American Idol. Yes, I Vote!

Hey Everyone,

Chris here again!  So, no cool images to post today…thanks for your emails about my pics yesterday, though!  I look forward to shooting more family sessions solo this year – it’s one of my goals.  I’ve always shot weddings together with Sara (and I LOVE weddings!), but one-on-one family and portrait work is a little lesser explored for me, but I love it, too!

Since I don’t have any images to post….onto something that’s another big part of our lives outside of photography.  American Idol!

So, IDOL!  Are you watching?  I must confess that Sara and I are obsessed with Idol.  Have been since year 2.  In fact – want in on a little fun fact?  I actually took Sara to an Idol concert when we lived in San Diego.  It was….shall we say…an experience we’ll never forget.  I don’t think I’ve felt that *old* in a long time!!  Talk about teens screaming all over the place, people crying….it was ridiculous.  I told Sara to bring tissue, but she didn’t listen.    Kidding!  No tears, but boy was she obsessed with Clay.  I think that crush has faded….slightly.  She may even deny it.  Feel free to remind her next time you see her, ok?

Well, this season, I must say that we have our individual favorites and based on how some of these folks sound, I wouldn’t rule out another concert in our future.   <did I just type that?!>  Isn’t it amazing how personal who you like on Idol is?  Sara LOVES Brooke White and I’m obsessed with Carly. But we’re both HUGE fans of David Archuleta. That kid has such a pure voice. It’s literally effortless.  Incredible!!!  She may kill me for writing this, but my mom is completely obsessed with anyone who is a rocker.  Last year it was Blake, two years ago – Bo, this year it’s David Cook and Michael Johns.  So predictable!  Sorry Mom – you know I love ya.  I have to admit that David is growing on both of us.  I loved his Billy Jean rendition.  That was cool.  Sara used to think he was gross (or slimy? I can’t remember) because of his hair…..she’s since changed her tune with his new cut and dye job.

What surprises me is that I know more people than ever are watching, but I feel like my friends and colleagues aren’t watching as much as they used to.  I’ll say, “hey, did you watch Idol?!” and get blank stares back.  You guys, is it weird to watch Idol?  >Oh….and don’t get me started with this.>  Why is it so socially unacceptable to actually VOTE!  I mean, isn’t that the point of the show?!  I start talking about Idol with friends, and then they do that look-left-and-right thing to make sure that everyone in the room is listening to the question they’re about to ask, and then they ask in that smurky-voice, “So, do you vote?” and then the smile and look around again.  I confidently reply “Of Course!” while puffing my chest proudly!  They say, “REEEEEALLLY!? You VOTE?”  Like it’s some taboo thing to do!  Umm…..yes.  I do!  And now, since I have my iPhone and at&t, I text vote.  Which, by the way, is totally efficient if you don’t have to pay per text.  I highly recommend it.  Is that a nerdy thing to do?

And yes, we watch Idol, but we don’t watch Lost or CSI or any of those other HBO shows that everyone else does.  I guess it’s fair for them to act weird when I ask about Idol so long as I give the “Grey’s What?” or “Who are the Others?” blank stare back to them.  Regardless of whether you watch or not, there is really great talent on the show this year.  If you like watching good folks only, this is the week to start to tune in because they’re down to the last 8! Place your bets!  I’m voting hard for David and Carly.

Last thing on Idol and then I’m signing off….this week is the week of Idol Gives Back.

{image from http://www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback/}

I think it is SO COOL that they are doing this.  If you don’t know the premise, they basically turn the show into a charitable event – they get great celebs to perform and talk, and they raise millions.  Last year they raised $75 million! The coolest part about it is that the money doesn’t just go abroad to places we all know need help (like Africa, for example).  It also impacts America and half the money goes to impact kids and families in need here at home.  According to their website:

Idol Gives Back raises awareness and funds to benefit the following six charities in 2008:  The Children’s Defense Fund, Children’s Health Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save the Children. These charitable organizations have a proven track record of making a positive impact through responsible giving.

I know there are a lot of places to donate to, but I think this is a cool opportunity.  Spread the word about it to your friends – forward this blog post!  And if you feel inspired, you can donate by clicking here.

That’s all for now.  Sara and the kids will be back late tomorrow night, so I’m sure Sara will return to the blog soon!  Either that or I’m now subject to weeks of dictation as my reward or punishment for keeping up the blog while she was away.  We’ll see how she feels about me revealing her crush on Clay Aiken.

G’Night,

Chris

P.S. – We’re also obsessed with The Office, so I’m sure to blog about that soon.  It comes back live this week.  Woo-Hoo!  What show are you obsessed with?  Do you watch Idol?  Do you think voting is weird?  Post a comment…let us know what you think!