Yes, I sang. And yes, it was very sad to watch the final destruction of a relationship on national television, but, in all honesty, it’s a relationship that should have ended long, long ago, mercifully before dragging us through the protracted ending of it while they raced around the world. But they did drag us along, forcing us to watch their awful bickering and name calling and abuse. Not to mention Jen’s complete lack of sportsmanship or her grasp that other teams, you know, racing–in a race–weren’t trying to win the race as a personal affront to her. So yeah, I was perfectly happy with that elimination.

And tonight we also learn that Thai food comes from…..Taiwan. And to think I paid good money for all those world maps I have. Thanks for the updated info, Nate.

So, for me, this was, perhaps, one of the best legs in Amazing Race history, and not just because it ended with the ugly team gone, giving us three teams going into the finals we can actually root for, for a change…it was great because it was truly a race, throughout the leg, and everybody had a chance to make it into the final three. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

And, while I’m thinking about it, Phil’s Dresser? Yes, please shop at the tight black pants store as often as you want. Much appreciated.

Now, with the end in sight, I feel different levels of anticipation about each of the final three teams we have left winning it all. Each team deserves a good finish and I’d be happy with any of them taking home the prize. Mostly I’m happy because I get to watch Jen and Nate stand on the sidelines, forced to clap and act HAPPY as the teams race past them toward the million dollar bathmat.

TK and Rachel really do race hard, and it’s their very mellowness while doing so that makes me like them. Sort of a hippy version of the Chas. Not to mention a fabulous counterpoint to the shrieking McBickersons.

Don and Nick - it’s just great to see a pairing like that, two generations apart, do so well and behave as such a great team with one another. They both have a dry sense of humor and they balance each other well in temperament. (I’m kind of over the “bitches” humor though - it was funny once.) It’s been fun watching them, thought, and I really appreciate their attitude of purely enjoying the race and totally getting that it’s just that, a game. They race hard, but their interaction with the other teams is playful, competitive fun. Much to love here.

Ron, yeah, not so much with the supportive generational gap thing, but you can argue that he’s probably made the biggest turn around in attitude and actually seems to be stickng by it (Nate and Jenn!) to the best of his ability. Chris’s huge smile throughout this leg was a thing of beauty, and I loved their “I love you’s” as they raced to the mat in first place. She’s earned it, and he’s trying. Hard to fault that.

So…no particular favorite really. They’ve each earned it in their own way, and I’ll be happy to see any of them hit the mat first. Can’t wait to see what the final leg has in store!

Now…it’s SHaQ Attack time! Woot! I’ve been making you scavange for the first few weeks of this new year, so it’s time for a Super Bowl Playoffs-Beginning of the First Grand Slam break. Okay, so maybe there’s a little scavenging to be done. Next week I’ll go super easy. No really! But it’s an easy one this go, promise! Here it is: Since the Australian Open started this week, what Grand Slam event was the setting in one of my books? Send answers to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Grand Slam!” in the subject line. Winner gets a free book! I’ll draw one name from the correct entries and announce it in Friday’s blog. Good luck and happy hunting!

And…..dish!

Tags: Writing //