Congrats and Surfing like girls

It's been an interesting couple of weeks - in a good way.

I just watched the Celtics win the Eastern Conference title, after an intense series with the Orlando Magic. The series was up and down and it gave new perspective for me on certain players. I used to like Dwight Howard, but now I see how dirty he really is. I know some Celtics have a reputation for playing dirty, but at least they are more upfront about it. Dwight thanks God every time he's on camera and complains about every call on him just cuz his eyes weren't watching his own elbows and hands as they come down on players. For Celtics, Rondo is still the bomb, and Nate Robinson came through like Doc predicted. Nate gave a straight up shout out to Jesus Christ when he was interviewed (not just God, but Jesus Christ), that's bold, just like he played, I like it. Congrats Celtics!

The Idol finale was Wednesday and it was Lee who took it home. He definitely deserved it; his journey was the most inspiring and his growth was the most evident. Congrats Lee!

~

Last week I got to surf with my ladies! A girl I know and I have been trying to get together for a while. We know each other because I shop as much as she works pretty much, lol. She is an awesome chic. J and I met up with her at Waikiki and the surf was present for us to enjoy. Had a good time and hopefully will again before she moves to Big Island. :(

The week before, my friend from Seattle was in town, and we got to surf twice in a week. It's another friend that I never hung out with one-on-one in Seattle, but once she visited, we hung out 2-3 times, and we even met her family. That's the aloha life I'm talking about.

It's May; one week down

Not sure what to blab about tonight. Just home, my honey is at work, still hate these nights. I am doing ok, just watching tv and going on Facebook. Currently watching Hustle & Flow - sad movie mang. Even if he ended up on the radio, you can't fully rise up while maintaining a 'hood mentality. That's just the truth.

We celebrated my boo's birthday on Thursday (and Friday). We ate lunch buffet at Makino Chaya and dinner at The Yardhouse. We napped, and he got to surf a little. I got him a watch and his favorite cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory. We extended our celebration by visiting his family last night, and watching a late showing of Iron Man 2. I generally really dislike seeing movies on opening day because I don't like crowds or waiting (lol) but occasionally I'll do it for my honey. It was kinda worth it, and not as bad as it could've been as far as crowds. Good sequel, not necessarily better than the first, like people have said. Not sure how I feel about Cheadle in the mix, but at least he's not racist. *cough*terrencehoward*cough*

As for American Idol, the last two eliminations have been long overdue. No one on the show has a "bad" voice, but Siobhan and Aaron are not artists in the way the winner of the show should be. Aaron is young; he's got skills and time to develop them. Siobhan can blow but she also would need time to diversify and develop. I'm still routing for Crystal and Lee the most. Casey is ok, but not quite star material. Mike will undoubtedly do something after the show...maybe an album...hopefully broadway.

Gotta get ready for bed soon so I'm rested for church. Last Sunday was awesome. We had missed two weeks in a row, and that never feels good. The message was great - about reading the Bible as a worship, not just discipline. Then the time with the kids was forced inside by rainy weather. We played a game inside and got to break into small groups, which is my favorite time. The other girl and I just kept all the girls in one group, rather than two, which I also like. The subject of demonic oppression via night terrors or even while just trying to sleep came up. Very interesting to see who has experienced it and who hasn't. There's fear in those who haven't experienced it, and almost an unhealthy ignorance about it from those who have. I hope it's something we can continue to dialogue about to educate each other and just make sure it's not dealt with alone for anyone.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas! You are blessed and a blessing!

Still looking for my Turtle...

My Season 9 American Idol Picks - Top 9

Guys
Aaron Kelly: Kid needs to pick up the pace and be a little more playful in his performances.
Andrew Garcia: Glad he's still there, not surprised. He's a great artist and is getting better at showing it without trying too hard.
Casey James: I like to see him showing some emotion along with his talent, very necessary.
Lee Dewyze: He's coming outta his shell, and it's great. He can only get better.
Michael Lynche: Amazing voice and talent. His stage presence is unmatched this season.
Tim Urban: Can't believe he's still on the show but he's definitely better with his guitar.

Ladies
Crystal Bowersox: I like to see her smiling more. She's so real and she brings it every time.
Katie Stevens: She also needs to bring up her "cool" factor; she's too serious in her performances. Skills but dull so far.
Siobhan Magnus: She's grown on me a bit, and I think she's got a strong voice. Her quirks can be charming but sometimes too much.

I was definitely sad to see Didi go, but that's how it goes. We'll see who will be voted off tomorrow. I didn't vote tonight, but usually I voted for any of the following: Didi, Andrew, Crystal, and Lee. I'm surprised that the girls have gone down faster than the guys, but I guess they have more charisma.

Text voting is cool, btw.

My Season 9 American Idol Picks - Top 12

**How could Lilly be gone??! As she said, "There's a lot of incredible talent going home tonight." I am very disappointed to see certain people stay over others. Todrick had more to give, but I do agree he may be better suited for Broadway (which would give him more opportunity to showcase all his talents anyway). Katelynn Epperly was not the strongest competitor but I honestly thought she was staying when they had her standing with Paige. Poor Alex Lambert! He was torn up and couldn't hide it. He was getting better but definitely needed more performance with the vocals.

TOP 12

Didi Benami: Love her, she has such an awesome sound and knows how to use her voice.

Siobhan Magnus: I can't deny her vocal skills but she is odd in an off-putting kind of way.

Paige Miles: Again, bomb voice but little connection to her when she sings, either cuz her lack of connection with the song or maybe what she fails to project to the audience.

Crystal Bowersox: Totally deserves to be in the top 12. She is a true artist.

Lacey Brown: Um, not so much worthy of the top 12 title. Should've been Katelynn.

Katie Stevens: Also not ready for this top 12 group. Should've been Lilly.

Casey James: Great vocals, great musician and a simple artist.

Tim Urban: I don't think he should be top 12. His song this week was an easy vocal and he has failed to impress otherwise.

Lee Dewyze: So worthy of top 12. He's awesome and should go far.

Michael Lynche: Wow, that Maxwell song was absolutely amazing and touching. I couldn't believe his range and control in that falsetto. Saw him in a new light after that.

Aaron Kelly: Yeah...why??

Andrew Garcia: Of course, he should be top 12 and I hope he keeps being himself and showing us how talented he really is.

My Season 9 American Idol Picks out of 16

This season I'd say the girls are doing better than the guys. I'm not excited about anyone yet, but I have voices I favor, of course.

Eliminations...

Ashley Rodriguez - (Wk 1) I had hope for her, because she had major potential and major stage presence.

Janell Wheeler - (Wk 1) Didn't think she was that strong of a contender for the win, but wasn't sure if she should've been out the first week.

Michelle Delamor - (Wk 2) I definitely she should've lasted another week but mostly because she's highly marketable. I honestly think she should pursue modeling. Singing, may not take her as far.

Haeley Vaughn - (Wk 2) Thank the Lord this girl is off the stage. Sweet as she may be, the voice was murderous to my ears.

Joe Munoz - (Wk 1) WTH, he was confident as he awkwardly stared into the camera, but dude had a good voice and was a great performer.

Tyler Grady - (Wk 1) Yeah, he was stuck in a time he wasn't even conceived in. Kinda odd, but may do well in local band gigs.

John Park - (Wk 2) Not a strong performer solo but maybe good with his group. Nice voice most of the time.

Jermaine Sellers - (Wk 2) I loved his voice and that Jesus is his homeboy but attitude was a little off sometimes. He could really sing, but wrong songs.

Current ladies...

YES

-Crystal Bowersox: Artistry and voice, she is unique in this competition but I do agree there are many like her out there.

-Didi Benami: Such a voice, I love her voice; she needs to step it up and take a risk by adding her own flare.

-Lily Scott: I think her voice is really good and different in a good way; she's very artistic and original.

MAYBE

-Katelynn Epperly: I don't think her voice is that strong, but she is good. I don't think I connect with her.

-Paige Miles: Awesome voice, but there's something I'm not getting from her too. But the voice, girl got skills.

NO

-Katie Stevens: Good singer, but boring performer. She's young, needs experience.

-Lacey Brown: Um, I get the impression there's only certain songs she can sing.

-Siobhan Magnus: Great range, but is almost too odd off the bat. Individuality and quirkiness is fine, but honestly the wardrobe is killing me.

Current gentlemen...

YES

-Andrew Garcia: Star potential, maybe with a band, but definitely a true artist and a front man.

-Lee Dewyze: Star potential here too. He needs to exude more confidence with that voice.

-Todrick Hall: Lemme be honest, he's not the best singer, but he IS an artist. Maybe he should be a producer and back-up dancer?

MAYBE

-Alex Lambert: Odd dude, nice tone to his voice but needs to change his hair and gain some confidence.

-Casey James: Voice good, guitar good...but maybe not as good as he thinks he is?

-Michael Lynche: Good voice, awesome performer but it's hard to piece that big man with those smaller songs. Last week was a good one for him but there's something I can't grasp...

NO

-Aaron Kelly: Another young, fairly dull kid. He has a good voice, but this show is not long enough for him to grow up in time.

-Tim Urban: Dude...no more. All I can think of is that first live performance and that he didn't exactly redeem himself last week.

My Season 9 American Idol Picks out of 24

First voting show for top singers this season...

Ladyz

YES: Didi Benami, Ashley Rodriguez, Lilly Scott

MAYBE: Crystal Bowersox, Jenell Wheeler, Michelle Delamor, Katelyn Epperly

NO: Haeley Vaughn, Siobhan Magnus

NOT SURE: Lacey Brown, Katie Stevens, Paige Miles

Menz

YES: Todrick Hall, Andrew Garcia, Jermaine Sellers, Casey James

MAYBE: Aaron Kelly, Joe Munoz, Lee Dewyze

NO: Tim Urban, Alex Lambert

NOT SURE: Tyler Grady, John Park, Michael Lynche

My thoughts on Ellen...

I am kind of liking her more than I thought I would. She's nice and honest, and she does understand "the biz." I wish they could find someone who knows more educated vocal critiques but at least she's super funny.