Thoughts on the Bachelorette - Emily in Croatia

Another wonderful night of the Bachelorette was brought to us last night.  It included two one one one dates where neither man received a rose -- has that happened before???

First of all, I just want to say that I love all of Emily's glittery, sparkly outifts.  Definitely a woman after my own heart.  She wore a glittery top at the beginning of the episode; she wore a glittery jacket on the group date; she wore a glittery black dress on the night portion of the group date; she wore a glittery one shoulder gold dress on her one on one date with Ryan; and she wore a white and silver glittery dress to the rose ceremony/cocktail party.  I love it.  It really makes me want a long sleeve black glittery dress...so if anyone finds one...let me know where to get it!!!

Emily's first one on one date was with Travis.  All we really know about Travis up to this point is that he likes to laugh and have fun.  He has really just reminded me of a big kid during all of the episodes.  Travis states that him and Emily share a ton of things in common -- LIKE WHAT?  We really know nothing about this guy and this is their first real date.  What do they have in common?  They are both blonde.  They both smile a lot and are from the south.  Is that what he is talking about?  Then he goes on to say that he hasn't felt this way about a girl in two years when he was engaged.  REALLY?  You feel the same way for Emily after knowing her for a couple weeks and not even going on a real date with her as you did for a girl you were engaged too???  Makes no sense.  But hey, this is the Bachelorette.  Everyone falls in love in two seconds. 

My favorite line from Emily on this date was when Travis was trying to balance on that wall.  She says, "I'm really bummed Travis didn't take his shirt off...and I gave the perfect set up for it."  She just really wants to see what Travis has under his shift to see if he is manly enough for her I guess.  My favorite line from Travis on this date was when he said "This is a 10 on a scale of 8."  Wait a second...who rates things on a scale of 8???

I did enjoy watching them dance in the streets - definitely something I would want to do - and it definitely showed the playful side of both of them. 

At dinner, Travis pointed out what I have always wondered about these one on one dinner dates - do they ever actually eat the meals in front of them?  We always see these great looking meals, but we never see them actually touch the food.  Do they have to wait until the cameras are not looking at them to take a bite so that Emily doesn't look unlady like or something?  Does the guy only get to eat the food if he gets a rose?  That seems kind of harsh.  But yeah, Travis says..."Hope you weren't hungry because we haven't had a bite."  Basically, Travis, don't expect a meal that you can actually eat when you are on a date with Emily. 

Emily decided not to give Travis a rose because she only felt a friendship with him and didn't feel the romance.  Romance is definitely a must in every relationship,  but I mean, this is their first real date and Travis is just a fun guy who maybe isn't as quick in the romance department.  It just kind of sucks for him because Emily's relationships with the other guys has moved along a lot quicker.  It really all just depends on when you get your first one on one date.  If you are one of the last ones, you probably are going home because the girl already has feelings for the first five one on one dates she had.  So as Travis says it "sucks with a capital S-U-C-K-S."

The group date included Arie, Doug, Sean, Jef, John "Wolf," and Chris.  This date seemed like a lot of fun.  First, they went to see the new movie Brave.  Not sure if the guys really enjoyed the movie since it is a kids' cartoon movie and they really didn't get much time with Emily on the date as she sat next to Chris and Jef for the whole thing, but the guys did keep comparing the movie to how they were competing for Emily. 

The fun part was watching the guys get ready for the Highland Games.  Of course, ABC had to show us the guys taking their shirts off and showing us their boxers as they got ready for the manliest outfit ever - a kilt and a tank top.  Yes, well at least the tank top got to show off their guns.  I loved how Chris stated at the beginning that he would be the bravest man at the games...and he did indeed show Emily he was brave by being the worst at all of the games but still putting forth an effort and taking on the strongest guys. 

Some of my favorite quotes during this part of the date:

1. Arie - "last week it was a dress, this week it is a kilt"

2. Jef - "love takes bravery and wearing a kilt is just one of those brave things I am going to do" -- oh so brave.

3. Sean - "the rose is a little more important than a bravery cup." I think he was a little bitter that he was the best at the games but Chris who was the worst won the bravery cup from Emily.

I love how Emily makes it completely clear as to which guys she is really into.  She tells Sean that she does not want him to leave feeling like he doesn't know where he stands with her.  Basically she is telling him that he is safe this week and to not stress over her feelings for him because she loves him. 

You can also tell that Emily is totally into Arie.  When they were walking down the street she told him that they needed to walk really really slowly and look in every single store so that they could spend a longer alone time together.  Then them making out against the wall was an idea on Arie's part to make it last longer.  Good call Arie.

The other guy that Emily is really liking is Jef.  He feels great after getting over the "hump" of kissing her last week...and apparently he is really over it as they made out during their alone time. 

Chris goes out on a ledge during the group date by telling Emily that he feels like he could fall in love with her and love her forever.  He says that if she chooses him he will take it and run with it.  And he "promises it will only get better."  I think  he is concerned that he has been in the shadows lately and not really had much quality time with her lately.  Well, his comments worked for Emily because he got the rose on the group date.  And I loved how she said she was not going to make eye contact with the rest of the guys on the date when she went to grab the rose from Chris.

The last one on one date for the week went to Ryan.  Chris tells us that Ryan plucks his finger hairs -- umm that is totally weird.  Ryan of course gives the best quotes of anyone on the show:

1. "The world is our pearl, wait not it's our oyster...you're the pearl"

2. "You would be a pretty great promise - a trophy wife"  "Every man should believe his wife is a trophy"  To which Emily responds: "Trophies don't talk back"

3. "Got on turquoise shoes tonight to impress you" - REALLY??? Who does that impress?  We see them at the end when he walks away...definitely not impressing me.

4. "How you gonna say you don't want to be a trophy wife and come looking like that."  To be completely honest, he dress was very gold and trophy like.

Emily finds Ryan endearing and fun, however, she also feels like she has to be perfect around him because he is judging her.  She also doesn't like all his comments.  My favorite part of the date was Emily looking completely grossed out by the oyster, eating the oyster, then spitting it out and telling the oyster man that "it was so good."  Yeah, right.

Ryan is completely shocked when he doesn't get the rose and he gets emotional and keeps trying to convince Emily to give it to him.  Emily does state that this is the first time she is not 100% confident in her decision.  She needs to remember how she felt a couple weeks ago when she said that she knew Ryan was trouble and playing a game.  Besides, she has some great guys left at the house too.

A great line from Arie - "If Ryan is the next bachelor, then the bachelorette is a mirror"

Arie then shows up at Emily's place to check on her.  He says it was hard to find her...ummm...did he just start knocking on random doors?  I doubt it.  The producers probably just showed him where to go.  The cameras were following him.  Emily really likes him and she gives him the rose that was from Ryan's date and tells him he now has an extra one but he has to hide it.  So basically Arie knows he is safe this week.  Thus, Emily has basically told Arie, Sean, and Jef that they are all safe this week...and Chris has a rose.  So the only two on the block are Doug and John "Wolf"

In the end, Emily decided to give out an extra rose so that no one else would go home.

My top guys are Sean and Jef.  Doug is kind of getting to be too humble and thinking all the other guys are doing better.  Arie just seems off to me at times.  John - I really know nothing about except that he really loves his grandparents.  Chris - I am unsure about.  He still seems kind of young at times for Emily, which I know he will hate to hear me say. 

Honestly, we really don't know much about any of the guys.  All they do is say how much they love Emily, put the other guys down, and make out with Emily.  So, hopefully we will get some actual conversations in the coming episodes that give us more depth to the guys - at least during the home town dates for sure.



Mi Casa es Su Casa

This past week, our home has seen many visitors and overnight guests.  We had one person staying with us all week from Sunday to Saturday.  Then one of my boy's best friends from college and his family came and stayed with us for the weekend.  To say the least, I am exhausted after having so many people stay with us all week, but it was also a lot of fun to see everyone and hang out during this time.  (It also kept me from having to do much bar review over the weekend -- I promise, starting next weekend I will study every weekend until the bar exam)

One of the fun things we did over the weekend was go to a petting zoo.  We saw a bunch of animals and enjoyed the time.  And of course I named all the animals along the way.

This was little baby Wilbur pig - because what else would I name a pig.

This is Herbert the goat - who at first seemed dead, but then he arose from his slumber.

This is Kenneth the peacock of course.

And here we are with my boy's friend and his family. 

A great weekend if I do say so myself.



Happy Father's Day!

I am so blessed to have be given the father I have from God.  I could not even ask for a better daddy.  He is everything I could ever need in a dad and more.  And here are the top ten things I love about him

1. He is always able to calm me down when I have a freak out - whether about school or life or whatever.

2. He is the best guy to call when I am sick because he will diagnosis and tell me exactly what to do...and if I need him to he will come over and take care of me.

3. He is super smart and basically answer any question I ask him.

4. He has taught me to learn from my mistakes and to live a life of integrity.

5. He showed me what kind of husband I should look for and then approved of the one I found (but he always had my back and even told me as we were walking down the aisle that we could make a run for it if I wanted to and he would run with me).

6. He has always loved me unconditionally and without judgment.

7. He is the best home fixer upper and can basically fix or build anything.

8. He makes me laugh and helps me gang up on mom and make fun of her.

9. He always encourages and has helped me believe in myself.

10. And most importantly, he has taught me to study the Bible and to always go to God when I need help or encouragement or guidance.

I love you Daddy!!!  Thanks for being the best and continually loving me and encouraging me.



Getting Through the Week...

With another week of bar review studying almost done (not really done...still hours to do tonight and over the weekend...and then another week)...the stress of it all is truly starting to sink in and hit me - and hit me hard.  After ever practice MBE multiple choice test I take...I wonder...will I really pass this thing?  But I have to put those thoughts aside and realize that I am doing everything I humanly can at this point in time to prepare and what is the worst thing that can happen - I fail.  Ok.  Then I try and take it again.  No life or death occurring with that.  I will move forward.

So the top things that have pushed me forward and gotten me through this week:

1.  Well, you all know my new found love of online shopping -- here are the exciting packages I received this week.  Not one, but two new pairs of shoes.  I even wore the teal heels around the house since I had no where to go in them while I am busy studying.

2. Having a live in 19 year old boy staying at our house this week certainly kept the mood light for the most part - which probably helped with my stress.

3. Food.  Food most definitely helps.  Whether it is mac and cheese, chick fil a, baja fresh, pizza hut, a sports grill's sliders and fries (and yes - I got ALL of this during this week) ... it all just helps.

4. This boy helps.  He encourages me and tells me that I am doing great and that I will pass even when I have my doubts.  He continually pushes me forward and will not let me quit.

5. And finally, and most importantly, God's encouragement through His word and through other believers has gotten me through this far...and I know it will continue to push me forward and keep perspective of the important things in life. 

John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.



Thoughts on the Bachelorette: London

For those of you who know me...you know that I LOVE THE BACHELORETTE!!!  I know...my boy hates the show (but I think deep down he loves it because he usually stays in the room when it is on).  I realize that most of the couples from the show do not end up together forever...but this crazy process of trying to find someone and some of the crazies that come on the show are the reason I love it.

Based on last night's episode, I absolutely adore Sean.  He seems pretty perfect and him and Emily would make pretty blonde babies for sure.  He seems grounded and manly.  Yet, he doesn't seem to have a ton of experience in the relationship area because he is "picky."  Now, picky is definitely not a bad thing, but I mean, Emily has had lots of ups and downs in relationships in the past...so I am unsure if Sean is ready.  But I do think he would be a great dad to Emily's daughter.

The group date was kind of ridiculous.  All of these mostly manly men dressing up and acting out Romeo and Juliet.  The only part of this that I remotely enjoyed was when Doug and Arie dressed up as nurses and were able to let go and have fun with it - that is something a good dad would be able to do.

On this group date, I was also SO HAPPY that Kalon finally was sent home.  Honestly, he would have been gone long ago if it was my choice because of all his condescending comments in the past - like telling Emily not to talk until he was finished talking.  But the fact that he referred to Emily's daughter as baggage - yeah that was way too far.  And I am so glad that Doug brought it to her attention.  Also, I completely understand why Emil was questioning all the guys.  A girl wants a man that will stand up for her when others say mean and awful things about her or her family - especially her daughter.  Emily is looking for a husband and a father to her child - if a guy cannot stand up to a guy like Kalon, then when would he stand up for her???

Jef grew on me during his one on one date with Emily.  Although he isn't as manly as I would like, Emily seems smitten with him and he says a lot of the right stuff to make her feel better after her terrible group date night.  He also is cute about how nervous he gets about kissing Emily for the first time which makes me think that it actually means something to him besides actually getting physical with a girl -- unlike Ryan who seemed like he just wanted to rub it in all the guys faces (especially Arie) that he got the kissing scene in Romeo and Juliet and then milked it for all it was worth.

So overall, pretty good episode.  I enjoyed watching Emily go off on Kalon and stick up for herself and her daughter.  My favorites right now for Emily are Sean, Jef, and Doug (at times he annoys me though).  I do still kind of like Arie and Chris, but they totally did not stand up for Emily this week which moved them down in my book.

What did you all think of last night's episode???

Colored Jeans...A Boy...and a Concert...

Colored Jeans...a Boy...and a Concert...make for a pretty perfect day.

Love me some red jeans!!! Outfit courtesy of The Limited

Love this boy!!!

Love going to concerts with this boy!!!  We spent Saturday just enjoying the day of softball and a Colbie Caillat and Gavin Degraw concert.

Pretty perfect day having fun and relaxing with my boy...would have been even better if I didn't have to spend part of my day with BARBRI...but still an awesome day!!!

Bar Review Blues...

Well...it has been almost exactly one year since my last posting - and what has happened in my life???

I GRADUATED FROM LAW SCHOOL!!!!

Yeah, I said it!  No more school for me!  Ever! Ever! Ever! .... well except for these two plus months of bar review torture...and that is assuming I pass the bar the first time...if I don't, this torture could continue forever.

Well in my mindless hours of studying...and study breaks...I came upon this link that was posted by another recent law graduate from my class.  http://www.bitterlawyer.com/ten-things-you-will-do-studying-bar/

This link tells us 10 things that I will do while studying for the bar.  And let me tell you...I am well on my way to completing this list.  Let me demonstrate.

First on the list is "fail a practice exam" - believe me, this happened probably the first day of bar review and has continued at various points since.  Especially since I am supposed to retain a whole body of law on a topic within maybe two days and then move on to another whole body of law the next day to learn.  Basically, my brain will be fried by the end of this course and I am just hopeful that I am retaining something throughout these studies.

Second on the list is "resent anyone who says you will pass" - oh yeah.  This is so true.  Especially those people who have no idea what the bar exam really is.  Now, this is not to offend all of you wonderful people who have told me that I will pass - but really - you have no idea.  You don't understand the hours of sweat and tears that I will be putting into studying for this two day exam that decides the rest of my life (well not really the rest of my life, but at least whether I will be able to go into a courtroom and say "I object!")

Third on the list is "abandon something you normally do" - I am not sure if I have completely abandoned anything yet.  These first three weeks of bar review - I think I have been somewhat in denial that I can't have a life and study as I spent most of all last weekend doing nothing in regards to studying.  But I am sure this denial will soon pass.  I did give up work to study for the bar exam so that is something.  I also have given up leaving the house very much - so I may go stir crazy soon.

Fourth on the list is "buy something ridiculous" - Well, I haven't bought anything totally ridiculous yet BUT I have found my new love of online shopping!  In the past two weeks I have ordered a dress, a shirt, and two pairs of shoes from three different stores online - and for me that I a lot for online ordering because I have always enjoyed actually going to a store to try things on.  But hey - I am stuck at home remember.  And the joy of finding a package at my door is so thrilling!!!  It is the highlight of my day.  And then opening the package and trying on the dress and thinking of what I will wear it to, and then remembering that I won't be leaving the house or wearing a dress for the next two months....oh well.  At least I will look great after the bar exam.

Fifth on the list is "have some kind of sleep issue" - No real problems here as of yet.  I am sure as the bar exam comes closer I will have all kinds of trouble sleeping and terrible nightmares about the bar exam, but as of yet - my sleep is doing alright.

Sixth on the list is "gain or lose weight" - I will have no idea if this occurs as my home contains no scale!!!  So there!

Seventh on the list is "pick up a weird habit" - I think that online shopping is a weird habit for me (see #4).  But also, I have started watching Hell's Kitchen - not because I think the show is all that great or anything - but because seeing people yell and scream at each other is kind of a stress reliever I have found and I can yell at them too!  So I think I am turning into a weird, yelling, stay at home all day kind of freak.  Yes, this is what the bar exam does to you.  Another weird habit for me that I have picked up is exercising -- yes exercising.  I never want to do this - but the past two weeks I have done it just so I don't have to keep studying.  So maybe bar review is helping me in one way...

Eigth on the list is "drink alone" - And no, I have not done this.  As those of you who know me, I am not a huge drinker to begin with, unless it is fruity and doesn't really taste like alcohol...

Ninth on the list is "have a weird run in with a stranger" - This has not occurred yet, but in reality, I could see this happening at some point between now and the bar exam.  The bar review really does change one's outlook on life and I could see myself saying something completely inappropriate or laughing at the completely wrong time because I will have lost sense with reality by bar exam time from staying in the house and away from people for so long.

Tenth on the list is "cry" - Yes.  This happened the second day of bar review.  The instructor did say we would have a break down at some point before the bar exam....and I think I jumped the gun on that one.  But maybe this means this won't happen again...doubtful.

So yes.  I enjoyed this list that I found.  And now you all should be wary around me because now you know I could snap at any moment in time.  Oh bar review...how you have taken over my life and my summer.