Screen Free Mondays

Alright...so you know how Dustin and I are always scheming some sort of life change experiment? Well, probably more accurately, how I'm always scheming some sort of life change experiment, and Dustin humors my super-passionate kinda-crazy spirit, and goes along with many of my whims?

Well...yeah. That's a thing. And I'm (we're) at it again.

You see, a few weeks ago, I came up with an idea to revolutionize our lives (again) (some more)! I call it:

Screen Free Mondays!

Awww, yeah.

What's that mean, exactly? You might be asking yourself (Or if you are Dustin: asking me). Well basically it's a commitment to forgo "screen time" all day, one day a week. You see, one thing I've learned about myself over years of tried and failed resolutions, is that I'm not really a "set reasonable limits for myself and see small incremental change" type of person. I'm not great at a slow, steady pace of one good choice after another until it adds up to a better whole. I'm impatient, with a big bias towards action. When I get an idea, I want to do it. Pretty much now, and probably with both feet. But just before that, I want to define it, give it parameters,and make it a thing. 

So when I was sensing that our family had gotten a little too enamored by and entrenched in the glow of our screens (phones, tablets, computers, TV) I knew we could just try to rein it in a little. But no...that's not the Courtney way. Instead, why don't we go for a semi-extreme experiment? With a name? And rules?!

I approached my people with my proposal- "Guys...How do you feel about Screen. Free. MONDAYS?!?! (pause for enthusiastic reactions) (receive no enthusiastic reactions)"

"Ummmm. What? Is that?"
"But I like my tablet!"
"Forever?"
"What's 'Mondays'?"

Alright...so we had some education to do.

But quicker than you might imagine, I managed to get everyone on board. I was basically making the rules up as we go, so as the questions kept coming, I kept spitting out half-baked answers.

What?
A day for all of us to take a break from screens, and prioritize time talking, playing reading, etc. etc. etc. together.

Why?
Well, because we (mostly the grown up "we's") have gotten a little too attached to our phones and shows and a little too comfortable with a nightly routine of Netflix and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. This will be a good chance to prioritize more social interaction vs. social media, more quality time spent together vs. time in close general proximity to each other, and maybe even a little more progress on all the things we should be doing vs. getting sucked into another episode of 60 Days In (though it is pretty good). (For the record, the kids are screen dependent zombies. The baby thankfully still doesn't know what TV is, and the girls watch a couple shows in the morning while we get ready/they eat breakfast. So they are along for the ride in the name of family solidarity,

When? 
Mondays.

Why? 
Well, because the weekends would be just too dang hard. But weekdays when we have a lot going on might not pose enough of a challenge. Monday nights are usually wide open, so why not make that our chance for together time?

Forever?
Well, no. How 'bout a month. We can do a month, right?

So there we had it. Screen Free Mondays was/is officially a thing.
And guess what?! We're already 2 weeks in. Yeah I know...If you take a break from social media, but don't post about it on social media, did it even happen? We had to shuffle it to Tuesday in week two because Dustin was traveling on Monday...And a day spent in an airport is pretty much impossible (or at least relatively tortuous) without screens. Plus you know I wasn't making it through a full 24 hours riding solo with three little ones without at least a little bit of technology backup (Holla, Curious George Halloween Special! Thanks for making a shower possible for mama!) But we made it happen.

Depending on your relationship with technology the whole thing might not seem that extreme. After all, it's a day without Facebook, not a season on the Oregon Trail. I'm not sharing this in an effort to earn admiration for my brave crusade. (I mean...unless you want to throw that my way. I'm not turning it down). And I honestly don't think we're actually terribly addicted to technology...at least not more than average Americans. But I know how easy it has become for me to absentmindedly scroll through my feeds, while the TV hums in the background. Or to reach for my phone whenever there's a 2.5 second lull in the action of my life. Phones, and feeds and input, input, input have become a constant presence in my day.

So I get that this isn't trophy-worthy, but I am at least a little bit excited/proud about making some effort to shift from mindlessness, to intentional-ity.

Halfway through our first day, I sent Dustin an IM (sanctioned screen use!) complaining:

C: "You have no idea how hard it is for me not to tool around on the side while I'm on this nevvvvvver ending conference call."
D: "I know...I was a few minutes early to a meeting and I just had to stand there."

So, guys:
The struggle is real.
We're fighting the good fight.
And other way over-dramatic cliches that signify how way-too-seriously I take everything.

But it's Screen Free Mondays! A new, and totally real thing that deserves my effort! And theatrics! And total commitment for at least a short period of time, followed by an over-analysis of lessons learned, and then an inevitable abandonment of revised habits, until I freak out and repeat the cycle six months later*.

In case you're interested in joining in (I really sold it, I know), here's where we landed on the somewhat-arbitrary-but-they-make-sense-to-me guidelines:

No:

• Social Media
• TV/Netflix/Movies
• Personal email
• Web browsing 
• Games or "Time wasting" apps (pretty much social media, but also fantasy football, 1 second everyday, timehop etc.)
• Photo editing/blogging

Yes:

• Work (email/all other worky work stuff)
• Texting
• Taking pictures/videos
• "Utility apps"- maps, weather, uber, video monitor, etc. 
• Pandora/Spotify

So, yes, technically we still use screens on Mondays, but the goal is for them to be functional devices that add to our day, not entertainment devices that take away from our real-life opportunities for connection. Work is a given (as much as I'd love a "sorry...I'm not using screens today" pass for all my Monday duties, I'm afraid that wouldn't fly). And all of the "approved" activities on our list are things we already use pretty responsibly (I've never skipping out on playing with my kids because I accidentally got too engrossed in The Weather Channel). Plus, the spirit of the experiment is the important part...I'm trying to improve the quality of our relationships, not become Amish. 

We're two weeks in, three weeks to go (somehow I picked a month with 5 Mondays...figures.) I'll keep you posted on our progress. If irony allows, I may even choose a new hashtag.

* Unfortunately not a hypothetical cycle. I've been working the TV Free Fanfare since 2008. And in 2010. And in 2011. And 2012. (After that I'm pretty sure I did it some more, but maybe mercifully managed to not write about it).

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El Bache-LOR

A couple years ago, Dustin joined a Bachelor pool at work. That sounds wild, but let me clarify- he wasn't part of some Bradley Cooper, secret society of male debauchery. It was about THE Bachelor. The terrible "reality" show I force him to watch season after season. A few people talked at the beginning of the season, threw in $5 each, and submitted a bracket of predictions about the order in which that season's Chosen One would send home his harem- I mean- pool of potential wives. 

I, of course couldn't be left out of the fun, so I joined as well, and even after a terrible showing (not noteworthy enough to be actually last, but probably close) was hooked. When the next season rolled around and it didn't look like there was going to be an office league, we took matters into our own hands, and organized a competition...after all, the show must go on. Even (especially?) when that show is a petty small time gambling ring based on judging strangers on television. But let's face it- I was guaranteed to watch each season no matter what, at least this way I could rope some others into my addiction to trash TV and maybe even make a little cash. Because in the immortal words of my Grandfather, "Anything worth doing, is worth doing for money." (A sentiment that Bachelor contestants may have gotten confused with, "Anything worth doing, is worth doing half drunk and in front of millions waiting to mock you.")

And because we Bowdens know no other way, a quick $5 pick 'me has turned into quite the ordeal. We're now in our  3rd season managing this Tom (Dick and Harry) foolery, with no sign of slowing down. This season's bracket has over thirty participants- coworkers, family, friends of friends,...Turns out no one can resist the siren song of Made on TV love. Or the chance to win a quick $100 or so just by spotting levels of crazy in the eyes of 25 ladies' online headshots. 

But the real draw of this for us isn't in the money or the bragging rights (though Dustin is pretty impressive at the predictions- he's usually good for a second place finish) it's in the process. You see, this entire competition is a combo of social fun and extreme dorkiness- which is to say- right in our collective wheelhouse. Dustin gets to flex his Excel muscles, making an epic spreadsheet fill of dropdowns and automatic calculations. And I get to project my sarcastic ramblings to a group of like minded viewers with weekly recaps. Plus we host a viewing party each week to allow us to mock the entire thing in real time. I'm a firm believer that emotional train wrecks are meant to be enjoyed in the company of good friends.  

So I thought it would be fun to share this week's update here. I won't promise (or threaten?) I'll post these every week (no sense in bringing something heavy like "commitment" into the world of The Bachelor) but I thought it would be fun to share the snark occasionally. 

So are you watching? Do you love you some Juan Pabby? Do you hate Sharleen? Are you utterly positive that JP is going to end up marrying some backup correspondent from Entertainment Tonight versus one of these girls, rendering all of this drama moo? (It's like a cow's point. It's moo.) Good. We can be friends. (Best friends if you caught that Friends reference). 

----------------------

Grown Sexy. 

Can we just…marinate on that for a minute? (ew.)

ABC produced two hours of television last Sunday night, of which at least 52 minutes was discussion of this made up concept, between two "virgins" (I know, I know they're waiting until their wedding night to be together.  But where these two hooligans have been in the past was left intentionally fuzzy). Sean needed some help defining what exactly this (invented) term meant, and Catherine did her best to cobble together enough adjectives to stop his questioning. I, for one, wonder less what "Grown Sexy" refers to, and am more worried about the need for the "grown" qualification at all. What other type of Sexy is Catherine concerned might break out at her nuptials? Immature Sexy? Wee, Baby Sexy? #grosssexy

But as much as I make fun of this stuff, (which is so, so much), these Bachelor producers still know how to play my heart like a fiddle...somehow by the time they got to the vows, I had genuine, non-ironic tears in my eyes. And that's what keeps me coming back for more. The thought that somehow, 14 (or whatever) weeks of bikini-clad, wine-soaked, motive-questioning, vocabulary- stunted frivolity, will eventually miraculously transform into sweet, deep, real, elephant riding off into the Thai sunset love. Grown sexy love. Sponsored by Neil Lane. 

xoxo, 

Court

P.s. Oh yeah. There was also an episode this week with Juan Pablo. Though not the best, right? Maybe it turns out there is such a thing as too much fake rave dancing as a means of finding a wife? This show is constantly teaching me new things. 

But on the bright side, it did give us a whole 'nother host of Sexys to experience. Notably: 

Asian Foot Fish Sexy. 

Jealous (sososo jealous) Sexy. 

Faulty Role Model Logic Sexy. 

Seoul Spice Girls Sexy. 

I Just Threw Up in My Mouth but Will Still Totally Make Out With You Sexy. 

Awkward Opera Sexy. 

My Full Time Job is Dog Lover but My Part Time Job is Being a Sleepy-Eyed Catty B*, Sexy. 

I Don't Even Have a Kimono Sexy. 

And my personal favorite: 
Lying About Wanting Kids In Order To Get a Rose Sexy

Stay Classy, Bachelor Fans. See you in Vietnam.

Cut the Cord

Sometimes I feel like my life, and as a result, this blog, is on repeat. But not in a bad way...we just seem to deal with the same themes over and over again- Baby pics, recipes, lists....

So today’s rehash is on the topic of TV. Specifically...how I want to get rid of it. Familiar territory, no? For those newbies in the bunch, I have an ongoing love hate relationship with TV. As in- I loooooooove it. And hate how much I love it. So every so often, I wig out and contemplate going Amish to release the tight grip television has on my heart. It started in college, with me waking up one night fah-REAKing out about how I just couldn’t take my couch potato life anymore (but didn’t have the willpower to do much about it), and begged Dustin to move the TV to the basement storage locker. Immediately. I don’t quite recall, but I think he was able to talk me off the technology obsessed ledge, and delay any appliance relocation. At least until morning.

But whether the TV remained in that instance or not, my feelings didn’t change, and I’ve continued to have an on-again-off again soap opera romance with the tube. We started with a week off, advanced to a month without viewing, and eventually gave it up for (almost) an entire summer. Each sabbatical was more successful than the last. And when we resumed watching last September I had optimistic goals on how to reign in TV’s presence in our lives.

But alas, history has repeated itself, and we once again find ourselves crashing out in front of tube more often than we’d probably like to admit. BUT- we have a plan. And rather than force another cold turkey break, only to inevitably succumb to TV’s siren song, we’re taking a different approach.

This time- we’re taking the plunge....and giving up cable.

That might not seem crazy to some, but to a couple of borderline addicts, canceling cable is a pretty big deal. The whole idea came about pretty abruptly, as many of my hair-brained schemes do. I mentioned I was thinking about it, a friend sent me a link with some tips on how to still have access to your shows while drastically reducing your bill, and after a quick browse, I was sold on the idea. I texted Dustin "I'm thinking about getting rid of our cable..." and immediately got a response: "Done". By the next evening, we were officially blacked out. The magic box that had brought us hours (and hours and hours and hours) of entertainment was dark.

Goodbye old friend.

Despite our quick action to cancel the cable, we're still in the exploratory phase of figuring out our media consumption. Watching shows online is an option, but we might decide to "upgrade" to streaming content through our xbox, or even get a subscription to a service like Hulu+ or Netflix. For now though? We're kicking it old school- you know, nothing but internet, iphones, an xbox with kinect...the basics really. But kidding aside, I hope whatever system we come up with not only saves us some money, but encourages us to look beyond technology and take advantage of our time together in better, more purposeful ways. I still have some "must sees" on my list, but I'm hoping that the new set up will force me into being a bit more selective about my viewing, and less likely to stumble into a Millionaire Matchmaker marathon and forget how to get out. And though we'll still have access to many of our shows through the internet, it won't be quite as convenient, which will actually be a good thing. Without a DVR to spoon feed me lazy entertainment, I'll be taken off of autopilot, and be more aware of how I choose to spend my free time. There are tons of activities I love to do that I complain I never have time for (reading, blogging, photography, working out, cooking, etc. etc. and so on....) when the truth is, I've been squandering a lot of my free time without much thought.

Which reminds me, we've got a house full of books, and there's a little girl upstairs who desperately needs to hear a tale about a Hiccupotamus. So if you'll excuse me....

While I'm off exploring my new reality-tv free reality, tell me:

Anyone else jumping off the TV bandwagon? Do you have an internet safety net? Or are you off the grid doing crazy things like playing outside and talking with your family?

TV-free update!

We did indeed make it one (almost) whole summer (almost) without TV!
If you remember- we committed to turning off the tube from June through Labor Day, (with only a couple very important viewing appointments allowed....).

The summer actually went faster than I thought (I’m getting old!) which was unfortunate...but the good part was I honestly didn’t miss TV a bit. We were so busy (SO busy!) that I don’t know when we even would have squeezed it in if we wanted to. We definitely got more done around the house without the distraction, and I made other things- (like reading!) a priority. I’m sure it would have been harder if I knew I was missing tons of my favorite shows (Summer is admittedly a dry season for quality programming), but in all I found TV is one of those things that once you get used to not having it, you don’t miss as much as you’d think. I think the more I watch, the more I want to watch...they suck you in with commercials and promos, and before I know it I have a DVR full of things I think are must-see. But when I took the option away, it didn’t have a hold on me anymore. (I think there is probably a parenting lesson in here somewhere....)

So, we’re officially into September now, and planning our re-entry into the magical world of TV. Dustin and I talked about it a little, and our goal is to be deliberate about how we approach our viewing habits now. It would be easy to fall back (literally) into the pattern of flopping down on the couch after a long day, and enjoying an evening of mind numbing entertainment. And it’s not that we never want to do that, but we’d like to prioritize other things- like cooking, talking, reading, cleaning, playing games, raising a baby, far ahead of TV.

For me, I’ve found that setting a time allowance (an hour a day etc.) isn’t the best solution...as it usually ends with me flipping channels, not finding anything I really want to watch, but settling on something dumb. And then in the meantime I find several other options to tape for the future, and before you know it I’m locked into season five of Teen Mom (they’re like 23 now!) and thinking it matters. Instead, I think the approach we took this summer was successful- limit our “watch list” to things we really love, and just watch those. No flipping around. No lounging mindlessly in front of junk, just deliberate relaxation with shows we enjoy. Sure, I may be over thinking the whole thing, but it’s what works for us.

Last night was our first official night with the option to watch, and I took advantage of some down time to check out a couple of my guilty pleasure shows: The Rachel Zoe Project and Top Chef- Just Desserts. And what I found? I didn’t miss them at all. After breaking the cycle of crap-tv, I was better able to see that these shows aren’t really guilty pleasures at all- they’re just guilty. I turned Top Chef off in the first ten minutes, and though I made it all the way through RZ, I have no desire to watch the rest of the season. Maybe my tastes are elevating? Or maybe I’ve just learned that my time is valuable, and if I’m going to spend it on TV it better be worth it. (for what it’s worth, I totally plan on watching regular Top Chef when it comes back on. That is some quality stuff).

So with those guidelines in mind, here is our schedule for the fall season....(yes, it’s a little heavy on football. Not sorry)

Sunday:
• Football- all day with the football.
• 8pm- CBS- Amazing Race. We usually watch this on Tuesdays with a group of friends (and win money, but that’s another story for another day)....
Monday:
• 8pm- NBC- The Sing-off. I know it’s bad...but we loved it last year! I have a Nick Lachey weakness!
• 10pm- Bravo- Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. hey- I'm only human!!
• Football- 8:30pm
Tuesday:
• 8pm- FOX- Glee.
Wednesday:
• 9pm- ABC- Modern Family.
Thursday:
• 8pm- NBC- Community
• 9pm- NBC- The Office
Friday & Saturday: Nada

What do you think? What’s your viewing philosophy? Do you have a TV plan in place? Are there must-see shows that we’re missing out on?

TV Free's the Way to Be

It's officially the first day of summer...a season I love more than life itself (which has always struck me as a strange phrase...I mean, without life- you wouldn't really get the chance to love something more, right?).

So in order to make the most of my very favorite season, I've decided to continue an unofficial tradition in the Bowden household- giving up TV. I didn't even realize that my periodic technology bans had become an annual event until a friend from work asked if I would be giving up TV again, because she wanted to try it, and needed an accountability partner. I hadn't thought about it much- but figured- why not? Last year's "blackout" occurred in August, a notoriously slow month for TV...but once I started thinking about it, I realized I could use some free time NOW...free time that as usual was getting eaten up subtly and quickly by the tube. So I hastily dubbed this year's event "TV Free Summer!" Vowing not only to turn of the telly in August- but to extend it through the entire summer season!!

But then...

Wikipedia got involved, where I learned that summer does indeed start June 21, but goes until...wait for it...September 23! I mean, I may have lofty goals, but I'm not a total masochist- I can't miss season premieres! So, I compromised the self-imposed sanctions, and have decided that I'll be TV free from now until Labor Day (the unofficial end to summer). And while we're making concessions- I should disclose that there will be several limited exceptions to the TV ban. (Hey- my game, my rules!) I will allow 2 shows to stay on my weekly viewing list- The Bachelorette (don't judge) and So You Think You Can Dance (obviously). Sure, that's probably "cheating" but in the grand scheme my goal isn't to be a stickler...it's to force myself into all the activities I love (or at least need) to do.

I've got books lined up, weekend trips planned, blog posts mentally drafted, and a slew of house projects that will no doubt keep me busy.

So what about you? Want to join in my quest to escape zombie land, and live it up this summer? I'll even grant you a guilty pleasure freebie show or two...

Cabinet Fever

Last summer, we were so ridiculously, unexpectedly, thrillingly blessed, and we won a free (gigantic) TV. Dustin wrote about it, explaining that it was something we had thought about buying for a really long time, so it was such a blessing to have a prayer like that answered. (Truth be told, I think we both considered this too superficial a thing to actually pray about, so God must have just known the desires of our hearts. That God. Always knowin' me....)

So with the bulk of the expense out of the way, we now had some freedom when it came to buying a new piece of furniture to house this programming beast. But we figured rather than shell out hundreds for a new armoire, we'd rather continue our budget loving streak, and search Craigslist for a suitable option. And of course, Craig didn't let us down. We found the perfect little console....well- perfect if you have the vision. And I had it...and eventually Dustin did too. (The fact that it was only $15 may have helped him see the potential.)


I had never really painted furniture (unless you count a shabby-chic little cabinet from our Cincinnati apartment...which you really shouldn't count), so I was a little nervous about getting it all right. But fortunately, I have a friend in the blogging business that is THE expert in this kind of thing. Have you heard of Barb Blair from Knack Studios? If not....you're missing out. She is a sweet, talented, crafty-genius of a lady, and our paths crossed on a work project a while ago. (I call her a "friend" but she's really an internet celebrity who is nice enough to email back and forth with little old me.) I showed her a picture of our find, and explained the plan- I wanted to remove the (fake) doors on the front, add shelving, and paint the entire thing a warm gray. She gave me a few tips, and coincidentally, had just written an online tutorial for just this type of project. Score!

So now that I was armed with knowledge and a vision, and Dustin was armed with...well, his arms, we were ready to roll.

Step one- removing the record player and the speakers. I know some people consider that sacrilege, but it really wasn't suiting our purpose, so it had to go. There are plenty more cheap 70's stereos in the world....

ORIGINAL

Oh- and I should mention that we completed this entire project in our foyer....Crazy, and a little dumb, but true.

Bye-bye fake shutters!

After that, we removed the backer piece, and cut the front panel off. The front was made to look like doors, but they didn't actually function, so we cut them off to expose the large storage area in the middle. Dustin was able to get them off without damaging the rest of it...which I'm sure was no small feat.

Now that we had an empty frame to work with, he added some MDF shelves across the entire piece, and one to stabilize it in the center. The divisions weren't exactly what we might have dreamed up, but it would be able to house our cable box and DVD player in the center, which was the basic need. And staying true to the original design helped make the entire process easier and more stable.

Time for paint! We followed Barbs instructions which made it quick and easy. We got the whole thing done in an evening, and then followed up by distressing it a little later.

And for the final detail, Dustin built new doors, to close off the side portions. I thought it might be fun to add a little bit of pattern and interest to our otherwise blocky piece, so we used pieces of radiator screen for the door panels. He encased them in some decorative trim, and painted them to match. Then it was just a matter of cutting a new back panel, and voila...we had a fully functioning piece of furniture again!

Oh- and I love its little feet!

And now for the finished product....

Isn't it beautiful? In addition to the $15 we paid for the piece originally, we probably spent another $50 or so on materials to fix-er-up. Not too bad, considering what a full price item would have set us back.

We're still experimenting with how to fill the bottom shelves, but for now they are a great home for my growing pear/ceramic animal/ampersand collections. (and hold a box containing all my camera doo-dads). And the side portions provide much needed storage for our various gaming systems and DVDs. I was worried that I wouldn't like seeing through the doors, but with the right color storage boxes, you can't really even see them....and if we want to, we could always back them with something later- to keep the pattern, but lose the transparency.

I'm so proud of it...and my husband, for all of his hard work. So proud that I think I might settle down to watch a Real Housewives marathon. I mean, I have to spend time marveling at his handiwork, right?

TV-Be-Gone

Remember this?

Let’s call this The Sequel. Get ready, for TV- Free August!

Yes, I know we just got the new flat screen....but the summer has flown by so far, and I’d like to attempt to slow it back to a more peaceful pace. I'm hopeful that eliminating the boob-tube option, will open up our evenings and weekends for more productive (or at least less pointless) activities. We're one day in, and have already done laundry, cleaned the house, researched and booked a vacation, and written this here blog. And we've still got time to run some errands and get frozen yogurt (it's like Ice Cream Sundays lite). Not bad for day 1, huh?

I've got high hopes for the rest of the month....I'll keep you posted on how it goes. And let us know if you'd like to join the challenge. Who knows what 30 days could do for you?

P.S.
In a related story- I am now in the market for a ping pong table. So if you would like to donate one to the Bowdens Beat Boredom fund, we would happily accept.

P.P.S. In case you're wondering, I will still be watching the finale episodes of The Bachelorette, and Bethenny Getting Married. Because this thing was my idea, so we play by my rules.

A Welcomed Addition

If you know me (Dustin), I'm a bit of a tech nerd. A geek. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm a solid 8. One of my favorite things to do is get fixated on a item and research prices until I'm blue in the face. So for 2+ years I've researched flat screened TVs. It was a two year obsession because of the extreme amount of money that they cost. I've been close a hundred times to pulling the trigger and either ordering a TV online or marching into Best Buy and picking up the model of my dreams. The great thing about TVs is that they are constantly evolving. There's always a never ending stream of fodder for my obsession.


A while back my wonderful and beautiful wife got a well deserved promotion. So she made a nice little card that basically told me to buy a new TV. It was a sweet gesture and I was elated. However, several months went by and still no TV. I had pre-buyer's guilt. I couldn't spend the money. The TV we had, a plain, old, non-flat screened, 27 in TV was in perfectly good condition. There was no NEED for a new TV. Here's what she looked like:



So... no TV.


So I won't leave you in suspense... we got a new TV. It's a FORTY-SIX INCH LCD TV! It's pretty amazing, and here's the best part... it was free.


You read that right... Free!


I truly believe that God blessed us with the TV. Work has a raffle every year fro charity. It made over $14,000 this year and the prizes are pretty sweet. Some examples are a trip to London, a TV, a lawn mower... you get the idea. There is no limit to the number of tickets you can buy, so some people go nuts. I work with a couple of people that dropped over $100. Courtney and I agreed to spend $20 which got us 30 tickets.


So how many tickets did we put in for the TV? Six. Courtney put in 3 and so did I, and God blessed us with a TV; and we are in turn donating our TV and armorie to "Blessing Man" who will in turn give out stuff to people in need. The TV is great and looks fabulous but the real blessing is living guilt free. We don't have to sit and feel like we're recklessly spending what we're so blessed to have.


And without any further delay... here's the new TV:

Notice that God has not blessed us with a new stand for the TV. I think He's done enough!

Writer's note: I apologize for this post being oboxious and probably not well written. Thanks for reading it anyway!

Season Sigh....I mean Six.

Ok, so I know I've been out of the SYTYCD loop for a while, but let me get this straight....The finale is next WEEK? Since when do the top six go to the finale? Is the show so bad this season that we just have to put it out of its misery? Why stop there, why not just combine the top/final 20? Get it out of the way.....we could have 10 seasons a year! ugh...

I'm sorry guys, but I have to be honest here- I am just not feeling this season. I'm sorry!! I wanted to like it....I really really wanted to. But something's just not the same. I don't feel connected to the show like I once was. I used to look forward to every single performance, now I find myself fast forwarding through as much as possible. I've missed a few episodes (unheard of in previous seasons) so that's part of why I don't have loyalty to the contestants....but the show used to have an addicting pull to it, and now (to me) it just feels blah.

Normally I savory every routine, and even watch all the judges commentary- excited to see what they say...wanting them to echo my excitement and verbalize the feelings the performances stirred inside me. But that feeling is gone. There are no goosebumps, no chills, no rewinding to watch it again, no calling Dustin in to see something because it's just THAT amazing.

I miss my favorite show...

So, though it's my turn, I can't bring myself to recap tonight's show. Instead- I want to hear from you. What do you think of the season? Is there something missing? Or is it as good as ever? If you're having trouble connecting....why do you think that is?

Is it that they messed with the "formula"? Because Mia's gone? is it the addition of Adam to the panel? The new set? Or is it the contestants? I can't find someone I just LOOOOOOOOOOOVE. They're all nice enough, but no one I'm dying to pick up the phone for. I usually hate it when shows like this talk about the "it" factor, but maybe that's what is wrong here?

Mary actually summed up my thoughts (which is a scary scary concept) in her critique of the NappyTab "Strange" routine.
"It's kinda like when you go to the movies and you see the coming attractions and you see something and you go, 'Oh my gosh, this movie is going to be so exciting I've just got to go out and see it.' The beginning of that was like the coming attractions for me, and I just loved it, and I was all fired up about it. And then I was just slightly disappointed after that. It didn't really "hit" for me.....I was left a little disappointed honestly, and I'm sorry to say that."

I had high hopes for this season....tell me it's not too late?

P.s. Cat is still beautiful and awesome. That, thank goodness, will never change.

Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away

This week marks a major TV milestone: Sesame Street turns 40! That's right....what is now one of the most famous (and beloved) children's show of all time, premiered way back on November 10, 1969. I was informed of this momentous occasion by Google, when one of my search attempts was greeted with this:

I abandoned whatever my original inquiry was (probably "interesting blog posts for people running out of ideas") in order to find out more about the anniversary. I found an fun article about the history of the show, including puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who has "played" Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the show's beginning. It's amazing to me that someone would devote their entire career to embodying a giant 6 year old bird, but I'm grateful that a show like this is still on the air.

I have countless memories of Sesame Street as a kid. I would park myself on the floor at my grandparent's house to watch, or enjoy an episode while I ate my morning cereal. I knew (and loved) all the characters, sang along with the songs, and soaked up all the reading, counting, and matching exercises I could. I remember even as a young kid, feeling involved in the show. It wasn't a passive way to pass the time....I felt like I was a part of Sesame Street, and the character's world was connected to mine. It inspired confidence in who I was and what I could do....oh, and it made me laugh. A lot.

That's one thing I love about the show- that it doesn't attempt to trick kids into learning- hiding some lessons in candy cartoon coating....they celebrate learning, and encourage kids to be curious, thoughtful, and inventive (not to mention tolerant, loving, and civic-minded). Plus they manage to cram in all this learning and stay wildly entertaining to children and parents alike.


It's nearly impossible to choose a favorite part of the show, as there are so many things I loved. Some highlights:

• Super Grover (like Grover, only even more hilarious)
• The Yips ("Yip yip yip yip yip yip yip yip uh-huh, uh-huh")
• Two headed monster (my mom's favorite)
• Snuffleupagus (I loved his eyelashes, and his sister Alice)
• The “One of these things is not like the other” game (I still sing this song if something doesn't look right in a window at work)
• Bert and Ernie (my best friend and I dressed up like them for Halloween one year. She had to be Bert because she was taller.)
• The Count (ah, ah, ahhhh)
• Luis (I don't remember much about him, except for that when my step-dad shaved his beard we teased him mercilessly telling him he looked like Luis. In hindsight, he didn't really....)
• Guy Smiley (Does anyone remember when he went on a safari and kept scaring the animals with his loud voice? hilarious)
• Mumford the Magician ( "A-la-peanut-butter-sandwiches!")

I know I'm leaving out a million things (Cookie Monster hosting Muppetpiece theater!..ok I'll stop) What about you guys? Did you watch the show as a kid (or have children that loved it)? What are your most memorable Sesame moments? Favorite characters?

Oh- and if you're longing for more, check out the DVD special- 40 Years of Sunny Days or the special edition book Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street. Or, log on to a special section of wikipedia, known as Muppet Wiki (and no...I'm not being compensated by Sesame Workshop...I just really love the show!)

Season Six Superlatives

So I'm a little behind the times....I'm just now watching last night's episode, so let's just get right down to it. Rather than a traditional recap, I think it'd be fun to begin the season with some predictions about what's to come for each of the dancers. I present:

So You Think You Can Dance Season Six: Most likely to...........

• Harp on the same topic each week: Channing. Did you guys hear she's kind of a tomboy? I know, right??
• Annoy the crap out of me continually: Phillip- I don't care if you are part of the Urban Poets, I will not like you (oh wait, that actually makes me like you less. I mean, those "poems" don't even rhyme.)
• Resemble a religious squash: Ashleigh. Ok, that's not really fair....
• Almost live up to the legend of Billy Bell: Jakob. Seriously he's amazing. Almost as good as Billy would have been, or so the judges keep saying. Which reminds me.....
• Have the Swine Flu: Billy Bell. What kind of illness knocks you out of a months long competition? Pig fever, that's what kind.
• Be forgotten: Ariana. (sorry....it's true). I even forgot to bold her name.
• Be a walking (dancing) stereotype: Peter, the "Italian Stallion". He's from Philly and had cheese(steak)y story about the importance of "family" *cough*mob*cough*.
• Be adorable, ya'll!: Noelle. She's just a precious Southern belle, ya'll! With the biggest headband ever, ya'll! But she hurt her knee, ya'll. Pouty face, ya'll.....
• Most likely to not fit in a style "box": Russell. Same old story, poor black kid from Boston, grows up in a rough neighborhood, becomes the first krumper on a famous show, channels Fred Astaire with his elegant fox trot performance. yaaaaawn.
• Be the first/only girl tap dancer on the show so she sticks around way longer than she probably deserves: Bianca. I gotta say, she campaigned hard for this one...
• Get mobbed by confused Kupono fans: Victor. (and by mobbed, I mean someone might ask him for an autograph, or at least directions if they're lost.)
• Benefit/Suffer from Good Light/Bad Light syndrome: Karen. Is she gorgeous? Busted? Yes and yes.
• Work the camera with his eyes: Kevin. (but those eyes weren't enough to distract from that secretary bun tonight.)
• Grunt when he gets his swell on at the gym (so everyone can see how jacked and tan he is): Ryan. Did he mention he loves to work out, is a fitness nut and is very masculine? Oh, he did? Well did he prove it by never wearing a shirt, and doing push-ups using his bikini clad gourd (I mean wife) as a weight? Oh he did? Touché.
• Have her mouth write checks her body can't cash: Ellenore. For real, I don't care how good you are, you do not say (in week ONE mind you...) that your routine may be the best dance in So You Think You Can Dance history. Leave the over-selling to Cat. That's half her job.
• Fall in love with his partner: Brandon. He got the chance of a lifetime, getting tapped as a last minute sub for Billy Bell (who was SO GOOD.), and he's wasting it making googley-eyes at Pauline.
• Be the turning point in which this little writing gimmick gets a little old, and decidedly more difficult: Pauline. My muse, she is not.
• Steal the part of my heart that I thought was reserved for Kherington: Kathryn. By all accounts her bio should have turned me off (I'm from Georgia! I love the beach! I'm just a really down to earth girl!) but her dancing was so fun to watch. Dang these girls and their atypical K-names. Gets me every time.
• Take it to the Streetz: Legacy. (p.s. he was a strong second in the "fall for his partner" category...but who can blame him?! That girl is adorable)
• Bother me for no good reason: Nathan. I know I'm in the minority here. And I'm ok with that.
• Be the love child of Hannah Montana and a Care Bear: Mmoollee. She's just such a goofball! **giggle giggle**......
• Have a giant choreographer crush: Adam Shankman: Sonya rocked his world. He LOVES David Scott (every kind of David Scott) and thinks Travis Wall is "so young, so smart, so talented." And soooo cute. Ok, maybe I added that last part, but you know he was thinking it.
• Squawk like a crazy person, fall apart, piece by fake piece, and consistently run cliches into the ground (some literary irony there for ya): Mary Murphy. Nuff said.
• Go on, and on, and on, and on.....: Nigel Lythgoe. Keep it up buddy and Paula Abdul will never choose to sit next to you.
  
• Be my idol in all aspects of life (or at least legginess, fashion sense, haircare ...and...um... what else is there in life?): Cat Deely. She is a vision!
  

Alright, now let's really get down to it. Tonight's Dancers in Danger (great band name!) are: Ariana, Brandon, Pauline (I don't know about this....) and Russell (WHAT?!?!)

And I won't toy with you (mostly because you already know)- the two going home are:
Brandon. Thought his solo was actually pretty impressive.....and apparently so did Nigel, who will be fighting to allow him back in the competition next year.
Ariana. Aw man, I just learned her name! What a waste.....

And because I've been voted most likely to think details like this actually matter....I give you this week's songs:
Rockin' Robin by Jackson Five.
Hit Me with A Hot Note (And Watch Me Bounce) from the Sophisticated Ladies soundtrack
Black & Gold by Sam Sparro
Vagabond Shoes by Vic Damone
Wasted Time by Me'Shell Ndegeocello
Push It by Glee Cast versoin (yes, you read that right. This is shameless cross promotion, and I am eating it UP.)
Arcadia by Apparat
You Light Up My Life by Whitney Houston
On & On by Missy Elliot
Turn the Beat Around (Pablo's 12" Remix) by Gloria Estefan
Darkest Hour by Charlotte Martin
Give the Drummer Sum by Black Milk
Magalenha by Sergio Mendes (which they totally cut short right before it got awesome)
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer
Never Say Never by The Fray (goodbye Ariana montage)
Where It Ends by 16 Frames (see ya next time Brandon montage)

Meet The Top 20

*Note: This was quite obviously not posted by Dus, but I signed in wrong and can't fix it without a lot of work. And I, AM, SPENT. Enjoy!

It's been quiet around here recently- I guess October just got away from me. But you know what didn't get away from me? ....The awesome talent of a certain dance show! No it DIDN'T!
Sorry- I've let the segue and nonsense of SYTYCD seep into my brain. There might not be a cure...besides more AMAZING dancing!!! (seriously....I can't stop!)

So while I try to reign in my dance dribble- let's meet our Top 20! For those of you new to the SYTYCD scene, you're just in time: Tonight's show is a preview of what's to come. It's our chance to get to know the dancers, before we critique them mercifully and crush their dreams through text message votes. Don't mind if I do!

This season's got a new look, and it's....how do you say...cheap. They've got a new location which may or may not be a converted high school gymnasium. Then there's the new intro- it's got a little more recognizable footage, and less American Ido-esque androids, but the graphics are still a bit too reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto-Vice City for my taste. (not that it isn't a sweet game).

But Cat, ever the class act, rocks a sequin dress and eyelashes thick enough to double as flamenco fans. Judges are Adam (announced officially as a permanent judge), Mary, Nigel, and an empty chair. Perfect for Paula Abdul's empty head! On to the dances:

Top 20 Group Routine
Choreographers Wade and Amanda Robson

Song: Comanche by The Revels

Theme is 1930's turf war (naturally). I expect snapping. Aaaaaaaaaaand I get it!! I also get a lot of crotch grabbing and pelvis thrusting. But mostly snapping.

Hip Hop Routine
Choreographers: Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo. (whose awesomeness at all things makes me want to put an apostrophe in my name. B'owden?)

Song: Beggin' (District 78 Remix) by Madcon

Russell Ferguson (Love him, and his mush mouth hat), Kevin Hunte, and Legacy Perez (Anyone watch The Contender? Sergio much? I know I mentioned him before, but when this guy dances, all I can see is "The Latin Snake"....and yes, that probably makes me racist.)
Diggin' the old school jam, but could have used less thug posturing (which also makes me racist), and more dancing. Still, it's nice to have hip-hop back- head spins and stomping: you were missed.

Contemporary Routine
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio
Song: Crying by K.D. Lang
Nathan Trasoras (one of my least favorites so far. Sorry doll face! Go ask fellow Furby/child David Archeleta to dry your tears.), Jakob Karr, Channing Cooke (who's like a tomboy Carrie Underwood, which is to say, awesome) Ariana Debose (who try as I might to complete the theme, I cannot relate to a past American Idol contestant).
Ariana askes me to open my heart and go to an uncomfortable place. I assume the place she was referring to is anywhere that plays K.D. Lang music. Because yikes.

Tap Routine
Choreographer Derick K. Grant (He Is Tap)

Song: Take The "A" Train, by Ella Fitzgerald

Peter Sabasino (who is putting up some serious competion in the race for the coveted title of "Courtney's Least Favorite"), Bianca Revels and Phillip Attmore
Can't really get on board (get it? get IT?) with this one. No wonder tap waited so long to be "asked to the dance".

Jazz Routine
Choreographer: Sonya Tayek
Song: On a Cloud, by PPP (which apparently stands for Platinum Pied Pipers.)
Mollee Gray (Or Mmoollee, as I like to call her), Pauline Mata (love!) and Ellenore Scott (who totally wishes I'd nickname her Eelleennoorree Ssccoott. But I won't because that's just ridiculous.)
They got their sexy on- I mean, who doesn't think tutus and jazz hands are sexy? Mmoollee grew up about five years, but then regressed about ten when she was complimented. Adam earned his judge spot with his immitation of her cheerleader spunk- spot on.

Contemporary Routine
Choreographer: Mandy Moore
Song: Viva la Vida, by Coldplay
Victor Smalley (who was hoping to "get" mandy this season, if you know what he means), Noelle Marsh (who's bleeding feet are kind of ruining her charm), Billy Bell, and Kathryn McCormick.
Dancing was great, but I was distracted by the recycled costumes from a local theater version of The Wiz, not to mention the Olan Mills sponsored backdrop. Rough.

Latin Routine
Choreographer: Jason Gilkison
Song: Everything I Can't Have by Robin Thicke (you know I love This Song)
Ashleigh Di Lello, Karen Hauer (*cat noise*), and Ryan Di Lello
Why do you think they call them a "trio" not a "threesome"? Anyway, the GMP (great mormon pumpkin for you newbies) has toned down the orange in attempt to keep her man from running off with the Venezuelan. But she kept the Barbie lipgloss, so it's kind of a wash....

So there they are America (I love how Cat refers to me that way....it's like a little pet name). If you're hungry for more info, check out cast bios here. Bonus- they answer the question everyone's asking: "How did it feel on the recent day with the press and photo shoot?" (seriously...that's what they asked them. Is that site's content computer generated?)

Now- off to the comments...discuss!

so HE thinks he can dance?

Hello out there............

Anyone sick of staring at that barf bag? If so- you're in luck! The only male member of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Dance", Brian, has his first recap up tonight. Check it out here.

Oh- and maybe I'll have something to say around here in the next few weeks....maybe. Stupid life getting in the way of blogging!

SYTYCD+UFO's

Quick break from the vacation talk....it's time to DANCE! (Dance, dance, dance.)
Last week, Rachel kicked off the 'Sisterhood', and based on her recap alone I agree with Cat Deely that this is "shaping up to be the biggest and best season EVER!" Seriously, the bar is set high- Rachel brought the funny, AND kept it succinct. And then the new kid on the blog-block, Brian, had to be all clever in the comments....who invited that guy?

But tonight Cat is looking good, Mia's here to judge, and auditions are in Phoenix. I feel right at home! Let's do it....

Bizarro Rob and Big are up first: otherwise known as Biggie and Shorty. Fun to watch, but Nigel's right that it was more of a "wobble", than a pop&lock.

Then in true SYTYCD audition tradition- it's time for some good old fashioned Tragedy Overcomers. Allison Becker is a contemporary dancer who is also hearing impaired. She's pretty much all muscles and a smile. Nigel talks to her in his "dealing with foreigners voice", meaning he Yells. Real. Slow. She's deaf, not an idiot. Mary cries. Mia refuses to cry (but totally wants to). The other adversity facers are "same sex dancers". We've been down this road before, and Nigel needs to redeem himself from his comments last year- or at least stay out of trouble....and NOW Mia cries.

Not a lot to say about this week. There's a few contemporary folks that got through, but the theme is clearly Weirdos, so there's a longer list of bad dancers than I typically enjoy. I don't even know what to say about the Disco/Bollywood/Baton/Cheerleader. And then there's a spunky young thing they (appropriately) call "Dancing fool"- His spasms "earn" him a very forced, very mandatory standing ovation from the other contestants. And finally there's the montage parade of kooks, including a contortionist, Tranny-Beyonce, couple of demon hosts and a case of the hiccups. Not exactly history in the making.

What this edition does have, is some good indie girl music. We get not one, TWO songs by Adele(who is at the top of my Artists I Didn't Know I Loved list): "First Love" and "Make You Feel My Love". Also in the mix is an Ingrid Michaelson cover of "Can't Help Falling in Love".

Rounding out this week is b-boy Jonathan "Legacy" Perez. He spins like a top all over the stage, and causes Mia to take a page from Lil' C's thesaurus, calling him stupid (comma "real stupid") and disgusting. Meaning she loves him.

So there you go. Sure, we got some classic SYTYCD formulas and hijinks, but I honestly believe this season's talent and personality could far surpass last season (which you may recall was the BEST. SEASON. EVER. At the Kodak!!!!). Next week-is Bawstun, hosted by the lovely Megan. But now....comment time! Go!

And the envelope please....

It's here America!! 3,500 screaming fans are ready for the Season 5 Finale at the PACKED Kodak theater (ok ok, I'll find a new bit for tonight...even if they don't.)

Let's waste no time- First up is a performance by the Top 20 (I assume that's who it is...it's a crap ton of them, I can tell you that) Song: Brand New Day from The Wiz
It's a rehash of a previous routine (I sense a lot of that is on the way)...culminating in the introduction of the top four. Based on applause alone for this part alone, I predict the win is for Jeanine. We'll know in two short hours (ugh).

For those of you into stats (*cough*my husband*cough*) there were 21.6 million votes last night. And for those of you into prizes (*cough*me*cough*)- The winner receives $250,000 and their picture on the cover of Dance Spirit Magazine. (THE Dance Spirit Magazine!)

Seven "judges" tonight: Lil C, Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Debbie Allen, Adam Shankman, Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe (the rest of the choreographers are in the audience...not sure why Nappy Tab didn't get a spot on the panel- they were good enough to judge auditions!)

Recap of the auditions (where it all began!). This just showed how quickly I forget people. Pretty much anyone they showed that didn't make the top four I was like "Oh yeah...they were on the show." Good luck with your dance careers folks!

Tonight, instead of new dances (heaven forbid), the judges choose their favorite routines from this season. (And in keeping with the low level conspiracy that is SYTYCD, I think I should point out that it's really less "picking their favorites" and more "saying whatever the producers told them to" in order to show range of styles, performers and choreographers. Otherwise it would be all contemporary by Mia and Wade danced by Jeanine with Jason Mraz in the background. Obviously.)

Adam's pick: Hip Hop by Nappy Tab
Dancers: Jeanine and Phillip. Song: Mad by Ne-yo
Love it. The part where they curl up at the end is just too cute (is Jason watching in the wings ready to punch Phil for touching his girl?)

Nigel's pick: Argentine Tango by some people whose names I won't try to type.
Dancers: Jeanette and Brandon. Song: Libertango from Forever Tango
To me, it wasn't as good as last time, but either way it is a travesty that she was kicked off the show before the finals. I suppose I can blame myself for not voting for her. Or for anyone, ever. Oh well.

Debbie's pick: Waltz by Louis van Amstel
Dancers: Asuka and Vitolio. Together again at last, am I right? Song: Dreams are More Precious by Enya. I refuse to comment on these two. Moving on!.

Mary's pick: Contemporary by Travis Wahl
Dancers: Jeanine and Jason. Song: If It Kills Me by Jason Mraz.
No one can forget the kiss they shared last time. Cat thinks they're going to do it again tonight. I think they're going to do it again tonight.

They cheer for their favorite of the top four again: Again, clear margin for Jeanine. Why don't you just tell me already!

Mia's pick: Samba by Louis van Amstel
Dancers: Max and Kayla. Song: Jum Bah Day by House of Gypsies
I always kind of thought Kayla looked like a slutty bird. This routine (and costume) explained why.

Now it's time for a promo for Fame disguised as a surprise outing for the finalists. The movie looks great but Kherington really needs some eyebrow work if she's going to be a Hollywood star.

Debbie gets another pick? We're gonna be here all night. Hip Hop+Samba by Demetri+Napoleon Dancers: Top 16. Song: I know you want me (Calle Ocho) by Pittbull
Some people will be watching this for the first time because they covered their eyes the first time around (you know who you are). I think Debbie said it best, "Child, Shut up, Flashdance!Child. Throw some water on it, get me some water!"

Special guest star:
SYTYCD Australia Winner Talia Fowler
Choreographed by Sonya Tayek. Song: Shot You Down by Audio Bullys.
Cool routine. Very quirky and Sonya-y. At the very least I love her taste in music.

Lil C's pick: Jai Ho by ummm, that Indian choreographer? (I know, I know, I'm so prejudice. But maybe tell him to learn something other than Bollywood and I'll stop stereotyping!)
Dancers: Caitlin and Jason. Song: Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire
Again- not as great as last time. I feel like the contestants are mailing it in a bit. They know there's nothing on the line anymore, so they aren't approaching it with the same passion. (oh, and I don't even know how many "word of the day" references 'C tried to jam into his introduction. I really just want to punch him in the mouth.)

FINALLY it's time to get down to business. 4th place announcement....
I think Evan is the first to go, based on the fact he's already dressed to collect free food at the soup kitchen. Hello unemployment!
Nope. It's KAYLA! Surprised? I supposed that's what you get for turning a beaded yarmulke into a bra top. (seriously what's with the outfits this week? Pull it together.)

Adam's 2nd pick: Contemporary by Mia Michaels.
Dancers: Randi and Evan. Song Koop Island blues Koop featuring Ane Brune
I know it's not every one's favorite....BUTT...I loved it! (see what I did there?)

Mary's 2nd pick: Paso doble by Louis van Amstel
Dancers: Jeanine and Br...Wait, I'm not typing all this again. We just saw this yesterday! What is this, Best Week Ever?

Time for 3rd Place. You can't pick them as a favorite and then send one home can you? No sir, you cannot. We'll see ya Evan. (on the tour!-plug, plug-tour plug go!)

Nigel's pick: Contemporary by Mia Michaels.
Dancers: Kayla and Kupono. Song: Gravity by Sarah Bareilles
One of my favorites this season. Seeing it again, I was struck by how touching and sensitive the song is for such a serious subject. That Mia is deep I tell you. Awww, and then everyone cried. Just brilliant.

Special guest stars: Rage Boyz Crew
Choreographed by Tiffany Burton. Song: Feel It by Colby O'Donis and Mauli B.
I mean, I love Will Smith's son as much as anyone, but someone tell him to work on his lip synching skills, huh? I don't care if he is five. Oh, my mistake- apparently he's "theven" and needs to work on his back handspring skills.

Tyce's pick: Disco by Doriana Sanchez.
Dancers: Jeannette and Brandon. Song: Love is Really My Game by Brainstorm.
I'm pretty sure Tyce said he used to "whack" to this when he was twelve. Aw, inappropriate!

Mia's 2nd pick: Contemporary by Tyce Diorio
Dancers: Melissa and Ade. Song: This Woman's Work by Maxwell
we knew someone would pick this, but it really was a powerful and beautiful piece. Plus- the person it was choreographed for is now cancer free. And THEN they showed Christina Applegate and someone at the Bowden household teared up...and I'm not talking about myself....

Special Performance:
Broadway by Mia Michaels.
Dancers: Top 8. Song: One from A Chorus Line
It's "special" because the judges come out a the end and perform with the contestants. It's pretty fun to see them up there, and they ham it up and have a good time. But then the bowing milked it for FAR more than it's worth. You take a couple steps, tip your hat to the audience and expect a standing ovation? I don't think so, Katie Homes.

Time to face the music....it's down to Brandon and Jeanine. (or, the two with the thick necks, as Stella so accurately put it). Brandon was somehow misinformed, as he seems dressed for date at the mall food court but again, anytime he wears pant AND a shirt, it's pretty much a win. I'm not sure who's standing next to him. It sort of looks like Jeanine, but her bellybutton's not showing, so I can't be sure.

Results time......
America's Favorite Dancer is Jeanine!
Good for her. She's clearly surprised (probably mostly due to the lack of confetti....it's really kind of anti-climactic with out that.) WAIT! They pulled through with it at the end. NOW we have a winner. Congratulations Jeanine!!

Thanks for a great season sisters and fans. Chat it up, and then we'll see you again (very very) soon!

Can't spell "Finale" without K-O-D-A-K!

It's FINALE TIME!!!!! (I will apologize in advance, for there will be a lot of capitals for emPHAsis. And parentheticals. It's what I do.)

Tonight's show is from the Kodak Theater in Hollywood (same location as the American Idol finale for those of you into reality trivia.) with 3,000 people in the audience. (finale drinking game starts now....every time they mention the theater. You won't make it through the first five minutes, let alone two hours) Impressive crowd but someone please tell me what you can see from the third balcony up? Is that deely thing an actual cat? And where's that screechy train noise coming from?!?

Top four dancers are....(just in case you missed it...) Jeanine, Evan, Kayla, Brandon
And the judgiz (Yay- she actually said it!) are: Adam Shankman, Mary and Nigel.

Top four perform:
Choreographers- Wade and Amanda Robson (Yessssss!!)
Concept is football jocks and cheerleaders. I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict this won't be Evan's strongest showing. Can he make his trademark "I'm sorry I'm just so gosh-darn adorable" shrug face while throwing a football? Doubtful.
Song is Boys boys boys by Lady Gaga (who has to be a millionaire based on the royalties from this series alone!) I can't hate on Wade, but I'm just not sure this was up to the level I was expecting for the finale. Toni Basil would be proud though.

*Commercial break*
Preview of season 6- (but first: did you know we're at the Kodak theater? Crazy!!) New season looks awesome, because of course it does.

Jeanine and Evan
Choreographer: Sonya Tayek (Yes!!)
Song: Heartbreakers by MSTRKRFT ft John Legend
I actually forgot to look at Evan for the first minute or two. Mostly because I was trying to figure out which one of my mid-90's barbies was going naked in order to provide Jeanine's outfit. Adam is ambitious with the comments right out of the gate, making a long comment arc about a "bunch of nevers" and a confusing "molehill that became the mountain" reference. Not sure he's all there sometimes. Mary mentions the stage is enormous...really? I hadn't noticed! And Nigel gives Evan a small pep talk. I think it will be very clear very soon that Evan is in over his head at this point. But aw shucks, I like him anyway.

*Commercial break*
Kodak Theater you guys...in Hollywood! I know right?

Tonight, all of the contestants will sit down for an interview with Cat. Hopefully they can keep it together, because if she interviewed me it would probably go something like:
Cat: Are you excited to--
Courtney: OMG I love you Love you LOVE YOU!!! Can I touch your hair? Did I mention I love you? Can we be best friends? Can I try on your shoes? Say "Judgiz"!giggle...OMG *swoon**faint*

Brandon
Interview: Is he in a pageant? He's just so happy and grateful and he's grown so much etc. etc. etc. Also- he wants maps for children, such as the Iraq.
Song: Dies Irae by Karl Jenkins
We get it. You're artsy and hardcore. No need for all the fierce opera. (but for real he's probably the best dancer here. Only not probably. But he probably won't get my vote. Only still not probably). Judges criticize his board shorts, but I'm just glad he showed up in clothes this time. Mary cries, and Nigel makes some surfing metaphor (is there any end to his hip-ness?! Or mine for saying "hip"?)

*Commercial break*
Welcome back. To THE KODAK!!

Kayla and Brandon
Choreographer: Tyce Diorio (Yes!)
Song: Bye Bye Life from All that Jazz
Took it to a more "showy place". With Tyce, that's saying something. Dance is like Season 3's Boardroom piece meets Chicago, with a strangely peppy Sesame Street song spin. (not sure why, but I can totally picture the Muppet band rocking out to this. Just me?) It's a pretty great dance, and I'll forgive unsynchronized turns after about the 18th rotation. All I have to say is "bye bye love"?? More like hello hello to the FINALE!!! Oh wait...we're already there. Crap. Adam is "stoked" (furthering my suspicions he might be hiding a doobie under that desk).
Nigel references his heart attack?? Between that and comments about his ex-wife, I think I've had enough of his "relating through personal tragedy" style of judging.

*Commercial break*
Wait...where are we? I'm confused...she's not telling me! But look at all the PEOPLE! There must be thousands!

Jeanine
In the interview Jeanine asks the question and gets sassed. You tell her Cat! (Cat also says "what the folk?"and "Smooch-a-rama-roonie". Did you know I love her?)

We see some requisite dance class photo of Jeanine, and we also get to see her mom, which puts any questions about the origins of her horse-teeth-frowny-smile to rest.

Song: Por Una Cabeza The Tango Project
Alright, who sneaked into Jeanine's dressing room and chomped the sides off of all her costumes? Well, it is shark week I guess. Adam says "Man" and "dude" enough that I'm starting to seriously question his sobriety.

*Commercial break*
Hype up the tour (top 10...which actually means top 12!) No mention of the theatre. C'mon Cat- now's no time to quit!

Evan and Brandon
Pop Jazz routine by choreographer Laurieann Gibson (what's with the gigantic headphones? Is she a dj? Are her ears cold? Has anyone seen her baseball?!?)
Song: Nasty by Janet Jackson
The boys are in a battle to win. Whatever was her inspiration (I mean, besides the Michael Jackson Bad video)? I like that they put Evan in a white tank, and Brandon in a black one...just to make it clear. Kept hoping there might be an actual knife fight. They traded pirouettes instead. It was a little too Zoolander walk off for me....you know Brandon wanted to magically take off his underwear at the end. Adam says couldn't get rid of Evan's natural sweetness (and continues the subtle racism saying something about how Brandon is always dirty and nasty) and then Mary gets in Evan's BIZ-ness, asking what's the nastiest thing he's ever done (The grandparents in the audience could use Laurieann's headgear at this point). Then Cat gets pleasure from Evan's face. Yikes! Creepiness aside, the unanimous opinion is that Brandon just out danced Evan.

*Commercial break*
We're back. And they've really dropped the ball on the theatre shout outs. Good thing they're plugging season six or we'd have nothing to latch on to....except the DANCING.

Kayla and Jeanine
Contemporary with Mia Michaels
Song: The Four Sections IV: The Full Orchestra by Steve Reich
Dance travels across the stage, signifying the journey they've been on. They literally and metaphorically shed layers along the way. I'm glad they told me they were going to take of some layers because for a minute I thought Kayla pooped tulle. How embarrassing. Then there was a total Cosby show moment when the music picked up in the middle and they pranced with their skirts flying- was dying for Rudy to come out with her bangles. The dance was absolutely gorgeous though- by far my favorite of the night. Though the camera work did seem a little biased towards Jeanine. This show is on Fox after all...not exactly "fair and balanced"...

*Commercial break*
Finally, she reminds me where we are. I'd be lost without you Cat.

Evan
Interview:
He predictably gets a little weepy over his journey and his brother. But then he informs us he will be both "dropping the hammer" and "bringing the thunder" in his solo....
Song: The best is yet to come by Micheal Buble.
Based on his dancing, maybe he meant ball peen hammer? Or silent thunder? Wait...that's not a thing. Nigel keeps it real. Do we want to go Easter egg hunting and put this precious baby chick in our basket? Yes. But do we want to vote for him to win a dance competition? Personally, no.

*Commercial break*
Kodak Schmodak.

Evan and Kayla

Jive by choreographers Tony Meredith and Melanie Lapatin (apparently "The Quickest Jive Ever." Do they not say this every time we do a jive or a disco? I'm starting to think they might be exaggerating a little. Or that "fast" is what you say when you have nothing nice to say about a routine.)
Song: T.R.O.U.B.L.E. Travis Tritt
Kayla did a million and a half flips and turns. But her neck looked stiff and it turns out she's bad at humping. I can honestly say I didn't see that coming. And-she actually looked a bit chubby in her outfit, which I didn't realize was even possible. Adam says it didn't reach out to him, and I agree. Mary thinks they danced it safe and in their own worlds, and basically articulates my thoughts better than I ever could. Sad.

*Commercial break*
Kodak Theater in Hollywood! CHEER won't you?!

Kayla
Interview: Dancing since she was two...Proud grandparents...Great reviews...She's not just a dancer-She's a performer. Blah blah. For white lightening, she's not exactly electrifying.
Song: Sweet Dreams (are Made of This) by The Eurythmics.
Before tonight I would have said that Kayla could be a lock, but she really fell off the radar for me. Seemed like she peaked a while ago, and now she couldn't exactly go up from there. (Nigel pretty much says this- she's just fantastic day in day out. Perfection gets tedious.) But there isn't any denying that she is truly an incredible dancer.

*Commercial break*
Starts with a K and rhymes with Wodak......

Jeanine and Brandon
Paso Doble by Choreographer Louis van Amstel
Song: Tetsujin from The Matrix Revolution Soundtrack
Could this possibly compete with the Paso Doble that Evan and that adorable round elf girl did earlier this season? Ummm, yes. And then some. I could have used some doves and some slow motion bullets though. I mean, it is the finale. Adam says "you totally shredded" which solidifies his role as the gay Broadway stoner. Mary finally screams. YES SHE DOES. 3,000 people have been waiting all night for that. Then Nigel gets even creepier than before (wasn't sure it was possible...) which I won't rehash. (Not hash, Adam.)

And that's IT!
Judge's Predictions:
Adam- Predicts all of them. And none of them. Cat insults his manhood.
Mary- Is just glad it's out of her hands.
Nigel- Chooses Brandon or Jeanine.

Way to live up to your name JUDGES! My forecast: Jeanine. It's a girl's year. chalk it up.
So what do you guys think? Love it? Left wanting more? Have a favorite? Let's hear it.

And don't forget to join us tomorrow for the finale LIVE from the....Oh nevermind. You already know.

Nothing to see here...

Move along to Crafty P's! She's got the dance recap this week. Last night we had Ellen, and tonight we gain at least half of TomKat. (i.e. Katie Holmes) Should be a good one!

Vegas Baby!

Did you watch tonight? Hope so...because I fear tomorrow's episode is going to be 1 part clip show, 1 part results show and 100 parts overly extended suspense (...after the break! gets me every time!) I kid....sort of...but tonight was packed with action, and I'm already getting fired up about the judges decisions. I can't wait to hear what you guys think.

Megan's got the recap this week- go on over and give your two cents!

Must See

I don't necessarily recommend following my suggestions when it comes to TV viewing. I mean, in the last two days I've taken in four solid hours of The Bachelor (it's like, season #82 and I still can't quit...) and my DVR is typically filled with more than one episode of some form of The Real Housewives.

BUT.....I actually have a good recommendation this time: Discovery Channel's Planet Earth. If you haven't seen this show yet, you have to watch it! It came out a few years ago, so I'm probably one of the last people on planet earth (get it? get IT?!) to see it, but we caught part of a TV marathon last night, and it is unreal.The footage is truly amazing. Like, almost make me want to get an HDTV type amazing footage. Almost...

There are eleven episodes, and each one is about a different habitat of the world. We watched "Caves", and half of "Great Plains" (at that point Sigourney Weaver's sweet narration lulled us to sleep), and have a few more episodes saved to watch later. I'm a total documentary geek, but even if you're not, I think the show would still be fascinating. I would tell you more, but it pretty much defies explanation. Truly "must see" tv.

Just Dance*

Guess where I went on Saturday night.... A hip new Pittsburgh hot spot? A romantic date with my husband? An all expense paid trip to a tropical paradise? Nope. Better.....

Oh YEAH, that's right, I attended The Snuggle Presents So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour 2008! Catchy title right? Wordiness aside, this was an epic event in my life. See, I LOVE me some SYTYCD (Catchy abbreviation right?). I've explained my obsession at length, but no words could express the joy of seeing it LIVE, and IN PERSON! See all these capital letters? I am BURSTING with excitement. Bold even!

Now, I will be the first one to admit that this wasn't exactly a big budget, slickly produced, high level show of Broadway proportions. No, many aspects of it were more akin to a high school talent show. You see, the bulk of the show was the dance performances. The amazing, flawless, awe-inspiring dance performances. But even the best dancers need a bit of a breather once in a while (not to mention an extra moment or two for a costume change). So, the dancers came out in pairs for some witty repartee, as an attempt to stall allowing the others a chance to catch their breath and shimmy into a new sequin dress. And though I am a true fan of each of the contestants (and therefore am more forgiving than the average patron), at times their attempts at humor, or even attempts at just reading, were a bit painful. At one point my friend Rachel and I agreed it was like watching a bad Young Life skit: puns, awkward transitions and all.

But- I would sit through hours of groaner jokes, and flat dialog for the chance to witness moments that I consider true genius. Yes, the set was minimal to non-existent, and the costumes and the video montages were mostly recycled from the show, but somehow it didn't matter. The performances were good enough that there was no real need to fluff it up with theatrics. Whether you love dance or not, it was powerful to witness twelve people give their all to something they believe they were created to do. It was so inspiring, and (once again) revived my desire to dance. I don't have one-tenth the talent that any of these performers do, but the whole night was a reminder of how much fun dancing is, and how much I miss doing it regularly. I'm hoping to get back to taking lessons here, either going back to my hip hop class, or trying out something new.

But enough about my pointe-shoe-pipe-dreams, back to the show...I wish I could have taken you all with me. Or better yet, I wish I could go again with each of you! But I'll do the next best thing and share the links to some of my favorite performances (Granted, these are from the show, not the tour, but beggars can't be choosers). I hope you find them even a fraction as impressive as I do.

• One of my favorites (Dustin tries to imitate Mark's moves, which only endears me to it more): Chelsea and Mark dance to "Bleeding Love"
• A great look at how costumes, music, and choreography come together to make magic: Group routine to "The Dance" (an amazingly haunting song by Charlotte Martin)
• (Yet another) amazing piece by Mia Michaels, performed by Katee and 2008 winner Josh. I get goosebumps every time I watch this. Crazy good!

What a great night. I'm already looking forward to next year!

* Title is a reference to an infectious song by Lady GaGa. It was all the rage with the preteen girls attending the concert! And me!