WO: Weekly Obsessions
I was watching a Bachelor in Paradise wedding and thinking to myself: “What in the actual f—?”
Not because the two villains from their seasons found love with each other.
Not because the reality of reality TV is these people DM each other away from cameras (and Stagecoach was apparently LIT).
And certainly not because I spent last night speed dating (for the story, duh) and walked away with new female friends but no romantic prospects.
I thought WTF because a year ago, the two newlyweds had just met and that means that truly anything can happen in just 365 days.
It’s weirdly beautiful how much can change in a year’s time.
Chris Harrison or not, life has its fair share of drama, its ups and downs. Where you are today isn’t permanent — even if you want it to be. We are constantly changing (for better or worse) and even the most deeply rooted habits or feelings can dissolve or evolve over time.
The important thing, I think, is to do your best with each day you have. Notice the impermanence without judgment. If you feel stuck, remember the only constant is change.
All this philosophizing is brought to you partly by Paradise and partly by the hurricane headed toward my home state. Talk about finding love in a hopeless place, amirite?
WO: Weekly Obsessions
In case you couldn’t tell from yesterday’s social media teaser, I’ve been on a bit of a high kick lately. It could be from binge-watching “RuPaul’s Drag Race” or because I am slowly losing all of my last fucks to give, but I’m all about “drag” this week. You’ll see.
- Drag Queens of Comedy: A friend suggested this event a while ago, and the date finally came for us to enjoy these lovely ladies’ raunchy routines. I laughed so hard I cried, and I envied the hair and makeup I’ve never quite nailed myself. The singing, the dancing, the jokes, the SHADE of it all! Brava, queens… you slayed.
- Dragon Beaux: This iconic establishment is reported to have the best dim sum in SF, and I’m happy to report back how delicious it truly is. From the dumplings to the noodles and steamed buns, you really can’t go wrong. It’s worth making a reservation and avoiding the crazy-long line — you won’t be disappointed.
- A Draggggged Bachelor: • BACHELORETTE SPOILER ALERT • We’re only in Week 2, but there’s already more drama than Nick’s entire season. DeMario’s ex showed up to tell Rachel he’d been running around on both of them. His face says it all… and Bachelor Nation didn’t hold back on Twitter. God bless this ridiculous reality show and the people it brings with it (like my hometown boy, the professional Tickle Monster).
- “Supermodel (You Better Work)” – RuPaul: Well, obviously. The queen of all queens, RuPaul, has brought both awareness and joy to millions through various platforms (and I’m not talking about the shoes). Her legendary hit single is extra ‘90s, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If loving Ru is wrong, I don’t wanna be right.
Images courtesy of: Drag Queens of Comedy, Twitter, Wetpaint, Genius
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Is Daylight Saving Time kicking anyone else’s butt? I love how long it’s light out at night — don’t get me wrong. But every morning this week, I’ve woken up to my alarm in disbelief at the time. Le sigh. Here’s what’s getting me through:
- “The Bachelor” Finale: I managed to stay off social media for 24 hours to avoid spoilers and watched the season finale with a friend last night. I’m not happy with Ben’s choice, but I’m glad that it allowed his runner-up to be the next Bachelorette! I’ll be tuning in when it premieres this May.
- Cocktails for Candidates: I’m pretty sure everyone could use a nice, stiff drink with the circus that is this year’s Presidential election. Lucky for us, a bar in Austin has just the fix: candidate-themed cocktails. Cheers to The Townsend for this creative twist on political parties.
- St. Patrick’s Day: Get your green gear ready for tomorrow’s annual ode to the Irish. Whether you’re downing pints of Guinness or keeping it low-key with whisky 😉 , here’s hoping you have a safe and happy celebration.
- “Cake by the Ocean” – DNCE: I can’t seem to get away from this earworm, so I might as well embrace it. The high-pitched vocals don’t pain me as much as Adam Levine’s “singing,” and the hook will get your body moving. Now, what exactly does it all mean?
Images courtesy of: TV Guide, Eater, Fado Irish Pub, Wikipedia
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Despite needing a few days to recover from Katie’s fantastic visit, I managed to fill up last weekend with plenty of plans. I should be recovered just in time for another whirlwind weekend. It’s an ugly cycle, ain’t it?
- Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters: I recently met up with a new friend at this delightful little coffee shop. The croissant was delicious, and the iced coffee was the perfect jumpstart to my day. Another SF location is coming soon, and I can’t wait to see this place really take off!
- “The Bachelorette”: I totally hate myself for getting sucked into this series, but Kaitlyn Bristowe is just so entertaining — plus, the guys are equal parts intriguing and repulsive. The pool we’re running at work may or may not also have some influence on my addiction.
- Riley Curry: Kids say the darndest things, and this precocious 2-year-old is no exception. She’s getting national attention for being the freshest addition to any press conference, and she sure as hell knows how to work the camera.
- “Blessings” – Big Sean f. Drake & Kanye West: Now that you’ve fallen in love with Riley, I dare you to listen to this song and not hear “Bwessings” in her voice. Sorry, boys. The toddler wins every time.
Images courtesy of: Google +, Amanda Talks TV, Twitter, Wikipedia
WO: Weekly Obsessions
We’re almost halfway through 2014, people. Can you believe it? I thought summer days were supposed to be long and lazy, but I was apparently mistaken.
- Cousins Take Over!: 2 of my cousins from Florida visited all last week, and they covered more ground than I thought humanly possible. From Broadway shows (four!) to Yankee Stadium, they took Manhattan by storm.
- FIFA World Cup: Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the World Cup is providing tons of highlights and heartache. From the hottest players to this one who thinks he’s Hannibal Lecter, the drama is nonstop. And, of course: USA! USA! USA!
- “The People’s Couch”: I’m a sucker for all things Bravo, and this little gem is no exception. Watch various groups of people watch TV — sounds silly, right? Well, it is … but it’s also incredibly entertaining. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST.
- Baby Girl Argues with Bulldog: This just might be the cutest baby video (except for ones with my niece) ever. Her hand gestures really sell the point that she is NOT happy with the family pet. Enjoy!
All Fired Up: “Top Chef: Seattle” Finale
WARNING: This post contains spoilers. Do not continue reading if you didn’t “Bravo,” AKA watch what happened!
I’ve seen every season of “Top Chef” without fail — even the Masters, All-Stars and Just Desserts spin-offs. I’ve bet my friend Cosmo the past few seasons, this time with a draft of chef teams (I won, natch). But I worry my dedication will change if it continues to be so gimmicky.
The finale began with a cheering crowd of 150+ diners. Host Padma Lakshmi greeted us to explain the remaining two chefs’ challenge: Create any five courses. The first chef to create three winning dishes will be crowned the 10th Top Chef — and only second female to do so.
Each plate served at Judges’ Table produced a round win before the chefs were sent back to cook again.
So why the need for a live audience? Why not just cook for the world’s toughest critics, plus the judges who’ve scrutinized them since the first week? It all feels campy and hacked.
The rest of the episode was chopped up with moments from this season and the past nine, something I’d rather be left for a reunion special than a finale. We’ve already watched each week; we know what went down. Showcase the techniques they’ve put into what’s now the most important plates of their lives.
I’d already scowled at the return of “Last Chance Kitchen,” which gives axed chefs the opportunity to rejoin the competition at semifinals — and in Kristen’s case, cook their way into the finale to win it all. Sure, she had to beat out the other losers. But the beauty of “Top Chef” for the first eight seasons was being sent packing for ONE bad dish.
Then, there was the #SaveChef competition, where Twitter users vote to have a chef try AGAIN in “Last Chance Kitchen” to possibly rejoin at semifinals. Someone could, in theory, win the whole shebang with three extra lives.
In past seasons, too much salt sent home a culinary prodigy. A frozen protein was the farewell ticket for others. The choices they make under pressure should be enough to speak for their decisiveness, and giving them another chance (or more!) is as infuriating as awarding participation trophies.
I still love Padma, Tom, Gail, et al. I know I’ll keep coming back, if only for the annual wager with Cosmo.
I’d just love to see it return to what made it such a likable show to begin with: chefs cooking for world-renowned judges, and not succumbing to the pressures of reality TV.
I Have a Bone to Pick with “Most Eligible Dallas”
I have a bone to pick with Bravo series “Most Eligible Dallas.” You may be thinking, “Well, it’s your own fault for watching a reality show about single people and setting expectations.” But, naysayers beware: The show itself was light-hearted and fun … that is, until its season finale last Monday.
All season long, we (just me?) watched, anxiously awaiting the will-they-or-won’t-they outcome of Courtney Kerr and Matt Nordgren, who’d always remained “just friends.” Their chemistry was undeniable, but their timing was completely off.
The finale culminated in both Court and Matty being recently single, and he invited her to his parents’ compound for a weekend getaway. In the most cliché of all places, a hot tub brought the pair to palpable sexual tension that just had to be sorted out.
They kissed, and onscreen interviews later had both with stars in their eyes. He walked her to her door, they kissed once more and matching goofy smiles said it all: This was more than just lust.
That is, until we (still just me?) saw Andy Cohen’s live “Watch What Happens” afterward. Kerr and Nordgren looked just as happy and flirty, but when the subject came up, it was revealed that they are no longer together.
Damn you, “Most Eligible Dallas” — how dare you? We already have millions of fictional movies and TV shows where the couples live happily ever after … and then when there’s a very genuine, very intense sexual chemistry between two people, it doesn’t last?
Reality is the antithesis of everything we’re taught as little girls to believe, and it’s just not fair. I know that Disney movies are the biggest purveyor of these fantasy-spun lies, but I’m just so tired of it happening on so-called reality shows too.
I don’t know if the Courtney and Matt saga was played up as part of a ratings scheme, but I hope it doesn’t resurface next season. Of course, I’ll still watch — I just won’t be happy about it. Y’all.
Wittyburg.com 