Lovin' Lee & Crystal

I could be watching the NCIS finale on CBS -- an episode sure to pack an emotional punch. Or I could be watching the Cubs take on the Dodgers within the Friendly Confines. But I'm going with the American Idol finals. And I'm not sorry.

Crystal is really in a special place tonight. Lee DeWyze is my sentimental favorite, and I wish he'd sung "That's Life" instead of "The Boxer," but he's redeeming himself right now with "Beautiful Day." Touch me … teach me ...

Crystal is in the zone. Can't wait to hear what she sings.

I'll switch to the Cubs game at 8:00. (4th inning, maybe?) Comcast On Demand should begin showing the NCIS finale tomorrow. (All I have to do is avoid Googling for spoilers.) And I'll continue thoroughly enjoying Crystal and Lee.

And Simon. I can't imagine Idol next year without him. I'm getting a little sloshed on Pearl Pomegranate Vodka in his honor. Here's to ya, Mr. Cowell! You will be missed.

10 on Tuesday -- "The Peanut Butter Cup Break" Edition

As I sit here at my desk, filling my face with the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups I got out of the vending machine, I will list the

TEN THINGS I'D RATHER BE DOING
THAN COMPLETING THE PROJECT AT HAND

1. Finishing Girls Like Us, the bio I'm oh-so-close to being done with.

2. Starting a new book (I can't decide which one from my daunting TBR list)

3. Listening to the amazing, exhaustive 4-disc Dusty Springfield anthology I just received yesterday

4. Writing to my friend in the Keys, letting him know that for his birthday this December, I already have a reservation for us at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Restaurant. As a local, he doesn't get to do many of the more fun, tourist-y things unless I'm visiting.

5. Drinking pomegranate-laced vodka on ice. (Jimmy Buffett makes this gal's mind turn to booze, in more ways than one.)

7. Petting a cat. That's the glory of having three at home -- one of them always needs a little attention.

8. Sending a little something to an old neighbor. Back when I was in high school, I cared for this woman's sons and daughter. She has been very good about keeping in touch with me over the years and across the miles, and I want to let her know that the house she lived in -- way back when -- is for sale again. I think she'd really enjoy seeing the flyer.

9. Getting out of these freaking support hose and in touch with my feminine side by reading the latest issues of Glamour, Allure or More -- all of which are home, just waiting for me!

10. Looking back on the project at hand, satisfied that I have done it well!

New Clean Me

Every day I am going to do something -- no matter how small -- to improve my standard of living at home.

Today it was the medicine chest: I disposed of three tubes of ... stuff. First aid for cuts and rashes. It was all expired. I also removed four individually wrapped bars of bath soap -- two were gifts and two are souvenirs from the Marriott. Those are going to soldiers via Operation Shoebox. But first I have to send off the condiment packets I have been saving in the kitchen. I'll do that TODAY.

Thank you, Carole

I am reading Girls Like Us, the biography of Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon. "You've Got a Friend" figures prominently, since Carole wrote and recorded and James Taylor (Carly's soon-to-be bridegroom) had a hit with it. I learned from the book that music executives weren't crazy about the song because it was too long -- but both Carole and James insisted on recording it. Millions of people were glad they did.

Like everyone else I knew, I bought Sweet Baby James' 45 back when I was 13. I loved singing tunelessly along with it. But lately I have listened to it, really listened to it, again and it means more to me than ever.

My best friend and I are bonded. No matter what happens to one of us (and much has been happening to both of us!), we know the other one is there. Out there. Somewhere. I mentioned it yesterday and he agrees: this says it better than either of us could.


When you're down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name,
And you know whereever I am
I'll come running, oh yeah baby
To see you again.
Winter, spring , summer, or fall,
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You've got a friend.

If the sky above you
Should turn dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud
And soon I will be knocking upon your door.

You just call out my name and you know where ever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring , summer, or fall,
All you got to do is call
And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah …

Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold.
They'll hurt you and desert you.
Well they'll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but don't you let them.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Don't you know that
Winter, spring , summer, or fall,
Hey now, all you've got to do is call.
Lord, I'll be there, yes I will.
You've got a friend.