But you know that because that was Monday. And today is Wednesday. I'm slow as molasses.
I, like Ben, was surprised. I thought it was winemaker Ben’s proposal that Ashley was going to accept. Ben thought so, too. He was obnoxiously confident going into the rose ceremony and was not pleased with Ashley when she said no. In fact, he was a jerk. And a dumb jerk at that.
What he should have realized is that being the runner-up is actually like winning the reality tv lottery. The runner up gets to be the next Bachelor and actually pick a girl he really does like! I'm afraid Ben might have blown that chance. And yes, in the picture below, Ben does have his hair inexplicably shaved underneath his wavy locks.
But I really shouldn't be too hard on him for being upset and confused. Only the day before, Ashley took Ben to a healing mud bath for their final date. There, they stripped down to their swim suits and slathered the mud all over each other. Ashley even made a joke about wishing she could apply mud to his nether-regions.
And after cleaning off and returning to the fantasy suite, Ben told Ashley he loved her and she responded quite favorably with a make-out session. I’m sure that all of this was really fun for JP to watch on Monday night!
So why did Ashley pick JP? "Burning passion." That’s why. When describing the men that she would be introducing to her family, Ashley mentioned the “burning passion” she has for JP. While Ben was described as fun, outgoing, goofy and successful. Her heart vs. her head. She chose her heart.
Another reason Ben was thrown for a loop is that, despite the fact that Ashley was ready to accept a proposal, just two days before she admitted she didn’t know who she wanted it to come from. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think this bodes well for the long-term success of Ashley’s relationship with JP. And I quote…
Ashley’s Sister: Are you in love?
Ashley: Yes
Ashley’s Sister: Are you ready to get engaged?
Ashley: Yes
Ashley’s Sister: Do you have your mind made up?
Ashley: No
Side story about Ashley’s sister, Chrystie. A newly single mother, she was recently on an episode of "Extreme Couponing" and writes the blog: ilovetogossip.com about extreme couponing.
Don't know what extreme couponing is? Well, Chrystie will tell you a little about it in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRkWnOGzkdw
So anyway, Chrystie didn't like JP and Ashley together. I’m not sure why and she had me thoroughly confused when she told Ashley that she was thinking about the logistics of the relationship.
I don’t know how, logistically speaking, she thought a relationship with Ben (who lives in California) made more sense than a relationship with JP (who lives in New York) for Ashley (who lives in Philadelphia). Philly to NYC = 2 hour drive. Philly to California = 6 hour flight.
Moving on…
Despite being a Ben fan all season, there was a distinct moment in this episode when I realized, oh no, he’s not the one. And it was when he went ring “shopping.” Of course, he was only “shopping” because he used Monopoly money to “buy” Ashley’s ring. And Park Place and Boardwalk.
Sex and the City fans. Remember when Aiden is showering and Carrie rummages through his duffle bag and finds an engagement ring? A really ugly engagement ring? And Carrie runs over to the sink to throw up?
Well, that’s all I could think of when Ben was ring “shopping” with Neil Lane. He picked the most over-the-top, bedazzled “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding” ring I have ever seen. Nothing about that ring screamed Ashley. It was puke-in-the-sink worthy.
But JP’s choice?
That was the ring that Samantha helped Aiden pick out to replace the yucky one. The ring that got Carrie Bradshaw to say “yes.”
Now, remember. Despite the fact that Carrie said yes to Aiden’s proposal…they never made it to the altar. I wish better things for Ashley and JP, and am encouraged by the fact that Ashley is moving to New York to be with him, but the Bachelor/Bachelorette track record ain't so good.
But when they do break up, they can join the likes of Jake, Vienna and Casey on...the Bachelor Pad!!!
Woohoo! And it all starts next week!
What I'm most excited about on this season of the Bachelor Pad is that Ames will be on it, which will be great for two reasons.
1: He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, so a game about using and abusing people to win $250,000 will be hiliarous. He'll probably just offer to give people 250 grand from his trust fund if they'll please stop fighting.
And 2: I think Ames gets a girlfriend! Yeah for Ames!
Well, it's been fun, friends. See you next season...bound to be the most dramatic season ever!
Beth
