Mrs. McFrugal

Many have asked about my experiences at the American Idol auditions in Nashville this past weekend. So instead of telling the story 50 times, I'll just write it once :) The auditions were Saturday, July 17th at Bridgestone Arena. They began handing out wristbands 2 days prior...so Wednesday night, my friend Austin came to stay at my place so that he could go with me in the morning to get a wristband. This was to be his 3rd time auditioning for AI. We got downtown at 6:15am on Thursday morning, and were nearly at the end of the line!! They began giving out wristbands at 7:00am. As the line started moving forward, they staged everyone walking slowly by the camera for the show. There were all sorts of interesting people, but I didn't see anyone too crazy. Lots of cameras going around listening to people sing, asking why they're the next American Idol, etc. We stood in line for about 3.5 hours...once the sun came up, we were ROASTING! So then we found one of Austin's friend

I had a WONDERFUL week in Michigan! It was sad to leave...I hadn't realized how much I've missed my family and friends, and the luxury of being able to drive 15 minutes to hang out with someone. And driving less than 10 minutes to a mall. And 5 minutes to church. *sigh* My niece is BEAUTIFUL! I feel like I'm missing every part of her growing up...she's already almost 10 months old, and I've only seen her 3 times. I know she doesn't need me in order to grow up, but I want to feel like I'm part of her life! Hard to feel like that when I never get to see her. She liked me though...it seems that looking like my sister is an advantage in that respect! The weather was so much cooler in Michigan...I know it was hot for them, but it felt great to me--even a bit chilly! I missed the beach, too...although I don't miss getting sand all over everything. People were actually swimming at 8:00 at night, when I was wearing jeans and a sweater!! Crazy northerners. I have