Team Cold Cuts

I think this show might be mainly about Chad, some about Jo Jo and set to music penned by James.
Highly entertaining episode.

First Group Date: Fire Academy.
 Jo Jo arrives at the house and extinguishes a limo that is aflame while the men watch. But the point of the visit to the fire academy date is to see who will save jo jo..and then spend more time with her. But a mere minute ago, when the men heard a big bang from the house and run out to see a limo on fire..they all stand around with their hands in the pockets..noone is rushing around to see if she needs some saving...hmm maybe a visit to the fire academy will help with the bravado. Jo Jo only puts on half of the firefighter uniform. I'm sure her tank top is flame resistant...but the guys all say she's smokin'.

I developed a mini crush on Wells; although he lacks muscle mass, he's cute, self deprecating and funny.
Jo Jo provides an eloquent commentary "These guys are really hauling a$$!". Daniel makes some comment about pulling hoses in his apartment. Sober Daniel remains unimpressive.
Luke almost wins the challenge..but who wins..the firefighter. Yup. Grant represent.
Him and Jo Jo have some lukewarm conversation.
At the little party..Luke and Jo Jo have a passionate kiss..but...
Wells gets a rose. Persistence and humour is the way to Jo Jo's heart.

Meanwhile back at the house...Chad is doing chin ups using a weighted suitcase.


1:1 Derek
Derek is simply adorbs. They make a series of decisions that takes them to the Golden Gate bridge. Someone cheated on Derek:( He opens up to Jo Jo.

Let me say it again. Derek is adorbs.

Back at the house..it's like Bachelor camp and James Taylor is leading them all in a sing a long. It all seems a bit ridiculous..but they all seem like they are having fun, singing about the same girl they are vying for. The Bachelor mansion messes with people's brains..well except for Chad..he and his homie Daniel are hanging out. I think Daniel has a man crush on Chad..as they recline on the couch in their black tank tops..showing their pecs and bis.They try to draw an analogy "if you made a protein shake of the group of guys". What did that mean. That was whey too dumb:)


Group Date at ESPN
They go to a sports station. (Is that actually a TV channel?. I doubt I have it..splurged this season to get the time shift package so I can watch the Bachelor early and not be up late writing the RR.) Jo Jo has this doily-esque blouse ..looks so similar to ones I have folded in my closet that I couldn't throw away in my minimalism challenge because they were gifted to me and  hand crocheted over in Croatia..so I appreciated her blouse .
They meet some hosts..and have some silly competitions like strike a rose, twirl and propose and press conference. This is where I started to like Chad a bit more. I agree with what he had to say about Jo Jo..he doesn't know her or love her, but wants to get to know her. Yup. Agree:)

At the little get together., Jo Jo wore a tassle-y sweater..that kinda reminded me of a blanket you'd get at Winners- but it looked cosy.Chad reveals his mom died 6 months ago :( and that he has his mom's Maltese puppy. He seems kinda genuine with her. Nick chooses to jump and sit in the big chair with Jo Jo. Chad provides commentary that Jo Jo doesn't want a short guy.  Dunno about that...apparently Pitbull's tagline is 'single,bilingual and ready to mingle". (Pitbull has 6 kids and is unmarried)..so I wouldn't write Nick off because of his height:)
James reads her an adorable note..and James gets the rose!


Cocktail party The party where I started to appreciate Chad
All the smack talk about Chad during the party was getting tiresome. Yes, Chad really laid into the cold cuts or as some guys remarked "you're really crushing the food". And if I'm going to get picky- he really could have used a fork. But the guys were relentless in their 'dissing' of Chad.
Chad's comments about feeling like he was in West Side story or that he felt like he was being surrounded by Care Bears made me laugh. When people just talk about other people...i wonder how much confidence and/ or intelligence they have.
The guys seems like they are so offended that Chad won't spend time with them. Then there was the almost altercation and a threat of loosing teeth. Sigh. Why can't people use their words.

The ED specialist apparently has 3 kids..so he can take his own medicine.

sad that Bachelor super fan didn't get the rose..and I'm not sure if the boxing coach got one.
And I haven't seen much of Vinny..but for some reason I'm so happy there's a guy named Vinny  still on the show. Feels refreshingly northside.

Until next week.
I LOVE THIS SHOW!

I Swear

that I love this show!!
But seriously...when there is 90s jamz...I'm even more in:)

Yeah!! New season!
Jo-Jo is back..she's got smokey eyes, a fab fake tan , a fresh ombre and   a glittery dress to greet the dudes...
Oh..but first she has a meeting of the bachelorette minds with Des, Caitlin and Ali...Caitlin was the most casually dressed of them all.(in high top Converse sneakers!).and had the most air time. Loved her toast "Enjoy each one"..nice.
Jo Jo gets ready...odd that she has her shoes on the bed.maybe to show they would be sparkly.Okay but on the the boys I mean men..and not Boyz II Men..All 4 One makes an appearance.

There were the requisite cheesey montages of the guys in their home towns..Grant the firefighter wonders if she will "light his fire" (soooo he can extinguish it?..didn't make sense). Jordan the former pro football player wants to know if he will be the #1 draft pick. I Swear the show employ writers that can harvest cliches and mine puns from any situation.
But not cheesy line for Evan the erectile dysfunction specialist in his hometown. How does he go from being a pastor to begin an erectile dysfunction specialist...and he administers injections? Does he have a medical background...but I wonder if he will rise to the occasion on this show:):)

Oh but Christian..raising his two brothers. Awwww. Christian..and wow you get up early to workout. 3:30. whoa.

Some super cute guys..and some..well..like the Bachelor superfan. Does he want to be on the show or does he want to be with Jo Jo...is he here for the right reasons?

Limo arrivals...
So many guys..
Dumbest comment might have gone to Grant..who told her.."I won't be like Ben and fall in love with two women..i will fall in love with only one girl. "Umm. yeah.there's only once choice here Grant.

Ali..holy..he has a lot of facial hair...super cute..
Robby brought wine. Like there won't be enough alcohol in the house.
James Taylor...great singer..kinda cute.
Daniel..seems goofy.and his occupation is Canadian.
Sal the operations managers..with the blue balls..(is that something Evan can help with?)
Chad..starts a few sentences with hey..seriously..can't you say Hello?
Jonathon..the 1/2 Scottish/1/2 Chinese guy...and his reference to the lower part of this body being Scottish..yeesh..thanks for clarifying.
I like Brandon the hipster.who has never watched the show. Love it:) He'll be refreshing.
Saint Nick came in saying Jo-Jo-Jo!! Clever...can't tell if he's cute. I wonder what was in the box he gave her.
The cocktail party
Oh Alex..and the push-ups...embarassing..only because I've done them myself at a few gatherings..but i didn't ask anyone to sit on my back...it's okay Alex..I've been there and we all make uncool mistakes:)
Daniel tried to explain to Jo-Jo about Damn Daniel...but he said "have you been following the internet the last 6 months". Who follows the internet. Damn Daniel you are not so smart.
Nor is he a smart dresser. Or he put his underwear and tie in the dryer. I'm embarrassed for Canada.
 And isn't Jonathan from Canada...oh..we are not representing:)Then Wells, brings All 4 One back to serenade Jo Jo..I wonder if All 4 One had a few drinks:) Did they have any other hits beside I Swear?
Ooo who was the guy with the awkward kiss? Was it Robby. That was SO. AWKWARD. I felt it through the TV.
But who made up for the awkwardness was Jordan. He came back for a second 1:1 time and a kiss. Good job Jordan.
Then we have Daniel...who wanted to strip down..and show his lats..and his teeny underwear. Makes a splash in the pool then walks around in his underwear for awhile. Best quote about Daniel "He's white Canadian wasted".hahahaha..is that a thing?
Chad seemed like he was angry at everyone...like a the mean guy criticizing everyone. He seemed to be sweet with Jo Jo though.
But Jordan gets the first impression rose! But as the Bachelor superfan noted "Remember Olivia got the first impression rose and she was left alone on a island" Hahaha. Maybe the bachelor superman can give Brandon the hipster some background to this show...Jo Jo says the kiss is so fantastic...AND she feels inspired to do squats.

Rose Ceremony..
Guess who rolls in ...it's a Bachelor throw back..Jake Pavelka!!!What?  Apparently he is family friends with Jo Jo...what? Is there some inner circle of Bachelor contestants? I'm about to form a conspiracy theory...Phew.he is just there to give advice..which i'm not sure what it was..or maybe it was just to let people know he's still looking for love...


The ceremony!
I don't know all these guys...but here is who got the rose!
Luke
Wells
James T.
Grant
Derek
Christian
Chad - he answered I do when she asked if he would accept the rose..hahahahaa
Chase
Alex
Robbie
Brandon(yay!)
James F- the boxer (Yay)
Ali
Saint Nick(is he cute?)
Will
James S..
Vinny
Evan- the ED specialist ( I have  feeling I'll be annoyed by him)
Daniel
In the previews...it looks like Chase has anger issues..and there will be blood spilled.

Until next week..
(I Swear) I LOVE THIS SHOW!

No No to Jo Jo

..


I'm emotionally exhausted...this seriously was the most dramatic season ever.

I kept tossing between Jo JO and Lauren...I was thinking it was going to be Lauren but then I thought maybe the producers edited to look like Lauren but then it might be Jo Jo.

The show is getting even more show-y...bringing both sets of parents and Ben's Pastor to show in case Ben wants to get married that night.  Ben's pastor gets a lot of screen time...

Could Ben's parents be more fantastic. Way to go Amy and David.

The only thing with the meeting of the parents that made me think Jo Jo might not be the one..was that Jo Jo was so so so nervous..that I was doubting if she felt really certain.

Both meetings went well..both girls ditched the short short denim shorts..Lauren went more demure in appearance.and Jo Jo went short and back less. Lauren brought wine sans gift bag (Are there not gift bags on the island..?) and flowers..and Jo Jo brought a conch filled with flowers.


the awkward last dates
Both the final dates felt so so awkward. Guess that happens when you are in love with two people.
Both beach dates and then a short hotel visit...and a short visit on the bathroom floor for Jo Jo..i'm not sure why they didn't think the bathroom would be private. Do people forget their mikes are on? What did Ben leave Jo Jo's hotel room with..what was that silver pot? Was he stealing a room decoration? Was that a gift she gave him??

Neil Lane...
Neil made it to the island with his display of diamonds..he even asked Ben.did you choose one?? which led to yet another video montage retrospective. Ben picks a ring that looks like it's more for Jo Jo than Lauren...

but then..

The Big Day
Ben gets ready..producers shared that Ben is wearing deep blue boxer briefs (into which we find out later that he tucked his shirt into his underwear)
I still can't believe the women do their own hair and make up...but the dresses..Lauren's blue dress was a great colour choice..but what was with Jo Jo..it was like bridal/debutante/mermaid.
The woman have to walk down a long wet slippery bridge...Jo Jo was first out of the helicopter...she started with a nice speech for Ben..then he started..and inserting the 'but' sealed her fate...he walks her to the car...and in her car ride out.she said the sweetest thing " I was so upset but I really didn't want to see him cry". Ben is very upset and takes his jacket off...then we note that his blue boxer breifs are showing...
Ben calls Lauren's dad...who happens to be ready to take a call and grant her daughter's hand in marriage.
Lauren's gets coptered in....she teetered over the bridge in her heels...she has a great speech..and Ben can't wait to let her know that he wants to wake up/kiss/support her every day. They declare  they are 'each other people's'. Oh..and she accepts the final rose.

I LOVE THIS SHOW!

After the rose..
Jo Jo is the bachelorette..she looks amazing.
Lauren is moving to Denver!
Ben re-proposed...but didn't marry her on live TV..good choice:)

Women tell (it) all over again

Not much changed..
RAchel is still unemployed..the chicken enthusiast still likes chickens, Haley and Emily are still steaming mad a Olivia... Caila still loves Ben and Olivia...still is generally disliked.
The new face in the crowd was Sheila the chicken...the show is relying on this animal to provide levity..I still think Avian flu when I see it. I'm not sure how it didn't poop in the what felt like 2 hours..even though I got to watch the PVR'd edition:)  Thanks J!

Chris did an exceptional job hosting..and dug deep into what bordered on therapeutic interventions.

There was a bit of a race commentary..but i"m not sure if Amber or Jami knew what their points were. Were they made at Jubilee's "I'm full black" comment. But if Amber and Jamie are half white, then they aren't full black. To me it's fractions thing...but maybe it's a race thing..i dunno.
I'm thing Amber just wanted lots of screen time.

But Chris did pull out the big emotional guns for Jubilee..he thanked her for her military service..(and she made Sergeant!) and then went deep, deep into the emotional trenches with Jubillee...saying that a great guy like Ben saw something great in you...whoa..Chris..nice try..but it you think that is helpful..it's more disempowering..i.e. a guy seems something worthwhile in you ergo you must be worthwhile... I think we need to give it up to Lace's tattoo about loving yourself first.

Yeah..Ben's nice..for sure..but what he did notice and comment on first when he came out was the chicken...looking right past Caila.
The fricken chicken...treating Caila like chopped (chicken) liver. Sorry Sheila.

I'm not sure if Olivia won anyone over..but it was nice that her sister took on her social media accounts..what a good sister.

What stood out for me on the WTA..as WTF was going on with some of those eyebrows...the worst eyebrows went to Caila and Olivia. You gotta commit to eyebrows..go pro or go home..honestly.According to Youtube..it's Anastasia brow whiz...apparently the brows put on themselves with that product.

Eyebrows aside..i'm going to give  a golf clap to Caila for being so self aware..acknowleding and sitting with her feelings..and saying she wants a relationship like Ben appears to have with the women (yeesh sounds weird)..he's in love with.
Amber -the mom..also said something really sweet..how she cherished how emotional he got when she left..and that she wishes him well.

Grammatical pet peeve of WTA..why do they all say "when I watch it back"...they really should say.."when I watch it"..they aren't re-watching it...because they haven't watched it once already...they experienced it...but they did not watch it..ugh..okay.I feel better mentioning that

Guess what...next week is going to be the most dramatic show EVER!!! But really who is he going to pick...i waffle...

Until next week..I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!

It got weirder.

Whoa. Ben. Jamaiacan yourself crazy.

In a really big nut shell..it got nuttier.
It's the FODs...at the Sandals' resort in Jamaica. It looked pretty nice there...When I see Sandals commercials on TV it seems so cheesy...like it is trying to sell a classy vacation...where the the adult commercials showcase women who are always sipping champagne or about to lead a conga line and the men have very little abdominal fat and wear their shirts very unbuttoned and are about to eat some flambed meat.

But back to the show...I can't get into too many deetz since I have an early morning tomorrow.
Cailla...i just had a feeling that she was way more unsure  because she was way too into hime..make sense? It seemed on their chill raft ride that the feelings ran cold. They sipped some coconut water and then were getting ready for dinner...which they didn't eat because she was busy saying she loved him...and she thought she'd get the needed "time" time with Ben. He says he has something for her. Love it..the room key is for her...not for him..She accepts...and then..fireworks..lots of fireworks..the producers had to do something to create a spark. hahaha..i know ...i'm reaching here..but I could sense this was going nowhere..permanent. they have a great night..and drink black coffee in the morning..and they are served breakfast....and they sit holding hands on the balcony..but then he has to go..to sleep with .i mean on another date.


Lauren
What is up with Lauren and her walking...Heels aren't the easiest to walk in..but she's in wedges..and she always looks like she's trying to steady her balance..you think her balance would be great with all the flight attending she does...
Well she did navigate the date well.
Baby turtles. They save some baby turtles. CUTE. Okay..what are the analogies...20 000 turtles saved...20 seasons of the Bachelor...the turtles need to be rescued, some of the women need to be rescued...AND they both need a hard shell to survive this show.
back to the date...
 She wasn't sure if she was going to spend the night or tell him she loved him..but she did..AND he says he loves her too!! She's so happy...and Ben says.."she has qualities of my future wife"...whoa Ben ..easy..we have a few weeks left.
They hit the fantasy suite..he draws the sheers..nto the heavy curtains..lights out..but mikes still on. I wonder how long they have to keep the mikes on.
Although Ben is in love with Lauren..tomorrow is a new day and he must focus on...

Jo Jo.
The wardrobe choice of Jamaica is extra cut off jean shorts. Jo Jo wins for shortest shorts...Ben thinks he's not sure he can keep Jo Jo..unless he has family approval..hmm..i wonder how long that thought will last. They take a helicopter ride!! to the YS falls. They are mesmerized. I interrupt this rose report for a dose of ethnocentrism...but those falls got nothing on  http://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/en/ ...
Okay..back to the show..they jump in (of course)..kiss in the falls.. I keep getting distracted by Ben's tattoo...does anyone know what it says..i got my big fancy TV and I still can't read what's on his tattoo....and then go back for dinner. They discuss the family situation...Jo Jo thinks her brothers are being protective..and will love him..mmm...i'm not so sure after the Lauren spectacle....He presents the date card..she says yes!! and they have their own hot tube. Whoa..Jo Jo..looks amazing in a bikini...
They spend the night..the next morning...I'm thinking Jo Jo packed her Anastasia brow whiz in her overnight bag.because her eyebrows looked perfectly filled in  as the night before.


And then...the surprise.
Call comes to visit...i watched the whole scene with a bad feeling for her. She surprises Ben! Ben surprises her with telling her he's not as into her and he loves two women. that's a one two punch.
She leaves..but then almost jumps out..to say "when did you know"..Ben someone talks his way out of that one..she still loves him..and hugs him good by..and her mantra whilst driving around the big SUV in the small Sandals compound..was "I was ready, I was ready"...


The rose ceremony- two roses..noone goes.
The girls look lovely..Lauren manages to saunter in  in the same wedges. Jo Jo and Lauren talk to each other. Like seriously..what the? how do you just shoot the breeze..i shake my head.

Ben walks in..they both get roses..and he toasts to the women he loves.

Can it get weirder next week?? He loves two women..but can he pick one?? and who does he call on his cell phone..more hotline bling???

Until next week...the WTA...I LOVE THIS SHOW!

Well that was long and boring...and this will be short

This might be the shortest RR
Amanda:
Cool 80 % sleeved top and shorts.
Her kids are adorbs.

Lauren
Ben cries at the hometown...Lauren is definitely front runner.
Why didn't she take her jacket off at dinner
She's in love..but doesn't tell him.

Caila
Toy factory date was cute. Not sure why he felt compelled to carry through the toy store..i thought he was going to try to cross the threshold of their toy house. nope. just carrying her through the factory apparently.
Oh..she's half Filipina..No wonder I love her.
Caila's mom had a beautiful energy..and I loved her dad...
Caila is in love...but doesn't tell him...

All my exes live in Texas..and apparenly so does Jo-Jo's.
I thought it was odd that she got roses at her place..i thought ben was disclosing it all in the letter..but NO! it was Chad? was that this name. Chad had very nice even handwriting on great stationary...Hmmmi wonder if he was coached to do that. I
Jo jo disclosed to Ben the long story..he says he wishes he could have sat beside her to support her.
That Ben is one fountain of support
Whoa..Jo-Jo's mom....was she drunk...my fave was when she took a swing from the wine bottle while the brothers we grilling Ben in the kitchen. I did think Ben was giving vague answers to the brothers earlier. But really..it's been 20 spectacular seasons of the journey to true love...we know the drill..it's a weird way to date..but people just gotta deal. I like that Jo Jo's dad wore a dinner jacket to dinner.

Rose Ceremony
Amanda goes home! Whah? I thought it was going to be Jo Jo...she seemed ticked at him when they sat on the bench to discuss why she was cut....but then she softened and said she'd miss Ben. What was she holding in her hands? a purse? Ben is overcome with emotion..so much so they didn't have the champagne scene where they toast that they are off to Jamaica to sleep with each other....

All I know..it's gonna get dramatic..and
I LOVE THIS SHOW!

It gets weirder

I'm not sure if it's me, but the closer this show gets to the end - the weirder it gets.

I've never seen the show Sister Wives..but it seems like there is an analogy in there with this show. The girls get "excited" for one another when they have one on one dates with the guy they are also dating..and then have a talking circle about their feelings for the same guy.

But here we go...to Warsaw...not that Warsaw..the one in Indiana.

Ben bombs around Warsaw is his red truck. Seems retro..and is just perfect with the cute backdrop of the charming little town of Warsaw.

First..Ben meets his parents in the local (only) coffee shop. I just wanna hug Ben's parents too..they seem happy, warm supportive. They chat..an then Ben has to go pick up his 6 girlfriends.in the boat that he uses for most of the show..since the Bachelor really likes to use multiple modes of transportation to keep the show interesting and romantic.

The girls are thrilled with the house they are staying in..and show their enthusiasm by jumping on the beds.

In the living room, ben announces Lauren gets the 1:1. Yeesh. Sadness befalls the remaining 5.
Lauren sits really close to Ben in the truck (I see that's not only an Alberta phenomenon)..and apparently they don't have seatbelt legislation in Indiana (nor life jackets). Lauren and Ben have what seems a super long date (even with the PVR - thanks Jo-Ann) at the Baker youth club.  I think my favourite  moment of the show was Ronnie the half court kid making a basket from the centre line (is it called a centre line..or does it have a special basket ball name?).  There were too many shots of Lauren high living kids and kids standing around saying how awesome she is.After that they go to the Rex Rendzevous..and then hang out with people. Are they randoms? or Ben's friends. Dunno. It seems that Ben is SUPER into Lauren because he wants to show her all teethings he cares about...that is until his next 1:1


Jo-Jo
Jo-Jo..which I'm still not sure what that's short for..She had a fantastic scarf. Good thing because she's off to the Windy city? Whah? She gets whisked to Chicago. Sweet..seems better than a night at Rex's rendezvous. They spend an afternoon at the Wrigley Field. She wears a jersey that says Mrs. Higgins.I say presumptuous..that she's given that..an that it's assumed she'll take his name. They play some baseball, they kiss at home plate, they lie on the field..then get changed for dinner which is still on the field. The theme of the dinner is scared. She's scared, He's scared. They're both scared. Good thing they've had the talk. Another long date. She did have a great scarf on:) That was my favourite part of the date.


The dreaded and boring group date.
The girls Becca, Cailla, Amber all pile into a really big limo to all sit beside each other in the back. Seriously, I could have driven them in my civic not need to waste that many fossil fuels.The girls look unhappy to go on a date with the same guy. Weird. hahaha.
They basically go to a lake, canoe (Becca and Amber in one, Ben and Cailla in the other), they fly kites (which is what the girls likely wanted to tell each other to do)..and then go sit in the barn and have wine  and wait for one:one hay bale time with Ben out back. Amber's voice seems more like a cartoon characters to me. She gets the first time alone and tells Ben she's excited to introduce him to her kids..then it's Caila then Becca. And Becca starts talking Survivor -style and telling Ben not to blind side her. Ben awards the rose to Amber and the other two go home. Before anyone gets too excited about amber getting more time..they go to Ben's favourite place to eat..McDonald's..and then get to knock an item off Ben's bucket list and they get to work behind the counter....Oh.that's not it..they then go to the 3 ride carnival and are warmly welcomed by the Warsaw mayor. People in Warsaw seem super happy...and apparently a young kid in fringed leather jacket knows Ben..really? how long has Ben been in Denver..doubtful this kid really knows Ben.


Emily
Oh Emily. She's so excited to get the 1:1...but the girls are predicting she has so much growing to do..well...they kinda nailed it.
Emily goes to meet Ben's parents..she talks about how she's like to watch movies all day, how she wants to be an NFL cheerleader and how she's average at everything but thinks she would be an above average mom. Ben's mom is in tears when she talks to Ben. I think Ben has seen the light..and lets Emily go. Ben has a brutal yet great way to cut people loose. I think he's pretty genuine.

Emily's departing comments were the best ever..she was grateful for having met such a great guy..you know.that's way more eloquent than a lot of girls way older than her.
I like Emily. Hopefully your cheers can dry your tears..Gooooo Emily!!!!!

Cocktail party   Rose Ceremony

Oh..the northwind was upset (I just watched Chocolat and couldn't help the reference)...the rose ceremony was held outside and the wind  was whipping around the leaves ..Caila feels Ben may be rethinking her. Becca feels like it might be her. And Lauren B is the only one who chose to wear a white jacket. (foreshadowing?)

And the one sent home is ...
BECCA!

Becca is crying in the limo..saying she doesn't want to be alone...and we end with Ben with his head down and he looks like he's praying.

Yup...he's got 99 problems and Becca ain't one.

Until next week...I LOVE THIS SHOW!