My Beautiful Chaos

Posted by April on April 8th, 2010 in Current Events

I mean I heard rumors once that Tiger was going to buy a house out in the Ford Plantation, but I am pretty sure that never happened.

So I feel pretty comfortable telling you that he does not live in Richmond Hill. While that may make a difference in the way that I feel, I am not sure it would make it any less true.

If you have been living free of any kind of media and have no idea why I am talking about Tiger, stop reading now. If you don’t know, trust me , you don’t to.

Tiger’s decision to return to the game of golf at the Masters Tournament at Augusta is being hailed as brilliant – and it is. Augusta is exclusive (understatement), sought after (understatement), and particular (big understatement). If Tiger can play anywhere without being heckled and bothered, it is Augusta.

Except Masters Chairman, Billy Payne, decided a soapbox address with some small offers of grace was a good idea. And Arnold Palmer (who I love!) thinks that Tiger should “open up and just let you guys [reporters] shoot at him.”

Since I hadn’t even had my first cup of coffee during the SportsCenter run down, I was ornerier than usual. I jumped up and exclaimed to my beloved, “Why is any of this any of their business?”

My hubby agreed and made the comment that Tiger isn’t special, this kind of thing happens all the time.

That doesn’t do it for me. If it had never happened before, it would still be none of my business.

It is the business of his wife, his family, those women and his advertisers – none of those groups do I belong to. Actually, Tiger could choose to cut that last group out, but my knowledge of marketing says that they deserve to be there.

Why should Tiger hold another press conference? Why does a guy in a green jacket get to make public comments on it? Why do the SportCenter mouths get to assert that Tiger has a lot of unanswered questions to address?

Go ahead and tell me because he is a public figure and he put himself in that position. I would almost buy that one – heck I think I have said it before. But that was some years ago when as a society we just hoped one day we would know. Today, we have this sense that we deserve to be inside the freaking counseling room with him and his wife!

As the public, we have to decide if we buy his product, support his brand and champion his cause. This creates the chance that he may invite us into the knowledge of his personal business. It does not make us entitled to it.

Best of luck to all of those in Augusta – Tiger too.

2 Comments

Posted by April on March 17th, 2010 in Accountability, Giants

I am currently reading Max Lucado’s Facing Your Giants. Let me go ahead and be on record saying it is a very uncomfortable read. I am constantly finding myself having to put the book down and make excuses to do something else. I can’t read it right now because I forgot what page I was on and it would simply take more time than I have to find my spot – you’re buying that, right?

This particular Lucado installment takes the story of David and Goliath and relates it to those things that makes you want to stay in the bed with your covers over your head. You know what they are. That thing that freezes you up, tightens your chest, stings your eyes. Those things that you have a hard time telling anybody about but are certain everybody – even strangers – know about you. These are obviously your “Goliaths.”

We are billed as David. Max walks us through the story of David and how we are probably more like him than we think. I am gathering this is a good thing. David is a man of many faults, but he is chosen. He messes up over and over again, but he is called “a man after God’s own heart.”

Sounds simple enough to maneuver through…yeah, if you have no giants staring you in the face. Unfortunately, I have them. I’ve named them Fred, Stanley…seriously, introspection into those things I perceive as weakness is not high on my feel good list.  In fact, the only reason I am writing this now is for personal accountability in moving through the process.

I am supposed to talk about the Goliaths I face. I am not ready to put that out here yet – I may never be…

I am supposed to talk about how majoring in God overcomes Goliath…still a bit personal at the moment…

So what can I talk about here? I can answer Max’s question

Is your list of blessings four times as long as your list of complaints? Is your mental file of hope four times as thick as your mental file of dread? Are you four times as likely to describe the strength of God as you are the demands of your day?

Sure I am – not. Oh yeah – publicly, I am putting forth the sunny face. I think it is important to be positive and uplifting. It is the way I want to feel. It is the person I want to be. My inner dialogue is something else entirely. Something tells me a good bit of us are that way.

So here and now, I am telling you that I am a blessed, hopeful, strengthened woman. I am thinking I need to set that up as an every five minute auto text to my phone…

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Posted by April on February 24th, 2010 in Family, Parenting

I never understood why parents fight like idiots at children’s sporting events.

Until now. Understand that I still think it is ridiculous to get excited over refereeing, outcome or play time. However, I have found the situation that has the potential of getting me on YouTube. And I can’t promise I will be embarrassed or sorry.

I love kids’ sports. I think it is awesome to watch children learn, run, jump, play, win and try again. I love to cheer for my children and listen to other people cheer for theirs. Most of the parents in this community know and like each other. Our children like each other. We understand the nature of friendship and competition. We are sportsmanlike and respectful.

I appreciate the excitement that comes from an opposing team when theirs are beating ours. I don’t begrudge them that. I get it. I root hard too.

I tend to get irritated at those who choose to take on the black and white stripes and attempt to call the game from the bleachers. But, I can handle that as well.

What I have found that I cannot tolerate is my child’s name – or number – coming out of another parent’s mouth in a harsh and ugly way. The first time it was irritating. The second time it was grinding. The third time I looked at my husband and let him know there would only be one more time. He laughed. I know what he is thinking about me – you can take the girl out the trailer but you can’t take the trailer out the girl. There was one more time.

He saw my eyes flash. He reminded me who I was and what I knew to be true. I gritted my teeth. In the infamous declaration of Tyler “Madea” Perry, “Jesus just saved your life, Hallelu-yer!”

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Posted by April on February 22nd, 2010 in Day to Day

Started working through a journaling site by Lisa Gates. Thought I might publish some of them here…don’t know about all of them as I am not sure what all she will ask about.

Today she asked – What is Balance Anyway…

I get all jammed up with this idea of balance. It is my perception that most folks talk about balance in the context of time. For example, my life is balanced because I spent x amount of time at work, then x amount of time with my family and then x amount of time on myself.

However, if on this particular day, one of those things required more attention and you failed to adjust your schedule for the sake of balance, how does it feel in your core?

I prefer to discuss feeling centered. It may be the same thing, in fact it probably is. But I have this thing with words and the choice of word can make all the difference to me. “Balance” locks me up. “Centered” gets me excited.

And it looks like lounging in bed and not feeling guilty about it. It is working late and knowing that no one is being neglected because of it. It is pursuing a hobby that has no other productive quality other than it feeds your soul and feeling good about it.

The beds are made, the coffee is hot, the clothes are ironed, the presentation is wonderful, the schedule is working – and even if I walked outside to flattened tires, I would hit that challenge in stride.

Because for me, it’s not about balance – some things are heavier than others. It is about centered – ready for anything because I am completely comfortable in my own skin. And life looks lovely.

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Posted by April on December 2nd, 2008 in Blogging

Ok, I know that is a heck of a way to attempt to reconnect with you all after my unplanned, unannounced, unexplained hiatus. One day I was blogging, conversing and interacting. The next, I was gone. I am sure I owe everyone and apology. Most assuredly an explanation. So, I will go ahead and tell you…I was abducted by aliens and the replacement they put into my body couldn’t read or write.

Seriously, I just hit a drop dead point. I didn’t see it coming and I certainly didn’t expect it to last nearly six months. I had a hard time conversing with people. I started feeling drained of energy. I was easily frustrated. Stress was at an all time high. My house was (and still is) a mess. I was eating like garbage and decided I would rather sleep than exercise.

A person wired the way that I am can only survive like that for so long. About a month ago, I hit a breaking point with my breaking point. I realized it was not my activities that drove me insane but the way I chose to view them and myself. I need to get my mind right instead of just putting on a game face.

The first thing I did was to come clean with two of my closest friends. My Pooler Posse were instrumental in helping me get over myself and pull up my big girl pants. They were neither judgemental nor passive. They allowed me to feel safe unloading my junk but never let me stay there and waddle in it.

I turned to my nutritionist/coach/mentor/friend, Deborah Crespo. Together with the support of Lisa Cree, she put me on the path to healthy living. While changing your diet and exercising doesn’t fix everything, it was the best place to start. I have already noticed a change in my mental and physical state.

I shined my sink. Say what you want about the importance of a clean house, but the state of my home goes directly to the core of my being. However, I have a husband, four children and my own business. I have had to grasp a better system in my home and cut myself some slack on the progress. I rediscovered the FlyLady. I adore that woman and her ability to instruct effectively with accountability without guilt ridden oppression.

I deleted all 275 feeds in my feed reader. I love you all and I am so glad you are here. Please don’t take this personally. But, when I started adding feeds in the beginning, I was new to the blogging scene and had no idea what I doing. I had gotten to the point where I could not keep up. As a seasoned veteran with a better handle on how this whole thing works, I am ready to start anew. I will say that I am adding the first three back toady. I look forward to getting my feet wet again with

• SuccessCreeations
• Agent Genius
• Joyful Jubilant Learning

I started posting Turn Around Tuesday on Making Life Work for You. Seems a silly thing not to do since I write them every week anyway.

And that’s it for now. I am going back to the basics. Reconnecting and relearning the art of online social media. I hope you know that i missed you – well, most of you – and I can’t wait to meet you again.

9 Comments

Posted by April on May 21st, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

Anybody out there watching Idol? We have been following it here on My Beautiful Chaos.

As my friends so accurately perceived weeks ago…it is the war of the David’s.

Yeah…so what? Archie had a better night last night. But he is so OMG irritating.

Any thoughts out there while we are waiting for the results?

14 Comments

Posted by April on May 6th, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

Alrighty, David A. is going to be your next American Idol. It’s not right, but that’s the way it’s going to go down. Should be David C., but, if we are talking about the way things are supposed to be, Michael Johns should still be gracing the stage and Jason should have been gone a long time ago. But such is life and the popular vote…maybe we should start running primaries and institute an electoral college…wait, I am not crazy about that method either…guess the popular vote will have to do.

So, on to the points…and I do this in the post, not in the comment replies, because I love to give you guys linky love for playing along with me

Creech is still at -4.

Eric gets +2. One for calling the D&D finals. The other, I will concede that on a previous post, prior to the week that was being judged, he did mention the D&D ending – do you fight this hard in school? I am betting you do. He is at 5.

Kirstengets +2 for making my laugh out loud at the thought of a “Paula Hotline.” She is at 5.

Coco screams up the ranking with a +5 comment. One for the dead on calls on all points, one for the David&David call and 3 for speaking the truth about my dearly missed Michael Johns. She moves up to 7.

And the tie…

Jay gets +3 because I agree with the rundown, he hit the nail on the head calling out Jason’s trip on the Scooby Doo bus, and his wonderful idea to vote Paula off. His total is 10.

Savannah Red had a +2 comment for also identifying the D&D Show down and for agreeing with my husband in the assessment of Emo Brooke – which I don’t hold against her at all. As far as I am concerned, it’s that passion and vulnerability that I like so much about her. His total is also 10.

I guess now that we are down to the final four, I should start thinking about a prize…I’m open to suggestions

9 Comments

Posted by April on April 30th, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

Urgggggg. I must remember this a family friendly blog. My children read this. So, no swearing about the C-R-A-P that is American Idol. I am with Kirsten, surprised…incredibly surprised.

So, Savannah Red was right on about the Andrew Lloyd Webber bit. Love him, but for Idol…ummm, no. He thought they would follow up with Tiny Tim. Ha! They did one better. They followed up with Neil “locked in the disco” Diamond. Don’t get me wrong, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” (which is destined to be tonight’s group song) is a classic. But, you have 20-somethings and under rallying for the next American pop star crown and you have them sing show tunes and Neil Diamond? Really? Serious?

So, Jay, rant away. I know neither one of us thought Carly was the next American Idol. But Jason Castro is still there and Carly is gone? After he sounded like G-A-R-B-A-G-E and she owned “Jesus Christ Superstar.” *Side Note – Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Ted Neely?

[youtube rDHoTOgeNWE]

Eric, you are a smart fella. But, I think you need to check in with Jay about the power of the pink cell phone. There is no way David Cook and Brooke are together in the finale. Even if that’s the way it should be, that’s not the way it is gonna be (I reference the fact that Michael Johns has already been voted off).

So…points

Creech is at -4. One for not understanding that the Idol blog is over at the finale. Another for not knowing that I only watch CBS soap operas and cling to “Survivor” (how about those girls voting off men, with the idol, two weeks in a row!). And two more for thinking that I wring my hands over anything that doesn’t share my DNA or has a similar relationship.

Diana and Coco didn’t make it – they both are hanging tight at 2 points.

Eric gets +3 for sticking to his priorities and making a great effort to jump back in the game…but -1 for his final pick (I’ll call him the default winner if his final two are right). So, he ends up at 3.

Kirsten gets +1 for using the word “coolio.” She is also at 3.

Jay  gets +2 because I know he bit his tongue off – and I am still feeling admiration for the Iz respect. His total is 7.

Savannah Red  takes the lead with a +3 comment. Take your pick as to which part of the tirade you like best. My top three were the shout out to Englebert Humperdinck, Idol ala Ice Capades and knowing enough about me that he could abbreviate PBR and I would know just what he was talking about (free and cold is the best kind!) He leads with 8.

Now, let’s watch the results show and tell Brooke White goodbye…

7 Comments

Posted by April on April 23rd, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

So, I am watching the vote off show before I even have the chance to watch my TiVoed episode from last night. Crap! Well, at any rate, I can tell you that missing Idol was due to a big ole project I promise to reveal very soon. Oooo – mysterious…

But – I have gone through the points…drum roll please

Eric is still hanging out at 1…I am guessing…school work is getting in the way of Idol. Geesh – where are our priorities?

Diana starts off with 2 points. She gushes about Idol AND has more kids than me. That has to count for a point.

Kirsten also has 2 points. Not only did she totally agree with me (and on my blog that gets a point), but just seeing her name makes me smile

Coco is hanging out with the 2 pointers due to the phenom Hamlet quote she left for me.

Savannah Red gained four points with a total of 5. He is an absolute riot! One of my favorite things about this blogging Idol is his comments. Not to mention he is almost always dead on.

And Jay leads the way up five to a total of 6. Three came from his begging tirade. But, he did have great picks and pegged the Dolly Parton group song. Then there was the bonus two points for giving Iz the respect he deserves.

While you guys watch the the results show, I am gonna watch last night’s performances. So don’t tell me…

6 Comments

Posted by April on April 15th, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

Boo Hiss…I feel like boycotting a Michael Johnsless Idol. Especially if the “pink cell phone” crowd is still there in numbers. Ugh…but, there is still David Cook and Brooke…

David A. – yawn…have I mentioned how perplexed I am that I dislike a kid that sings so well? I do…I really do. Would turn the radio dial every single time…I am considering watching it on TiVo so I can fast forward it.

Carly – mmmm….okay. Take her or leave her.

Syesha -my female David A. The girl can sing, there is no doubt about that. But, she is just so…typical.

Brooke – I love it when she does that piano thing. I love listening to her and I think there is character and life in her imperfection. Those falters are where her passion lies and I would rather hear that than a pitch perfect performance.

Kristie -Is she still here? Really?

David – Real deal talent. No doubt. He is my favorite (darn Michael Johns). Great signing voice, whatever…there is something about raw talent that just does it for me…I think that’s the thing that Syesha is missing…

Jason – I am still irritated he tried to pull off Braddah Iz’s version of Over the Rainbow. The Hawaiian in me almost threw something at the TV. It is the Hawaiian equivalent of somebody trying to do Whitney. I understand not everyone is familiar with THE version. I will share with you here.

BTW – I love you, Pops…

httpv://youtube.com/watch?v=PL-uL2M3xvM

4 Comments

Posted by April on April 15th, 2008 in Family, Parenting

First, my sincerest apologies for missing you all last week. Last Tuesday, a dear friend of mine, Gregory Cross, died suddenly of a massive heart attack. He was only 47 years old. Wrap your minds around that one.

While you all are very supportive and some of my great friends, I just didn’t feel like blogging. I didn’t really feel like doing anything. But, as it was, I had tons I had to do so I didn’t do anything that wasn’t imperative. I knew you guys would understand.

His memorial was last night. While I still don’t want to do a whole lot, I know Greg and I know his life – it was fun and he brought fun to all those around him. He would still want to bring the fun.

And I think hanging out with you guys is fun…

So, in loving memory of my wonderful friend Greg, this is your American Idol.

3 Comments

Posted by April on April 1st, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

Woo Hoo! How about I am a huge Dolly Parton fan. And it is Dolly Parton night on your American Idol.

Brooke White – One of my favorite Idols doing one of my favorite Dolly songs. I would buy her album today. Who cares what the judges say?

David Cook – Wow! Michael Johns better bring it tonight. He is about to get replaced as my number one pick. He is an absolute genius. Simon says it wasn’t as good as last week. Well, duh! Last week was utterly masterful. Few will ever be as good as David’s last week, much less repeat it.

Ramiele Malubay – Yawn…what else is there to say…next!

Jason Castro – Paula needs a hearing aid. He is done…have a nice day.

Carly Smithson - Again, great vocals – amazing even…but, I am with Jay…there is just something about her. Just not interested…Simon called out her apparel – about time.

David Archuleta – It is amazing how somebody with such a great voice can sound little better to me than nails on a chalkboard. Harsh? Maybe. But I am so tired of listening to anything he has to sing.

Kristie Lee Cook – She has lucked out two weeks in a row with the song selection. And her dress is great. But she definitely does not get my vote. She said she would rather impress Dolly Parton than her momma. What!? I mean, sure it’s Dolly – but never before Momma.

Syesha Mercado – “I Will Always Love You” Ha! As if. Are you kidding She can’t honestly think she can even begin to tackle that song. Can’t even believe she tried this…you already know what they are going to say. She should get voted off just for being stupid.

Michael Johns – Well, it’s a love song…very cool. He gets to stay my favorite for another week. Incredible…best of the evening.

My vote – Ramiele…or really any of them who performed in the middle

Points line up – it is a tie all the way around

• Jay - 1
• Coco – 1
• Savannah Red – 1
• Eric - 1

18 Comments

Posted by April on March 26th, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

So, I left my computer at the office last night. While it messed up the American Idol blogging, I realized it is probably something I should do more often. Kinda relaxing and liberating when you can’t get online even if you wanted to…

But, I watched Idol, sans the laptop, and I was impressed. The night was a good one. I missed Amanda – a vote off I didn’t see coming at all. But, letting the contestants pick their own genre limited only by the year of their birth produced some great song choices by some great contestants. It also proved that there are some who have done all they can do and it is time for them to go.

Ramiele Malubay - Sang “Alone” and all I could think of was Carrie Underwood. This girl has peaked should be close to done.

Syesha Mercado - I am still not a fan…there is just something about her. But, I would be lying if I didn’t say she did a great job this evening. Not getting voted off just yet. But when it happens – and it will happen – I won’t be disappointed.

Jason Castro – Um…no. It is Sting. Give me a break. Unless you are just that good – pick something else. He can go and his pretty eyes too.

Kristie Lee Cook – Great song choice. Who is gonna bash “Proud to be an American?” Nobody, that’s who. But, she demonstrated she is average at best. I could find a girl in any town across this country to do the exact same thing she did for the opening of any varsity high school sports season.

David Archuleta – I am so done with this kid. I tried really hard to like him, I really did. But, one more “my small, humble voice can save the world song” and I am going to throw up on my keyboard. He was born in 1990 and the best he could do was pick some obscure song that “has a message?” Give me a break and somebody get this kid a clue.

Michael Johns - Queen – brilliant! I loved this performance! Strong, exciting and wonderful. He can pull off a fantastic Freddie Mercury. That is darn near the definition of talent.Brooke White – She looked great and sounded good – even with the slip at the beginning. Great song choice but she should have stayed committed to her change in the arrangement.

Carly Smithson - Hmmm…the jury is out. I love “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” It is one of my favorite songs. And she did nail all the things about the song I love. In my opinion, it is the epitome of raw, feminine passion. But, there’s just something about her…next…

Chikezie – He’ll be back next week and I hope he goes back to that bluesy funk thing he does. His sultry soul crooner thing just doesn’t do it for me.

David Cook – By far and away one of the best Idol performances ever! I had to rewind it and watch it again. I am a fan and he almost stole Michael Johns’ vote.

Tonight…hmmm…I would say Kristie but she has an entire genre all to herself…so…nah…I’ll stick with Kristie.

6 Comments

Posted by April on March 18th, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

Last week, David Hernandez got the boot. Neither Savannah Red nor myself called that one. Eric wimped out and wouldn’t pick Maybe he’ll change his mind this week and play along. Maybe you will too.

Amanda Overmyer – First up is one of my favorites. The thing I like about her is that she knows just who she is. She looks like she has been doing this forever. Tonight is no exception.

• Randy – bit pitchy, but good
• Paula – timing a bit off, but she is wonderful
• Simon – predictable, same thing week after week

Kristie Lee Cook – Trying to bounce back from what most saw as a disastrous week…I dunno. I liked last week. I am not crazy about tonight. She seems to be a bit off.

• Randy – needed more emotion
• Paula – a little safe
• Simon – not a good performer but better this week

David Archuleta – Tonight he is concentrating on the positives…hope he does better this week than last week. Maybe he will remember most of the lyrics. What a phenom voice this kid has. I wish I liked him more. There is just something about him. He’s good…maybe I’ll reconsider it in about 5 years.

• Randy – brought the hotness
• Paula – most exciting because of the purity
• Simon – amazing

Michael Johns - My favorite. Here’s hoping. And there he goes. This guy just gets it. This is the reason he is my favorite.

• Randy – not his best.
• Paula – better in dress rehearsal
• Simon – a mess

*Guess it goes without saying that I totally disagree

Brooke White – One of my top three. Her voice is way better than her dance moves. She seems so awkward moving around. I don’t care – she sounds great!

• Randy – awkward
• Paula – Can’t help but smile when I hear you sing
• Simon – terrible

David Cook – One of those truly talented guys. What is that other mic for? He is doing a great job. That’s what it’s for! Very cool! My favorite performance of the night so far.

• Randy – solid look for David Cook
• Paula – ready to go sell records
• Simon – don’t think it’s at good as you thought it was (maybe he is talking to me?)

Carly Smithson - Her top is horrid. But she sounds really good. She is really subtle. I am waiting for it to get big. I am sure it is coming soon. There it was a bit. I am thinking the judges will love it. I am kinda neutral

• Randy – another great performance
• Paula – amazing tone
• Simon – didn’t like the song choice at all (I would have to agree)

Jason Castro – Ugh! Unless something amazing happens in the next 30 sec…what was he thinking? Awful. First performance I hated.

• Randy – I don’t know
• Paula – disconnected when away from the guitar
• Simon – lucky it’s TV and not radio

Syesha Mercado - I am just not a fan…she sounds really good. I have just never connected to her. Not a person I enjoy watching. I am sure I am in the minority.

• Randy – very, very, very good
• Paula – beautiful
• Simon – probably her best performance so far

Chikezie – I am warming up to him a bit. Don’t know how I feel about this performance. I’ll sit the fence. It was a bit much. Maybe a little touch of “trying to hard”

• Randy – Strange
• Paula – Showing his depth
• Simon – harmonica was atrocious

Ramiele Malubay - Not sure what she was thinking when she was getting dressed. And I am not sure about the song. Her vocals are usually great. If ever there was a time Simon should use the word “karaoke”, it’s now.

• Randy – wasn’t jumping up and down, but it was alright
• Paula – better than last week
• Simon – sounded very amateurish

So…who’s going home…hmmm…I think Savannah Red may have just been a week early. My money is on Kristie Lee Cook.

7 Comments

Posted by April on March 16th, 2008 in Blogging, Lani Anglin

That’s right gang! We made it to our first bloggy birthday. I can hardly believe it. It also happens to be the birthday of Making Life Work for You. Both blogs started on Typepad, which was great software, but didn’t quite suit my needs. So, after a great conversation with Chris Cree, I shifted to WordPress and here we are.

I am really appreciative for this bloggy thing. I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet some awesome people. If I even begin to list, I know I will forget.

But I will talk a minute about Lani. She is my phenom bloggy buddy that hangs out with me here on MBC. I don’t know what I would do without her. And that extends far beyond what she does here. She has been balancing, inspiring, motivating and encouraging. Not to mention she is incredibly brilliant. If you haven’t read her stuff over at RE Revealed, Agent Genius, or Bloodhound, you are missing out.

So, happy birthday My Beautiful Chaos…you are learning to walk and I can’t wait to see how year 2 goes.

13 Comments

Posted by April on March 12th, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

So, Jim Carey is in the audience has showed up as a cracked out version of “Horton Hears a Who.” Interesting.

I do love Idol…but I think they really drag these result shows out. But, I will watch every minute of it anyway.

• Carly is…safe
• Michael is…safe
• Jason is….safe
• Syesha is…in the bottom three
• Chikezie is…safe (miss another for me)
• David Cook is…safe
• Kristie is…in the bottom three (Savannah Red may be right)

This call in thing is kinda stupid…not really feeling it…

Katharine McPhee…didn’t like on when she was on Idol (better than Chris Daughtry my foot) and I still think she is incredibly typical and overrated…next…

Jim Carey is a weirdo…

• David Archuleta is…safe
• Brooke is…safe
• Ramiele is…safe
• David Hernandez is…in the bottom three (he is my pick to go home!)

David Hernandez is GOING HOME!

Savannah Red – 0
Beautiful Chaos – 0

We will try again next week…care to join us?

6 Comments

Posted by April on March 11th, 2008 in Fun and Free Time

I LOVE American Idol. I don’t care about “guilty pleasure,” reality bites, brain numbing traits of TV. I have been wanting to blog it as a regular thing for a while. But, until now, it was just on too often, there were too many people and basically filled with disposable material. Don’t even tell me that American Idol is all disposable – your comment will be deleted

I *heart* American Idol. And it is on right now.

Not crazy about the Beatles (which is the theme for tonight) but, I am betting it will be great.

Syesha Mercado – I have never been real crazy about her. Voice is great, no doubt, but incredibly typical. So far tonight is no exception. I am predicting Simon will hate it -no matter how cute she is. She should be on a cruise ship.

• Randy – alright
• Paula – looks great
• Simon – thought she was better than last week (miss one for me) but she looked nervous

Chikezie – He keeps getting better every week. I wasn’t sure about him in the beginning. But it is performances like this one and the one last week are making me reconsider. The next American Idol? Probably not – but I am glad he is still here. This is a great performance.

• Randy – He smashed it
• Paula – Really liked it
• Simon – Agrees with the other two

*Ryan is a big goof ball

Ramiele Malubay – I liked her from the beginning. Cute little girl with a big, talented filled voice. Wow! Those are some great shoes! So far, it has been real low key…waiting…waiting…never happened. Dern. It was okay…but I am left wanting…but I appreciate the shoes.

• Randy – feels just like me
• Paula – pretty safe
• Simon – bored to tears

Jason Castro – Great eyes, great hair and he is another getting better every week. I thought he was phenomenal last week and now we will see. The guitar is back. He is so interesting. His voice is different. Could go either way, but I liked it.

• Randy – liked it, didn’t love it
• Paula – disagrees with Randy because she can feel Jason’s heart *enter soft music*
• Simon – A little student in the bedroom at midnight

*As heard on a Are you Smarter Than a Fifth Grader commercial – “You look more confused than a cow on astro-turf.”

Carly Smithson – Always liked her. Voice is awesome although she always has to make these weird faces when she grabs those big notes. No worries – the neato tats will make up for that. Holy cow! She is rocking this song! I think she has been signing in a mirror – the facial expressions are toned down.

• Randy – Steller
• Paula – felt like she was watching a star
• Simon – right song – reminds him of the transformation of Kelly Clarkson

David Cook – The rocker minus the guitar. He usually sounds really good and very interesting. Tonight I think he picked the wrong song. Ended pretty strong, but he should of picked something else.

• Randy – did good once he hit the chorus
• Paula – thinks he is fantastic
• Simon – though it was brilliant – thinks he could win based on talent

Brooke White - One of my favorites. I would by an album from her. Her voice is so engaging. She’s playing the piano and sounding real good. Little typical…she turned it up a bit at the end. I liked it. She has so much emotion in her sound.

• Randy – loves her conviction
• Paula – This is her niche
• Simon – One of the best performances of the night

David Hernandez – I dunno – he has a great voice…but I can’t get past the eyebrow thing he does. He looks like he used to be stripper or something. He doesn’t sound very good at all tonight. Not impressed.

• Randy – too over done
• Paula – agrees with Randy
• Simon – corny verging on desperate

Amanda Overmyer – One of my top three. I think she is great! I am sitting here during the commercial hoping great things for her. Woo Hoo! This is why I love her! I am so waiting for her to do a Tina Turner song. Favorite of the night!

• Randy – rocked it out
• Paula – she is a star up there
• Simon – didn’t think it was as good as last week. But she is a breath of fresh air

Michael Johns – another one of my top three and my favorite guy. Brilliant…there is nothing else to say about what he just did up there…except maybe brilliant.

• Randy – thought he could have changed it up a bit
• Paula – disagrees and used my word “brilliant” – twice
• Simon – agrees with Randy

Kristy Lee Cook - Maybe the country girl of the competition if she would just embrace it. Sounds like she might. Wow! I am not a big fan but this is fun. Complete with fiddles and all. This suits her and I hope she sticks with it. This is just what she needs to do.

• Randy – liked the idea – vocally he thought it was a half-halfer
• Paula – OMG! She didn’t like it. I don’t know that I have ever heard that out of her
• Simon – Thought it was hideous – I have to disagree.

David Archuleta - What a talented kid. I hope he does well. Ooops – a bit of forgotten lyrics there…that hurts…especially since the whole thing sounds a bit corny anyway. He’s trying to redeem himself…ummm…nah. Not tonight. Maybe next week.

• Randy – not on point
• Paula – not his best week
• Simon – it was a mess

My guess…Chikezie, although he had a great night, will get the last performance call tomorrow.

What’s your guess?

5 Comments

Posted by April on March 10th, 2008 in Day to Day

Nope, I am not getting slack. My books actually were derailed and thus delayed my pursuit of higher learning.

So that you know that I am not making light of a deadly situation, I did look the accident up. Seems the accident occurred in California. Two tankers caught on fire and produced some hazardous fumes which resulted in an evacuation. But, I didn’t see where anybody was hurt.

According to the UPS website, my books should be here today and I can get on with getting smart.

8 Comments

Posted by April on March 8th, 2008 in Day to Day

Yeah – you noticed. Even if you didn’t, lie to me and tell me you did. My blogging posts have taken a small hiatus. Funny timing since we are quickly towards the celebrations of my first bloggy birthday – feel free to throw me a surprise party and send me presents and cake and ice cream!

Last year ended in distraction. This year started in change. It has contained many milestones and opportunities. There is even a top secret, super exciting project in the works. All this has required a step back. No, not a step back – how cliche is that? But it has required a big corporate reorganization – which is great because that meant it involved just me That is way easier to coordinate!

So, a place for everything and everything in its place. I am working on do all that I want to do. I just had to hit the pause button on a few things to incorporate the other things.

And I know you can’t have it all. That is not what I am attempting to do. But with a bit of focus, a touch of the crazies, a pinch of dream big dust and a whole lot of motivation and support – you can have most of it

6 Comments

Posted by Lani Anglin-Rosales on February 19th, 2008 in Lani Anglin

Image Credit: Ricky David

In a small midwestern conservative town, there wasn’t a place to get a drink for miles around, so a local entrepreneur saw an opportunity: He started to build a tavern.

Liking a “dry” town, the local church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayers. The businessman was polite when congregants came to protest, but work continued on the tavern.

But the night before the grand opening, a lightning strike hit the bar and it burned to the ground.

The church folks were rather smug in their piousness after that — until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the destruction of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means.

The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building’s demise in its reply to the court.

At the first hearing, the judge held up the paperwork and took in the lawyers and both sides of the lawsuit.

“I don’t know how I’m going to decide this,” the judge said, “but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner that believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that doesn’t.”

7 Comments

Posted by April on February 19th, 2008 in Family, Parenting, Musing, Parenting

So, I am well aware that anything can happen – but for all practical purposes, we have celebrated our last first birthday.

We all knew it was coming and it was a whole lot of fun. The kids fed the ducks, fished a little bit, rode in the golf cart and blew bubbles.They ate too much and played too hard. Presents were opened and toys assembled. People socialized and some caught up a bit with those they hadn’t seen in a while. It was a great day.

Funny how the best of days still leave you with a sense of longing. I guess knowing that you will never get that cake face back, knowing that we have already accomplished a lot of firsts – Christmas, Halloween, Love Day – those firsts are over.

I realize I have a good many firsts to still look forward to. I am thankful to have such a full life with a full house.

Funny the variety of emotions that accompany being a mom…

11 Comments

Posted by April on February 13th, 2008 in Family, Parenting

…that I have two one year olds living in my house. See, ‘M and Squishy are exactly 51 weeks apart. So every year during the week of Valentine’s Day, they are the same age. Crazy, I know.

This is also the week that I have to get over the fact that we are experiencing our last first birthday. Four babies is enough for our family. I am thrilled to pieces with the gifts we have been given – but, I’ll pass the bows on to somebody else

Still, babies do something to a house. First birthdays do something to the soul. Squishy is already a year old, and I will admit to that being bitter sweet. But, she doesn’t make it official with cake on the face until this weekend – so I have some time to rejoice and mourn…until the next big milestone.

7 Comments

Posted by Lani Anglin-Rosales on February 9th, 2008 in Lani Anglin, Weblogs

This week, the South (Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi) was absolutely devastated by the deadliest tornado outbreak in over 20 years.  When the sun rose, people found their cars flipped into their neighbors’ yards, their homes completely ripped from the foundation and splattered across the streets, and some people lost their loved ones or their own lives.

Think about that… watching the news about politicians and getting the weather alert at the bottom of the screen.  24 hours later, you have nothing.  NOTHING is a big word.

April and I are begging you to [help] by doing four things:

1. Donate as much money as your wallet can stand- $2 or $2mill (button below)
2. Put the [help] button on your own blog and ask your readers to donate
3. Get the word out by blogging about it, talking about it, emailing about it, twittering about it- get the word out! 
4. Pray.  Whatever your beliefs, take this moment to pray specifically for those who are hurting because of this terrible event

 Your [help] is needed.  Please take the time to do what is in your power because if the day ever comes when you are dealt a bad hand, the rally cry will be held on your behalf.  My brother died last fall in a car accident at age 24, leaving behind a young wife, 1 year old and 2 month old and the blogiverse stepped in and financially helped her in that time of need.  Now, it’s time that I pass along that good will.  Please [help].

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