OK, a confession:I was sucked into the 12th season of "DWTS.'' There was a lot I could have been doing around the house, but I just can't not watch this show!

Pro football player Hines Ward took the mirror-ball trophy. He was my pick! Though before last night's "finals'' commenced, my daughter and I were sure Chelsea Kane would win. Truly, the Disney star is a fantastic dancer and looked every bit a pro on the dance floor. (But I must say her partner, Mark Ballas, kind of makes me wince. Talented dancer and choreographer, but a bit too edgy for my tastes.) Hines had the whole package: dance technique and the kind of charisma that made him a lot of fun to watch. And his partner Kym Johnson is my favorite pro.

The surprise of the night was Kirstie Alley making it to the No. 2 spot. But, good for her. She became much more physically fit because of the 10-week DWTS regimen, and showed that even at age 60 a woman can take on new challenges, while the world watches, and succeed. 

The draw of this show continues to amaze me -- millions and millions of people every week. It's nice to have an escape from the household chores and sobering headlines. If only for an hour or two every week, it's wonderful to fantasize about quick-stepping around a dance floor in front of a cheering audience with a handsome partner!

But, now, alas it's back to ridding the guest room of the junk that's collected on the bed and tending to the upstairs window ledge with the peeling paint. No dancing around that!