What I'm Watching

It's been awhile since I've done a tv roundup post...and not for lack of watching...so I figured today was a good day.  Per usual, my viewing is embarrassingly trashy reality dominated, so don't judge!
Real Housewives of Atlanta
Pretty much bored with these ladies and their drama.  And once again, Nene Leeks is back to annoying me (I have had a love-hate relationship with her over the years) with her thinking way too highly of herself.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Luckily, my lack of enthusiasm for the Atlanta housewives is overcome by the Beverly Hills cast. Not sure how I feel about the upcoming drama with Lisa (like maybe it's too forced or staged or something?), but in general, I have always enjoyed these girls and continue to. I am super happy to see Kim doing so well...and being so entertaining/drama free this year. Oh, and that Carlton woman is ick...don't like her!
Vanderpump Rules
So this is probably the trashiest of the trashiest, and of course, I was totally in it to win it!  The whole Stassi-Jax-Kristin-Tom thing was definitely reality drama at its best! And thank goodness that Tom-Kristin relationship is finally over because that thing was definitely a train wreck. I was pretty surprised to hear that Stassi has since left Sur...wonder what that means for a season three?
Shahs of Sunset
A huge winner in my world this year! I was slow getting on the Shahs train, but love how real these guys are.  Unlike a lot of other reality shows, I don't feel like their issues are forced or for tv which makes it infinitely more enjoyable to watch! Love that everyone made up (at least until the reunion which airs tonight after I have typed this!) and thought Reza's engagement was a really pleasant surprise!
Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Honestly I really don't watch this anymore, but did catch the Kimye engagement episode.  I expected to be annoyed at the showiness, but honestly it came off as really sweet to me.  Sure it was extravagant, but it seemed to be done mostly for Kim's benefit (as opposed to the cameras) and I can totally respect that.  In that same episode, Scott Disick's mother died which was so sad to watch as he dealt with it...especially the stuff with his dad's poor eating considering I later read his dad died a few months later.  I used to think Scott was a major duche (and that's not a word I use often), but have really enjoyed him lately.  Plus, anytime someone loses a parent it's so sad!
On a side note: Bruce Jenner is totally creepy at this point.  WTF is up with him?!?
Olympics
I wish I could get into them.  I really do!  I feel like it's my Patriotic duty.  We put them on each night, but instead of watching I usually get suckered into Pinterest, Facebook, and Candy Crush.  I'm pretty well versed on the results, but the Winter Olympics just don't have the same appeal for me as the Summer...anyone else?
Tonight Show
So I will probably never actually make it up to watch it, but I am uber excited that Jimmy Fallon has taken over! I watched a highlight show of his from his years on Late Night, and he is so talented, funny, and fun to watch. I've even debated recording them, but I don't know if I'll watch them that way either!  Either way, I think he will be amazing and he's certainly won me over from Letterman!

I feel like there must be more that I'm watching...like a sitcom or something...but there's not!  Gotta find one!  Any suggestions?

Closing Arguments

Throughout the summer tv season, I shared my opinions with you all on a few occasions, and now that those shows are coming to an end (sadly for some and thankfully for others!), I felt like I should get up on my soapbox one last time to give my final thoughts.

1.  Real Housewives of New Jersey...OK where do I begin?  Let's do this in bullet form shall we?

• I still don't think Teresa is as bad as everyone else seems to...in fact, I kind of feel sorry for her and do believe that she is more innocent (although not entirely) than they are trying to portray her
• Watching Teresa and brother Joe is honestly painful to me...they both seem genuinely hurt by all that is going on and makes me think there's something real to it
• I lost a lot of respect for Jacqueline watching that reunion (yep, all three parts)...she seemed to be looking for a lot of conflict and bringing up a lot of drama.  I actually yelled at the tv when she was going on and on about how Joe Giudice said she met her husband as SHE was the one who brought it up in the first place (and see below for how I feel about Joe Giudice)
• Caroline seemed to be doing major damage control and trying to take back her "lady of wisdom" and "high road" approach
• Jacqueline's husband is probably the most real (and likable) person on that whole show...they should all take their cues from him
• Joe Giudice is gross...in every way...another reason I feel bad for Teresa
• Seriously, being a stripper, or potentially being a stripper, really isn't that bad!  If I had been a stripper, I'd totally tell you...and if any of my sister-in-laws had been, I wouldn't care

I could probably go on and on, but I'll just leave it at those main points for now.

                               

2. Real Housewives of New York...Again, I may be the only one, but I actually don't mind Ramona. Sure, her crazy eyes are a bit scary and I really wanted to buy her a more comfortable dress for the reunion show (did anyone else think she looked like she couldn't breathe?), but I think she's a pretty straight shooter and I like that.  And even though I was skeptical at first, I actually ended up liking the new girls (holla!)...with the exception of Aviva.  

3.  Teen Mom...First thing, you think MTV was trying to milk out any last second they could from those four?  For the most part, none of it was particularly noteworthy to me, but I was very happy with how honest and level-headed Amber seemed to be.  When I first heard of her decision to go to prison, I thought it was another bone-head move on her part.  But seeing her in that special, it really did seem like she was finally on the right path.  I really hope she has anyway!

Although those gems are over, I love Bravo in that some of my other favorites (mainly the Beverly Hills girls) are right about to begin again, so I won't be without mindless tv for too long.  In the meantime, maybe I'll actually get into the Miami season which for some reason is the only crew in history I just can't seem to watch!  Anybody else?  Opinions on the other seasons?  Do share!

Updates

First, a forewarning: this post is going to be chock full of randomness.  And honestly, nobody outside of me may really care, but I feel like I need to update you on a few things I have posted about before, so instead of doing so in lots of separate posts, I figured I would just condense it down to this one.  Remember, you've been warned.
1.  50 Shades of Grey: When I first posted, I had only read about 1 1/2 of the books and was kind of iffy about the whole phenomenon.  I have now finished all 3 and can totally understand the draw.  BUT with that being said, I should also mention that I thought the first was eh, the second was really good, and the third was about half eh and half really good (like, literally I couldn't get into it and then one night finally hit a good part and finished the whole thing that night!).
                                                 
2.  "Real Housewives of New Jersey": Despite many people's resistance, I have maintained an allegiance to Teresa all season.  Honestly, it's not so much that I like Teresa, but I just really don't like/don't trust Caroline; I think she's heading down a Jill Zarin path (if you're reality-obsessed like me than you know what I mean).  My stance there is getting even stronger, and I am happy to see (through comments on articles and things...how pathetic is it that I actually read those?!?) that others agree with me.  But seriously, the whole "I don't want to get involved in the drama" gets really old when you're constantly the one starting it.
3.  My post-baby slim down progress: I've been sharing my monthly weight loss progress monthly with you all ever since I had Levi in January, and while I'm sure no one besides myself noticed that there has been a long stretch since my last post on this subject, I wanted to explain.  I took a little mini-vacation from weight loss in August.  With a week-long vacation in the mix, I figured it was best for my self-esteem to just not weigh myself for a few weeks following the trip.  I didn't necessarily go overboard, but certainly wasn't in diet mode either.  Lo and behold, when I finally did step on the scale a couple of weeks ago, I was actually down 1.5 pounds!  I'm hopefully back on track now, so I'll be back next month with my progress (fingers crossed!).
4.  My husband:  Josh is my best friend, a terrific partner, and excellent daddy.  Josh is not necessarily the most romantic guy in the world, though.  For five years (well, plus the three we were dating), I've been working on getting him to understand how special it is when he does something nice unexpectedly.  Well, today he showed up from work with some roses for me.  That's after bringing home an unexpected bottle of wine last week.  I think he may finally be getting it, ya'll!!!

Let's Dish TV

I always have a lot of fun "talking" TV with you all, and since it's been awhile, I figured we needed another session.  So here's my thoughts on what I've been watching this summer:

Real Housewives of New Jersey: I still feel bad for Teresa (I know, I know...I'm like the only one in America!).  I totally think her husband is disgusting, but I think the confronting they've been doing over her not openly discussing her issues is kind of unfair.  I know I would try to keep my dirty laundry pretty hush hush too, and certainly wouldn't want to share it with a friend while a camera is in my face.  I really think Caroline is the bully.  She's always commenting on how she's above it, doesn't like the drama, but she seems to always be right in the middle of it and even starting it.  I'm just saying...
                                                
Keeping Up with the Kardashians: Kris Jenner annoys the crap out of me.  Why would you meet up with your ex-boyfriend when you're a married woman and then be "confused" that your husband isn't thrilled with it?  In general, I know all reality tv shows are staged, BUT this one takes the cake in making it super obvious.

Real Housewives of New York City: Back in the days of Bethenny, this crew used to be my favorite.  Last year, I despised just about everyone on the show.  And this year, I really can't figure out how I feel about them. I watch, but then again, I don't really look forward to it. I think Luann has been totally ridiculous (pompous, thinking she's cooler than she is) this year (and last too for that matter), and I do like that she's getting exposed for that.

Teen Mom: The Amber situation is just so sad to me...what a train wreck, but not in a fun way.  And to think  that she is now serving 5 years in jail...VOLUNTARILY...just makes it that much worse.  I feel so bad for her little girl, especially because it seems like she's actually a really good, loving mom when she wants to be.

Dance Moms: This show HAS to be acted because there is no way any parent would seriously let a teacher talk to their kids like that repeatedly.  I just don't buy it.  Of all the shows I watch, this is the one that Josh likes the most (note sarcasm), and honestly, I can't tell you why I watch...but I do.

Awkward: I got hooked on this one day when MTV was airing one of their marathons.  I'm probably double  MTV's target audience age, but I really like this show!  It's well written, fun, and a nice change of pace from my reality tv.
                                                              

Let's Chat Reality

In the middle of stenciling my bathroom, planning 4 parties (!), and taking care of a newborn and toddler, I have also been busy catching up on my DVR shows.  In doing so, I am left with a few thoughts and because I am pretty sure many of you watch the same stuff that I do, I figured this was the perfect place to "discuss."  My thoughts:
1.  Am I the only one on the planet who maybe, just maybe thinks Teresa is getting screwed over?  Hear me out people...I kind of think Caroline and Melissa are pulling a New York (you know when they tried to make Bethenny look shitty...that backfired, huh?) and purposely out to make her look like a shit (I'm still not sure where I stand on Jaclyn and Kathy's involvement in this plan).  I get that Teresa is dumber than dirt, and her husband is most definitely a dirt bag, but I just really think the other girls may be trying to sabotage her.  My main "proof" lies in the fact that I have always really liked Dina, and if she isn't speaking to her own sister, I have to believe it is for a good reason...therefore, I don't really trust Caroline...so hmmm?  I guess I'm waiting to see what happens between Jaclyn and Teresa to make my final call...
2.  I heard on the radio the other day that Bethenny hooked up with the Situation.  It was the "Big Fat Rumor of the Day," so I'm really hoping it's not true.  This would make me sad on so many levels, primarily: 1. I really like Jason and wanted to believe that their problems weren't anything more than adjusting to parenthood/life changes, something I personally know can be difficult, 2. I really like Bethenny and the Situation is just gross.  Anyone else heard this?  Feelings?
3.  That Brooks guy is just plain creepy...seriously!  Vicki has never necessarily been my favorite housewife, but I did think she was at least intelligent.  How can she not see right through that buy's bull shit?

Let's Chat...Kardashians

OK, so I just finished watching the season finale of "Kourtney and Kim Take New York," and I'm hoping some of you bloggy friends can help me out.  None of my real life buddies watch the show (or at least they won't admit to it!), and all season long I've just had some things I've needed to chat with someone about.
                          

***First off, I find Kim to be a totally obnoxious, snotty, and unbelievably fake and selfish right now.  When news of the divorce broke, I actually had a lot of sympathy for her...I thought she had honestly been in love and gotten married too quickly hoping to have a fairy tale (after all, I know plenty of other girls who would probably do the same thing).  But after watching it this season, I was so bothered by her.  Don't get me wrong...that Kris guy was totally obnoxious too and I wouldn't have wanted to be married to him either, but I didn't marry him...she just seemed like she had no concept of marriage.  I mean, his sister comes in town and you can't find any time to spend with her, or you can't deal with the idea that his boxes will take up space in your house.  OK, soap box over.

***Is it just me or is Scott Disick suddenly entertaining and actually endearing?  I have despised him in every other season of this show, but I actually really liked him this year.  It all started with his pursuit of Judaism (I'm a sucker for a good Jew reference), but he literally had me laughing out loud in each episode.  

***I really like Kourtney usually, but seriously...why is her almost 2-year old sleeping in her bed with her, especially when she is not even letting her baby's daddy?   I love my sons, but sleeping in the same bed just isn't happening.

***Finally, I really like Khloe, but does she really qualify as enough of a relationship expert to be brought in on multiple episodes to counsel her sisters?  Although, admittedly, she certainly does seem to excel in the relationship department, at least in comparison...

Please someone humor me and tell me you've watched too and maybe share/not share these observations.  Come on blog world...I'm counting on you