"I'm not gonna give up/ I'm not gonna stop/ I'm gonna work harder"

Alright, I am going to try recapping an episode of Survivor. Like I said last time, I really enjoy this site for recaps as well as some snarky humor so I’m going to try my hand at it. I’ve been thinking about doing it for Survivor for some time but didn’t want to start in the middle of the season so with the recent merge, I felt like that was a good jumping off point. Here we go!

Previously on * slight pause * Survivor: Galu continues to kick butt in almost every challenge. Shambo is the new leader. Shambo and Laura do not like each other. Liz was voted out. Galu is outnumbering Foa Foa (FF) 8-4 so in the words of Probst, who will be voted out tonight?

Time out. Here is what I don’t understand. I read Probst’s blog (is it starting to really shine through that I’m a dork. A) I watch Survivor B) I am recapping an episode C) I read Jeff’s Probst’s blog. Hey, he is an Emmy winner!) and he constantly writes about how Russell is completely controlling this game. I do not see this AT. ALL. I think Russell pounces on anyone who becomes suspicious since he is lying his butt off and since FF is going to Tribal Council (TC) every single time, people are willing to going along with any decision as long as it’s not their head on the chopping block. The remaining members are willing to do anything to stay in the game and it’s not because of the “Russell seed”. At least this is how I see it. Moving on...

Night 18. Jaison says their tribe needs “rah rah” when they return to camp after voting out Liz at TC. Hm, how about you actually step up in challenges? Cause you’re a water polo player who was on the U.S. National team, and if memory serves me correctly, you gave up in the challenge where you were in the water. And you’re a law student, sooo shouldn’t you be good at reasoning and deducting and analyzing? Well you also sucked on the puzzle. I understand you are sitting in the rain for five days straight and not eating anything substantial, but come on. You aren’t adding anything to challenges and all the cheering the world won’t prevent your days from being numbered.

The four remaining members of FF speculate that a merge is probably next and once that happens it’s “game on”. Really cause I’d think it was game over. Why wouldn’t they vote you off? They have no loyalty to you. I think they had a chance flipping Shambo over to their side since she was so clearly the outsider of her tribe, but now she’s the leader and all of that power has gone straight to her mullet so I wouldn’t count on her. Maybe Laura since she and Russell “made a deal to the final three” last week but since he has a deal with every person and palm tree on that island, I wouldn’t count on it.

Russell says FF needs the merge and they have some strong “idears” and he is immediately dead to me for mispronouncing that word. Not like he wasn’t already since he is eeeeeevil.

Oh no, my dear Dr. Mick said once they get in there, they will take the whole thing down by promising to vote with Laura. The only way it makes sense is if Laura and the other two girls on Galu team up with FF to vote off the Galu guys and Shambo. Then Laura has to hope that Russell stays true to his word and he flips to vote with the three Galu girls. But Russell is a) evil b) would still be outnumbered so why wouldn’t he vote with his original tribe. Bottom line: Laura doesn’t really benefit from aligning with FF.

Russell says he is “too good for this game” and that he is “too sly” and he is playing with a bunch of other “dumbasses” in this game. I’ll keep that in mind.

Credits. Day 19.

Over at the Galu tribe, Laura speculates how Shambo doesn’t like her and that’s why she was sent over to the losing tribe. On an unrelated note, I think Laura has had a boob job.

The good Lord did not give her those. Or manners apparently.

Moving on.

Laura says that when she was sent over to the FF she gave her canteen to Dave (who will be called Kevin Spacey from here on out because the resemblance is uncanny) who gave it to Shambo. It is now missing and Shambo and Laura make a big scene over counting the canteens over and over, but somehow doing that doesn’t make the missing one magically reappear. Laura blames Shambo and Shambo is incredulous. Well you do have a great record of keeping track of things. Speaking of, how are those chickens doing and that scuba gear?

Anyway, Shambo once again brings up the “90210” alliance, which truly shows her age because I doubt she is referring to the recently updated series on the CW and since all of the actors on the original 90210 are in their late 30s now, it’s not a good reference. Now, I don’t care for Shambo. Her voice is so whiny; simply hearing her speak drives me crazy. She also thinks she is this amazing player when she has either sat out of challenges or done little to contribute to a win. The mullet and sports bra aren’t doing her any favors either. I think due to her military background, she is pissed that she wasn’t selected as being the leader so she pouted and ostracized herself from her own tribe from the beginning since they were too stupid to see what great leadership skills she possessed (when they voted for their leader without ever having spoken to one another and it was based solely on looks and overall demeanor. Again the mullet probably got her a couple of strikes). Because when she went over to FF the first time or two, she was extremely outgoing and complimenting everyone and was all about sharing the love. If I had been on FF I would have been seriously creeped out by her. Now if she had been that way with her own tribe from the get go, I bet she’d have more friends. Well maybe not since it’s Shambo and she’s annoying either way.

Shambo claims there is a power struggle between her and Laura. Shambo says it’s like the “cheerleaders in high school who looked down upon those not in her group" and Shambo voluntarily admits why she doesn’t like Laura. She doesn’t fit in and rather than trying to be friendly, she just hates Laura for not accepting her. And since other people like and listen to Laura, heck Monica follows her around like a puppy. I think Laura does a good job explaining how it’s not her fault how Shambo perceives the situation and I agree. If Shambo just wants to assume everyone hates her and goes off in the corner and sulks then fine. But when you are constantly losing stuff and yapping to the other tribe, you might not have many friends.

Erik (the guy who got clotheslined by an actual clothesline) says that everyone knows Shambo is crazy so if you go and have a fight with her, you are showing that you are just as crazy for starting a fight with a crazy person in the first place. Right. Moving on.

Treemail over at FF. The rhyming clue clearly indicates a merge and feast is awaiting them. Russell goes to get his actually hidden hidden immunity idol (HII) and says how “outwit” is the most important part of the game. Maybe I’d take you more seriously if I could understand all of the words that come out of your mouth (that is missing a tooth, natch).

The two tribes meet on the beach. Jeff isn’t there but a treasure chest is. Man, what is Probst doing that he has been absent for two of these things. You won’t win more emmys with less screen time, buckaroo.

Merge with Caution

The chest is opened and it contains blue buffs (which actually say “Buff” on them. Guess they came straight from the CBS online store), a tarp, and paint. Merge! They are moving to the Galu camp and there are hugs and kisses all around. Monica freaks about the feast. It looks good and we get a montage of the tribe members eating and drinking and having a jolly time. That includes Shambo with food on her mouth (gross) and Russell being fed grapes by Monica. Someone had a little too much drinky and not enough food me thinks.

Jaison goes off to talk about smart people things with John. Kevin Spacey is hitting on Natalie. Mick is flirting and being all McDreamy with the Galu girls. Russell claims this is their plan to infiltrate the Galu group. I mean, why not, give it your best shot. What do you have to lose? Oh right a million bucks.

Yeah, John, I’d have that look on my face if I was around Mick shirtless all day too.

FF marvels at the Galu camp, especially Natalie who says she feels like she is at the Hilton. I like Natalie so I won’t hate too much on that blonde comment.

The only time I will ever in my life be jealous of Shambo

Brett (who will be referred to as MFBB—My Future Boyfriend Brett—from here on out) asks if anyone has any ideas for a group name. He then suggests Aiga, which is “Samoan slang for extended family”. Aw, if he wasn’t so adorable, I would make fun of him for googling that before he headed out to the jungle. Shambo asks those in favor to say “aye” and several punny people reply “Aye-ga”. Chuckle. I would have too.

Russe-lowercase l- lower case l-H or Russe-capital I-capital I-H as in HII backwards?! Nah, too much credit.

Erik reminds us that he found the HII and that he is on day 19 while FF is on day 2 and all they have is a new beach and new people to chat with. He mocks the new name and asks what is Samoan for “get the hell off my island?” Crickets. Stick to pouring drinks and not cracking jokes, jerk.

Day 20. Russell goes off with Laura into the jungle and shows her his HII (get your minds out of the gutter). He promises if she can get him to the top 7, he will give it to her. Russell continues to be delusional and says there are two rules: 1) The first person to get voted out post-merge must be a Galu. And 2) Well we never get a second rule, I don’t think. Laura says no way Jose and either an FF is going first or Shambo. She says she has 90% of the power while he only has 10% and we all know, Russell is very John Locke and don’t tell him what he can’t do. So Laura is now #1 on Russell’s crap list and he moves on to someone else to attempt to manipulate

He shows his HII to Monica (who is BFF with Laura) and they make a “deal”. Russell knows she is lying about promising him but thinks if he gets rid of Laura, then Monica will come running. Even though if that even happens, Galu will still outnumber FF 7-4. Giving him more credit than he deserves, Russell knows he needs one of their guys to turn so he goes to talk to John, the literal Rocket Scientist.

Russell shows John the HII. Russell tries to stroke John’s ego saying he knows John is the only one who can play the game on Russell’s level. Dude, you’re outnumbered 2-1, I wouldn’t be bragging about your skills anytime soon.

Russell suggests that Laura go first (because she doubted his powers). John goes along with it to break down the girl alliance since Monica and Laura are so close and he thinks that could be trouble down the road.

Russell then compares himself to Babe Ruth since Ruth struck out more than anyone but he also had the most home runs so he is going to keep swinging baby. And by swinging he apparently means showing his HII to any and everyone.

Day 21. Shambo is washing her mullet in the lake and says it feels like a fishing net. I know she is in the jungle but I see leaves stuck in the mullet and I resist the urge to puke. Shambo starts complaining about Laura to Russell so he jumps on the opportunity to suggest voting Laura out. Shambo claims she trusts Russell implicitly and notes they are both country bumpkins. Is that the new euphuism for stupid and delusional?

Shambo tells Russell to tell FF that Laura’s name will be the one written down tonight. Cut to Russell telling each member of FF, and saying how this was “too easy”. Me thinks someone is going to win immunity and foil the “too easy” plan.

Immunity Challenge: T-ball. You score the points according to where the ball lands and the highest score wins immunity. Oooo. TWO individual immunities: one for the top guy and top girl. Nice move, producers.

Guys are up first:

Kevin Spacey: Someone calls him Danger Dave. Yeah, that ponytail is real scary. Probst asks if baseball is his sport and his says “making love is his sport” and that he doesn’t play often enough and I immediately vomit a little bit in my mouth. 3 points for the Sketchy Spacey.

Jaison: Off the course. Zero points. Shocker.

Russell: 4 points. Must be since he is so low to the ground.

MFBB: Off the course. Good try, sweetie!

Mick: 2 points.

Erik: Off the course. 0 points.

John: 5 points. Probably because he factored in wind resistance, altitude, the curve of the ball, and the mass of the bat since he is a rocket scientist after all.

sin(ax) [ sin(bx) - {kcos(ax)cos(bx)}/sin(ax) + 1/sin(ax) ] = I WIN SUCKERS!

Ladies:

Natalie: 0 points.

Monica: 2 points.

Kelly: 3 points. Seriously, who even is this girl? She’s blonde and has dreadlocks. Since FF was sucking so badly and we basically saw only them for the first 4 episodes, I have no idea who half the people were on Galu until recently. I still have no idea who this girl is. Now she’ll probably end up in the final two as the classic “under the radar’ player.

Shambo: 0 points and it doesn’t even head in the direction of the course and it goes about ten feet. My seven-year-old niece could hit the ball farther than that. But why are we surprised cause what do we know? Shambo sucks.

Laura: 4 points. Seriously what gives that both people that went last in their groups got immunity? I smell something fishy, and it’s not just Shambo’s hair.

Shambo says how much it sucks now that the plan to vote out Laura is foiled. And now scrambling time begins.

Russell says they should vote out Monica to get rid of the girl alliance. Shambo says no since apparently Erik and Laura call the shots and they won’t agree to that. Look at Shambo stepping up as leader and making decisions. Oh wait this is the person where her first official decision was to sit herself out of a challenge and when she was suppose to elect her successor, she chose Erik only to have Dave say “No no no Brett!” and she immediately changed her decision. She rules with an iron fist, that one. Shambo says one of FF’s guys has to go and Russell thinks he is the main target. He doesn’t want to play the idol but if he is feeling antsy he just may.

Laura tells Erik that Russell has the HII. They decide that they should say they are voting for Russ but really vote for Jaison, forcing Russ to play his HII and making it null and void. So they’re voting for Jaison.

Erik tells John that Russ has HII. John says that Monica needs to go. Erik protests and John says they are playing JV Survivor right now by just knocking out FF members one by one. John wants to break up the BFF alliance cause it’s in his best interest. He is a rocket scientist so he probably thought this one through with many graphs and proofs etched in the sand. John tells Erik to vote with Laura for Jaison so they can blindside Monica. And then Laura will owe Erik one. So they’re voting for Monica.

Erik tells MFBB, Sketchy Spacey, and John to vote for Monica. Spacey disagrees because they should knock down FF like they are shooting turkeys. I think he got his reality show metaphors mixed up and meant “shooting fish in a barrel”. Maybe the ponytail is cutting off the circulation to his brain. So we’re back to voting for Jaison. Spacey thinks that Erik is crafty (even though he was outsmarted by a clothesline) and is now suspicious of Erik. So Erik is on the chopping block now?

Erik tells Dr. Mick, Jaison, and Nat to vote for Monica and not to tell Russell so Russ will play the idol. Okay, so they’re back to voting for Monica.

Jaison thinks they should say they are voting for Monica but then really vote for Erik. Jaison says he doesn’t like Erik (probably cause of that horrendous bulldog tattoo on his shoulder. Who drew that? An eight year old?) and will leave the game easily/happily just as long as Erik goes before him. So... they’re voting for Erik now?

Man, wouldn’t it be awesome if your job on Survivor was just to go around and set up the camera and film trees swaying in the wind, birds flying, waves crashing on rocks, and the snake creeping along for the inevitable “she/he’s a snake in the grass” monologue. It’d be a sweet job. Stand there, press a button, travel the world, and get a paycheck.

Natalie goes and tells the Galu girls that Erik wants Monica out. Laura is none too please so she tells Kelly who tells Monica. The Galu girls tell Spacey and MFBB. Spacey tells Shambo and she says, “Who is Erik?” LOL. I mean maybe she was just that shocked by the decision but I think she is a few fries short of a Happy Meal. So I think they’re voting for Erik. Right? My head hurts.

Russell isn’t sure if this is just a rumor or the real deal. He isn’t sure if people are just forcing him to play the idol. Well that’s what happens when you tell everyone that you have it. Jaison even asks if he is going to play the not-so-HII. Way to step up with the mind games Jaison! That’s my boy! Erik says that it was almost too easy to get everyone to decide to vote for Monica and he is worried about that. Yeah I would be too. Erik packs his HII and says he will play it if he needs to. So it’s either Erik or Monica? Or Russell or Jaison. Russell says this is the first time he has no idea what is going on. Well in the game of Survivor. Not life, cause I’m willing to bet he is confused by words with more than seven letters and why it is always 12:00 according to his VCR.

One big happy family... errr... yeah.

TC. Jaison says it is frustrating to go into the merge down in numbers. Monica says you never know whom to trust. Thanks for those revolutionary statements. Erik thinks FF has nothing to offer. His team is cohesive and it’d be hard to his people to turn on their teammates. Shambo nods along. Russell says FF has a lot to offer and he might be surprised. Erik says it’s a long shot when he has 8 people. Probst thinks that you shouldn’t underestimate a tribe that is willing to do anything to stay in the game. Erik says Russ has been scrambling, Mick simply accepts they are down in numbers, Nat doesn’t want to bother anyone, and that Jaison has great potential due to his size and smarts but hasn’t utilized them.

See, all he needed was a little food and he’s back in the game!

We revert to the Jaison we saw at the Ben-Voted-Off-TC. Here is why the kid is in law school: He is very eloquent in saying he doesn’t appreciate Erik calling him out and doubting him when he is very much playing a strategic game. Erik says he likes that in a player in a very condescending way that no one should use if they don’t have an immunity necklace around their neck. Jaison says he doesn’t care what Erik likes. Russell says they still have hope. Erik says he needs to refocus his competitiveness because FF is on their way out. Russell thinks Erik is saying FF should just roll over and get voted out quietly but that’s not going to happen and he’ll do anything to stay in this game.

Here is my question about TC: Are you allowed to look at other contestants? Because I think so many of them lack poker faces during tribal council. Half of them were grinning when Erik was running his mouth like a fool. Especially if I had the HII, I’d be checking to see if anyone was smirking when I was talking to make sure I wasn’t about to get blindsided. And also, I’ve read that TC goes on for hours and Jeff really grills each player. So is it all due to editing that it seems like Erik was acting cocky and all-knowing cause they showed the majority of his grill session or was he really that way? And does Jeff know what is going on back at camp? Cause he asks some pretty direct questions. I’m just saying...

John and Laura are keeping immunity. It’s time to vote. We see Russell vote for Erik and that’s it. Some intense music is going on. I like it.

I don’t know why Jeff says he is going to tally the votes. He doesn’t. I know the producers put them in order for the most dramatic effect (or at least show them to us in that order) but he doesn’t tally them. Just say, “I’ll go get the votes”. It’s always bothered me. Mini rant over.

OMG. Russell is playing the HII. I. Love. It. Please let Erik play his, please let Erik play his. Russ says, “If everyone knows I have it I might as well play it.” I agree and then I don’t. Sure you’re at risk of being blindsided but at the same time, it’s protection so people might not even bothering gunning for you if they can still get rid of other FF members or even “power players” like Laura and her sidekick, Monica. I’m not sure how I feel about this.

Votes:

Jaison

Jaison

Erik (thinking oh, that’s just Jaison’s, Silly boy who didn’t show potential)

Erik (panic is starting to set in)

Erik (visible gulp)

Erik (surprised but still thinking it’s FF votes)

Erik (complete confusion along with Shambo)

Erik (knows he is screwed)

Erik (bamboozled) is the seventh person voted out and the first person of our jury.

Just for the record: It looked like MFBB rejected Erik’s friendly goodbye handshake. He did not; he patted him on the leg as he walked by. He’s such a nice guy. Yeah so much for that everlasting guy alliance.

With a peace out, the arrogant guy who got completely blindsided is gone. So long Erik. Once again, not one but TWO hidden immunities idols are not played to their possessor’s advantage.

Pwned.

Question: Is it a rule that once you are voted out you are not allowed to say anything to the tribe aside from goodbye/good luck? Cause if I was screwed over by my tribe I would totally yell out everything I knew as I walked down the stairs/across the bridge. If I’m going out, I’m doing it with style.

Next time on * pause * Survivor: Everyone is gunning for Russell. About frigging time.

Also, can CBS stop giving so much away in the previews: Some one almost dies?!?! Oh yeah it’s Galu’s Russell. Which team loses their passports on The Amazing Race?!?! Oh wait it’s Zev and Justin. What is the game changing moment this week?!?! Oh right, the merge. So that being said, next week every one is gunning for Russell: Oh hold up, he wins individual immunity so let’s go after Jaison instead. No spoilers just Merely a guess using logic. :)

"I’ve been waiting all my life/ And now I found ya/ I don’t know what to do/ I think I’m falling for you"

It's fall: the most wonderful time of the year. Why is it the best you ask? College football? Close second but not what I'm talking about in this post. The leaves changing colors? Nope. Cooler temperatures? Nice especially in the south but no. School is back in session? Never. New television series and episodes?!? YES! It's the greatest. And there isn't a writer's or actor's or director's strike looming so maybe we will get some full seasons of quality shows this year! Man, that writer's strike was the worst, wasn't it? I think it was understandable and called for because the writers deserve the profits too but man it sucked not having new shows to watch. But this year is good to go so let's review a few new shows since they are hitting their stride (or not) with a couple of episodes under their belt.

1. Glee! I. Love. This. Show. I remember seeing previews last summer and being intrigued. A show about a high school choir filled with characters that literally march to their own beat. There's a new optimistic sponsor, the addition of the star football player, and the opposition of the always entertaining Jane Lynch as a scheming cheerleading coach trying to get funding back for her winning squad. So will the social stratification of high school be turned on its head if the glee club has cool kids? I watched the preview after the season finale of American Idol (Yeah Kris Allen!) and I thought it was funny and creative. All nice things but I really wasn't hooked. When it started again in the fall, I would watch and be entertained but still not completely in love with it. But after the "Vitamin D" episode, yeah, I was officially a gleek (that's geek and glee combined for you less sharp tools in the shed). Here is what sold it for me and the quality is terrible but you know YouTube and their copyright laws and this was the only visual evidence remaining.

It is awesome. I had it as my status on gMail with only the word "Obsessed" preceding it. Because that is oh so very true. I love it, I love it, I love it. And I am so glad that quirky show is doing well. I think Matthew Morrison is perfect (but I've already professed my love for him), Lea Michele is amazing (a mini Idina Menzel), and Cory Monteith is surprisingly endearing as well as adorable. I love this show and highly recommend it. I want the World Series to be over so that the show can resume.

2. Please, this show had me when it simply said "From the network that brought you LOST". I've explained my, uh, obsession with LOST in other posts so, really, just tell me there are going to be a few parallels and I'm game. Now, unfortunately this show comes on at the same time as several other shows so... I sort of didn't watch the first three or four episodes. But luckily, my brother JP had them all recorded so I got to catch up during my last trip to Birmingham. Love this show. I don't really consider myself to be into sci-fi stuff but I'm liking it. The premise: Everyone in the world blacks out at the exact same time for 137 seconds and sees themselves six months into the future. Now do they work towards what they saw in the future or fight against what is going to happen? Free will or destiny? Sound like another show we know (and love)? Actually, this recap site I read points out a whole bunch of similarities between Lost and FF but I mean, I don't hate it. I'm an episode behind though so don't ruin anything for me!

3. The Vampire Diaries. Whatever, if you've read Twilight, don't act like you're above this show. Yes, I know the vampire craze is getting ridiculous but this show is actually, dare I say it, good. Well it features Ian Somerhalder, who you may remember as Boone on the first two seasons of Lost. That being said, we were all sad when Boone died so if he returns to primetime as a vampire, and a bad boy one at that, I'm all about it. Paul Wesley is no Robert Pattinson, but I will gladly tune in and watch him try his best. Oh yeah the premise. Well it features two hot vampire brothers, one is good (Wesley as Stefan) and one is bad (Somerhalder as Damon), and they are fighting for the affections of the lovely, grieving Elena. Elena has a striking resemblance to a girl named Katherine, the same girl Stefan and Damon fought over 145 years ago. It's based on a book series I've never read but it's entertaining and I'm liking it. I also can be a fourteen year old girl about things (See: Twilight) so maybe I'm not the best one to ask.

4. V. I write this a mere 52 minutes after the series premiere. I'll keep watching but I'm definitely ehhh about this one. But I was also severely confused during the pilot. I just ask that the characters not all look alike, well namely the priest and Juliet's (sure her name is Erica in the show but we all know her as Juliet from Lost. Man, Lost is a common thread for all of these shows) FBI buddy. You should know what I mean if you've watched the pilot. I'm intrigued. But I also possibly sense some failure. Which could suck since it's the return of Bailey Salinger (Scott Wolf) and we all know he is good lookin (another common theme). The premise: Weird spaceships hover over 29 major world cities carrying "the Visitors" who claim to come in peace and only need "some water and a mineral that is abundant on earth but necessary for their survival since they are far from home" and in exchange they will share some of their technological advances and magically heal people all over the world. And then of course it turns out they are aliens who are trying to exterminate mankind. Or... something like that. I'll keep you updated on whether or not this one is a winner.

And those are the new shows I am watching this fall. I can only fit so much t.v. into my life. I've watched an episode or two of "Community" and thought about giving "Modern Family" a shot but I'm not sure.

But let's have a quick visit with some of the old favorites:

1. The Office. Love this show, always will. I feel like this new season is truly one of the best ones yet. Jim and Pam's wedding alone was enough to send the ratings through the roof in my book. I am growing a bit tired of the whole Michael/Jim competition going on so hopefully that will end soon. And can Rainn Wilson please win a Emmy already?! Seriously, Jon Cryer? Who even watches that show of his? I'll tell you who-- no one. And can someone throw a nom at John Krasinski?! He is half the reason why the show is so brilliant. Just a nomination, that's all I want.

2. 30 Rock. I won't lie. I was not into this show in the beginning. And by "not into it" meaning that I didn't watch it. Actually I think when it premiered, I was still into Grey's Anatomy and the times conflicted. Then I think I was bitter it kept stealing awards from The Office (namely Alec Baldwin taking away Best Actor from Steve Carell) so I refused to watch it. But then I started seeing some episodes after The Office, and well, I like it. And I'm currently catching up on season one. Favorite characters: Kenneth the Page and I really love Pete. I don't know why I love Pete, I just do. But really, it's great and if you were bitter like me, stop and let a little comedy in your life. :)

3. Gossip Girl. Talk about a dissappoint this season. Who would have thought it would become boring once Chuck and Blair were actually together? But sadly, it has. I was Team Serena in the beginning but my God, I cannot stand her character at all now. Not to mention it sounds like Blake Lively has marbles in her mouth whenever she talks. And that whole "going to Europe and acting insane so daddy will find me" plot was ridiculous. And Dan is dating a movie star? Not buying it. Let's hope this show picks up the pace because apparently newcomer Vampire Diaries is kicking its butt in the ratings.

And let's not forget good old reality shows:

1. The Hills. Sigh. There was a time it was such an addiction but it's going downhill so fast. Even Kristin, the girl you love to hate, is having trouble breathing some life into this show. Maybe because it is so absolutely fake and they openly address the fact that it is. Sigh. I miss LC. And whoever does the "Next Time on The Hills" preview seriously deserves a raise because every time I tell myself I am going to give up, the preview sucks me right back in. For example next week: Fight between Kristin and Jayde over Brody? I am so there. Even though the episode will most likely suck and the editor just combined the sole thirty interesting seconds of the twenty-two minute episodes

2. The City. It's better than The Hills this season even though Whitney's life has taken the backseat I guess since Jay isn't there to be a douche. I am over this Olivia storyline since there is no way anyone could ever act like that and keep a job. I know this isn't real life but still, if I were Erin I'd slap her. Erin is by far my favorite this season solely for the fact I think she looks exactly like Laura Bell Bundy, former star of Legally Blonde the Musical which I admit I loooooove. I am even liking Roxie since she tells it like it is. And Kelly Cutrone always bring the entertainment. So The City... we're good.

3. Survivor. My family sucked me back into this one. But it truly is entertaining. Well maybe not as much as previous seasons since Foa Foa is only a few tribe members away from being completely eradicated. But since the previews have informed us that a merge is impending, maybe things will get interesting. For Galu, I am pulling for Brett and for Foa Foa I am rooting for Dr. Mick. Now that I've said that, they will probably be the next two voted out. Let's hope not!

4. Project Runway. After months of waiting due to lawsuits and copyright issues, we are finally mere episodes away from Bryant Park for this group. I don't extremely care for any of the remaining designers-- personality or talent wise. That being said, I am pulling for an Althea win. She seems like the most likable and she has some talent. Even though I feel like we are firmly being set up for an Irina win. Boooo Irina. But as long as Tim Gunn is a part of PR, I will continue to tune in. I want him to be my best friend. Like in the episode where he was comforting Shirin about her design sucking, he could do that to me about finding a job! I heart Tim Gunn!

5. The Amazing Race. Another one I got sucked back into by the family. Always entertaining and hey, it's educational and helps me learn some geography and culture. I am pulling for the Globetrotters team, the Blonde team (Meghan and Cheyne), and the father/son team (Gary and Matt). I think Gary's joke about "Should I tell Matt he's adopted now?" in the most recent episode after the obviously gay brothers team came out to the remaining contestants, I think is one of the best lines I have heard on reality television ever.

My final conclusion after writing this post: I watch too much television. Thank God for Tivo and watching full episodes online!

"So dim that spotlight/Tell me things like I can't take my eyes off of you/... Just another wide eyed girl who's desperately in love with you"

Oh! I just looked at the word count in my Word Document and it is 40,000 words exactly. This made me excited that I happened to glance at that exact moment. Why? Does 40,000 mean anything to me? Nope, besides the fact it is a big, rounded, even number. So that's exciting. Hooray for lots of words!

I went to Starbucks today (I should really get paid for how frequently I name drop them on here. Or a sponsorship where they give me free coffee) and I was working on the book. Since it's been raining basically all day today, the place was rather busy and at least 6 people had laptops out so my guilt was kicking in high gear since I had the outlet. By the way, I have since discovered two more, one is behind a comfy chair in the front and another one is near the espresso machine. Why do I continue to update about outlets? I'm not sure. Just keeping you informed. :) But when I discovered the one near the espresso machine where people don't usually sit (due to the noise and the fact your clothes reek for about sixteen hours afterwards) I actually gasped out loud and scrambled over to it to claim it. It was a real highlight that day.

Anyway, so I was working on chapter twelve and I could not for the life of me think of, "you know the word where an actor is delivering a long, lengthy speech to the audience. Mono-something. Monogram? No, that's not it. Monophone? No, that's not even a word. Joey from Friends had to do one and he either did Star Wars or the book I'll Love You Forever" Sure, I came up with soliloquy earlier in the sentence but couldn't come up with the other word. I wish I was kidding when I say that I sat there for a good two minutes, head in my hands, as I tried to produce the word from the back of my mind where it was deliberately hiding just to drive me crazy. It was getting to the point where I was about to ask a Starbucks employee (like Mike-or-James since he was there today) or someone sitting near me and then I got it * light bulb *monologue. I know, I know, you had it all along. Good for you. And you think I'm stupid but I blame my mental block on 1) it was raining and no one is productive on dreary days 2) I am spending way too much time with Microsoft Word and words are beginning to lose their meanings and are truly random combinations of letters 3) I really got stuck with the word monogram since it's kinda similar. "Mono", the "letter g" and vowels. This is why I suck at that game Scattergories, I just think of words with that letter and try to make them fit into the categories but then get stuck on certain words. It really is ironic that I am hoping to make a career out of using words.

Oh and the real thrilling part today was when I claimed the table near the outlet and put my bag down in the chair. I had my umbrella in it so that must have thrown off the equilibrium and it fell over in the chair and starting heading towards the floor, with the top part open allowing stuff to spill out. I hurried to grab it before it hit the floor but something fell out and made a loud noise on impact. I actually closed my eyes as I looked under the table, mentally preparing myself to see my laptop in smithereens but it was only my umbrella. The sigh of relief was audible. I bet people think I'm really crazy cause I'm rather expressive in these public settings.

Oh I've also discovered when I am writing, it is very obvious when I really have a scene going on in my head and I am trying to describe and transcribe it before I forget. Because in these sections my grammar completely sucks. But I am trying so hard to get all of the words down on paper so I don't lose it that grammar just has to take a backseat. I can always edit later. And I do and I actually hang my head in shame at some of the mistakes I make.

Also, I'd like to say something: Unless you're family (and even then I'm skeptical but they have to love me unconditionally) I don't really talk about my book on my own accord (outside of this blog of course). That just means I am never going to be like "Hey want to hear about the book I'm writing cause for some crazy reason I think I have the skills and creative power to do so?!". I don't know. It's sort of self-indulgent or something in my opinion. So if you want to ask or have any questions, feel free. Or, you know, if you are rooting around for a name drop. I just probably won't volunteer the information on my own, well, ever. Well besides the fact that the plot is still as secretive as the series finale of Lost. Was that a stretch? Oh well. Anyway, so yes, feel free to ask just don't think "Oh she only told those three guys about it, she must not want me to know about it". I don't even know if people have these thoughts but it worries me if people think I don't want them to know. I care way too much about what other people think. And hey if you show interest in the book, you might be one of my resources later on, if you are particularly knowledgeable in an area. And that means I don't have to sift through lots of google results. So, really it's a win-win for everyone. Is this whole paragraph self-indulgent because I think people actually care? Probably. But I'm trying to be nice by making sure no one feels left out! Give me a little credit, please.

Oh and the deluxe edition of Taylor Swift's album "Fearless" came out this week. I love her and she is providing quite the soundtrack to this writing process. And my life. So yay for new songs for new inspiration! *does happy dance*

P.S. Question: What do you say if someone moves from Georgia to let's say New York or Boston? That's not a bi-coastal, nor is it really "moving across the country", so what could you say? To the other "corner" of the country? The other end of the country? The other half/hemisphere? Is there some traditional way of saying that concept cause I'm not coming up with one. Granted, I also couldn't come up with monologue so who is to say this is surprising. Input in the comments section por favor!

ETA: The term "East Coast" is the front runner at this point. Any other suggestions?

ETAx2: I know that the Boston and New York are in the northeast of the United States. I was more so asking if there was a phrase for moving up and down in the country since moving "across" wouldn't apply here. It makes sense in my head.

"They know just where I stand/ It's all a part of me/ That's who I am"

Isn't it funny how it can take you a long time to figure out something that defines you and it's always been right in front of you? I experienced this freshman year in my english class.

Our first assignment was to write a personal narrative about an experience that truly defined us. My teacher said she didn't want it to be something cheesy or cliched like getting your license or graduating but rather something that really affected us in our past. So I went back to my dorm room and pounded out a three page paper (oh how lengthy those seemed then. Now I think that would be a piece of cake) on when my dad passed away when I was thirteen. And surprisingly that's not what I discovered as truly defining me (even though it obviously did but that's not the point of this post). Anyway, so I wrote this paper and brought it to the next class meeting where we had a peer review session. So I'm reading some random girl's paper making some comments and then switching papers every few minutes with the people sitting around me. Keep in mind this is the first week or two of college so we had no idea who anyone else was. So at the end of the fifty minutes, we are all scrambling around trying to find our papers so we're not late for our next class.

"Annie?" this nerdy, talkative, CNN-obsessed, preppy kid called out, holding up my paper.

Great, I thought to myself. Of course that kid is going to be the one to get my paper. He probably ripped it apart. I shuffled over him to grab it and get out before he launched into explanation correcting me about how I used who when I should have used whom.

"This is one of the best papers I have ever read," he told me.

I actually laughed in the kid's face as I said "You're kidding right? I know it's crap."

"No, I'm serious. This may be the best paper I've ever read and I'm so honored I got to read it," he told me as he touched my arm.

I mumbled out a thanks and ran out of the room was completely dumbfounded (okay, and maybe I called my mom freaking out. It was my first paper in college! Give me a break! I was still baffled).

ETA: CNN-obsessed kid is one of the nicest guys ever and if he runs for president, I will vote for him. Fellow UGAers, yes you are thinking of the right person.

Even today, reading through that paper I think I sound like a complete 8th grader but his reaction had an impression on me (plus I think that contributed to my writing style. I prefer the simple and straightforward. No one is studying for the SAT while reading my book so no need for overly grandiose vocabulary and perplexing syntax). My teacher, a grad student, also had good things to say about it and suggested I include it in the portfolio we had to submit at the end of the semester including two revised works and a biography. She wanted us to have a theme that tied everything together so I stumbled across mine when I met with her for the required one-on-one conference. She said she could tell how much my family meant to me so I should incorporate that into the rest of my portfolio. And boy did I ever. My picture (required in the bio) was one of all of us (12 at that point in time) on the beach trip from that year. And I wrote about myself through the lens of my family in the biography and I learned, wow, my family really defines me and I didn't even realize it. It's like it was just such an obvious and given thing that I never actually noticed it. But I ran with that theme in a couple more personal narratives and required journal entries I had to write in college. So it shouldn't be a surprise that....

My family is going to be a part of my book! Because like I've said a million times, I've really come to define myself through them, ALL of them, so I have to include them, right? I've always identified with the girl I am writing as my main character and so I am sort of modeling her after myself. Now that in no way means this is an autobiography. I've accomplished nothing. Who wants to hear about my life (...then why are you writing this blog? Good question, reader! I'll get back to you on that. Maybe...)? So I always think well, I can do the opposite of what I know or I can write what I know. And I think the paper on my dad showed that I should write what I know, to a certain extent at least. So let's run with that.

Initially I thought, eh I don't want to have to keep track of 4 siblings plus spouses plus children. So I thought about changing it to one brother and one sister. But then that's only three kids and that's not really "a big family" (though today, that is starting to be considered a big family. I don't agree. Big is five or more) so then I thought about upping it to a brother and two sisters and combining my actual three sisters into two girls but then I knew my sister AE would automatically assume I lopped her off. So then it was back to square one with three sisters and a brother. Oh and then you add in spouses: Two brothers-in-law. And a sister-in-law. Oh but we can't forget about the nieces. Maybe I could downsize the seven of them into like... three or four girls. Which may or may not be my current plan now. I did tell my family members about my plan on the beach trip but don't want to give away everything involving them so my lips are sealed about that from here on out. But hey, you got a little bit of info about the book. A girl is the main character and she has... many family members. All I know is that I hope no one announces a pregnancy anytime soon cause I don't know if I can cram anymore characters into this thing (That's a lie! The little ones are already almost a year old. We need more babies!)!

And for some reason my family thinks in spite of the fact I've chosen to include each and every one of them in my book, that I hate them and I am looking for ways to get rid of them (even though that would cut down on the dialogue and detailing I have to pass around among ten adult characters). My brother JP and sister AE asked if their characters are mean and nasty. My brother asked me if I was going to have his character have an affair or something (My response: Nope. Not with a woman anyway). I went with my mom to visit previously mentioned brother and his family last weekend in Alabama. He flicked my ear for saying something rude or something, I don't recall those details, but after he did it, he said he was worried to say/do too much to me because he is scared of what I am going to do to his character in the book. But I don't know why they are all concerned about something bad happening to their character. I mean this is a post about how much I love my family so their fears should be put to rest now. :)

And I leave you with this snipet of a gChat conversation with my sister LA when I was explaining my "name dropping" technique:

LA: It's quite a complicated system you have there

Me: Not really, it's pretty simple. And it's a guaranteed crowd. Mwhahaha.

Me: Don't make me kill off Ren

LA: I'm just glad the power hasn't gone to your head

Me: ...... not yet.

Oh and just a fun little easter egg for those who really care (Hi, mom and LA!) I actually used the title of my book somewhere in this post. Happy hunting! Feel free to post your guess in the comments section. No promises about confirmation but if someone actually guessed, I might actually have to fess up. Key word: might.

P.S. I know I've written several times how I am worried about using the word "just" too much but I would like to point out at least three of my posts' titles have used the word "just" from various songs. It's more common of a word than you think, that's all I'm saying!

"And I never knew just what it was/ About this old coffee shop I love so much"

A sort of funny story from my daily visit to Starbucks today:

I standing in line to order behind a girl. While I was waiting, I decided to order a Pumpkin Spice Latte, mainly because my mom bought these amazing pumpkin chocolate chip cookies from Whole Foods. I accredit the fact that they are amazing to the pumpkin ingredient so I decided to get it. The girl in front of me also got it, so I thought, huh we better pay attention and not get the others' drink. So then I ordered my drink and the woman asked me if I wanted whipped cream on it. I said no because a girl in my Lit. of Horror class senior year was a barista and she said there are an insane amount of calories in the whipped cream. She also said it was rather oxymoronic when people would order a nonfat drink and get the whipped cream since it pretty much cancels out the "trying to be at least slightly healthier" aspect. Well, I'm all about cutting out unnecessary calories so I never get whipped cream.

So I said no thank you and one of the male baristas and I had a quick conversation about the formerly mentioned points. Now, the pumpkin spice latte takes a little bit longer to make (in comparison to a simple iced coffee) so I am standing there for a while. And then the lady said "Here's your drink Amy" but she had an accent so I thought well, maybe it's for me? I've also been called Anita, Ashley, Anna, Anne, and Annalee before so you never know what those baristas hear over the noise of the espresso machine. But like I said, the girl in front of me also got the same thing, so we both started to slowly shuffle up to the counter to get the beverage. But we were saved from stupidity because my actual drink ("And here's your drink ANNie") was also ready. We all had a little chuckle over the slight confusion.

Oh but it gets better. Amy (since we now know her name) sat down at the table across from me and made some comment like "Oh I'm glad that wasn't a mix up" and I said "Well it's okay cause I noticed we ordered the same drink" and she said "Yeah but I'm one of those nonfat but still get the whipped cream people". Doh! I just kind of mumbled, well that's okay, it's just not for me and then I promptly whipped out my iPod.