Hello Blog Babes Everywhere! I have officially unburied myself from the second (third?) avalanche of snow and am slowly resuming normal life, with electricity and everything!

One fun announcement before we get to all the MAC. The new issue of Cosmopolitan hit the stands this week - March issue, red cover - and that is the very one that contains the excerpt from my current release, HERE COMES TROUBLE, as the Red Hot Read of the Month! Woot! For all you Cosmo Girls out there…enjoy!

Okay, on to the more important things, like did Jake actually even consider inviting Ali back on the show. And HA, no he did not. Even if I hadn’t already started liking the guy for his up front honesty and golly shucks earnestness, this would have earned him my undying love. For once, the mean girl gets hers. (And don’t you just know that when Jake was saying how he couldn’t let any of the women still on the show go to make room for her, she was killing to say he should ditch Vienna? You could just SEE it.) Speaking of Vienna, they did show more of their connection last night, which largely alluded back to their initial terrifying bungee jump together. There was a trust bond made that day that I’ve said all along the rest of the women will never be able to compete with.

After last night, I have to say, I think he was right in sending Gia home. It was clear he was way more caught up in the “I can’t believe the hot chick likes me” than he should have been by then. And while he respected a great deal more about her, I don’t think, even with her opening up to him, he could get past that intimidation factor, overall. And while I had thought that Tenley would make a good match for him spiritually, and in other ways as well, for all that he gushes over Gia and Vienna in terms of how attracted he is to them, he never says this about Tenley (despite the fact that she’s beautiful.) With the preview clip about the sexual incompatibility next week, I’m pretty sure I’m on the right track there. Now whether it’s that he can’t get past the Madonna Complex (no, not the singer) with her, or whether it’s something else, I’m putting all my eggs in the Vienna basket next week.

At least he admitted that Vienna is young and immature, but in so many other ways he feels like “the man” with her, and there’s no game playing there. She’s not capable of being devious, not with him. She’s far too vulnerable there for that. Now, have they privately weathered the absolute bashing she’s taken in the press while the series has aired? I’m guessing probably not. But I do get why he’d pick her from the bunch he had left.

In that regard, I know a lot of folks wanted him to bring Ali back, thinking she was more the full package for him. But I’m sorry, I don’t see that at all. She’d run him right into the ground in no time flat. And I think he knew that, because, only a week later? Yeah, he’d have moved heaven and earth if she’d really been the one. He knew she had the hate on for Vienna and I think his protective instincts where that was concerned, also colored his world.

And if you don’t think that performance by Ali last night wasn’t really her audition piece to be the next Bachelorette, then I have some swamp land I’d like to discuss… The very idea of her as Bachelorette is like nails to a chalkboard for me. That scratchy voice? Urgh. I know why the series brings forward folks we’ve gotten to know as their next Bach or Bach’ette, but I think it’s about time to jump off the recycling train. Especially is this is the best they can do. (And they can’t bring Tenley forward as the next B’ette. She’d never be able to handle that kind of testosterone!)

So…who is your pick to win? I don’t have a horse in this race, but it’s a shame I don’t see him with the chance of coming out of this with a life partner. If anyone was ready for that process to work, it was this guy.

So, on to Our Phil and the return of his Amazing Bathmat! Woo hoo! So, the new couples are interesting. No out and out hateful, bickering couple, so that was good. Although when Joe said, “The leader is Big Joe, right here” I said out loud, “Aaaaaand, I’m done with you.” But he hasn’t been overly obnoxious about it yet, so we’ll see.

I’m also concerned that this is the Bubblehead Season. Between the Miss Teen and the Big Bro winner, they’re even giving bubbleheaded blondes a bad name. Scary. I have to admit I like the Stereotypical Gay brother, who I will call Just Jordan! (Will & Grace) I’m not overly bothered by Team Lesbians’ need to shove their class-ay style of living on me yet. But they could easily go the other way. Funnier would help.

I felt bad for Dana and Adrian, the couple who went home. I’m sure he’ll be kicking himself over that for a long time, but it was nice to see how supportive they were to each other.

Love, love, love Triathalon Grannie and her Triathalon granddaughter. Her bio says she also used to do standup. Ha! And love how Just Jordan! did admit that maaaaaybe he’d underestimated them when granny kicked his yellow-sneakered behind. I think he will give me the funny this season, and I will let him.

I also liked Team Dad/Daughter. Seems solid, strong, really respectful of each other. Team Undercover Cop (how does that work, after you’ve been on television tho….just askin) is okay, though I could take or leave at this point. And Ty Murray’s run on Dancing With the Stars has predisposed me to lurve Team Cowboy. They are pretty stinkin’ cute. Jet and Cord. And you all think we make up hero names. Nuh uh. Not sure how far they’ll go, but here’s hoping they stick around awhile.

Also liked Team Lawyer Moms. Shawne’s “God is with me” all the way across that cable did make me smile. I’d have never been able to do that. I would have disappointed God. So, I was with her, too, the whole way.

All in all, looks like a good season! And Phil is smokin’ hot as ever. So all is good. Can’t wait until next week!

Right now, this week? It’s time to DISH! Any faves on the Race? Are you watching the Olympics? I’m loving them so far! Bring on the snowboarders! And tonight on Idol they’re going to spill at least a few of the Final 24 one night early. Too many things to watch!

Tags: Uncategorized //