My thoughts on the 25 Bachelorette Contestants

Emily Maynerd.

Bachelorette of Season 8.

For the past few years, this show has aired and I have watched it on and off, never really fully committed. I am going to try to do my best to stay committed this season as it actually looks promising. 

Let's go down the list shall we.

Aaron, the biology teacher. He looks promising and kind. I think that the both of them being close in age may play to his advantage. 

Tony, the lumber trader, I'm going to count him out. He comes across to hard for soft spoken Emily for me to think they will make anything of it. 

Sean from Dallas doesn't look like her type.

Charlie, the recruiter, proclaims he is going to "Recruit Emily's love." After a fatal head injury, his life's desires became more of a reality. I will vote him as a top pick, he seems sweet and genuine.

One thing I found to be interesting. Jackson, fitness model for Children's Gymboree, is from Lockport, IL. This is the same town I went to high school in. I found that interesting that the show hits close to home. I am going to count him in as one of my top picks just for that fact. I'd like to see him get far in the show.

John, aka "the Wolf". Seriously?! Common. I think that explains itself. 

Josheph, who's favorite movie is Brokeback Mountain, who also claims he watches it twice a week. I think it's safe to say that I think he will go home early.

Ryan, nothing stands out to me about him, I'm going to count him out. 

Arie, looks wierd to me, but hey she might go for him because he is a race car driver. I think I'll count him as a wild card. 

Nate, the accounant. His answers to his interview questions sounded oddly perverted. He is a NO in my book. 

Real estate Agent, Doug, caught my attention on the show because he is a single dad. I think that will play to in his advantage. 

Travis, Alesandro, Jean-Paul, David, and Randy do not appeal to me to be her type.

Kyle, the financial advisor, I think will go far. He has the style down, and seems to me that he might come off as a prince charming to Emily. 

Alejandro and Lerone are Donts for me. 

Chris and Stevie, to me look like they might get through half of the show and then bottom out. 

Twenty Seven year old Jef, looks way to young for her even though she is younger and even acts young on the show, he may be another wild card, Emily seems to really enjoy him. 

Micheal and Kalon also do not look like her type, but who knows. Its so early in the show its really anyone's game. 

Brent, he was my first out, he is twice her age. I don't think it will work out and I actually think he will go home early.

Mother's Day Tribute

Mom fixing my hair in my senior portraits.

The camera man thought it was the perfect 

photo 'op and included it for free in our package. 

Thinking back--

Growing up, my mom worked several jobs to support us. I remember her working as a traveling nurse during the day and a bartender by night. Back then, I hardly had time to spend with her, but I cherish those memories fondly. I know it wasn't easy. She was a single mom back then, my brother would take care of me while she worked, and my sister lived with her dad. I value the commitment she had in working so that we three kids could have a better life. My mom has always been special in my heart. Of course, not because she is my mother but for many other reasons. 

Now, I stand at twenty-one, adulthood in my face. I live with my wonderful fiance, and finally realize all that my mother sacrificed back then. I honestly don't know how she did it, working two jobs and making ends meet for us. It takes courage to be alone and support yourself and your three kids by yourself. My mother was a honorable woman. 

Today, I have one of the best relationships with her. I feel honored to have such a great relationship that is held together with trust, patience, kindness, and most importantly--love. Without her, I don't know where I would be in life. She keeps my head pointed in the right direction. I look forward to many more years of memories and lessons shared amongst us.

Fairwell to Hollie Cavanagh

This week we say good by to Hollie Cavanagh this week. Taking fourth place, Hollie has been the dark horse throughout the entire competition. After getting let go last season, Hollie came back ready and determined. I have been on the fence about her the entire season this year, not sure if i wanted her to go or not. 

If you asked me two weeks ago what I though, I would have told you for sure to send her home. Back then, I spent the last 6-7 weeks wishing she would go home because in my mind I felt she has the worst performance every week. The last two weeks however I felt that she had really stepped up her game. 

As the competition is down to three now I am excited to see who will take the win. My personal favorite is Phillip Phillips, there is something about him being original and true to himself through out the competition that has really stuck with me.

Sweet Sounds of Rain & Thunderstorms: Why We Like It

 
Rain & Thunderstorms. 

It's all too familiar. In fact, every time I hear that sweet sound of rain I feel a calming peace come over my body. There is no doubt that rain makes us feel good because rain releases feel good endorphins. I could spend all night and day sitting at the edge of our door watching the rain. There is just something about it that makes it peaceful. 

We like rain because its cooling.

 I love when a hot summer day turns to rain & thunderstorms and how it cools down our entire apartment. Since our air conditioner only cools our bedroom and not the rest of the house, the rain is  quite refreshing and a nice cool breeze. 

We like rain because of the sound. 

You have to admit that the sound rain makes along with the thunder is a relaxing feeling. Its a soothing sound that calms the body and helps it relax. One thing I like to do while it rains is read. A good book along with rain is a recipe for greatness. Rain helps take the edgyness out of life.

We like rain because it cleanses.

There is no doubt that rain helps cleanse things. Rain can be useful for cleaning your car, washing off sidewalk chalk, etc., but above that rain is a symbol of depression and heartache or the worst of times. Rain helps us get through those difficult things an more by allowing us to grieve, a process we must all go through to move forward with our lives. 

lastly, 

We like rain because it renews. 

After a good rainfall, there is something different about the way we experience things. The colorful rainbows brighten our moods. The grass is fresh and crispy green and seems to stand a little taller. It's a sense of freshness and life overall seems renewed.

Skyler Goes Home on American Idol

 

 

I have followed American Idol all the way through this season from beginning to end. There is so much talent this year among the contestants that it is literally unreal how amazingly great they all are.  As the top five dwindles to the top four we lose Skyler Laine, proclaimed for county music.

I am somewhat shocked, I though for sure Hollie would be going home tonight. I had spent the last 5-6 weeks wishing she would go home, however she pulled it out overall in the end. 

What I have liked about Skyler's performances is that they are packed full of excitement. You know your going to get a great show out of her! I look forward to the day she puts out a record.