The “Blogiverse” is Still Chatting Away…

  
Before watching tonight’s show, I did a bit of investigating around the ”Blogiverse” to see if I could find out what’s going on with the girls remaining on the show and if the spoilers from last week are still believed to be true.  I found a rather dispairaging article about Vienna Girardi, but Chris Harrison comes to her defense in this response.  Sources also claim that after Vienna wins Jake’s heart and the final rose, they break up within 2 months after the ending of the taping of the show.

Off of the “scoop” and onto the recap…

Gia meets Jake in New York City, New York.  She decides to take him on a boat ride to show Jake her city.  She points out the Empire State Building and it’s almost as if Jake says “duh!”  Jake brings up her past relationships and she admits that her ex is a cheater-cheater, pumpkin eater who has bad communication skills.  They take about 1,000 photos of themselves on the boat and then head to a restaurant for dinner.  The entire restaurant thing makes me question what’s up with her family?  They usually always do the dinners in the home.  What secrets can Gia’s family be hiding?  At dinner are Gia’s Mom, Step-Dad, Step-Brother (*with some FUNKAY hair*), and her half-brother.  Somehow, Gia’s Mom’s makeup gets smeared and nobody bothered to mention it to her.  She has black streaks under her eyes during the entire meal.  (*that poor woman*) 

During Jake’s 1-on-1 time with Gia’s mother, she asks him how it is dating the four remaining women.  Jake confides that he’s fallen for all 4 of them.  This then poses her next question which is what makes her daughter so special.   

“It’s taken me a long time to get to know Gia and the one thing that I can honestly look you in the eye and honestly tell you is that she has a way about her.  It feels organic and there was an immediate chemistry.  She’s amazing.”

Meanwhile Gia is chatting with step-bro and she shares that she still has a big wall up around her heart because of past heartbreak (*who doesn’t?*).  Later Mom and Gia have a little heart-to-heart chat.  Mom tells Gia that she things Jake loves her.  Gia explains that she wants to be set apart from the other women (*again, who doesn’t?*)

Jake shares his feelings for Gia, “When she lets me in… Oh My God… I love this girl… I love this girl.”

(*uh-huh.*)

The next date is with Ali in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  Jake shares that he just wants to get close to her.  He sees her, kisses her, and tells her, “I missed you.”  They sit and look at the barren trees with the fallen leaves on the ground.  Ali tells Jake a story about her childhood in which she used to try to catch falling leaves before they touch the ground.   If she caught one, she would make a wish upon it.  So, he gets up and drags her to the only remaining tree with leaves yet still attached.  He violently shakes it and leaves begin to fall.  Ali desperately attempts to catch one and Jake grabs his.  They make their leaf-wishes and move on to deceased Grandma’s house.

At this “special place,” Ali shares about her relationship with her grandmother who was actually more like a mother to her (*I bet her mother will really appreciate hearing this*).  She walks Jake through the empty home and shows him a picture of Grandma on the fireplace.  Ali shares with Jake that Grandma wanted to meet him and that her spirit is living up there in the house and that she has accepted Jake into the family.  She continues on that Grandma is in tears because she’s so happy looking down upon them.  (*time to call Zak and tape an episode of Ghost Adventures*)

Sappy leafs and stories later, they finally arrive at dinner.  They are greeted by Ali’s mom, sister and brother.  At dinner, Ali’s mom tells Jake that Ali is ”so compassionate” and has a “heart of gold.”  (*uh, wait until she sees her daughter rearing her ugly head when she attacks Vienna!*)  Ali’s mom asks the typical questions about what family means to Jake.  Of course, he gives the expected answer of family meaning everything to him.  Jake takes the opportunity to get Ali’s Mom’s blessing in the event he proposes to her daughter; she non-surprisingly says “yes.”  Apparently Gia and Ali have something in common other than their 3-letter names, they both have mothers with strong intuitions.  Ali’s mom says that she has a strong intuition that Ali will get a ring on her finger and that her intuition is almost never wrong.  (*maybe a Craker-Jack one?*)  Ali tells Jake that she wants to be with him and that she wants him.  She admits that if it’s her at the end, she would say “yes” and, for that matter, she’d say “yes” today if he asked.   Jake relays, “this could be the girl.”

We then travel to Newberg, Oregon where we get a toothache while watching Tenley’s date with Jake.  They take a walk in nature’s grandeur and Tenley is wearing the most God-awful boots that I’ve ever seen (*hurry, Fashion Channel, hurry!*).  This BEYOND-BORING couple discusses core values, morals and goals in life.  She asks him about his parents.  Then, she explains why she asked because x, y, & z was because of the situation with her ex’s parents.  They then talk about being “a unit.” (*when will the torture end?*)  Tenley gushes, “Jake is not like my ex-husband (in that he wants to be a team).”  (*ooooggghhh… I think I’d have a better time scrubbing the toilet than watching this… *)

The torture sickens when we are now in Tenley’s dance studio where she insists upon exposing her soul to Jake via a dance she choreographed just for him.  Get this… her dance is to the song that they play at weddings when the people are all cruising down the aisle before “Here Comes The Bride” starts up.  She starts flittering around doing some sort of repetitive “lyrical” dance on her toes.  I honestly cannot recall who said this next doozie, but apparently she gave him an inside to her soul and he wanted to hold onto it.  (*are you freaking kidding me?  that’s the depths of her soul?*)  Tenley coos that it is so fun to have somebody to dance with forever.  (*is she on hallucinogenics?  was she raised solely on Disney films?*)

Finally we get to dinner aka WEEP FEST 2010.  Again Tenley talks about her ex-husband, “the man she loved and adored.”   She continues that the last time she saw her mother, she told her that he was not coming back.  (*sob*)  At this time we see the family’s super cool dog, which was my favorite part of the date night.  The family discusses how Jake got to witness the beauty that is Tenley when she dances.  He agreed and said, “it’s gorgeous!”  (*almost like thousands of ants crawling over my skin!*)  When Jake and Daddy-O-Tears talk, he reminds Jake that it’s only been one year since the divorce and that Tenley’s been doing a lot of grieving.  Yet, he compliments Jake and shares with him that Tenley would bring joy into a home.  (*what else?  I know!  A few bluebirds to land on the kitchen windowsill while she bakes apple pies.*)  Tenley and Daddy-O-Tears talk about the blessing that Jake is and they both start to cry (*again!*).  At this point, I think it was Tenley’s Mom who tells Jake that he should expect some “emotional spill-overs” for a while and then… guess…. oh, come on, you can do it… YES!  You’re right!  She started to cry!  Tears stream down her cheeks as she tenderly says, “She’s amazing and it’s a pleasure to be her mother.”  (*and we will live in a castle and live happily ever after*)

As if this date isn’t dragging on long enough, we get to sit through Jake asking Daddy-O-Tears, “Can I marry your daughter?”  Eventually he spits out his blessing but reminds Jake of the responsibility that it will bring and advises him that she is going to have to guard her heart so that her heart feels safe.  (*and, she can put on knee pads, a helmet, and elbow pads just to walk down the street*).  Tenley admits that she’s falling in love.  (*oh, isn’t that just the surprise of the night?*)

If you are still with me, and I’m doubting you are, we now move onto Sanford, Florida for Jake’s adventure with Vienna.  He greets her with a “How are you, Beautiful?”  She takes him down the river on a boat then takes him to meet the scary, ominous Daddy-Monster-Who-Will-Beat-You-Up-If-You-Mess-With-Me (*who is actually so sweet… love him!*).  Almost immediately, we’re in the motorcycle garage in which Daddy-Monster tells Jake that Vienna is serious now, she’s gone to school and that she’s not going to make 2 mistakes (*this is in regard to her other “oops” marriage*)  We get more tears at Vienna’s house when Vienna and Daddy-Monster cry and cry over seeing each other again.  There’s a gratuitous shot of Chloe the dog.  Vienna admits to her father that she’s never truly been in love before.  Then there was more “I missed you”-ing.

Back to the conversation with Jake and Daddy-Monster, he tells Jake that he isn’t too pleased that he’s dating 3 other girls and his daughter simultaneously.  Jake tells him, “Im’ fallin’ hard.” 

“I’m glad about that… she’s my baby,” Daddy answers. 

Soooooo…. at family conversation Jake and Vienna talk with the family about how all the women were giving Vienna a hard time.  Jake explains it as they were jealous because he and Vienna had an immediate connection from the start.  They all comment about how brutally honest Vienna is and how that’s sometimes taken the wrong way.  This leads to more discussion about her competitiveness.  At this point, I’m wondering if she’s really in love or competing to win.   We end the night with Jake saying, “I feel myself falling for Vienna.  You know it’s really awesome to feel this way about Vienna.  It’s also scary because it’s so real.”  Vienna ends her night telling the audience about the glow she now has from being in love that everybody in her family could see.  (*who needs Oil Of Olay when you have Jake?*)

If you’re still there… hang in for just a tad more…

Back in Beverly Hills, Jake prepares for the Rose Ceremony and ONCE AGAIN says, “I’ve fallen for all 4 women.”  (*icky poo poo*)  Ali arrives at the door (*as the spoilers predicted*).   She starts to cry, they land on the couch and she announces that she must make the impossible decision to stay or return to work.  She asks Jake to help her.  

Jake inquires, “So, what are you asking?”

“I don’t know.”

“Ali, life is about minimizing your regrets and you just have to weigh which one is going to be the bigger regret.  I can’t right now guarantee that I’m going to put a ring on your finger.  But, I can’t look you in the eye and tell you I’m not going to. “

She tells him that she’ll let him know her decision at the Rose Ceremony.

“Whatever you decide is okay,” he murmurs.

She departs, heads down the hotel hallway, and collapses to the floor in tears.  

Jake says, “All I can do is hope.”

(*the finger cramping from typing this long soap opera is kicking in*)

At the Rose Ceremony Jake admits, “I’m falling in love with more than one woman right now and I don’t know where that’s going to end up.”  (*how many times do we have to hear him tell us that he’s falling for all the women?  I think as many times as we have to hear about Tenley’s ex-husband.*)

The ladies arrive and Gia’s nervous giggle breaks the silence.  Ali asks Chris to take her to Jake.  It is here that they have the signature “non-exclusive legs-over-the-lap” position on the couch.  After Ali admits in a voice over that she’s finally met somebody “who was deserving of my love.”

Jake says, “If you’re in love with me, then you need to weigh that.”

“If you were mine, it would be easy, ” she replies.  She explains that if she quits her job and he doesn’t pick her then she leaves this experience with nothing.

“You weren’t on the line tonight,” Jake shares.  “Ali, I don’t want you to go.  I love the fact that I’m falling in love with you and I don’t want you to go.  If you choose to leave, I will be devastated.”

She whispers, “I love you.” (*but, she loves Facebook more*)

Chris Harrison pops in and lets them know that time is a’wastin’.  She says that she needs more time.  at this point she’s still crying and her hair is a disaster.  She finally says, “I have to go.  I’m so so sorry.”  Jake cries.  

Jake tells her at the limosine, “I feel like you are slipping right through my fingers and I don’t know how to stop you.”

After she leaves she tells the cameras, “I don’t know if I made the right choice.”  In thinking about this statement, the core essence o’woman in me thinks that if she was truly “the one,” Jake would have haulted taping to accomodate exploring this.  He didn’t.  Maybe he didn’t love her as much as he thought he did.  I think she made the right choice.  

It seems like moments later and Jake re-enters the Rose Ceremony with Chris Harrison.  His voice over tells the audience that he’s got 3 wonderful women there waiting for him and that if he gave up then, he wouldn’t deserve to find true love.  (*note to self… so that’s how guys move on!*)

Ali: Man? Job? Man? Job.

A thousand tears later…  she’s left the show. 

Gia: My mother will do a tarot card reading for you!

Had Ali not left the show, it is my prediction that Gia would have been the one to go. OUTCOME:  She’s staying.

Tenley: Bring Kleenex if you come to dinner at my house.

She spent more time talking about her ex-husband than she has Jake.  OUTCOME:  She’s staying.

Vienna: Daddy's girl gets caught making out on the bed with Jakie-Poo.

Meet All Of Our Fabulous Contestants…

Here’s Charlee… 

His Mommy Shares:

Name:  Charlee (with two e’s because he wants and needs to be different)
Breed:  He’s a Keeshond, not to be confused with a little Pomeranian or a Chow Chow, and believe me that has happened.
Age:  He’s 12 going on puppy.
Gender:  And obviously from these pronouns, you’ve deduced he’s a boy, though he is neutered.

Why He’s So Loved:        I’ve included my favorite photo of him from this winter’s snow storm in his new outfit.  He just loves snow…eating it, tumbling in it, catching snowballs in his mouth, which leads to eating them, and just running around in it.  He’d live in the snow if I’d let him, but its too darn cold.  I’ve had him since I was a pup when Anna and I were in college and just had to get a dog because we were never getting married and would be old maids anyway.

Make Room For KC…

Her Mommy Tells ANM:

Name:  KC (pronounced “Casey”)
Breed:  She’s a Cockapoo
Age:  She’s still a pup at 2 Years Old
Gender:  All Girl!

Why She’s More Than Just A Pretty Face:   KC currently attends the TOUCH therapy program through Support Dogs, Inc. and hopes to visit hospitals and nursing homes.  She is the friendliest dog ever, and she wiggles her entire bottom when anyone approaches her, hence her nickname “Wigglebutt.”  KC was given a second chance at life at a year old after several pennies she consumed attacked her red blood cells and almost killed her.  After emergency surgery and a blood transfusion, her little “motor butt” came back to life and she was as good as new.

Hangin’ Out With Stella…

Her Mommy Tells ANM:

Name:  Stella
Breed:  Shihtzu/Poodle Mix
Age:  6 Years Young
Gender:  Beautiful Lady

Why She’s A Beautiful Baby:   She is a bit on the shy side, but she is incredibly sweet.  Stella is obsessed with treats and sees my husband as one huge milkbone because every time he walks in the front door he gives her one!

Mr. Gunner…

His Daddy Tells ANM:

Name:  Gunner
Breed:  Boxer
Age:  8 Weeks
Gender:  All Boy

Why He’s More Than Just Adorable:   He is not the smartest dog, but loves everyone!!  How could you not love this face.

Gunner’s Brother, Baxter…

His Daddy Tells ANM:

Name:  Baxter
Breed:  Boxer
Age:  3 Years
Gender:  Any Doubt That He’s A Manly-Man?

Why He’s More Than Just Adorable:   He’s just like a human, if only he could talk.  Best dog ever, plus he is adorable.

Here’s Wrigley…

His Mommy Tells ANM:

Name:  Wrigley
Breed:  German Shorthair
Age:  Only 1 Year Old!
Gender:  Boy o’ Boy

Why He’s More Than Just Adorable:   Wrigley is the happiest little puppy! We rescued him from an abusive home and he has come a long way since. He’s always learning, always curious, and always making us smile.

Meet Ms. Bacall…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name:  Bacall
Breed:  Lynx Point Himalayan
Age:  8 years old
Gender:  Definitely a little girl

Why She’s More Than Another Pretty Face:  Bacall is our little princess.  She is a petite cat, weighing only about 7-1/2 lbs., which is small for a Himalayan.  However, she rules the roost over our 14 lb. male cat, Bogie.  One day she did the funniest thing.  I put food into their dishes, and both cats came running down the hallway.  Bacall threw her hip into Bogie and knocked him right into the wall.  Obviously, she arrived at the food dishes first and chose the one she preferred.  Bacall is the boss of him for sure.  For sure she owns all our hearts as well. 

Bacall Can’t Be Without Her Bogie…

Name: Bogie
Breed: Lavender Point Himalayan
Age: 13 years young
Gender: Bacall’s Older Man!

Why He’s So Special: Bogie is our “big boy.” As big as he is (14 lbs.), he is a gentle and easygoing cat. He lets our petite girl cat, Bacall, boss him around all she wants. He possesses insatiable curiosity about everything. Anything new that is brought into the house is subject to his immediate inspection. If it is big enough, he gives it the “sleep test” by lying down in or on it. From time to time he decides he has to see what is going on in one of our cupboards, and he opens the door with his paw to look inside. He is a real ham and loves to pose for pictures. They say you can’t read a cat’s face, but I can read his, and he always has a smile for us. We love him dearly.

 Adorable Ted…

What Ted’s Dad Has to Say:

Name: Ted
Breed: Toy Fox Terrier
Age: 13 years young
Gender: Of course, he’s a boy!

Why He’s So Special:Toy fox’s are not a very popular breed, as far as I can tell, because it took me 4 months to even find a breeder near our metro Detroit area. Since the day Ted came home to us, he has slept every night by my side. He is my constant companion when I’m at home, and sometimes maybe to much of a companion (if you know what I mean!). I’m followed everywhere, but I love it!

Here’s The Taz Man…

Taz’s Mommy Shares:

Name:Taz
Breed: Long Hair Chihuahua
Age: 9 Month Old Pup-A-Doodle-Do
Gender: Such a Mighty-Man!

Why He’s So Special:He is a joy and charmer. He loves everybody and plays all day long. He has boundless energy and pesters his 7 year old sister constantly with toys till she plays with him. He has the longest legs we have ever seen on a Chihuahua so we have nicknamed him Giraffe although his full name is Tazmon Dickens and he lives up to it. He is well training and only plays with his toys, but he is insistent that you play with him. He comes and lays this toy on top of my computer over and over until I stop and play with him and if that doesn’t work, he starts stepping on the keys or scratching on my hands till I stop. And when he is pooped and wants to sleep it is across my lap, upside down with his head hung down and his feet in the air. He is just too funny!

He is so outgoing and fearless that at 6 months the doggie daycare had to move him from the puppy room to the adult dog room and he just jumped right into the middle of 30 adult dogs and started playing like crazy. He was half the size of the smallest dog in the room at the time. He will play with any dog of any size, even my son’s two pit bulls love to play with him. He runs them ragged out in the yard dashing back and forth and even right under their legs! What a sight! Our 7 year old Chihuahua just sits and shakes in the presence of the large dogs.

 Meet Bailey…

Bailey’s Mommy Shares:

Name:Bailey
Breed: Shih Tzu
Age: 6 Months Young
Gender: Baby Boy

Why He’s So Special:Bailey is my husbands dog.  We got him as a gift for Al for fathers day.  He was a surprise and Al had come home from work and Bailey was hiding under the kitchen table.  As Al walked around Bailey started to follow him and Al didn’t notice for about 10 minutes.  It was really funny.  Bailey is special because it was like he arrived in our home and decided that was ok by him.  He never cried like some puppies do, he just took right to all of us.  We have a second Shih tzu as well named Elmo and they are the best of friends. 

 Sweet Charlie…

Charlie’s Mommy Shares:

Name: Charlie
Breed: Minature Poodle
Age: Almost 4 Years Old
Gender: He’s a Boy

Why He’s So Special:Charlie is a rescue dog that was found on the streets about a year ago. He was skittish at first, but now is definitely one of the family! He loves people and would spend all day on someone’s lap if we let him, he does a cute little “circus” dance when he’s excited, and he loves children. Thanks to Charlie my daughter is no longer scared of dogs.

Book Bloggers… Guess Who This Is?

Her Book-Bloggin’ Mommy Shares:
 

Name:Milou
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Age: 14 Years Old
Gender: She’s a lovely lady

Why She’s So Special: She is quite the princess and thinks she deserves to be treated like royalty.  She loves to eat, sleep and get loving.

Ravin’ About Raven…

Her Book-Bloggin’ Mommy Shares:
 

Name: Raven
Breed: German Shepherd
Age: Just 1 Year Old
Gender: She’s a special gal, this one!

Why She’s So Special: She Raven is a clown…and I think this photo aptly shows that

Introducing Poe & Hiccup…

Their Mommy Shares:

Names: Poe & Hiccup
Breed: Chi/Jack Russel/Papillon mixes
Age: Both Are 1 Year Old
Gender: Poe Is A Boy and His sister Hiccup is a girl

Why They Are So Wonderful: My roommate and I rescue dogs and we took in our neighbors chi/papillon mix, Gigi, a year and a half ago. They were going to take that beautiful 8lb girl to the pound. My roommate and I already had two chi mixes, boys, but when they told us she was fixed (and 9 mo. old) we decided to take her in. Our neighbors lied. We took her to the vet  a couple weeks later and discovered she was over three years old and already pregnant by our smallest boy. Gigi had four tiny puppies in the kitchen in November of 2008. Hiccup was first and Poe was last, but was not breathing. We finally got him breathing and they have been such a blessing! Gigi and the other two puppies found great homes with friends a few months later, but Poe and Hiccup we just couldn’t part with. Poe is shy and sensitive, but incredibly obedient and Hiccup is outgoing, a little crazy, and totally independent. I was so scared to be having puppies, but it was one of the greatest things that could have happened.

Let Me Introduce You to Goldie

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Goldie
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age: 4 Years Old
Gender: Lovely Lady

Why She is So Wonderful: Goldie is one of the most enthusiastic dogs I’ve ever had.  I think it’s in the nature of the Labrador Retriever to be happy and silly, and she fits that description perfectly.  She has also always been extremely patient with the kids.  When we got her my youngest son was only a year old, and she would sit perfectly still as he climbed all over her.  Even now she is very patient with the boys, but then she knows that if she gets tired of their antics all she has to do is lick their faces and they will run away shrieking, “Ew, dog germs! Get the disinfectant, get the iodine!”

A Cat Named Dewey…

His Mommy Shares:

Name: Dewey
Breed: Long Haired Tabby
Age: 3 Months Old
Gender: A Total Dude!

Why He is So Wonderful: Dewey is awesome and we’ve only had him for about 2 weeks now. He likes to snuggle up into your neck/shoulder and purr his little head off.

Here’s Abby…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Abby
Breed: American Short Hair
Age: A Wee 7 Months Old
Gender: Gorgeous Girl!

Why She is So Wonderful: Abby loves her people. We come home and she greets us at the door with a little “meeow”, and she follows us up to bed at night, where she tries her best not to sleep all night, and keep her “people” up to pet her all night. She’s quickly becoming the queen of the house, and my husband and I adore her. She will let us do anything to her…check her ears, put our fingers in her mouth to check her teeth, check her paws, pet her tail….she’s a great cat!

An Friend For Life In KoKo…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: KoKo
Breed: Short Hair Tabby
Age: A Senior Citizen At 15 Years Old
Gender: Boy

Why He is So Wonderful: Koko is the best cat ever. He has a very dog-like personality. He speaks to us constantly, and always has to know where his family is. If we leave him alone in a room for a minute, he starts crying and asking us to come back and pay attention to him. Since he’s getting older he can’t jump around a lot, so he loves laps, and cuddling up with his family for naps. He greets my mom at the door and follows her around the house, while talking the entire time. He’s a sweet little guy….he’s even turned cat haters into cat lovers. He’s just that special!

Say Hello To Cassie…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Cassie
Breed: American Feline
Age: 3 Years Old
Gender: Girl

Why She is So Wonderful: Cassie still acts like a crazy kitten. I’m sure she must be related to Tigger as she definitely has his bounce! We have nicknamed her Spawn of Satan as she likes to cause trouble. She gives us regular 5am wake up calls by climbing onto the headboard of the bed & pouncing onto our stomachs which I can assure you isn’t a fun way to wake up! When she’s not found climbing up the curtains she is usually causing trouble somewhere or bringing us home a present which could be anything from a rat, squirrel or blackbird – the bigger the better! Although there are times when I could strangle her it just takes 1 look at her cute little face & you can’t help but forgive her.

I Love Lucy…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Lucy
Breed: Australian Shepherd/Golden Retriever Mix
Age: 3 Years Old
Gender: Girl

Why She is So Wonderful: (She is as wonderful as Shadow… see below) Before I rescued Shadow from the local animal shelter, I had Lucy. Lucy is also a rescue dog from the local animal shelter. Lucy was the only one there for me during one of the hardest times of my life. She would listen to me when I had no one to talk to and cuddle up next to me when I was sad or lonely. She really is a girl’s best friend. But, as life got better and we need more room to live in, I decided it was time to find a Lucy a playmate because Lucy has a lot of energy. With a big yard to run around in, I brought Shadow home. At first, Lucy thought Shadow was just a visitor, but the more time she spent with her, the more they grew to love each other as sisters. Now, they run and jump and terrorize squirrels in the yard together. They are really two great dogs, and I could ask for better babies.

Lucy’s BFF Shadow…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Shadow
Breed: Labrador Retriever Mix
Age: 1 Year Old
Gender: Girl

Why She is So Wonderful: See my wonderful story (above) with Lucy.

Meet Monty, Suzy & Alex…

Their Mommy Shares:

Names: Monty, Suzy & Alex
Breed: Shetland Sheepdogs
Age: Alex is 13 Years Young
Gender: Boy/Girl/Boy

Why They Are So Wonderful: All are Shetland Sheepdogs. Even though 2 are no longer with me, they will always be my sweet pretty babies. They are all eating peanut butter in this picture. Monty had the longest tongue and it was always funny to watch him eat peanut butter. Suzy was my baby; she helped me to not be scared of dogs anymore. We got Alex first and I was so scared of him; then a couple months later, we got Suzy and I fell in love. Monty was the baby and was such a character: stealing bread and anything with food in it. Alex is the athletic one; even at 13, he is still jumping onto my parent’s bed that is like 3 or 4 feet off the ground.

Marvelous Max…

His Mommy Shares:

Name: Max
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Age: Only 4 Years Old
Gender: Boy

Why He is So Wonderful: A picture tells 1,000 words… isn’t he the cutest?

Frankly Fritz…

His Mommy Shares:

Name: Fritz
Breed: Schnauzer/Brussels Griffons
Age: 1 & 1/2 Years Old
Gender: All Boy

Why He is So Wonderful: Fritz is a bundleful of energy, always dashing about.  He’s quick to give you a kiss if you’re feeling down.  If it’s a bit cool outside, he’ll plant himself at your feet, keeping them toasty warm.  A perpetual optimist, he’ll never let anything keep him feeling down for long.  Sweet and sassy, that’s my Fritz!

Oh La La, Don Juan…

His Mommy Shares:

Name: Don Juan aka D.J.
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog
Age: 1 Year, Months Old
Gender: Manly-Man

Why He is So Wonderful: His full name is shortened to “D.J.” and he is a lover.  We have had D.J. since September.  He is such a lovely boy but a bit reserved around men.  Although he is fine with my husband Bill, he mostly stick with me.  He is a mama’s boy.

Our Friend Robbie…

His Mommy Shares:

Name: Robbie
Breed: Malamute/Corgi/Sheltie Mix
Age: He’s In Doggie Heaven Now
Gender: A Perfect Gentleman

Why He Was So Wonderful: He has been gone for over a year now but we still miss him terribley  He thought he was a rock star!  We had to schedule our walks with him because they often took a long time.  People would come up to us to meet him and ask questions about him.  He was a Malamute, corgi, sheltie, we don’t know what else mix.  We just couldn’t keep him from his public.  He was a rescue, as all of our pet are and have been, so we weren’t exactly sure of his age.  When he got sick, he was between 10-12 years old. 

Tina’s Turning Heads…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Tina
Breed: Shorthair
Age: She’s In Kitty Heaven Now
Gender: A Lovely Lady

Why She Was So Wonderful: I got her when I was in my Twenties.  She was a rescue and had been shot with a bee bee gun several times.  She was only about 6 months old and pregnant.  I helped to foster her.  Once the surviving kittens were adopted out she was mine.  She chose me, no question.  She stuck to me like glue her entire life.  She has been gone for about 2 years now but I still miss her so much.  I feel like I did a lot of growing up with her.  She helped me through me best and worst times.  I still cry for her.  She was about twenty when I had to let her go to Rainbow Bridge.

Oh, Jasmine…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Jasmine (aka Jazzy) (Featured With Porkchop The Guinea Pig)
Breed: Golden Retriever
Age: 6 1/2 Years Old
Gender:Girly-Girl

Why She Is So Wonderful: Jasmine is a sweet, mellow golden retriever who wasn’t too sure about giving up her “only pet” status in our family when my kids got their guinea pigs.  She needed a little reassurance that she was still #1.  

Our Buddy CJ…

His Mommy Shares:

Name: CJ
Breed: Rat Terrier/Poodle Mix
Age: 8 Months Old
Gender: Baby Boy

Why He Is So Wonderful: We got him from a pet adoption place. They said he is a Rat Terrier and Poodle mix, so a “Ratt-e-Poo”.  

Handsome Babysitting, Broderick…

His Auntie Shares:

Name: Broderick (We call him Brody)
Breed: Golden Retriever/Labrador Mix
Age: We think 6-7 Years Old???
Gender: Complete Gentleman

Why He Is So Wonderful: Brody was a rambling man until he was adopted by a family who loves him dearly.  Most days, he spends with his rambunctious buddy Aaron.  He never tires of Aaron’s antics and is always there as not only a babysitter, but also a protector.  Oh… the days of a ramblin’ man….

Oh La La, Leilani…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Leilani
Breed: Rat Terrier
Age: 9 Years Old
Gender: Lovely Lady

Why She Is So Wonderful: She is special to me because I’m only 21 years old, and so Ive had her since I was 12.  I feel like we’ve grown up together, and she is truly is one of my best friends…I don’t care if she has 4 legs! She always knows when I’m crying or sick, and when I’m suffering from severe stomach pain, she seems to clue in because she always comes and rests her head on my belly knowing that the pressure is just what I need to feel better. She’s perfection and I love her!

Meet Jesse…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Jesse
Breed: Border Collie
Age: 11 Years Old
Gender: Boy

Why He Is So Wonderful: This is Jesse, he is an 11 year old Male Border Collie. He is the dog of a lifetime. This dog is my heart. He is as close to a person as any dog will ever get. I swear he reads minds. He talks to you as you give him love. He knows so many commands it is unreal. He even has learned some things that I have never taught him, like turn around and over there, etc. Jesse is a real love and will let kids hang all over him. He also was my first herding dog and started me in the sport of sheepdog trialing. He is an old man now with many health complications such as arthritis, bone spurs and preaniaul fistulis. It is going to be devastating to my family to lose this part of our family so I take really good care of him and he gets lots of TLC.

Lillies Are In Bloom…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Lily
Breed: Rat Terrier
Age: 4 Years Old
Gender: Girl

Why She Is So Wonderful: She has the greatest and funniest personality!!  She’s very independent and has her own mind.  If you do something she thinks is weird or out of the ordinary she’ll look at you funny and you can almost hear the thoughts going through her head.  When she’s doing something she’s not supposed to do, she is so not good at hiding it.  She will freeze or try to hide what she’s playing with and makes it so obvious.  She likes to crawl in the hamper (which is NOT allowed) but she still tries to get away with it.  We find her in other funny places too (I’m going to send over a couple additional pictures if I get home in time).  She loves to play fetch and likes to try and cuddle up in our blankets!

Our Emmy & Finn…

Their Mommy Shares:

Names: Emmy & Finn
Breed: Sacred Birman 
Age:  Emmy: 2 Years Old & Finn 11 Months Old
Gender: Girl & Boy(friend)

Why They Are So Wonderful: These two kittehs are blog stars – hogging the spotlight every Tuesday at Presenting Lenore with their adorable fluffy faces and tendency to sit on everything and anything in our apartment.  They are very sweet natured and love to cuddle.  Everyone who meets them falls in love and wants to take them home!  We are so lucky to have such a loving pair.

Little Pumpkin…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Pumpkin
Breed: Long-haired Tortoiseshell
Age:  Maybe 7 or 8 Years Old
Gender: Girl

Why She Is So Wonderful: I’m not sure of her age because we adopted her from the humane society.  I think she is around 7 or eight years old. I was looking for a short haired cat either black or black and white.  When I went into a room filled with cats and sat down to play with them she came over and climbed in my lap and every time I put her down she came back. So I ended up with a long haired tortoiseshell, not my short haired black cat.  Pumpkin is very spoiled.  She badgers me when I don’t pay enough attention to her and loves everyone who comes to visit.  She unashamedly begs everyone for scratches and petting.  She thinks she is a baby and drapes herself over my shoulder when she just want some cuddling.  She can drive me crazy when I’m busy but her unqualified love makes it all okay.

Here’s Hope…

Her Mommy Shares:

Name: Hope
Breed: Chihuahua
Age:  4 Years Old
Gender: Girl

Why She Is So Wonderful: Hope is quite the character. She loves to run so fast no one would be able to catch her but she only really enjoys it when she is in the garden and around flowers. She will run and run and then stop in front of one that catches her eye and stand on her hind legs to sniff it so delicately. It is so adorable! I wish I had a picture of it but I think the picture I do have will make up for it in cuteness factor. She gets cold easily since we live in Washington so needs to wear clothes some of the time. She is obsessed with dresses and is able to put them on and take them off herself. She hates doggy beds and loves Cat beds and while they might say pups are color blind she likes all her dresses and beds to be pink or dark and all her toys to be blue (if they are large) or green!

(P.S.  Thanks to Hope’s Mommy for saying that Tori & Claire are cute, too!)

Last But Not Least, Magellan and Penelope…

Their Mommy Shares:

Names: Magellan & Penelope
Breed: American Short Hairs
Age:  A Little Over A Year Old
Gender: Boy & Girl

Why She Is So Wonderful: Magellan and Penelope are brother and sister from the same litter.  Their other brother is black and white. He was adopted by someone else. They are the sweetest two kitties who are two peas in a pod.  Even though they may be sitting across the room from each other -they mimic each other-from their cleaning routine to their sitting pose.  Penelope loves to chatter away, making sure you are wide awake when she is at 4 AM, while Magellan likes to sleep in and sees no need to wake up until he is sure you are wide awake. 

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

 Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Note:  If I have mistakenly missed adding your entry, please contact me before February 8th, 2010 so that I may get him/her added immediately.  One vote per person, per category.

ALL VOTES ARE DUE IN BY FEBRUARY 21, 2010!!!

THANK YOU FOR VOTING!

Claire & Tori Thank You For Voting!

Tommy, Oliver & Dante Say, "Thanks For Voting Y'all!"

Author: John Heilemann & Mark Halperin

Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN #:   978-0061733635

Type:  Non-Fiction:Historical/Political

Pages: 464 Hardback

Published:  January 11, 2010

Website:   CLICK HERE

Purchase:  $13.00 (HERE) 

The Book

Could The Spoilers Be True?

  
It’s announced via the ”Blogiverse” that the winner of this season’s The Bachelor  is Vienna.  According to reality blogger sources which I read before tonight’s episode, Jake would be narrowing the field to Tenley, Gia, Ali and Vienna.  Sure enough, that’s what happened.  The spoilers say that Ali apparently bows out of the hometown date at some point, leaving Gia, Tenley and Vienna to vie for Jake’s heart.   The episode trailer for next week showed that there would be no rose ceremony.  This clip reflected that there was unexpected drama.  Could this rumor be true?  Does Ali leave him?  As I read on about the results of the show, it is speculated that Gia is tearfully sent home concluding in a finale decision between Tenley and Vienna.   It is rumored that that Tenley is chosen for the next “Bachelorette.”

Enough of the crystal ball and onto tonight’s recap…

Jake and the ladies settle in at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco.    The gals share the “California Suite” and are rooming together.  The first date was a 1-on-1 with Tenley.  When she discovers that she is up first, she gets flustered and says, “Oh my gosh, my heart!”  (*it’s almost as if she is a real disney princess, I kid you not!*)  She expresses, “If he sends me home, I’ll be VERY VERY devastated.”  It made me wonder… can you really be that invested at that point in a dating relationship that you would be VERY VERY devastated  if you broke up?  I just can’t wrap my head around that comment! 

Jake gushes over Tenley’s innocent spirit and says that “… She’s so positive all the time.  It’s awesome!”  (*personally, i would become a diabetic around her constant sweetness*)  Jake also admits that he’s starting to fall for Tenley.  (*viewers are less shocked by this statement after we learn that he’s falling for everybody*) 

-back in the suite…

A date card arrives and Corrie opens it up.  She announces that the 2-on-1 date invite is for Ali and Vienna.  Our precious, kind, and ever-so-gracious Ali blurts out, “I feel sick right now.”  After Corrie gets a hardy-har-har, she admits that the true recipients are Gia and Vienna.  I bet Ali would have loved to have known this information before she showed her true self and opened her nasty mouth.   Vienna takes the opportunity to honestly  and considerately call Ali out on her crap-talking not only on this comment, but also those of the prior rose ceremony.  Our little Ali-cat LIES and claims that she didn’t say a thing.  Without losing her cool, Vienna tells her “I heard you, Ali.  I was standing right there.”  (*YES!  go Vienna!*) 

-meanwhile, on the date…

Jake and Tenley have a dinner discussion about what she would do differently if she were to remarry.  She admits that she wouldn’t take her husband for granted anymore.  She goes on to say that in her marriage she didn’t jump out of her chair to welcome her husband home.  (*OMG… OMG… you have got to be kidding me!  that’s all you did wrong?  no, he wanted out of the magic castle*)  The most interesting part of the date for me was when Jake said the most endearing thing, “A marriage is never perfect, but the love can be.”  In regards to Tenley’s ex-husband, he assures her, “Cheating is a choice.”  The duo takes a stroll around the tower to take in the view after dinner and FINALLY… the “On The Wings of Love” theme song plays in the background.  (*see?  i told you it was coming*)

Double-Dating In The Castle

The next day, Gia and Vienna are presented a trunk full of clothes to wear on their “castle date.”  The BFF’s take a limo to a winery in Napa called Castella di Amarosa.  On the winery sits an actual castle made of brick and stone.  In the castle-theme, Vienna gets ultra corny and says, “I’m my dad’s princess, Jake’s queen and he’s my Prince Charming.” (*really…?  you did not just say that!*)  Meanwhile, insecurity overcomes ultra-hot-bikini-model Gia and she shares, “Jake and Vienna are so tight.”  Apparently, this made her feel like a 3rd wheel.  While the 3 of them share a meal, Vienna finally lets Jake know about how crappy way Ali made her feel in the last rose ceremony.  Jake tells Vienna that it was his full intention to have her there and that there were reasons behind his decisions.  He flat out tells her, “I want you here.” 

Jake takes Gia off for a romp in the castle.  She admits her insecurities and Jake tries to soothe her by telling her that she is “drop dead gorgeous” and “I’m falling for you.” (*i told you, he’s falling for everybody*)   Gia whines about the fact that the putting-her-legs-over-his-lap-thing is not personal to the two of them because all the girls put their legs over his lap.  (*aaahhh… make it stop!*)  Then she asks him, “Is it okay to fall?”  His as-to-be-expected-answer is, “It’s okay to fall.”  (*who says this mushy gushy stuff on dates?  i would NEVER ask a guy that!*)

-while Gia & Jake make-out…

Vienna decides that she cannot wait any longer.  She grabs a lantern and goes on a castle-hunt for her man.  Even though she’s got an entire camera crew following her, she suddenly gets shockingly lost and cries out for Jake.  She’s lost in the darkness, is scared and not-alone.  “Jake.”  “Honey?”  (*honey?*)   After the commercial break while we all pray that she’s safe in the castle, she finds her man and interrupts the kissing.  They have some alone time in which she admits that it feels like a knife in her heart when she sees him with the other women and that she doesn’t want to share him.  (*we’ve never heard that before in 14 seasons of this show*)  He seems to really understand how she feels.  But, he’s put up some type of wall between them and watching this intimate moment feels awkward. 

-back in the suite…

Corrie’s date card arrives and states, “Love is a walk in the park. -Jake.”   The women goo, gush and giggle.

-meanwhile, at the castle…

Jake takes the women to their bedroom where they will stay the night.  (*i might add at this point that I was more interested in the awesome, pretty sheets and bedding than i was the drama going on… i’m telling you… great sheets!*)  Vienna can’t sleep knowing that Jake is downstairs in his bedroom alone.  She hijacks the trusty lantern and two glasses of red wine then she’s off for his lair.  Jake goes on record to state that she looked sexy and that he really did want to do bad things to Vienna, but that out of respect for Gia who is sleeping upstairs, he felt it best that they stay G-rated.  Gia fumes, “Vienna does things without thinking!”

The next day, Corrie and Jake head out for a date in the park.  Jake shares that things are moving too slow with Corrie and that he has expectations for the date.  Corrie tells that she is used to men pursuing her and that she likes to take it slow.  As the couple have yet to kiss, Corrie’s interview shows her saying that she likes the man to come 90% of the way and she 10% of the way for that kiss.  On the rowboat in the lake, Jake scoots in the for the kiss.  Corrie gives him the look…. and… nothing.  (*ribbit*)   The scene switches to Jake’s interview where he states that he feels a man should go 80% of the way and the lady 20%.  (*mathematical equations to kissing… hmmm… should go for the median and agree with 85%/15%?*) 

Corrie and Jake wrap up their date by having dinner at the Science Center.  It is here that Jake and Corrie attempt to get to brass-tacks and open up.  After discussing living together before marriage, Corrie basically tips him off by indicating that she’s saving herself for marriage.  Jake poses the follow-up question and it’s confirmed… Corrie is a virgin.  This makes Jake so very happy.  They finally kiss, which is basically a waste of energy because we all know that he won’t  pick her.

On Ali-Date-Day, Ali finally lets her hair down (*thank god!*)  She was to show him around her home town and favorite haunts of San Francisco.  I was completely and totally grossed out when she kept squealing as they strolled down the street about how happy she was.  She must have said it 100 times and I think we heard just about all of them.  If she wasn’t shrieking about that, the viewers had to endure her repetitive comments about how happy she was that he was in her home town with her.   Then she prods, “Do you like San Francisco?  Can you see yourself spending time here?”  (*it’s burning… it’s burning… make it stop!*)  The entire date, Jake is itching to confront Ali about being mean to his girl, Vienna.   He finally brings up the topic. and in fact says, “She’s so incredibly honest and goes out of her way to let me know that she’s here for me.”  Ali tries to save face by saying that she’s ready to let go of it.  (*how big of her!*)   Now that Jake is convinced that sweet Ali didn’t harm his Vienna, he makes her run into the cold ocean in her puss-n-boots black, leather boots.  All I can do is wonder why they didn’t stop and take their shoes off before they ran in the ocean.  Those boots made the outfit.  I was seriously disturbed. 

Finally, it’s rose ceremony time.  Jake takes Tenley away for the first private-time conversation.  As he dances with her, we hear his voice saying, “It’s not about sex appeal, it’s about heart appeal.”  Tenley pronounces, “I just want to stand out for you.”  He responds, “You do.” 

One by one, they all get there moments with Jake.  This is after he says aloud to the flock that he is falling for all of them.  Tenley is shaken to the core by this statement and can’t understand how she could be special to him at all  if he feels this way about everybody.  Saving his Vienna for last, Jake wisks her off to his private suite.  They go out on the balcony and he shares his romantic view of the city with her.  What I admired the most about Vienna at this juncture in the journey is that she asks him  “How are you doing?”  It appears that she sincerely means it.  He opens up to her because she is his safety girl.  Of course, they kiss and Jake’s voice over tells the viewers that he has been pulling himself back from her, that he doesn’t want to do that anymore, that he wants to fall into her, and that he’s ready to turn that corner.  (*hmmm… makes you wonder about dem rumors*)  Vienna tells the cameras that, at this point, she just wants Jake to be happy.

Ali: Trying to figure out a way to remove the foot from the mouth.

I’m still not liking Ali… in fact… I really dislike her immensely at this point.  Outcome:  She’s staying. 

Even though she finally got that 1-on-1 time, it was just too late for them.  I think that she was right when she told the cameras that, had he not been dating 4 other women, if they dated it would have had a completely different outcome.   RESULT:  Sent packing. 

Gia: How can you be a bikini-model and be insecure? I'm missing something here. She's a smart girl, too! What's up with her?

After Jake tells her that she’s completely different from all of the other ladies in the house, she really falls for him.  After all, he said it was okay. OUTCOME:  She’s staying.

Tenley: Please God... PLEASE!!!! Don't let her be the next Bachelorette!

Last week I predicted that she’ll be in the final two.  I’m holding onto that prediction and taking extra insulin.  OUTCOME:  She’s staying.

Vienna: Whether she's the winner or not, there's just something about her that I just kinda dig! But, don't leave her alone in a castle!

January flew by!  I cannot believe that we are entering February of 2010.  Did y’all watch The State of The Union Address?  Since I was young, I always watched it with my family.  I was encouraged by the speech and am hopeful that our nation’s future gets brighter.  There were many things that our president said that I honestly applaud him for.  I’m hopeful in so many ways… but, most of all that the politics between the Republicans and Democrats starts to diminish so that they can find a way to work for The American People.  I agree with our president on that point, definitely.

So… the 31st is the last day to submit your photos and bio for ANM’s 2nd Annual Beautiful Baby Contest.  There are a few of you out there who haven’t sent your submittals in and I know you were going to… (hint, hint, hint… ).  I’m going to be posting the pageant this week.  Also, my email is sometimes wacky and sends email into my spam account, so if your submittal doesn’t appear, please contact me immediately.  If you aren’t submitting, please cast a vote for your favorite.  I know that I’m really looking forward to it.

My children have been very bad this week and are, once again, on restriction.  It’s almost as if they truly think they won’t get caught for improper behavior.  Yet, they always get caught.  When they are caught lying, they just get in double the amount of trouble.  They just can’t avoid testing those limits with me… like a moth to the flame.  Colie actually admitted today that they are in so much trouble that it feels like they will be on restriction forever.  Why is being a mom so hard? 

I asked their father to have a family meeting with me and, reluctantly, he agreed.  He did end up backing my position and agreed with me on points.  The girls just don’t seemed to be as affected by the family meeting as I thought they would.  The duo just acts so smug and like they are smarter than us.  I know they’re not… but, they certainly don’t believe that.  Like I said, being a parent and trying to do the right thing is hard.  You know, God should have thrown in a lifetime supply of Xanax as part of the deal for me delivering those twins!  God, are you there?  It’s me, Sheri.  HELP! 

This Week’s Reads

This week, I reviewed:  

Contests 

Once again, I’m reminding you to send in your photos for ANM’s 2nd Annual Beautiful Baby Contest.  You have until the 31st to submit your photos to anovelmenagerie@aol.com.   (Click the picture below to take you to the contest details).

On TV 

The Bachelor

Jakes starts weeding the wrong ones out of the group this week.  I think he’s going to be narrowing down the group considerably in the next couple of weeks.  I’m predicting Tenley and Gia for the finale as of this point.   For this week’s recap, click HERE.

The Rest… 

I am totally looking forward to a solid week at work and a mini-vacation in the mountains in February.  There is tons of snow and the twins will get to snowboard (if they ever get off restriction).  I am hanging in there on my diet and really miss Chardonnay!  The twins are starting spring soccer next week, which should tire them out some.  My wish to all the moms out there… have a great week and I wish you an easy  week.

As always, my thanks to all of you for reading not only this post, but the others as well.   Your readership means the world to me!  AND, your comments are invaluable to me!

Author: Jennifer Ashton, M.D., Ob-Gyn with Christine Larson

Publisher: Avery (Penguin)

ISBN #:   978-1-58333-369-3

Type:  Non-Fiction:Health & Science

Pages: 297 Trade Paperback

Published:  December 29,  2009

Website: http://www.drjenniferashton.com 

Purchase:  $10.53 (HERE) 

The Summary

Monday Night Is Now Officially: “Hate On Vienna Night”

Hang in there Jake... we haven't even seen the most dramatic episode of The Bachelor yet!

Sand surfing in Pismo Beach

Well, I’m sure you’re here to read more about what happened in the episode rather than my utter distaste for the snide remarks that the girls are making, so I’m off to the show’s recap. The evening starts out with Chris Harrison letting the remaining nine know that they will be leaving the house forever and that they will be loading up onto two R.V.’s and heading up the California Coast. It is at this point that he shares that the dates for this next leg of their journey will be a 1-on-1 date, a group date, and a 2-on-1 date in which one of the two will be sent home. Everybody packs and they are off. The girls are split into two buses: Bus 1: Ali, Jessie, Kathryn, Tenley, and Ella / Bus 2: Vienna, Gia, Corrie, and Ashleigh.

Stop one was at the Sanford winery in the beautiful Santa Ynez wine country.  He chose Gia to accompany him on this date.  After they play “hide and seek” in the orchard, they share a picnic lunch with plenty of tasty wine.  (*BTW: If you haven’t ever had Sanford Chardonnay, grab a bottle… it’s delicious! *) Gia shares that she was a nerd in school and Jake admits that he waited until the 11th grade before he had his first kiss.  They play Spin the Bottle to erase Gia’s memory of her wasted first kiss which occurred during a teenage game of it.  She makes up the rules about the kisses that are awarded per accurate spin.  They’re off and spinning and kissing in no time.  Jake is smitten, to say the least.  That evening at the campfire, they cuddled and kissed rather consistently.  Her roommates on the bottom of the hill made wolf sounds and cat calls to remind the duo that they were there.  All in all, it was a solid date for the both of them.  For two people being so different, there seems to be a strong physical connection.  Gia shares with the audience that she hasn’t felt “like that” for 1.5 – 2 years. (*wow… that is so long!*) The funniest part of this date is when Gia looks at the stars and says, “We don’t have this in New York.”  (*note to Gia: yes, you do.*) 

While Jake and Gia were smooching, the next date card is discovered.  The group date shall consist of Jessie, Ashleigh, Corrie, Tenley, Vienna and Ali.  This of course, disappoints the nasty Ali as I think she secretly wanted the 2-on-1 date with Vienna so that she could eradicate her and “take one for the team.”  In fact, she likened it to the equivalent of Tyson vs. Holyfield.  (*I wonder which one is Tyson?*) In addition, she didn’t want to spend the date with her nemesis.  This date card leaves Ella and Kathryn, two of the classiest ladies in the bunch.  I am nearly certain that Ella will come home with the rose, or at least I am hopeful as she is my favorite.

Ella, Kathryn & Gia chat with Jake before his group date.

On group date day, the gals and Jake get dirty in the sand in Pismo Beach.  Pismo is awesome and known for its sand dunes in which people can ride buggies, ATV’s, camp, bring pets, etc.  It’s right on the ocean and super cool.  How they managed to get this very popular spot to themselves is quite impressive!  Jake and the ladies due some dune buggy riding.  Corrie tore it up as a driver while Jessie was the timid one who got Vienna and herself stuck in the sand.  With Jake to the rescue, they are off and riding in no time.  After the riding about, they attempt sand surfing.  I’ve actually never heard of this before, but the ladies seemed up for it.  (*Picture snowboarding on the sand…*)  Jake admits his admiration of Tenley and her continual positive attitude.  (* I personally agree with one of the other bachelorettes that if Tenley is like this 24/7, then she’s definitely psychotic.*)  Before the afternoon is through, Corrie jumps on the opportunity to go rolling down the sand dunes with Jake to get some private time.  It pays off because she ends up catching his attention.

Jake kickin' it on Tenley's lap

The 2-on-1 date occurs in Big Sur, which is one of the most gorgeous spots in California on the coast. (*GORGEOUS, I tell ya’!*) Ella and Kathryn have dinner with Jake in his cabin while the other ladies are roughing it. Ella takes considerably more of the attention during dinner and makes her plea to continue to explore their relationship. When he’s alone with Kathryn, she calls him out on not giving her the attention she deserves. I have the feeling that he is going to choose Kathryn because he told her that he is afraid to get lost in her eyes. He sends Ella home. (*I’m so sad*) He returns in to the cabin to donn Kathryn, the clear winner of the evening, with the presentation of the rose. As he starts to talk to her, the viewers discover that Kathryn won’t continue on this journey and he sends her home as well. She outright tells him that she believes he is making a mistake. To a degree, I agree. However, truth be told that they never really seemed to connect through all of the prior dates.

Next week, I imagine that we will see more Vienna-hating.  I am nearly 100% certain that she will be eliminated within the next 2 shows.  They are heading to San Francisco and ready to explore the town a bit.  

Ali: DEFINITELY NOT the sweetheart we all thought she was...

I’ve gone from an Ali-supporter to an Ali-hater.  I just cannot stand the way that she attacks Vienna.  I think it’s immature and insensitive.  Jake deserves better.  Outcome:  She’s staying. 

Ashleigh: Most likely horrified at the camera angle during her 1-on-1 scene.

As hot as she is physically, she just doesn’t connect with Jake on an emotional level.  OUTCOME: Sent packing.

Corrie: I’ll go for a roll in the sand with you!

I predicted that she would need more camera time to be a contender.  I’m curious to see who wins out between her and Vienna. OUTCOME:  She’s staying. 

Ella: My favorite is now gone... so sad... so sad... Make her the next Bachelorette

This is just a shame and a pity!  I really liked Ella.  OUTCOME:  Sent packing. (BOO!)

Gia: After playing barefoot in the orchard, she admits that she wants 2 kids, to adopt a Chinese baby girl, and get a pot-belly pig.

You would think that she’s the “don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” type, but she’s really not.  She genuinely seems interested in Jake.  But, I don’t think she’s the one for him.   OUTCOME:  She’s staying.

Jessie: It was no shock to me that she was sent home.

I question why she spent her alone time with Jake discussing Vienna.  Either way, I don’t think she had a really strong chance.  She just doesn’t seem like his type.  OUTCOME:  Sent packing.

Kathyrn: Our flight attendant flies away...

She’s such a lady and so gracious.  I can understand that Jake just didn’t see her as his future wife, but he might have wanted to give her more of a chance.  OUTCOME:  Sent packing. 

Tenley: Still talking about her past, but at least she's not discussing her wasted virginity.

I have a feeling that Tenley will be in the final two.  She just has that personality that I think Jake is attracted to…. sweet & innocent type.  Her cheeriness is a tad concerning, but I’m not the one who’d have to live with her.  OUTCOME:  She’s staying.

Vienna: Trying to keep her chin up despite the women around her treating her so poorly.

Some people in the press have donned her a “butter face.”  Now, that’s all I can think of when I see her!  I shouldn’t read about this show so much!  I like her if only for the fact that she’s taking all the criticism and still trying to connect with “her boyfriend” Jake.  OUTCOME: She’s staying.

 

Stay tuned for next week’s review! 

 

For prior week’s recaps:

 

Season Premiere – January 4th, 2010

January 11th, 2010

January 18th, 2010