Hey everyone, thanks so much for reading and watching. For those of you who are disappointed that I was eliminated in Episode 4, don't be!
As much as I may not be happy about some things, I was very happy with the experience as a whole. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that Brooke and Lisa had gone to Matt's house in the middle of the night to talk to him. I felt it was very immature, kind of stalker-esque. Hello? It's television! I'm pretty sure Matt doesn't want people to see where he lives so he doesn't get any more stalkers!
What were they thinking?!? All that aside, it was a very impulsive and irrational decision and obviously they were very embarrassed about it, even though they had justifications for actually doing it.
In the beginning of Episode 4 we were able to witness the birth of the most adorable baby goat. We knew one goat was pregnant but had no idea we would actually be there for the birth. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! It started to pour outside during the birth so everyone ran inside to change and get raincoats and umbrellas, except yours truly. That's right, Miss "High Maintenance" stood out there in the pouring rain (in my suede Christian Louboutin's nonetheless). I was so amazed I couldn't walk away, it was an irreplaceable experience. Nothing was worth missing out on one second of it (even my favorite shoes!). Eventually I stood under the shed's overhang to witness the whole thing with some of the camera crew. Once it started to let up I got to go inside the gate and sit right next to the new baby goat. It was the cutest thing! At first it had a hard time standing up and being able to drink milk from its mother, but it learned quickly. That was definitely one of my favorite experiences from my entire time on the farm.
The truck I had to drive was not only very old, but it was also not an automatic, which is what I have always driven. It wasn't fully manual either! It had brakes, gas, and a clutch, but then there were no gears.
We had several problems with it overheating, stalling out, and dying throughout the show so I was not pleased and didn't feel safe to say the least. For the challenge, I thought of different ways to go about getting the corn. I tried doing it with one basket at a time but realized when we had to have 24 in each basket the best way was to get as much as possible and count it out at the end. Being the smallest one (usually you're seeing me in 4 1/2" -5" heels) and running through the field was interesting because I'm 5-foot-1 and those stalks were towering over me! It came to a point when I was out in the fieldwith the cameraman and I literally couldn't see anything but him and corn. I was running in the opposite direction from where everyone was. I had to go by where Matt's voice was coming from and literally had no #$*!+**^ clue where I was! It was a fun challenge, though I wish I had done better. I would do it differently if I had the opportunity to do it again. I was shocked and appalled to find out Lisa had stolen Amanda's basket while Brooke was already sitting pretty. I couldn't believe Lisa tried to justify stealing the basket. Knowing someone who had stalked Matt at his house the night before was already safe from elimination, I could have bet that Lisa would be going home! Lisa is a sweetheart but she just wasn't there for any other reason than exposure which really upset me, since I went into this experience with an open heart and open mind. I was also not thrilled that Brooke was sitting pretty again for the same reasons, and because I felt the stunt she and Lisa pulled the night before was extremely immature and deserved some sort of punishment.
Square-dancing was really fun, even though my boots were missing and the cowboy boots that were supposed to be my size (6 or 6.5) were a size 4! I didn't want to look inappropriate knowing we weren't supposed to wear heels or open-toed or slingbacks of any kind. I won't disagree that I am a high-maintenance girl (with a serious love for shoes) but I was the only girl there who could just let her hair dry or use a hair drier for 30 seconds ( none of this flat-ironing / blowing-it-out and flat-ironing, using a curling iron, extensions etc). My makeup took a few minutes. The hardest part of getting ready for me on the farm (and anywhere) is deciding what to wear! I wasn't that surprised watching Brooke and Lisa dance for the women at our square-dancing lesson because I had seen it all day every day. Also, that patch on the back of Brooke's shoulder is not a birth-control patch (she is a virgin). It was a Band-Aid to cover up a tattoo.
When we got the package with all the dresses I was very surprised. It was very thoughtful, but I looked like Little Miss Muffett or like a picnic table had swallowed me up and eaten me in everything I tried on! Finally we decided to alter the dresses to make them look as best as they could. Of course I had to cut the huge joker flame sleeves off mine and make short sleeves, cut the neckline to show some cleavage and the back as well, adding a black patent-leather belt to match my black patent Christian Louboutin heels:). I took what I had learned from quilting and fully put it to use! I even gave myself a manicure and pedicure before the dance, even if it wasn't such a great job.
At the dance, Matt cut his lip biting off the top of a beer. I ran to get him ice and wet paper towels to stop the bleeding, then I spent a decent amount of time dancing with him. I have to admit I definitely was questioned by many of the guests there. They all wanted to meet me, hear what my experience was like, what my intentions were, and what I felt about Matt. I knew when we were sitting on the porch that because I didn't chase Matt around as much as some of the other girls, that he may take that the wrong way. I have never been one to throw myself at someone, even though it was a contest. I never thought about it like that, I was just being me. I thought Matt and I had established a strong bond (even though you don't get to see everything) and that's all I had to go on.
I knew standing at "Elimination" that I was going home. I wasn't upset, but Matt and the girls definitely were, though you don't get to see the tears. We all had formed very strong friendships and really cared about each other.
I am now happy to say what has been going on in my life since the show. I have a boyfriend named Matt, who coincidentally has the same name height and age as Matt Neustadt. This was really funny to explain to people when they would ask if he was really a farmer and saying he was a lawyer as a cover-up. I adore my boyfriend and am so happy finally to have met my match. We had talked a few times but started dating a little while after I got back from the show. He has been there to hold my hand when I get nervous about what I am going to see, and to encourage me in everything that I do. What can I say? I'm a really lucky girl. In the end I wound up with the right guy for me and could not be prouder to be with him.
As far was the show, I am very grateful to have had the experience and been able to form such strong bonds with everyone who I lived with, as well as Matt who I have gotten to know quite well. I learned something from everyone there and took it with me. As odd as it is to be living in a house where you and nine other girls are dating the same guy, we all learned to deal with the situation and be supportive of one another.
Matt (the one from the show) is one of my closest friends and truly one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. He has a heart of gold and has so many wonderful qualities. He is an absolute gem! Who ever wins his heart is a very lucky girl, so be sure to tune in and see who she is!
I would like to thank my family. I would never have had the courage to do the show if it wasn't for their encouragement, love, and support. I have the most unbelievable parents and brother anyone could ever dream of. My friends who have been extremely positive and supportive through everything, I love you all! Thank you to everyone for tuning in and for all the support. I really appreciate it. I hope you have all enjoyed the show and were able to learn something from it.
