Ah may favorite night! Wait I mean other than Friday and Saturday. And I guess Thursday since it’s close to Friday… But never mind all that; this is the one night that I actually watch prime time TV. It’s great. In about 30 minutes I will cozy up on my couch to watch House and my new favorite, Fringe. Tuesdays are great because it’s not Monday, and it’s not Wednesday so I’m not in class, and these shows are on. And I have wine. So that makes it better. I thought I better write this before that kicks in.

I just got home from my hair appointment, which despite the fact that they serve wine, has become more of a hassle than a treat. Remember when getting your hair or nails done was a chance to feel pampered? I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that these outings have become nothing more than another chore to squeeze in between work and errands. I’m not sure that this is due to the increase in frequency or the myriad of items that now fill our calendars. Or maybe it’s because these maintenance items have become a necessity rather than a luxury. Never the less, at the moment I have shiny, yummy smelling hair that will be immediately destroyed by my styling attempts. And I am about to begin an evening of mindless activity. Bliss! Between endless hours of work followed by endless hours of homework, I revel in the tranquility of stagnation.

I know you have all watched at least one episode of House and if you haven’t become completely consumed by his relentless chastising and negativity that ultimately makes us (women) strangely attracted to him, then I guess you don’t share my elation. But if you haven’t already, you should check out Fringe. It’s like X-Files meets CSI. Great fun! AND it co-stars Joshua Jackson. Oh yeah, that’s right, Pacey Whitter from Dawson’s Creek. Classic! And all of you out there laughing at me right now should shutty, because once again I have allowed you a glimpse in to my cheesy, teen drama obsession. Is it really so bad to want to reminisce about high school and college? Ah, good times.

So I’m off! Happy hump day! Remember, only two more days til Friday!

Surfing through the channels this evening I started to think about reality TV. I almost always end up on a non-fiction show when I don’t have something already in mind. There’s something for every mood. The cooking shows, home decorating and designing on a budget, fashion, ghosts, true crime, survival, and of course drama. And that’s just to name a few. Whatever your interest, there’s a reality TV show to match. When did this genre become the norm? I’ve had the debate over which show broke the barrier and I maintain that it was the Real World.

It’s hard to remember a time when we were not spying into the lives of real people doing real things. I guess as a whole the most prominent types of television has changed significantly. Prime time used to consist of half hour segments of sitcoms. Light-hearted comedy with subtle messages meant to instill family and moral values. Now I get my sarcastic genius fix with House and Fringe and trump the drama of my life with The Hills and Rachel Zoe Project. I guess it makes sense; foregoing the cost of scripting and direction for the rubber-necking effect of the torment of true life. It’s ridiculous and stupid but you can’t help but watch. It’s so dumb it’s good.

This has been a growing trend for more than ten years now, before which I could never have imagined that a spectacle such as this would be so captivating. So what’s the next big media trend and when will it hit? Whatever it is, I’m sure I’ll be addicted.