‘Home Front’ by Kristin Hannah

Mother’s Day has passed, but if you’re looking for a book as a gift for a mother, this is it.  Kristin Hannah certainly writes with a formula, but it’s one that works.  You can expect complex plots, rich characters, and a nicely resolved ending.  “Home Front” is no exception.

“Home Front” is set during the war in Iraq and tells the story of Jolene and Michael Zarkades.  She’s a reserve army pilot, a wife, and a mother of a preteen and a preschooler.  She manages work, which she loves, and home, alongside helping her oldest daughter, Betsy, deal with teenage angst.   Michael is a workaholic lawyer and is incredibly selfish and absent from family life.  The novel begins with him telling Jolene that he doesn’t love her anymore.  Then she is called up for active duty in Iraq.  Her sense of duty sends her to war, much to the dismay of her family.  Betsy is resentful, and Michael must step into the role of primary caregiver.  Tragedy strikes while Jolene is at war, and everyone is faced with dealing with the aftermath while attempting to hold the family together.

The story deals with familiar themes that many readers can relate to:  marriage difficulties, mother/daughter relationships, patriotism, and the physical and mental results of war on soldiers.  It is not hard to become emotionally invested in the plot.

What is great about this novel is that there is no perfect character.  The reader’s sympathies switch throughout the novel.  The characters are real and relatable.

This is a moving and stirring story and shouldn’t be missed.

http://www.examiner.com/review/home-front-by-kristin-hannah

Christening Day

Today was the first day we were able to swim in the pool.  The deck isn't entirely finished, but it's functional.  We got in about 11 a.m. and didn't come inside until 4:30 p.m, with breaks for food (which we ate poolside.)  It was wonderful.  We haven't spent that much leisure time outdoors in the 10 years we've lived here.

Happy girls.

At bedtime, Belle told me that she loves me more than the new pool.  High praise indeed!

Summer Fun to Come

We've been thinking about a pool for ages, but we just don't have the money for an in ground pool. Lately, we started batting around the idea of an above ground pool.  They've come a long way from my childhood.  Last Friday, Chad and I went to Mr. Pool.  Bottomline, we came home with a 16'x32' new best friend.  That was until we started adding up all the other expenses that went along with this pool.  Since then, we've Chad has been up to his eyeballs in re-designing/building our back porch.  When finished, it will be really nice and what we've wanted for a long time.

Tearing up the old deck boards.

The hose is running non-stop.  I don't even want to see this month's water bill.

View from the back.

Notice the overseer in the window.

Side view.

Thinking about what else has to be done.

Waiting very patiently for the pool to be finished.

The money is worth it because it can be a very long summer when the girls have nothing fun to do outside.  But like every home improvement project, this is opening up the flood gates for more plans.

More photos to come when it is actually finished and the pool is filled.

Fun at Weeki Wachee

We spent several hours at Weeki Wachee today.  We've been to Buccaneer Bay as a family, but I haven't seen the mermaid show since I was a kid.  The girls are obsessed with mermaids, so we decided to make a day of it.  They had a blast!  The show was really cool.  It was good to see the theatre packed for a show that's been around for over 50 years.

It's also been a while since we've taken some decent photos.  Here they are.

Don't hate me for posing for a couple of new profile pics.

After the photo shoot and swimming, Belle got into her "special juice" (a.k.a. Coke) and went ape shit.  Here is evidence as I was attempting to change her in the bathroom stall.

All in all, a fun day!

Happy Birthday, Baby Belle!

My Belle is 4-years-old today!

Then

Now

Tiny Dancers

Last night, the girls had their group dance pictures taken.  It lasted over 3 hours, which was horrible for me.  But as we were leaving they both exclaimed "how much fun" it was and they "loved it!"  So, I guess that made my time away from American Idol worth it.  Here is proof of their happiness.

Yes, this is a ridiculous amount of costumes.  And there are even more that aren't pictured.

How Amazing were 'The Voice' Finals?

The Voice Finals were AMAZING!  Here  is my breakdown:

Last performance excluded, the guys hands down, won the night.  They brought their "A" games.  As it was explained to us (repeatedly), Juliet Simms was sick.   The guys were stellar in all three of their performances.  Juliet only shone in her actual solo.  

Christina Aguilera has got to stop making this show all about her.  She was not nearly as self-congratulatory tonight as in past weeks, however I still counted seven times where she somehow brought the conversation back to her talent or ailments.  The absolute worst, though, was her mini-concert during her duet with Chris Mann.  Admittedly, sick or not, she sounded great. And he was phenomenal.  So my question is this:  Why did the judge have a bigger part in the duet than the contestant?  All the others shared the verses equally, but not Christina.  No, no....she has to be star #1 ALL THE TIME.  It didn't help that the camera was also on her the majority of the song.  For God's sake, the song began with Chris' back to the camera.  But that is a director's choice, so I'll have to forgive her that foul.

What the hell does Christina have against Tony Lucca?  Twice she made a jab at him tonight.  This does not include the countless other slights made throughout the season.  Even The Today Show picked up on this when  the contestants were interviewed this week.  They both were on The Mickey Mouse Club.  She's now a star.  He's a 36-year-old contestant on a reality show.  Why is she threatened?  

Same sex duets are far better for competition purposes.  As mentioned before, The Prayer sung by Christina and Chris was absolutely beautiful.  But the harmonies and placement of voices always allow the female to shine in a duet.  Cee Lo and Juliet's duet was just all right.  It sounded like a throw-away performance where she was trying to preserve her voice.  I loved the honestly and tenderness of Tony's and Adam Levine's duet.  This was an example of harmony and melody blending perfectly.  Jermaine Paul and Blake Shelton's duet was so much fun.  It allowed them to both loosen up and show their fun sides.

Christina slightly redeemed herself when she cried at the end of Chris' performance of You Raise Me Up.  She does seem to truly care about her team and is genuinely moved by their performances.  

Of all the contestants, I would personally buy Chris Mann's album because I like his style of music, and his voice is amazing.  But if I had to guess how America will vote, it is this:

1. Jermaine Paul

2. Juliet Simms

3. Chris Mann

4. Tony Lucca

We'll see if I'm right or wrong on Tuesday night.

Memoirs, Memoirs, and More Memoirs

Check out my latest article where I look at the 'memoir' sensation.

Freddy, My Love

Earlier while flipping through the channels, I came across Nightmare on Elm Street 2.  I should have changed it because the girls were in the room, but I got sucked in. Besides, nothing too gruesome was happening.

Melanie says, "This isn't scary at all."

This from the child who used to run out of the room whenever the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk was on TV.

When at last I turned the channel, Belle freaks out.  "I want to watch the claws!  I love it!"

Melanie begins furiously sketching Freddie Krueger, talking herself through it:  "Head, body, feet, claws..."

"Don't forget the hat, Melanie."

"Oh, yeah."

Next, I had to answer what seemed like a million questions about Freddie Krueger and why he has claws and why was that boy's arm ripping open? and why is he crazy?, etc....

I just wanted to to yell, "Because his mother was raped by 100 maniacs, THAT'S WHY!"

But instead, I sat back and realized that I brought all this on myself and knew that my children would most likely be having nightmares tonight, regardless of how much they think they "love" Freddy.

So, I changed the channel to Dance Moms, because that's so much better for children's viewing.

Just Horsin' Around

In honor of today's running of the Kentucky Derby, the girls got dressed up in their finest and put on a race of their own.

Sadly, "Castle" may have to be put down.

In a miraculous recovery, Castle runs a second race, only to lose again to "Caroline."

The Healing Powers of Venison

Earlier tonight, Melanie hits her nose and is crying.  I tell her to go get an ice pack (notice I do not offer to get it myself....tough love/laziness.)  I hear the freezer door open and shut.  I assume all is well.  A half hour later, I find an abandoned package of frozen deer meat on my couch.

A thousand legitimate ice packs and she chooses this.

Chad went on a hunting trip in the Fall and we have been eating deer meat like its our job.  Mmmmm...delicious!  

Just think this.

And not this.

It feels (and tastes) better that way.

P.S.  What the hell is that all over that doe's back?  The infamous deer flies I hear speak of?  I know the bastards like to bite my legs, and it hurts like hell.  Geez, cut this mom a break, will you?  That's a lot of flies!

The Classic Bait n' Switch

This is such a mindless subject to ponder, but I've often wondered if the celebrities who endorse box hair color really used the product prior to the ad.  Their hair always looks phenomenal.  If they do use it, I'm doing something horribly wrong.  I suspect they don't. Or if they do, they have some master hair colorist doctor the product with subtle highlights.  That and the lighting tech illuminates the hell out of it.

Her hair has never looked better, because her hair is pretty much crap.

My hair would totally have a green tint at this shade.

I'm not buying it.

Hell to the no!

If I could get blonde like that out of a box, I'd never go to a salon again.

A celebrity I would pay NOT to use my product.

Sweet Valley Confidential: Shhh...Don't Tell Anyone I Read This

Preach!

Check out my latest review on Examiner.com where I prove that virtually anything can be critically reviewed.  If you'd have told me I could write 575 words about this nonsense, I'd have called you a liar to your face.

P.S.  Subscribe to me on Examiner.

Horrible, Christina. Absolutely Horrible!

"Dear God.   Please restore my brief sense of style.  I look ridiculous.  Amen."

Worst Case Scenario

I take back everything I wrote in my recent post about Christina Aguilera's transformation from tacky to tasteful.  She is slipping back into her old ways.  Why is she doing this?  Her appearance tonight on The Voice is laughable.  This image is actually the outfit I was referring to in the other article.  But what she is wearing tonight is far worse.  She just can't help herself.

And Christina, if you want to sing, go to a studio and lay down a track.  Because it's not about you, it's about the contestants.

'Fifty Shades of Grey': Mommy's Dirty Little Secret

I've recently started doing some freelance writing for Examiner.com.  Please click here to read my first article on the new phenomenon, Fifty Shades of Grey.  I wont post my articles in their entirety on my blog because that defeats the purpose.  I get paid by the amount of page clicks.  Enjoy!

bare: a pop opera

 Stephanie Coatney, Omar Montes, and Natale Pirrotta  in bare:  a pop opera.

This weekend I went to see my former student, Stephanie Coatney, in bare:  a pop opera at the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.  M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa produced the show and it was superbly directed by Jennifer Marshall.  

Set in a Catholic boarding school, the show centers on a group of friends during their senior year.  Altar boy Peter and big man on campus Jason are roommates and are carrying on a closeted romance.  Peter wants to go public with the affair, at least to his mother, whom he loves dearly.  Jason feels that his world would crumble if word of the relationship got out.  Things get more complicated when Ivy, makes a play for Jason.  Her rejected suitor, Matt, discovers Jason and Peter's secret and reveals the truth.    As both Jason and Peter struggle to come to terms with who they are, and who the world thinks they should be, they seek answers from the Church, their friends, and ultimately from within themselves.

It was a moving experience.  I am so proud of Stephanie.  She played Ivy and was amazing. I'm not surprised, though.  Her talent was evident when she was 14-years old.  Aside from her stellar voice, she speaks volumes with her eyes.  It's amazing when someone can play sexy, innocent, and vulnerable so well.  I am so glad that I got to see her in this role and that I was introduced to this amazing musical.

The acting and singing of the entire cast was so honest.  Nothing was overdone or overplayed.  The music was phenomenal, and the story was relevant. The blending when the entire cast sang as a whole was sick.  Other standout performers were Natale Pirrotta  who played Peter and Omar Montes who played Jason.  The latter half of the second act had the majority of the audience in tears, and it was largely due to their performances.  

I cannot believe that this was a community theatre performance.  I've seen some really bad community theatre, and believe me, this was many tiers up from that.  I would say this even if Stephanie were not in the show.  I am truly impressed and look forward to more M.A.D. productions.

The show's music is by Damon Intrabartolo and lyrics are by Jon Hartmere with the book a collaboration of the two.  It ran Off-Broadway in 2004.  If you're familiar with musical theatre, the show had the feel of Spring Awakening and Next to Normal due to its music style and themes.  A professional cast album is available on iTunes in two parts:  act one and act two.

Melanie's First Mani/Pedi

Melanie and I enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the nail salon.  Because she was with me, I did not get to catch up on my reading, as I normally do.  But I did get to enjoy some pretty kick ass music from the '90s.  I'm talking the whole decade...the soundtrack of my life that included high school, college, and my early career.  I don't know where they get the music, but I must own it.  Is it some sort of special order Muzak?  Would a Vietnamese nail salon in a substandard mall even invest in such a thing?  Their music is always the same, always a perfect mix, and always magnificent.  In fact even when I go alone and get to read, I get sidetracked by the tunes.  Man, I loved the '90s!

I apologize that the first paragraph had absolutely NOTHING to do with the title and purpose of this post.

So anyway, when I wasn't envisioning myself dressed in all white and dancing on on a pier to Britney Spears' Sometimes, I was documenting Melanie's first professional manicure and pedicure.

Who doesn't love a hand massage?

Convincing a 6-year-old to keep her hands and feet still is nearly impossible.

This is the life!

It was a nice mother/daughter bonding experience.  The music made it that much sweeter.

I've Lost that Idol Feeling...at Least for This Week

Sayonara!

I promised I'd enter this week of Idol with a poor attitude, and indeed I did.  I REALLY missed seeing Colton on that stage.  

All I can say to Elise Testone being kicked off is...good riddance!  I was over her in week 1.  If it didn't happen this week, it would be next week.  Frankly, I'm surprised she lasted this long.  I still can't put a face to her fan base. Maybe that was part of her problem.  She's a good technical singer, but raspy voices are not my bag.

Here's my take on the Top 5:

In order of my preference. 

Joshua Ledet-  He should win.   He came out swinging last night.  I think he proved his versatility because we already knew the boy can SANG!

Phillip Phillips-  I dig his vibe, and I buy what he's selling.  He's obviously not the best singer, but he's authentic.  I'd like to hear some of his original work.

Skylar Laine-  I did not care for her much in the beginning.  But she had some stellar weeks there in the middle, and I was impressed.  Last night was just alright.  I'm not a fan of country, especially that Reba twang, but she could make it to the top 2 or 3 because that genre sells with Idol fans.

Holly Cavanaugh-  A couple of weeks ago, I was ready to watch her head roll.  She's really brought her A game, though, these past two weeks.  I thought she was phenomenal last night singing The Climb.  Certainly, 1000 times better than Miley Cyrus, but that's not very hard to achieve.  That said, she'll probably go next week.  Her nine lives are just about spent.

Jessica Sanchez-  Her Dance with My Father was great last night.  Other than that, she has shown me nothing since the big save.  It seems that the judges are disenchanted with her as well.  No more leaping to their feet and more criticism.  I'd love to see her go before Holly.

On a separate note, I will never watch the results show again live again because I cannot stomach another Ford music video or a performance from Idol rewind (Adam Lambert excluded.)

Imbecile Parade

Exhibit A- an "imbecile."

We have a running gag in our family that is probably not found in any parenting manuals and is most likely frowned upon in many social circles.  We refer to anyone we see riding a motorcycle as an "imbecile."  Not sure why or how it started.  I have nothing against those who choose this lifestyle.  Personally, I've never set foot on the machine, and likely never will.  But, to each his own.

There is a Harley Davidson superstore in our area that hosts a lot of events for cyclists.  We drove past and witnessed one such event last week.  As I saw the double line of motorcycles several hundred feet long making it's way down the highway to the store, I exclaimed, "Look, girls.  It's an imbecile parade."  Sometimes I say things to my kids that should probably be left unsaid.  

Jump ahead to today in Music class.  (In case you are are not privy to this information, I teach Music at the same school where my girls attend.)  We were discussing drums and the percussion family.  As an example, we listened to a march.  I said that drums play a major part in marches, especially in parades.  

Melanie raises her hand. 

"Yes, Melanie?"

"Speaking of parades, we saw an imbecile parade the other day."

Sound of screeching tires (in my head).

"Yes, you're right.  We did.  [Long awkward pause. 15 expectant pair of eyes on me].  So, anyway, uh....drums......."

Thank God the average Kindergartner doesn't know the definition of an "imbecile." 

Also, your kids will ALWAYS repeat things you say.  Lesson learned.

Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?

I'm changing the target's name because I don't need a lawsuit.  Plus, I teach the kid, so that's really weird.

Seriously, I do not make this up.

Melanie, what are you doing?

"I'm looking up a spell to cast on Jennifer.  She is mean."

[Notice the mimic monkey in the back]

Just a fun spell, right?  Not to hurt her?

"Uh...yeah.  Sure."

"Duh....just for fun."

Belle, you are so... ______ (searching for the perfect adjective.)

"Fabulous!"

Not really what I was going for.