My Year in Time Well Wasted

2010 has been a great year. Well, for me. I can’t speak for anyone else. In fact, I know a lot of people who thought that 2010 sucked. But this is my blog, and I think 2010 was AWESOME!

Maybe it’s because, for me, 2009 sucked. Sucked hard.

I lost my job.

My uncle died.

I had major surgery.

I spent 16 days in the hospital.

I had to wear a “drain” for 56 days.

I literally celebrated Christmas and New Year’s with toxic bodily fluids strapped to the outside of my body.

The only positive in this situation?

The only place to go is up!!

So, to commemorate what has kept me in high spirits this year, this is a list of the top 5 things that kept my mind happy and busy during 2010.

(Note: this list does not include any boring things like family or my new job- which I got in January)

Ranked in order of time spent thinking/reading/watching:

5. Musicals: Thanks in a large part to GLEE, my love for musicals has been renewed. I’ve always liked music and movies/television… so of course I am going to love anything that combines the two! This year, I channeled that love of random-bursts-of-emotion-in-song to off Broadway. (Or perhaps it is off-off-Broadway since this is the dirty south?) I went to see the Wizard of Oz in Birmingham in April, where I rambled on and on pre-show about how much I love the munchkins and little people in general. Unbeknownst to me, there was indeed a littler person (not quite a total little person) sitting two seats down from me. Needless to say, they found seats elsewhere during intermission. But nonetheless, it was a wonderful show, with scenes and songs that were cut from the movie. Then, in May, I went to see Mary Poppins in Atlanta. It was splendid. I did get chastised by an usher because I was taking pictures, but the show itself was superb. It differed from the Disney classic, but in all the right places.

4. Train: The band, not the mode of transportation. I have loved Train since I was 14 years old. I feel like I need to say that now, because I would never want anyone to think I jumped on the “Hey, Soul Sister” bandwagon. I did not. I was driving this bandwagon long before anyone had even heard “Drops of Jupiter.” Now, with that out of the way, I did enjoy the success of Train this year. You know that feeling when your favorite song comes on the radio? Even though you could easily switch the radio off and turn on the CD, there is just something about hearing it by chance over the airwaves. Imagine that, times about 100. They covered “Soul Sister” on GLEE and the Sing-Off, and sampled it on commercials for everything from washing machines to Reebok. I couldn’t turn on the TV without seeing the lovely and talented Pat Monahan hitting notes that I couldn’t hit when I was 5. I saw them live in Orange Beach in August, and they did not disappoint. “Soul Sister” is not my favorite song on their album, but when Pat held the microphone out and let the crowd sing the chorus, I died. I died.

3. Gossip Girl: When you are coming off of a drama high in real life, the only thing to ease you back into normal society is a little hair-of-the-dog that I refer to as GG. We started out 2010, by wrapping up Season 3. Chuck found his mother, but she wasn’t his mother (but she was). Lily has cancer, but she doesn’t. Rufus cheated on Lily, but he didn’t. So, in other words, a lot of story with no purpose. But, then… the greatest cliff hanger in GG’s short history. Chuck is shot in the streets of Prague and left for dead. Gasp! With a ring he was going to use to propose to Blair. Presh. Then, in the first part of Season 4, we get to catch up with all the UES, and see Serena in awful Parisian clothes. If you want to read about it, click here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here. I look forward to Mondays ONLY because of GG, and that has been very beneficial in getting me back to the productive world of the employed.

2. Auburn Football: You can’t live in Alabama and not love, or at least like, football. As an Auburn Alum, this has been a great year. I was enrolled at and living in Auburn in 2004, the last time we went undefeated and thought we were going to play for the National Title. So, this year has seemed like a “do over” for me. We finally get to play for the big one, and I almost hope they’ll let Tubs and Cadillac watch from the sidelines. Auburn has always been the red-headed step child in the state of Alabama, because really, who can compete with Alabama’s 13 titles or Bear Bryant’s legacy? No one, honestly. And I can say that, as an Auburn fan. But this year, the Tigers adopted a team slogan, “Do What We Do,” and that’s exactly what they did. They didn’t attempt to be Bama, they were just Auburn. And they won. And then they won again. And again. And before you knew it, they had moved from a preseason ranking of 22, to numero uno, practicing for the big game. Not to mention, along the way, Cam Newton was breaking records like they were tackles and racked up the university’s third Heisman Trophy. Gene Chizik has endeared himself to the Auburn Family, and the Tigers are finally getting to taste the victory and recognition that was denied the 2004 team. War Eagle!

1. Real Housewives… of Wherever: I have a theory- you’re definitely addicted to the Real Housewives franchise if you watch RHO Atlanta or New Jersey. Well, I watch BOTH, so I am beyond intervention. Literally- my DVR Season Pass Manager’s first 7 spots read:

1. Gossip Girl

2. Real Housewives of NYC

3. Real Housewives of OC

4. Real Housewives of Atlanta

5. Real Housewives of NJ

6. Real Housewives of DC

7. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

I have a problem, and I acknowledge it. But I can’t, nor do I want to, stop. I can’t recap them all here, because, MY LORD, where would I start? In short, the girls from NYC went on a trip to Scary Island; they got evicted and divorced in the OC; someone gave birth to a full term baby at 7 months in the ATL; the NJ girls pulled out each other’s weave; they crashed White House parties in DC; and then we were introduced to what is sure to be the best RH of the whole franchise- Beverly Hills. These women have REAL money, are (for the most part) REAL housewives, and can throw down some REAL drama. I love it. So much. Too much.

Cindy Lou Who

My family was watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" last night, and my mother says,

"That little girl is so cute. What does she do now?"

I think that is what it would feel like to tell your child there is no Santa Claus.

Surgery is when you get saved, but post-op is when you heal

Swingers: I loved Meredith and Owen's scenes. They are both mad at Christina, but they feel helpless... so they take it out on each other because they don't want to blame themselves, or her. I also loved Christina and Derek's fishing trip. He just gets McDreamier with every show. Of course HE would know how to fix Christina. I mean he got dark and twisty Meredith to settle down; I can't believe Meredith ever doubted him.

I Bought You a Delicious Bass: Okay, I know that is from Napoleon Dynamite, but that's all I kept thinking when Christina was holding that fish (and I know it was a trout, not a bass). The significance? This may be too deep, but- I think she looked at her hands, and realized those hands had been in bodies, hearts... DEREK'S heart in particular. That she had saved people with those hands. And now? Now those hands were holding a trout. I think for her, that was her "I'm getting off the bathroom floor" moment that Izzie had after Denny died. She was waking up after her nightmare, and yes, she would still remember it, but she was moving on. Christina is back.

Fistula: I enjoy anything with Bailey, and this story was no different. Yes, it was kind of the funny filler for this episode, but I liked it. First of all, Avery is fine. Second, Lexie is my favorite right now. And the Virgin (sorry, I can't remember her name) was actually not annoying this time. I'm glad Eli will be around some more. Bailey needs some loving, and I like his attitude.

I Want to Marry Teddy: Do I like her? No. Am I switching teams? No. Do I have a pre-existing condition that makes it hard to pick up health care? Yes. What the crap kind of insurance does she have that he isn't going to have a "waiting period" where none of his pre-existing conditions are covered!? I have this problem... I can watch TV shows and fall into the most implausible storyline, but occasionally a small, mundane, nugget of that-would-never-happen pops up and I can't get past it. I completely recognize the fact that me being more upset at this than I was at say, Izzie having an affair with a GHOST, is MY thing. Grey's has great writing and great stories, and I am just a freak.

More on that: Aside from me being a freak show, I like Teddy marrying this guy. I don't think he'll die (We don't need a Denny part deux), and I've liked Scott Foley since Party of Five (wasn't that him?). As long as they don't make this some political platform for US health care, I am on board for this story and seeing how it plays out.

Lady Love: I'm glad Arizona is back. I love her. How is she going to react to the fact that Callie has been having comfort-hetero-sex with McSteamy? I think not so kindly. I'm not always the biggest Callie fan, so I'm not too invested in this.

Serena can have no visitors. Oh, Juliet, come on in

As a whole, I thought this was a good "cliff hanger" episode. It didn't leave me hanging on, mouth wide open in surprise, like the season finale with Chuck left for dead in the street... but it will keep my interest in the show for a month, which was probably the point.

Ben there, done that: (Am I the only one who, after seeing this picture, thought he was a priest? I am? Okay, moving on.) So they never sealed the deal; he was still acting super inappropriate with a student. Should it have warranted jail time? Doubt it. But he definitely shouldn’t have been teaching anymore. I just refuse to accept that Serena is some Helen of Troy that entrances men into giving up everything they have ever cared about. Her little, “He’s the only man that has ever turned me down,” line made me about vomit. I searched through my memory of GG trying to prove her wrong. Okay, so yeah, maybe he is. But what are we supposed to think? Kudos to Ben for not being a pedophile? This wasn’t last summer. She wasn’t a freshman in college. If I’m doing the math right, she was, what, 16? They shouldn’t have been driving to libraries or whatever it is they were doing. And it is insulting, to me as a viewer, that the writers keep forcing this Academic Career of Serena’s. I refuse to believe that she went from inventing drinks and getting smashed in the middle of the day, to visiting libraries, in what? A day? A week? Come on. Serena has an Academic Career as much as I have a Tennis Career. And I’ve only won one tennis match in my life. When my opponent didn’t show.

Regarding Serena: I have always been more Team Blair, than Team Serena, so this should come as no surprise: Serena gets on my nerves. In real life, I love Blake Lively; she's chill, gorgeous, and a pretty good actress. But I cannot stand Serena 90% of the time. She seems to be aloof and a tad too self assured. Of course, Serena is just as gorgeous as Blake, obviously, but S has this attitude of, “everyone always assumes the worst about me and I don’t know why.” Well, I know why- Because by the age of 16 you were a mini Tara Reid, running around Manhattan in designer gowns and flasks full of Courvoisier, taking V-cards and murdering drug dealers. One stint at a boarding school and a couple of studious boyfriends does not a “good girl” make. Not to mention, now that we have flash backed to her days at Cornwall, we know she wasn’t reformed by going to boarding school. If watching a man die at your hands, even if unintentionally, and even if he was a pretty sleazy guy to begin with, doesn’t end Party Time, then I would probably be on the “Serena Will Never Change” bandwagon, too. So, we are so sorry Princess Serena. We do assume the worst. But most of the time we are correct.

Rufus, you keep your mouth shut and bring me a scotch: Wow. Rufus is a wussy. Yeah, Lily is an all around bad person, but I was more turned off by Rufus’ tattling. For those that need a recap: Three years ago, Lily forged Serena’s signature on an affidavit (someone is losing their Notary stamp), thus sending a man to prison for statutory rape. And recently, she has made plans to sell Bass Industries, without telling the only heir (Chuck). However, the line of the night, for me, came from Mrs. Van der Woodson Bass Humphrey herself: When Wimpy Rufus said “Don’t you have something to tell Chuck?” and Lily responds with, “If I had something I wanted Chuck to know, I would have told him.” It was very deliciously evil, and it just slapped that little househusband in the FACE! Rufus was annoying this whole episode- questioning Lily’s drinking habits (albeit was hardly noon), and then going over her head to call her out in front of Chuck… has the phrase, “Can I talk to you in private?” never been uttered on the UES? What if she had some awesome plan that was going to help Chuck? What if it had been Chuck’s idea? Sheesh, Rufie, way to be a baby.

Good Luck Chuck: This kid cannot catch a break. First, his dad berates him his whole life. Then, Jack tries to steal the hotel and his girl. His momma lies and leaves him. And now Lily has betrayed him. I know he is going to New Zealand to find Uncle Jack, and I am wondering what that will bring with it. But overall, there was not a lot of Chuck Bass in this episode, and we need to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

NAiveTЀ: Bless him. The boy has a heart of gold, but a brain of… well gold, but only because it is the most malleable element. The only thing that is harder to believe than Serena being concerned about her Academic Career is the fact that this Golden Boy doesn’t still believe in Santa. I get whiplash every episode trying to keep up with which side of an issue Nate is on; he switches teams (and I’m not referring to his relationship with Dan) with every new piece of info. Then, finally, but only after his mother all but says, “I am shallow, let it go,” he sides with the Commander or Captain or whatever pseudo-military nickname they call Mr. Archibald, and they plan to move into The Empire. I’m not sure who his parole officer is, but I can’t imagine living in Chuck Bass’s man cave is on any list of acceptable housing.

Do We Dair?: Dan and Blair? Is this going to happen? Would Chuck be more offended by this, or the Blair/Jack tryst that STILL hasn’t come out? I love Blair and Dan’s chemistry, but I don’t know that it would translate into a romance. Their road trip was wonderful, and I was cracking up at Damian riding in the backseat, while they were only talking to each other. However, their relationship hinges on loathing and judgment, so I can’t see how it would work if those were removed. Could it be just a “non-friends” with benefits? Maybe. But love? No. This is what I am most looking forward to in the New Year.

Great Lines:

"I wouldn't know how to feel. I would never do something like that." Worst Therapist Ever

“So long, friends. Dan.” Chuck Bass

“Eric, somewhere between a Marlins jersey and the absolute truth lies the better part of decorum.” Lily van der Woodson Bass Humphrey

“That's why we're going to end this experiment in middle class living and then call the housekeeper to clean up.” Nate Archibald

“I'm out buying you some new clothes. I know you've been locked away for awhile, but no one's wearing orange this season.” Nate Archibald

“You can't show up at a masked ball and not expect at least one social climbing doppelganger to try and impersonate you.” Blair Waldorf

Christmas Card Etiquette

I have a batch of adorable Christmas cards that I am sending to my Sunday School class. As I don't usually send cards for any holiday (I'm lazy), I wanted to check the etiquette on how early they can be mailed. Of course, I Googled it (Emily Post who?).

"When should you send Christmas Cards?"

This is what I found.


WHAT?!?

I can't even comment.

Oh, and anytime during December is appropriate for mailing Christmas cards.

Unless of course you have a sibling dating outside of their race.

Try to make me go to rehab, and I say, "No, no... okay I'll go."

Dorota is adorable. She and her baby are the cutest things on the UES right now... including Blair and Serena's clothes. (Was Blair wearing a table cloth? I love plaid, but that looked almost plastic.)

I cannot believe that Vanessa sold out Jenny. Why wouldn't she just blame it on Juliet? It would be just as plausible and wouldn't risk her relationship with the Humphreys. If I was Jessica Szohr I would go egg the writers' houses for making me such a loser this year.

Speaking of Juliet... you go to ALL that trouble to set Serena up, then you just leave the mask in your apartment? After she knows that Jenny and Vanessa and Nate all know where she lives... And her doorman sucks.

I swear Vanessa has gone running back to the commune 100 times this season. Just stay there. You're of no use to the show and its various plot lines anyway.

Nate got over Serena in a hurry.

So the Captain is faking for the parole hearing? Either way, this once again proves that Nate is the most gullible human being on the planet.

Chuck was kinda mean to Blair in the limo... I didn't really understand that. It seemed too forced to me. I didn't catch what her note said with the pumpkin pie. (And yes I have TiVo, but I'm lazier than you think.) My BFF Tallyho informed me that it said "Just because we can't be friends, doesn't mean we aren't. B" Presh.

I thought it was funny how defensive and offended Serena was that no one believed her, and then she saw a picture of someone snorting coke and was like, "Yeah, I'm a screw up." I don't blame any person in her life for not believing her in the first place, but I'm watching through a TV and even I could tell that wasn't Blake Lively's hair in the picture. ((Remember in the Traveling Pants books, how B's hair was like a thing of glory? Well there's a reason Blake got that role. She has a gorgeous mane, and Juliet's dyed hair looks nothing like it.))

Chuck talks like Batman. I notice it more each week.

Jenny is gross. I would bet she smells.

My brain hurts

I can't get used to this.

I tried. I really did.

I Googled birth dates to make me accept that he could not be her father.

I researched ways that they could possibly have crossed paths. (They are both rumored to be in the new movie, New Years Eve. A spin off of the movie, Valentine's Day, where she was kissing on Jacob Black! Ugh!)

But, nevertheless, I am still not comfortable.

What do they talk about?

Does he listen to her music?

Does she ask him intimate details about Reese Witherspoon? (I would.)

I don't feel that the universe can bring 2 people together when one of them has written a song about Joe Jonas, and the other has said, "I wish I could quit you," to HEATH LEDGER!

It's too much.

Too much.

Introducing Mrs. Nate Humphrey

I attempted to "live blog" while watching Gossip Girl this week. It was pretty successful. Before I publish though, I may add a bit here and there (in blue). Enjoy...

• I laughed out loud when Nate said, "It's not like I've been doodling Mrs. Nate Humphrey." Best line of the episode. The dynamic of Nate and Dan is awesome.
• Serena still hasn't chosen? Seriously? It's annoying now.
• Vanessa sucks now. She's whiny and vindictive and pathetic. I used to love Vanessa. She was an individual, independent, and a breath of fresh air to all the UES drama. But now, she just follows Dan around like a little puppy.
• Has Columbia always been Serena's dream? It is insulting that the writers all of a sudden write Serena to be this studious career driven woman. Bull.
• Finally, Lily gets some screen time. She was a good momma bear with the dean.
• Dan and Nate are gayer than Eric and his bf. But I love them.
• Ugh, Jenny's back. Why does Serena hate Jenny? Is it because Jenny sent out that GG blast that broke up Nate and Serena? I lose track.
• So Anne Archibald can be married to a man in prison, and it's okay for her to run Girls, Inc. But Blair is not suitable if she's with Chuck? Didn't Chuck just donate a ton of money to whatever charity Eva chose? Ridic. This was the biggest plot hole of this episode. Even bigger than that Dan nor Nate could recognize Serena's kissies.
• I loved that Chuck and Blair were getting pedicures at the same time.
• Chuck's face when he said ILY was the best Chuck face ever. He's getting hotter.
• What other teacher was S with? Is it Ben? I'm starting to connect dots, but I don't know if it is the right dots. But I'm pretty sure it is.
• Why does Serena keep wearing blazers? Again, we know she is not a career woman. Let it go.
• Dan is fine. As of today I think he's hotter than Nate.
• Juliet is bossy. Vanessa is acting like her little biotch.
• Lily is right. Serena is a screw up.
• The guy at the door doesn't know Serena? Whatev. Her picture was in the NY Post THAT morning!
• I loved when "Serena" (who I am really wishing they would clarify was Juliet as opposed to Jenny) kissed Dan, and he said "Tell Nate I'm sorry." and then whispered, "Not sorry enough to want you to change your mind." I laughed out loud again. Dan and Nate were the shining stars of this episode.
• Chuck is beautiful. Seriously. Even though he talks like Bruce Wayne. Or Batman. Did Bruce talk like that even without the mask?
• Is it really THAT big of a deal that Chuck and Blair be together? I mean, he's not a Nazi; he's not trying to build a mosque on Ground Zero. I would think her being friends with Serena would be worse than being with Chuck.
• It pissed me off that Blair didn't call Anne out about her hubby being in JAIL!!!! What happened to my beloved Blair? And Chuck was okay enough to be Anne's son's best friend? Really, the biggest plot hole.
• If Girls, Inc. had picked Serena over Blair, I would have written the CW a letter.
  Wow. Smart move S. Insult Eric. The ONE person who is not mad at you right now.
  Blair is not going to like being "Chuck Bass' Girlfriend." They broke up 1 minute after I typed this.
• Does Vanessa say Brookland? As opposed to Brooklyn? I swear I hear a D.
• Are Nate and Dan about to make out? I thought at the very least they were about to hold hands.
• How did Juliet get Serena upstairs? Is she kidnapping her?
• My prediction (based on the fact that they kissed in the preview for next week): Serena picks Dan. But then again, it is Serena.

Oh No He Didn't

Facebook is about to piss me off.

No, I didn't get hacked. I am not getting stalked. My privacy has been no more compromised than I allow it to be. Mark Z. has announced a new Facebook program that he so affectionately dubbed a "Gmail killer."

'xcuse me?? Surely I didn't hear him correctly. You're planning on killing my beloved Google Mail? With my sweet little Gchat? With my Google Reader built right in? With my handy dandy Google Calendar? Over my dead body.

I love Facebook, let me say that first (even though this is at least paragraph 2). I do. I love reconnecting with old friends (even though, if we were really friends we wouldn't need Facebook). Okay fine! I really just love Facebook because I am 90% nosey and 10% self-absorbed. I like to know what people are doing, when they break up, when they have bambinos. And I enjoy that there are people out there who feel that way about me! Plus, I hate talking on the phone, and Facebook is a way to contact people whose email I may not have. Which, I suppose, that is why they thought of this whole Facebook Email in the first place.

But I digress.... I will not switch to Facebook Email or whatever it will be called. I may get a facebook email address, just because it's free and I am a hoarder of sorts, but will I use it? Doubtful. Here's the cut and dry of why:

1. Privacy concerns. I trust Facebook with my photos. I trust Facebook with my friends' names. Would I trust Facebook with my credit card information? Um, no. I don't think you can reasonably post a picture of yourself photobombing at your friend's wedding under the same account with which you pay your student loans. I might as well hand over my diploma and my bank account. Some things just need to stay separate for sanity's sake. (BTW, this is the only semi-mature reason I have.)

2. It sounds ridiculous. When I say xxxx@gmail, I sound hip. I sound young and techno and cool. If someone told me that they used AOL, I would think they were old as dirt and probably only check their email once a month. But if someone told me that their primary email was @facebook.com, I would think that they spend umpteen hours a day on Farmville, fight in Mafia Wars, and are going to forward me a lot of crap I don't care about. Yes, Facebook is the new hot thing (even though I've had mine since 2003, when it was still a COLLEGE networking site), but it still has a certain immature connotation ingrained with it.

3. Gmail killer. Now I just want to keep Mark Z. from doing that. If I have the sole Gmail account left in the post-apocalyptic world. As long as there is breath in my lungs... As long as there is life in my veins... As long as there are witty comebacks in my repertoire... I will never give up my Gmail!!!!

Here are few articles I found on the subject:

Here's one.

Here's another.

And another.

Oh, and one more.

Okay this is the last one.

Ny New Favorite Shoes

They are warmer than Rainbow sandals.

They are more comfortable than Sperrys.

They are dressier than Wallabies.

They are Crocs.

I swore I would never wear Crocs.

I will never wear Crocs as it pertains to the duck like clogs that are hideous.

These are different.

These are like loafers.

Loafers with youth.

Loafers with spunk.

Loafers with little white clouds as soles.

Crocs, Melbourne, Gold/Oyster

Systematic Bullying!!

I enjoyed last night's episode. I thought it was immature, sexy, and vindictive... exactly how GG is supposed to be. I have to admit that when they were all outside of the Ballet circling Juliet like a pack of angry pirahnas, I could hear Kelly Killoren Bensimon screaming at the UES about how "systematic bullying is never okay." But I loved it! In honor of the UES (and the Brooklynites) all returning to true form, I'll take them one-by-one.

Naturally first, Serena: It is safe to say that we could take one of those Men In Black memory erasers, block out everything that has happened this season thus far (as it pertains to S), and we would be caught up! Dan or Nate? Nate or Dan? Boob or leg? Both, you say? Okay! This girl has issues. I think I would like S more if she would embrace her inability to commit to one man and just be the "free spirit" that she was in Paris. I prefer Dan, because even though he is safe, being with a Brooklynite (and her step brother) would be rebellious, and that suits Serena better than being the next Mrs. Archibald. But, back to THIS episode: the whiplash I get from her Dan-Nate-{substitute random guy's name} triangles should entitle me to a nice insurance settlement. I didn't really follow the logic of the breakup with Colin... unless the forbidden love was the only thing that drew them to each other; without the secrecy, it's boring. I do agree that she was only with Colin to avoid choosing between Dan and Nate, but she never seemed upset enough, to me, when they were with Vanessa and Juliet. If you're really THAT hung up on a (couple of) guy(s), you're not going to be able to hang out with them and their new girlfriend. I think Serena's ability to be head over heels in love with a guy, at the drop of a hat, is what irritates me the most. That and her insistence on saying "academic career" once an episode. And sometimes her voice.

Nathaniel: Nate, in my opinion, is the underdog in the Nate vs. Dan war (even though they couldn't act like they were less at war). Of course, he's the obvious choice, but it's Serena we're talking about here, so of course she's not going to pick him. The thing I like least about Nate is his naivete, and the urgency with which he acts on said naivete. Let me break down this episode: 1.Nate finds that Juliet was lying, so he immediately goes to Vanessa to acknowledge that she is innocent and they create a secret opps team 2.Juliet tells him that she washes her own hair and shops at Ikea and he immediately forgives her and abandons Vanessa 3.He sees Jul and V in action at the Ballet and immediately falls back in love with Serena 4.He immediately walks to Serena's building and professes his love for her, even thought she just ignored his phone call. Nate! You're gorgeous! You're rich! You're gorgeous! Did anyone else wonder why he didn't question Juliet about the sex-for-grades accusation that Vanessa took the fall for? Did anyone wonder why Nate Archibald was walking around Manhattan by himself? Did anyone else rewind to hear if Nate's cover story was really "Chuck is asking where the batteries are"? Did anyone think to, oh I don't know, ASK WHY BEN IS IN JAIL?

Lonely Boy: Dan is back in true Lonely Boy fashion. "I would have done anything for you." "You are worth more than a guest lecture at Columbia." Dan, ease up buddy. All this sap is making your hair curl. Oh, you did that on purpose? Moving on... I do however, think Dan's "Watching or participating?" line in response to Serena's question about the ballet was superb, and classic Dan. I do not like Dan and Vanessa as luvaahs, so I am a fan of anyone and anything that comes in between them (even if that is Serena). Yes, I cracked on his hair, but Dan is actually looking quite handsome lately, and I will go on the record and throw my support behind him in the Serena wars. (Penn and Blake have a ton more chemistry than she does with Chase). I do find it disheartening that he was so quick to believe Juliet over Vanessa in the sex-for-grades email debacle, but I think there is still more to come from that story... even though it seems that Vanessa is refusing to let go of the shovel and just keeps digging that hole.

Speaking of V: She has got to get it together! If we were friends, this is what I would tell her. "Vanessa, comb your hair. Then, forget Dan and go after Nate. He is heartbroken at the realization that he has been duped yet again by a lady, and he needs a shoulder. You can help him get over Serena and realize you're the only girl for him. You can bond over your mutual loathing of S and D and talk about how Dan betrayed the both of you for Serena. It will be so romantic! Oh, and seriously, comb your hair." What was she thinking bringing about the new evil duo of Juliet and Jenny!?!

J and J: There is no combo suitable to take on anyone that has Chuck+Blair in their corner, but if there ever were one that could come close- it would be Juliet and Jenny. They have nothing to lose, and that's a dangerous motivator. Next week looks awesome (mainly because Katie Cassidy is going back to her Melrose Place blonde), and I cannot wait to see how easily Dan and Nate are fooled into thinking the girl behind the mask is Serena, even thought S is a strange amazonian giant that is taller than both Jenny and Juliet. I'm just seriously hoping they map it out so that Jenny and Dan don't end up having to kiss.... a step sister is as close as we need to go.

Chuck and Blair: I know I said I would cover everyone one-by-one, but I am just enjoying them together too much to split them up, even for one blog post. Last night's episode wasn't as raunchy as I had anticipated, but actually more... sweet? I did find the conversation between Chuck and his driver off-putting, but him in Blair's purple robe was hilarious. Last night, Blair and Chuck provided the light hearted "comedy" side that GG does so well. But then, when he carried her up those stairs... well I for one completely forgot about Jenny and Eva and all that that entailed. And I have a feeling that Chuck and Blair did as well.

Bless Her Heart

Secretary Clinton, I commend you for the advances you have made for women in politics. However, the setbacks that you are creating in the arena of business-wear are seriously alarming.

Lose the headband. Blair Waldorf you are not.

Zee? Zoe!

I had a general sense of "This sucks" for a lot of the episode. It may be my mood. What did y'all think?
Biggest Idiot Award:
Serena? She's an idiot because she has decided to trust Juliet. So Juliet backs her up, ONE TIME, and all of a sudden she comes before Blair on the totem pole of friendship? Stupid.
Nate? He is an idiot for first SHOWING Dan the treaty, then TELLING him it was top secret, then LEAVING Dan there alone with said treaty. Stupid.
Dan? He probably should win for thinking that little ole lonely boy could take on Chuck+Blair. Most stupid.

Speaking of...
A karaoke video? Seriously? Robyn? Seriously? First, I Googled Robyn to find the name of the one song I know (Show Me Love), then I braced myself for the long awaited revelation of a Blair/Jack tryst that has been waiting in the wings since Season 2. The whole episode had built up to this (i.e. Chuck asking how Blair knew where Jack was last summer). Just imagine my disappointment when I had to watch Blair sing Tammy Wynette. Then to watch a Dick van Dyke worthy scene of Rachel Zoe being drenched in chocolate, just to hear her utter "I die". That may, for me, go down as the biggest, lamest, letdown in GG history. Leave it to stupid Dan to think that a karaoke video could undo Chuck+Blair. I understand the whole "Chuck's the only one that knew, he broke the truce" so Blair would retaliate, but come on... I don't tune into GG to watch crap like that.

Are we sure Eric is the only gay? What was up with Dan's moment about Nate talking to Serena? I think Dan was more upset that Nate had been hanging out with the original Upper East Siders and not him. The way he went from being so concerned for his parents and sister, into "I thought we agreed.." That was the gayest thing I have ever seen on GG. Including Eric and his bf. Not to mention Rufus and Dan's obsession with paper being the first anniversary!

Other Lame Moments: Serena reciting the Gettysburg address, and she and Nate giggling at each other. The declaration from Juliet and Ben that this is all about getting Serena expelled (I don't imagine Serena being that into school). The fact that these writers would even give Serena the line, "I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize my academic career." Colin being Juliet's cousin, period. I wanted him to be IN ON IT!

Opposite of Lame: Chuck. And. Blair. Tearing. Up. That. Treaty.

I have never been more pro-war.

Easy on the Eyliner, J

This may contain spoilers. (It will.)

What Kind Of Jail Is This: How is Ben texting Juliet constantly? So he jumps Nate's dad in the cafeteria and then just pulls out his Blackberry? What the crap? GG can make the real estate ventures of a high school senior (Chuck) seem realistic, but I just am not buying this plot point. There is no way that this guy would be able to TEXT this often, if ever! The occasional phone call, I can understand, but the texting has just gone over the line.

Little Skanky J: First and foremost, I am NOT a Jenny fan. I can't even remember if I was in the very beginning, but ever since she started putting her eyeliner on with a shovel, I know I've been off board. I think Taylor Momsen has become a WORSE actress since she left. After reading all the articles about how Tim Gunn said she was a little brat and wouldn't get her act together on set, I totally noticed her "I'm too rock and roll for this shiz" attitude last night. And, she is not cute. I thought she was adorbs the first season or two, but with all the black mini dresses, the eyeliner (UGH), and the platinum blonde mop on her head... I was so ready for her to get back to Hudson and out of Manhattan.

The Plot Thickens: What??? Juliet and Colin are in on it together? Are they? That scene took me completely by shock. Is he in charge? He was paying her... for what? WHAT IS THIS STORY?? I just can't even guess! And... Regarding Colin: He's hot. Also, maybe I forgot, but I was thinking he told Serena he managed models or actresses or something? He definitely didn't mention he was a professor. I, for one, did not think his little "maybe I am your future" outburst in front of Lily was cute AT ALL... Right then I thought there was something a little off with him, but I still had no clue he was in on it with Juliet.

Quotables: I loved when Chuck called Blair "Lady Macbeth"... I don't know why, I just thought that was great. I also loved the way that Blair and Chuck ran through the "What Ifs" of last season finale... "If Serena hadn't kissed Dan, then Nate wouldn't be looking for Serena, then Jenny wouldn't have been looking for Nate... If Dorota hadn't gone into labor, then Blair wouldn't have been late, then Chuck wouldn't have been home instead of Nate"... I just really loved it. I love bad boy Chuck, but I love the Chuck that was at the end with Blair even more. I just love Chuck period. I also loved "Love the Way You Lie" playing after Chuck and Blair's scene.

What did y'all think?

College is just high school with more expensive books

You may be asking yourself, "Is Jessica psychic? Is she clairvoyant?"

Well, let me answer you- no I am not :) I am just a good guesser. I was right that Eva was a hooker AND that the rumour would be about an STD, but I have no predictions about next week, so I guess the streak is over. I do, however, think that next week's episode will be the one with Tim Gunn, and I have been looking forward to that! (Do y'all watch Project Runway?)

Now, on to the recap....

As a whole: I wasn't overly impressed with last night's episode, but at the same time I really enjoyed it. I think that with all the "serious" drama that we have had lately, last night's GG rumour and catty nonsense seemed a tad petty. But, that is part of what I love about GG, so I was also relieved to see it take it down a notch and get back to "Constance Billard"-esque drama. Serena's line, "College is just high school with more expensive books" summed it all up for me. And gave me high hopes that they won't all get too mature for GG anytime soon :)

Poor Little Rich, I mean Poor, Girl: Wow. Who did NOT feel sorry for V last night? I mean, the poor girl loves Dan, even though EVERYONE knows that he is still hung up on Serena. Side note: If a boy says, "I'm not going to cut her out of my life", hit the road. It is so obvious that he still has it bad for his step sister. Then, she confides in Juliet (mistake numero uno), and ends up taking the blame for the rumour AND the email. I am a Vanessa fan, even though she has a tendency to be self righteous and annoying (i.e. trying to convince Juliet to confess to having Serena's phone). But her little sad crying face actually made me sad.

Hamilton House is Exclusive??: To be so selective, they sure do let any Tom, Dick, and Harry walk through the doors. Juliet just got kicked out because of the Key debacle, yet she was at the party. Dan and V go to NYU! To be such an honor to get in, and such a black mark to be left out, it would seem like you would need some sort of credentials to get pass the door.

Chuck, welcome back: I completely loved Chuck and Blair's scenes last night. Their complete and utter disregard for innocent bystanders just amuses me beyond belief. It brings me back to the early days of Gossip Girl (and really makes me want to buy all the seasons and rewatch them!), where it was all revenge and sexual tension.

Juliet... seriously?: I cannot figure this girl out! I still am not 100% sold on that being her brother. There is a part of me that still thinks they are/were lovers. I keep racking my brain to remember all the past indiscretions of SVW, but I cannot remember anything involving a Ben. And it must have happened a while back for him to have already gone through a trial and be serving jail time. I was glad that last night made it clear that it was all about Serena, because I was kind of under the impression that it was about all of Manhattan's Elite. But is she after V and D, too? Or were they just collataral damage to get to Serena? I have about settled on the fact that it is going to be something that we don't know yet. Also, is it just me or does every dress that Juliet wears look exactly alike?

My BFF Regina Philange gave this insight, which I found completely amusing: Ben's main goal was to get Serena expelled from Columbia, but how could that really ruin her life? She spent a whole season on a break so I feel like its not really a priority for her.

For a hilarious roundtable discussion on this week's episode, click here.

For the "hook up" chart to which Juliet referred, click here. (You'll need to use Firefox)

Oh, It's On

Okay, I know I'm late, but I watched it last night.

First, let me get this out of the way- I TOLD Y'ALL EVA WAS A HOOKER! I hope he starts a charity in her name to help reform prostitutes in NYC.

Queen B(!%¢#) Blair: Wow. I am surprised at Blair, and that is saying a lot. But it is going to bring back the mean ole' Chuck that I first fell in love with. What is he going to do? This will be glorious.

Dan the Man: What the heck did he do to his hair? At times it looks good, and at other times he looks like the lost member of the NKOTB. If I was Vanessa there's no way I would put up with the back and forth with his step-sister. I mean grow a pair, V!

Nate is a Dufus: He is the most gullible person on TV. And I do not like the new Nate. I liked Nate better when he was all "I love Blair, but I sleep with Serena", but now I just feel like he is a wussy. You can't tell him anything anymore (i.e. him telling Chuck about Blair), and he acts like he is so "above" all the drama (i.e. S and B's little fake fight). I wish he'd go back to sleeping through Chuck's little black book. Boring!

Juliet, what is yo' deal?: Okay, Ben is in jail. I still don't believe it is her brother. What did these kids do to piss Ben and Juliet off? I gotta say, I am hooked into this storyline, because I can't figure it out.

Serena: Thank you for dressing like an American. But I was not a huge fan of that red dress, it made her torso look weird. She, like Nate, is getting a little.... yawn.... for me. It's like "Nate or Dan", "Dan or Nate", bla bla bla. And she's all "the voice of reason" with Blair. I wish they would be at war like Chuck and Blair.

Bits and Pieces: Did Eric enroll in the witness protection? Rufus really isn't letting this Chuck/Jenny thing go. Lily needs some long lost child or husband to pop back in, she gets no screen time at all.

Predictions for next week: I think the rumour Gossip Girl starts is that one of the Elite has an STD.

Where the Party At?

I had to run to Walgreen's on my lunch break to get some tissue paper (and ultimately Skittles, Pretzel M&Ms, and gum). In front of me at the check out was a young man in an all white track suit, including white toboggan and white shoes. (He apparently doesn't abide by the no white after Labor Day rule.) These are the items he purchased:

Hair dressing promenade.

5 packs of cigarettes.

At least 5 cans of Axe body spray.

At least 3 bottles of Walgreen's finest wines.

And a tube of toothpaste.

There may have been a couple packs of gum thrown in there, but all this totaled $117. Which he paid for with a crisp $100 bill and a couple of $10s. There was another, older, lady behind me. She sighed heavily when she came to the register. I assumed that she was shaking her proverbial head at today's youth, based on what she saw on the counter.

Cut to me, after checking out and going to get in my car. I notice the young man is sitting in the car next to me in the passenger seat. Then, lo and behold, the older woman comes out and gets in the driver's seat and they drive off together!

I have so many questions. What are his plans for all these cigarettes? All that wine? All that Axe body spray? If he still lives with his momma, why was he having to buy his own toothpaste? WAS she shaking her proverbial head at today's youth? Was he wearing the 'boggin because he was out of promenade? Isn't promenade a Square Dance?

I love Walgreen's.

Whofore Art Thou, Juliet?

Fashion's Night Out: I loved Serena's dress at FNO. It was loud, but it was very S and very fancy. I did not like the dress that Blair wore to her first day at Columbia. I couldn't really figure out what the pattern was, or if there even was a pattern. It was odd. I liked all of Juliet's clothes, although they seem to be maybe one size too small for her.

Rushed, Perhaps: I felt like some of last night's episode was rushed. 1) They wrapped that is it/isn't it Dan's baby story up QUICK! Georgina came back, explained, and left with Milo, in like 15 minutes. That was weird. 2) And the whole Key debacle seemed to get tied up too fast as well. It was off beat to me. I felt like we needed more S vs. B time. I didn't like the whole "We taped ourselves fighting to trap you." Like the girl said, "It's not a party without a Serena/Blair showdown," and I felt that way, too. Then Lily busting up and saying that "as expected" Serena has always been on the top of the list. If I was Blair, that would have pissed me off. 3) Rufus and Eric kind of got over the whole "Attempted Rape of a Minor" thing in one commercial break. I love Chuck and I think getting shot and left for dead negates SOME wrong doings, but he left on such bad terms with Rufus that I feel like there should have been more of a discussion between the two.

Juliet, Juliet, Who Art Thou: Who is this girl!?! I have no idea who the inmate is (and I've Googled it). Was her plot to tear down all of Manahattan's Elite? I can't wait to find out her game. The only theories I have, and they are very vague ones- it has something to do with that whole stealing money scenario that went down a couple of years ago, or Serena "killing" that guy. The only problems with those that they are actually Serena/Georgina centric, and Juliet's revenge seems to be focused primarily on Serena only. However, she did mention to that guy in jail that "The guys were easy", so that makes it seem like she had a vendetta against them, too.

Quick Bits: I don't like how they say Eva's name. I want to pronounce it like Ava, but they pronounce it Eva, as in "Foreva, Foreva, Eva". Blair's hair has been looking a little rough. I can't express how much I DON'T miss Jenny. Rufus is kind of being a douche lately. Eric is acting extra whiny. Nate totally took me by surprise by picking Juliet after she was "exposed" last night. Vanessa and Dan need to get the heck out that apartment (and Brooklyn) or they are going to be on that train to go meet Jenny. Also, I think Eva's secret next week is that she is a hooker.

XOXO

We suffered a mass murder

Well Grey's is back, and I think it will be a banner year. I can't put up with another lackluster season just because they have feature film worthy finales. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed last night's premiere. It didn't drag out their grief and it got back to the hospital, which is why people tune in. Below are some key observations from last night's episode.

Christina and Owen getting married- I don't like Owen. I just don't. But I did enjoy seeing a more vulnerable side of Christina. Although I did get the feeling that she was only marrying him because she is afraid to ever be alone.

Mark and Lexie- they are my fave couple on the show right now. He gets hotter each episode, and I have always been a Lexie fan. She, to me, was the best part of last night's episode. I wanted to see more of her breakdown. She was GREAT in that therapy scene where she started spouting off her photographic-memory account of mass murder. And she really stuck it to Alex in the kitchen.

Derek resigning as Chief- I feel that they rushed this story. We were only 10 minutes into the season premiere and it was as if the whole last season (i.e. Webber getting canned because of the drinking) was erased. It was almost as if Shonda said, "I call Do Over!" I like The Chief being Chief, better than Derek being Chief, but I wasn't completely on board with how it was done. Why would the Board reinstate him that quickly after all the alcoholoc stuff from last year. HOWEVER, maybe I missed this: Had he been performing as interim Chief during Derek's rehab? If so, that makes more sense. But still the whole Jerry-Maguire-esqe "I quit" was a little odd to me.

Meredith's miscarriage and the such- I love that she had a miscarriage. I am the devil!! But Grey's is definitely for dark and twisty, so it's okay. I read that Shonda had Meredith suffer a miscarriage so that Meredith could decide whether SHE wanted babies. I love that. It's better than her being pregnant or there being another baby. Sometimes I don't like people having babies on TV. Not yet for MerDer anyway. And I love that she hasn't told him. It's that pregnant (no pun intended) tension in every conversation they have. LOVED the scene where he says, "Let's make a baby." Her face. His scar. Genius.

Bailey and her blues- I love me some Bailey. I wanted her to stay with her hot man. But I like how she resented him for not having gone through what she went through. She knows, logically, that he isn't to blame for playing golf that day. But her heart is jealous and angry, and no one can emote like Bailey. I hope they work it out though, because girl needs some lovin.

The lesbots- I still don't like watching them kiss. Does that make me a homophobe? (my pal TallyHo says this: maybe it's bc kali is so large and in charge) Aside from that, I love them. Arizona is up there with my favorites, and I like her and Callie's relationship- be it friendship or love. I totally understand why Arizona doesn't want to have babies, too.

My wishes- I want Mandy Moore to come back. I think (because I read it) that she will, and that will be the catalyst for Bailey really dealing with her PTSD. I also want Teddy to leave. I hate her.

We don't need tickets. I'm Chuck Bass.

Those 3 magic words, "I'm Chuck Bass." Finally.

Last night's episode wasn't wall-to-wall with insights or drama, but it brought about the return of the new and improved Chuck Bass, so it was all good with me.

One would think any scene with Blair (in designer clothes) and Chuck Bass (with a cane) would be divine- and one would be correct. I could have watched an hour of them standing face to face giving Jerry Maguire worthy lines to each other. "It wouldn't be life if you weren't in it." Precious.

Now, Serena, on the other hand, was running around Paris looking like a circus clown Magnum P.I. I'm glad she found Chuck, but could she have not done it in a more neutral color pant? And perhaps not some that were fashioned for M.C. Hammer? Ugh.

Eva- I like her. I don't like her enough to get over Blair. But Chair is nothing if there is not someone keeping them apart, and Eva is just likable enough for me to enjoy this. She is with Chuck to get back at Blair, and I think that's what is endearing. I can't wait to see how Queen B treats her when they are stateside.

Some friends and I recap GG every Tuesday morning, below are some golden nuggets:

Some Observations from Regina Philange (my GG BFF):

Serena's blue pants are redic

Dan and what's her name!?!?

Chuck's legs are weird skinny like an actual crippled person

Dan's sideburns are sick. Not in a good way.

Nate's story line is lame. They should just cut to him without his shirt on after each commercial break.

I don't know why I'm so negative.

Blair and chuck are the new Dawson and Joey except they wear designer vs. American eagle

Why is Blair lying about loving chuck?

The Juliet plot is thickening. Who is she on the phone with?

Is vanessa shrinking?

Thank God that baby isn't dan's. I feel like they are still going to raise it.

I'm glad Serena didn't get to just cone home and choose. I like her better single. Who do you think she was going to pick?

My Reply:

Yes. The best part of the whole episode was when Serena began wearing American clothes again.

Now Blair in that red dress. I almost became lesbi for a minute.

I like Vanessa. I don't really know why. But I liked her better with Nate because it was more complicated. She and Dan are boring!

I cannot wait to find out more about Juliet, and I concur about Nate being shirtless. And often.

I think it's the tight as crap Parisian pants that were making his legs look tiny. But dang if he can't make a cane look sexy.

"We don't need tickets. I'm Chuck Bass."

La Dee Da, La Dee Da

First, WTHeck was Serena wearing? The whole episode. I couldn't tell if she was channeling Annie Hall or just Bob Dylan. It was not cute.

I did NOT pick up on the driver/Prince swap.

I hate/love Georgina. But now that Katie Cassidy is there, Georgina can leave. I'm not sure about the paternity either. I'm still saying he is NOT the father, because I think in the end he is going to end up with Serena or Vanessa, and I can't imagine a "Step Mother" situation. Plus, what was the deal with Georgina speaking Russian or something on the phone? I was very confused as well. The only theory I have is this: Georgina got knocked up by some Russian (or something), but doesn't want him around her baby. So she takes the baby to Dan since he's a nice guy and they did sleep together. Then she is going on the run because a) she's scared and b) she's a bi-otch. But bottom line, I do NOT think it is Dan's baby. (Clues: Dan told Rufus they used protection. Georgina telling Lily that no one has more love than her and Rufus.)

Oh my gosh I am obsessed with Chuck. I don't know why either, because Nate is more my type, but Chuck is... Chuck. And he and Blair are my favorite, but I love the push/pull of them. So I almost like them apart. The new French/Czech/Whatever girl is very angelic and innocent looking (much like Blair was in the first season, when he fell in love with her). I really wanted to see all the Chuck story though, not just some flashes. I hope we have some flashbacks.

Okay, about Katie Cassidy (I can't remember her character name), I kind of got an immediate "Is she Gossip Girl?" But she can't be, right? What is her deal. Obviously she is pretending to be much more Upper-East-Side than she is because she was wearing clothes with the tags on them. But what is her deal with Nate and Serena?? Weird.

I do not miss Jenny. Little J is supposed to be on some this season, but MINIMALLY. She is in a band in real life now, The Pretty Reckless. She is a little skanky. But her band did a version of "Love the Way You Lie" and it was actually pretty good.

I love GG.

Position Available: Spelling Editor

I detest bad spelling. I spellcheck when I am texting. I will not send an email without Googling words of which I am unsure. Apparently not everyone is inflicted with this problem. And truth be told- I love finding other people's errors. Facebook is the greatest invention, simply because I can constantly correct people's poor spelling. However, I learned pretty quickly that most people do not appreciate this, so now I simply gossip and ridicule these people behind their backs. Below are some gems I found out in the "real" world.

It is Summer in Alabama, and nothing says Summer in Alabama more than fresh fruits and vegetables at the local gas station! Let's first focus on the good- Corn, Peaches, Okra, and Peppers are all spelled correctly. Good grief- even Watermelons is right, and it has 10 letter! However, the person in charge of this sign either ran out of "U"s or simply forgot how to spell Squash (even though I checked the other side and it was correct). Tomatoes- yes, the "O" obviously fell, but where is the "A"? And that ampersand looks a lot more like a cursive "S".

As a Bible-thumping believer, I applaud his sentiment. I, too, have decided to follow Jesus. Only, in my case "decided" only had 2 "e"s. My issue is not with the driver, but more so with the person he most likely PAID for this decal. I want to go to that person and tell them a list of decals I want, just to see how many are misspelled. I also found it quintessentially Alabamian of him that his Crimson A was bigger than all 6 words of the hymn.
The most common spelling mistake (I have realized, thanks to Facebook) is amongst homonyms. You're does not equal your. There does not equal their does not equal they're. Here we have at least one instance of this- "To Good To Be Threw". Aside from the fact that is a goodness-awful name for a store, the first "To" should definitely be "Too". When I took this picture, I was sure that it was a double whammy, and that "Threw" should also be "Through". However, when I showed my boyfriend- he said that he understood why it was "Threw", as in "threw away". Which I in turn, told him should then be "thrown". Which he in turn told me I needed to quit being a nerd and chill out. You can decide for yourself what the mistake(s) is(are).

I am not disputing the fact that Wranglers may indeed be "Comfotable". What I cannot understand is why no one, including Brett Favre, caught this typo. Maybe it is an inside joke that I am not privy to. Maybe it is a play on the Southern dialect. (That said, I am from Alabama and definitely pronounce the R in comfortable.) I'm not sure, but when I saw this truck on my way to work one morning, I felt like I had struck proverbial gold. I immediately posted to Facebook so that I wouldn't be scooped by someone driving the same route as me.

I assure you, this will not be the last SpellCheck post I have.