Bon's Book Club February: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Alright ladies and gents, it's book club time!  Just a real quick reminder how Bon's Book Club works- we all read a book and then on the last Thursday of the month we gather here to talk about it.  There will be some questions that you can answer or not answer- whatever floats your boat.  Each month I will have a co-host helping me move this discussion along.  You can read our thoughts on the book and then add your two cents in the comments or link up your post that you did on your own blog.  

January:  These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner

February: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

March:  Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

April:  Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

May:  Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

June:  Why Not Me?  by Mindy Kaling

July:  Room by Emma Donoghue

August:  The Martian by Andy Weir

September: So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

October:  Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

November: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS:
+ Is Ove likeable enough to you?  Likeable enough to carry an entire book?
+ Who was your favorite character and why?
+ What was the purpose of the constantly talked about cat and saab?  What point was Backman trying to make?
+ What did you think of Ove and Sonja's relationship?  How do you think it affected him?
+ In the story, Ove mentiones that when people don't share sorrow, it can drive them apart.  This happens to him and his friend, Rune.  Do you think this is a true or accurate statement?

This month my co-host is Sierra and I will give you her take on the book first.

I am so excited to join Bon in being her co-host this month! 

One thing that is so interesting to me about book clubs is that I came away from them with such a different perspective than I did before going in. This novel caused such an interesting discussion because some members of the group did not love the cheesiness that accompanied this story. Call me a romantic (okay, I am one!) but I loved it. I loved the heartfelt, compelling story that showed that even a horrible man like Ove, all have a good side, even if it's in unconventional ways. I think that Ove's character is incredibly unlikeable. In a way, almost painful. He is, frankly, horrible. He is a bitter old man (although the book said that he was 59? Since when is that considered old? That was a bit confusing) who clearly has a lot of negative emotion to work through. For me, I wanted to learn about his past. I know that Ove was stuck in his ways because of experiences that we went through. So I wanted to keep reading so that I could understand WHY he was acting that way. I don't think that Ove could have  carried the story alone. I think that he needed some serious help from his hilarious neighbors, if that makes sense. With that, my favorite character in the story is Paravaneh. I loved her. So much. I loved that she was feisty and annoying, but you loved her in spite of that. I loved that she didn't take Ove's crap. She added some pizzazz and realistic nature to the story. 

The way that Ove talks about his and Sonja's relationship will tear at any female's heartstrings. It is clear that he felt that she married way below her level. In his mind, Sonja was perfect because she had passed on. And although that was a little annoying, for me, it was endearing. When someone passes on, you tend to just remember the good things. I hope that my husband thinks of our memories and me the way that Ove does with his spouse. 

In the story, Ove mentions that when you don't share sorrow, it can drive you apart. That is what happened with him and his neighbor Rhune. I think that this is SO true. Often times when someone is going through a hard time, they need someone to step up and in a sense say "I'm here for you. I've been through this." These types of trials either make or break a relationship. Unfortunately, for Rhune and Ove, the death of a loved one, tore them apart. I have seen this happen in my own life and the lives of so many others, so I could relate to this part of the story immensely. 

Oh, the cat. I love the cat. The cat symbolized, in my opinion, Sonja. Ove talks about her love for cats and when he meets cat, he feels a sense of duty to take care of it...for Sonja's sake. I actually thought it was funny because he IS a cat. He is fickle and particular--cats only like you if they choose to like you, and that's exactly what Ove does. I felt that they were companions and that he could subconsciously, relate to this cat. The saab. The stupid Saab. So annoying. I wanted the author to shut up about it! But the Saab symbolizes his unwillingness to change. Also, the fact that he put his heart and soul into that car and it was something that he prided himself in. 

All in all, this book was not perfect. It had many flaws. It wasn't written amazingly well (was it translated from Swedish, by the way? We were wondering that in book club? I know he is a Swedish author...), One's grumpiness, for me, got quite annoying (Like...we get it...you are pissed off at the world!) and the idealism that correlates with this story can be unrealistic. But, honestly, I loved it. I found myself crying towards the last few pages because it just made me want to be a better person. As cheesy as that sounds. I loved seeing the beauty of change in mankind and all the wonderful things that can happen when you have a "village that loves you."

THANK YOU SIERRA!

So I think I must have been the person who Sierra was referring to who didn't like the cheesy, romantic story.  Don't get me wrong!  I love a good story that tugs on the old heart strings.  But I did have a few problems with A Man Called Ove mainly in that everything wrapped up a little too perfectly for me at the end.  It was like we just wrapped all our problems up and put beautiful little bows on them and placed them underneath the Christmas tree and isn't life just perfect?  One book club member said she appreciated that because so little is that way now- in real life and in our media- so it was refreshing to read something that tied up perfectly even if, admittedly, it wasn't realistic.  I can see that.  I guess I had to suspend my sense of reality a little bit to "buy" the end of the book.

For me I also struggled with the book because there was so little plot.  I get that it's a character driven story, but I would have liked something to happen.  I was much more interested in the back story, and found that to be my driving force in reading the book.  I really enjoyed reading about Ove and Sonja's relationship (although it did bother me a little that someone as perfect as Sonja would marry someone as grumpy and mean as Ove) and I really enjoyed the backstory of Ove and his dad.  Those were the parts of the story that propelled me forward- the present story line was pretty boring for me.

I think the main take away from the book and the thing that I liked about it was Danica mentioned that in  real life it's hard to give people like Ove much of a chance because they're so grumpy and mean and we're just like, "Ugh!  Old grumpy people.  Just learn to be nice!"  I think the most interesting conversation stemmed from that- that "being nice" is different for different people and that we don't have to ask people to "be nice" on our terms.  For example, Ove is a very thoughtful, considerate person in a lot of ways (he lets the boy who has been kicked out of his house live with him, he takes care of the stray cat, drives Paravenah and Patrick to the hospital) but he isn't nice in the conventional, obvious way.  He allows himself to be a good person in the way that he sees it, not in the way that the world values "good people" or "kindness".

Alright, I can't wait to read your thoughts!  Sierra and I will be responding to all comments today and we're excited to get a good discussion going.  Or if you wrote your own post, you can link your thoughts!  The world is your oyster!

Loved this book club meet up!  If you are local you have to come!  

March's book is Quiet:  The power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking.  I am so excited to read this one!!!  Online book club will be Thursday, March 31 and the IRL meet up will be Tuesday, March 29.  See you there!

Bachelor Recap Week 8: IT WAS A HARD WEEK.

Last night's episode was so hard for me to watch that I almost can't even write this post. (AMANDA IS MY FAVE) But there is so much to say! I will gather the strength to write it. 

We start our home town dates with Amanda.  The date with Amanda is in beautiful Southern California. Someone tell me why she hasn't seen her kids before meeting them on the beach?  That just seems so messed up to me. How many weeks has she gone without seeing her kids?  Six, even eight?  I would have been dying. If she's back in California why couldn't she have seen them? (Or has she already seen them and The Bachelor is just outright lying to us for entertainment's sake?) These are the questions the bachelor and never answers. 

In any case, her being reunited with her two little girls legit made me cry. I just went three days without seeing June, and I wanted to throw myself into a deep, dark pit so I can't imagine seven or eight weeks. Gosh, I just love Amanda so much. And I know it's probably not fair how much I love her. It's not that there's anything specific about her personality that I like more than the other girls, but just that I relate to her being a mom. And it seems like he's been through some serious tough shiz and has come out the other end of it not a bitter, mean person, so you gotta respect that. 

I felt the date went well in spite of the previews that The Bachelor showed that made it look like hell on earth.  Yes, your kid is going to cry in the car- spoiler alert kids hate their car seats especially if they are exhausted. 

Next we have Lauren's date in Portland. He likes her so freaking much- it is obvious every time they're together.  I don't get it and I don't like Lauren. Let the record show! There is nothing interesting about her at all. She has gotten so much screen time and still fails to entice me at all. Her family-- also boring. One look at her dad and you can tell exactly where Lauren got her looks from. He's an older hairless male version of her.  The only thing about this date that I like was when we got to see the little brothers grilling Ben about the fantasy suite in the credits. Now that's the stuff I watch The Bachelor to see!   And those sneaky boys kept a straight face the whole time! You gotta give them credit. 

Next up is Caila with the million-dollar hair. Ugh.  I still don't like her for her stupid mind game "I feel like I'm going to hurt you" crap she pulled on the last date that of course made Ben like her even more. BUT. I got to say she has one of the most interesting home town dates I have ever seen and I have seen years of The Bachelor, people.  YEARS. Season after season of The Bachelor have I watched. Obviously Caila is like a billionaire  because her dad's the CEO of a toy company... maybe I'm an 11 year old at heart, but designing my own toy house and then actually going back to the factory and making it seems like the coolest day ever to me.  Seriously.  I would be fascinated.  Greg agrees with me. That's obviously why I married him. We are two 12 year olds trapped in adults bodies.  Greg thinks Caila totally redeemed herself from her stupid "I'm going to hurt you" crap she pulled last time, which just shows what she has duped over or more than one man. (ALSO CAILA YOU CAN'T JUST MAKE OUT LIKE CRAZY ON THE FRONT LAWN.  YOUR NEIGHBORS WILL NOT LIKE YOU.)

Caila's relationship with her family is a little weird to me. Mostly because she calls her mom mommy  Also when she says "I'm afraid he's going to hurt me" and then her mom replies, "You are not going to get hurt. You are beautiful!"  The last time I checked, beauty is not an immunity for pain. I could be wrong. I'm not that beautiful. Maybe that's what I've been doing wrong my whole life?  

Next up we have a date with Jojo, but of course it starts with roses on the front porch and a long letter.   I thought it was from Ben as well, and I was like, "come on then you can't be this in love with all four girls!" Turns out it was from a guy/ ex boyfriend who only realized what he had passed up when she was on TV and turning a million heads.  That makes more sense. Ben comes over, Jojo tells him about the letter.  Ben, upon hearing that more than one man is interested in Jojo responds, "I'm not comfortable with this."  DOES ANYONE ELSE CATCH THE IRONY IN THAT?  In any case, Jojo tells Ben that it's totally over between her and the other guy and Ben rewards her with lots of kisses.

 Jojo s date is easily the least successful hometown date.  The brothers don't buy any of the bull crap. Anyone want to throw it back with me to Sean's season when Desiree's brother freaked out on Sean? This is not the first time brothers have had a serious problem with the process of The Bachelor. I did really love the what the one brother said, "you talk him up so much like he's the best guy in the world but you don't realize that you are on the same level. Don't underestimate yourself."  Or something like that.  I liked that. You can see there would be a serious psychological game going on, and I appreciated the brother's making sure Jojo knows her own worth regardless of if Ben likes her. I think that sometimes the main issue with The Bachelor is I feel like these girls do get kind of brainwashed to feel like their entire worth is dependent on whether or not this one guy likes them. So kudos to JoJo's brothers. 

Cut to the kitchen.  The grilling doesn't end.  Jojo is nowhere in sight and the brothers are just unleashing on Ben.  JoJo's mom resorts to drinking straight from the wine bottle, and the one brother stands in the back of the kitchen with his arms folded, ready at any moment to beat the crap out of them. Really! It's a lovely night!

None of the girls have told Ben yet that they love him, but they have all told us so going into the rose ceremony we know that all four girls are pretty smitten.  Jojo brings her a game with the red dress and I freaking love Amanda's dress.  I don't like Caila since her stupid mind game and Lauren is too boring for me to ever like so when he sends Amanda home I'm pretty distraught.  I wanted her to win the whole thing!   I knew she probably wouldn't... but I wanted her to!  Now I have to wonder if there's any chance in hell that she'll be the next Bachelorette. If Jojo loses I'm guessing she'll be the next Bachelorette. But if by some crazy chance she wins then Amanda might have a chance of being The Bachelorette. Lauren isn't interesting enough to carry a whole show so she's out and I don't think Caila has enough of a fan base. So maybe a 10% chance The Bachelorette could be Amanda?  One can dream!

As Ben is walking Amanda out, Amanda wants to know why Ben brought her back to LA just to dump her. A valid question but, Amanda, you do live in Orange County. Let's be honest we know you are like an hour away tops. Ben starts to cry when she goes home which gives me some kind of hope that maybe he'll bring her back, but I know it's a pipe dream.  So Greg and cry tears for the hot mom and the two little girls who don't get Ben for a step dad.  I mean, we didn't really cry.  BUT IT WAS SAD!   Here's hoping there's some amazing guy who has already sought Amanda out.

I'll be honest, I have lost a lot of my motivation for watching The Bachelor-- now that Olivia (who I love to hate) is gone and now that Amanda (who I love to love) is gone. If Jojo goes home next week I don't even know if I can rally the energy to watch the finale. Caila vs Lauren?  Just not interesting, people. 

Well.  Unless, of course, there's a toy maker.

Ahem.

Hi ladies and gents.  We had a busy and fun weekend which doesn't leave much time for blog posts.  I will write more after work today when everything has settled down a bit.  But for now you must know that Bon's Book Club is coming up ON THURSDAY!

We are discussing A Man Called Ove Thursday on the blog.  Read the book (or some of the book) and come back here to read mine and Sierra's thoughts on and to add your own thoughts to the comments. I always love seeing the discussion that the books prompt.

 AND if you are local come tomorrow night (Tuesday, February 23) to my home where I will be hosting an IRL book discussion with Sierra at 7:00 pm.  We did our first in person book club last month and I absolutely LOVED it.  It is so fun to meet with other bloggers and friends and talk books.  And if you are afraid of showing up somewhere where you don't know anyone completely alone, you are totally normal! That's super scary.  And intimidating.  But the group will be small and intimate and in 20 minutes you will feel like everybody is your best friend.  I know that it can be hard/ really stretch you out of your comfort zone to show up at a new place alone, but I promise you it will be worth it!

If you need to know where I live please email me at thelifeofbon@gmail.com for address.  Can't wait to see you all.  And of course I will have treats because no doi.

Bachelor Recap Week 7: ALL THE CRAZIES ARE GONE AND NOW IT'S BORING

Listen, guys.   I know it's Thursday already, and The Bachelor was on Monday night and somehow three long days have already passed.  And I know that maybe you don't even care about The Bachelor from three nights ago.  If you're like me, your attention span doesn't allow much for waiting three days for recaps of reality tv.  Because of that, I wasn't going to write this post. I was just gonna skip the whole thing.  To start with, the episode wasn't even that interesting because all the crazy, interesting people to watch (RIP Olivia) have left us.  But last night I decided to snap a few thoughts about The Bachelor and then suddenly I had so much to say I just couldn't do not do this post. So here it is. Your 3 day old Bachelor Post.  I hate being so opinionated about such really important things like REALITY TV.

The first date of the week is Lauren. No surprise there. I just cannot hop on the Lauren train. She is so boring to me. I absolutely adore The Bachelor and watch it with the fervor of a thousand suns, but when she's on I just tune out and start looking at jewelry parts online.  Jewelry parts! I start doing work! That's how boring Lauren is. 

Half court Ronnie.  Left hand side.  Royal blue shirt.  HE IS EVERYTHING.

The one highlight of the date of course, is half shot Ronnie. Where did they find him? And how do we get him his own television show?

Although I think Lauren is super boring, I do love that they played basketball with these kids.  I have to say Ben's choice of dates (or the producers choices on his season) have been MUCH better than the dates on Kaityln's season.  Must we remember the sumo wrestling where the men were all wearing diapers?  Please have some respect for us, Kaitlyn!

After Lauren's date Jojo has a date which, I have to say, I was pretty tuned out on that one as well even though I do love Jojo. This is the time of The Bachelor that is hard for me to watch.  When it's down to five or six girls whom the bachelor all actually likes. It's just not fun anymore. It's more painful and sad. And then I just start missing my amazing cankles side plot. 

Let's see... after JoJo's date we have the last group date of the season which is always super awkward with just three girls-- Caila, Becca and Amanda.  Also they don't really do anything-- just go sit in a gazebo in the middle of a big field of grass.  (Field?)  Ever since her little mind games with Ben, Caila has driven me nuts and I've been ready for her to go home.  What is with her "I am moss, you are a tree" metaphor?  

I also am not crazy about Becca. I liked her a lot on Chris's season, and I do still like her, but it's like, come on woman, doesn't anything ever upset you? Excite you? Don't you ever want to scream with joy or anger? We did see her cry after Amanda got the group rose and that was quite the feat.  First emotion I've seen on her in two full seasons! 

Amanda gets the group date rose and gets more time with Ben  I think Ben really likes Amanda.  He was all about sharing that french fry at McDonald's with her. Also... "I've always wanted to go behind the counter of McDonald's?"  Then get a job there! That's the way to go behind the counter a lot!  I also thought it was super weird when they went to a state fair and millions of people just follow them around. I guess it is all about their bachelor nation fanbase, but how awkward is that for a real date? I'm a people person and for me that even sounds horrific.  I'm sure Amanda was thinking, "Uh... can we just go somewhere alone to make out?"

The last one on one date of the episode goes to Emily.  Oh sweet young naive innocent brave emotional beautiful crazy black eyeliner Emily.  For the record I really like Emily. I love how she stood up against Olivia, and I love how she played the goalie in soccer. I think she's funny and seems like a blast to hang out around. BUT. I have to wonder what Ben was thinking taking her of all people to meet his parents. I mean we're all thinking that right? You have five amazing beautiful mature strong women and you're going to go with a slightly crazy twin from Las Vegas?  "Look at mom and dad! This whole thing has been worth it!" 

For Emily she was sunk before it she started.  The second she got alone with that mom her mouth just erupted into a violent passion of useless nonsensical information. I am super young! But that doesn't mean I'm not ready for marriage! But I also really want to be an NFL cheerleader! I could watch movies all day long!  And I hate vegetables exclamation exclamation exclamation. I mean she would have been fine if she could have just taken it down a notch. Just stop talking!!  Also, I love how close she is to her sister. I love it when people have really close family bonds and make that a priority. But I do think it's super weird that she's never been without her twin. She never had a job without her? Never going to school without her? Never have any friends with her? That's way too co-dependent for me, and I would guess it would be a pretty big red flag for any suitor.

 And it is. For Ben at least.  That's why it's not a surprise when he takes her off on his private boat from his private dock and delivers her back to the house with the girls.   Ben says goodbye.  And Emily doesn't seem too heartbroken.  I mean, she's sad of course because she's supposed to be.... but homegirl will be just fine. After all she has an NFL cheerleading career to get ready for. All the girls start bawling hysterically when they find out Emily is going home.  This remains the most interesting part of the whole episode?  Why so sad?  Why so many tears?  Turns out Emily is just a really fun person to have around!

There is no cocktail party this episode nobody knows why. Becca gets the boot. Everybody is shocked.  Well... we'reshocked that she's going home this soon but not shocked that she didn't win. At this point I feel pretty sure that Lauren is got first place on lockdown. But who knows? I hope I'm wrong!  Anyway Becca is upset and laments on the way home that her relationships keep not working out. My suggestion to you, gorgeous Becca. Try to find your next boyfriend somewhere other than a reality tv show where one girl out of the 25 wins. Statistically your odds are much better.

And that's a wrap!  Are you all excited for hometowns or what?  Looks like it's going to be LOTS OF DRAMA!!!

Snapchat: The Purest Form of Social Media?

I've been meaning (and promising to you all) to write this post for awhile.  This afternoon, while my sick husband and baby sleep and the house is quiet, I shall finally and everlastingly declare to you my love for snapchat.

I feel like I was relatively late to hop on to the snapchat band wagon. (Username @thelifeofbon) This is because social media overwhelms me.  Sometimes my blog overwhelms me.  (Sorry guys).  Sometimes (a lot of times) I'm mad at whatever social media gods made all these dumb rules for social media that we all are supposed to follow or else no one will like us.   That's why I didn't want to get snapchat.  I felt like I was already up to my ears in instagram promotions, facebook posts, amazingly funny twitter one-liners- I just couldn't handle any more of that cray social media pressure.

A couple of friends (like Aubrey) kept telling me that I would really enjoy using snapchat- that it was a lot more fun than other social media.  In November there was a religious announcement that greatly affected people in the state where I live and facebook became an ugly, negative space in reaction to that.  I understand people are free to post whatever they want, but I felt myself being so dragged down every time I opened facebook.

So I took a facebook break and turned to snapchat instead.  I followed only a few people who I know.  I didn't post anything.  Instead I just watched my friends.  I watched their little videos, their funny pictures.  I liked it.  It felt light and fun, the way I have always envisioned social media to be.  I was happy looking at videos of gurgling babies.  I liked hearing my friends say nonsense, not worried about how they looked or how many people were going to like their ramblings.  I really liked it when my friends made ugly faces and did weird voices and made themselves look like fools.  Hey!  People like me!

SO... I started doing my own snaps.  It took me a few weeks to get the hang of it and then it took me a few months to realize I was still on private settings (thanks Tara!) but now I feel like I can truly embrace snapchat in all its glory.

What is so great about snapchat you ask?  I shall tell you!

REASONS WHY SNAPCHAT IS BETTER THAN FACEBOOK

1.  No one acts like they are smarter than you all the time.  We all do this on facebook, even if we do it unknowingly.  I feel like there is such a strong implication of "this is how I feel and everyone who feels differently is an idiot" on facebook.  It starts to wear on you, you know.  On snapchat there is this common understanding that we are all idiots.  It's great!

2.  No political nonsense.  Yes, we are all super screwed if Trump wins the election!  But I am soooooooo tired of hearing about it.  And we've still got nine months to go.  I haven't ever loved talking politics.  I think it's important to be aware of the issues and advocate change on the issues that are important to you... but facebook is just not the way to do it imho.  It becomes a hotbed for political standoffs and no one ever wins.  I have read so many negative threads and horrible things being said about each other because people don't see eye to eye.  I just can't handle the negativity of facebook anymore.  Guess what, though?  I've been on snapchat for months and haven't listened to one political rant.  No one has tried to tell me who to vote for.  No one has told me how stupid the other candidates that they don't support are.  It's a snapchat miracle!

3.  No religious mumbo jumbo.  I think you all know I'm Mormon and I live in a Mormon state.  But there are also a lot of people in this state who aren't Mormon, used to be Mormon, hate Mormons, etc.  Lately the LDS church (aka Mormons) has made some decisions that not everyone agrees with.  Watching my facebook feed blow up over this and seeing so many hurtful things coming from both sides made me want to leave facebook and never return.  It just becomes this black hole of negativity that you can never escape.  Snapchat is filled with funny short videos and moms kissing their babies and people showing off all the donuts they have eaten that night.  What a wonderful place to be!

4.  No constant articles clogging up my feed.  I love me an interesting article to read on the internet.  Heck, I post my own blog posts to facebook all the time  (this may have been how you found my post today). But I am the first to admit that all the posts on articles on my feed get tiresome.  I feel like it's all anyone posts.  It's like facebook is just this place where we post an article that said something we like and that's it.  I want to know about people's lives and families and the funny thing the grocer said to them today.  NOT 12 ways to start your morning productively.  Snachat contains no articles!  Ever!  If I want to read an article, I must search it our on facebook but snapchat stays pure to its roots.

5.  No drama!  I have been listening to "So You've Been Publicly Shamed" while I drive to my work and it has been really interesting to hear studies of the effects of social media.  One quote that stuck with me, "With social media we've created a stage for constant artificial high drama."  AMEN!  Doesn't it feel like everyone is always upset on social media?


REASONS WHY SNAPCHAT IS BETTER THAN INSTAGRAM:

1.  No Likes!  This one might be my favorite.  I get so stressed about how many people like my instagram pictures.  And I get nervous about how many people are following me, and am I keeping up with my blogging friends and AM I COOL ENOUGH DOES ANYONE LIKE ME!?!?!?!  This is what instagram feels like all the time to me.  It is just terrible to be me on instagram I promise you.  The instagram-like anxiety is real.  On snapchat there are no likes.  You can see who has viewed your pictures or videos, but that's it.  There are also no comments.  You just put your stuff out into space and if someone doesn't like it or doesn't like you, you are none the wiser. Ignorance is truly bliss!

2.  You don't have to take pretty pictures on snapchat.  I am not very creative with pictures.  I have always thought it was the worst part of having a blog.  My pictures never look pretty.  I can recognize an amazing instagram picture when I see one, but I just suck at recreating them.  And then when I try I just feel like a dumb sheep follower who everyone will know is trying too hard.  White backgrounds, pops of color, perfect brick wall.  I SUCK AT IT!  Even now I am stressing about what pictures I am going to add to this blog post because I know you all want a picture.  Snapchat pictures don't have to be pretty!  In fact, they rarely are!  Most of the time they are quite ugly, but almost always funny.

3.  No staged photos.  Similar to point #2-  snapchat just feels so much more authentic than instagram because nothing is staged.  You're looking at your ugly feet in the super market- POST IT!  No one cares.  You post that crap on instagram and everyone will hate you forever.  (Not really.)  (But really).  Snapchat pictures have to be taken within the snapchat app and then they have to be posted right away so there is no editing, no staging, no making your life look 100 xs better than it is.  IT IS A DREAM COME TRUE!

4.  No sales!  I am not saying I hate facebook and instagram because of sales.  I run a large part of my promotions and marketing for our jewelry shop through instagram.  I'm very grateful for instagram because of this.  BUT.  It does feel nice to come to a social media space where you know you won't be bombarded with ads or sales or buy this or buy that.  It feels so pure and unpolluted.  Snapchat hasn't monetized yet (although I am guessing that will happen fairly soon) so it just feels like you're hanging with your friends.  Like someone actually respects me, you know?

5.  Snapchat is not user friendly.  At all.  In fact, it's actually kind of hard to figure out what is going on.  And there's a bunch of secret stuff that you can do but isn't obvious at all.  Reminds me of all the secrets on Mario- extra lives, secret levels, etc.  Only the die hards can understand!   I like this because it doesn't feel like snapchat is going to get overtaken by my bishop's wife or my great aunt, you know?  It's nice to have a social media outlet that sticks to people of your same age/ cohort.  You feel me?  I don't have to worry that my boss will finally realize how ridiculous I actually am.  And if you do post something totally self incriminating, it is gone in 24 hours!  Nothing is permanent on snapchat!

If you have decided to join in on the snapchat awesomeness, you can find me on snapchat @thelifeofbon.  Greg is also on snapchat @greghlarsen.  He mostly makes videos about dolls pretending to murder him.  My husband, ladies and gentleman.

That's a wrap from the Larsen clan.  Peace!

Today we Valentined

Today at 4:00 I had ten 8-11 year old girls at my house--- beating down the door, chasing Maverick around, trying to win June's heart.  They came because I invited them.  I think.

As part of my church group twice a month I get together with this gaggle of girls and a couple other adults to do some kind of activity.  It's basically the equivalent of cub scouts but no crummy merit badges required.

Today our activity was to decorate sugar cookies, make cards, and take them to people who we thought might be lonely or just need a little extra love this Valentine's Day.  I was a little scared to attempt this activity because 1) sugar cookies are a ton work 2) 8 year olds are not exactly notorious for being able to frost sugar cookies and 3) we only had an hour to do all this in. It was just all so ambitious.  I kept trying to think of an easier activity to do for today but my heart kept coming back to this one.  Fine, you win stupid heart.

That meant that this morning I was up with June making dough and this afternoon found us rolling out sheet after sheet of heart shaped sugar cookies.  The girls arrived in typical energetic fashion right on time and in a moment my house was a wild zoo.  That's the thing about eight year olds.  No one arrives fashionably late.

Before we decorated the cookies and made the cards we sat down for a second so we could have a three minute "lesson".  I was so touched by how sweet the girls were when I told them the purpose of the activity today.  I talked about how holidays are awesome and fun, yes, but sometimes they can be kind of hard or painful for some people.  "Why do you think that is?"  I asked.

One girl raised her hand,

"Maybe they don't have a lot of family or friends close by so they feel kind of lonely."

Insightful.

Another girl wanted a chance to speak,

"Maybe they recently had someone in their family die and that holiday meant a lot with that person.  So now that that person is gone the holiday doesn't feel the same and it is sad for them."

I was pretty floored at these girls' responses.  Sometimes I think our whole world is going straight down the tube, but then I listen to 8 year olds and they've got it all figured out so maybe there's hope for us after all.

Next it was decorating (too much frosting!  too little frosting!) and sprinkling (woah!  don't put the whole can of sprinkles on one cookie!) and card making (how do you spell Valentine's?)  I was so freaking touched by the girls' cards.  One girl wrote, 

I love you!

I love you!

Happy Valentine's Day.  I'm going to say it one more time--- I love you!

Sheesh.  Eight year olds, man.

Cookie plates and love notes ready to go.

Last but not least was our doorbell ditching effort.  The girls were SOOOO stoked to doorbell ditch.  It was adorable.  Like you could see the adrenaline just coursing through their little veins.  We hid behind cars and garbage cans while girls went up to doors and dropped off the cookies and cards.  We hit up some single moms in our neighborhood, a widower, and people we know who live alone.  It was so sweet to see how stinking excited the girls got about it.  They tiptoed up to the doorsteps, left their goodies, and then sprinted like mad to make sure no one caught them in the act.

The day was crazy exhausting (never do sugar cookies!  chocolate chip cookies ftw) but it felt good to help those girls think about others who might need a little lift.  Well.  I don't really think it was so much me reminding them, but them reminding me.   Eight year old girls got the world figured out, I'm convinced.  

Bachelor Recap: Week 6. In which there are pigs

I can hardly wait to write this bachelor recap.  My fingers are dying to get on the keyboard to just hammer this thing out.  So much to talk about!

We start off the week with our cliffhanger from last week.  Ben has asked to talk to Olivia right before the rose ceremony.  SHOCK!  Will he take her rose away and send her home on the spot?  One can dream!

Ben asks Olivia if the rumors he's been hearing our true that she's basically a total b*tch.  In typical Bachelor contestant style, she claims the problem is them- not her.  She doesn't fit in with the other girls because "I like reading in my room and thinking" while the other girls are so simple to enjoy something totally stupid like painting their nails.

I mean, I think we all like to sit around and think, right?

It works for now and Ben lets her stay.  He sends Jennifer home which forces us to consider "Who's Jennifer?"

Now, on to this week's dates!  The girls are headed to the Bahamas.  Wahoo!

DATE #1:  CAILA

Caila gets the first one on one date which is a total shock to everyone because GASP she already had a one on one date!  Doesn't Ben know that every girl is supposed to get her turn before the dates start over?  Leah, who has only had group dates up until this point, is especially mad.  She unleashes a potty mouth the likes of which we've never seen on the Bachelor before.  While Caila is catching the biggest fish known to man on her date with Ben (and no, that fish is not Ben) (and yes she literally was catching the biggest fish ever) (and that seriously looks like the coolest thing ever I want to do it too!) it cuts to Leah crying because she hasn't had one on one time yet.  Caila and Ben kiss, Leah cries.  You gotta give the Bachelor editing team credit, they sure know how to spin a sad story.

At dinner Ben asks Caila to open up and be vulnerable with him and she replies that she's not ready yet and then starts throwing out the craziest Bachelor convo I have ever seen.  She says she doesn't know what to do because she's afraid she's going to break Ben's heart but that she thinks she loves him but that "It feels like I'm going to hurt you."  It is all absolutely insane. Ben LOVES it and gives Caila the rose.  Whoever said men weren't complicated never saw a date like this one before.

Back home the date card has arrived for the group date.  The girls notice only two names are left off- Olivia and Emily.  This means Olivia and Emily will go on the infamous two on one date.  Olivia, in classic confident fashion, is not scared of her competition"

"She's young.  She's like a bird.  I don't even give a f***."

Now would be a good time to note that Olivia and Emily are the same age- a ripe old 23.

DATE #2:  PIG DATE

Really, this is the greatest thing about this entire episode, probably the entire season, and maybe even the entire history of Bachelor watching.  Instead of just swimming or sailing as they often do on their dates, the girls are to feed hot dogs to pigs who are swimming at the beach.  HOT DOGS TO PIGS.  I hope you see the irony.

I've never seen anything like this on Bachelor history and really I could not be more pleased.  It is an absolute hot mess.  At first when I saw the preview and all the girls were screaming I was like, "Oh, come on girls, get a grip."  Then I saw the real thing and I tell you, I'd be screaming too!  The pigs are super aggressive and are pretty much bowling over the women to get themselves a piece of hot dog.  They are huge pigs who could easily knock a girl out and will stop at nothing for a little piece of that weenie dog.  It's pure madness I tell you.  Pigs chasing women at full speed for a piece of meat. The Bachelor producers have really rewarded us this time!  Jojo put it best:

"It's like a bar in Dallas.  There are pigs everywhere."

Don't go to bars in Dallas:  duly noted.

Leah is still butt hurt because she didn't get a one on one date and is having a hard time making the best of the date.  Lauren H. encourages her to talk to Ben about it and when she does Ben basically says "deal with it" but in nicer terms.  He asks her to make the best of the time she does have with him and later she laments that now everything is worse than before.  Either tons of that conversation got edited out or I just truly do not understand Leah.

That night Ben realizes he may have effed up by giving so much individual attention to Lauren B. earlier in the day.  Everyone can tell that Ben likes Lauren the most and it hurts their feelings.  So to make up for it, Ben spends his night time telling every single girl how much he likes her.  This can't possibly backfire on him.

Leah has decided to follow Ben's advice of "making the best of the time she has with Ben" by telling him that Lauren B. is not the best girl for him.  During their one on one time she states that there is one person  who acts very differently around him than the girls in the house and who she really doesn't think he should be in to...

"I don't want to say any names, but... Lauren B."

NOW.  Greg and I watched this part over and over (because this is the kind of people we are.  We have no dignity.)  and I can say with certainty that the Lauren B. part was dubbed over.  It doesn't show Leah's mouth when she is saying it so maybe she didn't really say Lauren's name.  In any case, it's a pretty stupid move and bachelor girls never learn.  Bachelor Lessons 101- the best way to win a man's heart is by constantly talking trash about all the women around you.  Oh wait.  That never works.

Ben is frustrated and has time with Lauren B. next.  Lauren B. is super vanilla and super boring, I have said that from the get go.  BUT I don't think she's a mean or manipulative or dishonest person as Leah would have us believe.  Lauren B. is super confused when Ben asks her about it, the whole night is weird.

When all the girls are together again Lauren is in tears.  Leah asks "oh, what happened?  You're sad?  I can't possibly imagine why!" and we all agree that she's the worst.  Maybe just as bad as Olivia?  Leah lies outright and says she didn't say anything to Ben.  The girls seem to see through her lie.

Group date ends and I can't even remember who got the rose- it all seems to be overshadowed by the Leah-Lauren B. debacle.  Back at the house, Amanda, Emily and Lauren try to figure out who would have ratted on Lauren.  Leah, meanwhile, is crying a lot because she has lost her chance with Ben.  She rallies energy to give it one more honest effort.  She decides to go over to Ben's house to bond with him and work on their relationship.  Or to talk more trash on Lauren.  Whatever.  Either way it's bound to secure Ben's heart.

Ben seems genuinely excited that Leah has made the effort to come over.  He pours her a drink, sits down comfortably with her on the couch, and she doesn't waste any time getting right to the reason why she came over.  Lauren B.

Is anyone else as confused as I am on Leah's strategy?  I just don't get these girls sometimes.  I swear it is not that hard to get a guy to like you.  Flirt.  Be sweet.  Laugh when they say funny or clever things.  Tell them they look good. Don't talk about other girls.

The plan totally backfires and Ben sends Leah home right there on the spot.  Wow.  Harsh, Ben, but I respect it.

DATE #3:  TWO ON ONE- OLIVIA AND EMILY

The girls are shown preparing for their date.  Olivia is excited as can be because to her it's just a "one on one date".  It does not occur to her at all that Ben might not feel as strongly for her as she does for him.  I mean, she could at least act a little frustrated that she's getting a 2-on-1, but that's not Olivia's style.  Emily certainly doesn't hide her fear.

The two on one date finds us on a boat and then on the beach.  Olivia is certain they have a strong love that others have never even dreamed of.

"What I feel for Ben is all consuming, ever present love."

In other words, she's totally delusional.

Olivia claims her focus is always on Ben.  And by Ben, she clearly means herself.  Any time they have alone time together, Olivia talks about herself.  Like when she tells Ben that she is a deep, intellectual human being who is well grounded.  If that doesn't make him fall head over heels in love with her, what will people?  WHAT WILL?

Emily tells Ben that she likes him a lot and wants to see where their relationship will go.  Wisely, she does not spend the bulk of her time trashing on Olivia.  I guess she thinks Ben can figure out that mess out on his own.

Ben takes the rose and then takes Olivia away from Emily to tell Olivia that she is going home.  Naturally we are all left to wonder why Ben took that rose with him.  Producers.  Producers. Producers. Bachelor producers are the worst, that's all you need to know.  Ben goes back and gives Emily the rose while Olivia watches on from the distance.  I don't like Olivia at all, but it's a little painful even for me.  Why are the producers such horrible people?  Because they are here to make great television, and that's the truth.

ROSE CEREMONY

Ben gives a giant "I am tired of all of your nonsense" to the girls when he decides to cancel the rose ceremony.  Lauren H. gets the boot, which is a little surprising, but not shocking.  All the girls at this point (except for Emily) are pretty strong contenders.

At this point I am rooting for Amanda to win and Jojo to be the next Bachelor.  I do think Jojo is the most aware of other people's feelings.  At one point she says "I'm excited to see Ben so I can validate him" not "I'm excited to see Ben so he can validate me."  To me that's a key difference as most Bachelor women seem constantly obsessed with being validated by the lead of the show.  Jojo seems to get that it's not all about her which would make a great Bachelorette.  She's the only one of the bunch who has the personality and the toughness to be a Bachelorette imho.

I want Amanda to win because she's adorable and has two little girls and I am such a sucker for that.  I am still thinking that Lauren wins which is disappointing considering her total boringness, but whatever, I'm pretty much resigned to it now.  Caila used to be my favorite but she's now my least favorite due to her stupid mind games/ "I-love-you-but-feel-like-I'm-going-to-hurt-you" nonsense.

MY TOP FIVE IN ORDER

1.  Lauren B.
2.  Amanda
3.  Jojo
4.  Becca
5.  Caila

To market To market to buy a fat pig

It's been a wild and crazy week over here.  So wild.  So crazy.  Do you want to hear how w&c it truly did get? I know you are just on the edge of your seats, tell us Bonnie, please tell us!  Okay, okay but only because you insist.

At the beginning of the year we got into two markets for February 5-6 for Hey June.  What is a market you may ask?  A place to go to buy a fat pig?  No no, it is where all these adorable and talented people set up a booth with their handmade items and then a bunch of people come to shop 60 or 70 some vendors at a time.  Sometimes in the summer it's outside in a park.  In the winter in Utah it is definitely definitely inside.  Markets are a great way to sell our jewelry and meet other creative, inspiring people.

They are, however, a tad bit stressful.  You have to have tons of inventory ready and you're pretty much setting up a little store for the weekend.  We did our first two markets on two different weekends in December and our first one was so stressful I was certain I was going to keel over from a massive ulcer.  Well, I didn't, and we lived to tell the tale so naturally I thought, sheesh that was so easy let's do two on the same weekend next time!

I mean.  That's not really what I thought.  But when we were accepted into two Valentine's markets for the weekend- one south of where we live and one north of where we live- we figured hey!  Let's do it!  Let's hustle the crap out of this jewelry and make a bunch of money so we can retire early and buy a a yacht.  Or buy diapers and health insurance.  All great options!

Both markets had set ups on Friday morning.  That meant that Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday were a frenzy of making jewelry, printing labels, pricing earrings etc etc etc in preparation for two markets.  We had to figure out another booth display (in which we used a cooler filled with soda to prop up a staged fence which held all of our necklaces.  Desperate times call for desperate measures- especially for a not-super visually creative person like myself) and bum a table off of my mom and make twice the inventory that we have had for other markets.  This week was a blur.  I remember little to nothing.  It seems like maybe there was a time where I threw a diet coke at Greg's head.  I can't say for sure.  All I know is I take responsibility for nothing in my crazy-jewelry-making-getting-ready-for-markets-state.  (For those truly concerned, the diet coke at Greg's head didn't actually happen.  Or did it?)

Thursday was especially wild.  I had 7 am meetings, then taught four classes in a row, went straight from school to a craft store to buy booth display crapola, went home and made jewelry and prepared booth stuff with Greg until 1 am.  7 am to 1 am.  That's gross.  No person should work that many hours.  I barely got to see my Junebug and that was the worst part of the day because babies should get to be snuggled every day by their mama but you make sacrifices to one day live on a yacht, right?

 Friday morning.  Another bright, sunny day for us- thank you, Utah winter!

Friday morning we needed to be up at 7 to set up for the markets.  Greg was to take his display North to Salt Lake and I would take mine South to Orem.  June was coming with me so my mom could watch her.  NATURALLY it snowed the night before because WINTER DOES WHAT IT WANTS so the roads were horrible, the windshield washer fluid wasn't working, we were slip sliding all over the roads, etc, etc, etc.  If you think that we shoveled our driveway Friday morning you are a fool.  The driveway is officially the last thing I care about I apologize in advance if you fall and break your back coming to my house but we just can't keep up with this winter come visit in May if you must.

Somehow we got both markets set up for by 10 and then we all three (Greg, me, June) went home and collapsed into a wonderful stupor/3 hour nap.  FTW! (But not before hitting up McDonald's for breakfast.  Living the dream right here, people!)  You ain't seen nobody take a joint nap until you see the Larsen clan do their winter nap thing.  The way the three of us nap in tandem is something only Olympic heroes can truly understand.  It is glorious.

Market set up- ready to rock and roll.  Not a bit stressful!

SOOOOOO that was our week.  That is also why I haven't written on this blog since Wednesday.  In fact, I don't even remember writing that post on Wednesday, that's how much of a freaking blur this whole week was.  Apparently I watched Bachelor on Tuesday and wrote about it on Wednesday, but I recall nothing.

I am happy to be done with the markets and hopefully return to a little bit more normalcy around here this week.  And I'm excited to write on this blog.  Things I hope to write about this week:

- Why snapchat (@thelifeofbon) is my new social media happy place
- What we did in class this week.  My AP students just finished Catcher in the Rye.  It was such a fun book to teach!
- Bachelor recap no duh

Any other suggestions?  I am at your service!  You say the topic I will write about it!  Now it's time for me to go cuddle Greg and watch Married at First Sight.  We haven't yet had time to watch Tuesday's episode and it is Sunday night, my what a week!

Bachelor Recap: Episode 5

It's bachelor recap time folks!  We watched the episode a day late, hence the late recap.  I could pretend like I had really exciting things going on Monday night but at this point I have no dignity when it comes to the amount of tv I'm watching this winter so just know that I missed The Bachelor to watch the Jazz game.  You know.  Hierarchy of tv.  Jazz won in overtime to the Bulls, by the way, so it was totally waiting until Tuesday to watch Bachelor.

DATE #1: AMANDA

The week starts off with a one on on with Amanda!  Holler!  Ben comes to wake her up at the inhumane hour of 4:30 am and she perks up like a perfect wild flower just waiting for the sun to shine its face.  How does she look so cute at 4:30 am?  It's a question worth thinking about but the answer is pretty simple.  If you were on a reality tv show and had cameras rolling in the house all day and at any given time during the night wouldn't you always do your makeup and make sure you look super hot?  Amanda probably did her hair and makeup before she went to bed and that's how you win The Bachelor, folks!

Um Lauren H wins the award for cutest with her retainer.  Hey, ain't nothing wrong with a little retainer love, girl!

The date with Amanda is mostly boring.  Things I learned from their date:

1.  I want to ride in a hot air balloon
2.  That's all I learned.

I actually really appreciated their dinner date where Amanda opened up to Ben about her previous marriage.  I always wonder what exes of these people think when the contestants are airing all the dirty laundry from their relationship.  Do they feel like they've been misrepresented?  Are they angry?  So many questions!  Speak up, ex husband of Amanda!

In any case I really really like Amanda.  She seems very genuine and I always appreciate someone who's got some strength.  I hope Ben picks her, but I do think two little girls is a huge commitment when you've got plenty of options that don't involve such a huge commitment.  Who knows?


DATE #2:  GROUP DATE

Next up we've got the group date!  The girls learn a phrase or two of Spanish (They're in Mexico City) and then start cooking.  Olivia nabs Ben for her partner, por supuesto, and all the other girls are left fuming.  Here's my take:

1.  Ben should not be allowed to be someone's partner.  He should visit and help all the groups.
OR
2.  If Ben must be someone's partner then they should have had everyone think of a number and the number closest to his nuber gets to be his partner.  You know.  Something a little more fair than Olivia is super aggressive so she gets all the extra time with Ben.
3.  It kind of bothers me that Ben doesn't take charge a little more.  When Olivia asked him to be his partner instead of being like, "Uh... sure... ok" why didn't he say what he wanted instead?  I feel like he lets some of the aggressive girls (er, Olivia) just control everything.

Ben has the best line of the season so far when he calls himself the "Spachelor".  Too good, Ben!

I guess this is the part where I sadly admit that Olivia is driving me bonkers.  I have stood up for her in past episodes (here) because I thought she was in on the act- like we were all kind of laughing at the ridiculousness together.  I thought her bit was tongue and cheek and that she was making fun of how absurd it all was and how absurd she was.  I no longer think that.  Mostly I think she's just mean and manipulative.

That  night gets off to a rough start with Olivia literally interrupting Ben mid speech to take him away and we all agree that she's just the worst.  Jubilee is really upset during this date because "I'm not used to being overshadowed."  I know, it's a hard, hard world we live in, honey.  Ben takes Lauren B. on a little walk around the corner so they can make out a lot.  Yes, we get it, you like Lauren B.  I still don't like her but have resigned myself to my expectation that she will win.  (I would much rather see Caila or Jojo or Amanda win.)

And then the trainwreck conversation with Jubilee.  She is feeling insecure and unloveable, holds back from Ben and won't let him hold her hand.  He says he doesn't see this going anywhere because she keeps pulling back and then she cries alot and goes home.

This whole thing kind of caught me off guard- I felt like the self destruction of Jubilee was happening slowly and then all at once.  I don't know if Ben was totally fair to her- it felt like he kind of got frustrated with her and then just booted her at once.  In any case, I think it was pretty clear that Jubilee wasn't going to last.  It does kind of irritate me, though, that he puts up with so much crap from Olivia.  I feel like she should have gotten the boot before Jubilee.

Group date ends with Ben giving Olivia the rose.  All the girls are totally shocked.  I kind of am, too, honestly.  The way he was all over Lauren B. I thought for sure she would get it.  He also doesn't seem like he likes Olivia that much so we're all just confused over here.  Greg wondered if this was a producer choice.  I know the producers will choose a few girls during the rose ceremony, but I didn't think they had any say in roses during group dates.  WHO'S TO SAY?

DATE #3:  Lauren H.

Lauren H. is super cute and they have a pretty typical (for Bachelor standards) date.  Shopping, fashion show, etc.  I really like her.  She seems genuine and down to earth.  I don't know if she's quite cute enough to steal Ben away from the other front runners, but she's at least a nice distraction for a minute.

ROSE CEREMONY

I have watched a lot of Bachelor in my day.  So much Bachelor it could make a normal person puke.  I've never seen someone so blatantly offend someone as Olivia did when she just outright told Amanda that listening to her talk about custody with her kids was like watching an episode of "Teen Mom".  Amanda's situation is nothing like Teen Mom!  This is coming from an expert, too, because I have watched A LOT OF TEEN MOM in my day.  What blew me away the most was that when Amanda said, "Excuse me?" Olivia repeated herself!  Olivia, girl, STOP TALKING.  YOU ARE OFFENSIVE AND RUDE AND DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.

I was pretty proud of Amanda, though for her, "Well when I watch you I feel like I'm watching Snooki from Jersey Shore because you're just a hot mess!" remark.  And that's why I want her to win, ladies and gentleman.  Homegirl's got a back bone!

Emily goes freaking crazy over Olivia and rats her out to Ben.  I actually LOVE Emily.  She owned her gross burnt tostada in the cooking date, she went balls to the walls as the soccer goalie (and even broke her thumb, which The Bachelor didn't show) and I love how she stands up for herself and the other girls to say that she won't allow the bullying or the manipulation.  Twin for the win!

Of course Bachelor chooses to end the episode here because they are just the worst.  We are left in suspense waiting for next week.  Dear Bachelor producers, you understand that your entire audience is full of hopeless addicts who will watch next week regardless of such cliffhangers, right?  You do not need any ploys to get us to watch next week, we have no life, just let us know what happens with Olivia!

Other notes:

+ Jennifer is such a mystery to me.  She gets pretty much no air time but she feels like this mysterious, beautiful dark horse to me.  What business does she own?  Why is she so calm all the time?  I must know her better!

+ Lauren H. and Caila have hair of gods.  It's not fair.

+ The girls really need to stop saying "Our boyfriend" when referring to Ben.  Referring to him as "my boyfriend" is weird enough but to call him "our boyfriend" is just bordering on insanity.  Have some self respect, women!

+ All the girls and Ben constantly use the term "unloveable" ever since Ben first told Kaitlyn last season that he was afraid of being unloveable.  I am now very tired of hearing this.  I feel like it's the new "here for the right reasons".

+ Is Olivia not concerned for her life after Bachelor when she will want to be a tv news reporter again?  I mean, is anyone going to hire her after this?  Think of your future you crazy psycho!

Working Title: That's Enough, Winter.

June's face says it all.

Guys.  I can't do it anymore.  I've cracked.  I've cracked on winter.

I thought I loved winter.  I think this every year.  I think, "Oh winter's not so bad!  You get to stay in doors and layer up and eat lots of food and cuddle and binge on tv."

And then I totally agree with that.  For a few days, at least.  Winter's great in short increments.  A snowy blustery winter day is absolutely divine and a winter week is just great and I can even do a month of winter and really enjoy it.  (Hello December!  Best month of the year!)  But winter month after month after month is a real drag.  Here we are just staring February down the throat and I am wondering how we are ever going to live to see the end of this month.  WILL MARCH 1 EVER ARRIVE?

This winter, especially, has been wild.  It doesn't stop snowing. Gracias, El Nino.  The last ten years or so we've had really mild winters in Utah so I guess I just started thinking that was the norm.  This is our second year in our home and last year we didn't even have to buy a shovel, that's how little it snowed.  I can't even count the number of times we have had to shovel this year.  It just never ends.  You shovel one day and the next day there is more to shovel.  I CAN'T TAKE THE SNOW.  We've resorted to total white trashiness just driving over the snow because I just can't shovel one more time.  If you come to my home and slip on my driveway and break your back... truly I am sorry.  But please try to understand where I'm coming from.

Last night we decided to watch Everest.  Nothing's better at helping you combat your winter blues than by watching a bunch of people die in a blizzard, right?  We sometimes don't make the best decisions.

It's usually around this time of year that I decide as a native Utahan I should definitely learn to ski or snowboard.  Get with it already, woman!  There lies two problems with becoming a ski bunny

1)  I am too cheap.  It's hard for me to think about forking over hundreds of dollars in gears, clothes, and a pass for an activity in which I will be cold all the time.

2)  I don't like to be cold all the time.   I like to be warm.  I can even handle being ridiculously hot.  But I don't like to be cold.

I have lived in Utah for 27 of my 29 years and have been snowboarding ONCE.  ONCE.  This was due to a boyfriend who wanted a partner to snowboard with him.  When the relationship ended, so did my snowboarding.  When I stayed in Hawaii for four months I went surfing probably half a dozen times.  Why?  Because you don't have to pay to surf!  The beach is free!  And the beach is warm.

I am going to try to push Greg and I to go snowboarding at least once in February.  I feel like it's my duty as a Utahan.

I'm also going to push for us to go somewhere warm this month.  I'd love a trip to Disneyland or maybe Vegas or Phoenix... just somewhere to get out of these 20 degree temps.  Greg got a pretty big role in Peter and the Starcatcher coming up at the Hale (wahoo!) so we're going to have to get our play time in before those rehearsals start up at the end of the month.

In other new, Junie is sick.  She ain't so pleasant when she's sick.  Other moms revel in the cuddles they get when their kids are sick, but June wants none of it.  She kind of just wants you to stay the hell out of her way.  I try to snuggle her and kiss her and smother her and she's like "please, mom.  Leave me alone."  When she is sick, though, the cutest is how she snores when she sleeps.  So I guess if you can't get the cuddles you go for snores? WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO?  I captured her baby snores on snapchat (@thelifeofbon) earlier today if that's what you're in to.

(Also when your baby is sick do you just give up on getting her to eat?  The only thing June will eat or drink the past two days is Diet Coke and this.  We're all doomed.)

I realize this post is a lot of nothing.  I apologize.  It's my February funk.  Someone save us from this winter.  The good news is we got Bachelor tonight.  You gotta love Mondays!

Also later this week I'm going to write a post about why I totally converted to snapchat.  Snapchat isn't paying me or anything (although that would be awesome!) but I just feel like snapchat is a happier, purer form of social media and you all need to know about it.  K bye.

P.S.  Don't forget the sale going on at HeyJune through the rest of today (February 1).  

Get 20% off your order with code LOVER20.  Guaranteed Valentine's Day delivery suckers.

Thanks so much for all your support and love.  Y'all are the greatest.

P.S.S.  This is a for profit blog which means that sometimes I get paid when you click on links. Thanks!