Ah, the sweet smell of being right

Sniff sniff. What's that? Can you smell it? Get a whiff of this:

Me. Getting it right.

I AM AN AMERICAN IDOL NOSTRADAMUS.

We're practically twins... no? Okay.

 

Anyway, it wasn't exactly brain surgery, but I love that out of the 2 possible male (again, male?) bye-byes tonight on Idol, both were part of yesterday's  deep analysis. I mean, DUH!

Good job, America.

My TV screen will be a little easier to look at. 

American iDOLL

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of American Idol. Unless you live under a rock, you know about American Idol, too, and are aware of what a huge phenomenon it is (you may not AGREE with its brilliance, ahemmyfianceahem, but you have to agree it's a part of pop culture).

What I love about this current part of the competition is that there are 24 singers who are all pretty good. I mean, none of them sound like cats in heat. Some have performance issues or some don't always hit every note perfectly, but bottomline, sure, they can carry a tune. In this batch of pretty good singers is THE soon-to-be-in-May-during-ratings-sweeps American Idol. I should I say iDOLL?

Let's face it. A huge part of the competition is how the contestants LOOK. If they couldn't sing at all, they wouldn't be there, but part of the pop star image is conveying a current and, well, GOOD, look. Last night the men/boys (I mention both because it is QUITE a combination of ages and appearances) sang music from the 60s in the first live studio audience performance of the seventh season. I love to take notice of how the contestants will undoubtedly change over the course of their brush with fame.

Now, some already "get it." They look the part and could easily drop in on the pages of Star and US Weekly and look like they belong.

For example, Michael Johns has a terrific look and is definitely easy on the eyes. He sang "Light My Fire" extremely well but that is neither here nor there. It doesn't matter that the judges were even into it. Bottomline, the dude can dress and perfect his hair and the show's stylists won't have to do too much work for him:

Easy on the eyes, eh?

There are, however, a few men that not only don't "get it," but left me scratching my head as to their being male at all. What is with this androgynous group of Y chromosomes in this year's American Idol?! Even handsome Michael Johns is a little pretty, but he's the most macho guy of the lot!

Good singer Danny Noriega is a great example of this Dorian Gray epidemic. It's not exactly hidden that Noriega plays on the team whose members also were probably my high school show choir dance partners and such. I mean, really, he's so flaming, he should have sung Michael John's song (it's noted above).  Between his perfectly plump lips and princess eyelashes, he is a female waiting to happen! And what's with the Carol Brady haircut? Thanks to his brunette pixie cut, they could play each other in the movie yet to be made: "The American Brady iDOLL Bunch."

Again, committing haircut-icide, is  Colton Berry who did not get a unanimous vote to proceed to the top 24; as usual, Simon is right and obviously saw something that made him unlikable. Well, Mr. Cowell, I'm with you sir, and I can't get over the haircuts these kids are sporting. He said it himself in the obviously-sponsored Coca Cola room before he performed: he looks like Ellen Degeneres. Now, don't call me an Ellen hater. I was a fan before she was ever famous (um, you put Ellen and Jeremy Piven on a TV show together in the 90s and I am a very happy young girl). But an 18-year-old guy with white eyelashes should really do something about his Ellen Everything.

Exhibit A:

 

Exhibit B:

 

I mean, c'mon, I don't blame the guy for trying to use Ellen's looks to pick up Portia de Rossi, but a) the lady is spoken for by Ms. Degeneres and b) go get your own chicks! And cut your hair! It looks bad.

Lastly, I'd like to point out the biggest fright of the evening. Well, I really don't have to as a picture is worth a thousand words, but I will leave you with these final thoughts. I truly thought that the producers had made a mistake and mixed up the night or that there was an overanxious female contestant who couldn't wait for her turn on Wednesday, because I'm not shitting you, I totally thought Garrett Haley was a girl. With a peach fuzz mustache. There. I said it. Throw tomatoes at me. But. Oh. Mah. Gawsh. 

Simon said it in the best way he could without actually telling him that he looks scary and effeminate because of his albino face, toothpick arms, and Meg-Ryan-In-"When-Harry-Met-Sally" coiffure."It was boring, your voice sounded a bit whiny, you look terrified, and it looks like you've been shut up in your bedroom for about a month — you look verging on haunted. You need some fresh air."

And so proves my point that season 7 of this world famous competition features a bunch of guys who are more like delicate porcelain dolls than believable pop stars soon to grace your iTunes homepage. No biggie. As long as Michael Johns doesn't go cosmo on us, I don't care one bit if Danny,Colton and Garrett aren't Maxim Models.

Oh, and for what it's worth: I'm thinkin' Meg Ryan hair gets the boot.

Communication is

 

If there is one thing that gets my blood boiling, it's bad communication. As a kid, strangers, friends family member - whoever! - would come up to talk to me and ask me the typical "kid" questions: "what's your favorite subject in school?", "what do you like most about piano lessons and tap class?", "what did you do on your vacation to London?" My mom, who was usually by my side, never once opened up her mouth to answer for me, but instead, I answered the question... and then some! The Asker would be astounded that the little voice that came out of the curly top head of a kid could produce so much detail and expression. As a little girl, I was quite articulate and enjoyed carrying conversations with all types of people.

This skill grew with me through school (the teachers were wowed) and into my social life (my friends appreciate my detailed updates) and I must say, I am pretty proud of how I express myself through conversation and written word. I am not a perfect person, though. My math skills are non existent and my interest in the sciences lacks. The expressions I share in my communication can sometimes seem a little emotional or dramatic. But at the end of the day, I am glad I can communicate needs, love, disappointment, happiness and all sorts of expressions because without good communication, I believe people would find it very hard to know the real me.

Being a good communicator with all types of people doesn't necessarily mean, though, that the points and expressions get recognized. I've learned that no matter how good I am at communicating, it's up to the recipient to absorb the message. And, as good as I am at communicating, I've learned that I'm not so good at comprehending how people can not absorb the message.

I believe that communication is a two-way street and that there must be a desire for all parties involved to form a partnership to understand each other. They must both take the time and make the effort to do that understanding or the communication is only as strong as the weakest party member. One skill set does not trump what lacks. In fact, it's the other way around.

This discovery is extremely frustrating for someone like me who goes the extra mile to make sure that those I communicate with are on board and understanding. This shouldn't be confused with agreement. My goal is not to ensure that those with which I exchange words drink from my Kool-Aid. I am not looking to change minds and sway people to my side of an opinion. It is just my hope that people listen, consider, and form a response. No response from the other party is the sign of a communication-relationship that is just not meant to live happily ever after. 

What do you call smashed tomatoes?

 

That's right. I'm here to ketchup, er, I mean, catch up.

It's been a while (bad, Alison, bad!) and every day that goes by without blogging something new, I tisk tisk myself and think "Oh well, ONE more day can't hurt." Well, it does hurt. So, here I am with an e-band aid, trying to cover up the boo boo I've made!

But at least I come with good news! Since the last time I've blogged, B and I picked out our baker for our wedding! We will be using Skiff's in Simi Valley who has a great relationship with our Spanish Hills so that's always a plus. I'm thinking the 3-tiered sugary goodness will look like this, BUT, all white with pink and orange ribbon and pearlized trim. Plus, the florist will plop some of our flowers on random sides of the cake. At the top will stand a whimsical "F" - my new last initial!

Also, since I last blogged, I had my first dress fitting! I never felt prettier than when Stacy at Bridal Elegance slipped the dress on -- and that was without my bling, hair, makeup and my groom at my side! I can't even imagine what it will feel like to wear the whole getup on the official day. I'd post pictures of my fitting, but... one of my loyal readers (out of the 2 that read this I'm sure) is B himself, so my other reader(s) will have to wait for the final product after the wedding! But let me just tell you: it's purrrrrrrrrty!

There is a small list of items to check off our list that will happen over the next three months. Otherwise, all the really big stuff is out of the way!

B and I aren't obsessed with Valentine's Day, but it was kind of nice to celebrate our last VDay as betrothed boyfriend and girlfriend. It was special for its own reason. Remember in elementary school, you'd celebrate 100 Day and make Fruit Loop necklaces with 100 rings on it, you'd do art projects with 100 pinto beans, or you'd make a list of your 100 favorite things? Well, Valentine's Day marked our 100th Day... until our wedding! Made the day of love a little lovelier! We didn't play with cereal or get crafty with pennies to make a dollar (good math, Alison!), but we got excited as we knew the rest of our countdown would be mostly double digits! Woo hoo!

Took A Week-long Bite Out Of The Big Apple

It is so hard to come back to reality after six days of vacation! It's not like we even lounged around and relaxed. B and I were on the go for four days straight in Manhattan and two days in Rochester. Ah, I love Manhattan. Whenever I'm walking up and down the tree-lined streets peppered with Carrie Bradshaw-style walk up apartment buildings, I picture myself frolicking home. Even when I navigate and weave through crowds in Times Square (this is because I refuse to look like a tourist), I exude this confidence that makes me feel like I own the city, let alone the theater district. I don't know what it is, but I find Manhattan to be romantic, exciting, comfortable and fast all at the same time. With each neighborhood claiming its own identity, it's difficult for me to pick my favorite. When I'm walking through the Upper West Side to do some buying and eating at Zabar's, I tell myself "this is where I would live." But when I'm browsing the shop windows in The Village and I see trendy, delicious restaurants and beautiful people everywhere, I think, "no no, I want to live here." What can I say? I have NYC ADD. A summary of our trip:

• Four Shows! All seats purchased through TKTS. How I heart the Theater Development Foundation! We saw: Spamalot (with Clay Aiken! He was good, too!), Mary Poppins (Disneyfied, saccharine-sweet fun), Is He Dead? (knee-slapping funny comedy play starring Norbert Leo Butz and a slew of other talents), and Forbidden Broadway: Rude Awakening (spoofed some of my favorite current and old time Broadway shows and the best of all, Rude Awakening spoofed my least favorite, Spring Awakening)
• Pizza!! Yumminess was had at Ben's Pizzeria on McDougal in The Village, Famous Ray's on 8th and 51st and ANOTHER Ray's that also claims to be famous, Famous Rays of Greenwich Village. I don't know what it is about New York pizza but it beats any pizza anywhere.
• Museums!! We took a the ferry to Ellis Island, and even though we'd both been there before, having just come out of Ragtime a few months ago, we could appreciate it even more. Mad props to our great grandparents. We also went to the Jewish Museum on 5th and 92nd. Some neat culture and pieces. Didn't learn anything too new, but it was a nice museum and I would go back if they had an interesting exhibit. I brought B to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and it rocked for many reasons. It was free -- yes yes, 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday nights, Target sponsors free admission. I heart Target. Also, I got to see Van Gogh's Starry Night and it moved me to tears the first time I saw it. This time, I felt similar emotions but it was crowded and I couldn't get as close as I would have liked. Monet's huge Water Lillies was also on display and all I can ever think about when I see Monets is the line from "Clueless"

Cher: Oh, she's a full on Monet.
Tai: What's that?
Cher: You see, it's like the painting. See, from far away it's okay, but up close it's a big ol' mess.

• Various food!! Pizza gets its own bullet point because it's just that near and dear to my heart. However, we actually did eat other items. A good, cheap post-show meal was at The Galaxy Diner on 8th and 47th. We also finally tried Serendipity after not making it there on our last trip. Ya know, the place was cute and I definitely tried to breathe any leftover John Cusack carbon dioxide into my system, but the food was ya know, food. Serendipity has a huge menu and everything is described deliciously, but their real money maker is their desserts. Our entrees were fine, but nothing glorious (given the price and the name). Bryan had challah French toast with fruit and I had fried-then-baked chicken and fries. We both enjoyed, but couldn't finish, the Forbidden Broadway dessert -- blackout cake with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and hot fudge. It was amazing, but huge and virtually impossible to finish after lunch. I had a fleeting thought about becoming a bulimic after I left Serendipity. And of course we had to eat deli, so we went to the usual, Carnegie Deli, and we were both very disappointed. The matzoh ball soup was nothing with nothing and the pastrami lacked flavor. Our server was this young Asian guy, probably making extra cash to put himself through NYU med school or something, which is awesome. But when I go to eat deli in NY, I went an ancient, cranky, purple-haired, wretched, food-throwing, little old Jewish lady. I do. It's part of the experience for me. So, all in all, this Carnegie experience was not my favorite of all my Carnegie experiences. Perhaps we'll find a new deli next time (not to be confused with New Delhi, the metropolis of India. We have no plans of going there in the near future).
• The weather!! It could not have been better. I came back with my ass fully in tact. It did not freeze off. Sure, it was cold, but we walked briskly and were indoors a lot so it didn't feel any colder in The City than it normally does when I'm there in the winter. A few times I carried my jacket because I was warm enough in a sweater and bottom layer!! We heard it rained and rained and rained in L.A. the whole time we were gone. Glad we missed it so we could enjoy the gorgeous New York climate!

Our time in Manhattan came to a close on Saturday afternoon and we flew up to Rochester to visit Same Name. We saw a rehearsal for the show she'll be covering for a short time and we also saw a show that she might get to be in over the next few months. We also took a little day trip to Niagara Falls and saw the amazing natural phenomenon from the Canadian side (which I hear is better) and it was truly breathtaking.
I now I understand why people leave awestruck and inspired. It is very cool. Literally and figuratively. The falls mist like crazy, so we got drenched when we stood in its central location and the temperature -- a measly 27 degrees -- made it quite uncomfortable for a short time after. I'm surprised I didn't leave with icicles in my hair.

We drove around to try to find a lunch place that wasn't touristy, so we went into the little town and everything was closed on Sundays except for Bassel's Diner and Tavern. I love these local, hole-in-the-wall type places. The woman who served us at the counter looked at me like I was a movie star when I told her I was from Los Angeles. I think she almost asked for my autograph. The SPECIAL of the day on the menu was chicken fingers and fries for $9.99. B and Same Name ordered them and they were pretty good. A level above the Costco DinoNuggets for sure. I found it funny that chicken fingers is considered a special. On the Sides section, three out of the six options were various types of gravy. I tell ya, this place was great in a funny way. Totally beat eating at a tourist trip like Rainforest Cafe across the street from the Falls where it looks like a little Citywalk or Downtown Disney.

So, after a quick two days of hanging out with Same Name and meeting all her new (and very nice) friends, we jetted back to JFK and got on a standby flight back to LA.

And now, almost a week after returning to the homeland, I am already salivating over the next vacation we take. This one, though, will only require flip flops and bathing suits. We already have the aloha spirit for our Hawaiian honeymoon that begins May 26th! Woo hoo!!