Thanksgiving with the Sahakian's

So, I haven't had a chance to write about the pandemonium that was Thanksgiving at the Sahakian household. My mom's sisters and their families came down to Manchester for the big meal. My sister came out from Chicago with her two kids, my darling niece Sophie and nephew Max. Bruce of course, didn't get a chance to spend the day with us, because remember he was well, I left him at home sick.

When I got to Manchester, I immediately took a nap, because well being up since 2:30 a.m. is down right exhausting. So I took a short nap. And was awoken as my sister, Krista and her kids arrived. Max, her youngest is a crazy talker, was very excited about going to Grampa and Grampa's. My mom opens the door and he says, hi grandma, where's Nina (my dad's newest/favorite child.) The kids are so sweet, when Sophie saw me she was so excited to see me, she gave me a big hug. I like being Aunt Jennie.

Once the entire family arrived, it was time to eat. And we like to eat! Its a family past time. At a Sahakian/Kump/Ryan/Dutkowski family event there are several types of food you will always find. Of course, Aunt Elena always brings the veggies and dip, Aunt Janet brings the broccoli, cheese and rice, Aunt Val brings the green bean casserole and my mom of course has the rolls from the Common Grill in Chelsea and the Patiza. This year I made apple and blueberry pie. It was delicious, I have several helpings.

This year the kids table officially overcame the adult table. Ok, I guess we aren't technically kids anymore, most of us are in our 20's. Vince (pictured to the right) and Jill are in high school and then there is cousin Olivia who is 5. My sister kids are like her cousins, because frankly as fun as we are, we cannot be the amount of fun required by a 5 year-old.

It is always great fun when our family gets together. I really love hanging out with them all. We just laugh and have such a great time. So below there are some great photos. The picture above is my niece, nephew and cousin Olivia flattening me after I have eaten too much food. Please enjoy.

After dinner it's relaxing with "Finding Nemo."

Looks like Brent stole Olivia's spot.

For some reason the kids are gravitated toward the cage. I swear we don't lock them in there, they get in there by choice.

Brent and Me

Uncle Tom & Max Watching TV

My New Favorite Show:
Rob & Big

So I stumbled on this marathon on MTV yesterday and I am in love. It's about the dynamic duo of Rob Dyrdek and his bodyguard/best friend Christopher "Big Black" Boykin. I never thought I would find a skater (yes the skate board, not ice skating here folks) and his 400+ lb best buddy so charming. You could say I have a real life T.V. crush.

Can you imagine me, running into them... This is my imaginary dialogue.
Me: so you skate?
Big & Rob: silence.
Me: that's cool. You are from Ohio, I am from Michigan (see I always bring it home with this..)
Big & Rob: silence.
Me: Okey Dokey..

I imagine them being much cooler from the show, I feel that they would embrace the geek. So set your TiVo and get a season pass. You won't regret it!

To Be Thankful for WHAT?

Ok, I must admit that the start of Thanksgiving day, I was wondering what I truly had to be thankful for. It started Wednesday night, Bruce and I went to bed at 8:30 pm, because we were both working America's Thanksgiving Parade. I wake up at 10:30 and notice Bruce is not there, then I heard something, oh yes it was him throwing up in the downstairs bathroom. Then he came up and laid down and the next thing I know he's tossing his cookies again. At that point, I move to the guest bedroom. Ok, I did ask if he was ok and if there was anything I could do, he moaned no, so I took my leave. Then my alarm goes off at 2:30 am and I walk into our bedroom to find my husband sprawled out on the floor.

I have never seen him so sick. Obviously he is not going to be working at the parade. So I call his boss and tell him that he won't be coming. I am sure you are wondering why I am calling his boss, he literally was so weak he couldn't hold up the phone. The whole time, I am wondering should I take him to the hospital. So the next best thing, I call his mother, who is a nurse. She said, he should be ok.

Then if that wasn't bad enough. I go downstairs and I hear water. I am like where is that coming from, oh yes, it was coming from downstairs in the basement. The pipes where leaking, well that doesn't sound as bad as it was, I would go with over flowing. I run outside and grabbed two 5 gallon buckets and stuck them under the overflowing pipes.

I go back upstairs to get ready to drive to Detroit. I find Bruce now sprawled out lying on the bathroom floor. Like the good wife that I am I say, I will call you. Yes, I just left him, with the pipes running over in the basement. I must say though, he told me to go. However, I did know that his father was coming over to our house a little later.

So then I and worked for Local 4, see the pictures below. It was the best parade day because it was not below zero, it wasn't raining, it wasn't snowing. I felt bad that the one year Bruce was sick, he missed the best weather we have ever seen. They also moved the parade route this year, it was in the heart of downtown Detroit. It was great. So I guess I was thankful for the weather.

The good news, Bruce survived. I went to Manchester for Thanksgiving dinner. I was thankful that Bruce was ok enough not to need me to come home. And he said it was ok for me to go to Manchester and hang out with the fam and of course eat.

And so far, I have not gotten sick. I am not sure if Bruce had food poisoning or the flu. He did eat a shady wrap from the mejier gas station, but his mom says that is the type of flu going around. Now his dad is sick, I feel like it might only be a matter of time. So right now I am thankful that I have yet to get sick.

So I guess I have a lot to be thankful for.

I meet Jeff Daniels at America's Thanksgiving Parade. However, when I meet famous people, I immediately became a dork.

Here's our conversation:

Jeff Daniels: (sitting in an RV playing a guitar)
(I walk in to pick up scripts)
Me: Hello Devin (Devin Scillian who is also sitting in the RV)
(I walk over to Jeff Daniels)
Me: Hello, I'm Jennie Holladay, I grew up in your neck of the woods, Manchester.
(Manchester is right next to Chelsea where Jeff Daniels lives.)
Jeff:(No comment)
Me:(feeling awkward) Yes, the home of the flying Dutchmen (my high school mascot), who doesn't love a wooden shoe with wins, go dutch.
Jeff:(No comment)
Devin: Jennie, how is Bruce? Have you talked to him?
Me: I left him this morning on the bathroom floor, I am pretty sure he has the flu.
My inner thoughts: Thank you Devin for making me look like a human, who isn't still fascinated with my high school mascot.

The new parade TV location.

Bruce's Hand Pies. We made them with the leftover pie dough and apples. I have not tried them yet, but I am guessing they are better than Hostess.

Blueberry Pie, I made for Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, if you can remember, I picked these blueberries fresh from the patch in Capac in August. I froze them and broke them out for the pie.

Apple Pie... mmmmmm... yummmm... It's the last of the season with fresh apples from the orchard.

The Perfect Pair of Jeans -
Then Jcrew Goes and Screws It All Up

So I was talking with my sister today and we both agree that JCrew has completely screwed us out of the perfect pair of jeans. We both felt that their size 8 was made just for us, not too tight not too loose. But then JCrew decided to fancy up their jeans with European sizing which has somehow completely ruined the jean, without warning, without letting me know, so I could quickly stock up.

In the day and age we live in there should be something done about this, or at least a warning. Like when Jcrew got the stupid idea to switch to the 28s instead of 8's that they could have at least mailed me a postcard or for God sakes even sent me an email, I get one from them every freaking 10 minutes, the latest about couture critters. (File that in the "who gives a s&#t folder of my inbox.) So many times when I go to the store they are always wanting to sign me up for their catalog which I always receive 14 copies of, instead they should say would you like to tell us your favorite item in the store. To which I would say, yes these are my favorite pair of jeans. Then they could send you coupons for the stuff you actually buy and then if they decide to make the dreadful decision to change to European sizes, I can run to the store and stock up. At least I won't have remorse or at least I can delay the dreaded search for another favorite pair of jeans.

So to all the Jcrew executives and other clothing execs that read my blog (to date: none) please take this into consideration when you are thinking of changing a good thing.

Wow look at the lights and hear the carols...

This weekend we got a large dose of the holiday sesaon with a short stop at the Bronner's CHRISTmas WONDERLAND. This crazy Christmas extravaganza is open all year long. It is more than one and a half football bields wide with 350 decorated trees and more than 6000 ornaments. Then we went to downtown Frankenmuth for some delicious chicken.

What's your poison?

Bruce set up shop at the PB outlet at the Birch Run outlet mall. We had a super fun Christmas shopping tour. However, we did not do much Christmas shopping for others, we did however find Christmas presents for ourselves.

Happy 100!

This is the 100th post on the TiVo Changed my Life blog. I feel like there should be some type of celebration. So imagine me sitting in front of my TiVo celebrating, it is pretty intense. The cats are getting a little out of control. However, I managed to get them back under control.

I know what you are thinking, I could not handle her life, there is just too much going on. Yes, I often think the same thing.

This Monday, my friend Mindy came out from Chicago. Mindy (pictured above) works for CNBC in Chicago. Well I was lucky enough that they decided to send her to Detroit for a story, so she came up the night before to hang out in the metropolis of Attica. She got to see our house, go out to dinner and just hang out. She is another one of those friends where we just sit down and pick up where we left off. Plus did I mention she is freaking hilarious. I am always busting a gut when we are together. Bruce and I can't wait to visit her, her husband: Casey, their dog Max, and their cat Poopus de Gato.

Tonight I turned into a true adult. When I arrived at the gym there were a group of hoodlums who where swearing and carrying on, then in my most adult way said, "hey kids knock it off." Yes my youth is dwindling away.

As for ANTM, in the spirit of comedian Artie Lange from the Howard Stern show: WHAHHHHHHHH! Oh my word they were told to act out their emotions. Wow these are some angry/bipolar models. Caridee won the challenge and will guest staring on One Tree Hill. Then they are off to Spain. Of course Tyra show up in this crazy Spanish dancing outfit. (when I thought it was bad, I only had to wait until judging to see worse.) Then they find out that they are doing a "Secret" deoderant commercial but her is the kick, it's in Spanish Oh my God, it's so bad. They had to kiss a man at the end and of course Jaeda's tells her that he doesn't like black girls. So as usual she cried. I would have probably cried too.

When it came to judging, Caridee got fried, which she deserved, however I still like her the best. Jaeda cried at judging too, however the judges were a little nicer. Melrose got high praises from the judges. Who's out, I am going to say it's either Michelle or Jaeda, but maybe Caridee will be in the bottom as a punishment. During the wait for the judging everyone started yelling at Melrose for making them look bad at judging by saying she stayed up an extra two hours studying the lines. In the end the judges decided on Jaeda. I was so worried. I love her, and this competition needed her.

What a Weekend!

Fun & the Joys of Home Ownership

Let me start at Friday night. Bruce and I went to the Lapeer Cinemas, it's pretty much a weekend staple. Checking out the newest flicks that come to Lapeer. Friday, we went to the see "Stranger than Fiction" with Will Farrell. The movie was ok, however we had some middle schoolers behind us. Oh my word, I wish I had seen their parents when they waiting to be picked up. I would have only been happy to share how well behaved they were during the movie, especially the part were they left 100 times or the part when they were crawling on the floor, sitting on each other laps and giggling. Oh it's the best way to view a movie, if you are practicing rage control.

Then on Saturday morning, I hit the volleyball court at the Lapeer Recreation Center. It's open court pick-up volleyball. I am having fun, it's the second time I have played. The second time I have stepped on the court in 5 years. I am having a lot of fun. I am not that great of a player, I have high expectations of myself, however it turns out that I am not well in high school anymore. But it's fun and I can only get better. I hope.

Then I had to hurry home to clean the house because well we rarely have house guests and I was super excited that my fabulous friend Mary Lobbestael came up to visit. And well my house needed some attention. So I cleaned and cleaned. Then the next thing we know, we have pipes backing up. However, we were lucky enough that Bruce's dad owns a roto router. He came over in a flash and fixed it. The next thing that went wrong is the switch on the pump blew, meaning that we were again having water issues. Bruce ran to Tractor Supply to buy a new one. He managed to get it installed just in time for Mary to arrive.

Having Mary here was great. We went out to dinner and came home and enjoyed a good bottle of wine, two bottles later, which Mary and I both regretted this morning. Again, I am not as young as I once was. These pictures look like I felt. It's fun to be friends with someone for a long time, you have so many memories. We also made some new ones, which I have included.

Get Angry: Ready, Set, ACTION

It's Wednesday and that means it's time for ANTM. Oh yes, an results of the election, more on that later. First, a quick recap of ANTM. Anchal is the high drama mama. She can't get over her insecurities and it's driving everyone nuts. The theme this week is action. First the girls meet with Gabby Reese for someone volleyball action. Of course Anchal was freaking out about wearing a bathing suit. Then they were off to the race track. The girls took their own photos of them getting mad at a NASCAR driver. They jumped at the driver with a remote in their hands and snapped their own photo. Michelle won the competition, however she didn't get a prize she got a chance to win a prize. She had to compete against her friends. Whoever won, won $10K worth of clothes. Well it was Melrose who won, they didn't show if she shared any of the clothes, but I am pretty certain she didn't.

At the photo shoot, they were literally in a wind tunnel. I couldn't imagine looking pretty in a wind tunnel. Caridee looked awesome. Plus she was hilarious when given the judges challenge to "hide dizzily." So who's off: my guess is Anchal, but only TiVo will tell. And I was right.

Speaking of right: I picked a WINNER. At least in the case of Governor. Jennifer is back for 4 more years! Yeah. I have to admit, I am happy with that, but not everything I voted for won. But hey that is democracy. As for the rest of the vote: Doves are Safe, No Affirmative Action and No to Guaranteed School Funding. It turns out nationally the rest of the nation is feeling similar to me, well at least the popular vote, so the Democrats now hold the Senate and the House of Representatives. With this news, our friend Donny Rumsfeld steps down, is it coincidence?

Yesterday when I was scouring the web for information. I read the article talking about how Michigan isn't a red or a blue state, it was really purple. That's because we are all over the place: we have a democrat for governor, our attorney general and secretary of state are republicans. I like that. I feel purple some times. Maybe we should make our state fruit the blueberry.

So as I am looking at the blog, I realize that this is kind of dry and somewhat boring with all the election talk. So when all else fails cute pictures of kids: so here are future voters and the devil a.k.a their mother. Aren't they cute.

Desperate is Dynamite

Ok, I know that those of you who follow this blog religiously, know how I have been feeling about Desperate Housewives on Sunday night. Last weekend, I was over it. I couldn't believe where the show was heading. It was literally boring.

But ABC has brought me back with a BANG, literally. So this woman who's been terrorizing Bree in her new man Orson. This woman, who I can't remember her name, I will call her Claire, is convinced that Orson killed his las wife. Well it turns out Claire's husband was cheating on her with a flight attendant, Monique. Bree slips to Claire that her husband is a cheat, then the next thing you know this crazy Claire is shooting up the supermarket that her husband owns. She takes hostages which include Lynette, Susan's daughter, Eddy's nephew, the mother of Tom's daughter - another crazy cupcake who has been terrorizing Lynette and Tom, Eddy and their new neighbor. The next thing you know, Crazy Claire has all of the customers in the back, Eddy is locked in the office with the husband of Crazy Claire. The next thing you know. There is more gun fire and the crazy woman that is terrorizing Lynette and Tom, is shot in the chest. I have to admit I was a little bit pleased that she won't be on the show anymore. I know, I know it's wrong. I can't help it, she was really really awful.

I can't wait until next week. I am revived again! Until next week at least. God Bless Sweeps. I am also hooked on Brothers & Sisters which is in Grey's Anatomy's old time slot. It's got the ever so skinny Calista Flockhart. Yes, I enjoyed it via TiVo tonight too.

Tomorrow, is election day here in Michigan, as the media like to call it Decision 2006. We are voting for Governor. Jennifer Granholm gets my vote. I am also voting Yes on Proposal 5, and No on 2. And I am voting NO on hunting morning doves. As my mom said, if it was hunting Canadian Geese, we would be for it, but since it's doves I am clearly against it. I am also voting Democratic for US Senate and Congress. It's my proverbial eff off to the president, who is not in my favor. Can we impeach him and re-elect Clinton? I am sure the president is crushed to know my true feelings. So we will see how this election goes. I am not usually a lucky vote for candidates, I hope this will be better year for, I need a winning election track record. So far it's pretty poor.

Burritos the Size of Your Head

When I lived in Kansas City, I would frequent the Chipotle. They are one of my favorite places, because well they have burrito's the size of your head. They are FAB. They are a chain restaurant, but they don't have them every where. So when I moved back to Michigan, I managed to crave the giant burrito. Now they have them here. So today, Bruce and I ventured down to Hall road in Uttica to eat at the Chipotle. It was the highlight of my day. Yes, we all know that I are lame.

After the ginormous burrito, Bruce had to head down to Local 4. I went to Target. And oh my word, toys are crazy now. I walked by what looked like a miniature horse. It was big enough for a child to ride. It is a Fur Real Pony. If I was a kid I would have totally wanted that. It is $299 dollars. Since I always wanted a real horse. Yes, I thought I could be a horse owner. So much so, that I went to Horse Camp (it was actually girl scout camp, but it was all about horses back riding.) I tried to convince my parents we should keep a horse in the shed. As you can probably figure out by this entry, they never got me a horse. However, if I still had the urge. I would just buy one of these.

Now it's an exciting evening of laundry, cleaning and TiVo. I caught up on the MTV's "The Duel." The Queen of Mean in MTV's reality world Beth is back. I love these crazy competitions with Beth. She's mean and fun all at the same time. These duels for cash money bring out the worst in the realty stars, most of them are pretty fake about it. But Beth oh she's so well mean. And I enjoy it.

I also caught up on the Sixth Sense which is on after Grey's Anatomy. It's ok, but I am not sure where it is going. However, one of my new favorite shows is Heroes on NBC. Wow, it's intense. It is hard to write about because it's so intense and all over the place, but I will keep watching. Ok, I must fold clothes and go to bed and dream about my "fur real" pony. That name just makes me laugh: fur real.

What is with all the Re-Runs?

So last week and earlier this week, I tune into all my favorite shows only to find out they are re-runs. I have an inner conversation with myself that goes something like this, "what's with all these re-runs, we are only at the end of October." Then days later, it's like a little bell goes off and I realize: NOVEMBER SWEEPS. I can't believe I could forget that November is a sweeps month. When I was a news producer it was all I could think about. I would be nauseated the two weeks before the book started. Then November would be filled with complete craziness and stress. Now that I am in the land of education, I forget out this craziness. I can feel all my friends who still live in the world of broadcast news rolling their eyes.

Right now I am getting my fix of Laguana Beach. The crazy kids are on Spring Break in Cabo. They are drinking like crazy fools, however, it feels like MTV is trying to portray them as sober. When they are clearly not. Now L.C.'s little sister, Breena is making out with Tessa's ex-boyfriend, Derek. Poor Tessa who's vacationing with her family in Virginia Beach.

Happy Halloween. My costume was Princess of TEC. Mainly I just enjoy wearing a tiara.

I Love Pie- Especially Apple Pie

Sunday, I was mad woman, figuratively, not literally. I managed to rake all the leaves in the yard, clean out the gutters, put away the furniture from the screened in porch and still managed to bake three apple pies. There must have been some serious caffeine in my coffee. By the time 8:30 pm rolled around, I was literally crawling to bed.

Fall Weather Woes

What I should be doing today is raking leaves. It seems like every chance I have to rake them it is raining. So today, as I feel that precious fall weather slipping away, I look outside to a sea of leaves, hoping that we will get another nice day. We actually were waiting first for more to fall off the trees, and then when they started falling we waited so more because our neighbors church youth group is doing a fundraiser and they wanted to rake them. However, I feel that I may have waited too long. Because of the rain, once it's nice, Bruce and I will be raking them all.



So instead of raking leaves, I am doing another fall tradition, especially here at the Holladay household: baking Apple Pies. Bruce bought me this fantastic new contraption the apple peeler slicer. I makes peeling so much easier. However I must admit, it is so easy, I feel that I am cheating, but I don't feel that bad to stop using it. Look at the madness. I was able to peel these 11 apples in no time at all. If only they made a machine like this for folding clothes and putting them away.

Look at that STUD!

Book Club Returns for October

This month we read the "Invisible Monster" by Chuck Palahniuk, who also wrote "Fight Club." It's a book that is hard to explain. There are so many strange things that happen, but unlike another book we read, there was a nice big (however strange it was) bow at the end of the book to tie it all together. How did we pick this book, well Megan one of my students, who is an avid reader, suggested I read it and I introduced it to book club. Everyone was shocked it was a student suggestion.

Book club was great! I had fun hanging out with the ladies. The book was a little hard to discuss, so our chatter was all over the place. We had a lot of fun, well at least I did, so as leader/dictator of the club that is all that is important. Right? We had fondue at the Melting Pot. I love fondue. Well ok, I love Cheese and Chocolate fondue and of course wine. We also had the best waiter. His name was Bailey, if you go to the melting pot in Troy, ask for him. He loves his TiVo too and watches many of our favoirte shows. Funny enough, by the end of the night I think we all kind of wanted him to be the first man to join our book club. He even had his picture taken with us. Yeah, he's the guy holding up the book.

Ok Wednesday, was also ANTM night. Which of course I watched on TiVo tonight... and they kicked off Brooke, the sweet high school senior from Texas. I was so sad for her, it was the night of her high school graduation which she missed for this competition and they booted her off the show. I was like come on Tyra, couldn't you have a little compassion, I am sure she knew. The producers had to tell them.

Also I am watching Laguna Beach tonight, if you haven't tuned in. Tune in! I love this season. There is so much drama. I know what you are thinking, that I am too old for this. Well I am not. I like Tessa and Rocky, they are my favorites. This week Tessa's crappy boyfriend was so mean to her. I think they are on the outs, probably by the end of the show. What a loser! (My perdiction was right, what a jerk.) And Rocky's ex-boyfriend is a total sleeze. He breaks up with her last week at the bonfire and then at that same bonfire he is asking for numbers from other girls. Of course there is "queens of mean" Kyndra and Camie. Oh they are evil. It's a teenage train wreck that you can't help but watch.

Prairie Home Companion Live in Person

Bruce LOVES Prairie Home Companion hosted by Garrison Keillor on NPR. I love NPR especially This American Life with Ira Glass. I can appreciate Prairie Home Companion, but I wouldn't describe my appreciation as LOVE by any means of the definition. So on Tuesday night, Bruce and I went to the Whiting in Flint to listen to Garrison Keillor speak. He told stories from Lake Woebegone, which is actually my favorite part of his show. Yes if you listen, I like those stories, but can't handle Guy Nior, Private Eye.

OK I digress, Bruce and I went. We had bought our tickets however they were giving them to Michigan Radio Donors during the fund drive. However, we didn't opt to for that. But when we were walking in we spotted Larry from Michigan Radio. We stopped by to talk. He said that someone who was supposed to meet Garrison backstage was unable to make it. Then he asked us if we wanted to go back stage. It pays to volunteer. So above here is the picture of Bruce, Garrison and myself.

The best part was at the end of the show. The entire crowd stood up and sang the National Anthem acappella. It was so cool. It was a special moment. I am also including a picture of "The Whiting." Which I overheard has some of the best acoustics in the midwest... those are some accolades.

Sophie's First Trip to the Dentist

Hear Sophie tell you about it herself.

Hanging out With the Kids


So my sister and her family made a pit stop in Manchester on their way to the East coast for a wedding. I drove out to Manchester on a Wednesday night because honestly I can't get enough of my niece Sophie and my nephew Max. They are frankly hilarious.

Sophie just went to the dentist. I asked her how the dentist went. She says to me with a smile, "I bite him." It's appalling and hilarious at all the same time. She has perfect comedic timing!

And Max, he's a little wild man. Check out the video where he gives grandma a lot of love. (Yes TiVo changed my life has hit a new high, we now have our first video. Thank You: You Tube. Ahhhhh, I love technology.) It's worth sticking it out to the end. The laughter you hear in the background is of course, Krista, Josh, my dad and I.

We spent the night running wild around the house, reading books, pretending to be a horse (ok that was just me,) hanging out in Nina's dog cage (yes it was unlocked and at their own free will,) chasing Nina (my dad's puppy) around the house and mostly laughing. They have so much incredible energy. They exhaust me, while at the same time, I can't help but look forward to the next time I see them. I love them so much.

Am I Done with Desperate Housewives?

Ok, Eddie Brit is on my nerves. She has hi-jacked Mike. He awoke from his coma and she was there plotting against Susan. I can't stand it. Why can't Mike and Susan be a happy couple?

Then there is Gabby and Carlos. I am actually rooting for Carlos. Gabby is putting him through the ringer.

Lynette and Tom have this annoying woman in her there life, the mother of Tom's daughter. And now she is meddling in their marriage more and more. I am getting so irritated with this show on the whole. It's getting very very evil and underhanded.

I just watched the previews for next week. Oh my word, I hate Eddie Brit even more. And Mike looks like he might make a mistake that will kill Lynette. And wow it looks like Carlos makes headway in his fight with Gabby.

Another Girl Comes out of the Closet
on ANTM

Michelle, one of the twins, come out to the group that she thinks she maybe bisexual. I think that if I ever want to make a huge revelation about my sexuality I would choose to do it on ANTM.

This is the episode with the appearance of everyone's favorite "Over-the-Top" first Supermodel. She was interviewed by each of the models. They all sucked... even Melrose who won wasn't that great. However she did step it up with her prize, which was a guest correspondent for E!.

Then Tyra came out to have one on one time with each of the remaining contestants. Of course the other twin Amanda finally cried over her sister's decision to come out to the entire house. AJ told Tyra that she feels alone and that she can't stand Melrose. Tyra of course brings it out in Melrose that her confidence that she shows the other contestants is truly hiding her insecurities.

Is it me or does Mr. Jay wear makeup?

The photoshoot was celebrity couples. Each of them were going to be made into both part of a celebrity couple, yes including the male counterpart. Who I am not a fan of Eugenia, Anchal sucked at being Stedman, but didn't do that bad at Oprah. Caridee was Brangelina. AJ was a premadona. Brooke was the dynamic duo of Brittany and Kevin, with a snake. Jaeda looked most like her man: yes she was a very convincing Bobby Brown. Michelle was of course Ellen and Portia DeRossi, yes the lesbian couple. Too completely predictable. Amanda was Ashton and Demi. Melrose was Melania Trump & The Donald. I am actually excited to see how their pictures turn out.

At judging Jaeda, Anchal and AJ sucked. However Jaeda's shot wasn't that bad. The best was when Tyra did her K-Fed impression. The other great line, was when Twiggy asked is JZ was a singer. My pick for being out this week AJ. I think it will be her and Jaeda in the bottom two, but hey Anchal has a chance to be there too. In the end, the panel who got rid of AJ and I can't help but agree with their decision.

PR Winner

Wow, this was a crazy finale, not because of drama, but because I liked so many of their collections when they walked down the runway. However, I didn't love Michael's line even though I wanted him to win.

I didn't watch the finale until today because I was hanging out with my family in Manchester. I did however know the winner before watching (that's not a slam Helen, I know it wasn't on purpose.) I almost appreciated knowing because it was kind of what I had figured.

However, when Jeffrey's collection walked down the runway, I must admit I really liked it. I felt like it was all part of a collection. However, I did love Uli's collection. I liked Laura's but I didn't love it.

Now I am off to the gym, but don't worry I will write more later. Also you don't have to be a member of blogger to post on my blog anymore. I know that was a big complaint of many of my friends and family. So now post comments galore, however, I do have the ultimate power of delete. So don't you dare bad mouth TiVo.

Project Runway Scandal

Did Jeffrey sew his own stuff? It's the scandal and I guess we will find out the rest of the story next week during the finale. This week we Tim Gunn visited the four designers at their homes in Atlanta, Miami, L.A. and New York. I enjoyed seeing Laura in the roll as ultra-sophisticated mom to five boys. We also get to meet her husband, I can't help but wondering what does she/her husband do to live in a spacious apartment in Manhattan.

Michael got braces. Tim wasn't gushing over his designs, but there wasn't tons of new news. Just a pleasant visit. We did however learn that our German Sunshine Uli is from East Germany. She moved out of the country after the wall came down and is living the "American Dream" in a totally awesome apartment in Miami.

Then Tim heads to L.A. to see good ole Jeffrey. He still seems to get under my skin, mainly I think it was the crazy blue shoes he was wearing. His wife/girlfriend, whatever she is, looks just like him. Lots of tattoos its great. I am wondering when they plan on getting Harrison Detroit his own very tattoo. Do they have fisher price tattoos?

Anyway they all get to New York and all the designers are busy getting ready for the Fashion Week, all the designers that is except Jeffrey. Apparently he finished everything in LA. Laura smells a rat, she says everything is too well done for Jeffrey. She talks it over with Michael and Uli as they are working and Jeffrey is probably taking a nap. So Laura tells Tim and now their is an investigation into whether Jeffrey is a cheat. We will have to find out next week! Will they all show at Bryant Park, who will win. Right now I am sort of rooting for Laura's clothes and of course Michael. I won't be unhappy if Uli wins. So with that being said it will probably Jeffrey.

Stay Tuned.

As for us it's a busy weekend, Bruce and I are going on a triple date tomorrow night with Marina, Ryan, Katie and Katie's husband. On Sunday, we are going to answer phones at Michigan Radio for Pledge Week! Michigan Radio is one of my favorite past times especially on weekends listening This American Life is a favorite past time. So get on the phone and give a pledge if you are lucky I will take your money for a good cause! Also I hope my Pledge/Blog friend Anna will be there. We met last pledge drive and I think my eager friendship has somewhat freaked her out and intrigued her of course, all at the same time. That's me the freaking intriguing blogger pledge friend.

Winter is Coming...

I can feel it. There is a chill in the air here in Michigan. Tonight, it's cold and raining and it's getting worse. The forecast is not good, yes they are forecasting flurries, with a high in the mid-40's. I wish I could pay for more happy sunny fall like weather in the upper 60's. However, I don't think Mother Nature works on commission, but on the off chance she does, I am taking up a kitty, anyone in. It's only a matter of time until we see a picture like that out our windows.

The Tigers are going strong and I am catching the fever, oh yeah. The Tigers beat Oakland in the opener of their series last night. Tonight they are hitting the field again. It's a great time for Detroit baseball again. However it is a cold time for baseball.

As for TiVo: this season is giving me so many great things to watch it's hard to keep up. As for the new shows: The Class, it's a new bad comedy on CBS but I am addicted, Studio 60 on NBC, which I love. Also heroes it's a crazy almost Alias twists. I am really enjoying, however, it's going to be one of those shows that I can't miss an episode. Thank God for TiVo. Of course we have ANTM and tonight the season finale of Project Runway that I will watch tomorrow, because it's on too late. I am an old woman, who needs her rest.

UM v MSU Football that Divides Families
& the Tigers Beat the Yankees

It was a crazy sports weekend for Michigan. Even those of us who aren't sports fanatics get caught up in the frenzy. I sported my green and white for the Michigan State Spartans. (I am pictured above with my super tall cousin Vincent, who was sporting his Maize and Blue.) Why Michigan State from the girl who went to the University of Missouri? Well it was part of my marital vows, I am forever a Michigan State fan. I even know the entire fight song. I do not know the Missouri fight song. I am not the best fan, oh well. I am better at other things.

So Saturday was the big Michigan v. Michigan State game, we headed up to my Aunt Janet & Uncle Jack's house for a football party. However, we were torn, do we concentrate on football or do we watch the Tigers? It's the first good Tigers team in 22 years. And when push came to shove (and the fact that the football game was well a blow out) it was Tigers all the way. It took me back to watching the Tigers play in the early 80's when they were the bless you boys. I can't believe they beat the Yankee's in four games. Now they are off to Oakland to take on the A's.

Ok, I admit, I haven't watched a game on tv this season, but ever since I have moved back to Michigan, I have made an extra effort to go see the Tigers at Comerica park at least once a summer, I made it to a game with Angie and Olive this summer, many summers it has been much more than once. So to see them in post season play makes any long time fan happy. I guess you could say that I am now jumping on the band wagon now that they are on their way to the championship series. We have a time despite the fact that Michigan State was blown out of the water, it was a blessing that the Tigers won! It distracted us from our pain.

After the game we hung out and of course the family band started to jam. Well we really don't have a formal band, but Olivia (my youngest counsin) demanded that the band come out, so everyone grabs an instrument and rocks out. Maybe we should call our band, the band wagon. My job, to dance like crazy. And let me tell you no one has moves like this crazy lady.

My First High School Football Game
in 10 years

There is a reason why, I don't go to high school football games, well it's cold. And I really don't have an alliance to any high school except Manchester High School. But I am not that die hard of a fan. However, I have just checked and Manchester is 8-0 this season.

On Friday night, I went to the Marine City v. Marysville football game, in Marysville on Friday. One of my students was playing for Marine City, I have a rule, I will go see my students in one of their games/meets etc. if they ask. So I picked Marine City v. Marysville, because that is closest to my house, which means it's not close at all.

I was lucky enough to have two of my students who kept me company. First Bruce and I took them out to eat at Big Boy. The whole time I kept asking myself, why are these teenagers here hanging out with us. They are aware that I am not cool, maybe they are part of secret coolness recovery program, however I think they are unaware that I was never cool. Oh well, I appreciate it. They are great kids, I am lucky to have a class full of awesome seniors.

More high school football watching.

Marine City beats Marysville 49-13.

Studio 60 Hits the Mark

Its show number three and I am hooked. Matthew Perry is more than just Friends! I can't wait until next week.

I caught up on my Desperate Housewives too. Bree married the creepy Orson guy. Gabby's baby was born, well at least her surrogate mother gave birth, to an African American baby. Susan's boyfriend Mike is still in a coma, she's meet another British man at the hospital, who's wife is also in a coma, and now there is a lame love story there. Lynette's husband's lover from 12 years ago whom he fathered a child with is now driving Lynette and her entire family crazy. It's ok so far this season. Eddy Brit's nephew has come to town, but I think there is something brewing with him and Susan's daughter. Speaking of kids, where in the world are Bree's. We get a sneak peek to see that her son is coming back next week, but there is no daughter to be found any where.

As for this blog, good news: we are international. This past week, there have been visitors from across the country both east and west coasts, but mostly from the Midwest. Also, there have been visitors from South America, Europe and Australia. I am not sure how they are ending up here, but I encourage all visitors to leave a message. I am sure that my messages about TiVo are probably not a huge part of their lives, I bet they are coming for my thoughtful insight on America's Next Top Model.

A cool cloud scene from the car window.

Project Runway: Final Three -
NO IT'S FOUR

I was so nervous with the final three selection. I wanted Michael, Laura and Uli, but I found myself not hating Jeffrey. Oh the beauty of editing, hate him one minute - and then the next I found myself almost endeared to him and his silly Detroit neck tattoo.

This week challenge really had no constraints. Which I think was actually difficult because for the past weeks, they have been forced to fit certain restrictions, but now you have creative freedom but finish it in half the time. It's crazy, but it seemed harder.

I loved Uli's look and so did the judges. It was Uli, but different than we had ever seen before. Laura was so Laura: the typical plunging neck line. Michael made a formal dress, but it wasn't his best work. I didn't mind the dress Jeffrey made but the judges did.

The big shocker: THEY ARE ALL IN. I was so happy because Michael and Jeffrey were in the bottom two, and I was so worried Michael was out. So next week we see who is in and what three are out.

ANTM is Back in Full Force with makeovers
& of course DRAMA

Tonight is make-over day. I love this day, because there is so much freaking drama. Let's see who is the most dramatic: Jaeda is getting the "Halle Berry" haircut. I feel for her, but she took it like a champ in the end. Let's see who was the most whinny. Let's see, Melrose: Wa wa wa... Melrose, I am going to be a blonde for the love of God, get over it girl. It's blonde, it can always go back. Then there is the crying from Monique about getting a new weave. She doesn't want anyone to see her without her weave in her hair, oh puh-lease. And A.J. is complaining because her hair is black enough, well honey, I think brown suits you.

The girls I am really starting to enjoy: Brooke, the former bubbly blonde, who's now a brunette and she looks fab. Megan, who survived a plane crash. She is just a cute pixie blonde. The twins, Amanda and Michelle. They look cute and different, and they have enjoyable personalities.

The challenge today grab make-up off a table, jump in an elevator, put the make-up on, get out on the next floor, grab a dress put it on in the elevator, get out on the next floor and get shoes, get back in and have your look finished by the top floor. If you didn't make the elevator in time at each floor you were elminated. Of course drama queen herself Monique didn't make it. Rock n' Roll Megg missed the first elevator, but it wasn't the drama of course that Monique had.

When they got back, oh the drama continued, Monique gets on the phone for 3 hours and 31 minutes. The rest of the girls are so upset. It just makes everyone so irritated with her, especially me. I believe the best line of the night from Monique's mother was, "when they mess with a child of God, they've got trouble on their hands. You tell them, I am a princess of the throne." It was hilarious.

So for the photoshoot they worked with weavologist. Yes I said it, a weavologist. What is a weavologist, well i am guessing it is an expert that works with weave. Wow, those hair does, were hair dont's. They had to model with these huge mechanical hair pieces that looked more like a circus than anything else. This was better than last seasons bald pictures.

The only person I want to go home is Monique, but Lord knows that wasn''t going to happen. In the end the judges sent the pixie blonde Megan home. Oh I am excited for next week already!

Why I love Jackson, Michigan?

I scream, you scream, we all scream
ICE CREAM!

I grew up in Manchester, Michigan which is nestled in between Ann Arbor and Jackson. As a kid, we spent plenty of time in Jackson. There are always family favorites in any town: we all love the Jackson Cascades, two of my dad's favorite places in Jackson are the Meijer and Cracker Barrel, but the ultimate is the Jackson All Star Dairy (it's new name is the Parlour, but to us it will always be the All Star Dairy.) When I was a kid, they made their own brand of ice cream, that was delicious, but like other small businesses they couldn't keep going, so they stopped making their own ice cream. Sorry I digress.

What we love about the All Star Dairy is their monstrous proportions: the ice cream sundaes are HUGE! And did I mention truly delicious. So when you go to the Parlour, despite the fact that they started serving food you don't ever order anything but ice cream. It is best to go on an empty stomach and eat ice cream for the major meal that day, just to ensure you have enough room to finish. My mom, dad and I went on Saturday, for dinner of course.

I had an Almond Sundae covered with hot fudge, caramel and almonds, pictured to the left. I was able to polish off most of it myself, however, my mom managed to help me a little towards the end. My mom had a safe chocolate soda, why safe, well it's large, but it's one of their smaller items. My dad had a junior banana split that would look like a normal size at most other ice cream shops.

If you are a brave soul and a true ice cream love you may dare to try the Dare to Be Great! This sundae is a mere 24 scoops of your favorite ice cream, covered in all the toppings. They say if you can eat it in one hour you don't have to pay the $24.99 price tag, yes the mega treat is yours for free. No one in my family has ever been brave enough to attempt this feet. We are amazed at each other when one of us braves away from the junior sundae, like I did this weekend. To the right you can see the after picture, of my most delicious sundae. Mmmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

America's Next Top Model is Back....

And all I have to say is wow Tyra. Holy Cow, she is over the top already this season. And I LOVE IT. I just finally sat down to watch the two hour season premiere which aired on Wednesday, but hey I was a book club, so TiVo saved it for me. In the first show they do two rounds of thinning out the pack, the first round is after interviews with Tyra, Jay & Miss J Alexander. Then they do this crazy dash to the magazine thing and kick out some of the girls. It really isn't that exciting. Except for the part where they interviewed the topless dancer that swore to Tyra that her entertainment was on the same line as modeling. It was hilarious.

Then to the next round where they do a nude photo shoot. Of course there is the little conservative girl from Kansas, that can't bare it all. All in the name of morals... come on people. Blah... she's 18 I give her one good year at University of Kansas before she gets topless at a frat party and the pictures end up all over the internet. Next the 13 girls move into the house, but there are only 11 beds, what gives. Two of the girls have to sleep on bean bags. So Monique who decides sleeping on a bean bag is beneath her goes and takes Eugena's bed. It was dumb, but this week we all learned to be annoyed with Monique. Who said that despite the fact that she is in a house with 13 girls she cannot limit her hour shower, she just needs it, there is no debate. Give me a break, I was just yelling at the tv, for god's sakes girl listen to yourself, I wanted to ship her to Kansas with the moral girl. So the first challenge is to undress male models and recreate a new look for themselves and walk it down the cat walk. Melrose won and she deserve to win. Her prize was a personal assistant during the next day's photoshoot, Oh course that went to her head, but can you expect anything less.

The photoshoot was the stereotype of a model: diva, dumb blonde, bulimic, aneroxic, model turned actress, ect. It was fine, but with so many you don't get the total drama yet. Christian was kicked off which was sad, because I liked her South Carolina personality. But I guess someone had to go. I am looking forward to this season, because it's such mindless television, and by now you should know that that is exactly what I know.

Next Post: Why I love Jackson, Michigan? One hint, ice cream for dinner!

Book Club is Better than Ever

Last night we had a great book club meeting. (And of course TiVo was recording my shows while I was away.) We read "My Sister's Keeper" by Jody Picoult. It is a very thought provoking book, that pretty much made me cry in every chapter. But hey I am a sappy girl. It was a a very small meeting, Sarah, her sister Donelle (our newest member,) Helen and of course the book club dictator: me. We had dinner and fruity drinks at Living Room/Amici's for dinner. We had a lot of great conversation on the book. The general consensus was that we all loved the book. I highly recommend reading it, but make sure you read next to a book of Kleenex.

So "Book Club" is still an ongoing experiment if you will, we don't have a steady group yet, but we are working on it. But I would like to say our newest member was acquainted with the book club much earlier than this her first meeting. It turns out book club was used in a ploy to get her to the restaurant where her boyfriend was waiting to purpose. Sarah, told her that she wanted to celebrate her recent graduation for University of Michigan Law School with a dinner at her favorite chop house in Rochester. She insisted that they dress up for dinner, but she had to drive separately because of, yes you guessed it: BOOK CLUB. So other than the book club lie, she had a textbook proposal. The hostess took her to the table and delivered a portable DVD player with a montage video of their years of dating, the he came and proposed. I am so happy that book club could be a part of such a happy day.

On another note, I thought TiVo failed me last night when I sat down today and turned on Project Runway only to find a rerun. So I make Bruce download it on ITunes only to find out it is also the Black and White rerun. Why does PR do this to me? The good news however it America's Next Top Model is back! It's going to take some time to catch up with my TiVo, but the good news it will always be there waiting for me. Tonight I am watching Grey's Anatomy at real time, all these commercials are horrifying. Never again.

And on a separate note, but here's a great picture of Andrew Harding, I figure if I can't get people to read my blog, I will keep them coming with pictures of babies and puppies. It's like television news, people always watch babies and puppies.

Studio 60 - Watch It!

Bruce and I just watched the premiere of Studio 60. It was pretty good. So of course I quickly added it to the season pass manager on TiVo. Premiere week is so much easier with TiVo in your corner. You don't have to stay up to watch any of the new shows just to be disappointed, instead we watch it on our time! Yes, it's another reason, I love love love my TiVo.

Tonight Bruce and I meet our new FABULOUS friends Marina & Ryan at the gym. Marina is my new best Lapeer friend. She just started working with Bruce and he set us up! I have found whenever I move, it's hard to make friends as an adult. It was so much easier in college. You are friends with the people you work with, but since I don't live where I work, it makes hanging out an issue. So I am so happy that my husband was thinking off me and making new friends! It turns out Marina I have a lot in common, mainly we are both Virgos (in fact our birthday is just days apart,) she likes to run too and much much more. We even had a couple date on Friday night, which we rarely do. Our next date is Thursday at the gym.