Hi all. How is your New Year going? Very very bizzy these days.

Business Stuff...

I am teaching Human Growth & Development this semester. It's a new course and my first time teaching it, so I've been busy setting up lessons plans and getting lectures prepared. Grading my first submissions from the 35 students I have. This is, by far, the most exceptional group of students I've had. They are all experienced learners in the nursing program, so they "get it". It's a pleasure to teach students who are engaged and want to be there.

I had left Rasmussen College a few semesters ago (needed the break), but I have returned to teaching with a new vigor. We have a new campus that is just a few miles from my house and the move took place this weekend. Rasmussen is going through growing pains and some of the changes are really good. I'm excited and I know for sure I belong in academia, even if I only take on a few classes a year as extra work.

This is my fifth year working full time as a director of marketing for a health care company and I'm putting together a 2011 marketing plan and presentation for an annual meeting. Working on a revamp of the corporate website. The CEO for whom I work and I partnered to start a separate small marketing company a few months ago. It made sense to do so... the business is there and we already have an account. I'm creating a website and mail campaign.

The Kids....

Kevin is in Canada until the Spring and doing well, he says. He has two jobs and is renting a room with friends. We haven't resolved the "international calling" bullcrap of cell phones and I need to fast find a plan that won't suck the bank account dry. Kev is looking at a College called Acadia in Canada and wants to become a teacher and likely a Canadian resident.

Kelly is wrapping up her senior year at the high school and is dually enrolled at the community college. She's applied to the pre-Dental program at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL... that's my alma mater. I hope she gets in and we'd like to find out how to financial swing it that she can live on campus and come home on weekends.

Soon I will really be an empty nester. I'm OK with this... I'm already seeing the changes with Kev gone. For example, there is no need to buy a lot of groceries. Kelly's schedule and mine cross a great deal and it feels like sometimes this house is just a drop in center for change of clothes and sleep.


Health...

About a week ago I woke up and couldn't see two feet in front me. Everything was blurry. I was scared that the Glaucoma had kicked in (I'm borderline and I've put off eye surgery a year... been warned if I don't have the surgery soon, I could go blind). But thankfully after a few hours I could see, but not at all up close like I used to be able to see. I did some googling to find out that sometimes in this age group, people can lose their up-close vision just like that (snap). I had an eye exam yesterday and I went from 1.25 to 2.00 in prescription strength, which is pretty dramatic. I ordered progressive lens glasses and sunglasses. I'm going to try and schedule eye surgery within the next month if I can pull the money together.

My uterine fibroids continue to be problematic. I have spotting and constant colicky cramping. I have been ignoring the options available for treatments after reading about them (surgery) and want to live with the condition as long as it is tolerable. I do, however, want to get a gynecologist. My primary care doc has handled all my female exams thus far. Well, I'm getting older... need to take care now I'm sure with any hormonal changes.

Last June I got 22 pounds off and I have maintained the weight loss. I want to get off another 10 or so pounds, but it is much slower to come off now. With the weight loss came hair loss... quite a bit... and I learned that I was depleted of iron, folic acid and need more biotin and B vitamins, so I'm on a program now.

Geeze.

Home Improvements

I have a long list of things to do around here. I'm making a priority list to knock out projects one by one as I can budget for them. I would like to get some window shutters in my bedroom (actually the whole house, but let's start with one room) and shutters are so outrageously priced. I have Lowes coming out to measure. The windows in this house are so cheesy and the cold pours through. My room faces the road -- noisy... too much light. My curtains fell down because the wall is concrete and the nail doesn't stay in. Very annoyed. I want a solution that is pretty, too. I work in my bedroom all the time. It's my space. I want it right.

The lawn! Need sod. As soon as these cold snaps are gone, I'm laying some grass down.

Skewl & Research & Speaking Engagement

My research is plugging along. About 600 people have taken The Love Survey (www.thelovesurvey.org) and I'm keeping the survey open to continue to recruit volunteer participants. Meanwhile, I'm working the SPSS software to crunch the numbers and learn how to statistically analyze the data.

I have been asked to be a feature presenter at a special event with the Museam of Science in Tampa. The event is in February called "Cupid the Scientist" LINK HERE

I didn't mention this earlier, but in November I had emailed the Dr. Phil Show about my research and a producer from the show called me to see about availability for a show they were planning on couples & intimacy/affairs. They asked for my bio and such, but it wasn't really a fit for their needs. I didn't get too excited, other than to realize the potential of The Love Survey (once completed) to attract media attention and hopefully give me a shot at publishing and exposure. I really want to do something good with this research. Will keep you posted on all that.

Mindless Fun Stuff

Are you watching the new season of The Bachelor? Monday nights 8 PM. I love it. Totally shallow and fun.

I'm hooked on Bravo Channel's, Housewives of Beverly Hills... more shallow fun.

I love my new Kindle. I'm reading Seven: The Deadly Sins and The Beattitudes by Jeff Cook.

I also started listening to audiobooks on my cell phone. The Android Apps are fun!


That's the news for now!

Somewhere along my way in life I decided that a tan makes a person look thinner.... healthier... better. I feel not-so-terrible with a bit of color.

I only do it once a week... just enough for de-fattification and de-compression of an intensely overactive mind that psychoanalyzes far too much. And for a time... I just forget my troubles. And in the evening the color appears along with a little sting that tells me I've gotten sun. And that feels really really good.

So anyway... that's the thought for today.

In other news updates... the rat people caught a giant rat in one of the traps in the attic and removed it today. They come every 2-3 days and this is the first time they caught one. No, I didn't - nor would I- look at the dead body. We're not hearing the scary scratching or biting we were hearing a couple of weeks ago. Yay. Progress.



Both Kev and Kelly have birthdays in the next two weeks... Kev will be 20, Kelly, 17. Their car registrations are due ($70 each) and that doesn't seem like sexy birthday presents, but they've got to understand that this single parenthood is what it is. I will get them each a small gift, too. I think I'll plan a soiree of family for them... maybe a dinner.

On other matters, did you see The Bachelor tonight? It was the wedding of Jason & Molly from last season. Just lovely. I enjoyed it.


That's all for now. Oh, and I survived my fall.. I hurt for the next day, but I'm totally fine now.

Tenley is an articulate, sweet, lovely lady. Such a woman makes a wonderful mother, companion and best friend. So pretty, so thoughtful... seemingly so perfect. The "good" girl. And most of America rooted for her.

In contrast, Vienna is adventuresome, fiesty, an untamed shrew and a challenge. We loved to hate her.

Jake is a pilot (which to choose such a profession is to be quite an adventurer archetype) and he's not so deep... really. His needs are quite simple. He wants a sidekick with whom to enjoy life. Maybe some viewers projected unto him that he's something different than he is.

Some men want romance and depth. Some men want fire. Passion. Adventure. Whether it lasts or doesn't last between Jake and Vienna is not the issue... he made a choice for what rocks his world. today... and for the years in the immediate future. Vienna is very young and she is responsive to him, moldable... they could make it. I like to believe in romantic magic. I want them to succeed.

I looked at ABC's discussion board and the unkindnesses and bashing going on. I understand that... there's an inner desire for "good to win" and that shallow will lose to favor something more meaningful. And that didn't happen, seems.

I've learned that people enter our world for reasons we don't understand... someone so different and captivating and exhausting and reckless can teach lessons. We often don't know why we are attracted to who we are, but maybe there are reasons and seasons and plans already laid in a somewhat fateful way.... maybe we are all where we're supposed to be in this journey, surrounded by the people with whom we will grow and change because of their influence, and they because of us.

It seems so easy to judge. What really does ANYONE know about anything?

And what's forever for?

For me... one year post-divorce and upon reflection of all my values and core beliefs about what love means and what commitment means and where passions lie.... have all come into question. The older I get and the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know a thing. I don't know what I believe. And that's OK, I think. When you think you've got all the answers, you're probably full of your own crap.

And many have said it about the bachelor... he really doesn't know what he wants. Or thinks he does. And maybe what he needs today is good enough.

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in love and life. To thine own self be true. There are many take-aways from this show.. so many. And those who criticize those who enjoy and watch this show as some romantic bullshit, are missing some deeper ponderings... about the psychology of men and women and what things are raw and human and where ego lives and where the heart goes. There's such inner struggle for all mankind in this aspect of life... loving another.

I think it was a compelling season rift with controversy and oozing of complexity. We'll never know the whole story. It took Jake quite some courage to go against all forces in choosing a woman who was rejected so openly by her peers and even his family. But shouldn't we give the couple a chance?

I enjoyed last night's show. Both my daughter and I shed a tear or two at Tenley's loss... but in the end... the right thing happened for all.

What are your reflections from tonight's episode? I say...

Gia was the right choice for the boot... I predicted it early on in the show because the conversations between them were stilted and inauthentic.

Ali - that was just stupid of her to try to come back.

Down to the last two: Vienna and Tinley. I think that there is no real connection here between either of the girls and Jake. It won't last. Tinley lacks passion. Vienna would be a good sexual mate for Jake, but she doesn't seem the marrying kind.

Next week's episode they bring back ALL the girls to talk. Looks good.

It's getting pretty good now. We're getting to know the "character" of the characters much better and see the intensity of feelings becoming more real.

Comments:

Gia - She's the one with the most natural beauty. Humble. Gentle. She's the underdog that you want to see get more time and more attention... She's got things to say, but she is not as forward and aggressive as some of the others. I like watching her. My fave scene is when she questioned Jake about it "being OK to fall..." and he said it was OK. She fears being hurt and she mentioned that she thought some of the things Jake did to express affection were "special" between them (like him putting his leg over hers), until she learned he did that very same thing with all the girls. She spoke out to him how that is hurtful to her... meaning she wonders if he is authentic with her. Jake responded sensitively and it was clear he respected and understood her concerns.

Tenley - She's probably the best matched for Jake. She always cares how HE is doing through this, not making it all about "HER". She's been through a bad relationship and from that, she emerged wiser and determined to cherish moments and not take them for granted. She said she wants to dance with him and he took her and danced with her... no music, and it was grandly romantic. Love Tenley. She's my #1 pick with Gia a close second.

Ali - Ali is the All-American girl and she's certainly likable and very pretty in an outdoorsy way. She's independent and this quality about her may be her demise... she doesn't seem hot for Jake and she said she would be OK with him picking another girl if it makes him happy. She makes clear she's not desperate... she's not vying hard enough for him, doesn't seem to want the whole enchilada as much as some of the others.

Vienna - She's an undisciplined emotional self-centered girl who remains very likable and sincere, despite she's her own worst enemy. She snuck into his bedroom and that was the drama from the episode because it was inappropriate... but that's what makes Vienna unique, she doesn't play by the rules. Jake really likes her spunk and that she can speak without reserve. She's gotten a horrible reputation on the show and I think some of it may be unfair. I don't think she'll be the last one standing, but she makes the show fun.

Corrie - She got the boot and it only made sense... She is far too meek and square for Jake, but we got to see what a lovely person she is.... for somebody else. Makes me sad that being a virgin at 23 seems to work against a girl, for she takes the role of wife very seriously. It was obvious she was the one who wasn't going to get the rose last night.

Next week's episode should be great when Jake goes to the home towns of the remaining girls and meets the families.

What was your take away from last night's show?

1. I knew Elizabeth was mind-f*cking. She couldn't carry it through.. this deprivation game to make Jake want her. And I suspected and now believe she may be a miscreant based on the quality of her staged comedy act. She said she's not "vanilla".... that's an actual term used by people in a nonmainstream lifestyle... not judging that, but just saying, she's a pretender. Good riddance!

2. Tenly is elevated to my #1 fave.

3. Still like Ali.

4. Ashley has emerged a strong contender. She's human now. We're getting to know her.

5. Vienna. Feel sorry for her. She's just young. Too young for this and too young for Jake. She's not sophisticated and made enemies, but her heart isn't black, not that I see.

6. Not a fan of Ella. Find her annoying.

And really, who else is there, but the pack of ordinary girls left. Did I miss anyone? Cori? Eh. I'm underwhelmed.

Finally, Jake is rather boring. He has no je ne sais pas. Lacks sex appeal, even though he is a good-looking man.

What do you think, Fans?

I still stay with my picks from last week, and have dropped two..

1. Ali - She's got that Britney Spears (from her good days) appeal.
2. Tenley - Heart & Soul
3. Gia - Subtle

I'm dropping these two faves from last week:

- No to Vienna - Basketcase
- No to Elizabeth from Nebraska - Just my gut.... Game Player & Possibly Wicked - She'll stay long, however, she is a complex personality and exceptionally gorgeous. I've changed my mind about her looking like Courtney Cox.... More like Heather Fox.

Ashley emerged prominent as beautiful and sexy, however, she is far too aggressive. She'll go far with those looks, but her fatal flaw will catch up with her late in the season.

Good riddance to Miss Inappropriate, Rozlyn, and the ones Jake selected off, especially the inebriated one.

Michelle remains only because her mental illness will entertain us for the season. This is transparent.

The others are not memorable and this could be because the show fails to showcase them. Anyone who watches reality shows does realize the politics about which scenes are used or cut to make a show interesting. We are influenced.

The appearance by the band, Chicago, was wonderful. I just love this show!

You can catch up if you missed the first episode last week and get right into the season. Click here. It's a good one! Tonight The Bachelor is on ABC at 8 PM Eastern Time, until 10 PM.

Jake was the "good guy" in last season's, The Bachelorette -- too boring to steal the heart of Jill, back then. But it's a whole new ballgame now.

My fave picks for Jake have emerged early. They are:

1. Ali - She's the blondie short-haired girl (or was it just in an up-do?) who tripped and fell over her yellow dress and exclaimed, "Oh no, I'm the girl who tripped" - great energy and humor.

2. Tenley - A bit of baggage, divorced, has suffered a little in life and seems to have a soft, sweet heroine appeal. Appears gentle and kind, sweet and pretty.

3. Vienna - Wild and talkative from Florida, but something about her... maybe she has substance? Will be watching her

4. Elizabeth from Nebraska - Not memorable with her personality but such an American beauty (looks like Courney Cox).

5. Gia - She's the swimsuit model, too skinny and doesn't have an emergent unique personality, but OMG she will be fun to watch, she oozes that sexuality....

I can't believe Jake kept Michelle... she's a stalker, whacko.

Friends and Bosses... do not call me between 8 and 10 tonight. I'm bizzy. It's the thing my daughter, Kelly, and I do together... watch and comment. Hot cocoa, slippers... oh, it's just my favorite indulgence!

Be there or be square!

Click for Official Show Website, THE BACHELOR

I didn't know the season started! Yesterday I missed the first episode. It is visible at the website in its entirety, which makes me happy. I will post feedback weekly on the shows. If you're a fan of the show, post comments here.

This season the bachelor is JAKE, the airline pilot who was rejected in last season's, The Bachelorette. I am going to love, love, love this!