2011 February | I Should Be Folding Laundry

Archive for February 2011 – Page 2

Friday Morning Coffee

Friday, February 18th, 2011

By Beth

This week has been pretty heavily focus on coffee, in a way. First on Monday morning, before and after Eli’s surgery when we were so completely, out-of-our-minds exhausted, all we could focus on, besides the health and safety of our son, of course, was how in the world we were going to get our hands on some coffee.

Finally, at 5:10, (we had been up for two hours at this point!), we found coffee in the waiting room, I’m always skeptical of coffee, I wouldn’t say I’m a coffee snob but I am particular. (I don’t do flavors or sugar, just cream and I need it to taste like coffee) I was cautiously pouring it, checking out the color, smelling the aroma, it seemed okay. After about five minutes of letting it cool, I took a sip and it was one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had in my life.

I had two cups.

But I wanted three.

Did I mention it was free? And that two hours later we went to Starbucks and spent $8 on two regular venti coffees and it tasted like melted tires served with sub par service. (not even a thank you!) Well, let’s just say I was extra appreciative for that coffee goodness so early in the morning.

Also what’s on my mind is sleep. I need Eli to start sleeping through the night. In December, we did sleep training and it worked quite well. But these past three weeks, with him being sick and then his surgery, well, he apparently needs another installment of Sleep 101 which is so hard but totally worth it but SO HARD.

Also: HARD.

That begins today. (like 45 minutes ago, to be exact.) I hope it’s easier this time around but he’s older now and so much smarter and that child is so very stubborn. (and he’s so cute. do you know how hard it is to not pick up a sweet, warm, snuggly adorable baby when he’s too tired to sleep?) But, I believe this is necessary and only helps baby in the long run, so hopefully by Monday, I’ll have good things to report. Either that or I will be dead.

And finally, after years of indecision, I have decided to paint my living room, office, foyer and stairs this wall color because it’s so absolutely over the top perfect that I can hardly stand it.

I even have the same wide, white baseboards which just seals the deal. hmmm….I’m wondering if Brian wants to take on a project this weekend.

You guys would help paint if you could, right? RIGHT?!

Happy Friday, friends.

Categories: Friday Morning Coffee

Idol Chat with Adam & Beth

Friday, February 18th, 2011

By Beth

Hollywood Round Three

Alright, so far I’ve watched three girls give amazing performances and each girl I thought “wow, such beautiful, unique voices. Who the crap are these girls?” I can’t decide if it’s a good thing or a bad thing that Idol only focuses on a select group from the very beginning.

Adam: Bad. I always resent how many people I get to know only to see them go home. When people make it to the Top 24 and I know nothing about them? While the people I’ve grown to love walk home crying? When I want that kind of heartbreak I’ll watch the Cubs.

Clint is back, his white glasses are off and he’s back to the whole Where’s Waldo look which is interesting to me because who wants to look like Where’s Waldo? Well, Clint, that’s who! And he sounded good which is annoying because he dissed on my boy Jacee. But that’s okay because Jacee was all like “What? I don’t neeeed you, fool.“

Adam: Remember Morocco Mole from the Secret Squirrel cartoon? I always liked him, but Clint with those glasses has ruined it for me.

Carson Higgins – singing My Perogative he’s a crazy guy, I like his energy and stage presence but does he have a really good voice? I don’t think he does. Does he? He does? Does he? Adam, help me with this? At least agree with me that you don’t like his hair, okay?

Adam: No, he doesn’t have a good voice. He tries to mask the mediocre with two parts crazy and one part Dennis the Menace hair. Would you dial your phone to keep him in the competition? Unless your name is Carson Higgins’ Mom, no. You wouldn’t.

Chris Medina – singing My Perogative. We all know and love Chris and will do anything to make sure he gets through, he sang an acoustic version of the same song, his clip was very short, I did notice some hand motions and drum tapping that would probably be cool but they looked awkward and his hair desperately needs to be thinned out and toned down. Am I right, Adam? His hair is like “WHOA.HAIR.”

Adam: I wish we could have heard more. Maybe we heard a normal amount and just got distracted by the hair. I think every time someone cries at a Chris Medina flashback, he grows a new shock of hair.

Just so you know, hair is really important and what America is really thinking about, this is why I keep talking about hair.

Adam: These contestants are forcing the issue. They make Steven Tyler’s hair look normal.

Tonight I am particularly grateful that they allow contestants to play instruments. Last night, the show was soooooo slow and it seemed to take forever for anything to happen and tonight’s show is much faster paced and I can’t keep up so if it seems like I’m jumping all over the place, please forgive, it’s Idol’s fault. And the half gallon of Thin Mint ice cream I just ate.

Adam: I’m much more focused. I, too just ate Thin Mint ice cream. It hasn’t distracted me at all. What, with it’s perfect luscious sweetness. Is there any left? No. I’m sad now. What are we doing?

Casey is going to be playing the stand up bass. Is there a real name for this? Like the Bassibone. The Gigantibass. The Trombass. Oh wait. It IS just called the stand up bass. Really, I quit band in eighth grade which was probably not a good idea. Adam, can you guess what instrument I played? Hint: it was NOT the Trombass.

Adam: French horn? Or, as they say in France, le horn?

Oh man. CASEY ABRAMS and his dog-gone voice. He just sounds amazing. AMAZING. UUUHHHHMMAAAAAYYYZING. Standing ovation from me. You know, if I were to get up off my couch.

Adam: I may have cursed it was so good. His hair is pretty hot, too.

Lauren from Georgia is singing “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and here’s what I have to say about her performance. I love her hair and her eyes. The end.

Adam: Her entire stint on Idol has been one long attempt to pick up Steven Tyler. She makes me pukey.

And now Jacob Lusk is on stage. We remember him from last night, Adam predicted big things from him and I, being the connoisseur of music wondered if he was having a stroke. Well, I do agree with Adam, his voice is sick. But can’t.watch.him.perform. Ears say “oh, yeah, babe.” Eyes says “OHMYGODNO.” He hurriedly leaves the stage, emotionally spent.

Adam: He told Ryan he’s not a crier. Has he met him? His life is one long about-to-cry facial spasm.

John Wayne Schulz proves something very important. Most men are seriously SEXY with a cowboy hat on. I mean, c’mon now, cowboy. You WEAR that hat. (sorry, Adam. Needed to be said.)

Adam: If you didn’t, I would have.

And look! The train is stopping at Crazy Town, the birth place of Ashley, the crazy-eyed girl. You guys, I kid you not, Anna was watching this last night and said “what? I can’t believe she has a boyfriend.” Oh man, she is forgetting the lyrics and yep, she’s crying again and yep, she’s still crazy!

Adam: Quote of the night: “I can’t believe I’m freaking out!” Has she met her?

And now Scotty is up. I realized today that Scotty is the perfect mixture of the Mad guy and Clay Aiken. That doesn’t mean I don’t like him because I do, but seriously. It’s Mad Aiken. Oh my gosh, I am dying at the lyrics that the contestants are making up. I hate the way Scotty is beating himself up. It’s okay Scotty, don’t beat yourself up. You’ve done tried yer hardest.

Yes. I went there.

Adam: I wish I hadn’t seen the picture before I saw the performance. I felt bad laughing at his breakdown. I like Scotty and his one song. But I cried from laughter as he sulked. Nothing personal, Alfred E. Aiken.

Also? Do you know long it takes me to learn lyrics to a song? Five years. I tell you no lies.

Adam: Don’t be mad, Beth. I’m not laughing at that. I’m still laughing at Scotty.

The excitement is building. All I know is that whoever is in the same room as Crazy Eyes, they may as well pack their bags there is no way she is going to go through. Adam, please tell me the judges won’t put her through.

Adam: I don’t know. They say a surprising twist is coming. Are they awarding extra points for possessing weapons-grade cuckoo?

And they put her through. Why. Adam? Why would they do that?

Adam: I ask you, would you break bad news to Ashley at close range?

Room two is bad news. I wonder if the guy with the coat over his head is going to be pissed when he realizes that was J-Lo trying to hug on him.

Adam: Underneath the coat, he was sporting the biggest smile of his life.

And Room three is not good news, either. Poor room three.

Adam: Honestly, I’m just glad to see more people go home. Sorry, Room three, you might all be special to J-Lo, but I’m glad I don’t have to learn your names.

Room Four is going through! (yay, Scotty, I mean, Mad Aiken!)

Adam: I can’t believe he made it. He can’t last long, I’m sorry. Can’t wait to see what Beatles song he’ll do, though.

Next week: The Beatles and the Final 24.

Adam: 24? That’s too many! Can’t they cut more? I like 12. A dozen is nice.

See you next week.

Categories: American Idol, Idol Chat

Idol Chat with Adam & Beth

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

By Beth

Hollywood Round 2

Adam: 168 contestants have survived the cuts. But will we survive two hours of Seacrest voice-overs? I’m not making any promises.

Beth: I hope so. I have a pantry full of Girl Scout cookies that need me to eat them today. But if I don’t survive, I’ve left half of a sleeve of thin mints in my will.

So nice of Ryan to remind us that the group round is brutal. Luckily for us, the producers decided it wasn’t brutal enough. They forced the Day 1 and Day 2 people to mix as they formed their groups. At this point it’s easy to forget the show is a singing competition. Because they aren’t singing. We don’t even see a judge in the first 40 minutes. I signed up for J-Lo! Instead, they focused almost exclusively on the drama that unfolded among the groups (and so will I). It felt like I was watching an entire season of Survivor in two hours. And then they sang a little.

Beth: This is really shocking because Idol never focuses on the drama.

The treat of the night was getting to follow the grim, fiery demise of Tiffany. I told you this would end in fireworks, and Tiffany didn’t disappoint. She’s not an especially good singer or dancer or dresser. She’s all attitude and glitter. And for some reason this endeared her to Jessica. Isn’t that all we need to know about Jessica?

Beth: Tiffany is one of those people that you just have to watch just to see what she’ll do next which is so frustrating because she leaves you feeling all empty and hollow. Isn’t this the way Jersey Shore makes you feel? Wait, isn’t she on Jersey Shore? (I love pretending like I’ve seen Jersey Shore.)

Ashley, the human anxiety attack, joined an all-girl group called the Hits. Fortunately for them they can all sing while riding Ashley’s roller-coaster. She quit tearfully. She returned tearfully. But the group had love and acceptance and talent. Isn’t that what Idol is all about?

Beth: here’s the thing about Ashley. I want to stab her. I hope this is okay with you. I mean, HAS SHE NEVER SEEN IDOL? Except I know she has, I’m pretty sure she’s “quitting” for screen time. And really, makeup and hairbrush. You are on TV, woman. Adam, seriously, let’s take a road trip to New Jersey wearing all black. Can’t take her

Okay, so it’s not really about love. This night was all about feuds. First, the Minors (all 15 or 16 and accompanied by their finger-wagging, head-swiveling Stage moms . . . all of whom scare the crap out of me) squared off against Adam Lambert impersonator James and the Deep V’s in a territorial battle over practice space. As feuds go, it was pretty boring, but I’m betting one of these Stage Moms throws a punch before we leave Hollywood. Stay tuned.

Beth: I never liked Adam Lambert.

Feud 2 is 4+1 vs. 440. Jordan, leader of 440, decided halfway through that he wanted to be 4+1’s plus-one. Undeterred, 440 minus one carried on. I was told there would be no math.

Feud 3 is the civil skirmish among Three’s Company, featuring our favorite exes Rob and Chelsee and their newly shmoopie-less friend, Jacqueline the wonder Barbie. Rob can’t dance. He doesn’t work well with others. He and Chelsee aren’t talking. Rob’s a musician. A musician who can’t learn the words to “Forget You.” Really?

Feud 4 pits the Guaps (seriously, the Guaps) against the Sugar Mamas. (I think I speak for everyone when I say I totally saw the Guap/Sugar Mama feud coming.) In a pivotal moment, royal bespectacled jerkface Clint ejected Jacee and all his lovable fluffiness out of the group. In the middle of the night. It was officially the saddest moment of the show. We actually had to watch a sobbing Jacee wipe his nose as his parents watched on. And America hugged him. Then he became a Sugar Mama and another feud was born.

Beth: Yep, Clint is a total jerkface and I loathe his glasses. Anybody who wears those glasses should not be allowed to make decisions about anything, let alone something as important as kicking out Jacee. I mean, he decided to wear those glasses. Case. Point. Also, Jacee’s parents are so wise and patient. If Jacee were my son? I’d go kick Clint’s ass. Twice.

So we’ve got sleep deprivation, overcrowding, and a junior-high cliquefest. I’m beginning to think the producers actually want there to be drama. I just want there to be J-Lo, and finally she, Randy, and Steven welcome the contestants to actually sing. Hmm. Judges and singing. Who thought we’d see that on Idol?

Beth: I find it to be completely unfair that you get eye candy like J-Lo and I get well, NOT J-LO. But, I love Steven’s heart and I love the way Randy talks and laughs so, there’s that.

We got to see a few groups who can actually sing and get along. Yawn. Beth, any thoughts on the people with talent?

Beth: Not necessarily, I agree with everyone they’ve put through so far. The first group with the three girls from New York were great. Know what else makes them great? NO DRAMA. Which was why we haven’t seen them on our screens until now. Idol loves drama, but we’ve covered this, yes?

The 4+1 vs. 440 feud turned out to be painless. Everyone advanced. Then Rebel Star, the duo nobody wants, takes the stage and absolutely butchered, “Irreplaceable.” Somehow, somewhere, Tiffany found more glitter. She and Jessica were told to put all their animal print disaster wear in a box to the left.

Beth: it is my hope that we did not have to endure all of these moments of watching Tiffany for nothing. I believe she served a higher purpose and that purpose will be that all glitter making factories will cease operation, tanning booths will go away and all light colored tubes off lipstick will be buried under the sea. Amen.

Some girls that sucked noodles through their noses put Steven Tyler in a chair and danced for him. And I believe I’ve actually understated the grossness of this segment. Beth, has there been a more disturbing Idol moment?

Beth: Okay, so when you say grossness, you weren’t necessarily talking about the noodle moment, right? vomitgag. Remember that show where contestants had to eat like snails and worms? That’s what this felt like. My poor stomach. Poor America.

A parade of tears and abysmal vocals introduce this year’s probable see-ya song, “It’s Over (Goodbye)” by Jared Lee. Then the Hits (with a barely composed Ashley) knock “Hit ‘em Up Style (Oops)” out of the park. They all advance, and love and togetherness (and emotional nitroglycerin) win!

Beth: Ashley was like the crazy-eyed animal of the group. I mean, WOW. Crazy. Eyes. And honestly, I think I saw her at Walmart last night.

But, damn, they sounded so good.

Finally Feud 1 takes the stage. The Deep V’s vocally disintegrated, but James screeches somewhat pleasantly through. And Caleb, who won’t last. Then they interview the Stage Moms who smack talk something fierce. I can’t believe this. Can you believe this? Fortunately their teeny-bopper offspring back it up. It’s not right. But as TV, it’s kinda delicious. I have a feeling we’ll be dealing with these moms all year long. Serious issues.

Beth: oh, the stage moms. The best is going to be when the Stage Moms starting beating each other up. It will happen. Oh yes, it will happen. I do love how The Minors were not cocky at all. Cockiness must occur at about age 17. Noted.

I can’t believe this show is still going. Longest. Two. Hours. Ever. Two things I’ve never seen before happened: Some guy named Steven used a cheat sheet and got booted. Corey advanced and wanted to argue. About advancing. Simon would have shot him right there.

Beth: Yikes. A cheat sheet and Corey asking why he’s advancing? I think their brains are broken.

Among the good and forgettable non-feuding groups, I do want to point out that Jacob Lusk seems like a potential finalist. Keep an eye on him (just look away when he makes the grotesque facial expressions).

Beth: Oh my dear God, did Jacob just have a stroke?

The fight between the Guaps and Sugar Mama & the Babies got snippy. In a gesture of epic editing, Jacee told his rejection story while Clint applied lip gloss like an eccentric evil scientist. Jacee struggled but got through. All the Sugar Mamas did! And Jacee cried. And my allergies got bad. Seriously, Idol, why do you treat us this way? Aren’t there enough tears in the world? The Guaps got grilled, but it didn’t matter because they’re all ridiculously good. Clint’s a little snot, but his voice is the business.

Beth: oh, Adam. You should really see an allergist about those allergies. And when you do, give me his name because mine seem to be acting up, too. (seriously, Idol, don’t you know what Coldplay does to me? I mean, my allergies?) Oh, Jacee. YOU ARE THE MAN.

Wait a minute. Are Clint’s glasses fake? Are they lacking focals? The Guaps were the shizz, I’m not going to lie to you. And Scotty apparently has allergies, as well.But mostly, what the hell is a guap?

The last group was Three’s Company. Chelsee sang off rhythm but on pitch. I couldn’t hear Jacqueline over her crazy henna tights, but I don’t think she was good. Rob forgot 110% of the words. Ugh, that was painful. Rob went home pouting, and the women moved on.

Beth: Here’s the thing, Rob is a baby with a really, really good voice. I hate that he blew it because he is so good. I was looking forward to seeing him in the final 24. Stupid Rob. Stupid henna tights.

There are still 100 singers remaining. How is this possible? Thursday night, they’ll cut it in half. I’m so ready.

Beth: I think this is how Thursday night’s post will go:

Sing, mess up, cry, forget the words, cry. Cry. Argue. Cry. And that’s just what Adam and I will be doing.

I can not wait.

Categories: American Idol, Idol Chat

You Capture | Warmth

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

By Beth

{Remember: You Capture is appearing on Wednesdays until the season finale of American Idol, but you can enter your link anytime during the week!}

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking I’m psychic, aren’t you? Don’t deny it, it only makes sense.

I mean, two weeks ago, I chose “cold” as the theme for You Capture. What happens? EXTREME COLD GRIPS THE NATION.

Last week, I chose “warmth.” What happens? I major warm up, fifty degrees warmer than the temperatures we saw last week, the snow is melting and you’re welcome.

Naturally it only makes sense for me to keep my streak going, so this week’s You Capture theme is going to be either “Cruise ships.” or “Johnny Depp without a shirt on.”

You choose.

I KID. I KID. (but if you do catch a photo of Johnny Depp without a shirt on…YOU WIN.

I was hoping to capture warmth simply by taking photos of the atmosphere in our home, the cozy nights when we are actually all sitting, or photos of the kids playing together but basically those moments did not exist this week because first, I’ve been sick since last Thursday and also because I’m incapable of not over-scheduling our lives.

So, what does that leave you with? Coffee and candles. Warm and warm. I try to light a candle a few days a week, it’s my special treat when I’m working at home. This is my current favorite, Sweet Vanilla Cinnamon from Anthropologie.

candle

And coffee. Oh, coffee, I can’t live without you. You are the wind beneath my wings. You are the apple of my eye. We will be together through thick and thin and I will never leave you.

warm-coffee

Now it’s your turn to share!

But first, please read before linking up:

PLEASE READ THIS GUIDELINES, especially, yes, especially if you have never linked up!
1. Anyone can join in on the challenge at anytime.
2. Please make sure the photos you use were taken for the challenge, meaning do not search your archives for an appropriate photo. The goal of You Capture is to get you out taking photos each week!
3. Use YOUR photos.
4. When linking up, only link to your You Capture blog post, not your main blog URL. (incorrect links will be deleted.)
5. You MUST link back to You Capture in your post.
6. I encourage you to visit other participants and leave comments. This is a great way to meet new friends!
{more You Capture info can be found here.}

The letter “L.” Anything that starts with the letter L.

Happy Capturing!

Categories: you capture.

Random your socks off

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

By Beth

That’s right, I’m about to random your socks off.

First, here are some of the Anthropologie goodies I bought for my birthday. Brian and I headed into Chicago on February 5, BY OURSELVES, we went to Victoria Secret where I was fitted for REAL BRAS that actually lift. Wow, what a difference. (Of course, I still mostly wear my nursing bras because of Sir-Nurse-A-Lot but still, these new bras mean that 7% of the time, my boobs go upward and not down. It’s amazing, really. Then we hit Anthropologie on Chicago Ave, just off of Michigan. Twas beautiful.

my finds.

I believe my eye was leaning towards blue that day.

…we had dinner at The Italian Village and then headed to the Anthro on State Street. Twas amazing. I can’t get over how spoiled I was. Brian even insisted on carrying every single shopping bag the entire trip. He mentioned making this my birthday tradition and I was like “oh, geeze, no way, nuh-uh.”

yeah, right! I was too shocked and excited to respond, I think. Our final stop was at Panera to pick up goodies for the next morning.

Yesterday, Brian surprised me with an Anthropologie box with the rest of the coffee mugs to that set for Valentine’s day. (and maybe, JUST MAYBE a VS goodie but shhhh…my Mom reads this blog.)

Eli’s surgery was yesterday. I can’t believe I’m throwing this into a post about random things because there is so much detail that it may be just too much. I want to just focus on the fact that it’s done and this morning he was so happy. Oh and maybe that he and I had the best sleep last night that we’ve had EVER. The night before Brian and I hardly slept at all, like, literally. We had a perfect hotel room and Eli went to sleep like a perfect little baby, I laid down at 8:30 my time, maybe closer to 9 and woke up every hour or more. Then Brian got paged for work and did not go to bed until after one when we had to be up at three. ugh.

But Eli? He’s a champion and yes, we had some definite difficult moments yesterday but also some super sweet ones, too. We are so thankful to have this done. The surgery went perfectly, it was a bit more invasive than I thought it would be but that’s okay. He should be back to normal in 3-4 weeks. (I’m sorry I’m not sharing the details, I just want to protect the privacy of my little one!)

Here are some sweet photos of our brave guy:

I mentioned last week that I’ll be heading to a photography class next week in another part of the country. This is something that I registered for last August with very limited availability. The fact that A.) I am able to go and B.) that I got in and that C.) my husband is just as excited as I am, are all wonderful, amazing things. I will not be linking to this workshop because I’m finding that maybe some people don’t quite appreciate originality and authenticity as much as I do, or as much as they should, especially when starting a photography business and because this is a huge investment for us, I just want it to be something that I discovered and something is part of ME and Beth Fletcher Photography. (sorry for the longest sentence ever.) I just think it would be best to keep it within my walls. In other words, I’m finding others doing exactly what I’m doing with their photography business that live very close to me and that makes me uncomfortable and probably sad, so I must protect this business of mine and keep it me and keep others from becoming me, too. (does that make sense?)

This doesn’t mean I won’t be sharing with you guys, oh, please! How could I not? It’s just that some things, have to be mine. You know? (I’m totally cringing as I write this, I don’t want to come across as a jerk or as someone who thinks she’s better than she is because I do not, it’s just disappointing to see what I’ve seen lately because I’ve been so forthcoming and it scares me, I think.)

(and it’s not to say that I don’t get ideas from other photographers, in fact, I do! My favorite thing about the internet is that I can sit down and get a huge dose of inspiration from people sharing the creativity and their art, but it does just that, it inspires me to craft my own art.)

(and also, if you’ve emailed me with questions, asking for advice, etc. I am not talking about you. In fact, YOU are the real deal to me. I love that you are seeking help in a private forum and I am completely honored that you’ve come to me. I believe in mentoring and hope to some day be a very devoted mentor to others, when I feel good enough to be one, of course.)

(oh man, maybe this should have been a separate post.)

(sorry for all of the parenthesis.)

Anyway, Eli will be traveling with me, I think he’s super excited for his first plane ride. or would be if he knew what a plane was, of course.

Oh and I believe I promised you some newborn photos, yes? Here you go!