Horrid. She's not just an awful dancer, but a miserable wretch of a woman as well.
Jake - Tom Cruise called. He wants his creepy smile back.
Last night was a great night of dancing, to the point where I'd love a non-elimination round.
Erin and Maks - A very fun quickstep! I could have done without the clothing change, but it was a nice misdirection lest we thought that Maks was going to strip again (he's full of himself, but he's not an idiot). Erin's improvement arc is showing nicely and if viewer votes hold up she should be in the finals. I wouldn't doubt it if my love for these two is influenced by the fact that she's a fellow Gator, or that she's actually kind of a dork - because I am a dork too and I know the awkward you-don't-quite-belong thing that it entails. I also love how these two aren't even trying to hide whatever romantic shenanigans are going on between them.
Chad and Cheryl - I like Chad a lot more than I thought I would before the season started. That being said, I keep thinking he should dance better than he does. Part of it is posture, but there's something missing in his performances. Character, maybe? He always just seems to be Chad Doing The Dance out on the floor, instead of actually being a part of the dance.
Niecy and Louis - I don't think you can appreciate just how funny Niecy Nash is unless you watch Reno 911. Don't even bother with Clean House; her Raineesha Williams is comedy gold. She's pretty good on the dance floor, but I think she's taken her dancing skills about as far as they'll let her go. I'm glad she had a good night last night, but I don't see her lasting much longer.
Nicole and Derek - I don't care how well she dances (which is not "the best dancer the show has ever had" - shut up, Carrie Ann). Anyone preoccupied with camera angles as opposed to actual steps does not belong on this show. And I'm sick of her angry guppy faces that she makes while doing the Latin dances. Why so upset, Nicole? Is the headband too tight? Oh, and I normally don't make a fuss about ringers... but yeah, total ringer. Anyone who studied dance in college (it was her minor) and has danced professionally for at least five years shouldn't even be considered for this show.
Pam and Damian - From what I've read, there was a lot of outrage at bringing Pam Anderson in due to her risque career. Which is a shame, because everything I've read about her or heard her say reflects someone who is very down to earth and nice with a really good sense of humor. So it's rewarding to see that a lot of her initial detractors have grown to like her. Now if they would only vote to back it up. But as well as she has done, she had a rough go of it last night with an error-ridden solo in the group cha cha. Her waltz was beautiful, but I think it'll be her or Niecy going home tonight.
Evan and Anna - Did you ever see "Million Dollar Listing" on Bravo? There's one Realtor with this emo haircut, the kind that swoops into his face and partially covers his eyes. He's got a whiny, wussy voice that drives me nuts. Evan also has that voice, so I was prepared to be bored. Big surprise, though... the scarecrow has a great sense of humor. We knew he'd be able to dance well, but that goofiness is a nice surprise. We were all pleased to see them get the first perfect 10 instead of Nicole.
So, who do you think is going home tonight?
No, we don't change into our finest polyester or whip up a batch of rosy perfection salad. Instead, the kids get bathed and in their PJs early and at 8 p.m. we all settle into the living room for that week's installment of Dancing With The Stars.
Sure, we could record it and watch the next day. But there's just something so wholesome, so innocent and retro about all of us rushing to get our chores done and comfy clothes on so that we can sit and watch a scheduled broadcast television show. Together.
So what do we think so far? Of course we're already halfway through, but those already booted off can each be summed up rather quickly:
Shannen - Dull, but didn't deserve to go home first. I felt bad for her.
Buzz - Loved his personality, but the man couldn't dance. And it wasn't due to age either.
Aiden - There was just something off-putting about this guy. He seemed a little domineering at first, but he started to grow on me. Still, too clompy with his dancing.
Kate - Horrid. She's not just an awful dancer, but a miserable wretch of a woman as well.
Jake - Tom Cruise called. He wants his creepy smile back.
Last night was a great night of dancing, to the point where I'd love a non-elimination round.
Erin and Maks - A very fun quickstep! I could have done without the clothing change, but it was a nice misdirection lest we thought that Maks was going to strip again (he's full of himself, but he's not an idiot). Erin's improvement arc is showing nicely and if viewer votes hold up she should be in the finals. I wouldn't doubt it if my love for these two is influenced by the fact that she's a fellow Gator, or that she's actually kind of a dork - because I am a dork too and I know the awkward you-don't-quite-belong thing that it entails. I also love how these two aren't even trying to hide whatever romantic shenanigans are going on between them.
Chad and Cheryl - I like Chad a lot more than I thought I would before the season started. That being said, I keep thinking he should dance better than he does. Part of it is posture, but there's something missing in his performances. Character, maybe? He always just seems to be Chad Doing The Dance out on the floor, instead of actually being a part of the dance.
Niecy and Louis - I don't think you can appreciate just how funny Niecy Nash is unless you watch Reno 911. Don't even bother with Clean House; her Raineesha Williams is comedy gold. She's pretty good on the dance floor, but I think she's taken her dancing skills about as far as they'll let her go. I'm glad she had a good night last night, but I don't see her lasting much longer.
Nicole and Derek - I don't care how well she dances (which is not "the best dancer the show has ever had" - shut up, Carrie Ann). Anyone preoccupied with camera angles as opposed to actual steps does not belong on this show. And I'm sick of her angry guppy faces that she makes while doing the Latin dances. Why so upset, Nicole? Is the headband too tight? Oh, and I normally don't make a fuss about ringers... but yeah, total ringer. Anyone who studied dance in college (it was her minor) and has danced professionally for at least five years shouldn't even be considered for this show.
Pam and Damian - From what I've read, there was a lot of outrage at bringing Pam Anderson in due to her risque career. Which is a shame, because everything I've read about her or heard her say reflects someone who is very down to earth and nice with a really good sense of humor. So it's rewarding to see that a lot of her initial detractors have grown to like her. Now if they would only vote to back it up. But as well as she has done, she had a rough go of it last night with an error-ridden solo in the group cha cha. Her waltz was beautiful, but I think it'll be her or Niecy going home tonight.
Evan and Anna - Did you ever see "Million Dollar Listing" on Bravo? There's one Realtor with this emo haircut, the kind that swoops into his face and partially covers his eyes. He's got a whiny, wussy voice that drives me nuts. Evan also has that voice, so I was prepared to be bored. Big surprise, though... the scarecrow has a great sense of humor. We knew he'd be able to dance well, but that goofiness is a nice surprise. We were all pleased to see them get the first perfect 10 instead of Nicole.
So, who do you think is going home tonight?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A year in the life
So one year ago today I was laid off from my full-time job. Since then...
1) I enjoyed a true-blue summer at home with the kids.
2) I did part-time contract work for a local magazine, which included not only writing but editing, layout, photography and production work as well. Fantastic experience.
3) I took the kids to their dance recitals, dress rehearsals, football practices and games, and their grandmother's house... all without the worry of how I'd make up the hours I missed at the office.
4) The family and I traveled with my husband on a couple of his business trips.
5) I had time to actually make/shop for and wrap holiday presents.
6) I took a yoga-pilates class.
7) Oh yeah... I BREATHED.
We've got less money. We buy less stuff. I clip coupons every week and shop around for the best price on toilet paper. We almost never go out to dinner, and when we do it's with coupons and/or gift cards. We'd love to take a vacation - nothing extravagant, just a getaway to a beach or a cool city - but we know it's just not in the cards anytime soon.
And yet, we love life more. We spend more time together, we are more patient with each other. The house is cleaner and runs more smoothly. The kids are happier. And so am I.
Bad events can lead to better things. They happen for a reason, whether we want to believe it or not.
1) I enjoyed a true-blue summer at home with the kids.
2) I did part-time contract work for a local magazine, which included not only writing but editing, layout, photography and production work as well. Fantastic experience.
3) I took the kids to their dance recitals, dress rehearsals, football practices and games, and their grandmother's house... all without the worry of how I'd make up the hours I missed at the office.
4) The family and I traveled with my husband on a couple of his business trips.
5) I had time to actually make/shop for and wrap holiday presents.
6) I took a yoga-pilates class.
7) Oh yeah... I BREATHED.
We've got less money. We buy less stuff. I clip coupons every week and shop around for the best price on toilet paper. We almost never go out to dinner, and when we do it's with coupons and/or gift cards. We'd love to take a vacation - nothing extravagant, just a getaway to a beach or a cool city - but we know it's just not in the cards anytime soon.
And yet, we love life more. We spend more time together, we are more patient with each other. The house is cleaner and runs more smoothly. The kids are happier. And so am I.
Bad events can lead to better things. They happen for a reason, whether we want to believe it or not.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Random Thoughts
Hey, you know that idiot in the parking lot who mashes the "unlock" button on her keyfob several times to unlock her door because it's not working properly, when she's standing right next to the car and could easily just stick the key in the door and turn it? Yep, that's me.
Every time I hear Gregg Allman's "I'm No Angel" all I can think about is a very pregnant Amy Poehler dancing/grinding on Josh Brolin in an SNL skit set in a dive bar. It shouldn't be funny at all, but most anything with Amy Poehler manages to overachieve. I still giggle a little bit in the car when that song comes on the radio and my children think I'm nuts.
I can't decide which are scarier, fast zombies or the slow, lumbering kind. I think it depends on the scenario. If you're in a large field or clearing, the speedier zombies are worse because it's harder to escape (whereas you can dodge or kill the slow zombies pretty easily). But if you're in a small room with no way out, that's got to suck having the lurching zombies slowly close in on you, prolonging the horror and dread.
Remind me to never again let my son get Burger King for dinner before football practice. And no, 45 minutes is not enough time from the end of such a meal to the start of physical activity.
Every time I hear Gregg Allman's "I'm No Angel" all I can think about is a very pregnant Amy Poehler dancing/grinding on Josh Brolin in an SNL skit set in a dive bar. It shouldn't be funny at all, but most anything with Amy Poehler manages to overachieve. I still giggle a little bit in the car when that song comes on the radio and my children think I'm nuts.
I can't decide which are scarier, fast zombies or the slow, lumbering kind. I think it depends on the scenario. If you're in a large field or clearing, the speedier zombies are worse because it's harder to escape (whereas you can dodge or kill the slow zombies pretty easily). But if you're in a small room with no way out, that's got to suck having the lurching zombies slowly close in on you, prolonging the horror and dread.
Remind me to never again let my son get Burger King for dinner before football practice. And no, 45 minutes is not enough time from the end of such a meal to the start of physical activity.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wow, so it's been a year, huh?
So I haven't been the most dedicated of bloggers. Very true. But a lot has changed in the past 12 months.
You see, I lost my full-time technical writing job to mass company layoffs just about a year ago. While shocking at first, it turned out to be one of the best things to ever happen to me professionally. Losing my job allowed me to pursue freelance writing as my sole occupation, which was liberating beyond anything I could have imagined. It gave me more chances to be creative with my writing, but I also had more time with my family.
Last summer was the first ever that my kids actually spent at home. Not in daycare, not in full-time camp, but a true summer where they could sleep in if they wanted and played with neighborhood friends until dusk every day. Plus I had the time to juggle dance recital duties, trips for my husband's work and, once the school year started, my son's football practices and helping the kids with homework. It has been heaven, I tell you, and something I never thought would happen.
So between my new creative outlets and the joyous time suck that is being with my children, I just haven't been inspired to blog until now. But that will be changing, as life has become more settled after the adjustment from the full-time rat race (it seriously takes a while to come down from it all!). Stay tuned, my friends... it won't be long before you're once again subject to my random missives. :-)
You see, I lost my full-time technical writing job to mass company layoffs just about a year ago. While shocking at first, it turned out to be one of the best things to ever happen to me professionally. Losing my job allowed me to pursue freelance writing as my sole occupation, which was liberating beyond anything I could have imagined. It gave me more chances to be creative with my writing, but I also had more time with my family.
Last summer was the first ever that my kids actually spent at home. Not in daycare, not in full-time camp, but a true summer where they could sleep in if they wanted and played with neighborhood friends until dusk every day. Plus I had the time to juggle dance recital duties, trips for my husband's work and, once the school year started, my son's football practices and helping the kids with homework. It has been heaven, I tell you, and something I never thought would happen.
So between my new creative outlets and the joyous time suck that is being with my children, I just haven't been inspired to blog until now. But that will be changing, as life has become more settled after the adjustment from the full-time rat race (it seriously takes a while to come down from it all!). Stay tuned, my friends... it won't be long before you're once again subject to my random missives. :-)
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