Can We Go Back?

I know it's been a long time...my life is well, kind of a mess. Rather than give personal details I'm just going to post the lyrics to "Can We Go Back" from Kelly Clarkson's latest album All I Ever Wanted. I think you are all smart enough to draw your own conclusions. It's almost scary how perfectly this describes what I'm dealing with....

Can We Go Back

You're complicating things
I need some room to breathe
I gotta get back to simplicity
If you want more than this
Then tell me what it is I gotta do
Oh, this is killing me
I need you to see
That somethings gotta change

Can we go back to the way we used to be
Back to the butterflies
Staring deep in your eyes
Can we go back to how we used to be
Cause livin and lovin was easy
We gotta find a way to fool reality
And go back to the way we used to be

When did we mess it up
What happened to love
We had it good
But it wasn't enough
We shouldn't let it fade all the way
Were over thinkin this way too much
I want you next to me
But somethins gotta change

Can we go back to the way we used to be
Back to the butterflies
Starin deep in your eyes
Can we go back to how we used to be
Cause livin and lovin was easy
We gotta find a way to fool reality
And go back to the way we used to be

Oh, can we go back

No it doesn't have to be this hard
And this isn't the way we are
Our love was effortless
Now it's tearin us apart
Oh, I'm getting tired of the fight
We can't pretend that it's alright
I'm slowly losing hope
Baby can we try

Can we go back to the way we used to be
Back to the butterflies
Starin deep in your eyes
Can we go back to how we used to be
Cause livin and lovin was easy
We gotta find a way to fool reality
And go back to the way we used to be

Book Review: The Taking by Dean Koontz

Published 2004, approx 410 pgs, paperback

Just the other day, a coworker comes up to me and goes, "How many books have you read since you started working here?" I answered, "A lot." Honestly, I don't know, but it is quite a few. I'm a receptionist, I'm responsible for guarding the front door (anyone who knows me realizes how comical this is if anyone really dangerous came in) so my days have a very strict schedule. One 15 minute break at 10am and 3pm and a one hour lunch at noon. Because my schedule is so strict, I can rarely get out during my lunches, so I read. I have a pretty large collection of hard cover books at home I still haven't touched so in this past year, I've finally made a dent.

Now that Idol is over, I've been struggling to find something to write about so why not the books I'm reading? If I ever catch up to SYTYCD, maybe I'll cover that too. We'll see.

Anyway, Koontz and I go way back. He was one of the first horror writers I read after discovering Stephen King. I read a lot of his books in high school...not so much as an adult. What brought me back was my recent trip to Florida and the obnoxious amount of flying I had to do. I needed a paperback and I knew I could count on Dean Koontz.

The synopsis starts like this "On the morning that will mark the end of the world they have known, Molly and Niel Sloan awaken to the drumbeat of rain on their roof." Sounds interesting right?

The book is basically about the take over of the planet by an alien species in a 36 hour period. Rather than just showing themselves, the aliens appear to be reforming the planet to suit the life forms of their planet/species. The main characters are Molly and Neil, a childless couple in their late twenties. It follows their discovery of the changes happening to the planet, their struggle to survive, and their desire to help others in their town.

Their are quite a few parallels with the story of Noah's Ark and references to the religion vs. science debate. I always enjoy the combination of these two themes as I consider myself a fence sitter on the issue. Regardless, the book is fast paced and I found myself surprised that little more than a day passes in the story. It's not ground breaking or exceedingly original but it was a good book. Koontz does throw in a good little twist at the end on the science vs. religion topic that wrapped up the story nicely. So, if you are into sci-fi/horror and need a solid read, I recommend giving this a try.

When two loves combine

Books and Joe Mac. Joe Mac and Books. HEAVEN.

Joey started the Let's Get This Foundation and his first "step" as he calls it, is a book drive. Joey needs new books for kids between 0-5 years old. If you donate $10 (buys 5 books) you get a free download of his new song. Anyway, my brain is still mush from Florida so just go here, www.letsgetthis.org for all the details.

Me and my NKOTB friends in sunny (HOT) Florida.
As you can see, none of them are axe murderers and nobody is crazy. We had an awesome time despite our dates standing us up.

Kris Wins and Adam doesn't have to record No Boundaries!

Ok, so I kinda wanted Adam to win and I am a little bummed but...he doesn't have to sing that horrible song ever again.

Overall, I thought the finale was great.

Highlights: BEP, David Cook (what a tear jerker), Allison w/Cyndi Lauper (who is like, 55 or something and looked great, wow!), Kara vs. Bikini girl (Kara gave her a proper beat down both vocally and visually), Kris and Keith Urban (double yum), Alexis just being damn cute, Jason Mraz, QUEEN and KISS with Adam, Norman Gentle, Adam and Kris geniuinely being happy for each other.

Lowlights: Lionel Richie had to sing with Gokey (How dare Gokey do "Hello" after David Cook slayed it last year) so I ended up fast forwarding...sorry Lionel, Lil and Queen Latifah...FF, sorry Queen, Lil getting a duet but Matt G didn't and he got fifth wtf?, Rod Stewart practically falling on his face (painful, had to hit FF), Tatiana Del Toro, Gene Simmons tongue, and Kris saying "Adam deserves this."

Did I miss anything?

Congrats to Adam and Kris. I will buy both your albums but Kris, I will not buy that horrid "No Boundaries" even if Joey Mac's best friend Eman produced it. Or if you do a country album. Adam, do your thing, I WILL buy your album.

American Idol Finals-Adam v. Kris

Well, this is the first time I like each of the final two enough that I'd buy both their albums. As usual the final showdown was kind of a letdown. I mean, by this time, everyone pretty much has their favorite and the contestants have had their best performances. This is just a formality really. Adam and Kris both had to sing 3 songs; their favorite from the season, a song picked by Nygel Lythgoe, and Kara's co-written piece of crap.

Adam was up first and he chose "Mad World" as his favorite of the season. He came rising up out of the stage with a Matrix coat on and had fog on stage and everything. I loved it simply because he had the balls to do it. His vocals were gorgeous. Simon complained that it was too theatrical but whatever. Adam replied something about "well, they said they had this elevator and dry ice..." Gee, me thinks the show was HOPING Adam would let them use it. Have they ever had a contestant that could have pulled off that much drama?

Kris chose "Ain't No Sunshine" (uh, I had to look it up...my mind went BLANK). As before, he sat behind the piano and it was amazing. Simon gave the round to Kris. Yes, I realize I say a lot more about Adam but that's the beauty. Adam is so HUGE and Kris is so simple and I love them both.

For round 2 Nygel chose "Change is gonna Come" for Adam. I have to Admit I spent half the performance thinking, "Why did he choose an R&B song for Adam?" when all season it's been ballads and rock. Well whatever. Anyway, Adam sounded really good and did a lot of crazy vocal stuff. I guess, it was a good choice in a way because we got to hear him sing something different.

Kris was given "What's Goin On?". He did a stripped down acoustic version with his guitar and the bongo guys. I liked it...it was totally Kris. Then the judges start rambling about how his performance wasn't "big enough" for the importance of the night...wtf does that mean? He did HIS thing and he did it well. He can't be Adam...and the next round proves my point...

Round 3 the guys had to sing the dreaded Idol ballad...these things are always so bad...so sappy, horrible lyrics, ugh. I don't get why some seasons the contestants have two to choose from and then other years they have to sing the same song. The "song" is called "No Boundaries". I cannot even remember how it goes, it's that catchy. I actually couldn't remember the title of the song until a little bit ago.

Anyway, Adam did okay with it. Even he was pitchy on this thing and like rock week, the background singer was trying to out sing him or something. Kris looked terrified from the moment he got on stage, alone with just a mic, poor guy. He even messed up the lyrics (nobody said anything though). It was just, not good. He was straining. I felt so bad for him. The judges said the key was too high and for both performances said not to vote for the guys based on that song. Way to go, Kara!

The judges- Simon seriously needed to button that shirt. It was almost to his belly button. Paula looked like she got stuck in a tanning bed. Kara was way too intense and scared me. Randy was just Randy.

Who will win? It's a toss up as far as I'm concerned.

No Service Part 2

Life is funny...life can suck and it can also be amazing. Notice, I'm not using CAPS? It's because I'm not totally devastated and angry anymore...well, I'm a little bummed I'm not trapped on a cruise ship with NKOTB this weekend but I digress.

Let me tell you a story:

Last May 16th I fell in love with my favorite boy band all over again. Then they did a show in San Jose and I really thought that would be it, that I would be satisfied. The thing is, in the meantime, I had met all these amazing fans online and they were doing all this crazy stuff to meet the guys. The guys have been nothing but amazing towards their fans, unlike any celebrity I've ever seen. I decided I wanted a piece of that. So, my new friends and I decided we would all go to a big concert together this summer. I started recycling cans and bottles when my bonus' were taken away because I was determined to go on this trip with CASH.

As you know, the trip was all set to happen. VIP passes, plane tickets, hotels, outfits...all bought. 10 girls were ready to go...and then Monday it all got ripped away from us. Everyone was upset but most felt the worst for me because I was the last "VIP virgin"...the only girl who had not met the guys yet. Then something amazing happened...

My friend Katie was determined that I would meet Joey Mac. I guess one of her twitter followers realized what happened and offered to GIVE me her meet and greet pass (her name is Jen) for her show in Connecticut. Katie lives in Connecticut...could I use my refunded VIP money to fly to CT? Katie and the rest of my friends donated a little money so I can stay in a hotel the night of the concert...

None of these gals have met me yet in person but I love them. They are amazing. So, in two weeks I'm still headed to Florida, but instead we are going to Disney World. It will be fun. Then 3 weeks after that I will get to meet Katie and FINALLY meet NKOTB. Life is funny...

American Idol Finals-Final 3

This will be my first ever "Drunk Idol Review". Hehe. Hubby actually decided he wanted to go to Chili's and have margaritas on a Tuesday night (his weekend, not mine). Ok then! I was nice and tipsy by the time I hit play on the Tivo...

Danny was up first and he sang some song by some artist I'd never heard of. It fit his voice...but I noticed he licks his lips a lot and it was grossing me out. I also found his facial hair extremely annoying. Idol is funny when you are drunk. His performance still seems spastic to me. Ok, yeah. The guy can sing, blah blah. I still wouldn't go see him in concert or buy his album.

Kris was second. Kris sang "Apologize" by One Republic, chosen by Kara and Randy. I thought he did a good job and I'm glad he didn't' really change it. That song is still pretty popular and I think it would have weirded people out if he had rearranged it. Kris' funny singing faces were much more noticeable in my drunkenness. His jaw went farther to the right than normal and he kept scrunching his face like something smelled really bad. Was I the only one that noticed his chest in the black shirt? (at this point I start thinking about one Jordan Knight and Twisted)

Adam was third and he sang "One" chosen by Simon who was quite proud of himself. Alcohol kinda made Adam seem not so amazing to me. He was still great but I was just like, "yay. Adam, you did it again." I really liked the beginning....it was weird when he went into his crazy high stuff...but he still has amazing control and hits all the notes...it just didn't seem like an Adam type of song.

Round 2

Danny. Again. What did he sing? Wonderful World or something? I can't remember. I remember I thought he did really well. The acoustic thing was cool. I can see what we all saw in Danny at the beginning, but dude, you sucked for most of the finals and you really sucked on the Aerosmith last week...so just to be fair, Kris and Adam should be in the finals for being mostly awesome the whole season. Besides, you will just end up like Taylor Hicks if you make an album.

Kris sang "Heartless" by Kanye West. Um what!? Dude! Cool! I hate this song, it's on the radio too much and Kanye sucks (his singing). I loooooved Kris' version. Great job Kris! Look, Kris just had a moment. And he did the acoustic guitar thing Kara whined about after Apologize. See Kara? He didn't want to do the same thing twice, duh. Woot woot! Yep, still tipsy.

Adam sang "Cryin" by Aerosmith. Well, at least Danny isn't singing it, thank god. I feel like the background singers ruined it actually. I kept going "what is that noise?" and it wasn't Adam, it was the harmonies. Ick. Shut UP! Well, anyway I think it was just decent. Nothing amazing. Adam set the bar so high for himself that anything less is kind of underwhelming. Or, maybe he was amazing and I was too drunk.

The judges-Kara is really annoying when you've had a few margaritas. That's all I remember. Oh wait, and I'm really pissed that Step 5 happened of the judges plan, with Allison as the victim. Danny shouldn't have been here.

Songs I'm most likely to download- Kris' take on "Heartless"