American Idol -- Not Much Bling on Neil Diamond Night

OK, let's just get this out of the way before anything else ... what was the deal with Paula last night? The woman was incoherent, confused and loopy. Or I guess I should clarify -- much more so than normal. I guess I've grown so accustomed to it that the wacky comments, the bedroom eyes glazing over any male contestant who is half-way good-looking, the slightly slurred speech and often undeserved accolades have all become acceptable.

But last night was a stark reminder that something's not quite right with Paula.

Granted, the show was more rushed than a maternity ward shuffling women newborns in and out, but still, you'd think she could get it together for an hour-long show. First, when the judges were giving their first-round critiques in the rushed format where they commented on everyone at the same time, she babbled on about Jason's two songs, comparing the first and second when they hadn't even sung the second song yet. "Oh, my notes, oh this is so confusing." Paula, Paula, Paula!

Here's what VOTE FOR THE WORST mentioned (I love their Idol comments):

"Highlights include:

-- Audience girl behind Paula mouthing “what is she talking about?” before any of the producers or Randy and Simon catch on.

-- Seacrest’s “oh shit” moment and look of panic towards the producers off-stage.

--Randy’s obliviousness, as if nothing is wrong, and that this is par for the Paula Craziness Course

-- Simon bursting into laughter right before the cameras cut away.

-- David Cook’s Joker-esque grin and laughter during the whole debacle.

"Idol conspiracy theorists... let’s hear your suggestions on what went wrong. Personally I think Paula was reading her notes from dress rehearsal and couldn’t remember that the 2nd performance hadn’t “happened” yet on TV. But that’s enlightening because it means the judges form their opinions DURING DRESS REHEARSALS. "

Back to me talking now ...

Then ... when commenting on Syesha's second song, she started her critique by calling her Brooke. No one said anything, but the look on Syesha's face said it all.

Anyway, onto the contestants and Neil Diamond night ... I'll just say right off the bat that Jason REALLY, REALLY, REALLY needs to go home this week. I thought both his songs were just awful. I still can't get the image of him strumming his guitar on a kid's cable channel out of my head. He'd be perfect. I just wish he would have tried to change up the songs a bit. Not to sound like Simon, but "September Morning" was like a bad wedding singer.

Simon's right ... it's just more of the same Jason. Nothing new, nothing original. As I watched him, I just couldn't believe that he made it to the top 5 and Michael Johns didn't. Oh well, I'm over that ... really!

David Cook was good, as usual. I preferred his more rocked out, grittier second song. And I think it's nice that he has his cancer-stricken brother's initials, AC, emblazoned on his jacket and guitar. If you notice, the AC was in the rock group AC/DC font. I guess that's Adam Cook/David Cook. Adam Cook is in the advanced stages of brain cancer. He was actually in the audience a few weeks ago. His community raised $80,000 to pay for a special medical flight out to the show. Now, efforts are under way to raise money to fly him to the finale (assuming David C makes it). You can find out more here.

Anyway, back to Idol ...

Brooke. Her "I'm A Believer" left me speechless ... and not in a good way. Her smile seemed force, her feet seemed unnaturally planted on the ground, and, I don't know if it was just me, but her guitar seemed huge. I will concede, however, that she redeemed herself with "I Am, I Said." Much more of the real Brooke. It was weird, though, to have the Arizona mention in there.

David A was pretty good. Again, he has a great voice, just not as much pizazz or originality as David C. I think it's funny that every time someone sings a patriotic song, Simon says "what a smart song choice" in that smug little face, as if they're being manipulative. Maybe it's the insecure Brit in him, I don't know.

Syesha, I thought, was better than usual. I think after last week she's come out of her shell and is much more relaxed (maybe too relaxed with the bare feet and all). She's a beautiful girl with a nice voice and a theater personality and background, so I think she'll come out of all this plenty of career options.

So, bottom two ... Jason and Syesha. Going home -- Jason, please.

Hide and Seek

It's late April and the Arizona heat is playing a great game of hide and seek, readying to come out of hiding for good in the coming few weeks. March and April have been beautiful. Some coolish days -- at least by my recently adapted Arizona standards -- and our first push into the 90s over the weekend.

Blake and Nicky each had indoor soccer games Saturday. Nicky's team got demolished, something like 15-4 ... and poor Nicky was goalie. Each time he was scored on, he'd turn around and look up at the scoreboard, his face becoming increasingly forlorn as the goals became more frequent. When the coach finally replaced him in the 3rd quarter and put him at forward, he scored a goal, so some of the grumpiness and frustration that had been ruminating while he was playing had dissipated by the car ride home.

Blake's team lost 3-4 to a rival Anthem team that is a year older. He had a great goal even though he thought it was "cheap" because he and an opponent were both racing to the ball and the other guy tripped and fell.

Once the games were over, we spent much of Saturday afternoon out by the pool and in the back yard. The pool water is still just a few degrees too cool to officially get "in," but Zach and Allie love playing on the steps and we love being outside while we still can.

We decided to go out to dinner Saturday night. We were going to try a new Mexican restaurant that we had heard good things about. But when we pulled up, it was in a strip mall and I was in the mood for more outdoor ambiance, so we drove up to El Encanto in Cave Creek. It's about a 25-minute drive from our house, and the area is partially what sold me on Arizona when we first checked the area out before we made the final decision to move here. The hilly, cactus-studded terrain is peppered with pueblo-style homes. Lots of beautiful rock formations. It's a great place drive to or from during sunset. When you get to the main strip in Cave Creek, there are rustic little shops and a few restaurants with names like Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog Restaurant and Horny Toad Restaurant.

El Encanto is a local favorite. I don't think the food has been the best the past couple times, but you can't beat the atmosphere. There's a huge outdoor dining area, and we usually brave it dining with the critters. There's a huge pond with ducks, turtles and fish. There's a food machine (for feeding fish) and the kids always love feeding them. There are a lot of birds flitting about and it frequently feels like they barely miss the table. Saturday night the weather was perfect. Warm with a soft breeze.

Going out to dinner with the kids is always a gamble. If Zach and Allie are tired or restless, it can make for a short evening ... or in some cases, a long evening. Blake, in his pre-pubescent state, could potentially be unpleasant, complaining that "nothing looks good" or anything else that is on his mind.

But Saturday night they were all angels. Talking, laughing, listening to the mariachis sing "It's a Small World" -- yeah, it was kind of weird, and earning their end-of-the-meal reward of feeding the ducks and turtles in the pond. They even all ate their dinners -- bonus!

When we came home the kids remembered that Saturday is Family Game Night -- which we instituted about a month ago. So they all wanted to play hide and seek. Actually hide and seek base, where the hiders run to the designated base before the seeker finds them or catches them. Zach and Allie still don't quite grasp the concept of hiding, so they enjoy the license to run through the house, yelling and being crazy.

Blake always seems to find the best hiding places. This time he managed to crouch down, twisted like a pretzel, in a low section of the bathroom closet. I didn't know he was that limber.

Last summer we played a lot of hide and seek when the brutal heat kept us indoors.

It won't be long ... I better come up with some good places to hide ...

American Idol results: Surprising, but welcome

So I actually had four people ask me where my American Idol blog was yesterday. It's nice to know that people are actually reading what I write. Makes me feel like a real writer again (hopefully I had more than four readers when I was a newspaper reporter, though :).

After Tuesday's performance show, I thought for sure we'd see Brooke and Jason in the bottom two. Brooke, of course, flubbed her beginning -- AGAIN -- and asked the band to restart the song for her. She just seemed so stressed out the rest of the song. I felt so nervous and tense watching her -- like watching your school-aged child in a play, hoping she doesn't flub her lines. And that weird little thing she does, kind of biting her lip ... kind of annoying. I still like her. Apparently a lot of us do.

And Jason. Jason, Jason, Jason. He's like the kid who doesn't have to study, but always gets A's. Going with the flow. While he said he was nervous, he sure didn't look it to me. He's always got the classic lines, though. "I didn't know a cat sang it." Classic Jason. Speaking of cats, ever since that comment, I keep thinking he looks like the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. That big smile. Anyway, his "Memories" song was pretty weak.

Syesha, I thought, was sensational. Hers is the performance I remember best. I'm sure Broadway producers will be knocking on her door as soon as the Idol tour is over.

David A -- I'm just not that into him. Sorry. I'm sure he'll be in the final 2 -- perhaps even win. I know the younger crowd loves him.

David Cook was good, as usual. Not as great as some of his performances, but still good. Did anyone catch when Andrew Lloyd Weber, in giving him advice, told David to imagine a beautiful "17-year-old girl?" Geesh! I loved David's reaction. He laughed, bowed his head and said, "I'm 25." Yes, Sir Weber, here in the states men can go to jail for fraternizing with 17-year-olds ... I'm kind of surprised the producers didn't edit that out.

Carley. I've never been a fan and I thought she looked silly when she held up the turquoise T-shirt that said that "Simon likes me." Too bad voters didn't. She's got a great voice, but I don't think she connects with the audience. She was too mature for the younger voters and maybe older voters (like older than me) were put off by her tattoos ... I don't know.

So, yes, I was glad to see Carley go.

And next week we get to hear the final 5 sing Neil Diamond songs. Sounds ... not very exciting. However, I'm eager to hear what David Cook does. I keep thinking of his amazing "Hello" performance. I'm sure he can pull off something similar with a Neil Diamond song. "Love on the Rocks" maybe??

I'm trying to guess what the others might sing. Guesses, anyone?

Sick kids and baby bunnies

Not too much going on here the past week ... other than strep throat continuing its run in our household.

Nicky was the first to have it a couple weeks ago. About a week later, it was Blake's turn. Then yesterday Zachy woke up with a blazing fever. He said his ears hurt. Poor little guy ... when I got him to the doctor in the afternoon, we found it he indeed has an ear infection -- and strep throat. His fever is a little less today, but he still just wants to cuddle with Mommy on the couch and watch movies.

In other goings-on:

• I got to sneak away with some friends last Friday to a big scrapbooking convention. I love to scrapbook, but haven't found much time for it the past couple months. Every once in a while I meet some friends at the local scrapbook store to work on some projects. Sometimes I can sneak in some time at home. Anyway, it was a lot of fun and now I have even more projects and ideas to keep me busy.
• We hired a gardener to spruce up our back yard a bit. We replaced the big shade tree outside the master bedroom window that came down during a big windstorm last fall. We also put in a larger tree in the corner pool area behind the slide. And some bouganvillea and another shrub/vine that I can't remember the name of, which will eventually cover the concrete wall and the interior pool view fence. The gardener stumbled upon a bunny nest. We knew there was one closeby. Several clues -- baby bunny droppings on the back patio, and, so sadly, a couple baby bunnies found in the pool. Anyway, when the kids and I peeked into the nest, sure enough, we saw at least three TINY bunnies -- about three inches long -- burrowing about. The kids were worried about coyotes or snakes finding them -- or stumbling into the pool. We ultimately left them where they were, deciding that Mommy Bunny (assuming she's still around somewhere) needs to know where her babies are.
• Nicky had his first tryouts for club soccer last night. We're still on the fence about whether he's mature enough yet to handle more soccer responsibility but he says he wants to do it -- and wants to be goalie ... we'll see.
• The weather is still beautiful, but April is flirting with the year's first 100-degree mark. We're in the upper 80s and low 90s this week and could reach close to 100 over the weekend, the forecasters say.
  

American Idol -- David vs. David

Last night I watched American Idol, but it felt obligatory.With Michael Johns gone, I had a hard time getting into it. I've never thought he was the best, but he was fun to watch. I think Brett's glad he's gone. Over the last couple weeks he started referring to him as "your favorite" or "your boyfriend." I don't know what gave it away -- me demanding the kids to "ssshhh" every time he sang or all the posters of him that have mysteriously appeared throughout the house (that's a JOKE, to those of you who weren't sure).

But anyway, life goes on .... and really ... Mariah Carey week??? Yes, she's a great singer, but how many times have we heard the women criticized for singing "big" Mariah or Whitney or Celine songs? I think this was another chance for Randy to name-drop.

The women were bad. Sayesha was ok, but I have yet to see her personality. I don't know a thing about her. Kristy Lee was mediocre this week. How long can she ride this out? Carley was ... Carley. I still haven't seen a performance of hers that I really like. And Brooke. Poor Brooke. She just seems to be slowly deteriorating -- performance-wise -- each week. I think nerves have gotten the best of her. Did you see the bewildered look on her face when Simon said she was like a hamburger without the meat? So sad. I would love to see her have another great week to rival her "You're So Vain" week.

So that leaves the guys. I thought Jason was good in his Jason, mellow, soothing kind of way. Brett can't stand him, but I think he's easy to listen to, and really, one of the most consistent ones since the beginning.

And then there are the Davids. These two guys are going to be the final two. Little David was good and cute and taking his deep breaths again. But David Cook should win. He's incredible and he's more "now" than any of the others. He's the most creative one of the bunch and he's become much more likeable over the course of the show. And he loves words and crossword puzzles -- he deserves to win :)

Bottom three: Carley, Sayesha, Kristy

Going home: Carley

Still running ...

It was another busy weekend here at the Dawson house.

For starters, after 6 months of being 40, I've finally discovered a benefit: when I run in races, I'm in the 40-44 or 40-49 category. A year ago at 39 I would have been running against women in their early 30s. Now I'm one of the young ones in my division :)

So on Saturday I had a great time running in Emma's Run, a local 5K race held in memory of Emma Simpkins that benefits children's charities. They were also holding a 10K event and for the last couple weeks I've been wrestling with whether to do the 5K (3.1 miles) or go for the longer 10K (6.2 miles). I've been running 3-6 miles about 3 times a week and started a new exercise class at the gym. Yet I still didn't feel I was in the zone to do the longer race ... even though my half marathon was only a short month ago.

The night before I let myself off the hook and decided the shorter distance would be better. And Saturday morning as I was running up, up, up Gavilan Peak Drive with the wind whipping me in the face and trying to rip off my baseball cap, I was so happy I made that decision. I kept my pace up between 8:30 and 9:30 the whole time. Halfway through, the course looped around and so we got to go downhill in the final stretch. But, still, I was feeling hot and slightly nauseous at moments and I wanted to stop, almost did. But something kept me going.

When I got home and looked up my results online, I saw I did it in 28:16. My last 5K in November was 29:29. And here's the shocking part. First, I have to say this was a smaller community race, so it was a relatively small group of about 220 runners. And I think all the good, fast runners either decided to stay home, run easy, or walk. But somehow in the 40-49 year-old women, I came in SECOND and was the 11th woman overall.

So that was exciting to see that flash up on my computer, but I know it was an anomaly. I know so many runners who run a lot faster than me. For instance, if my friend Tracey would have run instead of walking it with her family, she would have bumped me down to third place. So I enjoyed that little fluke and hope it carries me to the next race ... even if that may not be until the fall now that the warm weather is rearing its ugly head.

In memory of Emma Simpkins.
"I love you more than bunnies."

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Meanwhile, participating in the run meant I had to miss Nicky's soccer game. Over the past week he hasn't been feeling the soccer love much. His coach has been putting him at goalie a lot and the past couple of games, quite a few balls have slipped by him. As a parent, it's the most nerve-wracking position to watch your child play. And big brother (and soccer star) Blake is always behind him shouting out commands disguised as "encouragement." Nicky finally said he doesn't want him back there any more.

So as we talked about going to soccer practice Wednesday night, Nicky had a big meltdown, saying his soccer days are over and he's not playing anymore. After a cooling-off period and some encouraging words from Brett and I ... and Blake, Brett managed to get him to his game on Saturday. As goalie, Nicky didn't let anyone score on him, and out in the field, he had his first goal of the season. And, of course, the only time I haven't been there and I missed it.

Blake had a great game, too. They demolished the other team 12-2 or something like that. Blake had 3 goals.

****************************************************************************

If any of you are planning an Arizona visit before it gets too hot, you better get here next week :) We had a hot weekend, today is supposed to be 96 and then we're supposed to "cool" to the 80s for a bit before it heats up again.

American Idol Tries to Inspire

Getting us primed for tomorrow night's mega-star-powered Idol Gives Back, tonight the final 8 belted out songs that inspire them.

Some of my least favorites in past weeks were my favorites tonight. Here they are in the order I liked them this week, best to worst.

1. I can't believe I'm saying this, but my favorite this week was Jason Castro. He sang Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of "Over the Rainbow." Perhaps I'm biased because this has been one of my favorite songs over the past year. It's been in my Ipod since I started running and I love listening to it at the beginning of runs when I'm warming up and at the end when I'm winding down. Anyway, I thought this song was perfect for Jason's easy-going style. I just wish he would stop doing those weird things with his face.

2. Here's another one I never would have thought I would pick as number two, but I really liked Kristy Lee Cook this week. I like some country songs and she seemed so natural and sure of who she was singing "Anyway." And she has a great attitude.

3. David Archuleta had another great week. My only problem with him is that it often looks like he's gasping for air. Still, such a smooth, velvety voice. Although not my absolute favorite, I think he'll probably win. I just hope Hollywood doesn't corrupt him -- he seems like such a nice kid.

4. Michael Johns had another pretty good week with Aerosmith's Dream On. Randy and Simon liked him but don't really buy him as a rocker. I think they're being too closed-minded. He's diverse. Paula said he sounded as good as he looks and then something about Chihuahuas?? Have another sip out of your Coke cup, Paula ... and stop drooling. At least she's more coherent than she was a couple years ago.

5. Brooke White. I continue to pull for Brooke each week. I love her voice and she's a local girl from Mesa, just down the highway. But she seems to grow more timid and unsure of herself each week. Tonight after she sang and waited for the judges' responses, she looked like a nervous schoolgirl waiting to see if the boy she likes is going to ask her to dance. Simon likened her performance to something like a nice stroll in the park. Well said.

6. David Cook was off tonight. I'm still a huge fan and he's my pick to win, but between his boring song, his awful white leather jacket and him throwing his hand with the scrawled words "give back" into the camera (kind of gratuitous, if you ask me), it wasn't his night. Simon was right -- he, unfortunately, came off a bit cocky.

7. Syesha sang Fantasia's "I Believe." Unfortunately, I don't think the judges believed in her much tonight. Syesha keeps making the mistake of singing these huge songs sung by powerhouses. She always pales in comparison. Bottom three for sure.

8. I'm sorry, I just don't get Carly. She has a great voice, but I just can't get into her performances. Her personality is a bit strange and between her bouts of insecurity and nerves, she just doesn't come across as someone who is confident. And other than her being Irish and having a huge tattoo on her right arm, I really feel like I know nothing about her. Bottom three.

So I guess we'll find out Thursday ...

Bottom three: Sayesha, Carly, Brooke

Going home: Sayesha

Stop and smell the roses ... or listen to the violins

Today as I surfed through some of the major news stories of the day, the annual headline that is always a favorite of mine caught my eye: this year's Pulitzer prize winners had been announced.

Ever since the early 1990s when I was a staff reporter at the Mountain Democrat, I've always loved reading the award-winning newspaper pieces.

I haven't had a chance to read them all yet. With the twins keeping me busy and Nicky home with strep throat today, I've read just one so far. As I perused the list of winners, categories, and titles, this is the one I chose to read first.

I love this article. It's brilliantly written, wildly entertaining, an interesting look at human behavior, and from a newspaper person's point of view, a masterpiece of an idea. And it's also a great reminder that in the go, go, go of our everyday lives, we need to give ourselves permission to stop and relish the surprises of the day. Enjoy!

A few tidbits

So I was wrong about Sayesha going home and only got Kristy Lee Cook right in the bottom three. BUT I have to admit I’m glad that Ramiele got the boot this week. She has been consistently bad or boring for weeks now. And I never realized how absoultely tiny she is until last night when I saw her bottom-three castmates Brooke and Kristy towering over her.

I have to give credit to my 7-year-old, Nick. At the beginning of the show he guessed the bottom three and was right. And then he got Ramiele right. He was so proud of himself and said I owe him $5, even though a bet was never made. He thinks just because I’m getting old he can say something like that, hoping that I think I said it but forgot. Sometimes it works.

Anyway, I think one thing is clear -- the Idol boys are dominating. I think of the girls, Carly will go the farthest.

And I’m still rooting madly for Michael Johns.

***
We’re enjoying the sunshine and 80s temps here in Arizona. The kids had a half-day at school Wednesday and a friend of mine had a pool party. So fun. Of course, this time of year also brings out the critters. My friend’s friend saw a rattlesnake at her mailbox yesterday. Ugh!
***
I’m still running, but not as much as I was when I was in training mode for the half marathon. I did a few 4-mile runs last week and on Sunday did 6. I’m working on getting a little faster now. I’ll be running in a local race, Emma’s Run, here in town on April 12th. This is the second year of this run, which is in honor of Emma, a young girl who died tragically in her driveway two years ago.

A friend talked me into trying a "Boot Camp" class at the gym. I don’t know whether to thank her or never speak to her again. It’s amazing how I can run miles and miles but if I do something different I feel like I’m going to pass out. Anyway, it did ultimately feel good to wake up some of those muscles that have been dormant for too long. So, yea, I’ll thank her ... even though I can barely walk today. :)

***

The boys are still playing indoor soccer. Nicky is playing goalie a lot, which is so nerve-wracking to watch. Blake is always behind the goal, giving him tips. His team is about 50-50. Last week they lost by a point.

Blake's team has only lost one and is doing very well. As they get older they start playing A LOT rougher. And Blake is generally one of the smaller guys out there. But his speed and aggressiveness make up for it.

Zachy is obsessed with basketball. He plays on the small hoop in Blake and Nick's room, the small hoop outside, and he spent most of his time at the pool party shooting baskets.

Allie is definitely a girlie-girl. We painted her fingernails and toenails for the first time a couple weeks ago. She did so well sitting still while I did it. And over the next week, anytime a nail got chipped, she insisted I redo it.

"Mommy, look," she'd say with a puckered lip as she would hold a finger up for me to see the bare nail.

And the two neighbor girls, who are about 8, come over and do Allie's hair all the time. And that's fine with me ... it's so fine and wispy, that even though she's 3, I still have a hard time doing anything with it. I'm hoping that in another year it will finally be nice and long.

She also has started a new look in fashion around here -- summer dresses with tights. She's not happy until she has her tights on. So today it's a cute pink rosebud print sundress with tights adorned with silver, pink and blue snowflakes.

"Look, Mom. Pink matches," my little shabby chic daughter says.

"Yes, it does, my dear."

American Idol -- Dolly-style

So it was Dolly Parton week on American Idol. I'd have to say I've never considered myself a Dolly fan, but after hearing that she's penned more than 3,000 songs, I have to admit, I'm impressed. And I thought her comments to the contestants were very heartfelt and thoughtful -- it seemed like she really had been watching the show and knew a bit about each of them.

As for the idol-wannabes ... I'd have to say top honors of the night go to Michael Johns. He had a chance to show his bluesy side and he seemed relaxed and comfortable. I think the producers intentionally put the best performance of the night last ... it often turns out that way.

David Cook had another good night. I'd been reading that he had drawn some criticism for previous weeks' "unique" versions of songs (Billie Jean and Eleanor Rigby) when they were in fact arrangements that he had mimicked after likely Googleing the song and discovering other bands' altered versions. I was glad to see that all that was put aside as he did his own arrangement tonight. Another good week, but not quite up to par to Eleanor Rigby -- still my favorite.

I had hoped that Brooke White would sing "Jolene." Unfortunately, I don't think she gave it enough umph. It almost seemed like nerves were holding her back. She hasn't seemed like herself the past couple weeks.

Ramiele ... I'm sorry. She's cute and sweet, but come on. She's really BORING. She might last another couple weeks flying under the radar, but her time is drawing near.

Jason Castro. Is it just me, or does it sound like he's doing the same thing every week? Tonight it hit me that he would be great on a kids' show. With his animated face and the consistent strumming of his guitar, he'd be a unique addition to the Wiggles. Another two weeks for Jason.

Kristy Lee Cook. I actually liked her tonight for the second week in a row. I think she has a great country voice.

I'm not a big Carly Smithson fan, but I thought she was great tonight with Here You Come Again or Here I Go or whatever it's called. I wonder why Simon doesn't like her. It was mean -- even for him -- to criticize her wardrobe the way he did. She already seems like the most nervous one up there. Before there were pregnancy rumors because she's perhaps -- by Hollywood standards -- a few pounds overweight. Now the poor girl has to figure out what Simon thinks she should wear. Maybe he doesn't like her tattoos.

Little David A. had a great night. Cute and a great song about the Smokey Mountains -- which are beautiful by the way. I visited them when I was 13 or so.

Sayesha -- once again she was forgettable.

Bottom three: Sayesha, Kristy, Jason

Going home: Sayesha