Stacey B and The Boyfriend: Live VideoChat for DeAnna

Happy Birthday to The Boyfriend! We're off to Boston to watch the Washington Capitals ice hockey team at the crack of dawn. The Boyfriend is a bit under the weather, but is loaded up on Nyquil and zinc lozenges. Guess who is probably going to end up sick by Monday?

Speaking of Monday, we have been asked again (back by popular demand) to "open" for DeAnna's live video chat on www.getmarried.com. This live chat will take place Monday night. The Boyfriend and I will begin live at 10:45 PM with DeAnna joining a bit after 11 PM. Since this is DIRECTLY following both the 2 hour finale and the 1 hour After The Final Rose show which starts at 10 PM, we will be able to comment on what happens. You will also be able to ask DeAnna your questions about her appearance on Monday night's show. We will finally know what the fuss is all about. I'm guessing it really has less to do with her realizing she made a mistake and wants Jason and more to do with her giving him advice about his final two choices. We're so close to finding out everything!

BTW, Jason was interviewed on various talk shows today, including "The View." The hostesses asked him several times if he was currently engaged, and he did not answer. He said he is happy and that the girl he chooses is in the process of moving to Seattle. Hmmmm. Not sure what to make of this. In the appearances he did when this season began, he said that he was in fact engaged. I wonder what the story is. We'll find out soon enough.

Enjoy the weekend!! Spread the word about the live videochat with The Boyfriend and Stacey B on www.getmarried.com this Monday night, 10:45 PM, followed by DeAnna.

Check Out the Bling

TGIF, Bachelor fans! We're getting close to the countdown of Jason's proposal! Who will it be? Melissa? Molly? DeAnna? It's too close to call and who knows what ABC will cook up in 3 hours on Monday night followed by another 2 hours on Tuesday.

In case you are completely bored today, check out the engagement ring that Jason decides upon. Looks like a sparkly Neil Lane: http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/02/26/revealed-the-ring-chosen-by-bachelor-jason/ Not sure I'm a fan of the marquis shape, but I wouldn't turn it down.

The Boyfriend's birthday is tomorrow, and he's turning the big 3-2! I hear it's the new 22. He's got a cold, so I'm wishing him a swift recovery.

Don't forget to email me for your chance to win a Get Married tote bag signed by DeAnna. Answer these two questions:
(1) What do you think is the freakish ending that is hinted at in the finale? and
(2) What should I blog about after this show is over?
Email: stacey325@aol.com with your responses. Contest ends Sunday night.

There is a good chance we'll be doing the live videochat with DeAnna after the finale on Monday night at www.getmarried.com. I will update you when we know for sure.

Rumors and Theories and Gossip, OH MY!

If you have been buying into all the hype about the conclusion of The Bachelor next week, you must be exhausted! It's mind-blowing how many different theories have come out. Some think DeAnna will play a big role in the outcome. Some think Jason picks one, but ends up with the other. Some think he ends up with his ex-wife. Others think he ends up dating Hector. It's all too difficult to tell.

ABC released a statement about next week's finale. It's really a summary of what goes on. If you don't want to know anything about what goes on next week, then don't read. There's not really spoiler info here - it's more of a TV guide type description of the plot: http://www.abcmedianet.com/assets/pr/html/022409_01.html

The funny part, is that one of the paragraphs is so poorly worded, I have to ask - why didn't ABC want to hire me? My grammar and spelling may not be 100% perfect all of the time, but I could definitely improve on this:

The handsome single dad hopes that by seeing each of the twoason's proposal to the love of his life was one of the most romantic moments in Bachelor history, but no one is prepared for remaining women with his son, Ty, now age four, he will see how they interact with him and offer a hint as to how the three of them would mesh as a future family.

Ummm, is this English?

The Women Tell All: Recap

The Boyfriend is giving me 60 minutes to write this blog post, as it’s currently 11 PM EST, we just finished watching The Women Tell All episode, I’ve been up since 5:30 AM for boot camp class, followed by a 10.5 hour work day, so I better get cracking.

Tonight’s show was about 33% recap, 33% cat fight and 33.3333% interesting information. The show started with a recap of Jason’s journey. They showed the same scenes we have seen about 25 times over and over again. Jason loves Molly’s eyes. She does the walk of shame on their first overnight date. Jason’s eyes lighting up when Melissa tells him she wants to use her summers off from being a first grade teacher to “play with her kids.” Jillian and Jason’s hot tub scene in New Zealand with her legs wrapped around him. Naomi’s mother’s dead dove orchestration and Naomi screaming out “Oh. My. G-d.” Stephanie running toward her daughter Sophia on the beach and tackling her to the ground. The dramatics of the General Hospital Set. Megan’s attempt to shove her tongue down Jason’s throat. They even replayed Shannon’s runny/picking nose scene where she attempts to kiss Jason after saying to him., “You can’t let me go. I have so much to offer you. Jason.” ‘Nuff said on the recap. We’ve all seen it. Nothing new here.

One of the best parts of the night was when Chris the Host sat down with Jason and started asking him questions that everyone wants to know. What happened in the tent with Molly? Yes, we all want to know! Jason says they only kissed. Then Chris tries to ask him in terms of bases.

Jason says, they only got to first base. Well there you have it. Who says it’s not fun to kiss and tell?

Some other interesting facts we learn from Chris’s interview with Jason:

1. Steph watched Jason on The Bachelor as a way of helping her through her grief after her husband died.

2. Jason didn’t kiss Shannon after the General Hospital date, because she had snot on her face, combined with napkins and she was picking her nose.

3. Jason referred to Jillian as “the ultimate friend.” He knew he was going to spend the rest of his life with her. For all of us that had hopes of Jillian being the big surprise at the end of the season, I think we can safely put that hope to rest. The good news is that she seemed to be agreeable to being the next Bachelorette, if asked!

4. On Jason and Naomi’s hometown date, they went horseback riding. Jason’s horse got spooked and started jerking around, making Jason basically fall of it. They replayed this about 5 times during the show. I wonder if Jason would have rather gotten thrown off a horse or spent 5 more minutes in a room with Hector, Naomi’s dad being lectured about Jesus’s idea of marriage. It must be a close call.

5. On the golfing hometown date with Molly, she lost a bet to him and ended up having to

wear his pants. I have no idea how they came up with this bet as they never mentioned what the bet actually was, or how they decided the loser’s fate. Very strange. Did Molly want to see Jason in her skirt if she lost? Kind of bizarre. They also didn’t show them playing beer bong. Lots of Molly scenes being deleted. I wonder if that means anything. He also did a horrible rap for Molly before they spent three hours in the tent together.

6. Chris asked Jason what really goes on in the Fantasy Suite. Great question, Chris. We definitely all want to know this! Jason responded that it’s a real overnight date where two people get to know each other. There’s no cameras, and it’s really one of the first times where you can actually talk and get things out without fear of it being caught on camera. When Chris pressed him even more about what really went on, Jason said, “He is NOT going to talk about this right now."

7. They showed a scene twice of Jason and Molly in a bathtub together where the tub starts to drain and it sounds like gas. Jason described it as really awkward. I think if these two were really compatible, they would have thought it was hysterically funny. Gas is real, folks. And if they are awkward about that, wait until Ty throws up in their bed the next time he gets a stomach bug.

After Jason’s interview, there is a segment on former Bachelor/Bachelorette couples. They interview Trista and Ryan in Vail, Colorado who could not be any cuter. They have a toddler son Max and a baby girl on the way. I love this family! Trista says she thinks Jason picks Melissa.

Next, they bring out Charlie and Sarah. I must say, Sarah looked fabulous. Chris interviews them and we learn that they broke up for about a year (we already knew this) but then got back together.

When asked why they broke up, Sarah says that alcohol played a factor. Woaaah. That was way too honest. Apparently Charlie had a drinking problem. Maybe she could have been a little more gray on this? Like, “We had some issues, but we worked them out?” Did anybody else think she totally sold him out?

Next, we learn that a bunch of the girls from British Matt’s season met up with a bunch of the guys from DeAnna’s season and basically had an orgy. The girls were Chelsea (who posed for Playboy), Amanda (who seems to have had a fling with Graham), Holly (who confirmed that

"Jesse is taken!” by her) and Noelle. Most exciting of all of this, we learn that Noelle is dating Fred from DeAnna’s season. So exciting. Fred seems like a great guy. Very thick Midwestern accent, but a genuinely nice person. They admit that they are in love with each other and I thought were a very cute couple. Good for them!

The second hour arrived, and finally, the girls are introduced. It’s Racquel, Lisa, Erica, Jackie, Megan, Renee, Lauren, Stephanie, Sharon, Natalee, Kari, Shannon, Nikki, Naomi and Jillian. We don’t hear a peep from Racquel, Lisa, Renee (Vision Boards), Sharon or Kari. You’d think in the two hours they had scheduled for this, they may have said something, but this was not the case.

Stephanie seemed very happy and content. Her outfit was a bit confusing – a chiffon, layered top with pink chiffon looking pants. Maybe she thought it was a pajama party women tell all, but I thought she was once again very gracious in her comments about Jason and the experience in general. Classy lady.

Did anybody else see how Nikki was covering her sideburns? She definitely got the feedback. Maybe she’s in the process of growing them out. There was a large chunk of tonight’s show where Erica, Megan and Lauren were reliving the drama in the house. It wasn’t really that interesting – same cattiness, different day.

Chris’s interview with Spray Tanned Barbie (Natalie) was painfully awkward. As soon as she

said down, Chris made a comment about her jewelry to which Natalie immediately responded, “I don’t like jewelry. I’m not materialistic.” She then starts pointing out that all of the bracelets she is wearing (a ton for someone who doesn’t like jewelry) cost $2. Holy cow. She’s definitely paranoid about how she came off on the show. I thought she also seemed really angry. They did a flashback to her embarrassing conversation with Jason on their date to Vegas. Here’s why:

Natalie: I’ve always been the cute, sporty girl who loves clothes

Jason: You’re into fashion. Cool. You’ve got all that. What else?

Natalie: I love bears.

Jason: Like pandas? Koalas?

Natalie: No, pretty much all bears.

Then they show her angry in the limo after getting rejected. “Jason isn’t attracted to me? Who does he think he is? G-D?” Natalie tries to explain herself to Chris. They put her in a bubble world. Took away her Blackberry which is her life. Chris responds, “So they took away all of the superficial things.” Natalie responds to him, “Chris, you need to calm down.” Then the girls went off on Natalie – saying she had a bad personality in the house. I started to feel bad for her by the end of the night. They all ganged up on her and she stood no chance.

Then out comes Jillian. They do a recap of her love story with Jason. She is just so adorable. She got teary eyed during the interview and admitted that she really did fall in love. I really really really hope she’s considered for the next Bachelorette.

As Jillian put it, “you have to slay a couple of dragons before you get to the prince.”

The end of the two hours, just as we are beating our heads against the wall trying to get brain

cells back, we see the recaps of Jason’s journeys with Molly and Melissa. We also see a bunch of outtakes which were pretty funny: Melissa giving a speech to the cameras, when a bee comes up to her and she freaks out, screaming and runs away; Molly jumping into the tub with Jillian and Melissa with her clothes on. We also saw some previews for next week with the final two interacting with Jason’s family and Ty. Should be interesting.

But nothing leaves us with more anxiety than Chris’s parting words of the night:

“You can see we have no audience. What you are about to witness is potentially so dramatic, so emotionally difficult, we decided out of respect for the parties involved to keep the taping of tonight’s show at intimate as possible.”

WHAT THE HELL DOES THIS MEAN??? For those of you wise enough to stay away from spoilers and blogs posting different theories, I won’t ruin it for you here. Suffice it to say that there are some CRAZY theories out there running rampant on Jason’s final decision. If you want to hear them and possibly ruin the ending for yourself (I personally do NOT believe the current rumors out there as I don’t believe Jason would ever do what they are suggesting that he did) – then Google “Reality Steve conspiracy theories.” You’ll find a ton of articles offering equal speculation of nonsense. Personally, I’d rather spend my time elsewhere. I’m even more convinced than ever that DeAnna’s appearance will be brief and insignificant. A ratings ploy.

I’m almost at my 60 minutes limit, so I better get going. Don’t forget to enter the contest to win some free eco friendly bags from GetMarried.com signed by DeAnna Pappas. Just answer the two questions listed at my blog posts below and you can see how to enter.

Looking forward to hearing all of your comments on tonight’s show and the upcoming FIVE HOURS in 2 NIGHTS finale next week!!!

Good night!

Quick Thoughts Before The Women Tell All

Who's excited for tonight's show? I'm stealing a few minutes from my new job to discuss a couple of things I have been thinking about over the weekend. First off, I'm not sure who I am more excited to see, but here it is in no particular order: (1) Jillian. I miss her already. I want to see her confront Jason and see if he has any explanation for her (and gain any insight as to whether he is not done with her); (2) Shannon. Anything that comes out of her mouth is going to be awesome. I wonder if she'll bring her dog with her. (3) Lauren. I want to see if any of the girls bad mouth her and how she reacts to it. (4) Megan vs. Erica. I think there was some confrontation in the coming attractions for tonight's show, but I'm curious as to what they say once they've seen the actual show where they bash each other. (5) I'm wondering if Hector will make an appearance (Naomi's dad) or maybe the mother will show up and want to discuss reincarnation of the dead dove. The Women Tell All was filmed before all of the crazy rumors came out re: the ending of the show, so don't expect to see anything that will shed much light on the results. What are you excited to see tonight? Add a comment. Would love to hear.

Second, I learned over the weekend the pitfalls of having a public blog. Some crazy person started blowing up my comments section calling DeAnna, me and my blog horrible names. I made an executive decision to delete the majority of his offensive comments, although I think this person posted about 50 comments all over the blog. I think I got most of them, but if you see any more, please let me know. This person is posting both as "Anonymous" and is using about a dozen or so pseudonyms, mostly lewd words. You'll know it, if you see it. It's kind of exciting that my blog has gotten big enough to get trashed, right?

Third - my friend John brought this to my attention. He doesn't understand how these ladies can live in the house, be best friends and pursue the same man at the same time. I agree with him, it's odd. If your best friends were kissing, making out with, going on overnight dates with the same guy that you were, it would get very messy in the real world. Not sure why the girls are all content to hold hands, openly speak about their dates and skip down the streets of Seattle in The Bachelor world. Ahh, Bachelor life. A world of its own. It was interesting how at last week's rose ceremony, Molly and Melissa did not say a word to each other. They probably weren't allowed to.

So that's all. Be sure to submit your answers to the 2 questions I posted in my last blog entry to be entered to win some free stuff from GetMarried.com All of the information you need to enter is in my last post. Good luck!

Contest To Win Free Stuff and Podcast 4!!!

Check out our 4th Podcast, just posted today and a chance to win eco-friendly bags from Get Married and signed by DeAnna Pappas:

Podcast 4 is posted at: http://www.knottheone.com/id2.html

It's been a crazy week. Our first ever live video chat on www.getmarried.com. My first interview of anyone - and it happened to be DeAnna Pappas. Boot camp class. Floor hockey. And, oh yes. I started a new job. There is a lot going on. That and the fact that some blogger named Reality Steve is throwing out preposterous theories on what happens in the finale and after the final rose saying that he has inside information (the reality tv equivalent of the Securities and Exchange Commission would bring this guy down so fast on 10b-5 violations if such a regulatory body existed. I would love to serve as Chairman of it). Even if he's right, who cares? If he's telling the truth, he's ruined the ending for everyone and probably getting someone in trouble for leaking what happened. If he's lying, he's stealing brain power from way too many people and only trying to self promote.

Anyhow, I refuse to speculate on any of the 300 possible outcomes flying around the message boards/gossip websites because I truly want to be surprised. Mike Fleiss, the creator/producer of The Bachelor has said the outcome is "freakish." I know every season they say it's "the most shocking ending in Bachelor history," but something tells me that this season may live up to that. If only these dimwits would keep their theories to themselves.

Ok, let's move on. Get Married sent me a bunch of great stuff in the mail, including these eco-friendly shopping bags - two of which DeAnna signed. Use them for your grocery shopping or for schlepping around town. I am now officially holding a contest which shall expire at 12:00 AM, EST on March 1, 2009. Answer these two questions for a chance to win one of these eco-friendly bags. Email me your answers to both questions and if you win, I will contact you to get shipping information.

Here are the questions:

(1) What do you think is the "freakish" ending of The Bachelor that Mike Fleiss hints at this week?

(2) After The Bachelor is over, what should I blog about on this site?

Email me: stacey325@aol.com

Interview With DeAnna Pappas

If you had told me a month ago that tonight I’d be sitting in my pjs, after a full day of work, chatting on the phone with DeAnna Pappas, I don’t think I would have believed you. It’s amazing how one big bankruptcy followed by months of nothing to do at work, and then being laid off can transform my love of writing and mindless television into a blog that has seen nearly 50,000 hits in a just a couple of weeks. In case you are interested, the blanket that The Boyfriend nailed to our wall for use as a backdrop during Monday night’s videochat, is still hanging there – in the middle of our living room (which is also our dining room, library and study). I can’t wait for somebody to walk in, see it and be like, “Is there any particular reason you nailed a red blanket to your beige walls?" There’s even some Scotch tape sticking out of the top corners – a prelude to the nails utilized.

OK, on to DeAnna. First off, a HUGE thanks to www.getmarried.com, for making this all possible!! If ABC doesn’t want me to blog for them, I’m ready to work for you guys! Another thanks to DeAnna for her time – the poor lady endured horrible weather for her flight back to Atlanta tonight, and as she was speaking to me, she was in a car leaving the airport with some awful storms going on, including a few reported tornados in the area. Less than ideal conditions for giving a phone interview, but DeAnna was completely gracious.

I asked DeAnna a mix of questions, including some of the ones that you submitted. She was not allowed to discuss anything relating to the outcome of The Bachelor. Overall, she seems very happy with her life at the moment, but I definitely got the sense that she’s still single and looking.

Here’s a summary of some of the questions and responses from my interview with her:

Where do you film the show Get Married? How many days are you filming and what do you do when you’re not filming?

Get Married is taped in Atlanta, which I love because it’s close to home. The show has this great new, big studio. Shoots for the show last 10 hours, and I shoot a couple days a month. The rest of the month I have been keeping busy making appearances at various events.

Do people recognize you when you go to public places – such as a restaurant, the mall, the movies, etc? What do they do?

People recognize me. For some reason it most often occurs when I’m not wearing any make-up. People have been pretty friendly, some freak out, some just want to take a picture with me. All of the comments I get have been very nice and I’m just so amazed that all of these people are interested in my life.

With all of the gossip magazines, shows, blogs, etc. out there talking about The Bachelor and you personally – do you follow any of them?

It’s way too tiring to read. All of the TV shows constantly talk about my appearance on The Bachelor. I do not pay attention to it.

Is it difficult to host a wedding show having recently just called off your own wedding?

For me, it wasn’t. I have never been the type of person to sit around and mope. People change their minds and break up every single day. I don’t want to hold grudges. The things that I wanted when I went on The Bachelor/ette e are still the things I want now – to be in love, to get married, to have kids. I am a happy person and I know the show, Get Married, gives lots of great advice. I am grateful to learn something new. Get Married is a small family of people and I have really enjoyed working with them all so much.

How did you enjoy the videochat Monday night?

It was quite a learning experience! I was amazed at how many people logged in (over 8500 people). I couldn’t get to the questions fast enough because more and more of them kept coming in. (DeAnna said that Richard from the Bachelorette was watching her on the videochat Monday night and saw the purple sheet behind her in the background and said, “Where were you, in Indonesia?” Then I got to tell DeAnna about our blanket nailed to the wall. She laughed.)

Did the fact that Jason have a son affect your final decision at all?

Not at all. Girls don’t grow up dreaming that they want to be with a single dad. But to me, it never mattered. I was in it for the person that he was. We all have family drama.

Now that you are happy, well known, have this great life of traveling for appearances and are co-host of Get Married, do you still want to get married right now and settle down with kids?

Yes, I do want those things. Today was a perfect example. I was sitting in the airport by myself. I have a cool new job, with great people and get to do cool appearances. But I do it by myself. I have my family to join me when possible - my sister and brother and brother’s wife will travel with me, but they can’t all of the time. I want someone that I can do all of these things with. While I was at the airport a husband and wife came up to me and wanted to take my picture after telling me how much they like me. I was thinking – that I wanted what they had.

Did ABC or the producers of the Bachelorette ever tell you who to choose?

Not so much ABC. I became close with the producers and people on the show who would offer me advice. They knew me really well, so I would listen to their opinions. But ultimately the decision was mine.

How much of The Bachelor/ette is edited and how much is truly what you see?

I’d say for the most part, you are shown saying the things you really say and doing the things that you really do. If you yelled at another girl – they will show that. It’s not a show with 24 hours a day footage to show you what was going on at all times. I felt during The Bachelorette that it was very important to be myself – and that was what was reflected on the show.

What do you make of all the speculation on the outcome of Jason’s season? I know you can’t talk about it – but do you think it will live up to the hype?

I avoid it 100%.

Would you recommend to your sister that she go on The Bachelorette, The Bachelor or neither?

Absolutely, it’s a great concept. It’s a good way that two people can find each other. I really did fall in love with Jesse and Jason. And I really did fall in love with Brad too.

What really goes on during the fantasy overnight dates? Were you able to explore New Zealand?

I was only there a few days.

Is it really possible to fall in love with more than one person at a time? Don’t you know when you’re down to the final 5 who it’s going to be?

I have never been in that situation before. I have always just dated one guy. I really had 4 or 5 people that I was really falling for. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. For me, it was a learning process.

Which former Bachelor do you think is the cutest? What about Travis Stork or Andy Baldwin? They are gorgeous! Would you ever contact them? Have any of the previous bachelors contacted you?

I know it’s hard to believe, but before I was the Bachelorette, the only season I saw was the season with Brad (Womack). I am friends with some of the previous bachelors including Andy Baldwin, and Trista and Ryan too. Andy Baldwin is gorgeous. (she laughs) I thought Brad was pretty good looking too.

For individual/group dates, does ABC have a group of people that dress you, do your make-up and hair? Is there a personal stylist there to take the women shopping? Can you give her my phone number?

I did have a stylist who went clothes shopping for me. She would bring me a bunch of different clothing and I would pick out what I wanted to wear. I did all of my hair and make up except for five of the rose ceremonies. I did all my own hair and make up for the Bahamas dates. I’ve had a lot of practice and always ask for tips from the people doing my make-up.

Did you work out or use a trainer before becoming The Bachelorette? What was your routine?

I absolutely did. My favorite pilates instructor was in Newnan, GA. I didn’t do it to lose weight – I just wanted to tone up. I wanted to look good – I was going on a show to hopefully meet my future husband!

Is there anything you want your fans to know about you?

I appreciate my fans so much. There have been lots of people that are following me on Get Married and Get Married.com and I feel so lucky. I get emails every day on my MySpace account from different people and I am just so thankful for all of the support.

DeAnna, thanks again for your time. I thought you were great and my offer still stands for you to come visit New York. We’ll take you out and show you a good time. Maybe we’ll go to Southern Hospitality across the street (Justin Timberlake’s bar). Seriously, don’t be shy. Lots of fish in the NYC sea up here.

And now that it’s after midnight, I must sign off. The new job is keeping me very busy, but I’m very grateful to have a job these days. My new boss has been coming into my office several times a day asking me if I’m working on my blog. Today I told him I was preparing for an interview with the former Bachelorette. I don’t think he believed me. But then again, why would he? I’m supposed to be a corporate lawyer.

I will be posting a contest in the next day or so for all of my readers to win a Get Married.com bag signed by DeAnna. Please stay tuned.

Need Your Help: Questions for DeAnna

I am scheduled to interview DeAnna Pappas tomorrow. Anyone have any questions they want me to ask her? I don't think she's allowed to talk about the ending of the show or Jesse.  

First day of work was good, btw. Thanks for all of the well wishes. I have mixed feelings about putting on a suit again.  

Stay tuned for a contest to win some merchandise from Get Married.com 

Recap of New Zealand Fantasy Dates: Hot Tubs, The L Word, and a Missing DeAnna

Hello, Bachelor Fans!! Thanks so much for your patience in my delayed recap from last night’s episode of The Bachelor. I hope some of you were able to listen in to me and The Boyfriend videochatting live from http://www.getmarried.com/ last night. In case you missed it, not to worry, we’re trying to get a video of it to post on the blog and there is a strong chance we could be doing this again next week!!

For anybody who doesn’t know, I was contacted by Get Married (an informational show about wedding planning co-hosted by DeAnna Pappas on Lifetime TV) on Valentine’s Day to see if I wanted to conduct an interview with DeAnna Pappas. Imagine my surprise and delight (I was shopping in Filene’s Basement for business suits to wear at my new job) and here was this wonderful opportunity. I spoke with Get Married on the phone for almost an hour to discuss this and by the end of the call, the show was interested in having me get involved in DeAnna’s videochat that was scheduled for last night. The plan was to have me and The Boyfriend start the videochat at 9:45 PM from our apartment using the video camera on my Macbook. We would talk about my blog, The Bachelor and then introduce DeAnna who came on at 10 PM.

Now picture us, two semi-regular human beings suddenly finding out that we’d be videochatting live with the world (or whoever logs in to these sorts of things). We went to work immediately. The Boyfriend took the blanket from our couch and literally took a hammer and nailed the thing to the wall so that we would have a backdrop for our video. We worked on lighting for at least an hour. I debated getting my hair done. My sister called twice to highly suggest I get my hair blown out, but ultimately, I ran out of time (and didn’t want to spend the money). We did a make-up and wardrobe test run. I decided I wanted to exude both a writer/blogger AND a Bachelor expert. So I went with a simple black v-neck top, a purple scarf (every female on The Bachelor wore a scarf, why couldn’t I?) and dangly silver earrings. I did that “top of the hair pulled back and poofed up slightly in the front” look that Melissa and Molly sport regularly and even used a little self tanner (I am whiter than white these days). The Boyfriend officially thinks I’m nuts, but he’s been very supportive.

The unfortunate part about videochatting at 9:45 PM last night, was that we had to both speak live on camera AND watch the conclusion of The Bachelor simultaneously. This was quite challenging as frankly, I was completely distracted by Jason’s decision. Not to mention that every time a new person joined the video chat the computer would scream out “Welcome!” which repeated over and over until you figured out how to click off the Audio button. All in all, it was a great experience and we hope to be able continue to do that (hopefully starting a little bit later to “warm up” for DeAnna.) That said, let’s move on to last night’s CRAZY show.

Recap

We saw the overnight fantasy dates which seasoned Bachelor/ette participants have coined the “Exotics.” The three dates were in New Zealand where the final three ladies (Jill, Moll and Mel) spent the week. (I wonder what they do when they’re not on their overnight date with Jason??). All three dropped the “L” word on Jason this week. How it is that Jason managed to get three women to fall in love with him within 4 weeks, I have no idea, but I guess he deserves it after his failed marriage proposal on national television.

There was a good 15 minutes of airtime spent recapping last week’s events. We never saw Naomi and Jason going horseback riding together (looks like Jason nearly fell off his horse), but I guess the producers had to decide between a dove funeral and horseback riding and I’m sure you can guess that a dove funeral will always win that competition. One thing I failed to mention last week – did anyone else notice how there were slot machines in the background when Jason was talking to Naomi’s parents? This was supposed to be Naomi’s mom’s house, right? What kind of operation is she running?

But back to last night, we see Jason saying goodbye to Ty again. What must that poor boy think? You hear Jason speaking his mind about each girl. I knew as soon as he started describing Jillian as being funny, having more strength than anyone he’s ever met and then wondering if she’s “too independent to be in (his) life,” that she was treading on thin ice. Jason clearly needs someone that needs him. At least that’s what he thinks he needs. Given, this boy has been kicked around the block lately (first with the divorce from him ex-wife Hillary, next with DeAnna), but come on, Jas – now you’re the Bachelor. Women flock to YOU. Don’t give up on Jillian because she’s too independent. Since when has strength in a person been considered a bad thing?

Jason’s concern with Molly is that he has too much fun with her and he’s worried that there may not be anything real behind that fun. Guess what, Jas. There’s not. You might as well enjoy the fun because once you stick Molly in your real Seattle house and she’s on Ty meltdown duty, it’s not going to be all argyle golf lessons anymore. Those beautiful eyes that you can’t seem to peel yourself away from will brim with resentment.

As for Melissa, we already know she’s the black sheep of her family, but the front runner for your affections. Jason wants to have a “serious conversation (with Melissa) about why (her parents) didn’t want to meet him and why they weren’t there for her.” Here are the reasons Jason: (1) You are 32, their black sheep daughter is 25. HUGE emotional age difference; (2) You are seeking your future bride and stepmom for your son on national television and that scares them; (3) they may actually not want people commenting about their physical appearance on EW.com, Chris Harrison’s blog, my blog, any blog; which means they may really be normal.

Fantasy Overnight Date 1

Jason Picks Jillian up in a helicopter. It must be plaid day in New Zealand and I’m wondering whether the plaid connection intensifies her feelings for him? Jillian jumps into Jason’s arms and he twirls around. I think this speaks volumes about their intimate relationship, until I see him do this with Melissa and Molly later on. The helicopter ride was pretty magnificent, but you’ve got to think that if you haven’t seen Jason in about a week and you’ve traveled for hours and hours to another continent – you’d much rather have a nice picnic overlooking that scenery to catch up rather than being in such an intense adventure as a helicopter ride over snow capped mountains, etc. Jason describes this date as “going from one fairytale to the next.” You can see Jillian is much more comfortable around Jason on this date. She’s calling him “Babe,” and saying how she can’t keep her eyes off him. Her affections have clearly escalated since he met her family.

Once they start playing the standard romantic Bachelor music, I knew ABC was trying to fool us. Jason uses the word “adventurous” to describe Jill and I cringed, knowing that’s how he described Naomi, and eventually, found that adventurous is not something you want to be if you’re interviewing for position of future wife and stepmom. Jills keeps telling Jason that she wants to spend the rest of her life with her “best friend.” Jason wants more than just a best friend. I don’t understand. Of course she’s not saying that it’s your platonic best friend. Jason almost uses this best friend theory to justify eventually booting her off the show. But what I saw between them in their bathing suits, her legs wrapped around his back as they kissed in a hot tub – did NOT look like just best friends. It was definitely the something more Jason was looking for, only he couldn’t see it. GRRRRRRR. So aggravating.

During the night time part of their date, Jas and Jill go to a winery. She gets all teary, tells him she gets butterflies (like Molly) and says that never in her entire life has she felt that someone is more meant for her than Jason is. Who didn’t get choked up at that moment? The date card arrives for them and they of course decide to spend the night together. I was watching my boyfriend watch Jas and Jill during this little love scene, and cracked up that he was totally smiling in approval watching them exchange their feelings. So busted!

As soon as they go to the fantasy suite, the bathing suits come out and Jason admits it’s possible he’s falling in love with her and that there is passion will Jillian. (This is quite the opposite of what he says after he gets rid of her, so I’m confused. Anyone else?) Jillian drops the “I’m falling in love” with you on Jason, and in comes the sexy Latin music as they canoodle in the hot tub together. There’s even some butt rubbing by Jillian of Jason’s rear. It’s steamy in there! Where is the camera guy? I think my laptop was steaming up as I was typing. You get the feeling that it’s DEFINITELY Jillian by the end of the date. How could it not be?

Fantasy Overnight Date 2

It’s raining in Queenstown, New Zealand which can only mean one thing: perfect bungee jumping weather. Molly comes running up to Jason in a Burberry scarf, the cold weather equivalent of an argyle sweater. There’s an immediate kiss. I can’t stand how Molly screams “Shut up!” whenever Jason surprises her with something. To me, “Shut up!” is rude. She’s doing it to be cute, but I don’t find it cute.

I have to admit, despite her conservative family and upbringing, I was very impressed that Molly was willing to do the bungee jumping thing. It looked absolutely terrifying. I can barely jump off a high dive at a pool, let alone off a bridge into a free fall with nothing but a rope and a guy I barely know attached to me. I think I would have cried. But she seems to have liked it – even stated that she wanted to do it again. Her little analogy “That’s exactly what falling in love is. Just have to let go and do it” was a bit much, but I’ll let it slide.

We get the thumbs up from Molly’s parents, much to Jason’s relief as we know Molly only does what her parents approve of. Her list of questions eerily reminded me of something her mother would have done (hat box/draw a picture). Why can’t the two of them just have an open conversation? Why does she have to make organized questions? Is he taking the GMATs here? He seems to have liked it. If Molly asked him to walk into a lion’s cage, he would probably have had equal enthusiasm. He’s smitten. If the argyle didn’t scare him away, Molly might actually stand a strong chance again Melissa.

Jason says that he adores Molly and could picture her as his wife. But he wants her to open up more. Their dinner conversation was definitely awkward. Jason himself says that he “feels like he needs to pull a lot of things out of Molly.” Anyone else get the feeling that we only hear negative things about the women he keeps and great things about the women he boots? One interesting thing that Jason did point out was how Molly’s parents sat on opposite sides of the couch, as did her sister and the sister’s husband. Jason wants more affection. Molly gives him the whole “I’ve had a wall up, I’m vulnerable” speech and all seems to go well. Once she throws out her own “L” bomb, Jason is happy. He says that Molly even “kisses him differently.” I wonder what changed.

I liked that Molly took the initiative to invite Jason to stay with HER. Like he’s going to turn that down. And to the writers on ABC – come on – you’ve been using the same wording on the overnight date cards for the past 12 seasons. There has GOT to be something more original. How about, “Should you decide to forego your individual rooms, we have provided condoms and spermicide in the fantasy suite bathroom.”

Moll and Jas get into the bubble bath. She says how excited she is to sleep next to Jason that night. That he could be her husband. I was hoping we'd get to see a shot of Jason waking up with all three women, and seeing how they deal with their morning breath. Just as I’m thinking this, the shot of them in the tub zooms out, so that the viewer is now watching them in the tub through a window. It’s as if there’s a stalker creeping up on them and this could almost turn into a horror movie.

Fantasy Overnight Date 3

Melissa is the third lady to run, jump up on Jason and get twirled around. We soon learn that Melissa is worried about Jason not meeting her family. We hear this about 20 more times throughout their date. Jason takes her to Winston Churchill’s old boat which happens to be in New Zealand. Surprisingly, Melissa knows who Churchill is.

Melissa’s afraid of getting hurt. No kidding. On the boat, she says that she has these walls up around her, but the walls are gone the second she sees Jason. That’s because she’s 25 and doesn’t know any better. They go to some hot pools, where my boyfriend declares that Melissa definitely looks like DeAnna and that’s why he’s interested in her. We see the third bathing suit shot of the fantasy suite dating series.

They discuss Melissa’s parents some more, and although the viewer is supposed to think that this will affect Jason’s decision, we know it won’t. Here’s a comment I can NOT get over. When Melissa and Jason meet up later that night, Melissa says to Jason that she thought their date was over. Really Melissa? Because it’s an overnight date and you were only with him for an afternoon. Despite this memory lapse, Jason can’t keep his hands off of her.

They walk around downtown Queenstown, then go to dinner where Melissa eats one almond before running off with Jason to the fantasy suite. She chooses to read the entire card as if she is not familiar with the words. Mel, it’s been the same for 13 seasons. Seriously, are you surprised? We find out that Mel is very close with her family – sees them twice a week and speaks to her brother pretty much every day. Now I think it’s even more important that Jason meet them before he commits.

Once they are alone together, Melissa tells him how she’s feeling scared. She’s never felt this way before. They play with each other’s hands. Their heads are like 5 cm apart. He is so waiting for her to drop the “L” bomb. He’s waiting, watching, hoping. She’s skirting around it. I’m watching my boyfriend who is again smiling in approval. He loves this stuff. Finally she says it. She’s fallen in love with him. Jason’s psyched. He admits that he is completely falling for her, and thinks he has been since their first date. After this scene is over and the commercial break hits, my boyfriend decides Jason has “the greatest gig ever.”

The Conclusion

Chris Harrison shows up in a suit and Jason’s confused. He doesn’t know what he’s gong to do. He reevaluates all the girls. Again he’s concerned about Jillian’s best friend speech. Molly has been distant and not meeting Melissa’s parents is hanging over him. Chris tells Jason that each of the women have left him private video messages. Basically each girl declares their love with beautiful New Zealand scenery in the background. There are tears in Jason’s eyes as he watches Melissa’s video (or at least that’s how it’s edited).

At the final rose ceremony, first rose goes to Mel. The second rose goes to…Molly. OH NO!!! Poor Jillian. Jas walks her outside and sits her down on a bench where he apologizes and says she’s amazing and blah blah blah, he’s not interested. Instead of getting angry or defensive, Jillian reveals a dream she had two nights earlier of Ty trying on her shoes and Jillian, Jas and Ty laughing about it and then taking a nap together. She was so happy. I again got choked up at this. Then Jason uses his back-up break up plan which is to throw in the fact that he wants more than to just be best friends. Jillian says – of course you need to be more than best friends – but I thought we had it. She tells him again that she is in love with him. Go Jill. I’m so impressed that she could put herself out there once again for the record even though she knows it’s of no use. Jillian for Bachelorette!!! After he sends her off in the car (and she was wearing the most adorable dress ever), Jason has a very difficult time recovering. You can almost read his thoughts, “Did I just send my future wife home? Am I making the right decision? Is my nose running on national television?” He was teary eyed and sad but tries to justify his actions by saying that “he just wasn’t falling in love with her.” I don’t know about that. I almost wonder if this is not the last we see of Jills. At least, I hope not.

Next week is the Women Tell All. Looks like the Megan/Erika cat fight is back on. Should be interesting.

Where Was DeAnna?

As for DeAnna, she did not make her appearance on last night’s show. She’ll be back for the finale for sure. She is still not talking about what goes down between her and Jason, but I still don’t think Jason ends up picking her. Between Bachelor creator Mike Fleiss’s quotes on how this season’s ending will be the most shocking ever and they even created additional shows after the finale to reveal what happened, etc. everyone in The Bachelor world is in a buzz. I can’t even begin to speculate on what will go on. Nothing with Molly or Melissa being the winner would surprise anyone, so I am left to think that it could be Jills or DeAnna. DeAnna clearly stated on last night’s video chat that she is NOT dating Ace, however, I don’t see her living in Seattle full time either. It’s a mystery. Also, DeAnna revealed that she has not watched any of this season's Bachelor because it's a little too close to home. Hmmm??? If DeAnna "won" this season, don't you think she'd be watching every episode?

I am interviewing DeAnna tomorrow night, and will post the interview later this week. If any of you are still reading, thanks for your continued support. We will be podcasting later this week too. Please post your comments and any questions you would like us to discuss. Have a great week!!

On a side note, there was a New York Times article yesterday about how the Bachelor ratings are sizzling: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/16/arts/television/16bach.html?ref=television