Ok, its Week 6. A week of Rumbas and Jives. And its also the half way mark and the week the judges are notorious for getting hard on everyone, so everyone really seemed to step it up if they needed to this week or just do what they've been doing if they didn't really need to. So I unfortunately didn't make much of a difference in my voting this week, since everyone got just one vote. Next week, I'll be more decisive. But I just thought everyone did an equally good job. Here's my opinions:
Ty: He's so cute. He tries so hard. He always seems to let his nerves get the best of him...at least in the beginning and sometimes the end of each dance, leaving him stiff. But he did good this time...better than most of his other dances. And their dance was a FUN country jive which I loved. The judges are always kinda hard on him even though he's always positive. I really like him even if he's not the greatest dancer on the show! :)
Shawn: She's beautiful and adorable and romantic (how could you not be with Mark Ballas as your partner?! *sigh* He made her a substitute prom because she missed hers! *sigh*) Anyway, I digress. She really picks up each dance she has to do with grace and a lot of precision and I'm always impressed with her! Her Rumba was beautiful and simplistic and innocent and perfect! Even Len thought so! :)
Lawrence: LT IS SMOOTH! His Jive was a good dance for him. He had fun with it...thanks to one of my favorites, Warren Sapp! I enjoy watching Lawrence whether or not he does well and even though this is called DANCING with the stars, I think that's important too!
Melissa: Her Rumba was pretty and fluid. Actually "lovely" is the perfect word for it. She did great setting a Rumba kind of mood. I enjoy watching her and Tony dance together. They have good chemistry. He's a great choreographer and she's a solid student which helps a ton! (And even though I enjoyed their Rumba, I thought Shawn and Marks was MORE of a Rumba!)
Lil' Kim: She has a disadvantage in my book because her partner annoys me more often than not even though he's a great dance teacher and a pretty good dancer. Their Jive was REALLY FAST and insane, but Lil' Kim has a spunk to her that made it really fun and enjoyable for me to watch. She seems to be great at any dance she attempts.
Steve-O: I was so over this guy the past few weeks after giving him probably more chances than he deserved, but his Rumba this week was a HUGE improvement from all the rest of his past dances! I was impressed with his ability to be serious and "in love" with Lacey even though he said it was a huge challenge and it seems really difficult for him to be serious to begin with. He was determined to do better this week I think, and he did! Unfortunately, only Carrie Ann seemed to agree with me. I STRONGLY disagreed with Len and Bruno's negative comments and low scores for Steve-O this week!
Gilles: This guy never cease to amaze me! He is an incredible dancer!!!! Its always hard for me to tell that he's NOT a professional dancer. I'm glad he and Cheryl had to do a Jive instead of a Rumba this week because everyone is so used to seeing him in heated, romantic dances, so it was a nice change of pace to see what he could do with something different. He totally pulled it off as usual! His Jive was fast and fun and aside from one mistake that I apparently missed, it was flawless in my opinion. I really think Gilles could win this competition, and rightfully so!
Chuck: I was kind of hoping that Chuck and Julianne wouldn't get the Rumba since the romance of that dance would/should come so naturally to them, but they did. It was alright. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. It was kind of raunchy and overly sensual for a Rumba, which usually doesn't REALLY bother me, but I felt like they were trying too hard to show that they had a real love and advantage on this one since they're dating. Julianne's outfit, although kinda skanky, was HOT! :)
So that's that. My prediction for bottom 2 is Steve-O and Ty for the dance-off, but I really have not been very successful in these predictions, so who knows?! I'm excited to see what happens tomorrow night. At this point in the season, I've usually picked my VERY FAVORITE and feel very strongly about them winning. I definitely have favorites (Gilles and Shawn), but I don't think I would be disappointed if any of these remaining stars win the competition this season. And usually by now, I've also picked and rooted for someone to NOT win...that's not the case so far. :) I'll keep you posted with my opinions of course, as they change, if they do! :)
I didn't feel passionate this week about anyone going home like I normally do. But when Steve-O was safe, I realized that Ty was probably going to be in the bottom 2 and I started to get upset, realizing that I really like him. I was surprised and thankful that he wasn't in the bottom 2 with David, but that Lawrence was, which also made me sad. And I immediately confirmed the fact the David was starting to bug me with his sarcasm and endless joking and that I wanted HIM to go home. After getting the scores for the dance off I was sure he was staying because he improved his scores with the judges and Lawrence didn't, but he had less votes from the fans, so....
Bye bye David and Kym!
Planning a wedding can be stressful. That is usually an understatement in fact. But it wasn't until the other day when I realized, attending a wedding can also be stressful for some. Especially those who are not well-versed on wedding etiquette. And your lack of wedding etiquette can also make my wedding even MORE stressful for me! :) Anyway, I'm no bridezilla and I'm trying to be as easy going as possible about all the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes with planning our wedding. But I couldn't help but feel like I should share this wedding etiquette article since its really no use to me at this point in time. Maybe it will help you. Or help you help me (or another future bride!) :)
HOW TO READ AN INVITATION:
*Listing the parents first (for example: "Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Baddenhouse request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter...") indicates that they're the hosts. Be sure to say hello to them and to thank them when you leave.
*Listing the couples' name first or not listing ANY parents names on the invitation (for example: "The pleasure of your company is requested at the marriage of John Smith and Anna Johnson" OR "John Smith and Anna Johnson invite you to share in their joy on their wedding day..." indicates that the couple themselves are hosting the wedding. Keep in mind this most likely means they are paying for the wedding themselves. They will surely thank you for coming at the end of the evening, but be sure and thank them for including you on their special day as well.
*"Honour" means its a religious service in a church or other house of worship.
*Weddings often start on time or close to it. Pay attention to the time the invitation says the ceremony will begin. Arrive 15 minutes early to park and get yourself settled.
*"Reception to follow" or "afterwards" means there's no time gap between ceremony and reception--you should drive directly there from the church or ceremony site. If there is a gap, an additional start time will be indicated on the invitation.
*For ideas on how to dress, pay attention to things like the location of the ceremony and reception and the invitations design. If the ceremony is taking place at a church, consider dressing up if you're a guy and not showing a lot of skin if you're a girl. Country clubs tend to be conservative. Beaches tend to be casual. If the invitations have a breezy design, you can probably be safe to guess that the wedding won't be super formal.
DO'S AND DON'T'S:
DON'T call the bride the day of the wedding for any reason.DO RSVP by the deadline, even if you already told the bride that you'd definitely be there.
DON'T assume that you are invited to the wedding or the bride and groom don't like you if you're not invited. Some couples prefer small, close-knit family-type weddings. Just because you were the groom's college roommate or the bride's partner at work doesn't automatically grant you an invite. Don't be offended, just wish them well!
DO stay upbeat when you talk to the bride during the months before the big day. She wants to hear that you're excited, not that you have to rearrange your work schedule or can't afford a hotel.
DON'T wear white or cream. Enough said.
DO book your hotel and airfare early. Many couples include logistical details (like where to stay) on their Web sites, along with the name of whom to contact with questions--if not the couple, then a parent or a member of the bridal party.
DON'T bring a gift to the wedding-- it might get lost or damaged. The couple will have enough to lug home already. Ship it beforehand or afterward (unless of course its a card with a check!)
DO make a point of greeting the bride and groom. They'll have people around them all night, so its okay to wait--not hover--nearby. (Put down your drink before going for the big hug.)
DON'T show up late to the ceremony or reception, as weddings tend to run on an invisible--but tight--time line.
DO help get the part started. That means being one of the first people to hit the dance floor.
DON'T change your table at the reception: You risk upsetting the seating plan's delicate balance.
DO let the DJ do his job, which means not bugging him with requests--the couple have probably labored over the playlist and have a specific idea about the music they want.
DON'T take the centerpieces home unless you're told you can. They might be earmarked for charity--or the bride's relatives.
DO send any photos you take to the couple ASAP--they'll be grateful to have some shots to show around.
DO follow up with the newlyweds if you've sent a gift but haven't received a thank-you note within three months.
TOP 10 GUEST QUESTIONS:
1.) If the invitation is addressed to my husband and me, can we bring our kids? Children under 18 aren't listed on the outer envelope; if they're invited to the wedding, their names will appear on the inner envelope, along with their parents'. If the inner envelope lists only your name and your husband's, leave the kids at home. (If the couple doesn't use an inner envelope, all names of those invited are written on the outer envelope.)
2.) I can't make it to the wedding. Do I have to send a gift?
You don't have to send one (although a card is a nice gesture), but if you feel especially close to the couple, it's a lovely way to celebrate their marriage. Alternatively, take them to dinner after the honeymoon.
3.) The response card doesn't list a choice of meals. I'm a vegetarian--should I pencil that in on the card?
Put down the pencil. If there's no choice of meals, there might be food stations or a buffet (all of which will have meat-free choices). If it's a seated meal and you aren't asked which entree you'd prefer (highly unlikely), simply let your waiter know: Most caterers have a pasta or vegetable plate on hand. Anyone on a superstrict diet (like gluten-free or kosher) should eat ahead of time or make do with what's offered.
4.) If there are two of us attending the wedding, do we have to double the amount of the gift?
Nope. Though it's customary and pretty much expected, a gift isn't the price of admission to the wedding. Choose a gift that would be meaningful and reflect your relationship with the couple--and that you can comfortably afford. For example, if you like to get together for Sunday brunch, you could buy a coffeemaker from the registry and pair it with gourmet beans and a set of mugs.
5.) Can anyone stand up and make a toast?
Not unless they're asked. Only those who've been approached ahead of time should stand up to speak, since multiple interruptions will disrupt the flow of the evening.
6.) How late can I cancel? I may have to work that day.
Decide for sure if you'll attend before you RSVP. If a conflict arises after you send in your response, notify the bride immediately; she probably has until a week before the wedding to give her caterer a head count, and nobody likes paying for a meal no one's there to eat. If an eleventh-hour emergency (like the flu) prevents you from going, call the maid of honor, not the bride.
7.) What's the earliest we can leave the reception?
It's fine to leave after the cake serving (it's considered bad luck not to take at least one bite!) If the bride's parents have hosted the event, find one of them and say thanks personally before you head out.
8.) During a religious ceremony, do I need to follow every bit of protocol, like kneeling during prayers or taking Communion? I'm not a churchgoer.
You don't have to fake it--in fact, some rituals, like receiving Communion in the Catholic church, are off limits to those who aren't practicing members of that faith. But you can follow along in the prayer book, sing hymns, and exchange the sing of peace (a handshake with those sitting nearby). So go with the flow (sitting and standing on cue is probably the easiest), but don't do anything that makes you feel awkward.
9.) It turns out there's a three hour lag between the ceremony and reception. We're from out of town--what are we supposed to do with ourselves?
First, make sure the couple hasn't arranged something, like an informal gathering at a relative's home. If they haven't, do some research for entertainment ideas in the area. A museum (pack a change of shoes) or a movie are both good bets.
10.) How long after the wedding do I have to send a gift?
According to custom, you have a full year, but it's best to send one within a month of the event date.
BREAK THE ICE:If no one's chatting at your table, do everyone a favor and jump-start the conversation. Try one of these fail-safe questions:
1.) "How do you know the bride and/or groom?" An oldie but a goodie--you've really hit pay dirt if the answer is "We traveled through Zimbabwe together."
2.) "Wasn't the sunset/minister's message/bride's gown just beautiful?" Shared experience equals insta-bonding! Everyone has an opinion.
3.) "Do you have any pets?" This safe topic will get any animal lover chatting happily. For older folks, replace "pets" with "granchildren."
4.) "Have you done anything fun since you've gotten to town?" Only go in this direction if it's a destination wedding.
5.) "Did you hear that Heather and Spencer are moving into a new home/honeymooning in Mexico/adopting a schnauzer?" Just don't get too gossipy on this one.
Ty: He's so cute. He tries so hard. He always seems to let his nerves get the best of him...at least in the beginning and sometimes the end of each dance, leaving him stiff. But he did good this time...better than most of his other dances. And their dance was a FUN country jive which I loved. The judges are always kinda hard on him even though he's always positive. I really like him even if he's not the greatest dancer on the show! :)
Shawn: She's beautiful and adorable and romantic (how could you not be with Mark Ballas as your partner?! *sigh* He made her a substitute prom because she missed hers! *sigh*) Anyway, I digress. She really picks up each dance she has to do with grace and a lot of precision and I'm always impressed with her! Her Rumba was beautiful and simplistic and innocent and perfect! Even Len thought so! :)
Lawrence: LT IS SMOOTH! His Jive was a good dance for him. He had fun with it...thanks to one of my favorites, Warren Sapp! I enjoy watching Lawrence whether or not he does well and even though this is called DANCING with the stars, I think that's important too!
Melissa: Her Rumba was pretty and fluid. Actually "lovely" is the perfect word for it. She did great setting a Rumba kind of mood. I enjoy watching her and Tony dance together. They have good chemistry. He's a great choreographer and she's a solid student which helps a ton! (And even though I enjoyed their Rumba, I thought Shawn and Marks was MORE of a Rumba!)
Lil' Kim: She has a disadvantage in my book because her partner annoys me more often than not even though he's a great dance teacher and a pretty good dancer. Their Jive was REALLY FAST and insane, but Lil' Kim has a spunk to her that made it really fun and enjoyable for me to watch. She seems to be great at any dance she attempts.
Steve-O: I was so over this guy the past few weeks after giving him probably more chances than he deserved, but his Rumba this week was a HUGE improvement from all the rest of his past dances! I was impressed with his ability to be serious and "in love" with Lacey even though he said it was a huge challenge and it seems really difficult for him to be serious to begin with. He was determined to do better this week I think, and he did! Unfortunately, only Carrie Ann seemed to agree with me. I STRONGLY disagreed with Len and Bruno's negative comments and low scores for Steve-O this week!
Gilles: This guy never cease to amaze me! He is an incredible dancer!!!! Its always hard for me to tell that he's NOT a professional dancer. I'm glad he and Cheryl had to do a Jive instead of a Rumba this week because everyone is so used to seeing him in heated, romantic dances, so it was a nice change of pace to see what he could do with something different. He totally pulled it off as usual! His Jive was fast and fun and aside from one mistake that I apparently missed, it was flawless in my opinion. I really think Gilles could win this competition, and rightfully so!
Chuck: I was kind of hoping that Chuck and Julianne wouldn't get the Rumba since the romance of that dance would/should come so naturally to them, but they did. It was alright. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. It was kind of raunchy and overly sensual for a Rumba, which usually doesn't REALLY bother me, but I felt like they were trying too hard to show that they had a real love and advantage on this one since they're dating. Julianne's outfit, although kinda skanky, was HOT! :)
