Cookie

For those who are long time readers of my blog you know my love for David Cook. I blogged all through last season and Chris and I camped out for almost 10 hours to meet him in person. But after watching him perform last night on the American Idol finale I fell in love with him all over again.

I have been lucky enough to find a place online to watch American Idol live each week. Don't worry my Japan friends. I won't ruin who won it last night just in case you want to be surprised in another few weeks. But I will take this time to blog about David Cook singing in the finale.

As all American Idol fans know, David Cook's brother has brain cancer. David has an AC on every guitar he plays in honor of his brother. He wears a bracelet given from a special little girl in honor of his brother. Many watched Adam be able to see David perform live last year on American Idol. But what many of you may not know is that on May 2 Adam Cook lost his battle to brain cancer.

David Cook has a song on his CD called Permanent that was written in honor of his brother. Since the first time I heard this song, it has become a favorite of mine. Last night he performed that song on the American Idol finale. I am sure there wasn't a dry eye in the place. He also announced that for a month the live version was going to be available on itunes and all proceeds will go to Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2), a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to finding a cure for brain cancer. As soon as it goes on itunes I will be clicking away.

For those who may have missed his performance last night, here you go. Grab your Kleenex.

dave @ Yahoo! Video

American Idol Musings

I know most of you are probably in shock that it has been 8 weeks and I have not blogged about American Idol. One would think that moving to Japan would help cure my addiction for this reality TV show. And while we rarely watch any TV here as our shows are either non-existent or several years behind, Japan also shares in my addiction and we get to watch the current season here.

The show here is actually 4 weeks behind the states, but I have found a place online to watch each person sing, their "clip" and the judges responses almost immediately after the show airs. Then of course I can then vote and also watch it again here 4 weeks later. Matt loves when I spoiler the show before him either at the dinner table or while he is watching.

So my thoughts so far? Season 8 is a train wreck. I have never seen such drama from contestants as this year. From the crying (Nathanial) to the ear-piercing drama (Tatiana) to the fights during Hollywood to the whole Normal Gentle weirdness, I was just not quite sure what to make of things. But I have to say, I am pretty happy with who the final "13" were. I think there were a few mistakes, but overall they were good choices.

Since the auditions I have had a favorite –– 28-year-old Danny Gokey. Wow. He has an amazing voice, has a great personality, has a funky style, is a Godly man, and of course is super yummy.
Last year I loved Cookie from day one, so maybe I can have luck at picking the winners.

There are a few others that are pretty good too. Alexis Grace has a great voice and a cute personality, I like Allison Iraheta's rocker style and give me Matt Giraud on a piano any day.

I think Scott MacIntyre would make a good Jim Brickman and Michael Sarver and Anoop seem like fun guys to hang with. I think Kris Allen has improved alot in the past few weeks, but I think he is not "out there enough" to have a real shot at anything.

I know everyone just loves Adam Lambert, but his mannerisms (especially that weird tongue thing) and his singing style just does nothing for me. He has a killer range and great chops, but everything else just turns me off.

And the others? Meh... they are pretty forgettable to me.

I like the twist to this years show. It would have been wonderful to have had that last year with Michael Johns. Although it still would not have changed the outcome. Cookie earned that claim to fame outright.

So there you go. My American Idol ramblings at 1:30 am. I am curious to see where this season heads and how the contestants improve each week. And now I am off to watch more of David Cook on tour from You Tube. Pathetic I know, but hey. I don't see him coming to Japan anytime soon, so I have to get my fix somehow.

An even bigger countdown...

What is more exciting than Matt coming home for Christmas in 14 days, the packers coming in 15 days and the kids and I leaving for Japan in 47 days?

This:



Only 41 days until the start of American Idol.

Oh Yeah... Time of MY Life

I think I am still floating 6 feet off the ground after Chris and my American Idol Concert experience on Sunday.

It was an awesome experience. I cannot even begin to describe just how awesome. Chris and I got there a little after 8 am and were the third people there, in hopes of meeting the Idols after they got off the tour bus.


After a very long wait of almost 7 hours, the idols got there and started to come out to greet the fans. Unfortunately Cookie, Carly and Brooke had press on that day so they were only outside for about 15 minutes. My hopes of getting a pic with him were dashed, but hey I still met him and got his autograph. Not that it would have mattered because when he said "hi" all I could muster was "T-t-t-thank you". Can I just say he is soooooo much better looking in person than even on tv or in the magazines.


Archie and Jason Castro were out there for well over an hour greeting all their fans. Michael Johns is hilarious and really just a regular guy. Chickeeze is very personable and fun to talk with. Carly is beautiful. Brooke is super sweet and just an itty bitty thing. Everyone but Syesha and Ramile came out.


It was so interesting seeing all the people wearing shirts and other items displaying their favorite Idol. People were holding signs, carrying battery operated radios playing their favorite Idol's music and even brought gifts. It was crazy. One lady, who had to be in her mid-50s, almost passed out when Chickeeze came out. I definitely wasn't the only "Cougar for Cook" out there. My favorite shirt said "I like a guy who wears eyeliner." And my favorite fans had to me the ones of Jason Castro. They were too cute. (As is he!)

Before the concert Chris and I managed to play cornhole for a chance of upgraded tickets. And guess what! We got them. So our nose bleed section seats turned into seats right off the floor. Not as great as if they were front row, but still awesome.




The concert lasted three hours. And it was so different from the other concerts I have been to. Maybe it's because these people were average joes like us who we invited into our living room for 6 months. Maybe its because we saw them transform as the weeks went on? They just seem real, if that makes sense.

I am counting down the days until Cookie's album is released. As well as some of the others. They all were so amazing that I can see myself downloading lots of albums from i-tunes in the coming year.

Now I just have to find a way to goto DCs solo tour. It kick's off in January.

In the meantime, you can see some of my pictures and even a few more videos here.

So what does Chris say about his first concert experience? "When can we go again. Just don't scream so loud next time mom. "

I Must Say Goodbye

Because today I leave for my David Cook American Idol weekend. I have been counting down the days for 2 months and finally its here. And I cannot wait.

Chris and I are leaving today to go to Shannon's house in South Carolina. Chris and her son, David, will get to play and sit and watch the neighbors do some fence installation and Shannon and I will do some girlie bonding and book sale shopping. Then at 6:30 am on Sunday Chris and I will head back north to Charlotte for the big concert day.

No that was not a misprint. I did say am. Why so early? Because Chris and I are going to camp out to watch the tour buses roll in, all in hopes of getting to meet David Cook all the Idols in person. Yes we are lame and yes I am 33. Chris has promised to take my picture with David if I take his with Brooke White. Cute little boy I have.

Obviously I am more than looking forward towards seeing this group of Idols in person. But I am also excited to get to spend some one-on-one time with my son. It's not often we get to do something like this.

I probably won't be back to blogland until Monday. So until then I will leave you with this preview of what I will be seeing in TWO days. I promise I will try not to be one of those screaming ladies you hear in the background.

Monday Musings

1. Camping this past weekend was a blast. In fact, we had so much fun we have decided to go again either in August or September. I'll post pics soon.
   
2. Jamie and the rest of the Fredericks are on their way here –– as I type! Woot! However, with a flat tire at 3 am I am not expecting them until sometime tonight. Personally I think they are just trying to avoid the 100 degree temperature here today.
   
3. I think I will use my free Starbuck's beverage coupon today. Can I just say how excited I am that one just opened 7 minutes from my house?
4. Why is it that when oil goes up $15 a barrel our gas prices soared 50¢ to 75¢? Yet when oil drops $15, gas prices go down 4¢ to 6¢?
5. The Dark Knight did amazing at theatre's this past weekend. Estimates are saying $155.3 million in tickets. Is anyone else slightly sad when watching clips of this movie? From what I hear Ledger's final performance was anything short of amazing.
   
6. 27 days... only 27 days until the American Idol tour!
   
7. Has anyone seen the story on the 2 year old little girl in Florida that has been missing for 6 weeks, yet the mother just reported it? Supposedly a babysitter took off with the child at the beginning of June and hasn't been seen since. The mother finally just told the grandparents and they reported it. What the heck?!? If my child was missing for 6 seconds I would be batting down the police door. We live in a messed up world.
   
8. An update to my itouch just came out. This update includes lots of downloads, including more web applications and games. Soon I will be able to chat and Facebook from anywhere.
9. I need to get the oil changed in my van today. Ugh... this is always a long process. Every time I go the line is always out the door. Regardless of where I go.
10. My dad's surgery is Thursday. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
    

Happy Early Birthday To Me!

I know my birthday is still 3 weeks away, but I bought my own present. I bit the bullet and got two tickets to the American Idol Tour! **Cue the fireworks, applause and screaming**

I could kick myself. I had the opportunity to buy presale tickets and didn't. They would have been floor seats. I then had the chance to have Row B tickets, but once again didn't. Between the cost of the tickets themselves and the gas to get there (it's in Charlotte, about 2.5 hours away) I just couldn't justify it.

But you know what? It will be my birthday treat. I stay home with my kids. My husband travels–– alot. I deserve it. I didn't get the best buy in seats, but hey they aren't that bad.

And the lucky winner to go with me? My lovely son Chris! I am already planning our departure time to get there in time to line up to see them get off the bus and hope real hard that we are the lucky ones to get meet & greet passes. Val, maybe you should send me some luck. You seem to have a way with celebrities. Maybe make a call into your Talk Soup boyfriend **wink wink**

Only 81 days!

And the winner is...

Send out the celebration party invitations the next American Idol winner has been chosen. This has to be one of my favorite seasons. The overall talent was better than any other season. And to end a great season, the best man won. I guess my 19 votes in 4 hours counted for something.

Here is a great tribute to this year's winner –– David Cook. Enjoy.

It's All About, Well, Progression

I bet my checking account the next American Idol will be... David! Tonight was the American Idol duel-off between David and David. Both are amazingly talented young men.

David Archuletta is a 17 year old kid from Utah, who just happens to be a past winner on Star Search. He came in sounding awesome and ended tonight sounding the exact same –– awesome.

David Cook is a 25 year old bartender. He describes himself as a "word nerd" and is probably the only one in history of American Idol to use the word "trite" on national television. He started off the season almost getting voted off. Each week he has gotten better. Taking the song and spinning it into "him". As he said tonight, this show is all about progression. And I 100 percent agree.

Both will do awesome no matter how the vote goes tomorrow. But if you look at the season as a whole, what this show truly is about, then David Cook is the clear cut winner.

And the winner of American Idol is...

David! Last night three became two as Syesha was voted off. I think next week's finale will be the best one ever. With these two guys I think we are in for some exciting competition. Both David's are extremely talented and have their own style. I know we will all be wondering what will they will do.

So which one am I pulling for? Five years ago I became a "Claymaniac". Now I have become a "Cookie".

Move over Daughtry

Here comes David Cook.

I haven't blogged much about my American Idol obsession this season. But I just have to after last night. For my longtime blog readers, you know I love love love Clay Aiken. (yeah I know, I'm weird) But I have to say, David Cook is about on the same pedestal. (Sorry Val) The guy gives me chills. He is so original, so fresh, so –– wow.

For those who are not American Idol watchers, you may not know the story behind this brilliantly talented man. (Are you a man at 25?) His brother is undergoing chemo for a second diagnosis of brain cancer, which has spread to his spine. This road to stardom is not only filled with the stress of the show, but with stress and anxiety of his brothers illness. Last night's show was a special one. His brother was able to take a break from chemo and come from Indiana to see his David perform in the final 7. No wonder last night he had tears in his eyes when he closed his song.

There is no doubt in my mind that he is a clear cut winner. However we all know that many times the best don't win (look at Clay and Daughtry).

For those who have not seen what this guy can do, grab your laptop computer and youtube his past weeks songs. For those who may have missed last night, here is a review. Enjoy!

Maybe It's Monday?

We got into Raleigh at 7 pm last night. Matt was right. Coming back home is much worse than going jet lag wise. I finally dozed off at 2:30 am last night and after waking up about 5 times I got up at 6 am. While I was exhausted, I really wasn't all that tired –– until about 2pm this afternoon when I stupidly slept for a few hours. Now I am wide awake again. Ho hum.

Don't worry I plan on doing lots of blogging about the trip. I have uploaded all the pics to my computer and now I just need to upload them online and start descriptions. I will probably blog in waves, so just be patient. After all, I have 10 days to catch you up on.

So while I am still steaming over last weeks American Idol (I just watched it on my DVR –– flipping Ryan), I will spend some time catching you up on things around here.

• Sami is learning how to ride her bike without training wheels. She is able to do it for about 15 seconds before having to stop. She is pretty proud of herself.
  
• Chris's baseball team is just starting practices. This season he starts kids pitch instead of coach pitch. I am hoping this will make games much more exciting than in previous years. Wednesday he will be representing his elementary in a county wide sporting event as the fastest boy mile runner at his school.
  
• Emily landed her full on the floor while I was gone. This is a huge huge huge thing in gymnastics. This is not her, but this is what the skill looks like.
  

• Matt is scheduling a trip to Brazil for the beginning of June. He will be gone 13 days. He is tired of traveling, but excited because he has never been to Brazil yet. he is bummed that he will miss the last week of the kid's school. I guess it is only fitting as he also missed their first week.
  
• Well I did not get that position that I blogged about last month. But when one door closes another opens, right? Well today via email a new client confirmed that he chose me for a project. I am very excited about this one as it is a whole new market, yet one that I love. Shopping! I will be writing online catalogs for furniture and other items like sporting goods and door hardware. Pretty cool!!!
• My parents leave tomorrow for Ohio (my dad drove down on Saturday and will leave with my mom tomorrow) It has been great having them here and showing them around a town that I have grown to love. Thank you so so so so so much for helping with the kids. You guys rock.
  
• Did I mention that I am yanked with last week's American Idol? (the results, not the Idol Gives Back portion)
  

American Idol - Blake versus Jordin

At the beginning of the season I wasn't all that excited about AI. None of the people really did it for me. I think coming off of the season with Chris, Elliot and even Taylor made it less exciting. Now that we are in the last week, I am sad to see it come to end end. I have grown to love many of the people from this season.

Singing alone, Jordin beats Blake. But (yes there is a but in there) I think she beats him in contemporary, ballad type songs. Jordin has a hell of a voice, but her voice isn't super flexible. (At least when comparing to someone like Kelly Clarkson) Singing aside, Blake is one of the best performers ever on AI. He does have a voice, but it depends on the genre of music. Jordin just doesn't appear comfortable working the stage.

Personally I think Jordin will win. I think the judges were setting that up perfectly. But honestly, I don't think it really matters. Blake and Jordin will both do very well.

NC Gives Back To American Idol

Gotta love our local newspaper The News & Observer. This is the funniest AI spoof I have seen in a long time. I forgot which contestants came from NC, besides Clay and Chris of course. Enjoy!

American Idol - The Semi Finals

And then there were three. It is down to Jordin, Blake and Melinda now. And how did they do tonight?

Song #1
Jordin was up first and did well. After the past few weeks I wasn't sure how she would do, but she has redeemed herself.
Blake sang Roxanne. I just love The Police. I think he did great, minus the breaking the mic incident at the end. Oops.
Melinda went last. So far she is the weakest of the evening, IMO.
So how did they place? Jordin, Blake and then Melinda.

Song #2
Jordin did "work hard for her money" on that song. She has great vocals.
Blake and Maroon 5. I loved, loved, loved it. Perfect song choice.
Melinda... I have to admit I fast forwarded the DVR to get caught up. She just didn't strike my interest with the first few notes. Sorry Melinda.
So for song #2, Blake, Jordin and then Melinda.

Song #3
Jordin... I hate the song itself, but a perfect showcase of her range. I do have to agree with Simon on the song choice though.
Blake. Okay I LOVED the clip from his hometown. "I like big butts and I cannot lie..." As for his song tonight (you know the real reason for this post) I cannot stand Robin Thicke. (Sorry Alan, AKA Jason Seaver) I personally wish he would have chosen The Cure. Good performance overall. You can tell that he was having a blast and enjoys being up there. In my opinion that has alot to do with being an "Idol".
Melinda, Melinda, Melinda... This was her best performance of the evening. I think many of the things I liked about her in the beginning of the season showed in this performance. I still can't see her being an "American Idol".
This round I say Melinda, Blake and then Jordin. Sorry Jordin, but song choice, song choice song choice.

So who will go? I think it would be a toss up between Blake and Melinda. Who would I like to go? Melinda. I would love to see a Blake versus Jordin final. No matter what they all have huge futures ahead of them.

American Idol - Six Left Take Two

Who doesn't love Bon Jovi? I remember jamming to Bon Jovi in my younger years. Ahhhh... the memories.

So the final six had to sing Bon Jovi tunes. What an interesting twist of events this week.

1. Phil - I think he rocked tonight. Great song choice. It spotlighted his voice perfectly. But will it be enough?
2. Jordin - Ouch. Rock, especially Bon Jovi rock, is not her strong suit. I had to stop myself from putting my fingers in my ears it was that bad. Very unusual for Jordin.
   
3. Lakisha - I can't put my finger on it but I just am not a Lakisha fan. I wonder how she decided what to sing considering she had no clue what Bon Jovi sang. I have to admit she did quite well. I love the song "It Ain't a Love Song". And kissing Simon... yummy.
   
4. Blake - I'm not sure if dark haired Blake is sexy or completely freaky. What an interesting version of a Bon Jovi song. I loved it. This is the Blake we know and love. I would say he may have just landed himself a spot in the final 2.
   
5. Chris - I think Chris sang very well, but compared to the others so far tonight (well except Jordin) he paled in comparison. Too bad. I love Chris. Even if he leaves tomorrow I think he will make it far. He has a very popular following.
   
6. Melinda - She can work the stage, but I didn't like her voice tonight.
   

Who will go? Lakisha and **sniff sniff** Chris.

AI - Idol Gives Back

From Africa to Louisiana to Kentucky to Arizona, American Idol is giving back to those in need. I am excited about what is being done through this week's show to help those less fortunate. The outtakes from the different places were heartbreaking. Take time tonight to thank God for the blessings you have in your life –– we are very blessed.

Tonight the remaining six contestants chose inspirational songs. How did they do?

Chris R. - He brought it tonight. I thought at the beginning he was a bit pitchy, but his performance just warmed my heart. Eric Clapton was a perfect fit for him. I'm glad to see the Chris I loved from the beginning back.

Melinda - Can she ever sing a bad song? Too bad she didn't take Simon's advice last week to heart and lose the "surprised" look.

Blake - I'm not sure if I liked it or not. I liked the simplicity of it, but it just didn't "wow" me. I am hoping he stays around and next week brings back the Blake we know.

Lakisha - While everyone else has seemed to improve through the weeks, she seems to have been going in the opposite direction.

Phil - He is one that has shown improvement through the weeks. I think country is a good market for Phil. And who can go wrong singing Garth? Warm fuzzies, warm fuzzies.

Jordin - Talk about bringing back memories. "You Will Never Walk Alone" was what we sang at my high school graduation. I have to admit when I heard her song choice I was worried at what "Broadway feel" she was going to have. But she did awesome.

Best of the Night? Jordin... in fact unless something changes, she will win it all.
Who will go? Laksiha

He's Going Home

And no I don't mean Chris Daughtry. Sanjaya was sent home tonight on American Idol –– finally.

I have to admit I cheered along with the audience when his name was called. But he is only 17. He is just a kid. When I saw him crying I felt bad. I still think he deserved to go home weeks ago, but maybe the way he went home could have been better.

AI- And then there were 7

Yeeeee Hawwwww! It's country night! I love country music, so I was ecstatic about tonight's songs.

Phil - Can I just say... wow! He nailed it tonight. Finally a solid performance, from start to finish. Anyone who puts him in the bottom 3 this week is nuts.

Jordin - She was awesome. Hard to believe she is only 17. I think she will make it to the finals.

Sanjaya - Please, please, please let this be the week he goes. Honestly I can't handle anymore Sanjaya.

Lakisha - She totally yelled the entire song. It was just not a good song choice for her. I wouldn't be surprised to see her in the bottom 3 this week.

Chris - He just looked, well, sad. Being a 22 year old Virginia native I am sure this week's horrific tragedy has hit him especially hard. I love Rascal Flatts. Wish he would have chosen God Bless the Broken Road, but my guess is that song would have put him into tears. While this wasn't his best week, he is no way ready to go yet.

Melinda - Good as always. Her fake shock to the judges response is getting old though.

Blake - I felt like I was listening to The Cure, country style tonight. Don't get me wrong, I love The Cure. Blake is getting old though. I want to see something different from him. (And I am a huge Blake fan)

American Idol Weekly Thoughts

Thank you BooMama for the cool "Idol Talk"logo.

It's Latin week, yippie! Jennifer Lopez cracks me up. I just love her. What are my thoughts about tonight?

1. Melinda - Yes she has an awesome voice. Her stage performance tonight was so-so. Do I think she is "Idolish"? Not really. Do think think she will go far in her music career? Yes. Do I think she will win AI? No.
2. Lakisha - I am just not feeling her. She'll still be around at least 3 more weeks.
   
3. Chris R. - For some reason I just think of Justin Timberlake when I see him. Yum. I think he did very well tonight, as usual. He just has something different to offer. I see him making it very far in this competition.
4. Haley - Can I have her legs? You can tell the judges think she should have been gone weeks ago, well except maybe Simon. He will lose his eye candy when she goes. Honestly, I think she will be gone this week (because we all know Sanjaya isn't going anywhere)
   
5. Phil - In my opinion, he saved himself this week. It wasn't his best, but it was far from his worst. Vocally he was pretty good, but he seems to lack stage presence. I am still trying to figure out where his kids are while his wife sits in the audience each week.
   
6. Jordin - She is another one with a great voice. This week while the vocals were there, her performance just seemed flat. She isn't going anywhere though.
   
7. Blake - Hated, hated hated the outfit. He looked like a dropout from the Love Boat. But clothing aside, he did awesome. He will definitely make it towards the end, if not win it all.
   
8. Sanjaya - I think at this point he could give an awesome performance and it wouldn't even register with me. My thoughts of him are so skewed at this point. "Besa Me" all you want Sanjaya. You need to go.
   

So my top 3 of the night? Blake, Chris R. and Jordin. Bottom three? Haley, Lakisha, Sanjaya.