Big Brother 16 - Recap - Episode 10

Ok - confession time, I missed the first 10 minutes of the episode... for whatever reason, I thought it was on an hour later (aka... Thursday night schedule).  I'm an idiot.  Anyway, with that out of the way... here we go with what I saw.

Team America starts on their challenge - spreading the rumour that Zach is Amanda's (Season 15) cousin.  Donny tells Nicole (who is dressed as a frog - this must be her punishment for losing Battle of the Block - ?)  Anyway, Nicole tells Christine... they think it makes sense.  Next, brilliantly, they decide to tell Caleb "because we all know Caleb will tell Amber", which he does.  Then, even more brilliantly, they tell Zach.. who tells everyone the rumour is true.  Hilarious.

POV - Jacosta is sick (dehydration) and can't participate in the challenge, so it's left to Derrick and Caleb to draw names for the Veto.  Derrick draws Christine, Caleb draws.... Devin (boo).  Then Derrick draws on Jacosta's behalf... Donny.  Derrick pulls Donny aside to see what Donny will do if he wins.  Derrick says to Donny that Devin is his topic, but Donny maintains he was in the dark about everything this week.  Donny says in a diary room session that he's not ready to reveal his cards yet.

Team America's next challenge is being voted on by America.  They can choose to have the Team get a floater nominated or their biggest physical threat.  This should be interesting....

On to the POV competition... or should I say "prep for the competition"... the boys put on their "beast make-up" and Devin stretches and kicks.  Whatever.

Cody comes out in a suit to host the competition.  Frankie says how sexy he looks... Cody blushes... yup, that's pretty cute.

In this challenge, you battle head to head in a huge dice.  When a number is spun, the players have to roll their dice (with them inside it) around and back to their spot with the correct number on the top.  (and you have to do it the fastest.)  Then you choose who you want to battle against.  Tough challenge... both physical and mental.  Devin wins the first round.  Derrick challenges Devin.  Devin comes out fast and furious.  Derrick takes his time.  Zach can't understand what is taking so long.  And in the end, Devin wins.  Donny is up next... he challenges Devin.  Devin is going fast and furious, but Donny wins.... the house erupts in celebration.  Donny does a little cute dance.  And I do feel a tiny bit sad for Devin.  I don't really like him, but I hate when the whole house gangs up on one person... and to celebrate his defeat like that.  Sad.
Next up, Caleb and Donny.  Donny said he wants to take out "both big boys".  And he does!!!    Amber gives Caleb a kiss but immediately says "ew sweaty" and breaks away and wipes herself off.

Donny goes in to tell sick Jacosta that he's saving her.  She cries, Frankie cries, Amber cries....  it's a weepy moment.  Then Cody comes in to do a strip tease for Jacosta to make her feel better... I think that made everyone feel better.

Then we see Devin cries by himself.  Again... I haven't really liked him to this point... but I feel bad at how much the house celebrated about his defeat.  I don't like seeing people singled out like that.

Jacosta is saved... Devin is put on the block.

Devin says he would not be surprised if he's still there on Thursday.

Jacosta cries and says she's so used to giving, and now she gets to receive (her safety).

Now we wait until tomorrow for eviction ... anything can happen!

What's Your Motivation?

We've all been there ... struggling to stay motivated to stay active.  I can be really good for a while, working out most days of the week, doing activities I love (Zumba, running), but then I get hit with a cold (or one time... shin splints... ouch)... and when that happens, no matter how good I was feeling before, or how much I was enjoying those activities.  I struggle to get going again.

I'm also a huge junk eater.  I overeat when it comes to carbs - breads, pastas... I love it all.   And I love me some chocolate.... and caramel... and vanilla... and... well, you get the point.

I used to set "target weight" goals for myself... but in the end, what's in a number?  I'm not going to lie, I will probably always have some number in my head, but most of all, I want to get to a point with my health that I just feel good.

I'm currently sitting in a slump.  I have a gym membership, and haven't been there in over a month (eep!).  I went away on a work trip, and I rode a bike or ran every day.  When I got home, I slipped back in to old habits.

Why am I writing all this?  For a few reasons: 1 - I know I'm not the only one that struggles with this; 2 - I want to push myself to "get back in to it" and I'm hoping a public post will help me do that, and 3 - whenever I have finally gotten myself in to gear and gotten back in to my fitness routines, I've felt better - not so out of breath going up stairs, I feel rested and more alert, I sleep better.... it's such a win-win!

I decided to write down my biggest reasons for not being active, and my biggest reasons FOR being active.  When I looked over my list... some big themes popped out at me.  My biggest struggle is time.  I work full-time, my husband runs his own business and I work part-time as his book keeper, I'm a part time Zumba instructor, my daughter has a busy activity schedule and I go to school part-time.  My biggest reason for wanting to be healthy?  My family.  We have a long history of health problems in my immediate and extended family.  I want to be healthy to reduce my own risk, and be a healthier me for my physical and mental well being... and so I can be a better, more energetic me for my family.

I had a look at my list of commitments, and had to make some tough decisions about what was right for me.  Unfortunately, that meant giving up my part-time Zumba gig.  This may seem counter-intuitive (giving up physical activity for the sake of physical activity, however, it frees up some time in my schedule that allows me to be a little more flexible.

I'm joining a new gym this fall, and have identified a "workout buddy", to help keep me accountable.  This gym is not only closer to my house, but it's open early in the morning to late in the evening, which allows for some flexibility for workout times (so I can work around my job's unpredictable schedule".

I've also committed publicly to running a 5 km race this fall.

So this post is getting to be a little TMI right?  I share all of this, because I hope that the "method to my madness" that I have just shared, offers people some ideas/tips on taking first steps to "getting back in to it".  I highly recommend looking at what your own barriers are, and what your motivations are.

Want to share your own tips/challenges?  Be sure to comment below!

Big Brother 16 - Recap - Episode 9

As the episode begins with a recap of the previous episode, we find out that Devin tried to do "damage control" and run around and tell everyone about the "Bomb Squad".  This leads me to think... he was so angry anytime he thought anyone betrayed the alliance... yet he was the biggest detriment to that alliance from the beginning.

No surprise, when Derrick and Nicole chat about nominations... Derrick wants to nominate people other than Devin, so they can backdoor him.  Nicole is going to nominate Amber... so Derrick mentions it to Caleb, knowing that Caleb will risk himself for Amber.  Caleb gives a little diary room talk that basically says as much... he thinks Amber will see him as a stud.  He is going to throw the competition so Amber is saved.  He tells Amber his plan.  I'm not sure she thinks he's a stud thought.

Nicole is struggling with her final nominee, and Donnie tells her to nominate Christine after she fills him in on the nomination plan.  Despite that she tells him to keep the plan quiet.  He goes and tells Jacosta and Brittany and Amber overhears it.  She runs and tells Nicole, who is now convinced she can't trust Donny.

Nicole seems pretty shaken that everyone is so mad.  Most of all, she's regretting her decision to nominate him.  Hayden tries his best to make her feel better.

Devin comes to "make amends" with Derrick... Zach and Frankie promptly got up and left the room.  I don't blame them.  I hate being around for awkward conversations.  Derrick sees through Devin's speech about respecting his game move.

#TeamAmerica's first task is to spread a rumour that someone in the house is related to a past houseguest.  Donny seems confused about this task.  Frankie on the other hand says he's "really good at spreading rumours".   They decide on telling the lie that Pao told Frankie in confidence that she believes Zach is related to Ammanda... "because they're both loud" and they're both from South Florida.

Nicole is still broken up about nominating Donny.  She cries... and asks for his forgiveness.  And he cries because she is crying.  Can this guy any more likable?  Then he makes her doubt whether she told him not to tell anybody.  

The Battle of the Block competition is "Abraca - Bob- bra".  A Harry Potter type competition. It's a puzzle competition.  Amber says she hates puzzles... and Donny loves it.    Caleb's trying hard not to win.  But, in Nicole's words "he's doing well making it look close".  Amber and Donny win, and Amber says "get over here so I can kiss you".  I'm sure Caleb was hoping he would get that kiss.

Because Nicole is no longer HOH, she "disappears" and Hayden shows his devastation at the site of her disappearance.  And we close with Zach saying "yo, did she really disappear?".

We'll find out where she went on Wednesday. :)

My #FF Blogs

Have you heard of #FF?  If you aren't on Twitter, that probably looks like gibberish, or that I was swearing.... but no.... #FF is a hashtag that stands for "Follow Friday" where people recommend different Twitter accounts to follow.  I decided to do a "Blog Follow Friday" post and talk about a few of my favourite blogs.

1 - Illustrated with Crappy Pictures - If you haven't seen this blog, you need to read it!  Amber Dusick is the author (and illustrator) of this blog.  She shares her hilarious stories about life - her kids, her husband and her cats.  All illustrated with hilarious pictures.  Check it out, I'm sure you'll love it:  http://crappypictures.com/

2 - I'm Bringing Blogging Back - If you like entertainment blogs ... you might like this... if you like trashy television and someone recapping ridiculous shows like Catfish, Real Housewives or The Hills (ok, maybe not now, but you can go back and read the old recaps for a laugh).  Patrick Varone is the author of this blog, and he is hilarious.  Sometimes crude, sometimes rude, all the time funny.  I love this blog... his Bachelor recaps got me through the last horrible season with Juan Pablo.... because, let's face it, that guy was terrible.  Check it out: http://www.imbringingbloggingback.com/

3 - Mommy Outside the Box - This blog has it all for mommies.  Fun kids activities, recipes, "Wordless Wednesday" photo posts... and, a new favourite thing of mine, a Twitter party calendar.  What's a Twitter party you ask?  If you had of asked me 3 months ago, I couldn't have told you, but since then, I've participated in several parties, and they are fun.  It's like what a chatroom used to be like back in the early 90's (for those of you that remember those)... fast moving, lots of people chatting... but with some improvements... the chats are centered around one topic... and there are PRIZES!!  I highly recommend participating in a party!  Check out the Mommy Outside the Box blog:  http://www.mommyoutsidethebox.ca/

So those are a few "Follow Friday" blogs for you.  I'll try to share more each Friday, but for now... happy reading!!

Big Brother 16 - Recap - Episode 8

We open with the fallout from the POV.... Brittany calls Paola out for throwing the competition.  Paola gets defensive and said she didn't throw the competition.  Devin confirms he asked her to, and confirms that, but says she didn't do it.  She calls Devin a liar.  Then Zach gets up and gives a big speech about how much he doesn't like Devin.

Frankie feels betrayed by Zach for "putting him on blast" when Zach said "he wasn't sure how Frankie would vote".  Um... what's so bad about that?  Anyway, Frankie's very dramatic about it... I'm just going to leave it at that.

Paola and Zach have a ridiculous argument over whether they deserve to be in the house, who's a liar... basically it was stupid.

Meanwhile, Devin decides to add a new member to the alliance without bringing the whole alliance together to talk about it first (ahem... dictatorship).  They bring Hayden in, and Devin tells him about the Bomb Squad and asks him if he wants to be a part of it.  What else are you going to do in that situation but say yes?!  Can you imagine the reaction if Hayden had said no?

As it starts to become aparent that Zach is going to stay, Frankie, for whatever reason, decides it would be a good idea to fill Devin in on this.  I still don't understand why.  I mean, Devin is nuts... giving him information like that is like throwing a can of gasoline on a fire.  Immediately, Devin denounces the Bomb Squad (might I point out, this is the second time this game he's done that), and tells Frankie he's picking everyone off one by one.  So there's your reward Frankie.

After two lengthy nominee speeches, the houseguests vote, and "Pao Pao" is voted out.  Thank goodness.  I don't think I could take another week of that girl.  Although, I will say, I did enjoy her friendship with Donny... and his "goodbye" message to her was absolutely sweet.  When Paola leaves the house, Julie asks her about whether she threw the competition.  Paola sort of sputters over her answer and says she's not sure if she threw it or not.  Huh?  Were you drunk?  Why wouldn't you know?

On to HOH, it's a sort of croket type challenge.  And the winners are..... Derrick and Nicole.  I'm kind of happy about both of those options!!

Julie tells us that the houseguests are now wearing "activity trackers" so you can log in to see how active or lazy your favourite houseguest is.  I barely do that for myself.. so I'm not sure I really care how active they are... BUT... Julie does say it will impact the game.  Suspense!

Nominees and #TeamAmerica's first challenge come Sunday night!!!

(PS - anyone else happy this episode was a little less focused on Devin?)

Big Brother 16 - Recap - Episode 7

I began this episode assuming it was going to be a Devin centered episode... and I was right.

We pick up where the Battle of the Block left off, and the "Weirdo Alliance" of Hayden, Christine and Nicole celebrate coming off the block. 

Devin takes Hayden aside and decides (for whatever reason... to build a sense of partnership or something) to tell him the Devin had Paola throw the competition.  Hayden isn't convinced Paola threw it.  Neither am I.  Hayden goes back and tells Nicole about Paola "throwing the competition" and they discuss what will happen if that revelation comes out... Hayden suggests they deny being a part of it.  Ok... good strategy.  Then he suggests that he and Nicole "kiss it out".  This guy is good for comic relief.

Zach chats with Cody, Christine and Derrick about working against Devin... thank goodness!  That's the most sensible talk I've heard in a while. 

Quick shot over to the hammock... and Caleb's love-sick puppy eyes looking at Amber... he's got it bad.  He talks about wanting to "protect his queen".  *Gag*

Caleb bring up with Devin that people are interested in voting out Paola.  Devin's response is "that's stupid".  Good argument, Devin.  Were you on your high school debate team?  He immediately gets on the defensive.  Frankie is there through the argument... but stays uncomfortably silent.  Caleb mentions that the girls, in particular Christine, are nervous to talk to him.  Devin says they should go confront her.  Yeah, because that would make someone less intimidated... to confront them.

Devin heads up to his room to pace around and talk to himself.  He's nuts.  Then he goes outside to declare the alliance is over.  So, Devin says he's not a dictator, but he dictates when the alliance is over.

On a less crazy side... we find out at Derrick and Frankie are the last two members of #TeamAmerica.  Their first task is to head outside to the weight bench and bring up "apple pie" and "bald eagles" in conversation as the code for who's in the bomb squad.  Frankie and Derrick figure out quickly they are on "Team America".... then when Derrick sees Donnie's "big beautiful beard" he says he knew that was the third member.  Frankie refers to it as "Brains, beard and beauty".

Following the confrontation between Devin and Caleb, Caleb decides its time to make up.  No, Caleb, no!!  He makes the mistake of saying that "people" were talking about targeting him, so Devin decides to call another "meeting".  If you live in the Big Brother house, you know a meeting is never good.   Devin opens by saying "this isn't a dictatorship".  Ah yes, a typical statement of a dictator.

Zach decides to speak up and say that he thinks it's stupid to keep Paola... unfortunately, everyone else stays silent.  This makes Devin think everyone's on his side, except Zach... so guess who the next target is....

My favourite part is when Devin says "people think I get upset over these things, I don't get upset".  You don't?  What were we just watching??

Everyone gets ready for POV and Devin says to Paola that he will take her off the block if he wins.  The challenge involves balancing balls on a solar system type set up... but if you're off balance, it falls apart and you have to start over.

Paola is doing horrible... surprise, surprise.  Zach is just about done and he accidently knocks a bunch off.  Derrick and Devin are close... and everyone's rooting for Derrick... but unfortunately, Devin pulls it out in the end.

Brittany believes this sealed her fate, and Paola questions if Devin will keep his word.

Cut to the HOH room, and Zach tries to do some damage control, but Devin doesn't buy it, and kicks Zach out.  Zach knows he's in for it.  He tries to talk to Frankie - but Frankie tells him he was stupid for disagreeing with "the dictator".

Brittany decides to suck it up, and goes to Devin to talk... and she knows to use the "I have kids" card... because, as we all know..... Devin has a daughter.  He's in to it.  You can tell he's feeling it.

When he goes to the Veto meeting.... when they get a chance to do their speeches.  Paola decides to take the time to do some model posing(?) and Brittany makes a heartfelt speech.  Devin decides to "go against his alliance" and break his promise to Paola.... and removes Brittany from the block.  He replaces her with Zach.  *shocker* (not)  They stop with Brittany saying "can I say something" and they leave us hanging by the announcer saying "all hell breaks loose post veto ceremony".  Can't wait for tomorrow.  :)

And by the way.... can someone put an end to the Devin show?

Big Brother 16 - Recap - Episode 6 "All About Devin"

I call this episode "All About Devin" because it really is.  There's a running joke among a lot of people that watch the live feeds about how often Devin finds an opportunity to mention he has a daughter. I dare you to count how many times he brings it up this episode.

So we started with the HOH's reading their letters....and of course, a picture of Devin's daughter.  When Amber reads her letter, she cries...and so does Caleb. Seriously Caleb... she's just not that in to you.

Devin, for some weird reason, decides to come clean, with not only Donny, but the whole house, about how he was the mastermind of the plot to get Donny out last week.  The problem with his plan? The HOH's last week claimed they nominated who they did because of when they fell during the competition. Brittany recognizes this right away and mentions it to Frankie.  So the bomb squad has a "debrief" after Devin's house meeting and they find the nicest way possible to say " what the hell was that?"  Devin takes offence to Brittany "misconstruing" what he said.  Um, he said he was the reason Donny was targetted, what did she get wrong in that?

We got a glimpse of the Zach/Frankie "shownance". Zach says he's straight but thinks Frankie is awesome. They cuddle together and hang out a lot.  I really don't like Zach much... but this is the one likeable thing I've seen from him.

We also find out that Danielle, Hayden and Christine have a mini alliance... not much more notable about that.

Nominees this week are Hayden, Danielle, Brittany and Paola.  Devin asks Paola to throw the comp and also assures everyone safety but Brittany, who he says is his target.

On to the Battle of the Block.  Was anyone else not totally convinced that Paola was intentionally throwing the competition?  Houseguests had to look at a series of pictures and answer questions.  If you got it wrong, there were punishments, like drinking weird concoctions or dunking your head in a toilet (both of which Hayden had to do). In the end, Danielle and Hayden win, taking themselves off the block.

Side note on this episode.... Devin was upset that people were not cleaning up after themselves.  Devin drives me nuts, but I do hope he keeps the house from becoming the disgusting mess it was last year.

We'll find out who wins POV on Wednesday!