The Fashion.

It's Wednesday night. And of course, I should be focusing on the singing. I originally started writing a few years ago... some little blog that a few people read about American Idol. Well, it started off that way and then it turned into little stories about this and that and my week and whatever it turned into. But I've been thinking a lot about fashion this week, so I decided that tonight, we were going to talk about that.
I've noticed that Ryan typically wears the same black suit every week lately. Not that he doesn't look great in the black suit. I mean, he does. Every man does, honestly. You can't really f*ck with a black suit. Well, you can. It can be double breasted. And oversized. And the pants can be too short... well, you are starting to get the picture. But if the suit fits well and is tailored right, it's pretty much a win-win. But, Ryan could mix it up, right? How about a charcoal suit... or what about a white shirt unbuttoned instead of a tie... or the typical monochromatic look?
Let me just focus on our judges for a second. What year is it? If you focused on them just for a second, you wouldn't know if it was 2011 or 1987. Steven has a glittery "top" on, fashioned after the West Palms Senior Center of Boca Raton Womens Club. Jennifer's not far behind with her leopard full length belted mumu. And Randy... well, he's got on something from the Randy Jackson denim collection (and yes, I'm talking about Joe's son).
Okay, so we are in the actual competition now... Naima. I really like what her dad had on in the interview. Who doesn't like an understated Shaka Zulu robe? Naima always has more accessories on than a Claire's. And you have to respect that. Well, at least I do. I love accessories. As long as I can remember, I have worn hats, fingerless gloves, earrings, rings, legwarmers, socks on top of socks, belts, sunglasses and then maybe just to set it off, a brooch or something. Because nothing quite says "hey, it's Tuesday," like a full-on daisy pin the size of your head pinned to the side of a felt hat. So, I say Bravo, Naima.
Paul. He is wearing a bolo tie. I never had one, but my sister Liz did. I always wanted hers... maybe not because I actually wanted one, but because she had one. Either way, she wore it on school picture day when they were doing those yearbook "club" pics or whatever, so in 1987, she will be forever known as The Girl With The Bolo Tie (in 400 pictures).
Thia. She is wearing a nude colored full length cocktail gown. You know, I'm never given enough opportunities in life to wear flesh colored skin-tight clothing. You can't wear it to work (contrary to popular belief), you can't wear it to church (not that I go there), you can't wear it to parties (because all of the other girls are wearing it)... I'm just glad that she finally found her opportunity.
James. I don't really know what to say about him other than he needs to lose that scarf ASAP. I don't understand why men insist on wearing scarves tied around their belt loops and or thighs or that whole thing. Ugh... unless you are an actual cowboy, you don't get a pass on the bandana.
Haley. Okay, I can't talk about her outfit because she has more lipstick on her teeth and chin than Baby Jane.
Stefano. I've never understood the need to wear a suit and hightops. Gentlemen, this is NEVER a good look. Nope. There is NO circumstance where this would work. Nope, I don't care if you ARE Michael Jordan. It doesn't work. Wear a pair of dress shoes. You took the time to put on a dress shirt, some dress pants and a jacket. What are you, a hobo? (Insert New York accent here)
Pia. Let's talk about shirts with cut-out shoulders, shall we? And then let's talk about pants that balloon out at the hips. And then let's talk about jumpsuits. And then let's talk about how flattering white satin is on everyone. Okay. I'm done.
Scotty. He's so vanilla, it's like talking about a glass of water. What am I supposed to say?
Karen. Oooh, can I say, my girl got a Bump-It for Christmas? And a bedazzler?
Casey. Is it a tie or an ascot? I've always been kind of sad that the British got the ascots. Why is it that only British men can pull this look off and not look like douchebags? Basically, if you tried, as an American man to wear one, you would get called a douchebag (or worse). It's really a travesty. I mean, how cool does David Bowie look in one of these, right?
Lauren. I don't want to talk about her. I want to talk about her mom. I want to talk about the fact that she is wearing a Day-Glo t-shirt in 2011. Her mom is at least 38... she had betta know betta (can you see me swinging my finger back and forth?).
Jacob. I love Maybelline and so does Jacob.

Well, my friends... that's a wrap. Now time to watch an actual show with characters and a storyline. AND the best part! To hang out with my husband (he generally hibernates during AI).

Kisses. XOXO.

The Bus Stop

I've been driving past their house for approximately two years now. In the mornings, I start my drive and end up in front of it at approximately 7:40 am. They, being John and Bobby. Now, I don't know their real names, nor is it important, I suppose. John is approximately late 40s, maybe even early 50s, and always disheveled. I don't think he works. I base this primarily on the fact that he is always wearing sweatpants and never looks to be in a hurry at 7:40 in the morning... just sort of watching the day go by. He has NOT showered at this point. He wears glasses and has pale skin and gray hair. He doesn't work out. This is accentuated by his t-shirts in the warmer months and his protruding mid-section. Although John may not be employed, he lives quite well. His home is a small, but well kept blue and white country French type home with a beautiful sun porch on the north side. In the colder months, sometimes he and Bobby wait for the bus there. Mostly though, they are always at the end of the street.

Bobby is about ten years old now. He was about eight when I first saw him. He has brown hair and is fairly thin. He always wears a backpack, both arms in. Bobby never talks to John. In fact, they rarely look at each other. Bobby is always looking at the ground. Ninety percent of the time, when I pass, Bobby is kicking rocks or leaves.

Every day, John is drinking coffee. He brings a cup outside with him. Not different cups. The same cup. It's like he went to the Mikasa store and bought 30 white tea cups and saucers. That is what John drinks from every day. He brings the saucer down too. If there were a hailstorm, John would bring that white coffee cup and saucer down there. Three days ago, I saw John wave at the bus driver when Bobby got on the bus. That was the first time I ever saw him do that (in two years).

I'm writing this because, today, John kissed Bobby. I actually almost kind of got choked up a little. I HAVE NEVER MET THESE PEOPLE. But, it's strange because when you watch people from afar for so long, you feel like you know them in an odd way.

I feel like maybe I didn't know John at all. And that maybe I judged him as this sort of strange, odd man at the bus stop every day. But the truth is, most kids probably go to the bus stop alone. When Bobby grows up, maybe he'll have all of these crazy fond memories of he and John standing at the end of the driveway talking about nothing, kicking rocks... for years and years.

Or he could just go the other way and become a serial killer using teacups as his murder weapon.

American Idol - Boys (And Girls) Perform - First Night

So... it was the first night and I (what?) fall asleep. At 8:15. Yep. 8:15. I was SO tired. So, I missed the boys. So, now it's Wednesday and I am watching the recap on DVR and going to try to catch up so that I can catch the girls night in a half hour.
Let's do this!
Look at Ryan... so cute. Have I ever told you guys about the ridiculous crush I have on Seacrest? It's not reasonable (nor returned), but I still love him.
Contestants can choose any song they wish. I'm sure they will all be number ones, as we've seen in the past. Let's carry on.
First up... Clint Jun Gamboa. Singing "Superstitious"... you know who he reminds me of? Alvin (as in Simon and Theodore).
Next, naked "no more shipyard fo me" Jovany Barreto. Meh. Moving on.
Jordan Dorsey... super meh. Lame. I don't even like that guy. If he got cut tomorrow, I wouldn't care.
Tim Halperin. He basically got lost because during Hollywood, he was really good... but this song sucks elephant balls.
Brett Loewenstern. He's so strange (and not in a good way). He just looks like he probably sits in his parents' basement having full conversations with his dolls (and truly believes that they are his friends).
James Durbin. Well. Huh. Judas Priest. Alright. Next.
Robbie Rosen. I can't get past the fact that this song always makes me want to adopt a dog. Other than that, he's always pretty good. But the thing about this kid is... he basically always sings a really slow song. And it's always... pretty... SAD.
Scotty McCreery. It's country. Yeehaw. Not my thing.
Stefano Langone. God bless it... if I never have to ever hear this song EVER again, it will be too soon. Ooh, I think this guy is pretty bad too. I could be wrong. Let's wait and see if I am. Yep, I am wrong, apparently. They LOVED him with a capital L, man.
Paul McDonald. This dude is plain awesome... which means he'll be kicked off tomorrow night.
Jacob Lusk. Holy bejeezus. I think my screen just split in half.
Casey Abrams. That was awesome. I'm in.

And now for the girls. They better bring it.

Ta-Tynisa Wilson. Wow. So, she's color blind AND tone deaf? What an awful combination. And seriously? Her name is Ta-Tynisa? She can't win based on principal alone.
Naima Adedapo. I like her. She's strange, but in a good way... not like doll boy.
Kendra Chantelle. She reminds me of Teena Marie... old school r & b. That girl can sing. And she got into a pair of leather pants (always impressive).
Rachel Zevita. Only took her seven times trying out finally make it. Was it worth it? That song arrangement was really strange. I've heard that song a million times and I didn't even really recognize it. Huh.
Karen Rodriguez (the other JLo). Half in English, half in Spanish? No way, Jose! Que interestante! Jennifer is at the table nodding her head like "yes, girl... yes!" And then after, she does the whole "mamacita, I got the goosebumps, ju know?" I have a feeling that Senorita Karen will sail on through if Senora Lopez has anything to do with it.
Lauren Turner. I like her sparkly dress. Have you guys heard? I like sparkly crap. And she was also pretty good. And sparkly.
Ashton Jones. Oh no, it's one of those songs. Lame.
Julie Zorilla. I didn't know it was the Prom. There's always one of them on opening night that wears the Prom dress... tonight, it's Julie. She's pretty flat, but they lick this girl's boots, so they won't say anything. Well, I'm actually shocked... they said a few things!
Haley Reinhart. She's really good, but I feel like she might be crazy. Like possibly a stalker or nuts? I think it's because of the black and gold dress and the growling and grinding and the fluttering eyes.
Thia Megia. If she doesn't win this, there is always a future at Neutrogena. This song is as much fun as watching paint dry.
Lauren Alaina. She's a peach. Actually, I think she's pretty cute... and kind of good too. And I hate country.
Pia Toscano. Well, alright. I don't really remember her from before. I guess I do now. Huh.

Anyway, now I can go to bed. And start the grind tomorrow. I promise not to be so technical next week... because here's the deal. I had to pack both boys and girls into one, so it was very long. But next week it will be shorter. So, I'll have time to talk about mundane subjects like coffee and new sitcoms or something.

Toodles for now.