Office Stace

The Bachelorette in Atlantic City: A Pageant Within a Pageant (Initial Thoughts)

By Stacey B | June 17, 2013 | 16 Comments

I’m a bit surprised by tonight’s Bachelorette episode in Atlantic City for a number of reasons:

(1) Was it not clear to everyone in the world (including Des) that Brad (first one on one date tonight) seemed extremely effeminate? He’s a nice enough guy, but there was no chemistry at that evening dinner. So awkward. Though in terms of solo dates, their Atlantic City day looked really fun. You can basically ride rides, play games and watch a sunset by a handmade sand castle with anyone and they’d seem appealing. But with his fitted leather coat, high cut cheek bones and the way he spoke, I am not convinced he’s looking for a woman. It’s too bad we couldn’t have seen Brad interact with the beauty pageant expert gay man.

(2) The whole Hurricane Sandy date was bittersweet. On the one hand, they didn’t do a group charity date this year, so I guess it was nice that they brought attention to such a horrible incident. On the other hand, sticking an American Red Cross person in a helicopter with Desiree and James while they were given a tour of the destruction really killed any sort of romantic mood. I would have liked seeing a group date where the guys rebuilt a house or a community for the day. I watch this show for an escape from the real world – to take a couple hours and be launched into la la land. So having an extended segment on the devastation of Hurricane Sandy was not exactly a mood lifter. That said – how could you not love Jan and Danny? Adorable couple and I was just starting to wonder why they were given so much air time just about the moment when Desiree offered them her date. (Definitely not her idea, by the way – that was so orchestrated by the producers).

Ok, so it was very cute to see two regular, deserving people get a fantasy date – if a tad distracting for understanding what exactly Desiree sees in James besides his super white teeth. Yes, as JP Rosenbaum tweeted during the show – it would have been great to see Jan and Danny (“Janny”) go the fantasy suite. (not really).

(3) Still not understanding Des’s love for the meatheads on this show and James is certainly in that category. Mikey T is Meathead #2. Zak = Meathead #3 (even though he can sing). Also why does James feel the need to reveal he’s a cheater? He was 18 or 19 years old when he cheated – didn’t we all do stupid things back then? Once a cheater, always a cheater, though – no idea why Des decided he’s trustworthy. Let’s keep our eye on this one. From the coming attractions, sounds like he “may not be there for the right reasons.” And why can’t she keep a nice, genuine, interesting seeming guy like Zack the book publisher? Especially since she likes to write? We certainly didn’t see enough of him and I’m bummed he went home. He was in my top 3.

(4) As for the Mr. America pageant – this was one of the dumbest competitions on the show. Why are they always trying to make the guys look like morons? If I was feeling mediocre about Des at this point, I think I would have walked off the show. The pageant was only a step above the “roast” the guys did for Ashley Hebert’s season. These guys are already in competition for Desiree – that’s what the entire show is about. Why put them in another one? Those bathing suits they were given, by the way, are super expensive. Vilbrequin swim shorts are around $250 per pop. Check them out here: http://www.vilebrequinonlinestore.com/men-swimwear.html

(5) I was SHOCKED that Zak was actually talented. Even more impressed that he has a real job and is not an aspiring musician. Des kind of looked slightly embarrassed when he tried to finish the song for her – couldn’t get a read on whether she was enjoying the serenade or felt like Ali Fedotowsky did when Kasey Kahl tried to sing her a toned deaf a capella song. Was also surprised that Kasey, who won the Mr. America pageant, did not get a rose for doing so. He didn’t even get special one on one time – just bragging rights, a sash and roses.

(6) Chris may be the only normal guy on the show. Cute. Down to earth. There for the right reasons. A bit dorky and funny (loved that he wore high heels during the pageant. Loved that he’s worried he’s “in the friend zone” with Des. Love that he wrote her a poem). They are cute together.

(7) Are we really supposed to believe that Bryden is ready to leave the show? Come now. He’s not going anywhere. Also, can they cut him a break on his hair? There was a mean tweet posted about it on the show. Leave him and his hair alone. He’s a genuine manly guy which is rare on this season and doesn’t bring pounds of hair gel or a stylist with him. I’d take that over the muscle men dudes that are everywhere.

(8) I loved Desiree’s dark pea coat and chunky cowl neck cream colored sweater this episode. More girl next door outfits which is what she looks best in.

(9) Ben is totally the Jake Pavelka of this season. Thick Necked James is Ronnie from Jersey Shore with the neck of Ryan from Emily Maynard’s season. I’m still confusing Mikey “I’m not a meathead but I will take my shirt off and flex my chest muscles as my talent” with James.

(10) Still not finding Michael G attractive and watching him go in for a kiss with Desiree kind of makes me nauseous.

Wait, she’s really keeping Mikey, Drew, Kasey, James, Ben and Michael over cute, book publisher ZACK??? WHYYY??

So next week, we finally start our international travel – and what better place to start than in Munich?? I hope they go to the naked park. Looks like James may not have good intentions. Ben gets even more annoying and all of it will come to a head. So what do you think – is the season getting better? Do you like any of the remaining guys? Could ANY of these guys be the next Bachelor (gonna say no at this point).

PS – no Juan Pablo this week. Except that he mentions he has a daughter, which I don’t remember him saying, but maybe I missed that.

16 Comments

Less Commute, More Sex: Check Out My Article in am NY’s Newspaper, Page 10 Today (Link is up)

By Stacey B | June 13, 2013 | 10 Comments

My article, page 10 of amNY newspaper today

I just got back from walking (well pulling) Wally in a morning drizzle in the hopes of getting my hands on today’s am New York. This is a free newspaper given out in most New York City subways. Yesterday, I got notified that an essay I wrote for the writing class I took last month was being published in today’s edition!!

I could barely sleep last night – and finally when I couldn’t take it any longer, I jumped out of bed, threw on my clothes, grabbed Wally and ran out the door. After a 7 minute trot the subway, I grabbed a bunch of copies and am now at home sweating in my work clothes.

I’ve never been so happy to be up before 6 AM in my life!!! Now I hope nobody mugs me on Metro North (they have my picture – uh-oh!)

Here’s the link too: http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/becker-a-metro-north-tryst-could-be-very-efficient-1.5469025

10 Comments

The Bachelorette, Episode 3: Brian’s Busted, Ben’s Bullied & Brooks is Broken

By Stacey B | June 10, 2013 | 24 Comments

It’s raining like crazy here in New York City and The Husband is braving the elements to take the dog out while I blog. Such a gentleman! The weather was so bad that my friend Amie in Virginia texted that her viewing of the Brian / Stephanie Girlfriend showdown got interrupted by a weather report. How aggravating!

We got to see more of girl next door Desiree this week in her workout outfits during the Dodgeball group date, the building climbing date with Hashtag guy and the cancellation of the pre-rose ceremony cocktail party for a shirtless / bikini pool party. It would have been a home run style wise this week if hadn’t been for those horrible flesh colored leggings she wore during the Brian Bust and Kasey Hashtag date. Wasn’t such a fan of that overdone rose ceremony dress easier. The blue dress was fine alone – it didn’t need all the embellishment. She kind of had a Star Wars character look about her.

I can now officially say that there are multiple effeminate men. When Brooks put his hair up in a pony tail during the dodgeball game, I started to get worried and then when I saw oxygen tubes in his nose in the previews I thought he was pulling a Tierra, but he did have a legit broken finger and felt faint from the pain. I’ll buy that. I was convinced that Brad, the accountant from Denver who took Des aside to tell her about his secret, was going to admit to being bisexual and talk about his last boyfriend. Turns out, he has a son with the same name as Angelina Jolie’s first adopted child. Drew is probably still the most effeminate.

The dodgeball date was a bit on the violent side – but far better than the horrible roller derby disaster from last season. I was really happy when Zack K got his first Des interactions. He seems like a fun guy, but they are showing us nothing about him. Hope that bodes well for him.

I’m getting a little sick of all the “plugging” going on during the show. It feels tired and it makes me feel used. Like when Des takes Chris off for some private time on the group date and she announces the name of a singer who’s there to give a private concert. Then the whole Disney Lone Ranger plug and next week the Atlantic City Mr. America pageant (Chris Harrison will be hosting the Miss America pageant there on September 15th).

They did tone down the tweets tonight. Probably only had about 20 tweets in total during the whole show.

As for the scandalous parts, Des did not seem too upset that Brian’s ex girlfriend showed up. Didn’t see any major sparks between Des and she was probably relieved to have one less decision to make. Stephanie was really upset, but boy, nobody could get a word in – not even Chris Harrison! She kind of looked like a contestant on the Bachelorette. This interaction all seemed a bit hyper dramatic – like forced controversy and really, I just wanted him to get kicked off and be done with it.

In terms of Ben getting picked on by the guys – I can see why they’re angry but he’s okay being the villain of the house as long as he gets his Des time. Do you think he’s a jerk or just playing the game really well or both? I wasn’t sure that Des was really into him that much and it grosses me out whenever he shushes her and says that THEIR kissing is a secret. If he only he knew that she’s kissed practically every guy in the house at this point.

Episode 3 is usually a bit disappointing and reminiscent of past seasons. The play dress up and act out dramatic roles group date is overdone. This is the first adrenaline one on one date where both participants looked somewhat bored. Also – is it really romantic to be hanging off a building while two other people are right there with you hanging on ropes? The aggressive testosterone date (dodgeball) was another opportunity for people to get hurt while proving their devotion to Des.

If you’re looking for a silver lining, here are some highlights from tonight’s show:

(1) I like Chris. Seems like a stand up, normal type of guy.

(2) Juan Pablo is giving her some passionate kisses and I don’t think she can ignore her hormones. Expect some hot scenes coming up between these two. Des loves facial hair (on her men).

(3) The exit of Brandon and his incredible body. Did you see his abdominal muscles? At one point I didn’t even realize he was crying – I was way too caught up in staring at his chest. And he dropped the first “L” bomb on episode 3?? A bit too intense. Poor guy has a lot of issues to work out before he can be in a healthy relationship.

(4) Still like Brooks – he looked pretty darn cute in his red headband and a broken finger even if he did have a pony tail during the dodgeball game.

(5) I like Awkward Bryden and that he never seems to know when to make a move until Desiree gives him a hint.

Here’s what I can’t understand:

(1) Mikey T, Thick Necked James and Zak W just seem a bit brawn over brains to me. Not sure why Des seemed interested in any of them. James – if your father is sick, why the hell are you on a reality TV dating show with a very low success rate? Go spend time with your dad. Although Des keeping him around means she might actually like the guy (or she was really scared of Brandon like I was).

(2) I don’t find Hashtag Kasey and his crazy spiky hair remotely attractive. His date with Desiree seemed like a disaster and I felt like she was going to send him home – didn’t see much chemistry on her end. Their kiss in the pool with towels over their heads just seemed forced and awkward. Also, not very into Michael G – he’s got “friend zone” written all over him.

What did you guys think? Anyone stand out for you? Are you liking the season any better or worse? Let’s hear it!

24 Comments

Splinter Surgery & Bachelorette Episode 2 Commentary

By Stacey B | June 5, 2013 | 4 Comments

Des + Brooks

Thirty seconds after I walked through the door of our apartment last night, The Husband got a massive splinter jammed into the heel of his foot. He yelped, cursed and hobbled about to the bed, demanding that I take a look at it. All I could make out was a fairly thick, two inch dark line embedded under the skin’s surface. I started searching the apartment for nail tools, a tweezer and alcohol swabs. It took two rounds of poking, prodding, clipping away dead skins, a ten minute epsom salt hot water foot soak and more poking and prodding, but I got that sucker out. I was completely sweating by the time it was over – paranoid that the splinter would split while I tried to take it out and that I’d cut the surrounding skin too much and a gush of blood would hit me in the face. Anyhow, we survived and The Husband’s foot is saved. It’s all neosporin and bandaids from here on out.

A few more comments re: Monday night’s Bachelelorette. It seems the majority of my work friends are really uninterested in the season, but will continue to watch. I’ve only had 2 people tell me they’re giving the season a break. The rest are lukewarm and hopeful that it can pick up in the weeks ahead. I sure hope it does. It’s funny at least 4 or 5 said they forgot to watch it or felt it could wait until later in the week and that they too found the Tweets to be distracting and taking away from the momentum of the show.

That said, even a lukewarm season of The Bachelorette is better than any other TV show on at the moment and I’m still hopeful that things will get better. So let’s talk a few details:

Did you guys know that Chris Harrison launched his own clothing line? In fact almost everything you’ll see him wear this season is from the line. It’s called the Chris Harrison Collection by DaVinci – wondering if his shiny blue top which kind of looked like a men’s silk pajama top was part of the collection. In any event, I still think that Chris H really pulls the show together. He takes it just seriously enough to make the premise of it believable and of a certain calibre. It was nice to see him again, silky pj top and all.

Brooks has leading man looks with his dark, dreamy hair and double dimples. That said, he kind of reminds me of a male ballet lead or Disney character. I’m not really into long haired guys, but that’s just me. Like Brad Pitt, for example, with his long blonde locks would look a THOUSAND times better if he chopped them off NOW. The whole try on a wedding dress portion of the date was a bit much, but I guess for Desiree, it can be justified since this is what she does for a living. Can you imagine if Shawntel Newton was The Bachelorette and for her first date, she takes a guy to a funeral home and embalms someone? Not to worry, Shawntel got married a couple of weeks ago to a nice, Christian orthodontist, so she’s off the market.

Brooks definitely looks GREAT in a tux – kind of like a Macy’s catalog guy. I actually loved the wedding dress that Desiree ended up leaving the store with and driving around with Brooks in that baby blue Bentley. BTW, were ALL the wedding gowns in that store in Des’s size? How fun! I also loved how when they went into the town, Des is mobbed by screaming fans and one girl, in particular, freaked out when Des gave her a hug. That made me laugh, because it would totally be me!

The Hollywood sign date portion, was pretty cool – and how nice to be there for the 90th anniversary of the sign. Although, I found it symbolic in many ways that we are watching a Hollywood relationship unfold at the Hollywood sign, and wondered if this was foreshadowing of some sort or if their budding love was being stamped already. We later learn that Brooks had his heart broken in the past but that’s ok, but it’s ok, because we’re falling for his dimples and resemblance of a professional piano player with that hair and tux. He goes in for our first real kiss with Des. Sigh. Then they’re driving and WAIT – are we really supposed to believe that they’re lost in a shady neighborhood in a flashy car? Doesn’t the Bachelorette have cameras and security tailing her at all times? Was Brooks really buying this charade or was he acting? But who cares, because eventualy they pull up to a purple light lit, chandeliered bridge set up for a candlelit dinner!

At this point, I’m thinking – BAM, we’ve got our first great date in the bag. Brooks is THE MAN. Here’s our guy – should we call the season right now? But then we start hearing about his parents’ divorce and the emotional Bach music comes on and all this time, I’m thinking – Brooks doesn’t look like a ballet lead, Disney character or professional piano player – he looks like Rafael Nadal – the professional tennis player! But then I see the tears forming in Brooks’s eyes and there goes Des’s eyes glistening as well and now we know our first cries of the season are in the books. But they can’t be misty eyed for too long because Andy Grammer is giving them a private concert and he’s awesome!

Next we’ve got the Soulja Boy rap video group date which seems like it would be fun. They all made the best of this date only season Brandon without pants was kind of disturbing. I saw in a Tweet that the house used for the rap video was the same house used in scenes for the movie, Hangover 3. Post rap video production, we start to see guys pulling absurd measures to get Desiree’s attention. Zak W (shirtless guy from first night who jumped into pool), hands Des an antique jounral that’s never been written in but has an inscription from a father to a daughter. Ok, so maybe if Desiree had had an intimate conversation with Zak about being adopted and not knowing her father or that she had a similar journal growing up that her father gave to her or SOMETHING that showed a connection as to why this is somehow remotely connected to Des, we’d be more won over by this gift. But without it, I’m just sort of baffled. But hey, it’s the thought that counts.

When Ben gets her alone, he asks for permission to kiss her. Ewww. Don’t ask. Just do it. Then Michael G gets her alone and starts talking all “I’ll guard and protect your heart” on her, without using these words. He’s a federal prosecutor after all, he can certainly keep justice in the mansion. And guess what? He’s there for the right reasons, so he claims.

Already we know that Ben is rubbing others the wrong way and Mikey T is out on a mission to set him straight. He has “a little chat” with him about sharing Des and being genuine and it seems to go well because they’re comparing shoes by the end. But Ben must be doing something right because he gets the group date rose and immediately earns the hate of every other guy on the date. Des tells him that he “used his alone time wisely” which really means that she likes when guys try to kiss her.

We learn about Brandon’s tragic childhood and self-deprecating opening converation with Des which is along the lines of, “I’m not an Ivy League school guy. I don’t have a billion dollars.” (This sounds awfully similar to the Leonardo DeCaprio speech given in Titantic when he says to Kate Winslet (Rose) that “I know how the world works. I’ve got ten bucks in my pocket. I have nothing to offer you and I know that.”). This is before he reveals that his dad ran away, he moved every two years and his mom was a drug addict. He had to raise his whole family. Poor guy. Despite all of this information, Des gives the rose to Ben.

Second one on one date goes to Bryden, our Iraq war veteran. They do a road trip, which is a fun first date. I like that she honks instead of going into the house and needing to hug every single guy that’s there. I also like that she’s doing the driving on these dates. I wonder if Brooks’s hair gel is still in the car. It looked like a fun date, but immediately see that Bryden is a bit less sophisticated and worldly than Des. Matador Beach kite flying, fish tacos and orange picking look great. It actually looked like a Tropicana orange juice commercial when they’re holding hands and running through vineyards. Also, he needs to brush aside those bangs. Ojai looked like a great place to visit.

When the romantic Bach music comes on, I know we’re in fantasy land. Another outdoor candlelit dinner is set up for them (does anyone actually eat on these dates?) and we hear the crazy tale of Bryden’s tractor accident. Do most people bring pictures of their horrible injuries on first dates? Did he have these in his pocket? Was he always going to do this or did a producer say – “Hey, I have a GREAT idea. On your first date with Desiree, you should bring hard copy photos of your terrible wounds.” I think his description of the injuries would have been sufficient. Desiree likes him anyway and gives him a rose. I like Bryden – he has an adorable, innocent smile – just not sure he’s on the same level as Des. Best part of the whole episode is when they’re in the heated pool, Des is giving him ga-ga eyes and Bryden is doing nothing. She grabs control of the moment by saying, “Just kiss me already.” AWESOME moment.

It’s rose ceremony time and I LOVE Des’s sparly, army green dress (for Bryden??). And while all of Des’s dresses were great so far, I kind of miss the down to earth, girl next door thing about her and wish they’d let her just wear every day stuff. That’s when she looks her best. Michael G gets Des alone for 30 seconds and reveals his Type 1 Diabetes sitch. But Bad Boy Ben shows up and steals her away. This sends Michael G into a rage and he rants to his fellow competitors. Meanwhile, Ben is flirting it up with Des, telling her they have a secret. She’s an amazing kisser and all the guys don’t know this (except Brooks and Bryden). When Ben’s done doing some extra curricula kissing with Des, Mikey T, thick neck James and Ben pull him aside to declare him the worst guy in the world.

At this point, I saw a Tweet go across the screen which said, “I wonder what Juan Pablo must think of this country.” Hysterical.

There are at least 5 or 6 guys we know nothing about and I’m hoping we can get some good intel on them in the upcoming dates.

Roses go to: Thick Neck James, Kasey (Hashtag guy), Dan (who the hell is Dan?), Juan Pablo (facial hair, soccer star), Brad (another one – no idea who he is), Chris (seems like a nice guy), Brian (shiny forehead guy, who seems a bit dull), Zak W (shirtless guy), Drew (effeminate), Mikey Italian, Zack the Book Publisher (love him, don’t know a think about him but Emily Maynard tweeted during the show that Zack is her favorite too), Michael G (diabetes, federal prosecutor),and Brandon (Jack Dawson). Ben, Brooks and Bryden (a pattern here with B names?) already had roses.

We say goodbye to our token African American guy, Will. He said he didn’t get a rose becaus him and Des were “in the friend zone,” but we know it was because he was wearing a bright green dress shirt under a suit. We also said goodbye to Robert from LA who was cute. Nick M the investment advisor was also cute. Oh well.

Next week we’ll be climbing buildings, riding horses and getting upset with Ben again.

4 Comments

The Bachelorette, Episode 2: Who’s There For The Right Reasons (Initial Thoughts)

By Stacey B | June 3, 2013 | 15 Comments

I’ll break down my initial thoughts in terms of highlights and low lights of tonight’s Bachelorette episode because I believe the overwhelming majority of you may think the guys are true DUDS and this season is BORING. From the drama they’ve shown us so far, this is absolutely correct. There’s something slimy about Ben (especially since he keeps telling Des that their “little secret” is that he knows she’s a great kisser. Does he really think she’s only kissed him? Can he please stop saying this?). I kept confusing Thick Neck James and Mikey T until I realized that Mikey T is super angry whereas James is just slightly opinionated. Yes, Bryden needs a new hairdo, but he’s got a great smile, seems genuinely nice and those ABS – well let’s just say we finally have some to take the place of Sean’s.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Des looked great. I still wish her bangs would come back, but I loved the way they are dressing her and doing her makeup. Not too crazy yet. Love all her sparkly dresses and she’s got some body. She’s definitely bachelorette material which is a HUGE relief as I was very worried she wouldn’t be able to carry the show. She’s surprisingly articulate even when faced with guys confessing 1) a messed up family for Brandon 2) accident (with photos of injuries) for Bryden 3) Type 1 Diabetes from Michael G

2. Loved Andy Grammer’s performance during Des and Brooks’s date. He’s cute – why can’t he jump into the competition? His new song (which I have a feeling they’ll be playing a LOT of on the show) can be downloaded here: http://tinyurl.com/agcbep

3. Dates were really fun. Liked the Soulja Boy rap video versus a stupid soap opera group date, and really liked seeing it at the end of the episode. How nice that they gave Des and Bryden a full heated pool to strip down in and LOVED when Des told Bryden to kiss her during one of the most awkward interactions in first date history.

NOT SO GREAT PARTS:

1. I’m already getting emails, texts and Facebook messages that some of you are DONE with this season. Bored to tears. Think the guys are awful. I hear ya. They have been focused on some pretty blah, vanilla, pig headed, meat headed types. But there’s still a bunch we haven’t heard from. Plus I liked Brooks, though he may be too pretty to date, but at least they could share hair gel AND they could both cry together over emotional stories.

2. Still not sure why shirtless Zak guy is there. And when he handed her a journal, I wanted to scream. Who’s giving gifts this early? Why would he buy her a journal with a dad’s inscription to his daughter and did he steal this from his ex girlfriend to give to Des?

3. Ben. Not convinced he’s the devil yet, but they’re painting quite a picture like we’re supposed to hate him. I’ll reserve judgment.

4. Hollywood sign date is a bit overdone. Feel like that’s been in every episode.

5. I’m worried that Brandon is a bit too intense.

6. We didn’t see anything for many of the guys including Zack (the book publisher) who was one of my favorites, Chris – who just seems like a nice, do your taxes kind of guy. Drew still seems effeminate to me.

7. The Husband says there’s an overwhelming sense of “been there, done that” with this season. CRAP – he better not bail on me this early in the season.

8. They didn’t show us who that girl is coming to bust next week in the coming attractions – BUT – then they SHOWED WHO SHE’S COMING TO “OUT.” If you didn’t see it, I won’t spoil it, but have to say – you won’t really care.

So with that, I’m hoping the show gets really good, really quick or it’s gonna be an epic fail Bachelorette season. Til next time…

15 Comments

Back From Vacation

By Stacey B | June 2, 2013 | 2 Comments

Sunset at our resort

I am fairly certain that units of time move faster during vacations. Like as soon as we got there, the trip was over. I miss you, Aruba and here I am, with the Sunday night depressions, knowing that the work week, the commuting, the blogging, the book editing, essay submitting, dog walking and every other responsibility that had been brushed aside over the past week is back. That said, how nice and fortunate we are to have been able to take this wonderful trip. Aruba is a beautiful island filled with great resorts, beaches, restaurants, casinos and friendly, happy people. It was HOT, but we piled on the sunblock, reserved a palapa (thatched umbrella for two) at our resort and took in each and every day as much as possible.

Palapa #40A – our beach home for the week

Here’s what else we did: swam in the completely calm, pool-like warm ocean, tried to win the $94K jackpot at Caribbean Stud Poker (didn’t happen), ate at incredible restaurants, went on a hotel crawl on the Palm Beach strip – weaving in and out of every resort, drank Starbucks iced coffee almost every morning, went down the Hyatt waterslide meant for children, drank some mojitos, shopped at the Aruba markets, ate dinner on the beach, stuffed ourselves at brunch which ended with bananas foster (dessert made from bananas, vanilla ice cream with sauce of brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla liquer and some other stuff), floated on rafts, played bingo, blogged the season premiere of The Bachelorette, thought of businesses we could run from Aruba, thought of businesses we could run from the New York area where I wouldn’t have to work full time and napped – A LOT.

End of day run. It had cooled down to 89 degrees by 6:45 PM. Loved the colorful beach chairs at sunset.

We’d wake up around 9 AM most mornings and debated going to the gym or for a run on the beach. This idea would be quickly rejected with the following justifications:

(1) It’s too hot out (it really was – 90 degrees+ at 9 AM = insane to run outside)

(2) We’ll do it later (sometimes this happened, but if alcohol was involved and ice cream ingested, there was a sharp decline in our chances for doing some sort of exercise)

(3) We’re on vacation (I like this excuse but HATE coming home to find my clothes don’t fit)

(4) The gym will be too crowded (this NEVER actually was the case, but we liked to say it anyway)

(5) Sitting on a beach chair sweating is kind of like working out. So is jumping in a pool. These are really pathetic, but sound good at the time.

With that, I’ll leave you with some photos of the week. Although we are sad to be done with vacation and tomorrow we go back to real life, there was nothing better than coming from the airpot to my parents standing in front of our building with Wally, who they had just picked up from doggy camp. Wally jumped into my arms and licked my face for a full 10 minutes. He gave the same love to The Husband as well and hasn’t left our side since. We really missed him.

At least there’s Bachelorette tomorrow…