Ali Fedotowsky The Bachelorette, Episode 2.

Welcome back! Episode 2 of The Bachelorette was full of drama, laughter, smiles, some kissing, and oh yeah, a downpour of corny weather jokes. Ali is obviously the star of the show, but this episode featured a subplot: the mounting surge of dislike between Jonathan the Weatherman and Craig M. from Canada. After watching the episode back, Jonathan spoke more of Craig M. than he did of Ali! Even during the one-on-one time with Ali, the conversation revolved around Craig M. Sidenote #1: You don’t win a girl’s heart by talking about other guys. It’s like going to a job interview and talking about someone else’s resume. Or better yet, talking about someone else’s cloud cover, if you know what I mean! Get it? Get it??? Ok, moving on. In this episode we saw Ali go on one group date and two individual dates. She had a rose for each date, so three guys could get a rose before the final ceremony, in which three are also getting eliminated. First date card goes to Clark Kent, I mean Frank. I don’t know how, but he’s already head over heels for Ali. That should worry you. He’s already said he feels like they’re a couple, even calling her his girlfriend. He may be good, but too much of a good thing is bad and I can see him smothering her to death. His over-the-top and lightning-quick commitment to her is the perfect set up for a meltdown. Even the big fins on the 1959 Cadillac they rode in won’t save Frank from himself. And hey, those were big fins! Frank is involved in too many adventures to be committed to one. Highlight of their one-on-one date:
They drink wine on the hood of the car. Ali teases Frank with the rose.
They eat cupcakes.

Lots of drama at the house in this episode. Craig R. is still suspect of Justin’s intentions and calls him out on it. The date card arrives. A couple of Craigs, Chris’, and a few others head to the beach for a photo shoot with photographer Michael Grecco. Chris Harrison explained the reason for the photo shoot: a calendar! Proceeds of the calendar sales go to an unnamed charity. Sidenote #2: Christmas shopping, done.

The guys were happy to be with Ali at the beach, but the winner on this date was Kirk for quoting a line from Dumb & Dumber. Nice move. After a randomly placed tug-of-war clip, Ty had photos taken while he sang to Ali. None of the other guys liked this, of course. Later Ty revealed that he’s been married and divorced. If big surprised eyes mean anything, then Ali’s either disappointed, or thinking about the next hit country song. Jonathan also gets some one-on-one time and calls Craig M. dangerous for Ali. Cue Ali’s big surprised eyes. Either she’s shocked by the news, or she came up with a third verse for Ty’s hit country song. She finds Ty and gives him a rose.

A new date card arrives at the house. A few corny weather-related jokes later, Jesse is named as the invitee. This guy is emerging as a match for Ali. On the outside, he’s a tattooed tough guy, but Ali sees more. A soft-hearted, good-natured man. He was nervous on their date, but by the end, some walls came down and they connected. Her gamble paid off on their date in Vegas, Jesse got a rose.

Before the final rose ceremony, Chris L. told Ali about his family. He’s got two brothers and talked very highly of them and the rest of his family. He’s emerging as a strong family-oriented guy. He hasn’t revealed yet that his mom died recently. He comments about his family: “they are who I am.” I’m trusting him and his teeth a little more now. Roberto spends some time with Ali, assures her he’s doing fine even without seeing her much in the past week. She’s giddy over him. He tells her about his baseball past. He gets a couple of gloves and they toss the ball. To accept baseball is to accept Roberto. There’s a good connection between those two. Later, Kasey’s time with Ali was interrupted by Clark—I mean, Frank the Smotherer and in one-on-one time with Craig M., Ali calls him out on his intentions. His disoriented jumbled responses did him no good. Cut to a shot of Jonathan standing in the shadows as Craig M. walks by. Storms-a-brewin’. Both of these guys are forgetting the reason they are there, however, Jonathan wins the battle by getting the last rose in the ceremony.

Here’s how the roses were dealt:
Frank (from the one-on-one date)
Ty (from the group date)
Jesse (from the one-one date)
Kasey
Hunter
Roberto
Chris L.
Justin
Steve
Kirk
John C.
Craig R.
Chris N.
Jonathan

Elimated were Craig M., Tyler V., and Chris H.

Check back next week for a recap of episode 3!

(click here for Episode 1 recap)

 

Ghosts

Until a few weeks ago, I couldn’t claim I’ve had experiences with ghosts. In fact, I still may not can claim that. However, here’s the story.

I was home during the middle of the day. It was a cool, clear and sunny day, so after my dog finished her lunch, I let her out in the back yard. With a few spare minutes, I laid down on the couch for a short nap. It was a light sleep, waking up every few minutes, then dozing off again. About ten minutes into the nap, during one of the halfway awake moments, there was a figure standing with their back towards the couch, as if they were about to sit down where I was resting. I remember the figure being a pasty white, yet a bit translucent. Without regard to my occupation of the couch, the figure sat down right around where my chest was. Immediately I felt a tingling sensation throughout my whole body and was instantly fully awake. Was it a ghost or just my imagination? I’m more sure that it was all in my head, in a halfway dreamy state of slumber. But the house I live in does have an interesting history. It was built in 1957 but was empty for many years until more recently when it was remodeled, then sold (to me). And I’ve been told someone died inside the house. So this couch experience was strange, but not scary. Had it been dark outside when this happened, I probably wouldn’t have stayed at the house that night, though.

Do you have any experiences like this? Feel free to share or comment on mine!

Ali Fedotowsky, Meet the Bachelors!

Episode recaps:
episode 4
episode 3
episode 2
episode 1

Here they are in order of the episode 1 rose ceremony:

Roberto: 26-year-old who recently moved to Charleston, SC. He grew up in Tampa, FL learning to admire his parents and wants a relationship like theirs. When he first met Ali, he complimented her, and she complimented him. He also spoke Spanish to her and said he’d teach her to salsa dance. He hadn’t said his name yet so Ali said she’d just call him “Cutie.” Roberto emerges quickly as a fan favorite, and the producers will edit the show that way. He got the first impression rose.
My take: Top three. I expect him to last a long time this season because he seems very likeable.

Justin: 26-year-old entertainment wrestler from Toronto, Canada. He claims he’s a villain in the ring, Mr. Rated-R, but opposite in real life. He appeared comfortable upon meeting Ali, though he was on crutches. In episode 1, he got some one-on-one time and explained the broken foot. Although some guys doubt, he claims he’s “there for the right reasons.” He also received a first impression rose, even after the guys vote him as the one who’s there for the wrong reasons.
My take: Some guys are threatened by him, so they want him eliminated. He seems genuine. Top three because either the audience will love him, or love to hate him, and this is a show producer’s dream.

Jesse: 24-year-old from Peculiar, Missouri. We don’t see much of him in episode 1, but Ali seems to favor him. He gets some one-on-one time with Ali. He brought her a box, about the size of a ring box. Inside is a wood heart, which he made with a jigsaw. His sister recommended the idea, so then he tells Ali more about his sister.
My take: Top ten. The dark horse of the competition. He’s a bit odd, but I like him so far.

Ty: 31-year-old from Franklin, Tennessee. He plays the guitar, his dog is left-pawed. He’s also recently divorced. He’s a classy guy from the country, polite. Ali isn’t bothered by him being a Southerner, she say’s it’s charming.
My take: I like him but don’t see him having a strong connection with Ali. Top ten but not top five.

Craig R.: 27-year-old from Pennsylvania. When he first met Ali he said he was nervous, although he seemed comfortable. He has a fatherly presence. This proved true when he pulled Ali aside, taking it upon himself to inform Ali of those that are here for the wrong reasons. He gives her a little yellow shoe keychain, and keeps one himself. One day he hopes they can pair them up. She appreciates him looking out for her.
My take: He set himself up as a big brother. Not a husband for Ali. Top fifteen but not top ten.

Tyler V.: 25-year-old from Chelsea, Vermont. One of the first things he says to her is that he’s excited she’s there and not flying around with Jake. Their encounter was comfortable.
My take: could be a dark horse. Top fifteen but not top ten.

Frank: 30- or 31-year-old from Chicago or Geneva. He tells Ali that he quit his job to chase his dreams. When he found out Ali was The Bachelorette, he was very excited. He’s the Clark Kent of this season. He’s already said he loves Ali, and they’re getting married. Arriving at the mansion to meet Ali, he climbs out the limo sunroof, so needless to say he’s got a flare for the dramatic. He seems nice, he’s adventurous and sees that same quality in Ali.
My take: he’s a firecracker, so Ali better be careful that he doesn’t blow up. I predict he’ll have some sort of meltdown which will cause his elimination. Top ten, possibly top five because producers love drama.

Steve: 28-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio. When he met Ali, he was comfortable and they had a good conversation. She likes this guy.
My take: Top ten.

Chris L.: 32-year-old from Cape Cod, Massachussetts. He moved to New York to teach at an inner-city public school. This will possibly set him up as an emotional favorite. When he met Ali, he acted a bit creepy. He uses words like “wicked” and lives with his dad, near his brothers. His mom died recently. Again, the emotional favorite.
My take: There’s something guilty about him that I don’t trust. I think it’s his teeth, however, I put him in the top ten, possibly top five.

Kirk: 27-year-old from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He cleverly made a rose out of a red napkin when he first met Ali. Later in the show, he also gave her a homemade scrapbook highlighting his personality. The guys made fun of him for this.
My take: girls like guys that spend time doing something special for them. If he keeps this up, he will go far. Top three.

John C.: 32-year-old from Issaquah, Washington. He talks a big game and aims to back that up by surprising Ali. He begins this crusade by getting down on a knee and giving her a cubic zirconia ring. He then asks for one on one time. She loved it. Sidenote: He believes Justin is a genuine person.
My take: little tricks won’t last. Top ten not top five.

Chris N.: 29-year-old from Orlando, Florida. Cleverly (yet unoriginal at this point) gave her a rose when he first met her. A classy move, though a bit corny. He was comfortable in conversing with her, and that’s about all we saw of Chris N.
My take: Top fifteen not top ten, only because the producers cut him out, they must have a reason.

Chris H.: 27-year-old from Vancouver, Canada. Upon meeting Ali, he was a gentleman. He was smart by keeping it casual. He made a light joke and moved on.
My take: A likeable guy, if he shows more personality and gets some face time with Ali, could go a long way. Top ten.

Hunter: 28-year-old from San Antonio, Texas. When he met Ali, he had something humorous planned, but could only say she was beautiful and he had to use the restroom. She laughed a lot at this and told him where to go. Later in episode 1 he played an original song on a Ukelele. This was clever and funny. Jason (who didn’t get a rose) called him “the nerd that never gets the girl.” He’s closer than Jason is.
My take: The Bob Guiney of this season. He’ll be likeable and funny, but ultimately, won’t end up with Ali. Top fifteen but not top ten.

Craig M.: 33-year-old from Toronto, Canada. He’s a little (or a lot) too into himself and his looks, even saying, “oh yeah!” as he checked himself out in a mirror. He’ll end up being the least-liked Canadian on the show because of his arrogant attitude.
My take: won’t make it to top fifteen.

Jonathan: 30-year-old from Houston, Texas. Claims his secret weapon is his humor. When he met Ali, he brought her a gift. He was very comfortable with her, but this is most likely because he’s a television weatherman. He’s talkative and hogged the conversation when he was with Ali and Craig M. Some of the guys don’t trust him quite yet.
My take: Is he looking for exposure? Outlook is unclear. Top ten but not top five.

Kasey: 27-year-old from California. He’s more of the serious-type. When he met Ali, he confessed his intentions right there on the spot. Ali said it was so sweet. He claims he’ll be there at the end down on one knee. During some one-on-one time, he told Ali he wants to guard and protect her heart. Because his dad cheated on his mom, Kasey is committed to never ever hurting a woman like that. Ali called him chivalrous.
My take: being called “sweet” usually doesn’t end well. If he doesn’t appear to have a rough side, Ali may send him packing. Won’t make it to top fifteen.

Ali Fedotowsky The Bachelorette, Episode 1.

Meet the Bachelors!

Cue music, cue last season’s highlights, cue Ali Fedotowsky! Coming off a tough breakup with Jake Pavelka where Ali was “forced” to choose between her job and her man, she chose her job and lost her chance at love, until now— the sixth edition of The Bachelorette! Before 25-year-old Ali met the twenty-five guys, she rattled off a list of promises for this season:

1. not going to let fear hold her back.
2. find “that guy”.
3. not going to let go of love this time.
4. going to be strong.
5. grow and become a better person.
6. leave with no regrets.
7. determined to get that great man and move forward with an open mind and heart.
8. hoping she’s standing in some amazing place with tears in her eyes looking at a man down on one knee asking her to be his wife.

Also, if you didn’t hear the first 10 times it was mentioned, she quit her job and “left everything” to come do this show which, according to Chris, will be a party like we’ve never seen before! We’ll be the judge of that, won’t we? Time to meet the guys. The first limousine arrives with five men inside: Chris H., Jesse, Chris L., Ty and Frank. All five later get a rose. The second limousine arrives with Justin, Jay, Chris N., Kasey, and Kyle. Three of these men get a rose. Roberto, Craig M., John N., Tyler V. and John C. all arrive in limousine three. All but one later get a rose. The next limousine has four guys that will receive a rose: Jonathan, Craig R., Steve and Kirk. The fifth guy, Tyler M., made a fatal error in wearing boots just like Ali did when she first arrived to meet Jake. Only Ali didn’t wear boots. Goodbye Tyler. Limousine five might as well been decked out in camouflage because Hunter the outdoorsman is the only one who gets a rose. The other four include Derek, Phil, Shooter and Jason.

All the guys have arrived and Ali steps inside to begin the mingling. At one point Ali is asked what she’s looking for in a mate. She gives the formulaic answer of a guy who’s smart, funny, and wants to treat her right. Wow, that narrows it down.

For a closer look on each bachelor, click here.

After watching the two-hour season premiere, I’ve chosen who will make it to the top three. Ali Fedotowsky will pick either Roberto, Justin, or Kirk. But will she keep her list of promises? Will the man she chooses propose to her in some amazing place? We shall see! Thanks for reading, check out my recap for episode 2 here.

Routine

In the summer of 2000, I worked at Kanakuk Kamps in Lampe, Missouri. In fact, I worked there for that summer and the next two. One of my favorite parts of the camp was the kitchen. Talk about good food, the cooks there were good at what they did. However, on days I wasn’t in the mood for “Frito Love,” there was peanut butter and jelly. Not secretly my favorite sandwich of all time. One day, as I sat down with a couple of sandwiches in my normal seat at the middle table, the director of the camp said to me, “creature of habit.” He was referencing how I chose to sit in the same spot pretty much every single meal. He was right on the money. I guess I never realized how routined I was until he said it. And routines are a good thing. They provide stability, normalcy, a way to measure growth and progress, and as was my case at the camp, safety and comfort. I began working at this camp without knowing anyone. It was far away from my family, and all of my friends. So having my place to sit and eat meals became familiar. And I can’t think of anything more important for a person who feels out of place than familiarity.

Fast forward to 2009, and I was still that same creature of habit. Between balancing work, friends, and whatever else came up, I developed a routine that worked. I started my job at nine, worked out at the YMCA during lunch, and went home at six. Then in December I got a puppy. Hello new routine.

If I could quickly offer some advice, when you’re considering puppy adoption, do it! And also, do it in the spring or late summer. Training a dog in the winter is cold, exhausting, and cold. I learned the hard way that I was slower at putting on warm clothes at 4 A.M. than she was at making yellow puddles. So adopt a dog, then buy some carpet cleaner. My dog’s “accidents” became less and less frequent, however, when I learned the most important ingredient in training, routine. Through establishing a routine, I got better (and more) sleep, and she learned to hold it till she was outside. Routines are a good thing.

We are all creatures of habit and even though we may stray a bit on day to day activities, our weeks, months, and years will highlight an overall routine. And that’s a good thing. It means you are stable. Just remember, there’s a fine line between routine and rut. So have enough of a routine to feel safe, but every so often shock the system by sitting in a different spot.