The Bachelorette

I can't remember the last season where I really cared who was picked at the end. Usually by the end, my favorite is gone, or we've learned too much about everyone to even have a favorite. But THIS time, I was so on edge through the entire episode-- sick for her that she had to dump one of them... both genuinely nice guys who were so in to her, and both TOTALLY thought they were winning it.

Ashley's sister was revolting to me-- so smug and arrogant to assume her 5-minute-impression deserved to be set in stone... which made me feel so sorry for JP... poor guy didn't know what he was getting in to when he got all freshly shaven and buttoned up for that family. But I have to admit, it may have made me realize that it's true, he wasn't much of a funny guy. (The sister decided he was NOT the one for Ash when Ashley balked at the question "does he make you laugh?") But besides that (and the fact that he wrote "baby" in his letter to her :/) I think he's a catch.

Meanwhile... Ben got cuter and cuter. Even though he does resemble the caveman from the capital one commercials a little. And even though his hat last night with all of his bangs fluffing out made me a little nervous. He did seem a little refreshing and casual compared to JP. Maybe I was rooting for him by the end.

And then she crushed him. It was awful and painful and his long hair was blowing sideways which looked kind of silly to boot. Which was a bummer. And she let him get down and propose which is always a big no-no if she knows the answer's no.

But I'm still an Ashley fan. She was fine to me last season. But I actually really loved her by the end of this. I think she's funny and quick and natural and generally really kind and sincere. She gets ripped apart for being insecure and delivering messages wrong, but I think she's just normal and not repeating the politically correct bachelorette/robot lines of the past. I mean she did say her fair share of "connection" and "chemistry" and "journey", but I think she does it less than any old bachelorettes. So she deserves that.

I read this post about the show that destroyed Ashley and JP--- I disagree with almost all of it... and felt so sad realizing all the mean things you must read about yourself after being in the spot light.... but it's pretty funny and comprehensive... if you're into that sort of thing.

sigh--- is it really over? it's always a sad day for me.

Tummies, teeth, and poop

I don't know when Sophia got SO much taller than Mila. Have they always been so different in height? I can't remember now. I think she just had a growth spurt--- it feels like people are constantly commenting on her height.

And how can I not mention those tummies? Oh, if only it looked so cute on a grown-up.

And this guy-- oh goodness, I hope this is a very temporary phase-- these last few days have been.... different.

I think he's teething, and I think that it's the teething that's causing him to poop only once every 9 or 10 days. My pediatrician has said in the past that "that can be perfectly normal for breast-fed babies." I wonder how HE'D feel if he went 10 days. Finn is not a happy camper. The last two nights have been rocky--- and I'm wanting my sleepy, content, little beefcake back.

Having said all of that, he woke up from this last nap happy and rested, then passed a bunch of *gas and at this moment, is a little giggly dream. Maybe the worst is behind me? No- I know better. But I'm enjoying the present.

Last thing pouring out of my streaming thoughts--- we saw Larry Crowne last weekend.

Um- what?

I guess I should have watched a preview. I had way too much faith in the cast--- I really like Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts so it seemed like a sure winner on that alone. Had I known it was a long episode of Community withOUT it's ONLY redeeming quality, I would have thought twice.

I did however get to see some really good previews before the movie including the one for The Help-- And I cannot WAIT to see that story come to life. If you haven't already read it, hurry up and read it. It won't disappoint.

Just in case you needed an opinion or two.

*excuse me, if poop or gas is an inappropriate topic in your home--- obviously it's very common in ours. :)

A girl can dream

We've been busy. Swimming, staying up late, sleeping in (which means I stay in bed and feed Finn, then put him back down for nap 1, while Ross leaves for cross-fit, then work, and my girls run wild around the house or watch a movie on the new ipad. Ok so I'm not winning any mommy-awards this summer... but we ARE enjoying ourselves.)

Anyway-- the pool above is NOT the one we've been swimming at, but it's so lovely I had to post it. But again, I don't know where I saved it from, so let me know if it's yours and I'll tell the world! I wonder if that patio furniture would look as good next to our dead bougainvillea and blow-up pool slash water slide....

Anyone watching Million Dollar Decorators? I love it-- even though it's absurd how much money people spend--- I like to dream that I'm going to win a beach house decorated by-- can't remember his name, cute gay guy with the blonde boyfriend--- not the British one that says "dahhh-ling" and "delicious" in a super breathy voice all the time. Don't know how much I could take of that.

Ahhh-- tomorrow's Friday. Always so excited for Ross to be home for a couple of days...

Just felt like it should be recorded, since it's been a serious phase in our house

I think this hit is old news now. So I'll use the timing of our obsession with it, as proof that we weren't exactly ENCOURAGING our children to have a premature love for pop stars. But they have friends, (Kate) and their friends have siblings (Madi) who also have friends (Mary) who thwart our attempts at keeping them singing only primary and princess songs. Thanks a lot girls.

And so we've conceded, and maybe even let them watch the video on youtube here and there. (What a cute kid? I had no idea.) And after hearing them singing it so many times, I thought I should record it before they've moved on. I just love hearing the words they come up with sometimes. They think I'm full of it when I try and correct them, "it's, 'are we just FRIENDS', not 'DENDS.' " They'll have no part. Psshht. "No MOM! Sophia said it's "dends."

Here, I caught Mila in the car (yes I'm driving but I could see the reflection of my camera in the review mirror so once I got it in the right spot ... I was all eyes on the road. Swear.

American Idol

I was skeptical of what American Idol would be with the new judges. It's so much BETTER. I've never been a J Lo fan, but watching her on AI, I think she's just lovely. LOVELY. And how rad is Stephen Tyler? Who'd have guessed it? I never knew he was so sweet and almost... normal. And yet super weird. I don't know. But I like him.

But Casey Abrams... Oh I just LOVE this guy. Even though he always looks like he needs a shower. His voice, his creativity, that big base he's pulled out a couple of times, his expressions--- my fave right now. And I LOVED Fraggle Rock as a kid---

Also loving, Paul McDonald and his soft voice. I loved his duet a few weeks ago with Jenna from 30 Rock. Ok it wasn't her, but watch it again, you'll see the resemblance. I could NOT take her seriously. Back to Paul.... I even love his quirky gimp arm.

Gotta mention, but too lazy to grab a photo... also loving Tim Halperin which coincidentally reminds me of Jim Halpert (and THEN I heard his name so it seemed eerily coincidental to me.) la la loved his "Let it Be" duet with that gorgeous Colombian girl with all the cute skirts.

I always think I might be over the show by the end of a season... but this one's got me good.

My predictions… a little late, so maybe it's all obvious to you… but I'm still claiming them… Top 4

She clearly wants him to father her children more than anyone else. Is it the dimples? Whatever it is, she is SO in to him. He just has to avoid total creep-out things like tattoos of armored hearts and he's a sure thing at the end. I think Roberto will be in the top 2.

Kirk--- I wish I was in to him, because his personality is pretty normal, and he was a runner which is respectable. It's a little weird that he implied he had some great big secret like a past life as a cross-dresser or a wife (ex-spouses are so overdone), and then just explained that he was once really sick. ?? Obviously she's got the physical thing with him though…. top 4 for sure.

Frank--- he was maybe my very favorite for the first couple of episodes… but he's lost a little of my love just like he has Ali's. I think he'll make top 4 but maybe that's the end for him.

Chris L--- hmmm---- he's sort of the guy in the movie that the city girl meets while on her much needed get-away to cape cod. He saves her after she tips out of her little boat and takes her back to his rustic house for some hot chocolate. Something like that. They'd probably cast J-Lo which would be a bummer. But I'd see it. He's a GUY. But super nice and simple. MAYBE a little too simple. Might be a little bit dopey. But I still really like him. He'll DEFINITELY make a great husband. He's sincerely all about family and the things that really matter. I think he'll be in the top 2 against Kirk or Roberto. And Ali will be faced with the age-old Bachelorette dilemma---- "do I follow my heart or my head?!"

PHEW--- good tv.

Oh but wait, let's not forget Chris N….

what??

Ross and I thought he was a camera guy they accidentally let in the frame a couple of times. Poor guy--- finally gets his big 2 minutes of fame… "I like Mexican food??"

Brooke's going to be on GLEE!

TOMORROW!
My sister-in-law, Brooke is a dancer and (even after having two kids) dances for a company that does stilt dancing. We've watched her perform once in LA several years ago and it was amazing. Part of the team was on America's Got Talent, the first season---- and now they were hired to perform on Glee! I think they play a competing cheer squad, which means that Brooke, 32-year-old-hot-mama-of-two plays a 17-year-old.

NICE, Brooke.

Oh.... and in case you don't know Brooke, here she is. We did some head shots at Christmas time for this very audition. Not taking any credit or anything.... I'm just saying.....

So WATCH. It's the one with Madonna. And if you're wondering what the heck stilt-dancing is, watch. She has no idea if, or how much she'll be on after it's been edited and everything. But on this clip, she's front and left, on stilts... the one with the long pony tail. So cross your fingers!

And watch.

The funniest show on TV

... in my opinion.

We watched last night's episode tonight. Favorite lines of the night, where I couldn't control even for vanity's sake, the fact that my mouth was frozen open in laughter while full of ice cream w/corn chex, and tears ran down my face:

"I feel like I ate the sun!"

and

"my mouth feels numb like at the dentist."

I still get the rise in my throat of laughter as I type. Oh I hope you're watching this show. If neither of these quotes does it for you--- hulu it. You're behind.

p.s. New photos over on my photo blog....

Disneyland!

(My favorite kind of self-portrait. Especially compared to the one below.)

This is the second year we've had season passes, and it's so nice to be able to go for just a few hours and feel like it was still worth it. Yesterday Ross worked a half day, we took off at like 2, got to the park by 3:30, and stayed 'till like 10. Yikes. We don't usually stay that late. But Sophia is WAY more into rides now and we just kept "needing" to go on one more. We park at downtown disney where the first 3 hours are free and the next two are free with validation. Twice now we've been able to get the extra 2 hours validated with our reciept from La Brea express. I don't think it's supposed to work, but it has for us. So for a whole afternoon, we ended up paying just $10 in parking, without all the hastle of the tram etc... I love it.

You know what else I love? Chase from House.

CHASE FROM HOUSE!!! I always wondered what I would do if I saw a celebrity I liked--- I don't think I ever really have before. I saw Cole's police partner from Charmed once, years ago in a parking garage, but I was in my car and Ross was driving, so he had the control (Can you believe I just threw that out there as if there's no shame. And as if anyone knows the characters from Charmed but me.) It's in the past.

One bummer about taking a photo with a celebrity is you can't really check out the photo and say--- "mm... nope --- that's not going to work, I have boy eyes-- or I look like I just went for a run"-- and keep snapping 'till you get one where you look pretty. I think that may have crossed a line, since bothering him at Disneyland while he was there with his family didn't. So you get stuck with a photo like this one--- but you can't not post it, because it's Chase. And you love Chase, even if you don't know his real name.

So what DID I do? I don't think I was that bad. But Ross does. We were sitting there eating our popsicles when he walked slowly right in front of us, pushing a stroller all by himself. I gasped, and hit Ross's arm repeatedly.... I was so excited. And he may or may not have heard me. He didn't let on.

He walked like 20 yards down and sat on the same wall as us, waiting for his family it seemed. It was just before he sat that I took the paparazzi picture on the left--- I had to have SOME memory of seeing him in person. Ross just shook his head. I thought that was all I'd have. And then suddenly he was right in front of us again, and just hanging out there, waiting for his wife to come off of Small World... "well now it's like your taunting us, just begging for me to snap some pictures of you--- " he looked confused. Ross looked embarrassed.

"We watch your show--- sorry"-- Ross says.

"Oh--- did you want a picture?"

And then we proceeded to the awkward, half way picture-hug that I'm still not sure who instigated, where I smiled so big my neck muscles stuck out all freaky, right as his family came out from the ride. My head was on a swivel for the next hour or so, certain I was going to see more of my prime-time friends.

I'm a little disappointed in myself--- just for getting SO excited-- and venturing dangerously close to becoming that crying girl in the American Idol audience. I hope they didn't chuckle and roll their eyes as they walked away hoping to avoid us for the rest of the day--- but they probably did. And I think it was worth it.

Besides that.... we did the matterhorn (no idea how that's spelled) for the first time with the girls, Sophia loved it, Mila got a little nervous for a second but said she liked it at the end. Ross beat me at the Buzz Lightyear game this time... so the rally continues... all in all---- a hit. I don't think we had one fit, (if we did it was from Sophia who is having a VERY hard time with patience right now and with not getting what she wants when she wants it). Mila was a total doll---flirting with the whole park in her new Liberty of London romper. Anyone want to meet us there next month? Gotta get our fill before the crazy summer hits.

I love Disney.

Bullets

Don't remember where I saved this image from.... but I just thought it was cute. Today's a random blog... it's Friday, I'm trying to muster up enough braincells to make it through one more normal week day. I think bullets will be easier for them to handle.

- I have (this is where I'm supposed to cross out "have" and replace it with "get" -------how do people do that cross-out thing?) to give a talk on Sunday at church. I know it will be good for me, since you always learn so much in preparing for something like that. But I thought I'd feel better about it by now and it's not coming together yet. Feeling stressed.

- perhaps it's not coming together because yesterday, while hitting a stride writing it, I accidentally highlighted a whole paragraph and hit "return" which of course deleted the paragraph. Well.... get this, I'm so used to blogging, that I THOUGHT about the undo button, and then I thought how it wasn't an option (since this has happened to me a number of times in blogger and it's not an option THERE) so I quickly turned OFF my computer (mmm hmmm) thinking that this way it would retrieve the most recently saved version that would include most of that paragraph. Like I've done in blogger. Blasted blogger. Blasted end-of-the-week braincells. I lost the whole thing.

-And then Mila woke up an hour and a half earlier than usual from her nap because she'd pooped before she fell asleep and slept in it. Nice.

- Those ten minutes had me in tears. But then we jumped on the bike to pick Sophia up from Kate's, and went to the park with friends for the nicest weather ever. All was well.

- Today's Friday and I love Friday's because we get Sophia all day--- I don't have to have her looking human by 8 for school... and we can do whatever the heck we want. All day. If only my love-handles weren't still making some calls. Off to Body Combat. Where you surrender to moves that make you look like an uncoordinated, rag doll. But it's worth it.

- I ordered my first official set of baby announcements for a client. I'm excited about it. Feeling much more comfortable in Photoshop these days.

- Did I mention I'm doing an all day "Shootshop" with these photographers next week in Vegas? I'm SOOO excited and just a little nervous! They are the masters of making life look like the best party ever--- so I'm hoping they'll pass on all of their best secrets.

- I was so excited for the girls of American Idol this year, then a bit disappointed with their performances, than even MORE disappointed with the go-homes! I really liked both of them, and definitely could have lost several before them. Bummer. Won't miss the boys. Did you see last night when the long-haired country boy that Kara sexually harasses made that goofy face in the camera? Ross and I rewinded that like 4 times and could NOT stop laughing. I think he's a new fave for me.

- Happy Friday. I think you're lovely. It's true. (see image above.)

Have you had time to miss them?

This photo's a little sexy (or something) for my blog, but it had the best resolution I found.

Wanna see some more of our favorite supernatural teenie-bopper lovers set to a LOVELY song?

Got directed to this video on youtube that was put together to Lindsay Aline's song, Eye Contact. Turns out Ross grew up with Lindsay in Walnut Creek (or I guess more, her brother since she's like 10 years younger)-- but I was really impressed with her beautiful voice and wanted to support her new career! :)

I usually find myself pulled in by a song the second time around without realizing it... but this was one of those that put me in the clouds the first time-- telling the story of fresh love-- that fluttery, precious, nervousness you feel in the beginning-- really sweet.

She reminds me of Evanescence a little... that kind of voice-- really pretty and feminine but strong... check it out.

On "The Bachelor"

a. Bachelor- you- the show, WHY did you pick Jake? Did everyone else refuse? I'm in to nice guys-- I married one. But this is not just a nice guy. This is a nice, humorless guy with the silliest laugh and the WORST cheese who agrees to let the show video-tape him doing things like soaping up his tummy in the shower, and takes his shirt off every chance he gets (accept in the clip where he was actually in a pool and should have had it off.... what?) No really, he's very nice. But really?

b. Reid, Where are you?! Decide you were above the Bachelor? We agree. And we're happy for you but sad for us.

c. Hot blonde model that looks like Hillary Duff mixed with Scarlet Johansan--- wow. Who can blame you for relying on your looks. I hope you go home soon so my husband doesn't fall in love with your cheekbones and lips like I am. (Yes, I make Ross watch it with me.) But I don't think you will (go home). I think you'll be the one to have an affair with some hot camera-guy.

d. Jillian, what were you thinking taking Ed to that party with the hot blonde? Thinking you regretted that one.

e. You, with the yellow dress that tore when you tripped and the raspy, sick, voice--- I like you. Were I the bachelor, and therefore a single boy hunting for a wife on a ridiculous but addicting reality show, I'd pick you. Yellow dress, raspy girl, you had me at "I've lost boyfriends to video games"... what is wrong with our world? But really--- I think we'd be friends. But I used to think that about Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Aniston ... and I'm not sure they'd feel the same.

f. You with the tears and the bikini and the dancing on the beach---- the dance theatre and the Ariel etc.... , you're very nice, but I would never pick you if I were the Bachelor. But I think you are perfect for our Jake and I think you'll win. I picked you for him before you gave him a kiss and before he gave you that first rose, and I'm making you my official bet. Disney Princess, I think you'll marry your prince. But since that could be a little boring, I think The Bachelor will distract us with tons of outrageous drama all along the way. And while my eyes will be alternately rolling back in my head in disgust and then down in shame, I will be there every step of the way.

Boooo (does it have an "h" on the end?)

Hmmm. I actually really liked the FIRST one. Super-duper-teenie-bopper, low-budget and all. Actor-Edward grew on me, the music got me, and it made me happy to see that fun book in film. Everyone said the second one was even better.

Blackhhhccccgggg. Turns out I was so disappointed. I knew the first time around I was SO bummed at the choice for Bella. But I guess I could handle it for one movie. This time I was overwhelmed by my lack-of-love for Kristen Stewart. I think it should have been the cute girl from Gilmore girls, or just a no-name that was cuter, more endearing, not so pointy-like and droopy-eyed. Between her and Robert I was sure they would fall asleep at any moment. Just look up! I wanted to scream. Almost there... his eyes... getting warmer...

It almost ruined it for me, her down-cast-eyes staring at his overly pink vampire lips. And that you-know-what 'tension' that gets a little old even in the book and is WAY worse watching these two little teenage actors.... and then there was Jacob's feminine voice. Geeze louise.

Thank goodness for Jessica and her under-breath rants... she was my favorite by far.

Hhhhhhhh ....... I miss the Edward and Bella I knew and loved in print...maybe there's hope with the next two.... but I'm feeling doubtful. Sad and doubtful.

Fall Television.... it's here!

Mercy: don't do it. NBC's attempt at a New York, nurse's Grey's Anatomy. In those first five minutes when she pinched the woman's nose between her knuckles to get her to shut up like she was one of the three stooges--- well I guess I should have caught on then and not wasted my time.

Cougar Town: Holy Cow. So bad. On so many levels. Really obnoxious characters, really awful message-- made me sort of ashamed to be a woman. If that were a show about men trying to seduce younger women it would be outwardly offensive--- why is Hollywood so determined to create such a double standard? Yuck. I liked my Monica neurotic and quirky, not trashy and desperate. Ashamed we even tivo'd it. But I feel this overwhelming need to support my old friends on their new ventures, you know? oh-- which reminds me...

Love Happens: A movie-- so it doesn't really fit in my new-fall-tv-show-review. But lame, nonetheless. I expected so-so, because while I can't resist a movie with Jennifer Aniston just so I can stare at her hair and hope I feel the FRIENDS nostalgia, I'm usually disappointed. But this was disappointing for other reasons. It wasn't about love at all. Really, I felt like I was attending a grieving seminar or some big group/ broadcasted therapy session. Depressing. Blah. But her hair was lovely as ever.

Biggest Loser: It is what it always is. And if only it were an hour instead of two, and Jillian didn't always have her face scrunched in that "I'm gonna kill someone" ridiculous expression, we'd be loyal viewers for the whole season. But this first episode made me bawl like a 4-year-old who's block-village just got knocked over by her baby sister. Sad.

Modern Family: Hhhhhhhhh (that's a sigh)-- The thought of willingly watching a show with the guy who played Al Bundy was NOT enticing to me. But Ross insisted it would be a winner. And it did NOT disappoint. Did you watch it? Tivo it next week--- it was really funny-- and I actually liked several of the characters. Usually I feel like that can take a few weeks. This is a keeper. Ross and I died over the "cool-dad".... because.. well we're pretty sure it's Ross... in like 10 years. Yikes. Funny.

Community: on the other hand... not so funny. Bummer, because who doesn't like the soup guy? He was good--- the pretty girl was fine, but every other character made me watch mostly out of my left eye. (That's what happens when the acting is really annoying and my face starts to turn away like the tv stinks.)

SYTYCD- is it really on again? This show has always been at the top of my list--- but last season, something just wasn't right to me. Maybe I'm just soured from losing my Fantasy SYTYCD, but I didn't LOVE anyone. Especially the boys. None of them were quite enough boy for me. I think that was the problem. That and, I think there's a limit on how many seasons you can let your senses of sight and sound be offended by Mary Murphy.

Let's hope for more winners soon--

I love Fall. Even if it is still well over 100 degrees.