My husband doesn't like the same TV as me and it's the pits

Cruising through the archives of yore, you might notice (or remember all on your own--welcome back dear readers!) that I talk about TV quite a bit. Frankly, a rather absurd amount but you're not here to judge me (unless this is a hate read of yours and then...well, we all have those we like to follow, so why should I fault you yours?) so the conversation continues!

So one day you find yourself married. And the dude you've hitched your wagon to for the next couple hundred million years doesn't care for manufactured drama. Or TV. (Or movies really.) Total bummer.

But he's still taller than I am so I didn't lose everything on my list.

Paul loves me though, and we've found some middle ground. In good news, he wants to spend time with me, so we've reached some compromises. What follows is a list of Paul's tolerance levels for my shows (also, the compromises I've had to make):

Shows Enjoyed Together (no devices allowed)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Sherlock
Fresh Off the Boat

Shows Enjoyed Together (devices allowed)

Any and all HGTV shows
The Amazing Race (some day I'll post our audition video)
Longmire
Mindy Project
New Girl
Modern Family
Broadchurch
Orphan Black (seasons 1 & 2, then the boy clones got introduced and we haven't watched since)
Daredevil (where everyone has a Christian Bale Batman voice)

He's Hit or Miss, But Mostly Joins

Grey's Anatomy (the show that will never end)
Empire (too absurd to take seriously)
Downton Abbey (is it ever coming back for another season?)

The Show He Refuses to Watch, Abhors Above All Else

Nashville (sorry Connie Britton; I tried)

Day 03

Maybe committing to a large blogging project on the cusp of an out-of-town spurt wasn't the wisest of choices (greetings from Portland!), but luck-luck-lucky for me, I've written this post a handful of times already.

Your favorite television program

Friday Night Lights. I've been imploring you to watch the show since 2007. To be honest, I don't know that I can say much more that hasn't already been said. I know a show about football probably isn't everyone's cup of tea, but the show is about so much more than that. I watch this show for pretty much one thing alone, and that's the interplay between Coach Eric Taylor, his wife Tami, and how they're raising their family. When the actors playing the Taylors (Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton whom I love) agreed to play the Taylors, they made the writers promise that an affair (or even possibility of one) would never be introduced to the show. There's something amazingly comforting in knowing the people you love will never be broken up for ratings.

I've made converts of quite a few of you and have enjoyed discussing it both on and offline. But here's what I tell any newbie getting ready to watch--you must commit to watching at least the first three episodes. The FNL pilot is like all other pilots--the characters overact to set their place in the show. Things get oh so good once you start to feel real attachment to the characters. And believe me, the attachment will come.

I've loved the show since the beginning, and if you'll remember, was selected to host a season 2 FNL gathering--and NBC sent me an overloaded box of goodies to compensate. Funny story about the night the goods game that's never been revealed. I was so, so excited about the box I just picked up from FedEx, that I was distracted while driving. I may have backed out of my parking space and into the building. Oh don't worry, only three people saw.

But CAN YOU BLAME ME? I am an FNL enthusiast and evangelist. Four seasons down, only one to go. Frowny emoticon.

I've got Season One discs. If you're interested, I'll put them in the mail.

Clear eyes, full hearts. Can't lose.

matchmaker, matchmaker

Yesterday, I flew home from Salt Lake on a relatively perfect flight. I was due, given my colorful experiences of the trip out of Boston--suffice it so say that I didn't realize I had such a strong affinity for my most frequent airline (Alaskan Airlines. That's right. Weird, huh?) until I had to take another.

I had my own row, a bag of pre-packed pistachios and chocolate covered pretzels, the book "March" by Geraldine Brooks (written by Pa Marsh [of Little Women fame] and his experiences during the Civil War while his family waited back in Concord). Oh yah, and Millionaire Matchmaker.

I didn't feel too bad tuning in to back-to-back episodes of this E! staple. It was a) my first time, b) I spent the commercials reading my book, c) it was an instant upgrade from the back-t0-back episodes I watched of Real Housewives of Orange County, d) I'd already played four rounds of inflight trivia (blast you BUBBA and IRA for always putting me in 2nd place!!) and e) Patty and Millionaire Matchmaker came up quite a few times on my trip to the Mountain West. Why? I don't know. Why am I writing a blog about this? I don't know that either.

But there I am, watching, kind of intrigued. Until I recognize one of the gals who gets chosen to go on one of the mini-dates with the Millionaire. I recognize her. No, it's not someone I knew, or someone I went to school with -- it's a girl I recognize from another dating show. (Dating in the Dark for those who are interested.)

Sigh. For all the reasons I don't have to name, because you already understand. Sigh.
BUT I'M STILL AWESOME.

Little Men

I'm having some mild writer's block. Stay tuned, I'll get it together eventually.

So, I finished reading "Little Men," Louisa May Alcott's sequel to her instant classic "Little Women" (perhaps my favorite post.) As much as I liked Mr Bhaer, I just can't get over wishing that Jo and Laurie ended up together. Does anyone else feel this way? Can anyone read those books and not think of Winona Rider and Christian Bale?

(On that note, does anyone take a break from vampire books to read old timey classics?)

This leads me to an interesting topic. Are there famous literary or television best friends you would have like to have ended up together? My other vote is for Veronica and Wallace from that hit show V. Mars.

Thanks for letting me get those off my chest.

Making Philo T Proud

For those of you who don't know, I'm in Portland. Oregon. Not Maine. (It wouldn't be so confusing, but since Maine is so close to Massachusetts, people in Boston often times get confused. They should then remember that not that many people are from Maine, it's a good chance I'm not either. But I digress.) I've been here almost 48-hours resting and letting my leg bone stitch back together. Today is day 2 of 9.

I've had a super grand time lounging around; working 3-4 hours a day, napping, reading, watching movies, chit-chatting with my parents and Mallory. It's been the ideal situation. The word "perfect" would come to mind, but the writer's strike and lack of quality evening television programming is throwing a damper on the situation (though the writer's strike would be occurring at my Boston abode as well, so that's not really Portland's fault now, is it? Struck from the record.).

The ease with which I transition so easily into the Writer's Strike discussion is the source material for which the blog originates. I love TV. If you know me, you know that. Some relationships I have with people were forged early and easily by watching the same shows. (They have escalated into larger-scale friendships now, whoop.) I'm kind of a TV guru; I enjoy being in the know. Other people have their music (heck, most everyone has music besides me), but TV/Movie industry is my love and passion.

My mom knows this about me. Today, she timidly asked if she could pose an honest question; not judging me by my answer, but just out of curiosity. I complied, and she asked, "Do most people your age watch as much TV as you do?"

I thought honestly, and answered honestly. "Not really," I said, "I'm on the higher end. But it's surprising how much discussion of TV happens."

Not five minutes later, (I'd been online and chatting with friends in New York, Boston, and Dallas) the following conversations occur simultaneously.



I may watch a lot of TV--but you'd better believe it gives me something to talk about.

Reality Roundup

I love LOTS of things. You regular readers (and those of you who actually know me in person) know that. In fact, most of the posts I write are heralding my love of something. I'm pretty consistent. Of late, I've routinely blogged about two things I love very much. The first has been my fabulous family, the other has been the Biggest Loser.

Last night was the live Biggest Loser finale. I'm pretty sure the promo commercials gave me chills and caused a little tearing--I was kind of a mess during this show. It just made me so happy to watch these people. When I was little, I never dreamt I'd grow up to live vicariously through people who've lost hundreds of pounds of weight.

At one point last night, I sent my cousin Rachel (and biggest supporting lover of my BL blogs/f-book status updates) this text: "It's pretty bad when you wish you weighed more so you could have a big transformation, right?"

I love love love reality-based competition shows (see #40). Several of my shows have wrapped lately--America's Next Top Model, America's Most Smartest Model, the BL... but I've become a Project Runway lover. How did I miss out on Bravo's hit for three seasons!? All that lost time... And you know what January brings... IDOL! But even better, once Idol ends... DANCE! Oh wow, the prospect of that makes me happy. Lest you think I have no pride when it comes to reality-based competition shows, I'll have you know I absolutely refused to watch the mother/daughter pageantry show "Crowned" on the CW. It was on while I was doing laundry and packing my bags, but I just couldn't stoop that low. Few, it's good to know I still have some personal values and code of conduct.

And since you stuck around through yet another blog about the BL, enjoy these photos from last Friday night. The Celtics (20-2, woot!) game and Whitney's Ugly Christmas Sweater party. I love the festivitiy of everything around the holidays.

P.S. Our seats are not nearly as terrible as they look. Worth every penny.

Staying Above the Yellow Line

You know I love The Biggest Loser. I know you know I love the Biggest Loser. Why can't I seem to quit talking about it? Oh right, because I don't know one person who watches the show. Not one. So I can't get my discussion on via gChat, Messenger, email, F-book, phone, or in person like I can for all my other shows. TBL is my guilty pleasure.

So now, it's time for me to talk about the Biggest Loser in a forum that is technically supposed to be for me, and me alone. And since my Tuesday night viewings of TBL are with me, and me alone, I feel justified in brain dumping Biggest Loser style.

The following probably won't make any sense to any of you. But I'll snicker nonetheless.

• Watching other people work out makes me tired. It also screws with my mind because it makes me feel involved. Sitting on my bed eating cheese and crackers in no way constitutes working out.
• I can not stand any of the women left on the Black team. Hollie is morose, Julie is animatedly expressive, and Isabeau is conniving.
• What kind of name is Isabeau anyway?
• My new favorite player is Nicole. She works hard, she's upbeat, and she chipped her front teeth out diving into the pool. And still laughed about it.
• Last night Neil shed the 3's and entered the 2's. Crazy for a guy who started the show at 420 pounds.
• My favorite part of the show is at the end when they show the eliminated contestant today--most of them have lost 80-120 pounds and they look amazing! I pretty much tear up every time.
• Last week were makeovers and surprise family visits. I definitely cried a lot last week.
• TBL has the most blatant product placements I've ever witnessed on prime time television. It wouldn't bother me so much if they didn't try to act like they were discussing the product in normal conversation--it sounds so phony and forced. Argh.
• Several of the contestants are closing in on my own weight. That's starting to make me a little nervous...
• Every week I wonder how the heck they fill 2 hours of showtime. It drives me a little crazy. It's a good thing I have a black belt in DVR fast-forwarding.
• Did you know I knew someone who was on TBL? A gal I worked with in Oregon and her fiancee were on a special engaged-couples edition. It was craaaaaazy to hear the behind-the-scenes information.

Did I really just write an entire blog about The Biggest Loser? Sure did! I'm glad it's out of my system. Phew. Now I can get back to my regularly scheduled blogging.

Overnight Loss

The last few nights, as I've layed/laid in bed unwinding and clearing my DVR, I've started mentally composing the blog I'll write as soon as I get to work the next morning.

By the time I evict myself from bed, do the requisite washing, dressing and brushing and get myself onto the bus, onto the red line, onto the green line, read my work email, read the recaps of the previous night's tv, attended my daily 930 scrum, and countless other "musts", I've long forgotten what glorious revelations from the night before I was supposed to type.

As far as last night is concerned: All I remember was that I cried several times. I was watching The Biggest Loser and Beauty and the Geek. I'm totally losing my edge.

IN MY DEFENSE:

• Biggest Loser always makes me cry. It's either because:


a. the show is incredibly inspirational
b. the show is incredibly guilt-inducing


• Laying/lying/lay'in in bed eating Hot Tamales and watching other people work out and not-eat will shame anyone



• One of the contestant's mother died last night. That's reality.



• It was "makeover night" on Beauty and the Geek. I don't even watch this show, but when I found out it was makeover night, I set my DVR to record. I love love love a good makeover.



• I was maybe cry/laughing because one of the geeks turned out to be uber hot. Like Seth Cohen/Dan Humphrey/Chuck Bartowski geek chic.

Last night, I had it written all clever and funny. In the light of day, I look like the girl who cries at Kodak commercials.

Heart on a String

I read a most excellent PopWatch Confession post on my favorite website: Music that gives me the chills. The writer references the audition scene in Flashdance and the rehearsal montage in Girls Just Want to Have Fun (a most excellent 80's guilty pleasure) and then opens the discussion on movies, music, and moments that give you the chills.

I read through the list to get some ideas; responses ranged from Rudy to Buffy to U2 to Lost. I was amazed by the range of response. In an act of pure plagiarism, I will post those I whole heartedly agree with:

• A League of Their Own when Betty Spaghetti learns that George died in the war. (Geena Davis is then seen sobbing in her own room)
• At the beginning of The Lion King, when Rafiki holds high over Pride Rock the newborn cub Simba and all the animals, um, cheer, whilst the final chorus of "Circle of Life" explodes out of the surround speakers
• The final scene of Karate Kid when Daniel goes into the crane and he's about to do the move on his nemesis to get his revenge in a respectable way, and the music hits right after he looks at Miyagi who gives him the nod of approval to do it! awesome! 80's awesome!! "You're the best....around!"
• "Defying Gravity" from the musical Wicked.
• The second episode in the first season of Friday Night Lights, where Coach Taylor has taken nervous, shy, stuttering Matt Saracen out to the football field at night and helps him both figuratively and literally find his voice. The entire scene is all varieties of awesomeness, but the part that gave me chills was when the background "crowd" noise comes on over the loud speaker, and Matt's calling out the plays louder and louder, and then they scream the following exchange:
  

  Coach: What's your name?
  Matt: Matt! Saracen!
  Coach: What do you play?
  Matt: QB1!
  Coach: And how do you play it?
  Matt: PERFECTLY!
  Coach: We'll see about that!
  Coach: How much do you want it?!
  Matt: I want it, Coach!
  Coach: THEN TAKE IT.

• Live performances of Kelly Clarkson; particularly her new song "Sober"
• Anna Nalick's "Breathe (2 a.m.)" used in the infamous Code Black/Super Bowl episode of "Grey's Anatomy" and Meredith's hand is on the bomb in some guy's chest cavity. (Special shout out to Coach Taylor making an appearance as Bomb Squad Guy!)

And in an effort to stop plagiarizing others words, I present a few of my own chill-inducing moments:

• Extreme Home Makeover. "Move that bus! Move that bus!"
• In HP7, where Harry comes to grips that he must fight Voldemort alone; the spirits of those he loves buoy him up as he marches to his *****.
• The Fray's "How to Save a Life Album". The perfect commuting soundtrack.
• The movie Hairspray. I just can't get enough.
• The song combination of "Have a Little Faith in Me" (Mandy Moore) and "Breathe" (Michelle Branch). It's nostalgic of my BYU days.
• Ben Lee in concert.
• Jim's speech to Pam at Vegas Night; The Office finale, Season 2.
• Jordin Sparks singing "Broken Wing" on country night of American Idol; Season 5.

I'm sure I'll have many many more. In fact, I'm sure I'll continue to comment my own post as I think of them. Join me! What movies, music, tv, etc. gives you the chills?

Are you part of the problem?

No one's blogging. And it's made me kind of cranky. Now I'm part of the solution though.

But really. What is it about September that's been the ultimate turn off to blogging? How sad! I miss reading about all your funny meanderings and experiences. My life is boring; I need to vicariously live through you.

Did I tell you NBC chose me to "host" a Friday Night Lights party for them? They sent me all this free stuff to give away. Pretty freakin' sweet huh?

This here is a classic example of why it's good to be passionately predictable about certain things. A friend of a friend sent me the application link to host an FNL party because he knew I'd be interested. I then in turn passed it along to two others I knew would love it.

I'd offer to mail some of these giveaways to you, but we all know how terrible I am about getting to the post office. It's a nice thought though.

Someone BLOG!

Confession #681

You know it's time for Fall TV to start when you program your DVR to record "The Biggest Loser: Have They Kept the Weight Off?"

Confession #682
You not only record the show, you actually watch it.

Confession #683
You not only watch it, you cry a little during the flashback montages.

Bring back good TV!

TGIF Night Lights

Why? Why? WHY are you still not watching Friday Night Lights? Really people. I have begged. I have pleaded. I have appealed to your baser sense and promised you the hottest cast on television. Yet you still hold back.

Just look at all the positive reviews the nation's harshest critics have given the show. Think about how many times I, your beloved friend, sister, cousin, and stranger, have referenced the show, or implored you to watch.

The characters on this show are real and lovable. Invite them into your home, you won't be sorry! And, to boot! you can watch all of last season's episodes online. Start with the pilot. At least give me 42 minutes worth of devotion. If you aren't hooked by then, fine. At least you gave it a shot.

For those of you who are watchers, a list of spoilers for Season II have been posted to one of my everyday reads. If you want to be surprised, skip this list.

1. One of the show's big couples calls it quits.
2. Someone dies.
3. Someone commits murder.
4. The Panthers have a new coach.
5. Someone finds Jesus.
6. Matt's grandma gets a live-in nurse. (She's rumored to be in her 20's!!!)
7. Remember the name Gracie.
8. Tami makes a new friend.
9. There's a gratuitous locker-room shower scene within the first two episodes.
10. It ain't over between Tim and Lyla.

The Emmy nominations are announced tomorrow. I don't want to get my hopes up for any nods; it's rare that critically acclaimed, but vastly underrated freshman shows get credit when it's due, but I'll hold my breath for Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, and Zach Gilford, who most definitely deserve nominations--and the whole show for Dramatic series. Expect jubilation and glee tomorrow if any are announced.

And if you love me, please please please watch this show so our relationship can have another point of connection.

If you haven't been watching, please feel free to explain your petty excuses to me in the comments. For those who do watch (Kendall, Mallory, Mom, Michele, Mel, Juan) please feel free to add your persuasive comments.

Go Panthers!

It Failed Me Again

Last night, after a rather interesting evening, I returned home to endulge in my healthy American Idol obsession. It was the finale results show ya'll! Two hours over bloated material with guests I don't give a rat's about.

I'll skip the commentary; because I had plenty. I will however, note that Kelly Clarkson's live performance of "Never Again," angry, break-up ballad we haven't seen since the likes of Fiona and Alanis was amazing. I've been pretty obsessed with that song for the last two weeks -- it was beyond thrilling to watch it live:



Carrie Underwood, my other previous AI obsession, is just so beautiful. I love her.

The minutes were counting down. I was eagerly awaiting the results. I've watched every finale (save the first when I was unaware of the undeniable pull AI has) and couldn't wait to see Jordin's excitement as she was (unshockingly) announced the winner.

Oh. but. wait.

Stupid finale ran over, my DVR didn't tape it, and I didn't get any of the last six (and most important) minutes. I called my three AI buddies in Utah, no one answered. I imagined Jordin had won (thanks to a premature text from Melissa that I didn't read but had to preview when I checked who it was from) but wasn't for certain. I'd had an enough of the night both pre and post AI that I went to bed.

If you're like me; and DVR ruined your AI night, you can do what I did and watch the finale some loving soul kindly posted on YouTube. I will post it here in case you missed it:

Good for Jordin. I'm happy. My AI pick-the-winner standings are 2-3. (But Carrie and Jordin are all who matter anyway. And Kelly wasn't included in the rankings.) Until next January... but NOW on to the main event... So You Think You Can Dance!

Feelin' the Spark

Last year, I was rooting for Kat. This year, it's all about the Sparkle that is Jordin.

It will most definitely be a battle to the finish tonight. I think for the first time in Idol history I don't love one and hate the other of the finalists. I'd be satisfied if Blake won, I just want my girl to bring it home! (I've been a Jordin fan since the semis.)

You can guess where I'll be tonight and what I'll be doing!!!

Let Freedom Ring

Justice at last. Sanjacrappy has finally been ousted from American Idol. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah! Maybe the remaining six will sing that in next week's Ford commercial. Now the sprint to the finish feels like the real deal.

Looks like I wasn't the only one who finally picked up the phone and secretly voted for my guilty-pleasure enjoyment Phil. Homeboy can sing!

I've been on the Jordin train since week #1. My bet is her in the final for sure. YouTube her "Broken Wing" performance from last night if you have any doubt.

And Martina McBride performed tonight. Sigh. I love love love me some MM. How gorgeous is her voice? There are very few women in the musical world who can hold a note like she can. (Besides Faith of course... which I'm proud to say I now have tickets to her and Tim's show!!! I'm giddy inside just thinking about it.)

Sorry for the Idol recap, I'm just so excited that justice has finally been served!

Sleep it Out

I don't know if I'm up early again this morning of if I just took the world's longest nap.

I marched myself straight to bed after work and am just waking up.

4:30 am and I'm watching American Idol. Jennifer Lopez is helping the contestants. ahhhh! I love J. Lo as a person, she's just so cute!

Okay, my Diet Coke is in the fridge ready for me to wake up and drink it in the morning. I'd have put it in the freezer but SOMEONE (cough:cough) taped the freezer shut because there are JUST too many frozen goods in there and the door wouldn't close and the frozen goods were starting to melt!

Argh, Ryan just announced Haley and Phil after the break and I actually thought, "oh great, the worthless middle portion." Haley is more responsible for that comment. Argh, what a MESS her song was! And can she PUH-LEEZE put some pants on?

OK, this could turn into an American Idol recap if I let it. I should focus on getting tired again. But again, how CUTE is J Lo? She totally gets into all the contestants.

Really fast, Phil is awesome tonight! I have to retract my earlier comment. BUT to all the AI singers--the genre is Latin music: there are more Latin singers than Gloria Estefan and Santana. Use them.

I'm tired. I guess I'll go to bed for the night. See ya'll in the morning!

An Officer & A Gentleman

I'll confess. I watched the season premiere of The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman last night.

It. Was. Hilarious.

I was a pretty devoted watcher the first few seasons but my viewership tapered off with the tsunami of coverage following Trista and Ryan; the world's worst couple's wedding to air on broadcast television.

Back to the Officer and Gentleman (hard to forget actually since ABC kept shoving the O&G tagline down our throats). According to his ABC profile, bachelor Andy Baldwin is the world's most accomplished man. A doctor in uniform. An ironman. A philanthropist. And the girls trying to win his heart were a cornucopia of crazy.

Andy is an attractive man, but he's kind of a doof. Did any one who watched disagree with me? He's just a little socially awkward. Maybe it stems from the fact that he looks like 80's country legend Randy Travis:

Hot huh? The resemblances are uncanny in action shots. I'll admit, Andy photos well; but there's something about him that's just a little off.

But should the Bachelor not work out for him; you know, him not finding the love of his life amongst a bevy of beauties, he could always start touring the county fairs.

(If you're at all bored, please go to the Bachelor site and watch the trailer video. It's worth a look-see and a giggle.)

Testify

I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I saw a Friends episode last night I'd never seen before.

You Complete Me

Finally, finally.

I'm about to become the happiest girl in the whole USA (shout out if you know the song!). Four very short, and very long, days from now, I will have broadcast and cable television reentered into my life.

I promised myself as soon as I secured a job that would pay the bills, I'd fulfill one of my greatest wishes, hopes, dreams, and desires and get cable with recording privlidges.

Scoff if you will. Jest if you must. I'm not a TV addict; I like the shows I like and religiously keep up on them. Just in case you were wondering, these shows are (in no particular order):

Friday Night Lights, The Office, Grey's Anatomy, and Veronica Mars. (And FYI, each of these websites has deleted scenes, extras, episode recaps, interviews, etc.)

That's it! My list is relatively short, but of course I can be convinced to watch many, many other shows. DVR/TiVo is about to make its inaugural appearance--and I just know we're going to have a fruitful relationship. Watching what I want, when I want... I think I'm in love.

One question for all my cable-savvy readers. Do any of you have ON DEMAND? If so, is it worth the extra $7.80/month?

And since my cable isn't getting installed until Tuesday, can I PUH-LEEZE watch the Oscars at someone's house on Sunday night?

Emmys 2006 - Opening Number (Part 2)

The real life Conan makes it to the stage and his very funny opening monologue... The best bit is the Music Man parody musical number at the end... oh man, I loved the Emmys.