She likes to eat the dirt.

The phrase describes one of the least enchanting activities my puppy likes to partake in when outside, particularly on days like we've had recently, when the snow has melted, drowned the existing grass and left the ground below damp and uncovered, hers for the taking. You'd think it'd be easy to prevent a 15 pound dog from inhaling a face full of mud, but trust me, it's a lot harder than it looks. She likes to eat the dirt, so who am I to really stop her?

Thus begins the start of my blog, all conceived around the idea of dirt. For some, like my puppy, that means dirt in the literal sense. For me, I suppose it means a compilation of dirt from a broader perspective - things like gossip, chatter and general nonsense. A place, I suppose, for me to share my opinions on the dirt I care to discuss without worrying about engaging someone else in the conversation. Which, I know, on the surface, sounds really sad (doesn't it, though?!?), as if I'm not actually interested in having the two-way communication. But really, as I start off my first of many of my dirt topics, I think you'll see why the things that occupy my time and energy may not as appealing to others as they are to me.

Inaugural dirty topic for Sunday, December 11 - Please, someone, admit, like me, that you watched the Making the Band finale on Thursday night.

For real, people out there, 'fess up. I mean, I watched it. Could hardly contain my excitement during the weeks leading up to it. I've spent the last two seasons hooked, crossing my fingers for Aubrey and Aundrea (unique spelling, by the way) to see if they'd outlast P. Diddy's cuts. And, thankfully, not to ruin it for those of you who may not have caught the show, both did (whew!), along with three other girls, none of whom I was rooting for as much given the others didn't have nearly as much screen time as A & A. They still haven't announced the name of the newly-formed band, but don't think I won't be first in line to get their debut album.

For those of you who might have missed the episode, no worries! Here is a quick synopsis so you can be in the know as to what happened:

1. Girls reunite with each other after a few months away from New York. Takes place on a seemingly random street corner and involves lots squealing, commotion and hair extensions.
2. Girls meet individually with Diddy and his crew (choreographer Laurie Ann, vocal coach Doc and talent manager Johnny), where he asks them what they've been doing with their time off (most common answer: working out).
3. Girls get their pictures taken after receiving pointers from Naomi Campbell, who just happens to drop by (how lucky is that!).
4. Girls get interviewed on the radio by meanie DJ who mocks Denosh for being a back-up dancer for Mariah Carey and Aubrey for wearing something resembling a curtain. The only one who makes it out unscathed is Dawn.
5. Girls dance all of their routines from this season at NYC Sports Club while Diddy watches. Laurie Ann yells "boom, cat, cat" multiple times during various dances. I wonder if this is how all choreographers speak, some special animal/dance lingo.
6. Girls sing in various groups of five, with Diddy rotating people in and out to see what looks good, what works, what doesn't. Editing suggests that Aundrea won't make the cut and I silently begin to pray.
7. Girls sing individually in the studio. Side note: by the time the fifth girl gets up to the microphone, I know the song just as well and can also sing it.
8. Girls are seen eating for the first time in the episode (which appears to span over several days) while Diddy, Laurie Ann, Doc, Johnny and Andre (music exec) decide who will be in the band. Aubrey and Aundrea provide an uncomfortable moment for viewers (and, I suspect, for other prospective band mates) when they cry over the bond they've developed through this whole process.
9. Diddy announces who makes the band and they perform one song before the credits roll. Girls who do not make the band stand around and watch.

And with that, you've gotten your first taste of the dirt which makes up my world.