Denver, Broken Dreams and Love Lost

I'm going to try to do a post that will catch me back up and then I can return to my regularly scheduled programing...whatever that is. Coming Soon: The Connie Diaries: Summer 1987 Edition!

Our trip to Denver was last minute and super fun! We decided to take a 4 day weekend, visit our favorite city and check out the house that we were planning to move into.

Some of you were confused how we already had a place picked out...our plan was to move in with my Bother in Law (his new nickname due to a typo) because he was in the process of remodeling a 3 bedroom townhouse and his roommate had backed out. It was going to work out great!

This is no longer our plan.  Sadly, there is just not enough room for us there and after being in the house 20 minutes with Andre (Rob's Cat) poor Alex had a huge allergic reaction and spent the rest of the evening with swollen eyes and a headache.  We can't live there.

Speaking of allergies...I've confirmed that Mallory is allergic to dogs.  Poor thing was stuffed up so badly from being around the two Pomeranians that my in laws have and one of them bit her face while we were out to dinner.  I vacuum twice a day at home to keep the allergies at bay.

We had a great time in Denver!  Keith needed a new pair of Teva's so we spent some time at Dick's Sporting Goods and Alex rode a cool bike all around the store...while Mallory found some cool sunglasses that she liked.  We ate lunch at our favorite fast food joint (Good Times Burgers) and went to the Denver Aquarium again.  The kids love that place!

We stopped by Invesco Field and got Alex his first Bronco Hat and I got a jersey to wear when I watch the games this year, now I just need to find out who this Hillis guy is. (EDITED: Payton Hillis is cute!!  And old enough to be my love child)   Keith is really excited because after 8 years of being a Season Ticket Holder...they upgraded his seats and they are in a great location!

We had thought about taking the kids to Casa Bonita for lunch but decided against it...but we stopped by to vist the fountain on our way through town.

Uncle Andrew stayed home with the kids Saturday night while the rest of us when out to dinner.  In the years that we've been in Utah...our favorite Indian Restaurant moved and then closed.  We were really bummed until I discovered that Little India had opened in Belmar and we can now say that we have a favorite Indian place again.  Fabulous food, great service and yummy wine!  I tried Butter Chicken for the first time and it was fabulous!

Sunday morning I escaped and met my lovely friend Denise from Eat Play Love for breakfast.  She suggested a place that I am now in love with.  It's called Snooze and it's located just a few blocks from Coors Field (Go Rockies).  Click HERE to see pictures of the inside....it was so cool!  I adore Eggs Benedict and most times when I eat out if it's on the menu I'll order it because I NEVER make it at home.  This place does several versions of Eggs Benedict and we found out later that you can customize your order and get two different ones.  Denise and I both ordered the Bella Benny (not named for Twilight) and it was amazing!  Thin slices of prosciutto, brie cheese, and perfectly poached eggs on an english muffin...topped with cream cheese hollandaise sauce, balsamic glaze and arugula!  Snooze also has a full bar so I had the most amazing spicy bloody mary!

I spent the rest of the day relaxing, reading Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (I love this book!) while the men smoked meat.  We missed the fireworks because of thunderstorms but the kids were too tired anyway.  All in an all...a great 4th of July and trip.

Job Update:

Still haven't heard anything from The Dream Job...they seem interested in Keith and we're hoping that they are taking their time because they know that we're planning to move back at the end of summer.

Word on the street is that N.ASA may be regretting the decision to cancel Constellation (or they are realizing that they can't because Congress has to approve it) and there is a chance that they will just rename the project.  BIG SIGH  We can't take much more of this back and forth and after what I learned yesterday....I don't want my husband involved with NASA anymore.

NASA administrator Charlie Bolden gave an interview to al-Jazeera recently and he's quoted as saying that Obama had three objectives for him when he took the job.

One, he wanted me to help re-inspire children to want to get into science and math; (by CANCELING the space program) he wanted me to expand our international relationships; (by giving away our lead in space to China and Russia) and third, and perhaps foremost, he wanted me to find a way to reach out to the Muslim world and engage much more with dominantly Muslim nations to help them feel good about their historic contribution to science, math, and engineering.

Reading about this development sent chills down my spine. It's time to pray hard...America is in trouble. My heart hurts because of what is happening with NASA and the space program.  Dreams, livelihoods and the future of our country are falling apart.

The Bachelorette:

I'm bored out of my mind.  I don't think Ali really likes any of these guys and neither do I.  Chris reminds me of a Golden Retriever and I just want him to roll over on his back and let her scratch his belly.  I just don't SEE anything between her and any of the guys.  I guess if I had to pick someone I'd say she's going to end up with Roberto.

 As for The Wrestler...good riddance!  I hope ABC paid that girl a pretty penny for handing over her voice mails.  What a douche!  I liked Ty...but as soon as he said that he and his wife broke up because she had ambition and he wanted a traditional marriage....I knew he wasn't the one for her.

I hope that we've now seen the last of Jake and Vienna.  I never want to see Vienna's stupid face again.  And gosh Jake...why weren't you calling Vienna's creepy Dad?  I think Jake is fake and nothing like the guy we first saw on Jillian's season.

Speaking of Jillian....oh crap.  She and my Ed have broken up.  I hope he didn't break her heart too badly.

The Bachelorette: Suicide Watch

The Bachelorette is starting to feel like The Amazing Race meets The Love Connection! Bobbi and I got a little drunk last night because we decided to add a new line to the drinking game.

Every time Kasey says HEART...take a swig of your drink.

Good thing we were drinking Mountain Dew! After the show aired last night some rather upsetting fabulous news broke on twitter. Jake and Vienna have broken up.  I'm guessing that she hasn't become a big star after becoming engaged to Jake and he got tired of her being a tramp.

I wanted to post pictures but ABC is being a jerk and hasn't posted any on their website.  If they do...I'll add them later.

Dear ABC,

This is the second time you've sent a Bachelorette to the frozen tundra and I don't like it one bit.  There are a number of reasons that this troubles me beginning with the ugly hats and parka's that are impossible to pin a rose on, the inevitable extremity (wink wink) shrinkage from the guys going from the hot springs to the freezing cold temperatures to the frozen roses.  Also...dates on donkeys...really?  Poor Craig.

P.S. Thank you for the subtitles on Kasey during the reading of the shitty poetry.
P.P.S. No amount of money that Iceland Tourism paid you will make me what to go there.  Or Turkey.
P.P.P.S. If Justin *Rated R for Ruffian* is the next bachelor...I'm not watching.

Dear Chris Harrison,

Please talk to your people at ABC and tell them these freezing cold locations make for the most unromantic dates ever.  Also...guys writing poetry is lame unless they are doing it of their own accord.

P.S. You're no Dr. Phil.

Dear Chris L,

Dr. Seuss called and he wants his poem back.  I was really impressed that after realizing that riding the donkey wasn't your strong suit...that you found a way to stand out to Ali.  Going in the hole first and then giving her your gloves was a great gesture. I think you will make someone a very good husband someday.

P.S. You are still a bad kisser.

Dear RoBEARto,

Where the heck were you during this episode?   I really like you and I missed you.

P.S. I think you are too hot for Ali.

Dear Frank,

Your poem was very dramatic and heartfelt....too bad it looked like you were copying Kirk. I think it shows huge potential that after getting scolded by Ali, you had an AHA moment and are now on a mission to be Ali's man. This trait is very important in a husband.

P.S. Loved seeing your evil side trying to convince Krazy Kasey to show Ali his tattoo!
P.P.S. I thought it was funny that Ali likes that you think she's smart.

Dear Ty,

Look at you...all take charge cowboy, outdoorsman!  That is very sexy and why Bobbi is now on Team Ty...she's making a shirt and everything.  Love that you got the frozen rose for being a stand up guy.

Dear Kirk,

Loved your poem and that it earned you the one on one date.  I also loved that you have a silly side that was willing to goof off and try on ladies sweaters.  Something tells me that your guilty pleasure is wearing your girlfriend's underwear.  I hope that Ali doesn't have to be vaccinated from your infectious joy for life and your mold poisoning.

P.S.  You inspire me NOT to wear matching sweaters with my husband.
P.P.S. Your sweater looked very pretty on you at the rose ceremony.

Dear Craig,

Your poem was very funny, I really liked it a lot.  And when you rode the donkey...you even got it to trot.  You've made a great impression even though you get lame dates. I have to say the hand drawn tattoo...it really took the cake!

P.S. Why doesn't everyone call you The Lawyer?

Dear Justin,

I don't know what happened this episode...but I don't like you anymore.  I don't really care for your wrestler persona and when you were systematically bullying (it's a real thing...just ask Kelly) Kasey I found it really inappropriate and sad.

P.S. Wearing Ali like a championship belt is not okay.


Dear Krazy Kasey,

I think the reason we can't understand what you're saying is because you have a tiny mouth or you stuck your tongue to a frozen pole as a child.  You're a bit of a wack a doodle and your obsession with loving Ali and protecting her heart is a little....too much.  I felt like the guys needed to put you on suicide watch once you found out that you were going on a date with The Wrestler.  The fact that you love pain, love to love, love to give and love to share makes me think a restraining order is in your future.

P.S. You came, you sang, you got a tattoo!
P.P.S. I don't think your Mom is going to love that tattoo and she might want to have you committed.

Dear Ali,

I couldn't help but think that when Kirk was telling you his incredibly long story about his illness that he lost you along the way and you were thinking about shoes. I'm glad you pulled it out in the end and gave him the rose.  I was also happy to see you scolding Frank for not paying enough attention to you.  Something tells me you'd have to do this in real life too.

P.S.  Don't worry about the guy you pick not loving you back...I believe their contract with ABC requires them to love you for at least 6 months.

P.P.S. Totally sucks that you had to leave Kasey for dead (he did say this was Do or Die) on the top of that glacier...but it was the right choice for you, for him...and for America.


Dear Chris N,

Oh Em Gee...your poem sucked.  It was like you weren't even trying and you just randomly tried to come up with stuff.  And then when you were finally getting some airtime talking to Ali and you were so awkward and saying weird stuff like...my guilty pleasure is Mexican Food instead of say...gambling or wearing woman's pantyhose.  I still can't believe that you went in for a hug.  What was entirely believable was when you were in the limo and you were at a loss for words.

Next week:  The gang goes to Turkey and there is drama!

Alternate Post Titles:

• Kiss My Ast*
• Spelunking for Love
• Pin the Rose on the Parka
• Thank You for Being You...a Wack A Doodle
• How am I Supposed to Guard Your Heart From Here?

*Ast is Icelandic for Love

The Bachelorette: Unicorns, Butterflies and Rainbows

Can someone please tell me when The Bachelorette turned into a horror movie? I spent 2 hours last night covering my eyes and ears. In fact, I think my daughter's ears started bleeding as she yelled...No More Singing!

I'm not going to do the usual recap. I'm just going to address some things I saw and I'd like to ask you one question...What kind of crazy crap would you do to fall in love?

Dear ABC,

I'm guessing by the Calendar, InStyle Photo Shoot and the appearance of singers we've never heard of that you got tired of these bachelor's trying to further their own careers and decided it would be better to make a buck and sell them yourself. If Wes appears in a future episode to sing to someone...then you will be dead to me. I'm serious.

Dear Kasey,

I can't understand a word you say. All this talk of unicorns and butterflies really freaks me out. When you sing...my ears bleed and I still can't understand what you're saying but mostly because you make no freakin sense. Even Ali looked confused and I've pegged her as a decent actress. Every time you say...Wow! This is insane. I think WOW, Kasey is INSANE! My last straw with you was when you went to get a Tattoo. Once again your words where muffled and I thought you had selected the field over a fart tat. (for those of you NOT watching...he got a Shield Over a Heart Tatto on his wrist) The one you ended up with isn't any better.  I have to admit I was really surprised when you got the rose.  Please don't sing anymore....I'm all out of seizure meds.

P.S. You looked like a flesh colored crayon at the rose ceremony.
P.P.S. Frank totally saved your ass and kept you from showing your tat.
P.P.P.S. You should probably be nervous that Ali sent home the guy with tats.
P.P.P.P.S. If this doesn't work out...you should hook up with Michele from Jake's Season.

Translation: I'm going to guard and protect your heart.

Dear Ty,

You really impressed me with your dancing and singing.  You were really putting your all into it and I'm sorry that you didn't win the competition.  The good news is that you didn't have to wear that ridiculous diaper looking thing and RoBEARTo did.

Dear RoBEARto,

How lucky was it that you thought to sing to Ali instead of singing to the director or the camera during the Lion King audition.  It's unfortunate that you had to wear that big diaper looking thing but you still looked hot.

P.S. I love you.

Dear Future Bachelors,

Please don't wear a plaid shirt unless you are a farmer or live in the country. Thanks.

Dear Justin,

Since you didn't get a date this week you should have gone to get your hair trimmed.  It's getting out of control and I thought maybe someone gave you a swirly.

P.S. Way to stir up sh!t....don't you feel badly now since Krazy Kasey considers you a brother and gave you a rock on his tattoo.

Dear Frank,

Even though you can't sing or dance, I still like you.  Please get contacts.  Thanks.

P.S. Taking a sick girl outside in the rain and wind to talk...not a great idea.

Dear Chris N,

Are you mute or something? Why are you here? 

Dear Craig,

I finally figured out who you remind me of and it's not helping me like you. I think you look like Paul Giamatti.

Dear Kirk, 

You are going to make a great husband someday but you lost a couple points with me when you kissed Ali when she was sick. You should learn the soft kitty song.

Dear Chris L, 

Happy Birthday!  You were a good sport about having your date in Ali's suite since she was sick and bringing soup and flowers was a great idea!  I'm glad she felt better later and was able to go out for a bit.  I'm disappointed that Ali didn't pull an Oprah and have your Dad on the show instead of just calling him.

P.S. You are a bad kisser.

Dear Weatherman, 

Your weather references were killing me and I'm going to miss them.  I think you are like the wind...pesky, annoying and likely to mess up my hair.   In the future, I'd suggest less gossiping/shrieking/singing/guitar playing and more talking.

P.S. If you are still looking for love and not out of the closet...Bobbi likes you.

Dear Ali, 

I thought you got new clothes for New York.  The only difference I saw was was that you exchanged your rolled up jeans (thank god) for cute boots and your tank tops for jackets.  I loved your black pantsuit.  Even though I am boycotting InStyle Magazine for false advertising...I'm going to buy the July issue.  I hope you feel better.

P.S. Let's just pretend that Lion King outfit didn't happen.

Dear Jesse, 

I hope everything works out with you and your cows. Milk's not free....

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

The Bachelorette: Love is Dangerous

I'm feeling good about my decision to avoid Reality Steve and his nonsense. There are a bunch of mean people on twitter that like to leak his information without a Spoiler Alert and so when I see these I tend to cover my eyes as if I've just scene my father in law naked and try to make my mind erase the information. I'm enjoying the show much more not knowing the secrets.

My Drinking Game.

I think the show started 2 minutes early and my DVR didn't get the message because I walked in on the show with Frank getting the 1st One on One card. I didn't get to hear the door bell ring and all of the guys run to the door like little girls.  Frank's card says All Signs Point To Love.

Ali is excited to be dating 17 guys and she's wearing a yellow shirt so I get to take a drink of my martini! She picks Frank up at the Frat House and everyone is excited to see her. They drive away in an classic car which promptly breaks down on the highway. * Why didn't Ali let Frank drive? First rule of Man Code..the man always drives!

They abandoned the car on the side of the road and Ali goes rogue and forces Frank to hike along the highway to the nearest exit where they catch a cab and continue their date. They do some sightseeing, get recognized by fans for the show and pose for pictures like a couple of dorks.

They take their cab up to the HOLLYWOOD SIGN and break in. Ali make Frank hike down some steep terrain to the sign, then Ali pulls a blanket out of thin air and they sit and admire the view. She asks him about Paris and he explains that he is following his dream...to be a screenwriter.

Ali believes that Frank would keep her from being too driven and remind her that love and family are more important. OR she'd resent him for not pulling his weight and dump his ass after they have a couple kids.

  I'm Frank...I like Passion, Paris and letting Ali drive.

Ali and Frank share their first kiss in front of the Hollywood Sigh. How Romantic right? YAY! The car is fixed and they drive it to some other lovely location with a great view and open a bottle of bubbly.

Back at the Frat House...The Picture Us Together Date card arrives and it's a 12 man group date. Craig M is stirring up sh!t and his hat is ridiculous!

Frank gets the rose and she tells him she's glad that he's there, they kiss and he says this is his best first date ever! Ali tells the camera that Frank made her believe that everything she is looking for is possible.

12 Months of Banana Hammocks

The group date takes place at a beach house in Malibu and Ali forgot to wear her shirt and brush her extensions. Justin tells the camera that he's going to take no prisoners but that's just because he can't...due to the fact that he has a broken ankle and can barely get from point A to point B.

They discover that they are shooting a Sexy Man Calendar and most of the guys are forced to wear these very small, very revealing trunks. Hunter is wearing a bright yellow get up that showcases his pasty skin and The Weatherman is forced into the bikini bottoms that Ali was supposed to wear. Craig M is photographed in long trunks, no shirt but with a sweater tied around his neck...while smoking a cigar and drinking a glass of scotch. He looks exactly like the man you don't want your man to smell like.

I smell like hair gel, Polo and Beef Jerky.

There is a game of tug of war, Ty plays his guitar  and sings to Ali and then a group shot of everyone on the beach. (Ali's wearing a yellow dress...DRINK).

Everyone changes clothes and they go to a bar for some one on one time to pick on The Weatherman.  Ali looks great in a black dress that zips up the front and she's wearing a cool cocktail ring. Ty tells Ali that he's divorced, thinks he's a great husband and loves being married.

Craig M is bullying The Weatherman again. When it's his turn, he tells Ali that Craig M shows lack of character, is a dangerous person and is looking for a fight.  When will he actually talk TO her?

DING DONG...back at the house a date card arrives and it says 'use these when the time is right' and it's a pair of cufflinks with the initials JB. Jesse!!

The group date rose goes to Ty but I have no idea why.

Come Fly With Me

Ali meets Jesse at the airport in skinny jeans and heels. They board a private jet and head to Vegas. Once they land they jump in a Red Ferrari (Ali drives again) and they head to a pool called Liquid. They eat oysters and play around in the pool. Later they dress up and Jesse meets her in a AMAZING suite with the most AMAZING view of the city. Ali is wearing the dress she should have worn for the meet and greet!

Back at the house...The Weatherman gets picked on again and Craig M puts his clothes on and does a fashion show.

Ali gives Jesse the rose because he's solid and genuine and says she feel closer to him after talking to him. DUH! She has one more surprise for him and they go to a nightclub called Haze where there is some unknown guy that plays music for them while they dance. SHOT! Jesse says this is the best first day he's ever had.

Cocktail Party

Ali arrives in a gorgeous white dress with a great ring! We find out that 3 guys will be going home and 3 guys didn't get dates this week. Chris L talks to her and tells her he's the oldest but still doesn't spill the beans about his mom.

I missed Roberto this week...he tells Ali that he was drafted by the Rockies and Twins and they go out front to play catch with mitts that he brought from home. Ali throws well!

Kasey only gets a few minutes of her time before he's interrupted by Frank (who already has a rose....HELLO) and he tells Ali he feels like she's his girlfriend. They kiss.

Craig M is picking on The Weatherman again and he runs to Ali to tell her again that Craig is a mean guy and dangerous. She finally confronts Craig and he is struggling to defend himself. She questions if he even likes her because he hasn't tried to ask her anything and he doesn't make eye contact with her. He stutters around the question because he was planted there by the produces to bully The Weatherman.

Craig M performs his last dramatic scene by confronting all of the men and trying to get to the bottom of who called him dangerous to Ali. He accuses The Weatherman and he responds by stuttering and reminding him that he already told him he doesn't like him since he wore his underwear, purple dress shirt and fancy white jacket in front of the guys. My Gaydar is strong with this one....

Finally....the Rose Ceremony and then there were 14 left. Exit stage left...Tyler V, Chris H and Craig M..the bully monster who left us with some parting words ...You can't be serious with someone who's shorter than you.


Jesse  24, General Contractor from MO. Got 1 On 1 date to Vegas. Tattoos.

Ty  31, Medical Sales from TN, loves his dog, great accent. Sings to Ali on the Beach. Divorced.

Craig R  27, Lawyer from PA, tattle tale.

Frank  31, Screenplay writer from IL, bold. Got Hollywood sign date. Looks good without glasses.

Chris L 33, Landscaper from Cape Cod, failed to tell Ali his Mom is dead.

Kirk  27, Salesman from WI, brought her a scrapbook, made a rose out of a hankie.

John C  32, Hotel Business from WA.

Chris N 29, Entrepreneur from FL, looks like Ryan Sutter.

Hunter  28, Account Executive from TX, sang song. Yellow trunks.

Jonathan  30, Weatherman from TX. Rode hard by Craig M. Wore bikini bottoms in calendar shoot.

Kasey  27, Account Executive from CA, Dad is an A-hole, looks like Jake.

Steve  28, Salesman from OH.

Justin  26, Entertainment Wrestler from Canada, voted most likely to be Wes, broken ankle, looks like the gardener from Desperate Housewives. Taking no prisoners. Ali likes to cuddle with him.

Roberto  26, Insurance Agent from SC, Salsa Dancer, happy parents, got 1st impression rose. Baseball player.

Tyler V  25, Advertising from VT, seems shy.
Chris H 28, Real Estate Developer from Canada
Craig M  34, Dental Salesman from Canada, bad boy, looks like Dean McDermott or Patrick Dempsey. Bullied The Weatherman.

Later today...Focus on the Family for June!  Tomorrow...What I Wore to kidnap Jessica Bern.

Linked up with MamaKat!

Bachelorette Ali Drinking Game

I have been known to drink a glass bottle of wine while watching The Bachelor and Bachelorette.  It helps me pay attention to what is being said and it makes the show a heck of a lot more fun.

Here are my previous drinking games:

Jake Drinking Game (scroll to bottom of post)
Jillian Drinking Game



Take a swig of your drink every time Ali...

• wears yellow
• says amazing, job or sexy
• kisses someone
• gets drunk 
• cries 

Take a swig of your drink every time...

• someone mentions a girlfriend
• someone speaks in spanish
• a bachelor gets drunk 
• a helicopter appears
• a bachelor tries to kill himself
• an ambulance is called

Do a shot every time...

• Chris Harrison appears 
• a musical group performs for Ali 

The Bachelorette Ali: All The Right Reasons

I've made an executive decision NOT to read spoilers or Reality Steve this season. I want to be surprised and I don't what to know all of the alleged shenanigans that are being done by the producers of the show. Knowing all of that stuff ruined the show for me last time.

The show started off recapping Ali's time on Jake's show and I was pleased to see that they didn't spend a lot of time on that. I'm so over Jake and I hope he and Vienna (gag) will be very happy together for the next couple months.

They showed Ali trying on clothes to wear on the show and I was thinking how incredible of an experience that must have been. Lucky girl!!  Ali admits that she's scared that she quit her job for this.  Me too, Ali....Me too.

Fashion Note: I'm in love with the long sweater that Ali wore in the beginning of the show. Love it!

For the meet and greet...Ali has selected a long black gown with an open back.  It's pretty...but it doesn't do anything for her figure and it's very long and she keeps having to pick it up to walk and navigate the stairs.  Keith, who decided to work from the living room tonight (but he is NOT watching the show...let's make this very clear) said that the dress didn't do anything for him.  I thought it made her look lumpy.

Ali tells us her new mantra: A life without love is a life without happiness!

We spent a long time meeting the bachelor's in their hometowns and some of them freak me out....like Frank, who quit a great job in Chicago to become a screenwriter and Kyle who is a outdoorsman from Colorado who likes to kill animals and fish.

Finally, it's time for the cocktail party.  Roberto thinks that Ali looks superfly, Kirk brought her a scrapbook of himself which Craig M (my least favorite) makes fun of. Kasey tells her that his Dad cheated on his Mom and Hunter sang her a song that he wrote.

Hi, I'm Shooter! 

Enter...Shooter!  His real name is Derrick and he's not a bad looking guy but he told her that his nickname is Shooter and he wants to explain that the reason is that he had some pre-ejaculation problems in College. Seriously?  You thought this was going to impress her?

Chris Harrison brings out the first impression rose and all of the guys freak out and realize how REAL this is.  They start scrambling to get Ali's attention and one on one time.

Roberto jumps at the chance and tells her all good things, happily married parents, owns his business and then he teaches her to salsa dance.  She thinks he's sexy!

Justin...the entertainment wrestles with the broken ankle reveals his shirt under his suit says RATED R on it.  This is also not very impressive....well, maybe if you are in your twenties.  I think it's stupid.

Craig R wants to warn Ali that Justin and maybe the weatherman are not here for the right reasons.  I'm not sure anymore what those reasons are.

Chris Harrison brings out a box and wants the guys to write the name or names of people that they think are not here for all of the right reasons.  There is a flurry of activity as the guys try to remember what Justin and Craig M's names are so they can write them on their cards.

The first impression rose goes to Roberto!  He made her feel comfortable and at ease and it doesn't hurt that he doesn't live at home with his parents.

Chris Harrison appears with the results of the vote and Justin received the overwhelming number of the votes.  Ali must now decide if she wants to keep him or not.  She gives him the rose....

Rose Ceremony!!

Yay:

Jesse  24, General Contractor from MO.
Ty  31, Medical Sales from TN, loves his dog, great accent.
Craig R  27, Lawyer from PA, tattle tale.
Tyler V  25, Advertising from VT, seems shy.
Frank  31, Screenplay writer from IL, bold.
Chris L 33, Landscaper from Cape Cod, failed to tell Ali his Mom is dead.
Kirk  27, Salesman from WI, brought her a scrapbook, made a rose out of a hankie.
John C  32, Hotel Business from WA.
Chris N 29, Entrepreneur from FL, looks like Ryan Sutter.
Chris H 28, Real Estate Developer from Canada
Hunter  28, Account Executive from TX, sang song.
Craig M  34, Dental Salesman from Canada, bad boy, looks like Dean McDermott
Jonathan  30, Weatherman from TX.
Kasey  27, Account Executive from CA, Dad is an A-hole, looks like Jake.
Steve  28, Salesman from OH.
Justin  26, Entertainment Wrestler from Canada, voted most likely to be Wes, broken ankle, looks like the gardener from Desperate Housewives.
Roberto  26, Insurance Agent from SC, Salsa Dancer, happy parents, got 1st impression rose.

Nay:

Derrick aka Shooter...ironically, he leaves...early!
Derek...brought her leaves to catch...but they were unlucky!
Jason...did a back flip off the roof of the limo, but it wasn't that impressive.
Jay...Lawyer who didn't really say much.  Said he would have sent himself home.
John...I suspect he is gay.
Kyle...back to the woods with you!
Phil...
Tyler...told her he wore boots because she did on The Bachelor.  He had the wrong girl. 

See how much Craig M looks like Mr. Tori Spelling? 

I can't understand why so many of these guys have the same name.  Three of them named Chris and two Craigs.  How confusing!

I'm working on my Bachelorette Ali Drinking Game and will have it posted later today. It's ready now!

In other breaking reality show news....Kelly Killoren Bensimon is now following me on twittah. (that's how Mallory says it) I'm baffled really because I'm kind of Team Bethenney.

In other, other breaking news...my favorite author Jen Lancaster will be (or has been depending on your time zone) on The Today Show with Hoda and Kathie Lee today. YAY!!

I'm Not Myself

I laid in bed last night...unable to sleep.  The last 10 days have been really hard on me....I'm not used to feeling bad and not being able to do what I need to do.  Releasing control to Keith while I was laid up was really hard.  I still don't feel great and I can't open my mouth very wide so eating is still difficult.  I bought a donut at the grocery store this morning and had a heck of a time eating it because I couldn't open my mouth wide enough.  I felt like that girl with the brace in 16 candles trying to get a drink at the water fountain.

I've lost interest in so many things that I used to love to do.  I don't want to plant anything, I'm tired of cooking and I even went so far as to delete my food blog.  I just want to sit and watch HGTV all day.  It goes back further....I couldn't get in the Christmas Spirit and I created my Focus on the Family lists as a way to force myself to plan things for the kids.  I really have no desire to do much of anything.

I looked back in my blog archives to see if I could pinpoint when I started to feel this way and I think I know what the problem is.

I wrote a post last September when we first found out that Obama was thinking of canceling Constellation and I talked about feeling paralyzed and like I couldn't breathe.  I think the uncertainty of my family's future and the future of this country is taking it's toll on me.  I'm worried for my family and our country.  Alli Worthington opened my eyes to some things that have happened the last few weeks.  If I didn't follow her on twitter...I'd have never known there had been a flood in Nashville.  Did you know? 

I feel like I'm on a runaway train that is speeding down the track and I'm fearful of what is around the bend. 

And I don't know what to do about it and I hate feeling this way.

The good news is that I'm still able to work up some excitement over TV....and I'm counting the hours to the LOST finale tonight.  I've made up a special menu of food that I'll post about tomorrow.

Also...The Bachelorette starts tomorrow and I'll be watching and recapping the show.  Look for that on Tuesday.