A Day of Goodbyes (plus an American Idol PS)

Yesterday was a day of goodbyes.

First, I had my last workout in a while with my trainer Regi. We did final measurements to see how much I progress/regress while in prison. See my upcoming post for comments on health and diet concerns while in prison.

Second, I had my going away party at Wizeguys. I was a little late due to a house visit by my PO.

Third, I took my daughter Angela out for an early birthday dinner at Capital Grille, one of the more upscale restaurants located right in the center of downtown Charlotte. She graduated high school early in December and currently works in the accounting department at a large hotel uptown. I wanted to spend one last evening with her before I left, just to let her know how much I love her and how very proud I am of her. We split a 10-oz filet with a large side of asparagus and a monster chocolate hazelnut cake for dessert. The server asked what the occasion was. I explained I was going "away" for a while and was going to miss her 18th birthday in June. They gave us the cake for free. Nice touch. (Click to enlarge picture)

Finally, Amanda and I stopped by her sister Heidi's house for a glass of wine and to watch the results of American Idol. The funniest part of the evening however was when it was time to leave. I made a quick pitstop and forgot I had lots of asparagus for dinner. Uh oh. Click here if you are confused.

Now, I can't end without a few parting remarks about American Idol.

Sanjaya made it through another cut. Unbelievable, although I couldn't argue with the bottom three and Chris Sligh deserved to go. I'm glad Haley didn't go... I wouldn't mind seeing her legs for at least a few more weeks. Think she doesn't know where her votes are coming from?

Back to Sanjaya. After a while, you just have to give the kid some credit... he is not going down meekly. That 7-cornstalk mohawk was a piece of art. I agree completely with the closing comments of Jim Cantiello on MTV.com, whose review of last night's show can be found here:

Sanjaya's performance-art kept the show interesting. You have to give him credit for that, at the very least. Who would have guessed that the shy guy with the shaggy hair who auditioned with his sister would turn into a full-fledged freak-with-no-leash? I think Sanjaya himself is a little confused as he embraces his role on the show. A line from "Bathwater" seems especially relevant: "I know I don't fit in, so why do you want me?" I'll tell you, dude: Because you're unique. Not "Gina Glocksen I'm Gonna Dye My Hair And Wear Ugly Clothes" unique. But truly unique. At this point, what else can Sanjaya do to surprise us? We've created a monster, folks.

My rankings:

1. Melinda Doolittle
2. Lakisha Jones
3. Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Gina Glocksen (tie)
6. Who Cares
7. Who Cares
8. Who Cares
9. Who Cares


I won't be surprised if Sanjaya makes it into the final 6 but it has to end there.