Pacers & Racers

Blogging once a month is a good policy, right? I'd say I need another couple hours in the day, but I'm a realist. I know I'd just fill that time with sleep.

I have so many things to share and no time to do it. My niece turned one (OMG). I traveled to St. Louis for a dear friend's wedding. The Penguins have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. I found an amazing podcast, Terrible Thanks for Asking. I saw Magic Men Live (bonus OMG). For now, I'll stick with sports.

The Cincinnati Reds actually played the Baltimore Orioles in Ohio this year, so Wheat and I agreed that we'll sleep when we die and drove to Great American Ballpark for a Tuesday night game between our teams. We splurged for good seats right behind the Orioles dugout (because I love him) and he didn't throw a total fit when the Reds won, 9-3 (because he loves me). It was a beautiful, spontaneous night and the perfect excuse for some Cincinnati chili in my life.

The Pacers were swept by the Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. In full disclosure, this made me pretty happy because it meant that Wheat returned to some semblance of a normal work-life balance. I know this is selfish of me, but it was also fun to see LeBron go into full-on cheat mode in Game 3. Seriously, if you ever get the chance, you must see him play in-person. It's like he's playing a completely different game than his opponents.

For Game 4 of the series, Wheat entered our niece, Scarlett, into a baby race that would take place on the court between the first and second quarters. After quite a bit of convincing on my part, my brother finally relented and agreed to allow her to participate (this might have been because FREE TICKETS to watch LeBron in the playoffs, but who knows?). Guys, I don't know how I'm going to handle being an actual parent because I was a total. nervous. wreck. right before the race started. I anxiously sat on the edge of my seat in the upper level, recording my brother and his girlfriend as they pleaded with Scarlett to crawl across the floor in her little personalized jersey.

Spoiler alert: None of the eight racers crossed the finish line. Scarlett did, however, make friends with Jagger, the racer next to her (and Wheat's co-worker's baby). Wheat was able to get his hands on the video board footage of the race and I don't think I'm being biased when I say that it's totally worth watching. I will be biased, though, and stress that my niece was obviously the star of the show.



Please note that the only progress she made was to crawl out and retrieve her headband to hand back to my brother, who had thrown it like a game of fetch. Tremendous. I don't think he was complaining too much - all the participants got a $50 Kroger gift card.

If you, too, think that Scarlett is the best human on the face of the earth (hi, Elizabeth, Wheat, and Mommles!), then you've come to the right place...because her first birthday party is coming in hot.

Weekends at Home

As always, I'm late on the weekend recap. I can't be the only one who doesn't have it in them to blog on Sunday night or Monday morning, right?

This weekend was one of those good-for-your-soul, totally restorative weekends. Wheat and I headed back to my hometown to spend some quality time with my mom and it filled my heart and soothed my mind more than I could have ever imagined.

You see, I live in a dreamy Midwestern town, where you run into someone you know everywhere you go and time slows down to match the rhythmic chirping of the crickets. The quaint type of town that practically shuts down on Friday nights when the high school football team takes the field. The charming type of town that hosts seasonal festivals and parades to excite the locals and entice visitors from hours away.

This weekend, I indulged in all things home  and it felt wonderful and overdue. On top of everything else, this is truly the best time of year in the Midwest. As summer slowly fades into fall, the leaves start to change, despite the warm afternoon temperatures. Apple cider and pumpkin pie make their way into the fridge, but you're still cheering for baseball teams amidst the excitement of football.

This weekend was the perfect mix of summer and fall, old and new in the Johnson household. We visited with dear friends, watched Hocus Pocus, and savored apple fritters and cinnamon-cider donuts for breakfast. We watched college football, perused the booths at Apple Fest, and picked fresh vegetables from Dad's garden. We fed the goats at Iron's Fruit Farm, decorated for fall with Indian corn and pumpkins, and ate two of the Cincinnati staples I miss the most, Gold Star and LaRosa's.

On Sunday afternoon, Mommles, Wheat, and I headed downtown to say farewell to the Reds in their final game of the season. We nabbed some pretty great seats in the outfield, aside from the obnoxious Pittsburgh family in front of us. Despite the oppressive heat and the one-sided sunburns we brought home from the game, we had an awesome time. The Reds won, 4-1, and Johnny Cueto secured his 20th win of the season (the first Reds pitcher to do so since 1988). Cueto also had the go-ahead hit in the eighth inning, Kristopher Negron hit a late home run to seal the deal, and we even spotted our buddy Pete Rose in the stands.

Of course, comfortable weekends like these make it even harder to function at work on Monday. I promise I'm not wishing time away, but the weekend starts again in T-minus three days. We can do this.

Reds win? What?

I'm not sure how it happened, but sometime between three hockey games (yes, hockey is still happening in June), I actually caught a baseball game in Cincinnati this weekend. I wasn't exactly excited to make the trek back to Joe Nuxhall Way on my one day off last week, but when our close family friend Grace invited us to enjoy the game from a suite at Great American Ballpark, I sucked it up. I'm a real champion - I know.

Grace has a tendency to win every contest she enters, with the glaring exception of the lottery. She also has the biggest heart of anyone I know. So, when she won the suite, she invited my family down for the Sunday afternoon game against the Phillies.

The Reds actually won, 4-1, and Billy Hamilton even hit a home run (*gasp*). We enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches, spinach and artichoke dip, and unlimited cokes while we watched the game from our perch on high. Homer 'Christian Bale' Bailey and Aroldis 'Dip dip dip' Chapman were also one strikeout away from buying us pizza for dinner.

The best part about it was that my mom actually went! She hasn't been feeling well at all lately, but she decided to venture out for the game and I'm so glad she did.

After the game, Wheat and I met up with four friends from grad school, one of whom is currently an MLB.com intern working with the Reds. We hung out at Jefferson Social on the Banks before moving to The Yardhouse for the best brownies this girl has ever devoured.

It's nice to have pleasant days like these, filled with friends, baseball, and brownies, interspersed with the tough ones. My cup still runneth over.

Cincinnati Sports for the not-so win!

A couple weekends ago, I had a doubleheader of sorts as I attended a Reds game before covering the last game of the regular season for the Cyclones. It was absolutely wonderful to be downtown, watching the Reds in something that actually felt like spring weather. Jenn and Sib met us for the game and we ran into Ashley and her boyfriend after a bit.

Unfortunately, the Reds lost to the Rays, 1-0, in probably the most boring game I've ever witnessed. Luckily, a lack of offense is tolerable when you have company like this.

After the game, Jenn, Wheat, and I had lunch and explored the Banks. I'm so happy that Cincinnati has revitalized the area and is finally putting that prime real estate to good use. Not that the Ohio River is particularly worth admiring, but it's great to have so many restaurants, bars, and green spaces for people to enjoy downtown. I feel proud of my city, even if it still considers RC Cola an acceptable soda option.

After Wheat shielded me for a quick outfit change in the tunnel by US Bank Arena, we made our way inside for the Cyclones game. Sadly, they were shutout by the Wheeling Nailers, 5-0, confirming yet again that my support is actually the kiss of death for athletic clubs.

As the Cyclones have since taken a 2-0 series lead against the Orlando Solar Bears in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, I doubt they're still reeling from the loss.

Moving on Up!

Six days, lots of elevator trips, a couch vs. door frame scare, and one super-delayed moving truck later, I'm finally moved in with Wheat - mostly.

Matching movers.

The major stuff is in place - bed, couch, TV, etc. - but there is still a lot of work to be done with unpacking, organizing, maintenance, and decorating. I'm pretty sure my parents and Wheat think I'm borderline psychotic (they're probably right), but I want this place to feel like home. I also feel unsettled when I can't finish a task right away, so I've been struggling with the chaos and clutter of unpacked boxes and bins.

Slowly but surely, it's getting closer. Rome wasn't built in a day, right?

Yesterday, Mommles, Wheat, and I said our final goodbyes to the empty, old apartment. We spent some time reminiscing on special moments we shared there - our first kiss, a stupid fight over washing the dishes, our nightly dances and Jeopardy battles. I became quite attached to my comfy, little studio apartment, so I was more than a little emotional. But, I keep reminding myself that a whole new, exciting chapter of my life is waiting to unfold in our new place, my first official place with Wheat.

I always look like a scrub next to him.

Our last dance in Apt. 708.

With the stress of the move, there have been more tears and complaints than smiles and happy thoughts lately (on my part, at least). I really am so lucky to have a place to live (that is twice the size of my old place! - pictures to come), a boyfriend who actually wants to cohabitate with me, and parents who will drop everything to help me move.

So, here is a list of things that have lifted my spirits lately:

- FALL. Like every other girl on the planet, I absolutely love everything about fall - the crisp, cooler weather, the return of football and hockey, the changing of the leaves, Halloween, and pumpkin- and apple-flavored everything. I just bought a couple seasonal candles, have already planned out my Halloween costume, and will be dragging Wheat along to corn mazes, haunted houses, and pumpkin patches. Poor guy.

- Reds playoff baseball. I'm not sure if I consider a berth in the NL Wild Card Game as the actual playoffs, but I'll certainly take it. Unfortunately, the game is tonight against the Pirates, so my stress level is already through the roof. I don't have optimistic feelings about it, but let's be real - I'm never optimistic about my teams.

-  Jump roping. I haven't been going to the gym this week, so I started jump roping. I forgot how much fun it is and it's definitely a work out. I feel bad for my new downstairs neighbors.

- Upbeat music. I wouldn't have been able to pack up my entire apartment without "Applause" by Lady Gaga, "Roar" by Katy Perry, "Holy Grail" by Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake, and "Wake Me Up" by Avicii. Send me some song suggestions, please. I'm wearing these out.

- The return of Fall TV shows! Jeopardy, The Voice, X Factor, Glee, New Girl, Ellen, Modern Family, and Shark Tank are back! I can't wait for The Walking Dead on the 13th! What shows are you watching? Am I the only person who hasn't seen Breaking Bad?

- Essie - Aruba Blue.

Thanks, Mom!

- Avocado. Between guacamole, avocado spread on sandwiches, and fresh avocado slices on pizza, I need an intervention. How much is too much?

What's putting a smile on your face lately?

Man Meat Monday #42: Update

Lesson: Writing to your favorite athletes, like a 12-year-old fanboy, might just pay off.

In fear that he'd blow me off, I failed mention that I actually wrote a fan letter to Todd Frazier a couple weeks ago. Really. Hand-written, self-addressed envelope inside, in the mail, the whole deal.

I only told three human beings on planet Earth that I'd written to him (for fear of alienating even more people with my creepiness). After two weeks, I was beginning to lose hope. The Reds had just finished a long homestand and I figured, if he was going to write, he would have done it by now.

Then, on Saturday, this came in the mail.



Swoon.

I'm already deciding who to write to next...

Man Meat Monday #42

It's been far too long since I've delivered some Man-Meaty goodness to you. So, here's some delicious man for you. Yes, he's an athlete, but I think you'll be pleased to know that he's only the second baseball player to ever receive the Man Meat treatment.

Todd Frazier

Claim to Fame: Utility player for the Cincinnati Reds

Birthday: February 12, 1986

As you know, I'm a football and hockey girl. Every summer, however, I make it to more than a few Reds games and I've really grown to love my hometown team. This year, while chipping away at a Lemon Chill at Great American Ballpark, I heard something out of the ordinary that drew my attention as quickly as a foul ball flying directly at my face. The sweet, sensual sound of Frank Sinatra's voice was playing in the stadium. In frenzied excitement, I looked to the jumbotron for an explanation.

Todd Frazier, a player who didn't make the team coming out of spring training, had chosen "Fly Me to the Moon" as his at-bat song. Instantly, I was his forever.

This season, Todd Frazier has been a jack-of-all-trades for the team. He's played in left field, helped out Scott Rolen at third base, and filled in for the injured (former Man Meat honoree) Joey Votto at first base. His offensive output has made him a frontrunner to be named Rookie of the Year.

Oh yeah - he's a 6'4", 220-pound, former Rutgers star that also won the 1998 Little League World Series.

Random Tidbit: If all of this isn't enough to win you over, Frazier saved someone's life earlier this year. While eating with teammate Ryan Ludwick at a Pittsburgh restaurant, he noticed that a nearby man was choking. Instantly, he rushed over and performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the food from the man's throat and lodging himself even deeper into my heart.

Only downfall?: With Joey Votto's return to the lineup imminent, Frazier's role on the team is questionable. I have an idea: Brittany's new roommate. I even have a Rat Pack poster above my TV.

Kidnapping isn't out the question.

Bonus perk: He has the attractive Jersey accent without the obnoxious guido persona. Feast your ears.



So, readers: It's your turn. Would you fake a choking incident for some life-saving action from Mr. Frazier?

I don't know about the Heimlich so much, but I'm currently planning my Squints-style drowning episode for some CPR. Anyone know where Frazier swims?



...and every game, there he is, swinging and base-running, base-running and swinging...

I like sports and I don't care who knows.

My sports life is a disaster. A complete disaster. Let me explain.

Last night, I went to the Reds vs. Mets game with Mr. Koenig, Kelly, and Drew. Don't get me wrong: It's always fun to spend the evening at Great American Ballpark. It does, however, make it a little tougher to enjoy when the good guys lose, 8-2. They lost again today, which means the Mets swept us. The hunt for a REDS October is getting more and more difficult by the day...

Now, football. The end of the NFL lockout has been accompanied with a frenzy of trades, free agency discussions, and, as usual, disappointment for Bengals' fans. First, QB Carson Palmer is giving me headaches, even after his retirement. Mike Brown insists on punishing him and refuses to trade him. So, instead of getting something beneficial (like some draft picks) out of our big flop of a quarterback, we get nothing. Nothing. His replacement? Former Raider QB Bruce Gradkowski. Although his record isn't very strong, he does have a good work ethic, knows Jay Gruden's offensive scheme, and will be a good role model for our new franchise QB Andy Dalton.

In other Bengals' news, fan favorite Chad Ochocinco was traded to the New England Patriots. I suppose I saw this coming in a way. Chad has always had a friendly relationship with Bill Belichick and has wanted to leave Cincinnati for quite a while. With TO, Carson, and Chad gone, the Bengals seem to be starting over offensively. Fine by me - I gave up on our old offense long ago. I can't wait to see AJ Green in action.

...and I've decided on my preseason Super Bowl picks. Last year, I correctly predicted the Super Bowl winner, so the pressure is on. NEW YORK JETS vs. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES. Eagles take it all.

JETS. Rex Ryan has the right attitude, his players want to play well for him. The potential backfield of Darrelle Revis and Nnamdi Asomugha is unstoppable. With an incredible O-line centered by Nick Mangold, all the pressure lies on Mark Sanchez. If he has a strong season, the Jets are going all the way.

Other AFC teams I like: New England Patriots - You cannot count out Tom Brady. Baltimore Ravens - They're mad about last year. Look out.

EAGLES. Andy Reid's west coast offense seemed to be getting a lot of things right last year. After the Kevin Kolb disaster, Mike Vick proved to the world that he's back in a huge way. DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Brent Celek round out a strong offense. Oh yeah - the already-impressive defense added Oregon grad Casey Matthews (Clay's brother).

Other NFC teams I like: Green Bay Packers - Super Bowl champs with an incredible amount of returning talent. Atlanta Falcons - They looked great last year and Matt Ryan is my dream QB for the Bengals.

I would love, love, LOVE the Bears to make a playoff run. Urlacher, although still tremendously talented, is getting up there in age. He deserves a Super Bowl ring before he retires. DO IT, LOVIE!

...and finally, swimming. I belong to the very small portion of the country who follow US swimming in non-Olympic years. I also have an embarrassing, stalker-like crush on Michael Phelps. Last year, I was shocked and disappointed with Michael's performance in the Pan-Pacs - he failed to qualify for one final and dropped out of another. Phenom Ryan Lochte was already establishing himself as the best male swimmer in the country. Phelps, who is always too hard on himself, admitted that he needed to work harder. So, this week's results at the Swimming World Championships aren't too surprising.

Again, Ryan Lochte walked away with a world record in the 200-meter IM, the first world record set since the banning of those crazy swimming, fish suits two years ago. For Americans, Lochte is perfect news - amazing, young talent, scary work ethic, California-surfer boy-like attitude, and absolutely GORGEOUS. For Phelps fans, Lochte is scary. He signals the end of the Michael Phelps era, which was coming to an end, anyway. Phelps announced years ago that 2012 would be his last Olympics, but the prospect of him not going out on top upsets me. He has a LOT of work ahead of him before London...or we will be seeing him, standing a bit lower than Lochte on the podium.

Americans also left Worlds with a bronze in the 4x100 relay, finishing behind Australia and France. Ugh. Keep an eye on Australia's 20-year-old James Magnussen. He is a serious force to be reckoned with. Other notables to learn before 2012? Nathan Adrian and Rebecca Soni.

So, until London 2012, you can find me in my room, making nightly sacrifices to my 'Phelps Phan' poster and suppressing my enormous crush on Lochte and his new haircut (sans locks). Tasty slice of future man meat. I'm so sorry, Michael.

Man Meat Monday #20

As much as I miss football this time of year, I usually try my best to embrace the situation at hand: baseball season.

So, friends, I bring you...

Joey Votto

Claim to Fame: First baseman for the Cincinnati Reds

Birthday: September 10, 1983

There isn't too much to say about Joey. He's integral to my favorite baseball team, one of the best first basemen in the MLB, and oh yeah - he's beautiful. Born and raised in Toronto, Joey was drafted out of high school in the second round by the Reds. After spending a few years playing in the minors, Joey was called up for his first major league game in 2007. The rest is history.

Not only is Joey a Cincinnati fan favorite, but he was voted MVP for the National League (by nearly a unanimous vote) last year. Luckily, the Reds know a good thing when they see it - they reached a three-year, $38 million agreement with him in January. This means one thing for me: Unlimited drooling at Reds' games until 2013.

Random Tidbit: Despite being Canadian, Joey never really liked hockey. This fact could also double as his 'only downfall.'

Only downfall?: I have seen a youtube video of Joey blantantly ignoring a kid who asked him for his autograph. My soul crumbled and I tried to push it out of my memory, but I can't.

On the other hand, here is a youtube video I could watch endlessly.



So, readers: It's your turn. What base would you go to with Joey Votto?

...cause I'm pretty sure I'd let him hit a delicious walk-off homerun.



Seriously, watch his reaction. Perfect.

Glee and other things

Before I get to the Glee-cap, I have some random odds and ends to discuss.

1. I went to my first Reds game of the season Monday night. It was a big 7-4 comeback win against the Cubs. It was pretty cold, but it was nice to be back in the park, stare at Joey Votto, and spend some time with my dad. Also, after trash-talking Jonny Gomes, he hit a huge homerun for the boys. My bad. Hopefully there will be many more games for me this summer!

2. Last night, I saw Third Eye Blind (for the fourth time!) at the Madison Theater in Covington with Jenn. The opening band, U.S. Royalty, was really enjoyable - a nice perk. They sounded like a mix between the Killers and the Black Keys. As always, Third Eye Blind didn't disappoint. Stephen Jenkins is an incredible performer, the venue was intimate (a little too close and sweaty for my taste), and they played some of their best songs. Aside from the pushy people around us, the concert was awesome. Listening to Stephen Jenkins sing "Slow Motion" and hearing the crowd sing along with him is one of the most incredible concert experiences I've ever had. It's been awhile since I've been to a concert with Jenn and we had a great time as always.

3. Last night, I found out that Penguins Paul Martin, Max Talbot, Jordan Staal, and Sidney Crosby attended the screening of "The Trophy Wife" at the Cannes Film Festival. That's right. Those flawless human beings were in France, watching movies, and partying it up on boats. Film festivals and professional athletes sounds like an even better combination than cake batter ice cream and oreos. Take that, Coldstone.


Urrrggghhhh. Je ne parle pas français mais VOULEZ-VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI CE SOIR? Jordan, those clothes, that hair, that chin. Dead. Sid, your headache isn't too bad for a party in France, I see. That's nice, but I miss you. Come home to momma.

4. I found the country's only masters program in sports journalism. It's in Indianapolis at the National Sports Journalism Center. I want to go. I will have to take the GRE, get some letters of recommendation, and be accepted, but I'm working on it. It's been awhile since I've had some ambition. Look out, world.

...and the Glee-cap.

+ Sue was fantastic. I've been hating on Sue a bit recently, but she completely won me over tonight. She was sincere in her mourning, yet hilarious in her attempts to mask the pain. I remember why I love Jane Lynch.

- Emma wearing Schue's vest to school. Creepy, right?

+ "Pure Imagination" performance. I'm a huge fan of Willy Wonka. They sounded amazing and it was just perfect. What a beautiful funeral. No huge surprise - I was crying my eyes out.

+ Auditions. I love them. Not being in them, watching them. They remind me of the pilot episode. Even though we didn't need to be reminded, there are some SERIOUS singers on this show.

- Jesse St. James. Between his rude comments to Finn and his hate-fest on New Directions, I need him to get out of here. I don't care if he's a seasoned vet at nationals. Why did Schue let him barge in like this? He tried to sabotage the club once before.

+ Finn broke up with Quinn and the angels started to sing. I am, however, terrified for what she has planned for New York next week.

- As if I didn't like Jesse already, he ruined a potentially perfect moment in the Finnchel saga. Finn shows up at the auditorium with a flower, only to see Jesse kissing Rachel? No. I wanted to scream, "BUT SHE SANG THAT SONG FOR YOU!" at him. Then, I remembered that I was watching a TV show and my dad was asleep.

+ Can we all breathe a collective sigh of relief that it wasn't Blaine or Burt Hummel that died? I was pretty upset about Jean, but it could have been worse for Gleeks.

- I'm pretty sure the president of an airline company would not give 20-something first-class seats to a show choir in Ohio.

+ Was I the only person who laughed incredibly hard when Sue said, "Panda, make it so."? Also, "I do this thing where I sort of alternate which of those kids I hate the most. Right now, it's the dancing Asian." Welcome back, Sue.

- They have nationals in a week and they don't have a setlist? Nothing, absolutely nothing, about that is realistic. They're just going to write some songs and practice them in first-class or something? Come on, Murphy!

So, we travel to NYC for nationals next week. Then, the season is over and we have all summer to wait for new episodes. Ugh. I guess I'll have to find some new blog material.

Gleek Status.

As per the usual, I will have another random post filled with trivial Tuesday observations. Here goes:

I just finished watching the HBO preview for 24/7 Penguins and Capitals. I absolutely cannot wait to watch this show. Watching sports that I love shot on movie-quality, hi-def cameras makes me incredibly happy. It makes me even more nervous, however, for the Winter Classic. It's in Pittsburgh, but I have a really bad feeling that Ovi and the Caps are going to win. That will sting after receiving so much national attention. Ugh... Don't worry, though. Crosby looks amazing.

Speaking of Crosby, please watch this recent commercial for Dempster's Bread. I'm not sure what bothers me more - the fact that Sid doesn't stop to sign an autograph for the kid or the fact that he settles for a mere 'What's up' head nod. (Although I do melt every single time I watch it) Either way, that poor kid is going to regret sounding like a total girl in this commercial for the rest of his mortal life.



After receiving 31 of 32 first place votes, Joey Votto was named NL MVP! I'm so happy for him. He definitely deserves it. Now I just hope that the Reds are willing to fork out the money to keep him in Cincinnati. We need him. Sidenote: Former Red Josh Hamilton won the AL MVP.

I know this is late, but I watched the American Music Awards on Sunday and I must say - the teenybopper in me loved NKOTBSB (New Kids/Backstreet). Although my boyband allegiance will always lie with B-Rok, I couldn't help but notice how hot Joey McIntyre is. I'm tempted to see their tour next year. What can I say? Old habits die hard.

And now...the GLEE review...Once again, contains spoilers. You've been warned.

+ Mike O'Malley is amazing as Kurt's dad, Burt. Seriously, I think he steals almost every scene he's in and I would love it if the writers would give him some more screen time. He is such a consistent character, driven mainly by an intense love for and the duty to protect his son.

+ The vows at the wedding were so precious.

- Sue marries herself? COME ON! I feel like the writers don't care about her character anymore. She serves no real purpose other than the exact one needed by the writers that week. Stop wasting such an excellent character!

+ I must admit - I was loving the tracksuit wedding dress. HAHA!

- Sue's mom. I have nothing against Carol Burnett, but she played such a disjointed character (that will probably never return). Suddenly, Sue reveals that she is a bully because her Nazi-hunting mother bullied her as a child? I'm all about building sympathy for Sue, but again, a stretch.

+ I love the continuity that Kurt's storyline has provided fans. As I've mentioned before, Glee seems to have an issue with maintaining a long-term storyline (since Terri's faked pregnancy). Luckily, this seems to be somewhat cured with Kurt's scary run-ins with bully Karofsky. I also loved the fact that everyone is sticking up for Kurt (including Sue!) and the show didn't forget that Finn was still struggling with accepting his new 'brother.' Some people might find the show to be a little too Kurt-centric, but I don't mind it at all.

- How sad is it that Kurt/Finn's parents don't have friends their age for the wedding party? Yikes.

+ Santana called Finn 'Frankenteen' and that is his nickname in real life and his Twitter account. Only real stalkers know that. Also, Finn made a Jay Cutler reference.

- Sam is sorta proposing to Quinn already? Creepy. Am I alone here or was that too much, too soon?

+ Finn singing "Just the Way You Are." I didn't know whether to cry because I've overly emotional or pass out because I imagined that Finn was singing it to me. However, if he were truly singing the song to Kurt, why couldn't he change the lyrics to masculine pronouns? Sounds a little like Sue calling Kurt 'lady.'

- Kurt is leaving. I found this to be too predictable for words. Ever since he met beautiful Blaine at Dalton Academy, I knew he would leave. This, of course, won't be permanent, but still. I can't figure out why/how he will come back to McKinley (in time for nationals), but you know he will.

+ SECTIONALS NEXT WEEK! I love competition episodes because, for once, the show finally gets back to its roots. You mean, this show is about a high school glee club that competes against other glee clubs? I thought it was about a creepy teacher obsessing over a paranoid guidance counselor, avoiding incessant ridicule from an egotistical cheerleading coach, and trying his hardest to set a bad example for his students. Confession: I'm not a HUGE fan of Schue.

- If that little snitch Santana ruins Finnchel, I'm going to end her. You already stole Finn's childlike innocence and angelic naivety. Back off.

...Yes, I am living vicariously through Rachel. Although, to be completely honest, I would have given in to the temptations of Finn a LONG time ago.