Dayton's CW Halftime Report...

Hey all!
This past week has been an absolute blur! Since making the semi-finals of the Dayton's CW Star Contest (read previous post for deets!), my life has been consumed with the competition.


Last week after they made the announcement, all of the finalists and semi-finalist met at the CW studios in Dayton to take the next step in the process to find THE Dayton's CW Star.

We gathered, mingled, laughed, and had a slight undertone of attempt to sound cooler than one another in conversation. Expected, right?

We all got headshots taken for the website... check out cha'girl!


Then we were told we had to give a plea for the camera for the station to put up online to act as a regulator for votes, and as a result, to act as the decision to choose the 10th finalist.

GIVE IT A WATCH.... (or 700 ha)

Bottom line, whoever has the most views of their video and moves to the finals and still has a shot to become... the FIRST DAYTON's CW STAR! (awkward reality show tagline intended)

Because of this, I've been networking and trying to get friends and family to watch my video to the point of sheer exhaustion and annoyance. I've been BLOWN AWAY by how many people are not only giving my video a quick view, but are continually keepin my vid on repeat to help rack up the votes. It's so humbling and exciting! In addition to that, my boss at work gave my co-workers and I the go-ahead to vote as we make calls all day, so that has DEFINITELY helped me raise numbers! We have it down to a science... Bill Nye would be jealous.


With that said, all free time has been converted to voting time (even as we speak...), so that's the reason for the lack of bloggage in the past week. It's to a point when I'm not home I'm like "ok, how fast can I get out of here to get back to it?" It's sad. But hey, I'm in this thing.... it's a great opportunity, I'm gonna give it all I have.

As of Wednesday night, I was in the top 5 (no order I believe). If I hadn't been in top 5, it might have been worth giving up because with all the people I know voting, and in what volume, people would have to be cheating by having a computer automatically vote or something. Ah geez... this is crazy.

And again, for those of you out there voting for me, I truly can't thank you enough for your support! It's insane what you all are doing for me and it means a lot! You better believe if I win it all, the first thing I'm doing is throwin a LEGIT party and showering you all with food and entertainment or whatever in thanks!

I can't do it without ya!
The voting goes thru the 20th!!
Keep prayin! Keep play-pushin'!

The Face of Dayton's CW?

I seem to have this odd ability to get caught up in spontaneous situations... whether it be meeting LA Laker and Dancing with The Stars Icon Rick Fox in the Bahamas and accidentally bringing up his ex-wife and Ugly Betty star, Vanessa Williams, getting hit by a car while walking on a sidewalk in Australia, making friends with a NYPD-er and being escorted to a good spot in Times Square for NYE, or one of the more random, having Monster.com call me and ask me to apply to be Alicia Keys' head blogger for iamasuperwoman.com where I ended up becoming a quarter-finalist.

I have one to add to the ever-growing list of antics and adventures.

Last week, I was sitting in Miami Valley Hospital chomping on Chipotle (which is undoubtedly the best thing you can ever consume) as I was waiting for my best friend, Chelsea to get out of an appendectomy. I sat in the cold waiting room dividing my time between making up ridiculous reasons for why my waiting room compadres were... waiting, and watching my girl, Tyra Banks interview some women who had habits and cravings of eating anything from toilet paper, laundry detergent, and even the scabs off their head. Yea... at that point, my obsession with and the frequency of my consumption of Chipotle didn't seem that drastic.

All that to say, at a commercial break my eyes were drawn to an explosion of lime green and opportunity in the form of an open audition to be "THE DAYTON CW STAR." They said they were looking with someone with "charisma, style, and swagga" to be the face of the station. I was intrigued. How could I not? For those of you who know me, you know how accurately they were describing me :-)



Now, for those of you who may not know me... I promise, I'm not one of THOSE people who just see a random shot at "15 minutes of fame" and show up, streamers flyin' and guns blazin' to try and get some attention, but for whatever reason I felt like I needed to be at that audition.

After leaving the hospital (Chelsea's disgruntled appendix was successfully removed, if you were concerned), I spent the next 2 days contemplating going. Some unfortunate scheduling and paperwork issues almost kept me from going, but I couldn't get over the voice saying "GIRLLLL, whatcha got to lose? It's not like you're afraid to talk to people!" I couldn't argue with that stellar sense of reasoning, and Saturday morning Charmaine and I headed out to the Greene.


I was the 4th person to infiltrate the army of lime green shirted staff in The Funny Bone's showroom. As I entered in and stood on an oversized green chicken pock on the floor in front of a groovy little backdrop, I prepped for my little "1 minute plea." The website had suggested we plan a speel and as a university speech instructor, I understand the importance of hitting your time limits. They didn't seem as concerned as one of the smiling judges stopped me about 40 seconds in (I told you I prepped), and said "So you know I have ask you...show me some moves." I had in my blurb alluded to the fact I am a dancer and choreographer but didn't necessarily expect to be asked to prove it. Not that it was a problem... I quickly broke into a piece of "Thriller" and then did a little "Whip My Hair" type moves. See me on the highlight video!

They laughed. Of course. I'm entertaining :-)

After doing a quick liner for the cameras touting "I am Daytons CW First Star!" I headed to the exit where the staffer holding the door was still chuckling and said "That was fantastic!"

Then it was over. As quickly as it started. Leaving me to wonder how it went.

That's until this evening when my phone started singing "Strongerrrr that yesterdayyyy" and I saw an unknown number. I picked it up and received a greeting from 2 screaming individuals. My response? "And who is this?" (Maybe I should have been more coy... enh, not a trait I have...) It was DaytonCW informing me I was one of 25 semi-finalists. From my understanding, that means I compete online for votes with them to fill the final "finals" spot.

What does this mean? I may soon become THAT person who is excruciatingly throwing out pleas for online votes and showing up hardcore in your mini-feed. Yah, annoying I know... but I mean, this could be cool.

I am a fan of spontaneity... so here's to the next right hook in my fight against a mediocre life :-)

My Take on the Globes that are Golden... (PART II)

Drum roll please... time for awards recap!

Let's chat TV first.
Although I usually pride myself on the wide array of shows I take in, I found myself while making my predictions, far more informed in the comedy genre. For a majority of drama, I ended up being persuaded by the buzz I gathered from my various sources :-)


For best drama series, I had my money (figuratively, of course) on . I mean, a period drama with Jackie O. style, skinny ties, and Jon Hamm? Yes, Please. Although I don't follow it, it is one on my "I-can't-believe-I'm watching" list. Unfortunately, although a well-hyped show with impeccable fabulous-lness it lost to Excuse me, what?? Who are you? Well, it does apparently boast Steve Buscemi. I doubt his performance can top the rifle-touting, childhood bullied, lip stick-wearing crazy face he portrayed in Billy Madison, but I assume HBO has some differing audience targets.

As you can guess from my previous expression of affection for Jon Hamm, I was rooting for him over the snarky, wrinkly faced Buscemi for Best Actor, Drama. FAIL. Buscemi in for the win.

Thanks to what I've been readin' up on (yay magazine reading at work), I was ready to hear Julianna Marguiles' name read for choice drama actress for "The Good Wife," but I wasn't upset at all to see the always entertaining Katey Segal take the globe for "Sons of Anarchy." I mean, this girl has been working it since the days of "Married with Children" when she chomped on gum rocking leopard tights and heels. It was a big deal then, not like now when every 12 year old who walks out Charlotte Russe dons the aforementioned ensemble.

No huge upsets in the comedy category I'd say, although I did have my heart set on some of the... non-winners.
In the big category it was gonna be hard to disappoint me since I LOVVEEEE , , and like WOAH. When the latter won though, it was a lot of fun to the see the entire cast and crew engulf the stage... including little Lauren Potter who plays "Becky." A.dorable.

Breaking it down, Best Actor and Actress trophies went to "The Big Bang Theory's" Jim Parsons and "The Big C's" Laura Linney, respectively. Just a sidenote that MUST be stated...Uh. Tina Fey, my love, you are GENIUS. You should win everything. EVER. end sidenote.

"Glee" kept a dominating grabbing BOTH supporting role honors in Chris Colfer and Jane Lynch. One of my favorite moments of the night? Colfer's genuine surprise and honor in receiving the award. It's a must see.
Not a must see? Lea Michelle bawling 90% of the night... ugh. Please groan with me at her at the :50 mark. YOU DIDN'T WIN! Stop the antics for camera time... go home, put on your footie pajamas, your headgear, and sing some Streisand.

Now onto the BIG SCREEN:
As expected, there were a few names that we heard bounce off of envelopes multiple times. took the big prize in drama, and also boasted a Best Director win in David Fincher. The much-talked about missed out on Best Drama, but Natalie Portman grabbed Best Actress. Her dress was a lil awkward for me, but not as much as her acceptance speech laugh.
The impeccable Colin Firth took the top drama actor for and I must say, well deserved. I never really understood the big deal with the Firth-hype until seeing this movie, but he gave a stellar performance! And if the movie at first glance doesn't seem like your cup of tea (tehe) get over your strickly-shallow-Sandler-movie-seeing-self and CHECK OUT THIS FLICK! Historically accurate for ya "reality" lovers, yet knee-slapping funny moments as well. DO IT. Peer pressure.

Best Picture Comedy went to ... which after watching it, I'm trying to figure out what makes it a comedy, but whatev, it was good. Awkward at times, but good. Also from "TKAA," the timeless Annette Benning took "comedy-eqsue" actress, and the zany Paul Giamatti won over the Globe voters in . Again, what is that? Where did it come from? Whatevs, congrats crazy man.

"rounded" things out winning the supporting titles in Christian Bale and Melissa Leo. I've yet to catch "The Fighter," but I heard both of those performances were pretty fabulous, especially post-newsie Bale. I'm a fan of him in any way, shape, or form... so this is at the top of my list.

Oh... and top animated film was ... duh, right? I mean, watching this movie this summer was like reliving AND waving goodbye to my childhood at the same time while pathetically crying my EYES out! It was similar to a funeral... it provided closure, while it was something you didn't wanna see go... EVER! For reals, don't laugh... the next time I was at my parent's houses I grabbed some of my toys, brought them back to my place and my friend, Paul and I had a playdate and watched Disney movies. It was stellar.

That's the 2011 Globe highlights my friends. Any commentary? Surprises? Upsets?

Be looking out for the big game... THE OSCARS coming soon!!

My Take on the Globes that are Golden... (PART I)

If you are as pop-culture provoked and fashionably infused as I am, I'm sure you were glued to the TV as tightly as your kindergarten fingers were to that hideous macaroni-project.



But if you were doing anything else... (really? I mean, what else would you be doing?) then this recap blog is a must read to keep you up on the coffee shop gossip and water cooler chat.

As we pounce into awards season, there has been a lot of hubbub about newly released films i.e.

Black Swan

and The King's Speech.

But I found myself almost forgetting hard-hitters from earlier in the year like Inception and Shutter Island... two flicks of which I was quite a fan.


With that said, I was pretty excited to see how the night would shape up for my some of my faves. BUT, before that... HELLO! Red Carpet! I mean, c'mon... usually more drama occurs there than the soon-to-opened envelopes.


Let's just take a second to relive a few of my top frocks...

Who needs Tony, my dear. Single looks GOOD on you.


Hello Madame Catherine... must you always be so elegant?

I loved this green, one shoulder number... to think the voice of awkward Meg Griffin comes from this hottie.

Oh, and Modern Family's Julie Bowen...I'm always a fan of a lil chic cascading.


Let's hear it for the boy! Mmmm... Noah... I mean, Ryan Gosling :-)


Now for the fashion offenders...


I know Helena has this whole "quirky" thing going on... but... REALLY? I think Ke$ha may have looked more appropriate for the event.


Speaking of Ke$ha, she may have even shown up less wasted than host, Ricky Gervais.


In essence, I could have maybe liked this on another day, but just returning from New Year's Eve in NYC, she kinda looked like they used her to brush the streets after the celebration.

Oh January... Looks like you are trying to advocate for the Red Cross...or maybe trying to make yodeling overalls sexy. Either way... you look a hot mess.

Ok... now I know Anna ended up on both best and worst lists, but I must say... I didn't necessarily love the "snake-mid-shedding" look.


And Michelle. Sweetie... are you 5 or trying to nail the role of Jan Brady?

Never been a big fan of Miss JLH. I understand she may have just come from a fancy dinner, but why did you mimic your dress after the napkin decor?



There is your fashion recap... I'll be back with my quips on the winners and losers of the evening!

Any opinions on the red carpet garb?

Golden Globes Highlights and more!

I plan to write-up my thoughts, highlights, and quips from Sunday's Golden Globes very soon, but to quench your pop culture thirst, E!'s wrapup should hold you over!

You see this week, in addition to 8-9 hr work days and Hello, Dolly rehearsal for Cedarville University, I am helping with auditions for "ELLIV!" What is ELLIV you ask, well it's CU's big annual award show. It's kind of awesome. Kind of a big deal. To learn more, check out my posts from last April or check out my youtube channel.

TRUE LIFE: How to change a vacuum belt.

You think you know, but you have no idea.

Yah. It was that dramatic. But fantastic nonetheless.

So here's the deal, since I've been in my own place (just passed the year mark, woot!) the vacuum I had well... sucked... but not in the way in which it was intended. Several months later, I acquired another vacuum that was also less than stellar in the sucking department. Long story short, I had 2 vacuums, neither of which were very effective.

Today my housemate Amber, our friend Kim, and I were introducing a new piece of furniture into our living room and decided to scrub the carpets and work a little bit of our inner "Trading Spaces" power and rearrange/redecorate. But before we did all that, it was imperative we get the carpets super swept-clean.

So we decided to investigate...


We discovered a broken belt...


We ran down to the Cedarville Hardware shop and got advice from a comical, middle aged man who seemed to enjoy making fun of us for our lack of vacuum expertise. We got a new belt and went home hoping to find a way to fix it.

It's a little daunting...
Kim and I started prying open and tearing apart the thing. A youtube search of "how to replace hoover vacuum belt" was helpful. Joe, a Home Depot-esque man (in his adorable little apron and all) was quite the assistance to us.


After prying and pulling and tugging and PRAYING we weren't breaking things... WE GOT IT ON!
And it worked SOOOOO well! We were giddy and cheering... for about 20 seconds... until...


it sucked so well, it sucked in my keys and lanyard from like 6 inches away!


it was immensely comical...


After removal, we were ready for round 2. Of course, we made sure all keys were at a safe distance away.


Then we had fabulously clean carpets. Happily Ever After?
Well, we ended up having a few little pieces left over from our electronic surgery. We hope they aren't vital to anything :-)

What is 1/11/11 other than = 0.008264?

I mean, was it REALLY that bigga deal?

Well, if you are one of the 7.6 BILLION people commenting about it on Facebook, in Tweet-world and everywhere in between... yes, yes it was. Because of all of your keen observations, the rest of the world couldn't avoid talk of it if they tried.

In honor of this ONE-derful faux holiday, Jackie, a woman that I work with that is so truthfully a 5-year-old trapped in a middle-aged woman's body, sprouted with exasperation "It's 1/1/11! We have to make a wish at 11:11!"

Being one fond of making wishes at special time marks (12:34, 1:11, 4:56, etc AND 6:25... my birthday), I was game for encouraging her childlike spirit and giving into her gleeful chortle. On top of that, it would give me a reason to stop working for a good 10 minutes "in preparation" for the wish making ceremony.



Ben joined us and we wished REALLLLL hard..... (Get your "1's" up!)


And I wished that... pshhhh! I can't tell you my wish, I have been told such logorrhea will keep wishes from coming to fruition.

But if it comes true, I'll definitely let ya know! Let's hope it happens by 11/11/11!

ANY OTHER WISH-MAKERS OUT THERE?