I can’t fake it; I try to engage in this season’s “American Idol”, but I find myself getting bored and frustrated. Is it a case of burnout over the same scenarios we have seen season after season? Is it the talent pool this season? Is it the fact that my job requires me to keep up with it? I’m really not sure where my excitement or lack-there-of, has gone…but it’s GONE! Does anyone else feel this way? Has “American Idol” jumped the proverbial shark? Just asking….. 

There are always scary stories in the news, but today the big one is the flu going around the world. You probably know there is a potentially fatal strain of flu-the Swine Flu-that has killed hundreds in Mexico, and has sickened others in many countries and states, including one in Ohio. Suddenly, aside from the precaution of staying away other sick people…there is one tip in particuliar that has me beaming from ear to ear! Now, the latest-greatest advice from health professionals is a simple two word response that makes me tickled pink: hand sanitizer!

Yes! My germophobia nature is being vindicated by the suggestion that antibacterial lotions and sprays are essential combatants to the spread of the Swine Flu! It’s no secret to you, our listeners, that I carry the clear stuff with me everywhere; it is fodder for all kinds of ribbing from Dino. But..guess who’s laughing now? Yep…”Clean-Hand Shawn” is setting herself up for a swine-free existence! Don’t worry…I have plenty and I share!

Something happens when a boy turns 16 and he drives; he discovers his independence. As is the case now with my son Graham, who has become somewhat of a ship passing in the night these days. What a change this has been in my life! I was used to reminding him thousands of times to take his laundry upstairs, flush the toilets, turn off the TV, shut the refrigerator, …and on..and on! Now, he works part-time, plays for two soccer teams, hangs with his girlfriend or buddies, and basically is on the go all the time. I miss him. It’s like he doesn’t need me anymore. It makes me kind of sad…

Oh but wait…I just got a text….he has a sore throat and needs to go to the doctor…can I take him? Aww…he still needs me! I’ve never been happier to sit in a doctor’s waiting room in my life!

Do you ever get to that place where you just can’t squeeze one more thing in your day and you realize something has to give before you do? I have been in that maelstrom recently, and I am feeling the stress of it creeping up. So why don’t I just say “No”? Today, I had to drop out of a study group I love, with women with whom I enjoy sharing friendship and fellowship.  I just don’t have the guaranteed weekly time for it. It’s frustrating at times…work, kids, other obligations. Was it always this crazy? And so, I had to do it today…as guilty as I feel…I had to say “NO”. I didn’t like it one bit!

From the first note to the last, I loved Fleetwood Mac’s Saturday night show! I was so glad the return wasn’t a mockery and that they still had the chops to sing the hits, and the stamina to give it all they had. Missing from the group was Christine McVie, on piano and vocals, but the other core members-Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood-were all on their games! Stevie looked a little spaced out (shocking I know!) and she doesn’t have the range she used to, but Lindsey Buckinham gave everything he had and proved he was the talent leader of the group. 

 All in all, the crowd loved the show too! The fans seemed so apreciative and stood for most of it, singing along to the popular hits. I have heard a few stories about people being yelled at to sit down by grumpy others around them. Truthfully, I don’t understand how people go to an arena show-not a theater- and then get angry at others for enjoying themselves! But that’s a blog for another time and place…today it’s all about a happy review and a reaffirmation that some reunion tours really can own up to the hype! Were you there? Do you agree? Let me know what you think of reunion tours…

This weekend I am going to go see Fleetwood Mac at Nationwide Arena. “Mac” is arguably one of the the greatest bands of my generation. I had every album ever made and even adored the solo Stevie Nicks stuff. The hours and hours I put into that band and the mountains of memoires I took away from them are endless. They are one of those iconic bands; they were hit makers. Not too coincidentally, this tour is entitiled the “Hits Tour”…which would leave everyone to think that they will take us all on a trip down memory road.

The reviews have been terrific for the show so far. I therefore should be ecstatic about the night ahead of me. Here’s the catch though: I am in this weird place in my head with a lot of these revival groups that decide to tour again. Can they be as good as they were 30 years ago? Will the show ruin my fond memories? The Police were a disappointment for me; Van Halen was good but not the original band; Chicago looks …well….like old men in a brass quartet these days! Dare I try one more replay concert? Yes, I have to. It’s Fleetwood Mac!!!! I love Fleetwood Mac!!! (I’ll let you know how it goes Monday!)

OK….I have been actively on Facebook for a month and a half now and so I thought it was time for my thoughts on what I think about my experience.

What I like:

1) The playfulness-my funny friends and family are always good for a chuckle or two just when a giggle is needed.

2) Catching up with old friends:-hearing from a college roommate I lost touch with over the years was a great recent surprise!

3) Networking- There are Radio and TV colleagues who have wound in and out of my life over the years and suddenly we are in touch again.

What I don’t like:

1) There are some people I have lost touch with over time for a REASON and they want back in!

2) There is a horrible dilemma where “friending” strangers is concerned. I don’t want to upset any listeners.

3) There is the privacy issue…not every aaspect of my life needs to be on my “wall”.

So, if we look at the tally of likes/dislikes, it appears that I am in a 3-3 tie at this point and should continue on until I am certain one way or the other . OH Great..more hours of my life tossed away! All  in the name of science of course!

Four days of sports viewing, game playing, and barbeque eating-that sums up my adventure in Chicago with my 16 year old son, Graham. It was a different kind of getaway from the beach vacations we typically take and was the first time just the two of us have gotten away without his little sister in tow. We had a great time (my assessment anyway), and we shared some laughs and rooted for the home teams a couple of times. My review can be summed up pretty easily though: boys don’t like to pose for pictures; boys like to eat constantly; and boys find great enjoyment in their own bodily noises. And to think I had to plunk down hard earned cash to find all of this out! 

What am I willing to do to have a long weekend of bonding with my teenaged boy? Well, let me tell you, it means this mom must immerse herself in sports, sports, and more sports! Graham and I are headed to Chicago for our Spring Break adventure while his sister goes to Florida with her friend’s family. Why did I pick Chicago? Limited time and proximity were two real reasons for selecting the Windy City, but so too was the ability to keep him entertained by going on a sports frenzy. I like sports- I just don’t typically plan a vacation around them.  So, off I go to a Bulls’ game, to a White Sox game, to endless, expensive hours in Nike Town, and all of it will be played out with the goal of securing those moments where he might think I’m a fairly cool mom afterall. Why am I making all the sacrifices and not him? Isn’t it obvious that a mom’s role is to sacrifice? Plus, truly, what are the odds of me ever getting that boy to spend even 10 minutes in Filene’s Basement? Not good!

Guys, before you get way ahead of yourself on this blog, I just want to set the record straight: buying bras is a humbling experience! There is nothing sexy whatsoever about having a “bra specialist” assist you with finding the perfectly-sized bra. Recently, I had to finally face the fact that my bras needed replacing and it meant it was time for public humiliation! When bra shopping, and depending upon where you shop, you typically either have a very “mature” woman sizing you up, or a twenty year old who’s own assests are still in the development stage! Both types of  ”helpers” mean well, but in all honesty, I hate being assisted with my bra purchases! It’s embarrassing!  I would much rather try my own on and make my own bra-sizing mistakes. If it takes me twice as long-that’s OK!  Yes, I know I take a very big risk by taking my cup size into my own hands…so to speak. Still, I really would rather shop for my undergarments without a stranger handing them to me and then snapping them behind my back. It makes me SO uncomfortable!

So, on my recent trip to buy bras I stayed for one nicely fitted selection, and then I was out of there! I left knowing the risks: from that point forward I was on my own in “lingerieland”. And so it was; I made a beeline to another store where I shopped alone, grabbed a couple pretty ones, and got out of that store in 15 minutes. Today, here I am wearing a “self” fitted bra. Yes, I am wearing a horribly uncomfortable, pinchy purchase. But hey, at least I’ve got my pride! I may not have lift…but I have pride!