In the words of Jen Zug, "I think I'm throwing up a little in my mouth..."

Little did you know with the title above that we would be discussing American Idol 2008 finals! And, yes, fully knowing that my husband thinks I'm taking this a little too seriously, I have to say that I have never in my life seen such Flagrant pimping from the judges. And frankly, I'm not sure I understand the reasons why. In my mind, the mind of a consumer, I would think that David Cook is the bigger money maker with a more definitive radio-friendly sound. David Archuleta, who arguably has one of the most accurate and pure voices to ever grace the AI stage, is a "crooner". When was the last time you heard a guy sing a cheesy ballad on a top 40 station? And, yes, people. My radio is often tuned to top-40. I have kids and I can't always be listening to talk radio, NPR or alternative adult contemporary folk/rock. Besides, sometimes I actually enjoy it! And I would enjoy it even more if David Cook was on it!!!! Someone who takes more risks with his song choices and arrangements and is old enough to make those risks and choices on his own (without parental interference). I have a feeling I am going to be disappointed tonight.

My new favorite thing...

And I am NOT getting paid by anyone to say this (although those of you who try it and end up saving thousands of dollars in pedicures, may want to treat me to lunch... I'm just sayin').

A while back I saw this little device being reviewed on some morning news show and was surprised by the fact that it looked as if it actually worked.

Now, I am a barefoot girl. I hate shoes and the shoes I do like to wear are ones I can slip on and off very easily (didn't go so well living here in Indiana in the winter after being used to San Diego weather). Because of my distaste for covering my feet in soft socks and closed shoes, my feet are very tough and rugged. This means that on the rare occasion that I can get an extended amount of alone time and the funds to get a pedicure, the poor nail tech has to work a miracle to get my feet to look pretty and feel soft.

Fast forward to yesterday as I was picking up prescriptions at our friendly neighborhood WalGreens. Sprinting through the aisles my eyes glimpsed the PedEgg display on an end shelving unit with a SALE sign directly above. The SALE sign is what made me stop. I thought, in a impulse buying moment, "wth?" and threw one in my little basket.

Let me tell you, people... it is worth it's weight in gold and so much more! I cannot rave enough about the results... I will be saving SO much money on pedi's!!!!! My feet are like new... they feel fabulous and I am one happy little thrifty mama.

What????

I took this photo at South Bend Regional Airport when I was dropping off Larry the other day. Apparently our 'goodbyes' can be said AT the airport...

The Random 7 (not related to the Oceanic 6)...

I've been tagged by Tonni (who, btw, makes the cutest bows in the world...just ordered some for Maddie today!). The rules are as follows:

1. List 7 random things about yourself that people may not know.
2. Link the person who sent this to you, and leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours.
3. Post the rules on your blog.
4. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, linking their blog. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

The difficulty for me was seven random things that people may not know. I tend to be a pretty open book so I have a feeling that some of these things may not be surprises for many. But here goes anyway:

1. I can say the alphabet backwards in less than 5 seconds (accurately!). This is my one and only party trick. Once I've executed this feat, I'm done... I will suddenly drift to the corner of the room and start drinking myself into a stupor.
2. I have eaten Häagen-Dazs out of crystal dishes in Billy Graham's living room with his wife and daughter. One of the greatest experiences of my life...thanks to Lamb's Players Theatre and Bob Smyth. We had performed the night before at a tribute to Ruth. I have treasured pictures with Billy and Ruth in the green room after the performance as well as pictures at their home and at dinner with Ruth. I will never ever forget this adventure.
3. I have sung with Amy Grant. On the radio. On Jeff n' Jer...San Diego's big morning show. We sang "Big Yellow Taxi"...she played guitar and sang back up... BTW...she is the skinniest person I have ever seen...bony little lady!
4. I am a voracious reader. Most of you probably know this. I recently finished "Enduring Love" by McEwan and "The Bonesetter's Daughter" by Amy Tan. I am currently reading "Almost Moon" by Alice Sebold. I absolutely have to read before I fall asleep otherwise my brain is going and going like the Energizer bunny and I will never fall asleep.
5. I am "reformed" in theology and an amillenialist.
6. I am on a journey to lose weight. I've lost 15 lbs since January 1st.
7. One of my biggest dreams is to record a cd.

Now...for my dear tagging victims... I am tagging Red Letter Girl, A Day at the Zoo, This Pile, Picture This, Jess Strantz, Julie Spiller and Treasured Possessions!

My Inner Rock Chick...

I'm a sucka for quizzes...

You Are Sheryl Crow!

Down to earth with tons of creative energy When you talk, everyone can relate to you "Life springs eternal On a gaudy neon street Not that I care at all"

Who's Your Inner Rock Chick?

Best laid plans...

I had high hopes for all the house work I would accomplish today after being down with some stomach yuck. Somehow, with missing snow boots, a drive to the school to search for them, a run-in with a certain son's teacher who informed me of some important missing homework, an hour and 1/2 of walking said son through the homework assignment, throwing a certain un-named preschooler into the tub because she drew all over her arms with ballpoint pen, scrubbing aforementioned arms until they were raw so that she wouldn't show up at preschool tomorrow looking like she has a mother who only eats bon-bons all day while her children run wild ( I mean, real-ly. I only do that on Tuesdays.), and then realizing I better get dinner going so my children won't starve since I have to take one of them to small group at 6 and then get myself to worship rehearsal...it just didn't happen.

(Random Pet Peeve Statement: By the way, WORLD, I just used "myself" in the previous sentence the correct way...I am so frustrated with the way people use that word in place of "me"!!! Even on the news, in presidential debates, sermons, in books...it's criminal.)

Oh crap... I just remembered that I have to make lunches.

The Year of the "F" Word

I am staring down a deadline. For about two months I've been letting it paralyze me...or so I thought. What I've realized is that while I may have felt immobilized I was in all actuality bowing down to the god of fear and regret. Well...I'm done. Look for more updates over the coming days, weeks and months as kick this idol in the ass (with the Holy Spirit's help, of course)!

Just a quick...

...post while I wait for Landen to get out of the shower so I can drive him to Jazz Band before school...

Higglytown Heroes:

• What's with rhyming "heroes" with "fear-o"? It sends a spine-chilling shiver (akin to the one that accompanies fingernails on the blackboard...which....I don't even think they use anymore...anywho...) through my entire body everytime I have to hear that lame attempt at creativity.


• What responsible parent in their right mind would allow their children to play with a squirrel? They are rabies infested, nut chucking, vile little creatures! I don't care how cute they are or if they happen to be able to speak with an authentic Minnesota accent!

The kids...elfed...

Random things to do when you're procrastinating...

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1174220424

Theatrical News...

Marcel Marceau, the silent man who brought mime to the general public, died Saturday. He was 84.

...I guess that's one box he won't be getting out of anytime soon.

(Did I mention that mimes scare me?)

Things I Would Want To Do Before I Ever Leave Granger

1. Visit Traverse City, Michigan (where my son, Isaac, was born)

2. Attend a Notre Dame game (can you believe I haven't had the opportunity to go to one yet?)

3. Eat at the Rib Shack (just because I drive by it all the time and I've never tried it

4. Visit Mackinac Island

5. Write a song with Jess Strantz ! (are you reading this, Jess???? ROCK ON!)

6. See Wicked in Chicago (ok...I realize this is a long shot but it doesn't hurt to dream!)

7. Have my brother, Matt and his wife, Shannon, come see where we've lived for the last three years

and...Mr. Landen Roboto

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Mix it up Maddie!

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Ladies and Gentlemen, let's hear it for...

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Check out my Hip Hop Hubby!

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sometimes...

cold milk in a glass (not plastic) is just the thing.