The One With The Big Game

I had planned on writing a big long post about the Super Bowl and all the incredible commercials.

But I am still struck dumb by the awesomeness of Glee's Super Episode.

Oh. My. Goodness.

First of all, everything was perfect. The storyline was superb. A lot of movement with character plot lines and issues. There were a ton of tiny moments that I loved. Like Coach Beiste singing along with Rachel and Puck during "Need You Now" (which I am SO happy they did. LOVE that song!) Mike Chang so concerned for Tina. Will beating the big drum after the big football win. Blaine licking his milkshake straw. I will be rewinding and re watching that over and over.

*sigh* Blaine. I heart Darren Criss. Can he just come and sing to me once? I think that would satisfy me for life. His rendition of "Bills, Bills, Bills" was once again better than the original and that scene at the restaurant? Can he BE any cuter? I have a huge HUGE crush! And Tuesday's episode is going to fuel that flame even more form the previews I have watched a dozen times.

Pause to insert how happy I am that there will be another new Glee episode in two days. Two days, people! That's all we have to wait!

But the "Thriller/Heads Will Roll" zombie performance? Absolutely awe-inspiring. I don't even have the words to describe the incredibleness. Which is not a word but I am making up to encompass such a stellar moment.

This is one that will stay in my DVR for a long time.

So I can't write about the game (which I didn't care that much about) or the commercials (some of which were really funny) because my head is full of Glee.

However, there is one stand out that I must mention because it's adorableness is too much to bear. (I am using a lot of -ness words tonight. I blame the Glee overload.)

My pick for best Super Bowl commercial. Mini-Darth Vader. The expressions, even with the helmet on are priceless. And the jump back, turn to look at the house, turn to look back at the car. So awesome. (Side note: Can I please live in one of the neighborhoods featured in commercials? They always look like the ideal street to live on.)

The One With The Challenge: A YouTube Video

Long before he took the stage to celebrate a win with his new TV family at the Golden Globes.

Eons before he graced the cover of Entertainment Weekly this week.

Light years ahead of when he became a break-out star on one of my favorite shows ever and had the most downloaded song in a remake that I think is better than Katy Perry's original. Plus he stole a few hearts in the process.

And even before he and his unruly hair sang covers of Disney songs for his YouTube channel.

I've been in love with Darren Criss since I first saw him play Harry in A Very Potter Musical.

I first heard about this show a few years ago. Being a huge Harry Potter fan I checked out this parody of my favorite book series. I was amazed at the talent behind the production. A group of Michigan college students wrote, directed and performed the show and it soon became a viral sensation. The acting was hilarious, the songs infectious and the potential amazing. I found myself watching it over and over, captivated by the leading man in the story. When I discovered that Darren Criss not only starred as the titular Harry Potter but also wrote a lot of the music for the show himself, I knew that this was no ordinary average musical kid. This guy has true talent out the wazoo. And then to follow-up this mega online hit with yet another production, A Very Potter Sequel, as well as other projects with the production company made with his college buddies Starkid Productions, it's no wonder Glee came calling.

I am eagerly awaiting Darren's return to Glee in February and even more so Starkid's new production Starship. These are an amazing group of talented individuals led by an out of this world gifted young man. Plus it helps that he is smoking hot too. But for me it all comes back to A Very Potter Musical and the first time I saw my beloved Harry Potter in a new light. I downloaded all the music from the show within minutes of watching it and find myself singing the tunes regularly. You watch even just the first YouTube clip (the entire play is broken into parts at the link above) and see how long it is before you are humming along to "Back To Hogwarts." The songs are infectious!!

The One With The Challenge: A Photo That Makes Me Happy

I thought this would be a difficult day. I love taking pictures and have several hundred to choose from for this challenge. Which one of the many images I have taken of my family, friends, pets and landscapes could be classified as making me the most happy? Surprisingly it turned out not to be a picture I took that makes me happy, although several of them probably qualify. The one that popped into my head was one I found long ago and had blown up and printed to hang in our bedroom so I can see it first thing when I wake up each morning and last before I turn out the light.


Of course, it would be a picture of kitties. They always make me happy.

I just love, not only the way the twined tails make a heart, but how the one kitty cuddles the other, a look of pure unadulterated love on its furry little face. Add the amazing natural light silhouetting the two lovers in a heavenly glow and this picture is exquisite. I even enjoy how it seems to two cats in the background appear to be sneaking up on an intimate private moment, giggling at their discovery.

This picture always makes me smile and remember how precious love in all its forms is. Which is why I had to have it on the wall of my most precious sanctuary to watch over me while I am at my most vulnerable. It is a warm and inviting picture that fills my heart with joy.

Plus, look at the adorable kitties!