The Bachelorette, Week 1

The Remaining 17.

Frank - Retail manager from Chicago. He wears glasses (just an observation, not a judgement). He says that passion is more important than money. He is an aspiring screen writer who quit his big fancy job and moved home to live w/ his parents so he could follow his dream. He appears to have a good sense of humor. He seemed really excited to find out that Ali was the Bachelorette.

Craig M. - Dental Sales, Toronto, Canada. Likes clubbing. Wears pink. Willing to give up everything if he and Ali falls in love. "If I had a really good feeling about it, I'd be on my knee in a second." BUT....Already being that annoying "I don't think _______ is right for her/here for the right reason, but I am." guy, that annoys the crap out of me. Gave her a yellow shoe keychain, he has the other, and hopes that someday they can "pair them up". I think this would be cute if you were actually in a relationship w/ someone, but on a first meeting it's a little weird.

Justin - Pro Wrestler from Toronto. His character is "Mr. Rated R" but he says he's the complete opposite of that character in real life. He's a mama's boy, loves his grandma too. Not a fan of the profession, but I like him. He got the most votes in the "Who's not here for the right reason" vote, but Ali gave him a rose anyway. I'm afraid he'll turn out to be like Wes from the last season, only there to promote himself, but I'm hoping I'm wrong!

Jonathan - Weatherman from Texas. He's FUNNY!! He's cute, but looks super young. A little talkative, too!

Ty - Medical Sales in Tennessee. He's got a cute accent and a cute dog. Also has cute ears that kinda stick out. Plays guitar (yum!). He was married and just divorced recently. Said they just decided to part ways. Not a fan of the fact that he seemed unwilling to work on the marriage and they just took the easy way out, but otherwise I like this guy.

Chris L.- Landscaper from Cape Cod, Massachusettes. Was a teacher in New York but quit to move back home and care for his mom as she was dying. That's huge. He says life is short and he wants to find his soul mate. "If I treated a woman bad, my mom would kill me."

Kirk - Sales consultant from Wisconsin. Made a scrapbook for Ali. Hopefully this is more sweet than creepy. (It was a scrapbook about himself, so she could get to know him.)

Kasey - Advertising Accountant. Can't really understand him cuz his voice is weird. Family is important to him. His dad cheated on his mom and he swears he will never do that to a woman. Good boy. He opens doors for girls, which is fabulous.

Hunter - Internet Account Exec from Texas. Sang her a silly song and played the yukilele.

Craig M. - Already don't like this guy. Has already made fun of some of the other guys, which isn't cool.

Robert0 - Insurance Agent. Likes salsa dancing. Good looking hispanic guy. Has TATTOOS, which makes him even MORE attractive. Mom and dad are still happily married so he's had a good example. Has his own business in Boston. "Love makes everything worth it." I like him.

Jesse - General Contractor from MISSOURI- I think he's my favorite, based on first impression and the cute little necklace he made for Ali.

Steve - Sales Rep from Ohio.

Tyler V - Works in online advertising. From Vermont.

Chris N - Entrepreneur from Florida.

Chris H - Real Estate Development in Canada.



Guys I'm GLAD are gone : The lawyer w/ the really bad hair, and "Shooter".

Guys that NEED to go: Craig M.

Thoughts from Tuesday

Tuesday night at Quarterlife one of the things we discussed at our table was what we are able to do now, as singles, that we might not be able to do when we're married.

This has been something I've thought about a lot over the past 9 or 12 months. You see, a lot of my friends would make comments like "I wouldn't be doing __________ as much if I were married" or "I wouldn't be able to do __________ if I was in a relationship." It always confused me a little when people talked like this, because I really felt like things shouldn't change that much. I mean, if I have to give up things that I love doing after I'm married...well, that just doesn't seem right. I use to think I could just keep on doing life the same way I am doing it now (for the most part) and just have a husband who did all of those things w/ me (and of course the things he wanted to do, as well).

But then I realized something. I look at my schedule these days, and there are hardly any evenings when I don't have something planned. Whether it's a class or other church-related event, work function, or getting together w/ a friend for coffee, I'm ALWAYS busy.

So....if I were married, and I was continuing in this lifestyle, then someone (my husband) would be experiencing some serious neglect. Even if he were all about doing all of these things with me...where is our alone time??

I basically figured out that the lifestyle I'm living right now is really only one I can live as a single person. Someday, things will change. I'll have to stop staying out so late (unless my hubby is a night person, too!!). I'll have to say no to more things and not commit to as much as I want to commit to. I won't always be able to just go meet a friend at the drop of a hat. I'll have to plan more.

It's funny to think about, because right now I would be unhappy giving up some of the things I'm involved in. But to think that someday there will be someone in my life that I am so in love with that I can hardly stand to be away from him...well that gives me hope, because I know I won't really have time to miss the things I had to give up. :)

But for right now, I'm in a good place. Sure, I can't wait to meet the guy I will marry...it's something I've longed for my entire life...but overall, I have never been happier with life as I have been this past year and a half.