Guilty (TV) Pleasures

I have to admit that ever since TiVo and DVR were invented, I have become a reality television whore. The freedom that recording programs gives you is undeniable and extraordinary. In fact, I truly believe that I should be a spokesperson for the service. Not to mention being able to fast forward through commercials... oh, I am in love! So, in turn, I watch everything from food shows like Top Chef and Hell's Kitchen to talent competitions like American Idol to So You Think You Can Dance, and even embarrassing shows like The Real Housewives of New York City/New Jersey/Orange County...



The most recent addiction is one that is so humiliating that it is even difficult for me to type, but its... I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Ok, I know what you are thinking, but just to explain, there wasn't anything on, and I watched the first show... and well, the rest is history. In synopsis, this show is about a handful of "has been" celebrities left in the jungles of Costa Rica and participate in competitions for food and luxury items. The "celebrities" include a couple Baldwin brothers, the guy from La Bamba, some wrestler chick, a couple of idiots from 'The Hills' (whatever the hell that is), a retired NBA player, wife of an impeached Illinois Governor, ex-American Idol contestent (Sanjaya) and Janice Dickerson (the self-proclaimed first "supermodel"). This show is a train wreck. On the up side they do this for charity. Just a couple of observations I have made...

1. What the hell is up with Janice's face? Is it just too much plastic surgery or too many skin treatments? I mean she looks like her face is a red balloon. So wierd. And she is really disgusting. Besides urinating in camp, she chews with her mouth wide open, and for a supermodel, surprisingly eats a lot - more than her share.

2. I actually love Sanjaya. On American Idol he drove me crazy, but on this show he is like a little Jungle Boy and he is really the most normal, besides Patty

3. Speaking of Patty (Blagojevich), I really would like to see her go far. I know the probablilty of her winning is slim, but it seems that she is there for the right reasons, and cares about her family.

4. I won't get into the whole Hills scenario, but Heidi and Spencer are the strangest couple I have ever seen, and I am shocked that people actually watch their show - that coming from a person that is actually watching "I'm a Celebrity..Get me out of Here!"



Another addiction is Jon and Kate plus Eight. I have seen almost all of the episodes (it started with a Jon and Kate marathon in my 9th month of pregnancy) and I just love this show. There is a lot of controversy regarding this show right now. With the paprazzi following them around, apparently Jon has made some unwise decisions (out all night with women--who knows) and now their marriage is on the rocks. Not to say Kate is completely innocent. She has a tendency to be a little degrading towards him, but I think its just her personality. There is also some talk about exploiting their children (sextuplets and a set of twins) - I personally think that is ridiculous, but I'm not there 24/7, but neither are the cameras from what I understand.

All in all I really am rooting for them, and hope that they survive, even if that means they stop filming.



So hands down, So You Think You Can Dance is my favorite reality show of all time. SOOOO much better than that other dancing show that I don't even want to mention. These kids are so freaking talented it will blow your mind. They make their bodies do the impossible. Even a person who isn't into dance will love this show. It is amazing.

There is one drawback to this show though, after watching it, I tend to think that I can actually do the moves too, and find myself pretending to be a hip hop artist or a ballerina for a good 2 days afterward, usually in the kitchen while I am preparing meals.

I think I pulled something last night.

Summer activites

In an attempt to get out of the house (and spend little money) I have found several activities that Mason and I have enjoyed these past few weeks. Because summer is here and you can't spend more than a few moments outside before realizing that you are in desperate need of yet another shower, our activites have been limited to early morning and indoors.

Although I have been able to lose a few pounds going to Weight Watchers I really need an active outlet. I had attended a class for Stroller Strides that I enjoyed very much. They have this go to the first class free. I call it the "drug dealer special". You know, go and have fun, get addicted, and end up paying for it. Well, I wasn't going to fall for it, but a summer special came along, and there I was hook, line, and sinker. I must say, however, it is GREAT excercise, and Mason really enjoys seeing the other kids (and I love talking to the moms too!)

Another great resource that I have mentioned previously is Meetup. This is a great way to meet other people, and at the very least find out about some great kid-friendly activities going on in the area. I went to one today that was at the local library (FREE!) and it was a Baby Sign Language Class that proves to be a great tool for moms and ultimately proven to raise IQ levels in children. It really is amazing. I figured I would try it out... Even if we just use a couple words, it'll be fun.

On Saturday Mason is attending his very first swim lesson at the local YMCA. Another great deal (that I incidentally found out through a meetup group)- we received a discount since there were so many people interested. I will surely post some interesting pictures from this adventure. The downside, of course, would be me still having to squeeze my fat ass into a swimsuit - don't worry NO pictures of me in a swimsuit will be posted).

We also have Busch Gardens passes. This would be a bit more fun if Mason was a little older. They have an awesome toddler area that is a HUGE treehouse with a water "sprayground". But next year he will be all over this. Meanwhile, though, it's great to walk around (as long as it's early morning or late afternoon) and always educational (for me, as well as him).

So there you have it, some summer fun for the next couple weeks.