Yum Chicken...It has been a very very busy summer. Last week, Bruce and I ventured out to the famous Manchester Chicken Broil. What? You have never heard of this event, say it isn't true. The Chicken Broil happens on the third Thursday in July every year in Manchester (the small town I grew up in.) On this third Thursday, the set up the bbq pits and grill 14,000 chicken halves and serve it with a ton of the secret coleslaw. Yes, I said secret, it it told that only three people have the entire recipe and they aren't allowed to travel together. It's a blast and good food. So if you are in the area it's worth the trip, it is usually during the Ann Arbor Art Fair, but it's a great time and polar opposite to the Art Fair.

Before that we went up to Mackinac Island for the Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race. It was fun. This is our third year working the race and I am starting to feel like an old pro. I recognize the sailors, that can be good and bad.

While I was up there I found another TiVo lover, well I had already known her to be wonderful, Andrea Gearhart, (pictured to the left biking around Mackinac Island.) But on the trip I found that TiVo changed her life too. She also dates her TiVo, with her husbands knowledge. We talked about life before TiVo and frankly we can't imagine going back to that place. We also shared our dislike of the DVR, yes the TiVo imposter. These DVR's promise the ease of recording your programs, but lets face it folks they are no TiVo. They lack the ease and friendliness that has made us grow to love our "TiVo." She suggested so great shows for me to watch: The Hills and Big Brother (also suggested by Todd.) So when I got home I quickly added them to my list. We are both addicted to Project Runway, and looking forward to the next season of America's Next Top Model and of course Lauguna Beach II.

Also are there any other fans of Flip This House on A & E who are very disappointed that there is no Richard Davis & Trademark properities on this season, instead it's two brothers in San Antonio. Let me tell you I was not impressed and did a little research only to learn that Richard and A&E are on the outs. Instead he's making deals with TLC, but I could find no information when we will see Richard, Dawn and Ginger on TLC.

On another note, this one literary, while I was up in Mackinac I read "My Sister's Keeper" by Jody Picoult. Wow was that an intense book, I read it in literally 24 hours. I also literally cried in about nearly every chapter. So I am thinking it will be a lifetime movie, I see someone like a young Sally Field playing the mother and a princess diaries Anne Hathawayish girl playing Anna. If you haven't read this book, I would say read it but be ready for an emotional outburst.

This summer has been crazy busy, I am enjoying having time off. I also know that my TiVo is patiently waiting for me to return. TiVo lets me enjoy my summer, but it knows I am coming back and so do I.

Next Post: Kathy Griffin My Life on the D List - Love IT!

Sold! We close on wednesday.

Many of you have been following our struggle of selling our house in Berkley for nearly a year now. But the good news is it is sold. We close on Wednesday morning. We have gone through the ups and downs of real estate, we are just thankful to have it sold. Especially considering there are nearly 300 homes for sale in just Berkley. What does this mean for TiVo, well it means I can stop TiVoing "Sell This House," which is good because there haven't been any new episodes on for quite some time. I think I have seen nearly ever episode.

In other TiVo news: Project Runway returns to Bravo this week. I am thrilled. This means I have something meaningful to TiVo again. I have started to TiVo random shows on the WB, so I will be glad to get some quality time in with TiVo.

Good Looking Losers

Well it was fun to Emmy Nominated, but as predicted we didn't win. We had tough competition. We entered our Port Huron to Mackinac Sailboat racing documentary, however our competition was called, "Surviving Auschwitz: Children of the Shoah." That documentary won. Congratulations it was well deserved.

So that being said, we still had a lot of fun getting dressed up, walking the red carpet and sitting through the awards show. We did however have a lot of friends from Channel 4 that did really well: shout out to Sarah Mayberry, that fabulous health producer, who took home three Emmys.

It was very inspirational to be there, because the work was all very good. Bruce and I went home thinking, what are we going to do next. So set your TiVo's there is more to come from this Emmy Nominated Producing duo. Who look very cute despite coming home empty handed.

Up North - No TiVo
We are up north in Calumet, Michigan this Fourth of July holiday. We have very limited access to technology. Currently we are borrowing the interntet from a local hotel. So I must be amused with Lake Superior, Old Mines, Museums and family. I am actually having a lot of fun. I will update everyone on TiVo when I get back.

Cloud

This is me trying to blog with my phone, very exciting huh!

A cloud - Phone Blogging...

Catified: Another View

Catified

My friend Amy's office on her last day at TEC. It was my going away present those pictures are cats. Did I mention she hates cats?

All Aboard... My first experiences on Amtrak.

Besides having to wake up at 5:20 am on a Saturday, to catch 6:05 am train it wasn't that bad. I boarded the train in Lapeer. I paid for my ticket "on the train," sort of. I had to get off the train in Flint and pay at the ticket window. The good news is the train did wait for me to reboard. The ride was pleasant. We stopped quite a few times in Michigan, however once we got past Flint I have to admit I was asleep. I woke up in Kalamazoo. The last stop was in Dowagiac, then from there we went directly to Chicago. I really found it to be a relaxing ride. I made one trip to the dinning car for a coffee. I enjoyed looking out the window at the countryside, I know the I-94 trip to Chicago by heart, it was nice to change it up a litte. We arrived to Chicago 10 minutes. As I was riding the train, I found myself a big fan, despite the ticket debockle earlier in the week. I will take Amtrak again. I think it would be a fun way to travel this summer, since I have a lot of time off. I am not sure it's the way to go if you are in a hurry, but its definately a great way to see the countryside. stay tuned for my next trip by rail in the states.

Troubles with the Amtrak and I haven't even boarded the train...

Here is the skinny. I called Amtrak on Tuesday for the Chicago ticket. The woman I talke to told me if I wanted my triple A discount it would cost me $12 to have it shipped to my house, since Lapeer doesn't have a ticket booth. I said well that doesn't make since because it would end up being more expensive than the $42 ticket without the discount. I will take that one. She than told me I couldn't, because I couldn't buy that ticket until later in the week. So I said, ok i will call back. Now never having taken Amtrak, I was unaware that the price would go up, I know that sounds silly, but the lady made me feel like it was just something that made since. So I try to buy my ticket today and now the price is $60. I talk to the ticket agent and she says, sorry lady you are an idoit (not in so many words) but I can't do anything for you, then she transfers me to a customer service agent, to whom she had already told my story, who told me sorry lady there is nothing we can do. I was like look here, I would have bought this on Tuesday, but the lady told me I couldn't. She never mentioned to me that I could have gone somewhere to buy the ticket. I told them I understand if you can't give me the $42 price but you can at least meet me somewhere in the middle, perhaps by giving me my triple A discount. I was told that they were sorry, but all they could do was sell me the $60 ticket, I said no thanks.

Then I have Bruce, the smooth talker, call. And of course he gets them to change their tune and they agreed to give me the $42 dollar ticket. Its frustrating, but at least I got my way. But if this is any indication about how this trip is going to go, I am in for big trouble. stay tuned.

The Apprentice

TiVo and I have reunited tonight after a little break. Tonight I watched the series finale of the Apprentice, I was glad to have it on TiVo, because I watched much in fast forward. It was ok, I was pleased with the outcome, but bored with much of the show. Plus how many Pontiac commercials can they fit into one show for the love of GOD!

Tonight I was going to go running tonight instead I decided to nap and watch Apprentice. I am feeling guilty about not running. But I am not feeling well with my decision because frankly it was disappointing.

On another note I am taking the train to Chicago this weekend, I am excited, I have never taken Amtrak anywhere. I will be sure to report on the experience.

Summer Loving.... on a screened in-porch

Ok, I am still off the TiVo subjected, but it's because the weather is so nice. I am currently enjoying our screened in porch (thanks to wireless internet and my husband.) Bruce cleaned off the porch wthis weekend. He power washed it and now it's a great place to sit enjoy the weather minus the bugs. Anyone who knows me knows that I am the first true mosquito magnet. If you are near me there is no need to wear any type of repellent because all bugs want to do is eat me. Ha ha bugs, you can't get me now. I am also enjoying a lot of time on the porch with the cats.

I have also been running a lot. Well it's more like a jog, but it's still exercise. I am getting addicted. We have a great park down the street from us, that I run in. Why am I writing all this, I am worried that all this great weather is leaving little time to TiVo. Thank God for that 80 hour hard drive.

Off the TiVo Topic.. a new Cyber Addiction...

Craigslist.org

So I am now addicted to Craig's List. I love seeing what's up there. I have used it to post my house several times with no success, but I just listed a dresser and got 5 emails in less than 2 hours. So maybe things under 100 are easier to get rid of. I posted my house up there again.

I may sound desperate when it comes to this real estate thing, but well I am. I am sick of owning two homes, yes at one time it was fun to have two homes. Where will I sleep tonight, hmmm maybe the summer home? Oh I am spending the weekend at my other house... I can't go out to dinner, I am at the southern home tonight. All joking aside, it is wearing thin now, especially now that there is much more yard work. Is there hope, who knows we are lowering the price AGAIN! Come on people I am not making any money off this investment. I also see other houses in our neighborhood selling. Do I have that bad of taste? Are finished basements really that cool? Was I mentally retarded when I fell in love with that house and bought it, three years ago, going on four.? Don't answer those questions, they were rhetorical.

I have obviously digressed from my earlier topic, Craig's List. Check it out, it's fun. Look for jobs, furniture, cars... And it's all free... ha ha ebay. Using craig's list is like sticking it to the cyberMAN.

TiVo Alert...

I have actually spent a lot of time outside lately and I haven't been hanging out with TiVo much. I did catch the apprentice, and I totally agreed with the Donald this week. Also my TiVo decided to record "Fresh Meat" on MTV for me, it looks like a really good show to get sucked into this summer. YEAH! I mowed the lawn tonight, so I will have to watch the Lost season finale tomorrow.

Not TiVo related, for those of you keeping track of our "rescue for your home" house, we haven't had any offers yet, but I am hopeful. Keep your fingers crossed. Well I guess it could be TiVo related, since I captured the segments on my TiVo.

"Rescue Your Home"
It's the title of the segment that our summer home appeared on this past Friday. For those of you who didn't know Bruce and I have been the proud owners of two homes for nine months. But we lucked out and Local 4 News decided to feature our house for a "sell this house" type segment. We taped the segment in April around Easter, and it finally aired. If you are curious to wath it click on the links below.


Segment I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REdm5rzhN14

Segment II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR3PrdicEUk


We had an open house on Sunday and 20 groups of people came through our realtor says it was the best open house she had in a long time. I hope this does the trick.

Amen!

Jade is out.....

Now it's my girls Joanie & Danelle.

I will be happy no matter the outcome.

Season Finale -- Whoa Wait A Minute

So Grey's Anatomy ended Monday night with a big season finale. Denny dies, which was sad, but I knew it was coming. These type of shows can't have things work out all the time. Burke was shot and his career is threaten, while Christina isn't sure what's happening, she actually is feeling human. (Which disappoints because I like crass Christina.) However, I believe that Burke will be ok. Please feel free to hold me to that prediction.

Then there is of course the big taboo Meredith and McDreamy. At the nearly end of the two hour show, McDreamy and Meredith find their selves in some exam room going at it like maniacs, meanwhile Addison and the Vet are chit-chatting. So now I find myself not liking McDreamy and Meredith and feeling for Addison and the Vet. The vet I never had a problem with, but Addison bugged me. Now I like here. Don't do this to me. All these mixed emotions. However, it was a good season finale, not to crazy of a cliffhanger, but believe you me I will be back in the fall.

As for tonight's viewing pleasure, get ready girls (and guys if you will) it's ANTM. I honestly can't predict who the final two will be. Of course I am hoping for Danelle and Joanie, but I have a feeling Jade will knock out one of my girls. They like to keep it interesting. The question, I ask, is if she wins do you think the hair will stay? Does anyone like it, I don't mind the length but the color has GOT TO GO!

Stay tuned for tonight's results.

I totally called it!

Sara is out on ANTM. It's not surprising, in fact, I predicted it. But I worry now that Jade will win. I just can't stand that idea or that girl. Talk about annoying. Yes annoying. One more show, and then it's the season finale. I can't decide who I like better Joanie, with the improved smile or Danelle, the southern girl who needs to overcome her drawl. Also what was with Tyra's very very very purple eyeshadow.

Currently Bruce is playing my favorite South Park, the Christian Rock band. I love it, Cartman forms his own Christian Rock Band and goes Mehr. It can make you laugh until you pee, because it is true. I am not a huge South Park fan, but this one takes the cake. I may like Country, but Christian Rock, no one is fooling me. I love my friends who say you can't tell it's great music. No it isn't and of course you can tell.

A hole in my TiVo heart...

So it's May and it's coming... that time of year that all my favorite shows have their season finale and that means reruns. So what now? Usually that is when I explore the rest of shows that cable has to offer, but here lies the problem. By this so called exploration, I inevitably end up adding more shows to my weekly line-up, which is already quite full. The other issue is there are so many channels, I spend half the summer looking for something descent to view. So what is a girl to do? The good news is most of the summer is spent outside, gardening and running. But if anyone has a good suggestion on a show that I may have missed this season and should catch up on reruns, let me know.

Also bad news, my favorite Friday night show In Justice seems that it maybe canceled. It's quite a disappointment, because I was really enjoying it. Oh well, it won't be the first time a show I liked was canceled.

Wow Realty... I am loving...

Realty TV that is. This week, I have really enjoyed my mind candy television i.e. America's Next Top Model & Nashville Star.

First Nashville Star: This week they announced the winner, Chris Jones. The young 20 year-old from Tennessee, not only sang well, but he is also a cutie.. Yes I said cute, he is only 7 years younger: which is young but not illegal. I know this probably downgrades me, but it also revives my love for the country music genre. I like all music, but I am a closet country fan. Yes, fan, freak, say what you want but I am not ashamed. I am so geeked about this show that I would even go to the concert, yes that sound is you losing all respect for me. This is me getting over it.

Next, more importantly ANTM. Last week, Nenna was voted off. At first I was a Nenna fan, but man did she get annoying. Yes very very annoying. Enough with the boyfriend and the phone calls, for the love of God.

This week, Jade was her typical arrogant self. It seems that dost protest too much: I am humble, I am not arrogant, I am peaceful and I am a threat. Get over yourself. You are not that hot. I think my cat might out model her, if there were a model off.
Ziggy is one fierce cat!

This week, Furonda was voted off. She was entertaining, I enjoyed her very much. They are not going to send Jade home because she is great entertainment. My favorites are Danelle, who despite going to the hospital, had a fierce photo shoot and Joanie, who looks fabulous, with her new teeth.

What will next week bring, who knows but I am excited. It's hard with the weather being so nice, but I always manage to make time for TiVo, however I do find myself staying up too late: on a regular basis.