Gone Too Soon/Here Too Long

I'm a little put out. I finally learned Jessie's name, and what does Jake do? He kicks her to the curb. AND, to top it all off, he keeps She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. UGH!

I'm torn in my conviction of thinking that the producers are making him keep her. I mean, he's been so forceful with getting rid of girls already that it's hard to think that they'd put their foot down on one girl, BUT you can just tell that he is not into her AT ALL anymore. Though I do have an additional theory: did anyone notice the way he said bye to Jessie? He thanked her for her advice and looked her deep in the eyes and said that he had heard every word she had said. THEN, at the toast at the end of the night with the five remaining girls, he thanked them for being patient with him and trusting him. Do you think that he's maybe keeping... Vienna... around for some other purpose? Like to see how the other girls react? Or to reveal her as a witch and then burn her at the stake? I don't know. He doesn't seem like a manipulative person. But I really can't believe that he wants to keep her around. He just can't. I mean, he told her he thinks she eggs things on for herself and he hardly touches her. Ugh.

Ok. Next item of business: I think I like Gia more than Ali now. Actually, I don't think; I do. I'm sad that Ali has been so catty lately. I know every person has their angry side, but hers is getting embarrassing. And contrast that with Gia, who actually tries to be nice to Viennamort, even though she doesn't want to. While most really girly-girls nauseate me, she is so sweet and genuine, that I actually like her. Their date was so heart-warming. She was so honest and natural. I laughed so hard when she wanted to hide in the vineyard, like there would actually be a place to hide. I thought it was so cute when they played spin the bottle. And you know I almost cried when she said she wanted to adopt a Chinese girl. I especially loved how they were both losers in High School and now they're these gorgeous people who don't really know how hot they are. It's great. I hope she makes top two.

That being said, I still think that Jake and Tenley are the best fit. I think Gia is great, but I don't know if they'd work out long-term. Jake and Tenley though; they are PERFECT for each other, aren't they? They are both genuinely sweet people who find the good in things and who say some things that are a little awkward/cheesy, but they don't mean them to be. I can totally see them being married and with kids within a couple years. I love Tenley.

I also really love Jake this season. I think he's my favorite bachelor they've ever had, which is a total surprise for me. He's so unashamed about his faith in God which is completely admirable. He's straightforward and doesn't want to play games. He's for sure there to find a wife, not to mess around. And he's so good-looking. Plus, because he gets a lot more camera time, he doesn't come off as a weak, cry-baby. He comes off as a man. And I love men.

I'd also like to reiterate how much I love Chris Harrison. I want to buy a dog and name it after him.

He's just so loyal and likable. Plus, he's good on his toes. Was anyone else impressed with his impromptu speech about Jake taking away one of the roses?

I can't wait till next week. And I really hope that we do a season finale get together. I love you guys!

Suz weighs in ...

Well, I never did post my thoughts about last week, but they were more on the philosophical side -- a commentary about the stereotypes that drive me crazy because they are all too true (i.e., the ditzy, artificial girls too often get the guy) -- as illustrated by the story of my life as a BYU co-ed. But that is perhaps more appropriate for another time. Let's just get down to business.

After the first two episodes, I had my concerns that Jake was one of those silly boys who could not see right through the afore-mentioned type of girl, and there wasn't one girl left whom I could whole-heartedly root for. Having said that, I liked Alli and Tenley the best. I agreed with Alli and Ashleigh though -- "if Jake likes Vienna, he may not be my type!" (I LOVED Jakes and Alli's date, too. And Brooke -- you love Elvis AND Chicago? No wonder I love you so much!) You just wish Jake could see those crazy little bio clips as well as the mean-girl talk at the house. What real man would be attracted to a woman who loves to dress up her little mini-dog and have a snack together at a sidewalk cafe?!?! Or to a woman who actually asks, with a gaggy smirk, "have you registered these guns?" Honestly, would he have kept some of these crazy women on without being under some duress? (Michelle?!?) Brooke, I love your reference to Rachel Lynde, regarding Rozlyn -- could he REALLY not see that coming?!?

Yes, we are being manipulated by the producers, but the worst manipulation of all is of Jake -- which is so sad. I really think he's quite sincere in his search for true love. It is sickening to me that the producers would give him such slim pickens as far as just normal, smart, nice, good girls. I wonder if he has any say in the selection process of the "contestants." I must say that this last episode gave me a little more hope in Jake's judgment & taste. Michelle was rightfully kicked to the curb. Her gross "comedy" routine was reason enough, but on top of her complete desperation and instability, her departure was way overdue. And I agree with Lexi, and Jake, that Elizabeth was a total gameplayer. I really think he saw the real Elizabeth in her raunchy comedy act. Lastly, I am wondering why that Jessie and Corrie are still there. He hasn't made any attempt to talk to them alone. I never thought either of them would make it past the first episode. And yes, I felt really sorry for Valishia. He never did talk to her either, and they never elaborated on her situation as "homemaker."

I better stop for now. Both girls are asleep, and I actually want to watch the news tonight! Right on, Massachusetts!!! Hope the rest of you weigh in soon .... Love, Suz

more drama

OK, just finished watching Monday's episode and I HAD to spit out my thoughts.

* First off - GOOD RIDDANCE MICHELLE! Phew, glad she sent her self home, she was asking for it!
* Vienna's just young and immature, poor thing.
* I still like Alli.
* I was surprised he sent Elizabeth home - but I'm kinda glad. The whole "don't kiss me" thing was TOTALLY a game and I'm glad Jake saw through that.
* I still can't get myself to really like Ella but Jake scored major points by bringing her son along for the date (I actually teared up when he ran up to her at Sea World - just thinking about how hard it must be for her to be away from her son.)
* I was thinking he'd send Jessie home since she hasn't had any airtime really. I feel like I don't "know" her
* Anyone else feel really bad for Valisha when she left, saying "I'm used to everything not going my way" - I don't think she ever got to talk to him.
* Girls are mean - I could NEVER go through something like this!!
* I'm excited to see what drama next weeks episode brings....

Poor Chris Harrison.

I looked at my notes about last week's episode and I think there are really only two things to say:

First~ Ali and Jake are MFEO (made for each other). I know I'm allowing myself to be manipulated by the show and the way they put everything together, and the grandiose elements of their date, but I don't care. I loved it. I cried. I held Paige's hand through the whole thing (which was a little awkward because we had a guy friend sitting in between us). The personal concert by Chicago

(my favorite band OAL (of all time)) sealed the deal for me. It was a sign. I felt like we should just end the show there and let them get engaged.

Second~ As Rachel Lynde would say:

Rozlyn is a brazen hussy.

That is all.

So much drama

I must admit I was surprised at home much drama they had on only the second episode. I agree with all that has been said in emails by Suzanne and Kiki. Rozlyn was ridiculous...I cannot honestly believe that Jake really thought she was a completely good person who was just there for him. And the setting of their little love-fest was so trashy to me. That chain-link fence was so ghetto. Ali is still my favorite but I think that Tenley is so sweet and I really want her to go on a single date. SOOO glad to see Christina go. I was not into her at all.

Apparently Jake forgot how to button his shirt when he was only two buttons up, so he barely made it past his belly button. Seriously, so wrong. My favorite person on the show right now might be Chris Harrison. He was believably upset when he had to confront Rozlyn about her little misdeeds, and my respect for him grew a little bit. (As much as my respect can grow for someone who hosts a reality TV show).

Next week's episode looks intense. Michelle is crazy. I'm actually scared of what she might do when she gets kicked off. I wish Tenley had just let her leave when she was having her temper tantrum.

two cents

Wow, ok - finally watched the premiere... thank goodness for Hulu.com since our cable isn't set up yet.

I like Jake but kinda get annoyed that he's soooo "perfect". I think he can be awkward at times cause he's too sweet. Anyway, here's my two cents:

* I really like Ali - I think she's being herself and they seem compatible
* I was super sad that Elizabeth (the pilot) was eliminated, she seemed sweet and sincere
* After Ali, I really like Tenly then Kathryn (the flight attendant) I'm excited to see them get to know each other more
* Don't like Gia, or Vienna
* from the previews, it looks like Michelle sticks around awhile.... WHY?!
* drama, drama, drama, why do we like it so much!?
The Bachelor is way more fun to watch than the Bachelorette!

P.S. I think Jillian and Ed are PERFECT together... so cute :)

First Impressions

Ok, so I already shared most of my thoughts over email, but I've finally finished the first episode and I will sum up my thoughts as best I can. First and foremost, I must clear this up: Channy was disgusting and I couldn't believe how inappropriate she was. But I think she could have blessed us with some really ridiculous, unintelligent comments that we could have laughed about for several minutes. But I was not sorry to see her go.

My other thoughts:

• I agree with Aunt Lisa, Michelle is one of those girls chosen by the producers to add a little drama (which, from the previews for the season, it doesn't look like they need).
• Ali is my favorite right now.
• Tenley is a runner up. I think she's cute and very sincere.
• Elizabeth (football) needs to cover herself up.
• I do not like the tomboy-airplane girl. She's always talking about how she's going to "win," and she seems more concerned about that than actually falling in love.
• I think I would have rather seen nine of the ten girls that got cut stay in place of Vienna. She grosses me out.
• I like Jake the Bachelor better than Jake the Contestant.
• I was pretty over Jillian by the end of The Bachelorette, but now I kind of miss her.

The Kissing Booth Method

Ok. So, mom asked me to share the method that my roommates and I used for ratings on the first episode. (Our ward makes us name our houses and ours is named The Kissing Booth, hence "The Kissing Booth Method".)

1. First we wrote down the girls' names as they came out of the limo. We wrote something that would help us remember a little bit about them like what they were wearing or something they said. Then as they walked into the mansion we gave them a first impression rating (out of 5) based on how much we liked them and put stars next to the girls we thought Jake would like.
2. Once they were inside and he had one-on-one time with them, we added any extra notes we wanted. If we changed our opinion of a girl we would put either a plus or a minus next to her name.
3. During the commercial before the Rose Ceremony, we guessed who we thought he would pick and who we thought the show would make him keep.
4. After the show we went through and picked who we thought would make it to the top spots and who would only make it a couple weeks. We also gave them another rating since we knew them a little bit better.

I'm sure next week our formatting will change a little bit since we'll be able to recognize the girls.

And YES, we do realize that we're crazy/obsessed. It's embarrassing. But not embarrassing enough that I'm going to stop.

Ok, so now that you understand our method, here was our opinion on the girls:

Rozlyn

1. "It's gonna be a bumpy ride," looks like Hilary Duff, Rating: 3
2. "I'm used to getting guys for my looks." (-)
3. He'll probably keep her, won't be sad if he doesn't though
4. She'll last about three more weeks. Rating: 2.5

Emily

1. Busty, fitness model, green dress, he said she has pretty eyes, Rating:4
2. No notes
3. Hope he keeps her
4. Eliminated

*Ali

1. Peacock feather, yellow dress, sore throat, Rating: 4
2. Afraid of flying, ripped her dress, first one-on-one time, (+)
3. He'll for sure keep her
4. She'll make it to at least the Top 3. AT LEAST. Rating:5

Jessie

1. Pretty dress, "Are you registered for these guns?" Rating:2
2. No notes
3. She's iffy
4. Didn't really get to know her well enough to predict. Rating:2

**Tenley

1. Blue dress, very sweet, Rating: 3.5
2. Virgin till marriage, divorced, "10 things about Tenley", FIRST KISS, First Impression Rose, (+)
3. He already kept her
4. Top 3 at least. Though since she's an early favorite, she could sputter out quickly. Rating:5

*Ella

1. Tried to trick him with the nose trick, he pretended to fall for it, awkward, Rating:2
2. She's a mom, gave him her kid's plane, (+)
3. He'll keep her
4. She'll make it to about the Top 8, Rating:3

*Kathryn

1. Cute purple dress, "breath of fresh air", Rating:3.5
2. Flight attendant, wears fake engagement ring, (+)
3. He better keep her
4. She'll make the Top 8 hopefully, Rating:4

Caitlyn

1. Sparkly blue dress, "can't wait to see you in uniform", Rating:2
2. No notes
3. She's gone
4. Eliminated

Elizabeth

1. National Guard, double-sided quarter, Rating:4.5
2. No notes, but we love her
3. He'll keep her
4. Eliminated!

Alexa

1. Gloves, biker, called him "babe", Rating:1
2. No notes, but she's gross
3. Hopefully she leaves, though he might keep her to make it look like he isn't prejudiced towards tomboys.
4. Eliminated

*Vienna

1. Felt his abs, Rating:1.5
2. (-)
3. She's iffy
4. She's filler. Just there in the background. Two weeks and she's gone, Rating:1

*Corrie

1. "Kissimmee", Rating:4
2. Looks pretty at some angles, other angles she looks sort of like a horse, wardrobe consultant
3. He'll keep her
4. She could turn out to be cool or she could be easily forgotten, Rating:3.5

Kimberly

1. NBA dancer, Rating:2
2. No notes
3. She's gone
4. Eliminated

Valishia

1. Red dress, from Texas, brought soil for "common ground", Rating:2.5
2. (+)
3. He'll keep her
4. Won't make it past three weeks, Rating:3.5

Gia

1. Swimsuit model, from Manhattan, girly-girl, he likes her hair, Rating:1
2. No notes
3. She's gone
4. She hopefully won't make it past next week, Rating:1

*Elizabeth

1. Wrong choice on the top part of her dress for her body, "Imagine favorite place" he was sweet and said, "right here", she said snowboarding... Rating:3
2. Threw a football with him, (+)
3. He'll keep her for sure
4. She'll stay till about the top 4, Rating:4

Channy

1. Cambodian, Rating:3
2. CRUDE! (-)!
3. She better leave. Jake for sure wants her gone, but the show might make him keep her
4. Eliminated! Good riddance!

*Ashley

1. Fuchsia dress, Picker Machine, Split rating- Brooke:3.5, Others:3
2. Stewardess outfit, teacher, Split again- Brooke (+), Others: (-)
3. He'll keep her
4. Split again-Brooke thinks she'll make Top 8 and bumped her up to a 4, Others don't think she'll last that long and took her down to a 2.5

Tiana

1. "That's my future husband, he just doesn't know it yet", Rating:3
2. No notes
3. She's gone
4. Eliminated

*Christina

1. "Guys girl", brought parting gifts for other girls, Rating:2
2. She had him get on the ground to give her a superman? How embarrassing! (-)
3. He'll keep her for filler, but he shouldn't
4. She's an idiot, 3 weeks tops, Rating:1.5

Ashleigh

1. Fake fall into his arms, bimbo, really high slit on dress, Rating:2
2. (-)
3. She's iffy
4. She's more filler, won't make it past Top Ten, Rating:1

Kirsten

1. Looks like a man, Rating:1
2. No notes
3. She's gone
4. Eliminated

*Stephanie

1. Wants to get the first dance, Rating:3
2. (+)
3. She'll stay
4. Eliminated

Sheila

1. "Pair of Aviators", pilot, Rating:3
2. No notes
3. Hope he keeps her
4. Eliminated

Michelle

1. Awkward plane arms, seems fun though, stumbled on words at the end, Rating:3
2. She's nuts! Flashback to Shannon from Jason's season, (-)
3. They're going to make him keep her because she's crazy
4. Ugh. He'll have to keep her till about the Top 8, Rating: .5

PHEW! Wow. That took forever. Luckily, there won't be any more posts this long anymore. I promise I'm almost done. I just have to say one more thing: I love this man

and if he and Jillian ever break up, I'm going on the season that they make for him.

There. Done. Now it's everyone else's turn to post something. It doesn't have to be as dramatic as mine, I just want something from everybody. I can't wait to hear your opinions!