All Write, Already!

There's this chick at work who calls herself a "Claymate." She, and who the hell knows how many other Clay Aiken fans, gather weekly to talk about him and exchange Clay-related gifts and stories.

I pointed out to her that the name of the show is itself an indication that the show's producers are pushing to get the viewers to idolize the singers they showcase, and that she has allowed herself to be manipulated. She nods, and says she knows, but that she can't help it.

She said she met Kelly Clarkson near the American Idol tour bus when she was walking by it. I asked how many times she walked by the bus, and she looked embarassed and said "a few." I'm betting on a number closer to 20.

She recently went on a plane trip to a Clay Aiken concert that she couldn't afford, because a coworker was so impressed with her devotion that she lent her the money. Then she hadn't even set her suitcase down before she got on another plane to go to another Clay concert in another city via another plane, all paid for on another friend's credit card. She's working 16 hours a day at 2 jobs to support this.

And people think I'm strange?