See what happens when you do yard work?

A couple of weeks ago, I was pulling the gargantuan weeds in my front yard, and I got a splinter. The dandelion saplings that grow in my yard have tiny, sharp stickers on their leaves, so I'm assuming it was one of these little spears that lodged itself under the skin of my pinky finger. I tried squeezing to get it out, and I wasn't even sure if I could see it. Was it still in there? Had I gotten it out?

The next day, a red puffy spot told me it was still in there. So, I dug around with a needle and squeezed some more, because if you just inflict enough pain and tear up enough skin, eventually the splinter vacates the area just to get away from you. Or...it becomes a red, swollen knot on your pinky finger.

I thought two days ago that maybe I should try lancing the red, swollen knot, sure that fluid would gush out, carrying the splinter with it. But all I did was make the knot scratchy to the touch by tearing up the surface (and it's on the inside of the finger, which means it rubs against the finger next to it all day!).

This morning, I thought I saw the splinter and tried again. Result: more scratchiness.

I hate to spend $20 on an office visit to go to the doctor over something like this, but if I still have the red, swollen knot on my finger on Monday, I think I have to. I don't really want that to be a permanent fixture on my pinky.

Step it up!

This is the forest in Tasmania:



That's what my backyard looks like...except for the trees. The trees and the shade. And the ferns. I don't have any ferns. But imagine what it would take to clear the land in that picture and you get the sense of the impossible that get every time I look out my back door.

I'm beginning to think that rather than clearing all the weeds, I should just submit my backyard as a location for the next season of The Amazing Race. Just imagine Lake and Michelle approaching the Valley of the Weeds.

"Michelle, yer gonna have to step it up, girl. You said you'd do this roadblock. I can't be doin' everythang. Now git in there and find the clue."

"Lake, what if there's some Russian guy hidden down in the weeds, and he takes a picture up my shorts as I walk by?"

"Dammit, Michelle, we ain't got time for this!"

"Fine, but can I have some bug spray?"

"Did Yolanda git bug spray? You don't see Ray havin' to talk her into this. Go on!"

She moves forward, gingerly looking for open terrain. The dandelions are scratching her calves, and she steps in a bed of fire ants. She dances like a marionette, slapping at her feet until the little Hell creatures are off, then goes deeper into the abyss.

"Lake, I think I saw something move! At the back, by the potting bench!!!"

"It's Yolanda! She's got the clue! GIT OVER THERE!!"

Michelle tries to run and trips. Screams ensue. Lake throws his hat on the ground.

"Dammit, Michelle! Git your head in the game!"

With the money I'd get from the show for letting them use my yard, I could pay someone to come in and make it look like a yard again. In fact, I could probably get the Home and Garden channel to come out and film the transformation. These weeds might just be a boon for me.

And the Danis...they are gone.

This week was a little better on The Amazing Race - a little more drama. And the locations were great.

We started with the first task of flying to Palermo. I must stop here, before we get to how any of the teams did, and note how many of the teams could not properly pronounce "Palermo." Apparently, they'd never heard of it, which is hard for me to imagine, but okay - we're Americans and don't know any geography and don't bother to learn the names of places outside a 50-mile radius of our homes. Fair enough. But can you not READ??? That just bugged me. But I digress.

First of all, we had the rides to the airport. Eric and Jeremy - I decline to even discuss them and their libidos anymore. At least this week. I just have nothing new to add since they are always the same. Lake and Michelle - how arrogant is this putz? He actually said *Michelle* needs to improve - like she's been holding them back - as he reiterates how he's the leader of their team. Well, how unfortunate since you screw something up every leg and apparently can't even use the Internet. You're a real leader, pal - you've got it all under control, don't you? No one will be suprised at how giddy I was at the two of them (or Lake in particular, actually) missing both the first flight and then the better connection. Ha. Ha. Ha.

More thoughts on this first task: Luvin' that my hippies got the first flight. And I was even entertained by the wheelchair obstacle course, even though it involved the hound dogs. Fran and Barry slippin' past the Lakester was fun - she was smart enough to ask about the connecting flight, unlike Mr. Tude. But how about that remark when she asked him to step back as they made their reservations - "She's a doctor's wife. She shouldn't be actin' like that." What? If you're married to a doctor you're supposed to act like Michelle? And the rest of us women-folk who aren't married to a doctor, we can go ahead and act like the trash that we are? Butthead.

Detour: Foundry or Laundry. I think I would've risked the extra time and gone with "Laundry" because I don't think I would've been strong enough to carry that bell. I was just relieved that Fran and Barry got smart and didn't choose the physical task this time. They're learning! Of course, they walked right past the cluebox again. I'm impressed they're still in it, but I still don't think there's any real chance that they'll win it.

Task: traveling to Segesta. What a beautiful location! Those ruins were amazing. I love history and archaeology, and just being there would have been incredible. Of course the Danis couldn't drive a stick. Do any of these people watch the show before they go on it? If they did, they'd know that a stick shift is in their future!

Yield: I *knew* Lake would yield someone - anyone. He's just the type that lives for that kind of thing. I will say that I've noticed through the seasons how angry some people get when they're yielded. They really shouldn't take it so personally. It's just part of the game. Every time I've seen it used, it's been nothing more than strategy - not a personal attack because one team didn't like another (unless I'm forgetting an episode somewhere along the line). So, there's no sense having a fit about it and hating the other team. But they often get really angry. Now, a lot of teams won't yield anyone as a matter of strategy as well - they don't want to make someone mad who might come back later and burn them. I guess you just have to weigh the needs of the present moment with the longer-term possibility that you might make an enemy.

Roadblock - build the statue. I could've done this one, but I'm afraid I would've been like Lori. I think I would've lost a lot of time, determined that the extra two pieces must fit somewhere and losing my cool when I couldn't figure it out. Frustrated tears would have been a possibility. I also wondered why no one looked at the already-completed statues done by other teams, though. They would've seen the extra pieces if they had and known there were supposed to be leftovers. I wonder if there's a rule against that, against looking at someone else's completed task?

Pitstop - The hippies are first!! Yea!!! I'm so glad the Danis are out, and I'm glad that Ray and Yolanda are still him. I like them.

Are you kidding me?

What a March Madness tournament this year! I can't even believe the upsets and close games I've watched over the last two weeks, and last night was no exception. I actually did not get to park myself in front of the TV for all of last night's games (as I did for all the games last week). I had dinner at a friend's house during the first two games, and mystifyingly, they are not sports fans, so the games were not on, then I got home just before halftime for the two night games.

So, just to start with, I had no idea that Duke had already blown my bracket all to hell. What up with that Blue Devils? I had you winning the whole dance! Ingrates. I had to look in 3 places before I really believed LSU had taken them out. But back to Texas.

Because Texas had a commanding lead at the half, and I had to get up at the crack of dawn as usual for work this morning, meaning I couldn't stay up half the night watching basketball, I decided to just turn on the VCR last night and catch the last half or game and Zag/UCLA this morning. I mean, we had it in the bag, right?

Zowie! The second half was a freakin' barn-burner! I barely got to the end before I had to leave for work, and that was only because I fast-forwarded through all the time-outs. I had originally expected that game to be close, but then when we were up so high in the first half, I thought we had it! I watched the Mountaineers all year and knew West Virginia would be formidable (that Pittsnogle is somethin' else), but boy would I have preferred a nice blowout! I was jumping up and down and screaming with that last shot! Paulino, that's your moment. You get to hold on to that forever.

The upside is that even though my bracket is toast, I think Texas will have a better shot with LSU than we would've had with Duke. I think there's a psychological aspect that will work in our favor. LSU is like our neighbor. We know them. They're very good, obviously, or they wouldn't be in the Elite Eight and wouldn't have taken down Duke, but I think we can win that puppy! I think this turn of events with Duke will be good for us. Even if it stops next round, though, I'm so proud of my Horns. You guys are fantastic! Elite Eight, baby!!!

My new car!

In hell, that is. Or some alternate universe where goldfish eat with you at the kitchen table and Texas is cold in the summer.

Supposedly this monstronsity, the ZAP Smart Car, is going to be hitting U.S. streets anytime now. I recognize that there will be lots of Americans who will think this is just nifty. These are the same people who think this car is attractive:



I understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and my "hideous" is your "beautiful." I get that. But some things are empirical:

1. Chocolate is yummy.
2. William Hung sings badly.
3. That car is ugly.

ZAP that pet crate on wheels right back to Europe. I swear to Cary Grant, caged shelter animals have more room. Besides, I'd like to make it to my destination alive. Even if I survived the shame of driving that little mutant, I'd be dead within a week when some Hummer changed lanes without seeing me and squished me like a cigarette tossed onto the pavement (assuming he didn't do it on purpose - at least bikers kind of scare you into respecting their existence on the road).

But they'll sell. They will. A sign of the apocalypse? Well...I'm just sayin' it ain't right, that's all.

Another week. Another Amazing Race.

Well, I must say that this week wasn't quite as exciting for me. I'm not sure why, but I just wasn't an invested as I usually I am. I dutifully took notes, though, for the blog, so I'll get to it.

First off, Red Square was amazing. The part of me that grew up during the Cold War, back when there was still a Berlin Wall and we watched movies like War Games, would be really anxious about visiting Russia on my own. But going with the safety of a tv show or a tour or something, when you know someone's got your back, I think you could really take in the beauty of the architecture and let it sink in that you're really in *Russia*! I got that sense just seeing Red Square on tv. Looking at the multi-colored onion domes, I just thought how cool it would be to be there. But on to the game.

As I say every week, I luv my hippies. It was so sweet that they were concerned about Barry and Fran making it and not getting eliminated. Love them.

How annoyed was I that the Rutting Animals (aka Eric and Jeremy) were the only ones to make the first flight out of Russia? They had luck the whole leg. Yuck.

Lake, on other hand, redeemed himself a bit by showing Ray and Yolanda the right line at the airport. (What WAS up with his hat, though???) Everyone was really down in the dumps at the Moscow airport, and I kept thinking, "Don't worry about it - as long as you're all in the same boat, it's no problem." But I think they were all just really tired. I hate to think how I'd come across on tv when I got really tired. I'm sort of worthless without enough sleep.

First task: Take a Test Drive. Two words for that Wall of Death test drive. KICK ASS!!!! Boy, would that be fun, and the German accents were so perfect. The drivers seemed so stiff and uptight, "Ve are goink to drive now." And then they put the hammer down! Even better - you get to drive that car around afterward.

The Bavarian countryside: gorgeous. David and Lori are gettin' tough now - telling little white lies to throw off the competition. I wonder how much of a dark side they've got.

Roadblock: Find the gnome. I would've done this one. Easy sneezy. I got a good laugh when Lake and Michelle were there at the same time as the hippies. As they're reading their clue, one of the hippies is dancing like a goof in the background as the other one searches, and you hear Michelle say to Lake, in a very stern mother tone, "Quit payin' attention to that." Cracked me up! I could just see Lake distractedly watching The Dancing Hippie and his voice trailing off as he was supposed to be reading. That's another thing. Has Michelle even done a Roadblock yet? Doesn't each partner have to do an even amount? They're going to be hurtin' if she gets stuck with a bunch difficult ones at the end b/c she's been bailing on everything up front.

Detour: Break It or Slap It. I would've gone with Slap It because I'm a crappy dancer. My one laugh from Eric and Jeremy was during this Detour. One of them hit his head into the bottle instead of the other way around and then said, "German karate." Chuckle. But of course, they had to hit on the girl working the Detour. I repeat: rutting animals. Again, Fran and Barry choose something physical and have difficulty. I shake my head.

The Pitstop: Eric and Jeremy won the leg and a trip to Africa. Someone should probably warn them there's a rampant AIDS epidemic there. The look on Phil's face when they referred to more "tongue wrestling" with the Boob Twins was priceless. My hippies running backwards? Uh...okay. And I'm not sorry to see Wanda and Desiree go. I didn't loathe them or anything, but Wanda got on my nerves alot with her drama and Des kept correcting her English, which was annoying - it seemed a little disrespectful, like she's embarrassed by her mom. Anyway, I was glad to see them go. Maybe the Boob Twins can be next.

Doing my duty

While it probably seems improbable to anyone who knows me that I should be able to talk about anything other than March Madness right now, I actually have a number of other things going on in my life right now that are worthy of comment, so I'm just posting as I can and addressing subjects as I get to them. Don't worry - there will be basketball talk, as well, in the next two weeks!

Today, however, I think I'll share with you my jury duty experience from Monday. This is the first time I've ever been called for jury duty, which is amazing in and of itself, since I've been a registered voter since my freshman year of college. But there you have it - almost 20 years of being ignored by The Man. Unlike most people, I always kind of thought I'd like jury duty. I'm fascinated by the law (I used to think about being a lawyer), and I'm never loathe to take a day off for my normal routine. I like to read, so give me a book and a courtroom and if I'm not being engaged by the legal stuff going on, I can read. My job pays me for the days I'm serving, so I'm not losing any money, and I even get a little pocket change from the court. So, it's all good in my book.

I didn't really get to sleep in much that morning, but I got to wear jeans instead of office clothes, and I grabbed a Starbucks mocha and a paper (both luxuries from my normal routine) and I headed to the courthouse for my day of public service.



I won't give you a blow-by-blow since that might be tedious. And I don't think I should talk about the case, but I suppose I can say it was apparently about an armed robbery. The case is over by now and part of the public record. But I'll give you a random sampling of my thoughts and impressions through the day:

- There's too many people in this row! I'm totally being squished against the wall! Scoot over, man (to the guy next me).

- Who are those people who just came in and sat in the jury box? Are those law students?

- I gotta pee.

- Oh, for pete's sake, lady (to the loud lady in the back room who feels the need to comment on every legal point and hypothetical scenario the prosecutor lays out for us in the attempt to determine if we're smart enough to understand the law and if we'll find as the law says we should, even if we don't agree with it). Please tell me I won't get stuck serving on a jury with her.

- "I've been convicted before - once for theft." Thank you, sir. Here's a note saying you completed your service today.

- Am I comfortable sitting in judgement of someone else? You betcha.

- Seriously. I gotta pee!! Do we get a break? Should I raise my hand and ask if I can go? How does this work? That lady behind me looks like she's done this before. Should I ask her? Maybe you get in trouble for talking.

- Yes, the people in the jury box are students.

- Recess! Sweet relief! (Bugger! A line at the bathroom.)

- My word, has every person in here been the victim of a robbery (except that guy over there who commits them)? Our society is messed up, man.

- Is that a coffee stain on my jacket?

- "If you don't want your juror pay, just fill out this form." Right.

- What do you mean I wasn't picked? Why not?

Personally, I think they should have to tell you why you weren't picked. I was among the first 12 people in the pool, so that means I was struck, not simply that they got their 12 before they got to me. I think they ought to have to tell me why. I'm a citizen! I have a right to know! (No one ever worries about my outrage.)

You're still racing.

Well, as I feared when I started this blog, life is intruding, and I'm not finding myself able to keep up with posting. I realize that if you don't post pretty much every day, people don't read, so I don't know how much longer I'll be able to hang in there in Blog World. But I'll see if I can't stick with it a while longer. I'll give my rundown on last night's The Amazing Race, then I gotta bust back to my real life and the overload of stuff I have to do in non-Blog-World!

Okay, we started by learning that the Boob Twins are, in fact, stupid ho's. The Pigs, er, Eric and Jeremy, have stated in no uncertain terms they just want to get in those girls' pants, and during the pitstop, the BT's showed they are apparently up for being munched on like cheap candy on national television. I'd really prefer that the 20-something meaningless hookups were relegated to The Real World and The Amazing Race could be blissfully free of all that. It started when Flo and one of the Twins got involved a couple of seasons ago, and now we're down to this. Makes me pray the Boob Twins will be knocked out in this round, just to remove all that. We'll still have to listen to E&J pant about every woman in their path, but at least we won't have to watch them attempt to actually mate.

On to the race itself. The first task this week was the zip line. That looked fun! I'm not too great with heights, but I think would've enjoyed it. As usual, the hippies were fun, kidding around with everyone and scaring E&J, which of course, made me laugh. Lake again proved what a complete tool he is. Not only did he tell his wife to "shut up" as he screwed up and went the wrong way (screwing up while asserting your manly authority is becoming a theme with you, isn't it Lake?), but then later, when she says something that wasn't half as rude as he had been on the way to the zip line (I can't even remember what she said), he tells her "don't be ugly" (as if he hadn't been the picture of it telling her to shut up), and then even better, "don't be a bitch." WOW would I have punched this guy in the face a long time ago! I can't even believe some people find someone to marry them.

Roadblock - the plunge into the Russian pool. This would've totally been my roadblock. The cold would have been a little tough, but I'm a good swimmer, and the water looked like it was heated, so I would've been all over it. I was a little surprised to see so many of the contestants so afraid of water and swimming. I'm a water-baby, myself. I've always loved it. But I was proud of Yolanda and how she pushed past her fear. Wanda made me want to scream. I realize she was scared, but come one - you'd already seen everyone else do it, you were surrounded by people who would never let you drown or get hurt, so just DO IT!!!

One other note on this one: did you hear Michelle's comment to Lake? When Lake says he wishes she'd done the task, she says something like, "Would you really want me out there in a bathing suit in front of all those Russians?" What. Evuh. Good lord, Michelle, it's a pool - EVERYONE is in a bathing suit! And are you under the impression the Russians are going to be so taken with you that they're all going to whip out camera phones and snap your photo, then Photoshop it to make you appear naked then put it on a Russian porn site? Is THAT what you thought would happen? Just jump in the damn pool like everyone else and chill with the Southern belle routine. No one is impressed. Movin' on.

A short stop at Smolensk Cathedral to grab a clue. What's noteworthy here is the fact that the hippies took a couple of seconds to just be quiet and look around and take in the beautiful place. That's why these guys are my boys. They're enjoying the journey, man!

Detour - Scrub or Scour. I have to say, my first thought when I heard it was Scour. I just thought the trolley washing could be tougher than it sounded. Picking the nesting dolls could be a mistake, because you could be there forever looking for the clue (Remember that Roadblock in one season where they had to eat all these pieces of cheese to get the clue and then another one where they had to eat all these pieces of chocolate? Sounded good at first, but after a while, they player wanted to just puke and give up.). But you *could* get lucky, and it's not physically demanding so that kind of saves your strength in case you need it later. Turns out, I would've made a good choice with that. The trolleys were outdoors, meaning you'd be really cold, and they were big, making it hard to clean them all over. Plus, you're at the mercy of the guy and if he thinks you did a good enough job. Also, several people picked Scrub, then couldn't find the trolleys and ended up at Scour, but they lost time.

Another note on this one: did you notice than when Lake asked Eric (or Jeremy - same dif) what the clue looked like after he found it, he said he "couldn't" show it to Lake? But when the hippies found their clue, they gladly showed it to Fran and Barry, and even told them where they found it. That's the difference in character. It wouldn't have harmed E&J's position in the game to show Lake and Michelle what their clue looked like. Karma, boys.

The twist at the end, when Phil tells E&J he's not the pitstop and they're still racing - HAHAHAHAHA!! They should've known that was a possibility since the clue said they were meeting Phil, but didn't say specifically that it was a pitstop. It's like when the clue says the last team "may" be eliminated. Heads up, folks. The wording in the clues is always very careful.

South Beach pizza? Oh yeah.

When you think of South Beach, either the place or the diet, pizza doesn't leap immediately to mind. But I gotta tell you - it is good! I had a coupon, so even though I haven't been doing the South Beach diet, I decided to try two of their frozen pizzas: the pepperoni and the grilled chicken and vegetable. Yuummmmmy! And they're healthy. Can you ask for more than that? I think not.



I don't know about most people, but I luvva the coupons. I save money every time I go to the grocery store. In fact, I like to think of it in another way. I add up how much I saved with my coupons at the end of my shopping trip, and then I pick out items from my grocery booty that add up to that amount and I tell myself that it's like I got those items for free. I know some people don't like to take the time to mess with coupons, but to me it's worth it - a little time spent with some scissors while watching tv in exchange for free food. And if you can combine coupons with a sale item...well, that's just like gettin' away with somethin'! And you know you get a thrill when you get away with somethin'.

Hallelujah!

I was able to watch the second installment of The Amazing Race 9 last night, and let me just do a little jig! Lisa and Joni are OUT! Man, they were annoying. If I thought all the screeching was bad on the first show, the hysterics about the car in the second one was enough to seriously get me rooting that Fran and Barry would beat them to the finish line. Woo-hoo!

Let's run down the episode this week.

Eric and Jeremy - someone turn these guys into eunuchs so I can stop listening to them salivate about every 20-something woman they see. It's really pathetic, and 2 shows in, I'm already sick of it. In the first show you giggled about how you don't want to work, then the second one you spent rutting around like farm animals. I'm now over the hump of tolerating you. Now, I'm actively rooting against you. Go back home, play beach volleyball everyday, and wonder in 20 years why you're alone, have nothing, and your life sucks.

BJ and Tyler - still lovin' you guys! I have no idea why you were buddying up with Eric and Jeremy in the beginning except that you're friendly to everyone. And how happy was I that you guys won the Tahiti trip instead of Piggly and Wiggly? Keep on rollin', you crazy hippies!

Fran and Barry - you're sweethearts, but what were you thinking choosing "Climb It" on the Detour? Do NOT pick strength tasks! I give major props to Fran, especially, for completing it, but you probably lost time, and you almost got eliminated. I don't think this sweet pair has much gas left. They may be out next round unless someone gets tripped up.

This episode featured a Roadblock and a Detour. On the Roadblock, I think I might've volunteered to do it simply because whoever I paired with for the show would have to do all the eating tasks, so I'd have to step up on the ones that were remotely doable for me (why is there never a task that involves spelling?), but it wouldn't have been my best task. For one thing, DAMN that was a lot of stairs! I'm a sprinter, baby...sprinting on a flat surface. 432 flights of stairs, not by bag. And I'm not too good with heights, either, so the rappelling might've led to vomitting - if not the actual rappelling, then the fear of it as I waited up top to start. Sadly, I might've sounded a lot like Danielle (or was it Dani? Who knows? Who cares? Same difference.). But I would've been willing to try, so I get points for that.

On the Detour, I think I would've picked "Press It." The waterfall was beautiful, and I would've hated to miss seeing that, but my upper body strength leaves something to be desired (and I would've been pretty much used up after the Roadblock if I'd had to do that one), and it would've been kind of interesting to see how the sugar cane got turned into fuel, so that's likely how I would've gone with that. It didn't seem to hurt David and Lori or Wanda and Desiree on their time to choose that one. The one thing you want to avoid is starting one task, finding you can't do it, and having to switch to the other, so you gotta be realistic about your abilities when you're picking a Detour task. Don't always just go with the one they say is faster.

And that's it for this week! I'm not McDonald's, but I'm lovin' it!

Drip, drip, drip.

My leak is still not fixed. As of Friday, my plumber was saying he'd be here Monday. Monday came and went, and no plumber. So, I called today, and gee, if everything goes well, he might be there Thursday or Friday. Meanwhile, I've still got a leak. That means it's been a week and a half since I first called the guy, and a week since he came out and verified I have a leak, and NOTHING has happened since then!

I get that his truck broke down and these things happen, and now he's behind, but he told me Saturday that he'd be out Monday, and he never even called to tell me he wasn't going to show, much less give me the new ETA, which is 3-4 days later! I'm not pleased.

But if I call someone new at this point, they're not likely to be out any sooner. I could call today and they might come out tomorrow, but I'm not sure they'd actually start the work tomorrow, so I don't suppose I'd save myself much time. But let me reiterate: I'm not happy. People need to show up when they say they will and need to stay in touch with you if plans change. I got this guy on a recommendation, and so far he hasn't charged me anything, so hopefully his prices once he actually does something will be reasonable, but Big Guy, your hope of me recommending you to anyone else is quickly fading.

On top of that, I won't be able to watch The Amazing Race tonight! I'm having a birthday dinner with family tonight, so I've got the VCR set (I know, I know - I need to get TiVO. Sorry, but I've got plumbing to pay for; I can't be upgrading my television budget at this time.). I'll watch it tomorrow night and then give my rundown on Thursday. I'm also taping the series premiere of Sons and Daughters. I think I'm going to like that one. I'll let you know.

Busy, busy.

Boy, oh boy, no time to write the last several days. Things at the homestead have kept me busy. Aside from taming the weed farm (otherwise known as my yard), my plumbing has yet again challenged me. Seems I baited it by thinking a simple mastery of toilet repair would foil it. Don't make your plumbing angry, folks.

After a couple of water bills that seemed a bit high, I got hit with one that was through the roof. No leaky toilet was causing this one. So, I did a little research on how to discover if you've got a leak in your lines somewhere, and with dread I performed the simple tests. I have a leak. My simple "handy homeowner" repairs were no longer an option. So, I called a plumber, and he came out and did his Plumber Tests and said, yes, I have a small leak. He thinks he knows where it is, and if he's right, it won't be too bad. If he's right, it's outside between the meter and my outside faucet, meaning we just tear up the yard a little and replace the pipe. Since my yard is crap anyway, I couldn't care less abou digging it up, and that's WAY better than what will ensue if it's under the foundation or in a wall somewhere. If the plumber's guess is wrong, things get a lot uglier and a lot more expensive in a hurry.

The plumber was supposed to come back on Friday and commence digging (giving me an answer to what exactly I'm facing), but his truck went out. Can you believe it? So, now it'll be at least Monday. Meanwhile, I'm trying not to let it stress me out, because as I type this, God knows how many gallons are streaming out of my pipes and into the earth around (please not under!) my house. I'm afraid to spend any money. Until we get the leak located, I have no idea what I'm looking at here financially. I hope I'm not about to buy this guy a pool.

Oh, and after I get this all squared away, I get to call the water company and beg the reconsider the "winter averaging" they're doing for me. "I had a leak! See! I really WASN'T using 2,000-4,000 gallons a month by myself!" My water company averages your monthly use between October and February and that determines your rate for the rest of the year. So, I pretty much had this happen at the worst possible time. I'm sure they're going to say something like, "No problem, ma'am. We completely understand. We'll just use the save average we used last year. That's how much we value you as a customer."

Homeownership really is the most fun anyone could ever have.

It's amazing, I tell ya!

Oh, it is a happy day! I had two full hours of The Amazing Race last night, and it's back to it's top form, and I get to talk about all the teams today - woohoo! Let's just jump on in, shall we? I'll say up front that there are several teams I don't have strong opinions about yet, but we'll see how that progresses with more shows. I'll give my initial impressions, though, because I've got some!

First off, I'm disappointed that John and Scott were first off. I admired John for saying he wanted to use the race as an opportunity to tackle some fears, like flying, and then really doing it. He just jumped right into the cockpit of that helicopter like a champ! He was playing assertively, though Scott was kind of holding them back by being passive about the cab. And what's up with none of the locals helping them find the bridge? Did you see that vegetable stand guy just wave off John when he asked if the guy knew where it was? Nice hospitality, Brasilia. Anyway, I think they would've done better in subsequent legs once they got rolling. But hey, they got a free trip to Brazil with some awesome experiences, so that's pretty cool.

Lisa and Joni. Oh, how I wish they'd been the first team off. The screaming...someone..stop..the screaming.

Danielle and Dani. No opinion, really, except that the hot pink outfits were a bit boob-job-cheerleaderish. Too bad they didn't have to endure the catcalling that Yolanda had to stomach at the motorcycle place. They asked it for it way more with those outfits than Yolanda did with hers. And Yolanda even had her boyfriend with her! Men in Brazil are clearly pigs.

BJ and Tyler. Thought I would hate them, and I so didn't! They're really fun. They seem nice - like their entire goal is not to destroy the other teams - and they seem like they're really enjoying the journey, which is supah! Too many of the contestants are so into the competition aspect that they don't enjoy what they're doing and where they are. BJ and Tyler seem to be, which means that even if they don't win, they'll have gotten so much out of the game. Good for them!

Lake and Michelle. Someone please give this woman an almanac so she'll know what year it is and what country she's in. Good lord, woman - the "My Man is My Leader" routine went out about 45 years ago. You pride yourself on being the picture of a Southern woman. Well, I think I like being a Texas woman better than a Southern one, then, because I'd be explaining to my husband that he married a partner, not an assistant. He needs to come down a few notches. He blew the FIRST thing y'all had to do, then he tells you later that same day, "Do NOT second-guess me!" You need some second-guessing, pal. And the phone mistake? Not partially your fault. ALL your fault. BOY, do I hope they go down soon, and it's his mistake that causes it.

Ray and Yolanda. Not too much opinion so far. It'll be interesting to see if all the time together, after being long-distance, brings them together or pushes them apart.

David and Lori. My favorites so far! They're so good to each other and seem to be enjoying themselves, which as I stated above, I love to watch. They're a real team and seem to have a genuine respect for each other, as well as being really compatible. I'm rootin' for em!

Eric and Jeremy. Thought I wouldn't like them from their intro, but they're not too bad so far. Hitting on the Boob Twins was a little cheesy, but otherwise, I didn't mind them.

Fran and Barry. They're nice, but I don't think they'll last too long.

Joseph and Monica. Not too much opinion yet. I thought I'd hate him from the intro, but he hasn't been uber-competitive man yet, so I didn't have a problem with them.

Wanda and Desiree. No opinion yet.

My gameplan: For this first leg, the flight I went for would've depended on how fast I got to the airport. I knew as soon as I heard the Detour that I would've picked the Rotorhead (I'm not mechanical and would've dug the helicopter ride). And the rest kind of depended on the cabs - whether your cabbie knew where he was going and was aggressive. Cabs are a crap shoot - you never know if you'll get a good driver or not, so you're at the mercy of luck with that.

I'm so excited to be enjoying a new season!