The Economy

Just kidding, I am not really writing about our economy, the failed buy out for credit, etc. I am thinking most of you have heard ENOUGH about that stuff lately! Althouhg, admittedly, not everyone has! Yesterday at lunch I was catching up on the news on my beautiful iPhone and saw that the House didn’t pass the $700billion deal…..I was like, “Oh my gosh, the buy out plan didn’t pass!” My co-worker was totally clueless! I really didn’t know what to say but hey, who am I to judge?

Yesterday was a much better day at work. Vernon is gone and that helped mucho. The drive was a bit better too – not sure if I am getting used to it or what. It’s still a long day. Hopefully soon I will take the plunge on my scooter and get comfortable on the freeway and then maybe the commute will be even better. We shall see.

My kids, however, sure make it great to come home! Kirstie had been texting me throughout the day and wanted to come over as she hadn’t really spent much time with me lately. Kenny was going to spend the night, which is something he begs to do pretty much everyday. I get concerned that I will get home too late, but was able to get home around 6:30. Yippee!

But the blessings don’t stop there – Kirstie went and got dinner for us! She has such a great attitude, never really gives me grief and has been VERY sweet about things like that especially lately. It warms my heart that she calls or texts just to see if work is okay and stuff. And Kenny, who has been missing me a lot, is always very kind. He asks about my day, just sits with me, we connect. Just hanging with them is such a blessing! I love it.

It’s a bit more tough with Josh – Kenny walks to my house after school, but Josh is too small so his Dad picks him up. So it’s more difficult to arrange this during the week. I miss him desperately but we had a blast Sunday!

Hey, is anyone watching Dancing with the Stars this season? I am partial to Lance Bass……aka former band partner with Justin…….and also very cute! LOL I loved his dance this week. But I also am rooting for Cloris Leachman……she is in great shape for her age, especially! Learn more about this special lady here.

Oh, and I am also starting my MBA program TOMORROW! I was able to test out of Business Writing, but miserably failed my statistics test……I couldn’t find my Biola textbooks and notes! Dun dun dun! Oh well, it should be fun. And I look forward to getting this brain filled with silly information again! I will let you know how it goes, especially with the long commute now!

Special shout out to my Aunt Kay, who is on my mind and in my heart more than usual lately. Someday I will have to tell you all more about this amazing lady! As for now, I need to get ready for work! (and YES, it is 4:39am!)

Gina OUT

American Idol Final Week….

Once again, I am writing this as the show airs……I am SO EXCITED!

Song 1

David C – omw I loved his rendition of the U2 song! He still hasn’t found what I was looking for, but I have found a new idol in DC (sorry Justin!)

David A – Elton John is one of my favorites, my friend says he “did more unique things with the song”. I think he did a great job, but maybe I am biased to DC. Dang it, Simon gave first round to DA and now my friend is texting me nanner nanner points! Dang!
2nd Song – neither song really jumped out at me, but I preferred DC’s rendition. DA’s just seemed boring to me. But yet again Simon overruled me! (Yep, still getting nanner nanner texts…..)

3rd Song – I am done saying the sang dang thing!

All I can say is, VOTE FOR DAVID C!

My stats are not that great, but Syesha is really gone!

So, I know I called Syesha out many times, but at least this week I was right! The finals will face off between the Davids! Of course, I am hoping David C wins, who has been my favorite from the beginning. I might have to vote several times for the bugger next week!

Okay, so that’s my update about American Idol.

Yesterday I had another special one-on-one day with Kenny. Josh was seeing Speed Racer for the second time with his grandma, and Kenny wanted to be with me instead. (Ah, sweet boy!) So we hung out, did some shopping, watched some TV……it was nice. I really love that kid! We connect on a level that’s hard to explain – he is very advanced emotionally and we are both very, very goofy together.

On a side note, today I am getting a new tattoo. I will NOT tell you what it is, but will post a picture later today or tomorrow. Dun dun dun!

Also, today is my little brother’s birthday! David is now 38, which is freaking funny because I still call him my little brother! LOL HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID! I LOVE YOU!

Okay, that’s all I got right now. Gina out.

American Idol – Then there was Three

Okay, sorry for the delay.  This will be a short post.

David A – I think he did OKAY, the Chris Brown song WAS kind of silly for him though.

Syesha – she was OKAY, I think she’s trying a bit too hard and the dancing, well, I don’t like it.

David C – still my favorite, although he was off on the Switchfoot song at the beginning.

Gina’s Call – I think Syesha is gonna go, she is talented but even Paula had harsh words for her.  I believe the Final is gonna be all about the Davids.

We shall see!

American Idol AGAIN!

Okay, as before I am going to be posting this as the show is viewed by my beautiful eyes! LOL

Round 1

David C 5701 – Duran Duran rocks! This was NOT his best performance, but I think part of the problem was that the vocal volume was WAY higher than the band. And maybe he wasn’t as original as times past, but I still love him and YES I am voting him.

Syesha 5702- wow, Proud Mary? I liked the beginning better than the up part…..and apparently there was a dance move that I missed because I was typing here and I have been told that ruined the song. For me, things are getting tight so I am not sure I can vote for her.

Jason 5703 – it was a nice try bringing in the dregs with a Bob Marley song. But I have to say this – even though he’s cute, he needs to go. Go home and kiss your family, Jason. You are my new Brooke!

David A 5704 – Stand by Me???? I am nervous. I actually liked this rendition! My only critique is the fact he brought in the “beautiful girls” part, which threw me off and I didn’t like it. But his singing was very good. Have to think about voting for him…..

Round 2

David C – I didn’t know this song, even when my friend claimed he pictured me as a teen smoking pot listening to it (okay, 2.78 readers, seriously?) I am strongly supporting him and, yes, still love him!

Syesha – was a little surprised at her low cut dress – could she be going for the male votes against the other three guys? Side note: Paula? Seriously? Is she hitting the tequila again? I wasn’t overwhelmed with this rendition but it was okay. Still don’t think I will be voting for her.

Jason – I especially loved the humming parts. Maybe they were the best parts. Three words into it we called him out, but who knows? Maybe the cute factor will save him this week. Not sure……

David A – this is a difficult one for me…..this genre doesn’t resonate with me. I tried to focus on the SINGING and not the SONG.

So, admittedly this is getting much more difficult. Brooke is gone and so is Kristy – who can I beat up on? But Jason has outlived his stay. He IS cute, but he is not even close to the other three singers and really should be the one to go. We shall see what happens.

I voted for David C. My regular friend chose not to vote for anyone. My other two friends voted for David A and Jason (who was voted by a guy, who wanted to vote for the worse one!)

We shall see! Let me know your thoughts if you saw the show!

American Idol Results…..Yikes I’m Nervous!

I am writing this as the show is being broadcast, so that’s why I am nervous!

Let’s see if Paula does anything as strange as last night!

Jason – he is cute and he seems really nice. But you know what? I can’t freaking believe he is safe!!! Amazing. Girls must be voting!

So does that mean Brooke is going home??? Fingers are crossed!

David A – he has to be in, don’t you think? Yeah, no surprise there.

David C – I love him I love him and he’s safe! Yeah baby!!!!

So is it Syesha or Brooke???? I hope it’s Brooke which is funny since I’ve called Syesha out many times. Hmmmm. Weird………………………

Brooke is gone! Sorry Steve, but it was time! And her sobbing at the end ALMOST made me feel bad……almost, but not quite!

American Idol – The Final Five

It’s getting more tough people! Carly is gone and there are only five people to beat up on, and I like the Davids for sure! So what can I do????? Well, at least I can do the weekly play-by-play and see what happens! Let’s do it.

NEIL DIAMOND NIGHT!!!! (I am a secret fan…..for my 14th birthday I asked and received his Jazz Singer album!)

First Songs:

Jason (5701)- I think this genre is very good for Jason. This song he did quite well, although I did get a LITTLE bored. But he looked pretty cute, even if I didn’t receive any texts about how hot he was!

David C (5702) – I like that he chose songs that are less known and hey, he gave Neil goose bumps! LOVED IT! He rocked it but it still have a ND flavor. His voice was a little rougher, and he sounded GOOD. Yep yep! Missed you David but YOU’RE BACK!

Brooke (5703) – I never realized ND wrote “I’m A Believer”! And I love this song, even in Shrek! But Brooke? She so screwed it up! Was it in the wrong key for her or something? She still had that painful, shaky voice thing that worked for last but didn’t for this week! Yuck man. Seriously, she’s actually here and Carly isn’t???? Sheesh.

David A (5704) – he took two very, very high profile songs of ND for his performances; the first being Sweet Caroline. I did a symbolic rolling of the eyes when I realized his choice. But you know what? He changed it enough to make it his own! And of course his rendition and voice was beautiful. Good job Little David!

Syesha (5705) – “Hello Again” in one of my favorite songs. A little concerned……will I like it? YES! Her voice was MUCH bigger on this song than I remember and I actually liked it, even with the Whitney-esk ending.

Side note: Paula cracks me up! Hello, there has only been ONE SONG DONE SO FAR! So where the heck are you getting “The first song was okay but the second was not so good….” etc.???? Give her some more tequila!

Second Songs:

Jason – boring, boring, boring. And I don’t think it was well executed, either. I can’t vote for him!

David C – I love this guy and am SO GLAD that he is back! I love his voice, I love his renditions of music, I love him. Even Simon loved this song!!! Vote vote vote!

Brooke – she sucks and needs to go home. Seriously. I am sick of her, although she sounded a LITTLE better during the chorus. CARLY WHERE ARE YOU????? (I am ignoring the judge comments)

David A – I wasn’t sure about this when it first started…..but he pulled it off! I liked it and I want him to do well, even though I want David C to win.

Syesha – I liked it! more than I have in the past and you know I’ve called her as going home……

American Idol Results – Whoa There! – And other Crazy History

Okay, what the heck? CARLY WENT HOME?!?!!?!!? BROOKE AND JASON ARE STILL THERE????? Whoa there! I am shocked, shocked, shocked. My friend Aaron was jokingly saying there would be an upset and Carly would go home – I blame him!

As many of you know, I am an avid reader, especially on the internet. I came across this crazy history and thought I’d share.

The Salem Witch Trials (taken from this site)

The events which led to the Witch Trials actually occurred in what is now the town of Danvers, then a parish of Salem Town, known as Salem Village. Launching the hysteria was the bizarre, seemingly inexplicable behavior of two young girls; the daughter, Betty, and the niece, Abigail Williams, of the Salem Village minister, Reverend Samuel Parris.

The Witch House

The Witch House

In February, 1692, three accused women were examined by Magistrates Jonathan Corwin and John Hathorne. Corwin’s home, known as the Witch House, still stands at the corner of North and Essex Streets in Salem, providing guided tours and tales of the first witchcraft trials. John Hathorne, an ancestor of author Nathaniel Hawthorne, is buried in the Charter Street Old Burying Point.

By the time the hysteria had spent itself, 24 people had died. Nineteen were hanged on Gallows Hill in Salem Town, but some died in prison. Giles Corey at first pleaded not guilty to charges of witchcraft, but subsequently refused to stand trial. This refusal meant he could not be convicted legally. However, his examiners chose to subject him to interrogation by the placing of stone weights on his body. He survived this brutal torture for two days before dying.

It is remarkable 552 original documents pertaining to the witchcraft trials have been preserved and are still stored by the Peabody Essex Museum.

Eerie memorabilia associated with the trials, such as the “Witch Pins” used in the examination of witches and a small bottle supposed to contain the finger bones of the victim George Jacobs can be found in the Clerk’s Office in the Essec Superior Court House, Salem.

Some quotes of those who were hanged:

Elizabeth Howe “If it was the last moment I was to live, God knows I am innocent…”

Rebecca Nurse “Oh Lord, help me! It is false. I am clear. For my life now lies in your hands….”

For a more comprehensive history, check this site out:

Wikipedia Salem Witch Trials

Sorry for the random post. Oh wait, this is Just Rambling, so I guess randomness works! I leave you with this questions, “what would YOU do if you were accused of being a witch in a time when the accusation was all that was really needed?”

American Idol – So What do I think THIS WEEK?

Here are my notes for this week. Key: ALW = Andrew Lloyd Webber. And special mention to my friend who is getting really good at texting me her reactions to the show!!!!

Syesha : this was the first time I completely enjoyed her. She did an amazing job with the ALW song, which I have never heard before. She was alive, on key, entertaining, and ALIVE on the stage. I loved it. Gotta vote for her.

Jason: Singing “Memories” is a tough song for anyone to sing, and ALW was right that he shouldn’t have done it. He did an alright job…..everything was good except the bridge – those low notes just threw him around a little. He was sexy, especially in his casual suit, but I don’t know how far it will take him this week. I think there would have been dozens of songs he could have chosen besides this one. No votes from me OR my friend. Hmmmmmmm.

Brooke; she sang one of my favorite songs, “You Must Love Me”……and for the second time this season, she messed up the start. Was this another “professional” moment for her? You might think I’m about to dog her…..but she actually did a wonderful rendition of this song. She sounded in pain, I felt her anguish. She actually sounded good to me, even though I was waiting to be disappointed by a poor rendition. Although, I admit Simon had some good points. I didn’t like her enough to vote for her.”

David A: “Think of Me” Tough song to choose, especially for a guy! But you know what??? FREAKING AMAZING! I want to buy it, I want to listen to it over and over again. Randy was right, David put his touches in the song and he SOUNDED GOOD! It was amazingly wonderful. Yep, voting for this one!

Carly: “Superstar” WAS the perfect song for her……you go ALW! Oh My Freaking Word!!!!! Holy crap people! I love this musical and she ROCKED this one! I think she made it her own and she freaking sounded AWESOME! Even Simon agreed (although my friend called the fact that he would mention the “shouting”). Yep, gotta vote for her.

David C: Remember, he is my favorite. “Music of the Night” was maybe not the best choice for him. The whole song I was thinking how Michael Crawford would be so sad by this rendition. My friends liked this rendition, but you know what? I didn’t feel it at all! I think he did alright, but I was bored and felt BAD for Michael Crawford! You know what, I think I am actually not going to vote for him this week! A first. (But my friend loved it and voted for him!)

Bottom three for this week – Jason, Brooke, and David C (gasp!). I think Brooke is going home. We shall see! Stay tuned!

American Idol Results

Okay, let me point out first that I was 100% correct with the bottom three! And yes, if you don’t know me, I do NOT think highly of myself but LOVE to sound that way on this blog! I ROCK!!!

I was NOT correct with who was going home – Syesha stayed and Kristy left. I was a LITTLE sad about that, especially since this week was the first time I actually LISTENED to Kristy and didn’t cover my ears and moan. But, then again, how many weeks DID I do that? So, it’s probably good that she is going home. But part of me will miss the complaining me and my friend would do as she sang……

We will have to see how it goes next week! It’s getting more difficult because the pool is leaving those I really like. But then, there’s always Brooke to vote off……..