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The Bachelorette Episode 9

Jul 20th, 2010 by Lauren

Welcome to week 9 in which Frank pulls the douchey move of the season. The fantasy dates were not that unusual, but it’s rare to have a contestant leave at this stage in the game.  I’m not gonna say too much about the dates with Roberto and Chris since they were not that remarkable, and by not remarkable I mean dates that us average people would never even dream of.  I do want to mention that the oysters and pearls that Ali and Chris found were clearly put there by the show. I bet those pearls were put in those oysters too.

I am gonna go out on a limb here and say that Frank, as opposed to Roberto, may have been the front runner. To quote Ali “Frank is everything I ever wanted in a guy.” I’m not sure Ali would have cried as hard had it Roberto or Chris leaving. What a long flight just to have a crappy conversation.

It’s pretty clear that Ali had imagined her life with Frank. Every girl has had a fantasy guy in her life at one time, Frank just happened to be Ali’s.  The “fantasy” guy is the one you think about and imagine holidays, family dinners, and amazing vacations with.  Unfortunately, when things don’t work out, and things never work out with the fantasy guy, your loosing not only the guy in the present, but all of the things that you had imagined for your future together.

I say good riddance to Frank.  No one wants a guy that can’t even make up his own mind. I loved that when Chris Harrison told the guys that Frank wasn’t here Chris looked from side to side as though he was trying to find him. On a side note, ever notice that no one on the bachelor/bachelorette can ever travel by any normal form of transportation.   People are clearly restricted to plane, helicopter, boat, scooter, horse and carriage ect. How about segway?

As for next week, I can’t wait for all my favorites to come back.  Plus, Ali should audition for survivor. She sure knows how to whack a coconut.

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The Bachelorette Episode 8

Jul 13th, 2010 by Lauren

Hometown dates are always my favorite. Meeting the family provides great insight on how a person came to be the way they are.  It also tells you whether you might be making a big mistake and should run away as fast at possible. This season I think there were some great families and some very memorable moments.

Roberto: Tampa Ali is completely smitten with Roberto. The look on her face when he ran out in his baseball uniform was priceless. Not too many people have their own baseball card so I thought it was very endearing that he offered her one of his.  She certainly is amassing a collection of gifts from these boys.  Roberto’s family seemed like great people, but I just don’t see Ali fitting in there. I think his father felt a similar vibe when he told Roberto, ”I know she will be happy, but will you?” In the end Roberto asked his mother if he had her blessing to propose to Ali, her response was something along the lines of “I just want you to be happy.”  While Roberto’s family seems great, I just don’t think they are the right fit for Ali.

Chris:Cape Cod Being from Massachusetts herself I knew that Ali would immediately feel comfortable on this date.  Despite the poor weather, her and Chris seemed to have a great time at the beach.  I loved Chris’s family.  He seemed very close with his sister in laws which I thought was very telling of the person he is.  I also think Chirs is absolutely falling for Ali.  He had his arm around her and kept kissing her on the head ever few minutes. Overall I think that Chris is the perfect all American guy for Ali.  At the same time, Chris lives in Cape Cod.  What the heck is Ali supposed to do living in Cape Cod???

Kirk: Green Bay There is always one weird family, and Kirk’s happened to be it.  I really did like Kirk, but his family what down right scary. I would have wanted to run out the second Kirk’s dad showed off his basement of horrors.  Although him and Ali had a nice talk down there, I don’t think she could overlook the fact that they were sitting in a room full of dead animals next to a freezer filled with dead animal parts. Kirk’s Mom was no better. Despite being very nice, it looked as though she was trying to emulate Ali with the dark eye makeup and and yellow blond hair.  Or maybe that’s what Ali will look like in 20 years….just kidding.

Frank: Chicago For some odd reason Ali is very interested in Frank. You can just tell by the way she acts around him, and the things she says.  I believe she even said “I’ll miss you” when she was getting in the car to leave. Frank on the other hand was being his crazy neurotic self. I sincerely think that Frank doesn’t know what he wants (maybe indicative of what is to come.)  The whole insecurity thing is really getting old and is somewhat unattractive.  That being said, Frank’s family was normal, asked the right questions, and Ali seemed to fit in there right away. I think that Frank’s mom put it best when she said “I feel like you and Frank have been dating for years and this is just another dinner.”

I think we all knew it would be Kirk who left.  I really felt for the kid when he said he did not see any of this coming.  My advice, find a girl who doesn’t mind the occasional dead animal in the freezer.

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The Bachelorette Episode 7

Jul 6th, 2010 by Lauren

I felt that this week’s episode was much more subdued and boring when compared to episodes past.  Based upon my observations of seasons past, and this season is no exception, this is when people start feeling the stress of the show.  It was evident that Ali is realizing that she could very well end up with one of these guys. I do have to say that this is the first season where I have genuinely liked each of the remaining guys. I want to say that I could see her ending up with any of them, but I’m going to reserve that until home town dates.   You never know what kind of crazy family some of these guys might be hiding.

Did anyone else notice that every date seemed to take place at a castle??

Roberto’s 1-1: Roberto and Ali are the couple that seems so natural and comfortable around each other.  He’s by far the most romantic of all the guys and seems to just a way about him.  Ali is always smiling and seems to have that nervous happy laugh.  I think he has a great shot of being the sole survivor this season. At the same time, I think Ali seems to put him above the other guys. As she said “Roberto really is that good.”

Frank and Ty’s 2-1: This was one of the more awkward 2-1 dates I’ve ever seen, it was also the most boring date I’ve seen in a while. Ali really seems like she’s making an effort to get to know the guys on a more personal level. I also liked her white pants and yellow shirt ensemble here.  Since the only thing that happened was Frank revealing that he lived at home, I don’t really have a whole lot to say.

Chris’s 1-1: Before I say anything, let me just say that scooters are the easiest things in the world to drive. The fact that he could barely drive that thing was such a turn off, my grandmother would drive faster than that. It’s a good thing Ali eventually took the wheel.  Anyways, I think we’re getting to see a new side of Chris.  Up until now I think that he and Ali have had more of a friendship, which they are finally moving beyond. I thought it was very sweet that he brought her that bracelet (which I think looked too small for her wrist) from home. When he gave it to her you could see that he was blushing. Chis may very well be staying around for awhile.

Kirk’s 1-1: Kirk is still my personal favorite, although I’m fairly certain the whole taxidermy thing will kill it for me next week. Despite my affinity for Kirk, I don’t think there is much of a spark between the two of them. This was a fairly lackluster date and she came off as stressed the entire time.  Good luck to you Kirk, I don’t think we’ll be seeing much of you later on.

In the end it was Ty who went home.  I think this was the best decision given his previous reservations about women and the whole career thing. He’s definitely a cutie with a big heart, but as she said “I just don’t see this in the long run.”

Jake and Vienna: I’m not quite sure where to begin.  I’ve always been a Jake supporter and thought Vienna was a bit crazy, but I’m willing to completely change my tune. Jake is by far one of the biggest liars I have ever seen come across this show. I still think she’s a bit crazy, but he’s definitely surpassed her.  It was apparent how upset Vienna was and how emotionally invested she had been in this relationship.  On the other hand I felt that Jake came across as unemotional and as though he was trying to  get this over with so he could move on to his next project.  I think all he wanted to do was break into acting and this was his way of going about it.  Too bad he had to drag Vienna along for the ride. I also never realized how many men out there just want some boring subservient wife who is going to do whatever they say. From what I’ve seen tonight Jake deserves to be single for a very long time.

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  • Since the World Cup is taking a break for a few days, I’ve been quite perplexed with what to do with my time. This lull was the perfect time to accomplish some of my “remind me to do that,” list.  First up was my change jar.  Since I’m not a huge fan of counting change, I can’t stand how it makes my fingers smell, I try not to let my change jar get to big.

    I ended up getting an extra $45 in change! The small coins I’ll probably deposit (put that on my “remind me to do that list”) and the quarters I’ll keep in my car for meters.  I hate that meters in the city run on Saturdays, but don’t get me started on city parking enforcement.

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The Bachelorette #5

Jun 30th, 2010 by Lauren

I know this post is late, but I blame it all on the World Cup. Not wanting to miss a game, I’ve had a somewhat erratic sleep schedule. This has also included a somewhat unusual “drinking” schedule. Anyways…on to this week’s dish. I’ve said it before, but this season just keeps getting better and better. Assuming you all watch the show, I’m just gonna give you my opinions and observations.

Justin’s Girlfriend: I haven’t heard too many internet sources praising Justin so I think it’s safe to say that we’re all glad that he’s finally gone.  I loved that this unfolded at the very beginning.  I didn’t care for Justin (too Jersey Shore for me) so I was happy that he was out.  I couldn’t believe what a sorry excuse for a man he was.  I think Ali hit it right on the head when she said that Justin ran off to figure out what he was going to say to her before coming back to “talk.” I can’t believe those voicemail messages, talk about gut wrenching. Good riddance. (The photo above is allegedly from sometime in June.)

Ty’s One on One: Ty is everything a girl could ever want: tall, dark, handsome, nice smile, warm eyes, cute accent.  Unfortunately, for any self respecting woman out there he also has a major personality flaw. I just about died when they were at dinner and Ty gave his “traditional values” speech.  Ali, if you consider yourself “untraditional,” then I believe I just saw a large red flag! I thought it was interesting that he blamed part of his divorce on the fact that his wife wanted to work outside the home.  I would understand if they had children, but they didn’t.  What the heck did he want her to do all day at home?? Good thing he told Ali he’s learned his lesson. Did anyone else gasp when Ty said “Now I know that women can work in companies, and can be CEOs.” Ty is definitely a cutie pie, but he should have been sent home.

Group Date/ Craig’s Quasi One on One: This group date started out as hilarious, but by the end I sort of felt bad for the boys.  I wouldn’t want to be skin to skin with any of those turkish wrestlers either! As for Craig, I think he got completed shafted.  As another blogger put it, Craig really was the nice guy. He has a normal and respectable job (lawyer cough* cough*), he doesn’t seem to have any neurotic tendencies (aka Frank) and he’s not some hottie your gonna have to worry about at all times (Roberto.)  Now there may have been more interactions between Craig and Ali that we didn’t get to see, but I think her whole “no romance” was a cop out. Can we all appreciate that Craig is the one that brought her the cute yellow converse shoe. Craig is just the kind of guy a nice girl would want to meet in real life.

Frank’s One on One: I’m still bitter about Craig not being given a official one on one date, so I was a bit annoyed that Frank got this amazing date at the Basilica Cistern.  That being said, the Basilica Cistern is definitely a place for a romantic date.  I think that her and Frank have one of the odder relationships on the show.  Frank is all over her on the one on ones, but completely disappears on the group dates.  I also think he might be a bit too needy due to the fact that he always needs reassurance about their “connection.” I’m over Frank, he can go home.

Next Week: I guess with all of the internet gossip going round there was no point in hiding what’s coming up in the next episodes.  I’m fairly sure that she eliminates Kirk next week, therefore taking Frank, Ty, Roberto, and Chris to the hometown date round.  Since Frank is about to break her heart, I’m super bummed that Kirk didn’t stay around longer.  Kirk has slowly edged into my personal top two.  P.S, which ever bachelor’s Dad does taxidermy for a living, axe that one right away.

Jake and Vienna Break Up Special: Most importantly, July 5th is going to be the Jake and Vienna “reunion” special on ABC.  I’ve never liked Vienna, and now I’m not such a Jake fan either. I’ve heard several guesses on as to how this all came about, but here is my personal hypothesis.  I think Jake was probably shady from the beginning.  Given his most recent plans (he wants to be on a soap opera?), and stint on Dancing with the Stars, Jake was only in it for the “fame.”  I think that the whole coming back to “warn Jillian about Wes” was a way to get in good with the viewers.  Therefore, I believed that he picked Vienna precisely so that he could break it off with her later. Since the rest of the girls didn’t like Vienna it was probably a given that America would dislike her too.  By picking Vienna he would be free to dump her later after alleged “cheating” and his do gooder image would remain intact.  Had he picked Tenley the break up could have destroyed his reputation. Do I watch read too much into the bachelor!?! Maybe, but you gotta love it.

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Beers at 6:30 a.m.?

Jun 23rd, 2010 by Lauren

Ok, so I didn’t exactly take part in the beer drinking at 6:30 a.m., but I was definitely the first person to get to the bar that early.  I watched the past two USA World Cup games at home so I figured I better head out to watch (possibly, but thankfully not) the last game in a bar. Ever since I can remember the Rose and Crown has been showing every World Cup game regardless the hour. After a nerve racking 92 minutes the USA finally got their well deserved goal.

If you know my family, then you are well aware that certain members are what I would call soccer fanatics. I love international competition, such as the Olympics, so the World Cup is right up my alley.

I treated myself to a red, white, and blue themed breakfast :) Hours later I still had a smile on my face….nothing like a last minute win for the US to brighten my day.

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Bachelorette Episode 5

Jun 22nd, 2010 by Lauren

Since I was a bit underwhelmed by this weeks episode I’m gonna keep it short and sweet (that, and I’m just starting to write this at 11:56.)

I think Ali is getting cuter each episode.  I keep hearing that she gained weight during the filming, but I think she looks smaller each week. Since they were in Iceland and everyone was wearing those furry hats it was hard to see her hair.  I wasn’t a fan of the messy updo at the cocktail party, but I did love the long navy dress with the beaded shoulder.

Love Poems and the 1-1 Date: Ever since Molly busted out the “Jason Rap” I was glad ABC hadn’t resurrected the “compose a song” challenge. Unfortunately I didn’t see the “love poem” challenge until it was right up on me. Frank and Kirk were the best, but I think Frank may have put on a better performance.  Frank is a writer so I expected something good for him. I also have to give Craig credit for making his Icelandic words up.

As for Kirk, I do like him.  I think he’s genuine, attentive, and sweet without reaching Kasey level. Him and Ali seem very comfortable together and laugh a lot.  I thought it was very sweet that he was able to remember what she had said to him at the very first cocktail party.  Kirk must be a pretty easy going guy if he was willing to wear a matching sweater with Ali (it was a cheesy X-mas card waiting to happen.) Overall I think Kirk and her are really gaining some ground.

Group Date: I think it was a given who was going on the group date this week.  Ty, Chris L, Frank, Craig and Roberto seem to have their own little bromance going on. Oh, Chris N. was there too (who is he again?) This was a kick ass date and it seemed like the boys and Ali had a great time.  I actually like Ali’s TV persona more and more each week. I also liked that she was quick to confront Frank about his MIA status on group dates. This date was definitely dominated by Ty and Chris L. Although Ty got the rose I’m not sure he and Ali have a real connection going on.

2-1 Date: The two on one is the most dreaded date on the bachelor/bachelorette.  I think it was a given that Justin and Kasey would both be on the 1-1 date.  I haven’t really liked Kasey or Justin throughout this season so I was hoping that Ali would pull a Jake and send them both home. I don’t think Ali really has a connection with Justin, but I get this feeling she’s keeping him around because of how she treated Vienna on the Bachelor. I was also very impressed with how Ali handled the whole tattoo situation.  Instead of freaking out she was able to turn it into a compliment. In the end it was just time for Kasey and his tattoo to go.

Oh and that random guy, Chris N., was sent home. As someone I follow on Twitter put it: “Kudos to Chris N. for breaking the record for longest reality TV run with the least screen time and # of words spoken.” Chris N., we hardly knew ye.

I’m super excited for next week. Bring on the drama! My guess is that Justin is the one with the girlfriend and that he finally shows his true colors when confronted by Ali.

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The Bachelorette Episode 4

Jun 15th, 2010 by Lauren

I think this might have been the best Bachelorette episode of all time.  Not only was the group date amazing, but it was all out rediculousness in terms of what went down.  I’m gonna try and organize my thoughts a bit better so hopefully I can be a bit more coherent and a little less wordy.

One on One Dates

Kasey: To quote a friend of mine, “I used to want to live in a musical, then I saw tonight’s episode of the Bachelorette.” I don’t really want to criticize Kasey for his vocal efforts, I’m sure some women would swoon, it’s just not my thing (and apparently not Ali’s either.) To be honest  I had a hard time even watching the singing.  Some guys just know how to read a girl and know exactly how to make her melt, too bad Kasey just isn’t one of them.  I believe he is sincere, but does come off borderline obsessive and stalkery.  I wasn’t into their night at the museum date either. I just don’t see much chemistry going on between him and Ali, so I’m fairly positive he’ll get the axe next week. Despite her hesitations she kept him without giving him a rose….is that even allowed?  There are rules here people!

Chris L: I think Chris L is absolutely adorable and I loved how he brought her soup and flowers. He seems like such a solid down to earth guy and I can really see the two of them together. The only hesitation I have is that Ali seems to be a bit more career driven and prefers to live a city life.  Not that there is anything wrong with being a landscaper or caring for your family (both very admirable activities) I just think he might loose her attention later on.  His kiss also seemed a bit scary, like he was attacking her face.

Group Date: I think this is the best group date I have ever seen! I would do anything to of had the opportunity Ali and Roberto had.  If you haven’t seen the Lion King on stage make a date to go ASAP (I saw them a few years ago in SF.) Jesse was such a stand out on this group date and really seemed to be the only one that could both dance and sing.  I really do hope the producers realize that combining men in spandex shorts and colorful t-shirts with dancing and singing in front of the woman they are trying to impress is a WINNER! I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. As usual, Roberto was the stand out winning the coveted one on one time with Ali. As Frank pointed out, Ali and Roberto are really going through some intense experiences together.  Just like bungee jumping did with Vienna and Jake, I think these all out experiences have brought them closer together. Kirk was also very sweet in taking Ali and putting her to bed. I can’t wait to hear about his mysterious “past” next week.

“Guard and Protect???”: I don’t even know where to begin except to say that Kasey is a nut case.  I’m not really into tattoos and would never get one myself, but to each his own. As Chris L said, Kasey will forever be the tattooed bachelorette guy. I know the guys are cooped up in the mansion or condo while filming so Kasey must have pitched this to the show’s producers. I’m sure ABC probably even gave him the money..j/k  Wouldn’t I have loved to be a fly on the wall for that conversation. Frank interrupted the big reveal ensuring that Ali didn’t see the tattoo. I wonder if it was planned by ABC.  The producers are tricky so I wouldn’t put it past them.

Week Four Departures: This was the end of the journey for the Weatherman and Jesse.  I’m actually bummed that Jonathan was sent home.  Yes he is nerdy, and yes him and Ali are not meant to be together, but he sure adds entertainment value.  He’s so neurotic and works himself up into a ball of nerves that everything he says just comes out comical.  The bit at the end with Justin and the weatherman was hilarious. I have to say I think Ali is doing a much better job that her predecessors.  I’m not sure why she kept Justin around, but I think that sending Jesse and Jonathan home was the right thing.  Jesses sure is cute, but they didn’t mesh well. So far the front runners are definitely looking like Roberto (although I sometimes think she may like him more than he likes her), Chris L, Frank and Kirk.

Who the heck is Chris N?: I really think this might be the first episode in which he has said more than two words. On every season there are always people that never seem to get any air time, but stick around for quite awhile.

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Sam’s Chowdermobile To The Rescue

Jun 14th, 2010 by Lauren

Back of the line

Just when I thought I was over the lunch places near my house Sam’s Chowdermobile came to the rescue. In the last year mobile food carts/cars have really taken over San Francisco. These are no “roach coaches” or “chuck wagons,” but mobile gourmet havens. From creme brulee to “magic” curry San Francisco has a cart for everyone.  One of the best things about the mobile method is that I can find my favorite foods all over the bay area. I follow my favorite carts on twitter.

I have been wanting to try Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay for quite some time, but I just haven’t gotten around to it. When I noticed that Sam had gone mobile I raced over to Mountain View to check out the lobster roll (voted one of the top 10 sandwiches in America by ABC News) and chowder first hand.

Not exactly friendly for those under six feet tall

I had heard the lines were long, but it was no joke.  Although it took a good hour from the time I got in line to the time I walked away with my tasty lunch it was all worth it. Since I live on the West Coast I’ve always preferred dungeness crab to Maine lobster, but I’m always open to new things :) The sandwich was literally overflowing with lobster and the roll was the perfect balance of crispy and soft.  I think a traditional lobster roll comes with a mayo based sauce but this had a light buttery flavor.  Fortunately Sam’s has updated both the roll and soup recipes for the Californian palette. Instead of a think creamy chowder it was a thinner more delicate broth based chowder filled with clams, potato and celery.

Sam’s also offers fish and chips, a fish tacos, a salad, Old Bay fries, and a pulled pork sandwich.  Although it wasn’t cheap, it was definitely worth the splurge. If you go I suggest budgeting at least an hour and that you go early.  Most of the people in front of me were ordering for the entire office so it took a while.  While we were there they ran out of lobster rolls leaving the rest of the line disappointed.

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A Bit of Nostalgia

Jun 9th, 2010 by Lauren

Everyone has a soft spot for the things they remember from their childhood.  I happen to really love old rail road tracks. It might be inherited, my Mom has an odd collection of antique railroad ties. Growing up my family camped and fished a lot.  It just so happens that all the best fishing spots are also secret hard to get to hidden spots. Some of my fondest memories are walking the rails and trying not to fall off.  Up in Northern California, the real Northern California several hours north of San Francisco, the trains travel at a snails pace to abide by the noise ordinances. They travel so slow you can actually walk along side them for quite some time.  This picture is from the abandoned rails that run parallel to Highway 1. The locals actually use these as a informal footpath between the beaches.

I also love polariod photos and the way the photos from my Mom’s childhood have a warm glow about them.  I have no complaints about growing up in Palo Alto, but sometimes I secretly wished I could have grown up in that movie Now and Then. I saw a great polaroid collage over the weekend and desperately wanted to make my own.  It’s too bad polaroid is no longer making the film.  This was my first beach weekend of the season. Despite my very best efforts not to get sunburnt, I missed the spot behind my knees.

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