I'm still alive

1. Well, pneumonia is no fun, but I'm starting to feel human again. It's a constant 'two steps forward, one step back' kind of thing. I'm too sick to do much of anything, but not sick enough to spend ALL day in bed. So I'll load up some laundry, then lie down for a bit. Load the dishwasher, lie back down. Read a book, take a nap. You get the picture.

2. Dealing with insurance is no fun, but everything seems to be resolved and *fingers crossed* repair work will begin on the roof today. If not, then on Monday at the latest.

3. I really, really love and appreciate my husband and children. They have been amazingly patient and helpful and kind over the last two weeks, and I am a very lucky woman.

4. James and I have got into The Office this season. Holy cow- that show is uncomfortably hilarious! Grey's Anatomy has gone so far downhill over the past two seasons that it's a relief to laugh from 9pm till 10pm. 30 Rock continues to rock, and I was so happy for their Golden Globe wins!

5. After seeing The Unicorn and the Wasp I decided to explore the world of Agatha Christie. I started A Murder is Announced last night, but I would love any suggestions as to which work I should pick up next.

6. Finally, Friday Night Lights in back TONIGHT!!! I'm so happy I could cry. I've managed to avoid any spoilers so far, but from what I've heard this season is just as good as Season One (which was the most absolutely perfect season of television ever).

Housekeeping

1. I finally bit the bullett and added one of those blog roll gadgets on my sidebar. I resisted for a long time because I hate it when my blog looks all crowded and junky. I like nice, clean lines. But with 27 blogs to keep up with, I was spending way too much time clicking on your links to see if you had updated! ;)

2. What's up with this crazy weather? Last week we had freeze warnings, this week I had to turn on the A/C, and the rain and wind have been out of control!

3. And YAY!!! Friday Night Lights will be airing on NBC on January 16th!! I am SO EXCITED for the return of this show. I've avoided most of the spoilers for the episodes that have already aired on DirectTV, but from what I've heard, this season is nothing short of amazing.

While you're waiting for January 16th, you should really check out the first two seasons. Here- let me tempt you with a few of my most favorite scenes from the first season!

No Witty Title, Just Unrestrained Excitment

Today is a very special day.

THE NEW FALL TV SEASON IS STARTING!!!!!

Last year I decided that there was no point in pretending that I don't enjoy watching TV, because I do, and I feel no shame in that. What's more, our entire family likes watching TV! (You know what Madeline wanted to do on her birthday? She wanted to eat homemade pizza for dinner, have chocolate-chocolate cake for dessert, open presents, and then watch the Season One Doctor Who DVDs we got from the library as a family. For the record, we are now on Season Two!)

I figure that we lead a pretty well-rounded life, and I spend almost as much time reading as I do watching TV, so all those people who think they are so superior because they don't watch TV or don't even have a TV can just sod off.

*smiles*

Those of you who received our 2007 Christmas newsletter know what a difference the DVR has made in our lives. (Seriously- it was life changing, much in the manner of a religious conversion.) So with the DVR all set and ready to go, here is what our TV viewing schedule looks like. This list includes time, program and channel.

MONDAY
8:00- Top Gear (BBCA) (Super funny British car show, *highly* enjoyable even if you don't care about cars)
8:30- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) (It's gonna be legen....wait for it...dary!)
9:00- Dirty Jobs (Discovery) (Mike Rowe. Rawr)
10:00- Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (Travel)

TUESDAY
8:40- Gavin and Stacey (BBCA) (A very funny British sitcom, currently running one series behind here in the US)

WEDNESDAY
9:00- Mythbusters (Discovery) (They make science fun!)

THURSDAY
8:00- Ugly Betty (ABC) (America Ferrera=LOVE)
9:00- Grey's Anatomy (ABC) (Oh Grey's. How you mess with me! The last half of Season 3 and first half of Season 4 were TERRIBLE. The last half of Season 4 was good, but not great. Might have to give you up if you don't improve tout suite.)
9:30- 30 Rock (NBC) (This show is the funniest thing on TV. I *heart* Tina Fey. She's awesome. And she has great glasses.)
10:00- Ace of Cakes (Food Network) (Duff and his bakery crew are so hilarious and random, all at the same time.)

FRIDAY
9:00- Friday Night Lights

*pause*

Forgive me for a moment while I extole the virtues of Friday Night Lights, which is hands down the VERY BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION right now. I am serious. You need to watch this show. Yes, it's about football. But no- it's about people who happen to love/coach/play football. I have laughed and cried during some point in EVERY SINGLE EPISODE.

It has the most realistic depiction of teenagers ever, gorgeous set and art decoration, phenominal casting and I swear if you don't want to grow up and be JUST LIKE Coach and Tami then there is something wrong with you.

Watch the opening credits:


OK, seriously. If that did just not get you to your core (the gorgeous scenes and the music by W.G. Snuffy Walden) then you are OBVIOUSLY COLD AND DEAD INSIDE.

Now look at this. It's a compilation of scenes from the first season, set against the amazing music by Explosions in the Sky.


Are you choked up yet? Is your heart racing? I mean, just look! Tim Riggins! Matt Saracen! Julie!! KYLE CHANDLER'S HAIR IS EMOTING ALL OVER THE PLACE.

Just do yourself a favor and watch the show, okay?

SATURDAY
8:00- Robin Hood or Doctor Who, depending on the schedule/season (BBCA) (Yeah, we're nerds. :P)
10:00- Graham Norton (BBCA) (Umm, don't watch this show unless you like your humor somewhat left-of-center and British. Or if you're my mom.)

SUNDAY
9:00 AM- Sunday Morning (CBS) (Usually watched no where near Sunday morning :P)
10:00 PM- Mad Men (AMC) (I watch it for the costumes and set decoration. And superb writing and acting.)

This also doesn't include one-off programs or series like Alton Brown's Feasting On series or Masterpiece Theatre (did anyone catch the complete Jane Austen series they did this year?? Amazing!)

So there's our viewing season in a nutshell. Don't call us during those times unless it's an emergency. ;)