My husband quit his job to audition for Idol...and I'm cool with that.

I am not a fan of American Idol. I mean, it's mildly entertaining but I have a few problems with it. First of all, I think they are cruel to make fun of vunerable people who are, ahem, just not that talented. Second of all, I cannot handle the fact that the show completely takes over television. Do we really need to see 2 hours of auditions in 10 different cities 5 nights a week (Ok, slight exaggeration)? Finally, I'm so sick of people worshipping the idea of American Idol -- the quick path to fame -- the Golden Ticket.

My hubby, on the other hand, loves Idol so I endure it when I can. Well, that was the plan at least. After last night (the first night of season 11), the plan may change. I understand that people like to see some of the stories behind the contestants but when one of those stories involves a husband quitting his job to audition, I just can't take it.

This guy was cute. He was a good singer. He was from a small town (which, I would presume, probably doesn't have a ton of options when it comes to employment). Perhaps most disturbing (for me), is that his wife is about to have a baby and she totally supported this decision. What is she thinking? Um, our economy isn't stellar right now. Jobs are scarce and he quit his to "follow his dream." I'm all for dreams, but at a certain point in life, you buckle down and do what you need to do to survive -- to support your family. Bottom line: I so would NOT be ok with that.

I'll give the guy credit for confidence but if he can win Idol (I'm assuming he thinks he can, since he quit his job to do so) there has to be another way to be discovered -- perhaps one that doesn't involve walking away from gainful employment and towards an uncertain future (one that certainly involves a wife and newborn). Before we were married, I would have totally supported my hubby if he wanted to go crazy to follow a dream. But, the game changes once you have actual responsibilities -- a family. I can only hope that this particular contestant goes all the way or is able to find a job to support his family when he returns to Appomattox.

There's an appropriate time for everything and, on a certain level, I think we all understand that...unless a carrot full of quick fame promises is dangled in front of our face. Why is that life so much better than a simple one full of hard work, small town quirks and family? It isn't...unless you watch American Idol.