This Is The Voice - Blind Auditions

Back in full effect this season will be the color commentary from yours truly and this guy.  Still undiscovered, we seriously cannot grasp why no one has taken an interest in our oh so qualified analysis of the show on a weekly basis.....

I mean, we really get to the heart of what is important - overall appearances, personal stories and whether or not we think they are lies, and - if you are lucky - an overview of the actual talent level (although, the Blind Auditions do not serve as a very good platform for the legit critiques that come later in the season...)

We truly run the gamut....

Ali (7:04pm): I always fear the people with these sob stories will be horrific.  And then you feel guilty for judging them poorly.

Ali (7:07pm): How are we not judges on a talent-based show yet?  I mean, seriously.  We are way more qualified than most.

Tom (7:07pm): We are both vocally trained and have numerous Grammy nominations - I just don't get it.

Ali (7:09pm): It is very shocking that we have remained undiscovered despite our clear advantages.

Tom (7:12pm): Plus you toured with Third Eye Blind....

Ali (7:12pm): #fact

Ali (7:15pm): I hate when people sing this song.  EVERYONE can sing this song.

 - Contestant singing Sweet Home Alabama -

Tom (7:16pm): I never thought of that.  Everyone CAN sing this song.

Ali (7:16pm): I mean, I excel.  And I have a sub-par voice at best.

Tom (7:17pm): Your voice is radio ready and we all know it.

Tom (7:18pm): He is a large fella.  Those jeans could fit you in each leg.  And I, too, like quality music note embroidery on the back of all my shirts.

Ali (7:20pm): Of course, who doesn't?

Ali (7:23pm): UGH.  The half minorities ALWAYS have used music to overcome adversity. 

Tom (7:25pm): Looks like Eagle Eye Cherry.  And are people really bullied for simply being half-rican?

Ali (7:29pm): I'm sorry I am still laughing at your half-rican comment....Amazing.  I hate that Christina refers to herself as "X"-Tina out loud.

Tom (7:30pm): Do you hate "X"-mas too?

Ali (7:33pm): Yes.  Christ would be disappointed.

Ali (7:39pm): Remember when Christina Milian used to be an actual singer?  Now she runs the social media lounge for a show who discovers singers...Tragic.

Ali (7:43pm): Is that Justin Beiber's hipster twin brother?  I kind of love those glasses.

Tom (7:44pm): There better be lenses in those frames, I don't care if he's terminally ill...

Ali (7:45pm): There are - I saw the reflection.  He better not suck, I really like him.

Tom (7:48pm): Blake's comments are top notch.  Do you think there is bourbon in his cup?

Tom (7:50pm): He doesn't process his thoughts before they come out.

Ali (7:51pm): Perfection!

Ali (7:53pm): Well, that's interesting.  This guy is going to sing.......La Bamba?!

Tom (7:53pm): I need a margarita and some chips and salsa. STAT.

Ali (7:54pm): So mean.

Tom (7:55pm): He was in a Mexican restaurant!  You were thinking it and you know it.

Tom (7:56pm): Christina had a Spanish album, why isn't she turning around?

Ali (7:57pm): Oh yea!  I forget that she is "Hispanic"

Ali (7:59pm): Seriously, Adam's impersonation of Blake kills me.

Tom (7:59pm): "Haagh Skewl Dayyynce" 

Tom (8:00pm): 16 on a team now?! Shiiiiiiiiit.

Ali (8:00pm): Right?!

Tom (8:00pm): How the hell are we supposed to keep track of 64 people?!


Seriously though....How are we supposed to keep track of 64 people?  I am interested to see how the new twists and turns play out, for sure. 

2 days of Blind Auditions down and still nothing terribly exciting just yet.  They seem to be focusing more on those going through to the next round this year, which could be a result of the new format, having more members per team to highlight on the up front?!

Now on to round 3 tonight.....

Thought-filled Tuesday

A busy day today, so a perfect time for some random thoughts and reflections.....

First and foremost, U-S-A!  Thoughts go out to all of the families of those who fell victim to the 9/11/2001 acts of terror.  As I walked by my local Chicago Fire Department this morning, all of the firefighters were outside saluting the flag, remembering those who have gone before us....that should happen every day, but alas....on this day it holds that much more meaning.....

Which brings me to the Pledge of Allegiance.  I grew up reciting this every morning in elementary and middle school.  It was when I reached high school, I believe, that the act was terminated due to the use of the word "God."  Are children even required to learn the Pledge anymore? 

MNF - Train wreck.  Disaster.  Embarrassing.  I cannot even talk about it....  In other news, last night solidified my first Fantasy Football victory of the season, ending week 1 on a high note!  Bittersweet...


This Is The Voice!  That's right, IT'S BACK!  A relatively tame premiere night....given, I fast forwarded through all of the filler and only watched the performances, but still... Nothing too crazy to start off the season.  The most notable observations, for me, were as follows:

• Adam looks slightly less like a cocaine addict and appears to have beefed up a little.  It's absolutely working....

• Christina, albeit it was only the first night and there is still plenty of time to go down hill quickly, appears to have found a happy medium in her overall appearance as well.......so far.

• CeeLo continues to utilize animals as props.  Seriously, a bird?!  Not OK.  That said, I suppose it is better than being stuck in a cage?!

• Blake remains hilarious....and borderline creepy.  Either way, comedy ensues.

The weather has been absolutely amazing....I can feel the fall season upon us!  What is not so amazing are the allergy and migraine related side effects.  Those, I could do without!


I am Madrid bound in a couple of weeks for work.  One of my favorite cities!  Now....I am plotting how to get the hubby a comp'd flight as well.  Any ideas?!

Are You Ready For Some Football?!

The answer is, simply, HELL YES!  Last night felt like Christmas.  Kudos to the DNC for allowing the 2012-2013 NFL season to commence 1 day earlier than planned.  And by allowing, I mean forcing the NFL to re-think their viewership stats due to the original conflicting dates/times.  Either way, many thanks to all!

Aside from the interesting take on The Star Spangled Banner as told by Queen Latifah, the game itself did not get off to a great start.  Oddly enough, it was not at the fault of the inexperienced refs - whom we were all up in arms about.  Instead, the first half was very sloppy by way of play and nowhere near the level of entertainment we were all expecting from the match up.  Still, we watched....

The game did eventually pick up the pace in the second half when Kevin Ogletree came out of nowhere, stealing multiple end zone looks from one of my fantasy players, Dez Bryant.  Seriously, Tony, let's not get cute in the weeks to come based on this first week performance, mmk?  Throw what ya know!  And, finally, the running game that was non-existent on both sides started to make strides when Ahmad Bradshaw and DeMarco Murray hit the ground running...hard!

It ended up being a great preview for what is to come on Sunday when the remaining NFL teams take the field (aside from my Bengals, who play the Ravens on MNF!).  Secretly, my favorite part of the night - or maybe "favorite" is not the right word, the most "hyped up part of the evening" seems more legit....

So, secretly, the most hyped up part of the evening (for me) came when NBC shared the wealth and let all of the NFL networks chime in with their preview of Sunday's season openers.  It was awesome!  They had Phil Simms representing for CBS, Troy Aikman for Fox, Jon Gruden for ESPN and, of course, Bob Costas setting things up for Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth on NBC.  Perfection!

I am ohhhh so ready!

Older, But Wiser

It is funny what just a few years will do to a person.  That significant jump from 24-27, where you really become a true adult.  A grown-up.  Respectful of others and their feelings.  Grateful of your life and those who have helped you create it.  At one with who you have become.  And, above all, mindful and considerate of those who continue to stand by you through it all.  For without them, you are nothing.

It is at this point in your life when you finally feel as if you might actually have your shit together.  When the realization that you are somebody sets in.  When the level of appreciation for those who have made you who you are comes full circle.  Only at this point in your life, do you have a full understanding of what it means to be self aware.  To embrace yourself and all that you are - including your flaws.

So often it feels as though we miss the mark in acknowledging the fact that we are not, contrary to popular belief, perfect.  Or that our way is not always the right way.  Perhaps by our late 20's, we have had enough "real life" experience to off-set what we thought we knew - which was most likely everything.  It is said it takes a bigger person to admit their faults, while that is partially true, I say it takes a wiser person to do so.  A more well-rounded person.  A better person.

As I near 29, I am thankful that I have reached this pivotal point in my life.  By being aware of myself, my actions and how they may impact others, I can truly appreciate and value the relationships I have established throughout my journey (thus far!). 

It gives my life great meaning knowing I have such prominent figures caring so deeply for me as a person, a friend, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister.....the list goes on.  While it is wonderful to feel so highly regarded and respected by these people, I never undervalue where these same people stand in my own eyes.  For the feelings are mutual and they are all, truly, priceless.

I guess the moral of today's story is this: tomorrow is not promised, do not regret the actions you make today and never underestimate the value of the relationships you hold so dear.

Breakfast of Champions

I have a serious problem with food lately.  It is not that I do not want it, but rather that I am terrible about eating breakfast, even worse about taking a lunch break and by time dinner rolls around, I have come to the realization that I could eat my own arm off....because I am that hungry.  Kids, do not try this at home.  It is not a daily routine to be proud of.  In fact, it is one to be pretty disappointed in yourself with. 

Every week, I tell myself that I am going to make a concerted effort to create the extra time needed in the morning to eat breakfast.  This never happens.  I could eat breakfast at work, yes.  Easier said than done....  The minute I walk through the door....actually, let's be completely honest here....the minute I open my eyes and roll over to look at my Blackberry, it is game over...Work, work, work, work, work.

I am responding to emails, quite literally, from the moment I wake up until the moment I close my eyes that night.  It is the very first thing I do when I rise, and the very last thing I do before I go to sleep.  Is that normal?!  And because I get so caught up in the daily grind, my metabolism is ready to kill me as a result, I am sure of it.

Everyone always stresses the importance of a balanced breakfast and lunch, and I have never realized how true that is until recently.  My skipping breakfast and lunch stint has got to stop.  And what better way to take control of this issue than by having a 4 day weekend to start implementing the new change?!

Labor Day could not have come at a better time.  It will give me the opportunity to relax a little, go grocery shopping, stock up on my potential breakfast and lunch item needs, and really get myself back on a healthy eating plan stat.  Do not misunderstand, we are still eating healthy dinners during the week, but because I am suffering from the starvation of the day, I have to fit in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich a couple of hours later just to get me through.

So now I am on the hunt for some good breakfast and lunch items.  I have always been really bad about eating breakfast, so this will be turning over a new leaf for me.  The lunch items I have always been pretty healthy about, but I tend to get sick of the same thing every day and I do not eat lunch meat.  So, needless to say, I am somewhat limited in my selections.  I need some variety.  Any good recommendations on must have items?! 

If only I could just have a personal chef and trainer on hand to take care of these things for me on the daily.  Life would be so much easier then....right?!

Birthday Wishes!

To our fur child.  Today, we wish the Bailey Boo a happy 4th birthday!

...and to think she was just this tiny little thing when we got her.  We love her lots!

So Long, Farewell....

I have mentioned this day was coming in previous posts, but tonight marks the "official" last night in Chicago for our dear friends, Jinna and Travis.  Early tomorrow morning, they will embark on their journey out west to LA.  We, of course, could not be happier for them as they begin this new chapter in their lives, but we are still bummed to see them go.  We have spent a lot of quality time with them since they made the big announcement, soaking in as much as we possibly can. 

This is the first real blow to our core adult "social circle," and it will, undoubtedly, be a big one.  Everyone has that certain person, or maybe even a handful of people, that they feel they can most be themselves around.  Those whom you feel you never have to try to be anything you are not.  Those that you are so comfortable in the presence of, no matter what you may say or do, you are accepted for who you truly are.  For better or worse.  Jinna and Travis are those people. 

Through the seemingly endless debates, fantasy football trades, late night Filet-O-Fish indulgences and incestuous wife swaps (don't worry mom, this is only a joke), an organic friendship has blossomed over the course of these past few years.  We so value the relationship that has developed, and I honestly cannot even begin to express how much they will be missed.  On the other hand, we do have a sweet new destination to frequent as the inevitable terror that is a Chicago winter approaches!  That will come in handy....

So definitely some positive aspects to look forward to with them being out west, not to mention the tremendous growth on the horizon for them both personally and professionally!  While it does feel like we are losing our friends a little bit, we are so excited to see what the next year or two brings....and we are already counting down the days until we see them again soon.  Hail to thee, and may you both live forever!