I admit it, I'm a hopeless Big Brother fan. And just to clarify, I don't watch much other reality tv...well, except Survivor. And one year, the Amazing Race. And actually, I would probably watch the Food Network Star (or whatever it's called) if I ever noticed when it was starting. But Big Brother on CBS is definitely the reality show that has me hooked.

Part of the attraction for me is no doubt that I could almost see myself on Big Brother. I'd never last on Survivor, as anyone who knows me will attest. I even cheat with the few days of camping we do at Preddyfest each year by coming home everyday for a shower and a nap. But other than the nasty food competitions, I think I could handle Big Brother.

The only reason I've never sent in an application for Big Brother is that I doubt I'd make it through the audition phase. I'm not the kind of person that enjoys the center of attention. I hate hearing my recorded voice, much less seeing photos and videos of myself. And heck, I'm a writer. I like the idea of seeing my name on the best seller's list more than the thought of making television appearances.

My daughter and I have a fantasy about appearing together as a “secret mother/daughter team” on Big Brother. Crazier things have happened! And unlike me, she has the winning personality to make it through the screening process. Hey – I just realized that I can blame my television addictions on my daughter! My favorite shows are just HER favorite shows – I just watch them to keep in touch with my teenage daughter!

Another reason I enjoy Big Brother so much is that thanks to Carolyn's blog at BBDish, along with After Dark on ShowTime, I can catch up on Big Brother outside of prime time. The show is full of twists and turns, secrets and back stabbings like any good reality show, and Carolyn keeps us all informed and speculating. There's also the option of subscribing online to the 24 hour feeds. Yep, you can watch the House Guests on Big Brother 24 hours a day. I'd be in so much trouble with that subscription...

But Carolyn sums it all up in a fun and clever way, everyday, sometimes multiple times a day, so I never feel like I'm missing anything. She hosts online viewing parties, and her blog readers use the comment section to chat away during the commercials. I've lost track of what year I first discovered BBDish, but now I cannot imagine Big Brother without it.

Season 11 of Big Brother premiers Thursday, July 9 at 8 pm. And yet another reason I probably love Big Brother so much - it airs three times a week! Check out the Exlusive Preview posted at cbs.com this morning (June 4th)!