Ola Brad!

So my blog is getting a bit pathetic with this Bachelor run down, but I can't disappoint my public! :) Let's just start by saying thank you ABC for cutting down three 24-hour dates and a rose ceremony into 45-measly minutes. Don't get me wrong...I actually like Samantha Who, but seriously?? That was lame...we saw nothing of their dates except tidbits of an activity, dinner convo consisting of each girl stumbling over themselves as they profess their love for Brad, and then Brad shutting the door on the camera for some action. And what was with all the talk about getting physical and intimate, blah blah. Yeah, we're adults, we know what happens when they close the door/curtains!

Jenny--giggly, happy Jenny. I like her. She's sweet, fun, energetic, and pretty. And man her bikini was tiny, hmmm? I thought it was totally genuine to see how nervous she was when she tried to tell Brad how she felt about him. I thought their dinner banter over the fantasy suite card was cute. And on every show, there is inevitably a couple who's affection for each other seems much more natural and comfortable than anyone else's. And I think Brad and Jenny are that couple.

Bettina--First off, thanks Annalee for hosting Bettina the not-so-pleasant German exchange student who completely ruined that name for me (as if it is that pretty in the first place, but even beautiful Bettina can't redeem that name). And to all of us bagging on Bettina's hair? Well, the joke's on us because I don't think anyone would notice her hair with a body like that! Seriously....I think I would take wispy hair any day of the week to look like her in a bikini. But I have issues with Bettina, and as a result, a slight issue with Brad. First of all, the reason Brad was searching so hard for the real Bettina was because what he had was all there is to find! The girl has no personality!! She was so flat, and full of nothing more than breathy sentiments their entire date: Brad tells her that sailing that American cup boat was one of the coolest things he's ever done...her response: "Really!" Brad asks her to join him in the fantasy suite, and all she says is "Yes, Thank you!" And good one Bettina, like we believe that the only hang up your family had about Brad was whether or not he was into you. Tell the judgemental Professor that although Brad didn't graduate from college, he's smart enough not to fall for that one! (yeah, thanks, thank you....I'll be here all week :) So here is my issue with Brad...I think he wanted to date the cheerleader with Bettina. I'm not saying that Jenny and Deanna are like band dorks or anything, but he clearly kept Bettina around because she is beautiful and has a hot body. I mean, c'mon, if you were working that hard to get to know her, and you were searching so futilely for substance all this time, than how the hell did she get to be one of the final 3 girls? I think maybe Brad kept hoping that with enough time the pretty girl would maybe materialize into the girl you take home to meet your mom....but alas, she's nothing more than a pretty face. :) Okay, I'm getting retarded with all these cliches but seriously....if she was so hard to get to know, there is no other reason than physical attraction to explain why Brad kept her around for so long.

And finally, Deanna. DeAnna is the wild card here...i think she still elicits a mixed reaction--you either like her or you don't. I have already forgotten all the catty, girl fight drama from the house, so I like her. I think Brad likes her too. He even used the "S" word....soulmate! I get nervous whenever I hear the Bachelor say things like that because I'm always afraid it will come back to bite them in the @#* when they don't choose that person! But I liked how DeAnna told Brad that he had her heart. I thought that was sweet, and an appropriate way to say she cares about him without sounding too intense dropping the "L" bomb...oh wait, she did do that...five seconds later. But Brad seems really into her, in a different way than Jenny. I think he and Jenny have a lot of fun together, but he seems like he is more intense and passionate with DeAnna. Who knows....but I like her. But the analysis from this show on is more of an editing game. You have to wonder how authentic everything is from here on out, or how much of it is edited by the producers to try to throw everyone off. I will say this--I think Brad does propose, and I'm going to be cautiously optimistic here, but I think he and his girl will still be together when the show airs. But I honestly can't say yet who I think he will pick....I'll take a position after the girls meet his momma!

So now for some random tidbits....did anyone notice how staged the ending was when Brad went back in to toast with Deanna and Jenny? I totally noticed how he scooted right between them, and positioned himself perfectly centered between them, facing the camera. It was so obvious that "x marks the spot" for him on that take. Also, did anyone else notice when Brad slid the fantasy suite card over to DeAnna how little she had eaten? Leave it to me to notice that, but she still had a full plate of what looked like some enchiladas, a taco, and beans and rice! :) And finally, Bettina's hair pulled back--it was lovely! Why didn't she ever do that before? And I was not feeling DeAnna's long, silky blue dress at the rose ceremony--it wasn't very flattering on her curvy figure, and it looked a little bit like a nightgown. And the previews for the ending....how does the host Chris Harrison even get these sentences out: "And the amazing conclusion, to the most dramatic love story, when Brad follows his heart." Are they joking with this stuff? But I guess I shouldn't even type that because I'm the loser who still watches every single minute of it faithfully. And finally....the Mexican singer at the end who gave Brad and Bettina a private performance. How awkward...they were sort of half swaying, half dancing, because you could see how unsure they were about what to do. And Brad was concentrating on the singer, as if he really gave a rat's, but he probably just felt uncomfortable so he was focusing on her to distract himself. I'm sorry--intimate, private performances like that would be so uncomfortable, and so far from romantic, if you ask me. Also, I have only ever said I love you to Jim...you know, actually uttered those three litte words, and we had dated for a pretty long time, and I was certain he felt the same way, but I was still really nervous to actually say it out loud. But can you imagine how awkward and hard it would be to say that to someone, in front of a camera, that you have only known for a few weeks, knowing he is dating 2, 3 other girls at the time, and the worst part...knowing for a fact he is not going to say it back?! I don't think I would dare say it...even if I really felt it!

And finally, my apologies to the ladies who I was supposed to watch this with tonite...sorry, Jim got home late and my kids were sick. But honestly, I like to watch it alone because I will notice at certain points in the show that I have this big stupid grin on my face. I feel like such a dork. Maybe I'm like an alcoholic, they say if you like to drink alone than you know you have a problem. Does that rule apply if I like to be alone to watch Brad? :)