BACK by "popular demand"! [No lie, I've gotten probably a dozen requests for this.] Let's talk Idol!
I felt hugely optimistic at the start for Season 9. I felt like there was an abundance of talent and I thought I'd have a hard time narrowing it down to my favorite 5 guys and 5 girls. Well...no. It's been really, really easy.
For anyone who hasn't seen my Idol blogs before [I used to have a whole separate blog for it] I pick my top 5's based on the performances and potential, but I also go to iTunes and listen to clips of their recordings, because I think how they record is important. Then, I pretty much just talk about it.
So - here you go! [In alpha order]
Top 5 Guys:
Alex Lambert - I know. He had a REALLY rocky start, but I really, really love him. He is my Matt Giraud this season. I see SO much potential in him and I think he has an amazing voice. And he records beautifully. I am even willing to over-look his TERRIBLE "fashion mullet" haircut. Will someone please tell this kid there is nothing fashionable about a mullet?
Andrew Garcia - This guy has more talent in his pinky then most people have in their whole bodies. His song choice this week was...unfortunate. But, I still think he is one of the best. He is extremely unique and I get excited to see what he will "do" to a song.
Casey James - I have been rooting for him since day one. And although I am REALLY over them harping on how freaking cute he is [which he is] I still think he is super talented. This week's performance wasn't as strong, vocally, as we've seen him, but he is well rounded. He plays the heck out of the guitar and I really like his presence on the stage.
Lee Dewyze - I have a serious crush on this guy, for several reasons. He is really cute, has a sweet personality and MAN can he sing. I really love his tone. He reminds me a bit of David Cook, but I hope he'll be able to show case what's different too. I do think his style is a bit "taste specific" but, I love it.
Michael Lynche - I've been a "Big Mike" fan since the first moment he was on camera. I know this is a "singing competition" but I do think his contagious personality is important. I loved his song choice this week, because I think that's the musical avenue he does best.
Top 5 Girls:
Crystal Bowersox - I love this girl. I think she is just awesome. I think she has the pipes AND the chops for this business. And, who doesn't love a girl who can play the harp?! [By the way, that's harmonica for anyone who may not know.] I was so worried that her diabetes hospitalization would eliminate her from the competition...but she came through and really nailed it.
Didi Benami - Didi is kind of like Alex for me...I see SO much potential in her. I think she is a beautiful girl and I really like her voice...when she sings the right songs. This week, sadly, her song choice was soooo wrong. I just hope I'm not the only one who sees how great she could be.
Katelyn Epperly - I love her voice. It's so rich and natural. I know it was a really slow song choice last night, but I got lost in it, in a good way. She can get a little pitchy but I think as she works with voice coaches, she will be really great.
Katie Stevens - When she sings, I forget she is barely 17. She has really struggled with song choice, but I think its partly because she is so young and hasn't had much [if any] real experience. Regardless, I think she has so much raw talent and I see her going far in this competition.
Lilly Scott - I think Lilly Scott is a name we should all remember. I didn't love every vocal choice she made in her song last night, but over all, she never disappoints me. She always stays true to the kind of artist she wants to be and I really respect that. I don't think she has the most powerful voice of the girls, but its really different. I'm rooting for her...even if I do think her grayish-purple hair is weird.
So - what do YOU think?!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Marriage Advice
I received a lot of advice in the months up to [and after] our wedding. Most of it I have kept in the back of my mind, waiting for the right moment to break it out.
Ryan's paternal Grandma gave me several pieces of amazing advice; one of which was...Laugh often and always be silly together.
...I think we are doing pretty well on that front.
[PS, that's a pumpkin on the TV behind us, in case you wondered. We watch a lot of food network.]
Ryan's paternal Grandma gave me several pieces of amazing advice; one of which was...Laugh often and always be silly together.
...I think we are doing pretty well on that front.
[PS, that's a pumpkin on the TV behind us, in case you wondered. We watch a lot of food network.]
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tour a la Naslund : Part Deux
I finally got some pictures of the rest of our new place. :) We are finally all settled in and really liking it here!
Here we have one side of our bedroom; with our bed and bedside table:
A close up on my favorite thing about our room...the wall art:
And the other side of the bedroom; dresser and filing cabinet. Our walk-in closest is on this wall too. And my air purifier/snore-blocker ;)
Our little "office":
New addition to the kitchen:
And the bathroom!
So, there you have it! You've now seen our entire apartment. Not much to it, but it feels like home. :)
Here we have one side of our bedroom; with our bed and bedside table:
A close up on my favorite thing about our room...the wall art:
And the other side of the bedroom; dresser and filing cabinet. Our walk-in closest is on this wall too. And my air purifier/snore-blocker ;)
Our little "office":
New addition to the kitchen:
And the bathroom!
So, there you have it! You've now seen our entire apartment. Not much to it, but it feels like home. :)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Little Things
Before Ryan & I walked down the aisle, my Aunt gave me a piece of advice that has stuck with me. It was with great wisdom that she bestowed this upon me, as she has been married something like 40+ years, and as we have entered our second year of marriage, I am seeing its value more and more.
She simply said this: “When you take a step back and look at your marriage, it’s often best to focus on the little things.” I didn’t understand what this meant when she said it, but now, I totally get it. When Ryan & I have an argument [And it happens. We aren’t perfect.], it’s too easy to get wrapped up in that “big thing”. Will that seemingly “big thing” really feel so big in 10 years, or will it be the little things that stand out?
This morning, I felt awful. [There are a couple of us at my office with the same symptoms, so I’ve chalked it up to a bug.] While trying to get ready for work, I kept getting interrupted by…my tummy. So, Ryan made me toast. Then he made me a turkey wrap to bring for lunch, in case I felt up to eating. BAM. It hit me as he kissed me on the cheek and left for work. 10 years from now, I won’t remember what he argued about last week…but I WILL remember the morning I didn’t feel well, and he went out of his way [and ended up leaving a little late for work] to do a simple thing for me.
So - Thanks Ryan...for doing the little things.
She simply said this: “When you take a step back and look at your marriage, it’s often best to focus on the little things.” I didn’t understand what this meant when she said it, but now, I totally get it. When Ryan & I have an argument [And it happens. We aren’t perfect.], it’s too easy to get wrapped up in that “big thing”. Will that seemingly “big thing” really feel so big in 10 years, or will it be the little things that stand out?
This morning, I felt awful. [There are a couple of us at my office with the same symptoms, so I’ve chalked it up to a bug.] While trying to get ready for work, I kept getting interrupted by…my tummy. So, Ryan made me toast. Then he made me a turkey wrap to bring for lunch, in case I felt up to eating. BAM. It hit me as he kissed me on the cheek and left for work. 10 years from now, I won’t remember what he argued about last week…but I WILL remember the morning I didn’t feel well, and he went out of his way [and ended up leaving a little late for work] to do a simple thing for me.
So - Thanks Ryan...for doing the little things.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Ryan's 25th Birthday
I've been called a Cougar.
I've been told I "robbed the cradle".
Yes, I married a younger man. People are always surprised when I tell them Ryan's age. I'm guessing this is because a) he is [usually] really mature and b) I guess an "older woman" with a "younger man" is still a bizarre match-up. Technically, he is only 1 year and 7 months younger. Not a big deal, if you ask me, but to the general public, it seems to raise eyebrows. From July to February our numeric age is different by two years. This is when people get curious. And call me a Cougar. BUT, that glorious time from February to July, our numeric age is only different by one year, which I guess makes all the difference.
On Sunday, Ryan turned 25! [I'm 26. See. One year, no biggie. Just wait until July when I turn ::GASP:: 27!] On Friday night we had a few close friends over for an impromptu celebration. Ryan & I made a Mexican feast. Homemade guac, salsa, black bean dip, fajitas - the works. It was a fun night. The cherry on top was Ryan's favorite desert. Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. There is not much in this world that we love more than that one specific cheesecake and since Ryan doesn't like normal cake, I got this cheesecake...because I needed something to put the candles in! :)
Here are some pictures:
The Birthday Boy playing Air Drums :)
Me, Kim and Brittany
Frankie
Kim & Jason
Kim & Chloe :)
Brandon, Ryan & Levi [yay for Bromance! ;) ]
The homemade eats!
The cake & blowing out of candles:
Happy Golden Birthday, my love!
I've been told I "robbed the cradle".
Yes, I married a younger man. People are always surprised when I tell them Ryan's age. I'm guessing this is because a) he is [usually] really mature and b) I guess an "older woman" with a "younger man" is still a bizarre match-up. Technically, he is only 1 year and 7 months younger. Not a big deal, if you ask me, but to the general public, it seems to raise eyebrows. From July to February our numeric age is different by two years. This is when people get curious. And call me a Cougar. BUT, that glorious time from February to July, our numeric age is only different by one year, which I guess makes all the difference.
On Sunday, Ryan turned 25! [I'm 26. See. One year, no biggie. Just wait until July when I turn ::GASP:: 27!] On Friday night we had a few close friends over for an impromptu celebration. Ryan & I made a Mexican feast. Homemade guac, salsa, black bean dip, fajitas - the works. It was a fun night. The cherry on top was Ryan's favorite desert. Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. There is not much in this world that we love more than that one specific cheesecake and since Ryan doesn't like normal cake, I got this cheesecake...because I needed something to put the candles in! :)
Here are some pictures:
The Birthday Boy playing Air Drums :)
Me, Kim and Brittany
Frankie
Kim & Jason
Kim & Chloe :)
Brandon, Ryan & Levi [yay for Bromance! ;) ]
The homemade eats!
The cake & blowing out of candles:
Happy Golden Birthday, my love!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Our New Home // Tour a la Naslund
So, we moved into our new apartment a few weeks ago. It's been a work in progress, getting everything unpacked and settled. But, as requested, here are a few pics.
Here is the entry way:
The Living room:
The "Dining Room", which is actually where we have our piano:
I'll post more pictures as we continue getting everything where we want it. :) But so far we are very happy in our little home.
Here is the entry way:
The Living room:
The "Dining Room", which is actually where we have our piano:
I'll post more pictures as we continue getting everything where we want it. :) But so far we are very happy in our little home.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Letter to My Brother
Dear Frankie,
Today, while blog surfing, I came across a blog written by the Mom of two; a girl and a boy. The little girl is 2 years and a few months older than her little brother; they are 5 and 3. Reading this blog brought tears to my eyes. Hearing this Mom talk about how protective and “mothering” the sister is, and how loving and “copycat” the little brother is. I felt like it was written about us. I was reading one particular entry about how much they “need” each other at their current age. How when the brother is napping, the sister is watching the clock until he wakes up and she can play, sing and dance with him. How when the sister goes to play at a friend’s house, the brother cries and cries for his “Sissy”. Sound familiar?
I’m all choked up just writing this, thinking about how much our relationship has changed…and how much it hasn’t. Sure, we are adults now and we don’t see each other nearly as often as I’d like, but I still “need” you in many of the same ways. Sometimes when I call you, I can tell you are busy or don’t really feel like talking, but I don’t care. I just want to hear your voice. [Thank God for YouTube so I can hear you sing “These Days” anytime I want.]
You and I have endured a lot together; From the happiest moments of our lives to some that will no doubt stand out as the saddest. I hope you know, no matter what the circumstance, no matter how many miles might come between us, I will always be there. Always. The day you were born, I instantly had my life-long best friend. I’m not saying our relationship has been perfect, we had a few rough years, but at the end of the day, you are and will forever be one of the best and most loyal friends I’ve ever had. And though we joke about it from time to time when talking about some of our favorite musicians whose lives ended in their prime, don’t you dare leave this earth one minute before me, because I’d never survive it, Kid. I hope I don’t hurt any feelings when I say - I’m not sure I love anyone in the same way that I love you.
You are a light in this world, and I am so, so proud to be your big sister.
-Rach
Today, while blog surfing, I came across a blog written by the Mom of two; a girl and a boy. The little girl is 2 years and a few months older than her little brother; they are 5 and 3. Reading this blog brought tears to my eyes. Hearing this Mom talk about how protective and “mothering” the sister is, and how loving and “copycat” the little brother is. I felt like it was written about us. I was reading one particular entry about how much they “need” each other at their current age. How when the brother is napping, the sister is watching the clock until he wakes up and she can play, sing and dance with him. How when the sister goes to play at a friend’s house, the brother cries and cries for his “Sissy”. Sound familiar?
I’m all choked up just writing this, thinking about how much our relationship has changed…and how much it hasn’t. Sure, we are adults now and we don’t see each other nearly as often as I’d like, but I still “need” you in many of the same ways. Sometimes when I call you, I can tell you are busy or don’t really feel like talking, but I don’t care. I just want to hear your voice. [Thank God for YouTube so I can hear you sing “These Days” anytime I want.]
You and I have endured a lot together; From the happiest moments of our lives to some that will no doubt stand out as the saddest. I hope you know, no matter what the circumstance, no matter how many miles might come between us, I will always be there. Always. The day you were born, I instantly had my life-long best friend. I’m not saying our relationship has been perfect, we had a few rough years, but at the end of the day, you are and will forever be one of the best and most loyal friends I’ve ever had. And though we joke about it from time to time when talking about some of our favorite musicians whose lives ended in their prime, don’t you dare leave this earth one minute before me, because I’d never survive it, Kid. I hope I don’t hurt any feelings when I say - I’m not sure I love anyone in the same way that I love you.
You are a light in this world, and I am so, so proud to be your big sister.
-Rach
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