DVR, Oprah, and my own Life Class

You get DVR, you get DVR, EVERYONE gets DVR!!!!!!!

Yes, we finally upgraded our TV capabilities and have joined the rest of the world with the ability to record.

I was slow to realize what a handy little tool this was.  My schedule is not conducive to watching TV that I am interested in.  This is because for my day job, I work for a toddler and the "boss" is quite particular about what is broadcasted in our home.  I find that Barney, Bert, and Bob the Builder have invaded my living room more than I'm comfortable with.  But!  When one door closes...you know the saying. 

Now we are able to record things WE want to watch, and have personalized entertainment waiting for us for after the little guy goes to bed.

But in a few short weeks, the recording has gotten a little bit out of hand.  Sometimes, I get bit power drunk with that little red button.  I end up recording shows just because I can, and figure I'll find a way to squeeze in more viewing in between dish and laundry loads, justifying it with "because I can fast forward through commercials."

Enter: Oprah Winfrey Network.  Channel 279.   

I love Oprah.  Or as my husband's grandmother referred to her--Winifred Opry.  I have been sucked in to many a "Oprah's Next Chapter" or "Where Are They Now?"  and I am in awe of this woman's ability to host a show that gets me laughing, crying, and checking the clock to be sure that I did in fact just blink and an hour was gone.

The queen of talk has recently aired her interview with Lindsay Lohan.  Now I know what you're thinking.  Because we all have some sort of reaction when we hear her name.

But when I started the recording, it accidentally played the very last clip of the show first.

So then I went back and watched it from the beginning.  But I have to admit.  When I read this sentence out of context, I drew automatic conclusions.  I figured Oprah had been generous enough to reach out to the troubled Lindsay and had maybe offered her access to some peaceful retreat in Europe.  Cause, you know, it's OPRAH.  Girl has connections.  And I just assumed that Lindsay had messed up yet another chance to accept someone's help and missed an opportunity at working toward healing herself. 

I was dead wrong. 

I watched the entire interview sort of in a trance.  Per usual, Oprah wowed me with her ability to speak with her guest, unique circumstances and all, and be a catalyst for meaningful discussion while drawing the viewer in.  And after watching the whole thing, I got chills when I realized the actual implications of the last sentence which I had seen first. 

At the end of the interview, we learn that after being out of rehab for just a few days, Lindsay had booked a trip to Europe to relax.  Oprah wanted to send Lindsay a message in the form of a warning, that maybe going to the "pleasure capital of the world" was not in her best interests considering all of the progress she felt she had made.  Oprah compared it to her own addiction with food.  She explained that likewise, it wouldn't be a good idea for her to visit a potato chip factory.  *This made me laugh.* 

After Oprah's plea, there was a long pause, a stoic look of understanding, and Lindsay told Oprah she would seriously consider her advice.  

Lindsay has been in rehab 6 times.  I have watched her on TV being ridiculed.  I saw her awkward appearance with David Letterman.  I have seen her on the news walking in and out of the courtroom, pleading with judges.  I never took her seriously. 

Until this interview. 

I agreed with Oprah when she told Lindsay how talented she believed her to be.  I would love to see her turn her life around and continue her acting career, which is what she said has always made her the happiest. 

I'm not usually a celebrity cheerleader, but I am rooting for Lindsay too.  I truly believe that it is NEVER too late to stop destructive behavior.  And I think she has the capability to transcend the naysayers and put her life and her happiness back on track.

Yes, she has had a lot of chances.  Yes, she has deeply hurt those she loves.  But I will hope and pray that her family will be willing to stand up with her, support her, and help her find the strength she needs to continue to heal and move forward.  The energy and understanding needed to provide this can be overwhelming and incredibly taxing.  But it is much better than the unrelenting grief of a loss if it ever became too late.

Determination and knowing oneself is a powerful combination.  I really hope Lindsay prevails and silences her critics. 

She has always had people who believe in her.  But now she believes in herself. 

And that was worth recording, for the record.