Is That Pat Benetar?

Well, round 3 of Erie Idol down, semi finals and finals (fingers crossed) to go. This time we actually took pictures and now there is documented proof that I wore animal print, neon pink nail polish and a lace belt all in one outfit.
I was first to sing which made it both nerve-wracking and relieving all at the same time. I think I did great but effed up the lyrics. Also I couldn't down enough water beforehand and it felt like my throat was closing up at the end.

There were so many people that showed up, whether they knew one, two or numerous people in the competition! It was a good thing that I decided to sing another high energy song (Joan Jett's I Hate Myself For Loving You) because it seemed everyone else decided to do a slow song that evening.

Awhile back, my mother called the day after I made it through to this round and reserved the balcony area at Oasis. This is why Diana gets whatever she wants. You cannot tell my mother no. She will not accept nor acknowledge anything less than her ultimate outcome. That woman must have called Oasis 10 times making sure we had the right count and I had a thrown to sit on. They did draw the line at a crown. Some of the chicks of '96 came. Here's my BFFs from high school Mary (in pink) and Shelly (in virgin white) with their husbands Mike (no hat) and Chris (hat).

My sister Theresa showed up with her husband and invited her BFF from high school Wendy and Wendy's boyfriend Dan out as well. Wendy was celebrating her CANT SAY THE NUMBER birthday in a few days and decided to celebrate early with shot....

after shot....

after shot...Here's my brother in law Mike no doubt wondering what the hell he just consumed.

Jillian showed up with her baby daddy Kevin and their two friends in tow. Andrew and Andrew's wife, I wanna say Jen?, who were actually there to see another contestant. Anyways, when they get there the first thing out of Jen's? mouth to Kevin was "Oh my God, is that Pat Benetar?" with an eye roll towards me. And Kevin retorted, "No, that's Jill's best friend." HAHAHAHA Yes!

Jillian is awesome for many reasons but one reason she was legendary that night was because while I performed, she stood right behind the judges to see what they were writing about me. Stealth! It was pretty good except for one judge. We've named him Simon. He gave me a 5 out of 10 on stage presence. I would have to agree and I've been working hard on it since. Thanks Simey!

Shelly, Jill, Mary and I.

The chicks o' 96 are always a shoo in for best (worst) embarrassing pictures in public.

Theresa (after a few shots) wasn't afraid a no cuppage.

And my uncle Denny and my father were there for the whole thing. Awkward!

Matt and his favorite aunt Sandi (Chase) Staab.

My father in law Glynn and Granny Chase.

See Blogtopia, don't worry about us. We're good. Love Is A Battlefield.

My father is hilarious! He made signs for people to hold up. None of the people pictured came and my father in law that DID come was pissed he wasn't made a sign. I'm not the favorite daughter in law anymore.

This was Sandi's reaction to the other singers.

"WTF is she singing?"

My dad, although he came with the signs, was a total traitor clapping for the other contestants. DISCLAIMER: I realize sarcasm doesn't always convey on here. I have no qualms with my father or anyone else clapping for the other finalists. If you have the talent to be in this competition and you're good at what you do, you deserve the recognition and the encouragement. People have actually told me "these people are not your friends, they are your competition". I have never been, nor will I ever be, competitive to that degree. I can't stand that attitude of having to be better than everyone else. I give credit where credit is due. That's how my 'rents raised me. If they had a Miss Congeniality award in this contest, that's what I would win. That's just who I am. I'm Pat Fucking Benetar.

My mom in the green and my aunt Marge.

Lori, my sis Michelle and Mike: Honorary members of the Tam Fan Club.

Michelle, you look frightened.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Mike Mahler never takes a bad picture.

Too cute!

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This is Laurie (I'm dancing with her) who is another contestant that made it to semi-finals. The biggest reason I like Laurie is because she is "just there to have fun before she gets too wrinkled" and because she is "trying to get out of a sleepover for her daughter's brownie group which happens to be the night of the finals." Honestly though, we clicked right away and she has a great voice but doesn't exactly know it or care to rub it in your face.

My sister in law (and my buddy band buddy) brought her boss Therese (Sassafras Street Hair owner) and Therese brought her daughter, Stephanie. Her head doesn't always float like that.

"Buddy Bands! Hey... They work."Therese picked this guy up at the bar. Actually that's Bob, her boyfriend. They are totally going steady.

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Granny in her infamous yellow hat. Quite possibly the cutest picture ever.

When they called the numbers of the contestants who made it through, they called my number last! I was so sure I was gone. But then...

Semi finals Bitches! April 10 (Good Friday) at 8:45 pm. Bring it Cell Block! But please leave your gats at home.