JILLIAN HARRIS BLOG


Bachelorette Blog: Jillian Talks Ed’s Return and Keeping Wes

Transworld News, http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=98122&cat=2



JILLIAN HARRIS BLOGS'

“Hey Guys!

I have to admit I really look forward to writing these little blogs. As soon as I watch the episode myself, I’m on the computer so I can get you all up to date. I also have to admit that it is hard reading all the comments, and how disappointed you all are with me for keeping Wes :( … especially now that I have let that Handsome Jesse and Sweetheart Michael go for your least favorite guy (Wes). I totally understand where you’re coming from though and I know how frustrating it is when you wish I could have seen what you’re seeing now (I feel your pain!)

But if there is any consolation to you at all, it is that my promise still stands … I AM a smart girl, and I AM extremely happy with the final result. And the most important decision (which is the only one that really matters) was the right one! So pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy! (And please still feel free to make fun of me and laugh at me! It’s supposed to be fun!)

Hometown dates were probably one of my favorite parts of this entire process. I really was waiting for a family that made me think Monster-in-Law, but not ONCE did this happen! Each family got better every time. It was actually very interesting how much the final five guys’ families were alike. They all had such healthy relationships and all had so much fun with each other.

Reid and I talked a lot about our families prior to going to Philly, and I talked about my granny a lot (do you guys remember her putting boxer shorts on Jason’s head from last season?) Well – Reid had told me that his granny doesn’t talk a lot and I think he was worried that his granny (or Mom-Mom as he calls her) wouldn’t be as cool as mine. Well, “Mom-Mom Rosenthal” and I went into this little room with a few glasses of wine and we had a blast! We talked and talked and talked until they had to literally pull us out of there! Reid was like, “Whoa! I have not seen her so talkative!”

Another thing to note about Reid’s family is how FUNNY his brothers are! Within minutes we were joking around with each other. At one point Reid’s brother Chad was bugging his dad about his ears being a little big. Well, I turned to him and said, “Chad, your ears aren’t exactly a normal size either!” As soon as I said it, my face turned white… everyone was silent for a few seconds… and then the room filled with a roaring laughter. That’s when I knew Reid’s family would be a fun family to be a part of.

It looks like Kip’s family was a bit ‘intense’ but they were so warm! Kip’s mom is just very direct, and to be honest, I really appreciated it! I thought I aced that hometown date until the end. Oh boy… so Kip’s dad brings out this banjo (or was it a guitar… I can’t remember) and starts strumming this tune. He then tells me that I have to improvise a blues song called the “Bachelorette Blues.” Oh my Lord, you guys… I WAS THE WORST! They were laughing so hard at me. As you know my voice is a little raspy so I don’t have the smoothest singing voice and to improvise lyrics with your new “potential” in-laws with five cameras in your face… forget it. I was a good sport but was secretly mortified!

I am fully aware at this point you guys are wondering what the heck I am thinking by hanging on to Wes (trust me, my family and friends are one episode away from getting my head examined). I don’t know what more to tell you. There are some qualities about Wes that I could relate to and we really DID have real conversations about family, friends and life… conversations that I did not have with the other guys. I knew there were MAJOR red flags with him, and I needed to figure out if this was just a friendship or if he was someone that I would actually risk saying “you’re the one’” to.

Let’s end this blog with something positive. Ed comes back!?! Watching this show I can definitely say it looks like this was all set up. I know that’s what you all are thinking… but it really wasn’t. The dude really did fight to come back, and I was SHOCKED. There were so many things flying through my mind like, “Is he The One? What if he isn’t? How will the other guys feel about this? Is this fair? Does it matter? And boy, does Ed look cute in his argyle sweater.” Although I knew I had strong feelings for Ed, I knew accepting him back would be controversial but I didn’t want to always wonder “what if” and had to figure why I couldn’t get this guy off my mind while we were away.

All in all, I thought this was a great episode. I made some good decisions, and maybe some bad ones… but it was real. It was hard to hear the feelings that Jesse had for me because he never really told me those feelings… I let him go because I didn’t know how he felt about me and our relationship was moving way too slow. He is an incredible individual and I don’t doubt he will find what he is looking for. I cried when I saw Michael’s departure interview. He is such a sweetheart – I hope this opens up many doors for Michael. He deserves every ounce of happiness in life.

Thank you again for reading – I do appreciate all of your support… I’m itching for you guys to find out what happens in the end!

Love Always,

Jilly,

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jillian.....well, it's hard to stay upset with you about Wes, since you seem to be such a sweetheart. Okay, I guess Wes will be out eventually, and you DO sound happy, so will take your advice and RELAX and enjoy what happens next. (yes, this IS supposed to be fun! :) )

Anonymous said...

Hi Jillian,
I already wrote on Chris's blog, I wrote about nice guys finishing last and what about nice guys coming forward to save you and give you the behind the scenes knowledge. I also said and believe it's very unfair to judge you as it's obvious you wouldn't have held on to Wes if you saw or heard any of his statements that we had knowledge of. Glad to hear your family, I assume, opens your eyes. I can only imagine how difficult the decisions are for you as it's really not natural to date so many guys at once and I'm sure it played havoc on your heart.
Just an added personal note, my son and his wife who are close to your age live in North Vancouver, I just got back from there last week as I was watching my grandchildren while they packed up their house to move to West Vancouver.
Unfortunately, it was a work trip and I saw nothing other then walking to the park or walking to Edgemont village. My daughter in law Jacqueline says you use to work as a waitress in her cousins restaurant there. When Jacqueline lived here around grade six she says she went to school with Kiptyn, small world. As a mother of a daughter your age who hasn't found Mr. Right and shes gone through her share of bad boys, I sure wish she could meet Jake. For you after reading your blogs I totally understand why he wasn't right for you, I think the perfect guy for you would have been a combo of Michael and Jake. I know you've picked already, so it wouldn't be nice to give my opinion for what it's worth, but let me suffice to say I'm so happy you gave Ed another shot, you're a smart girl.

Anonymous said...

I'm rooting for you and know you will make a good pick for yourself, I can only hope it won't be Wes. I'm not sure he is getting the publicity he wanted since so many of us will NEVER buy a CD from him or his band. I have to admit that I'm still teary eyed over Jake. I just knew he was the one. I'm still hoping for the surprise proposal. A girl can dream.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jillian,

I have been reading so many negatives comments about your choices, so, I thought I'd better put in some positive thoughts. For starters, I think you are great! You seem so sweet, sincere, smart, fun, beautiful and stylish! I hope you find what you are looking for through this experience. I am kind of glad that you have kept Wes, not because I like him (I can't stand him), but because I'd rather see some of the really nice guys ( Michael and Jesse) get let go sooner so they don't get more attached to you. I knew they were going anyway. Michael was wonderful, but there just didn't seem to be enough there (maybe you have a single friend for him :) and Jesse, well, I just don't think he was ready. I personally, have been rooting for Ed since day one. My hubby can't believe that the guy I thought was perfect for you has made it to the final 4. There is just something between the two of you! Anyway, Ed gets my vote :) I have enjoyed seeing all of the Canadian scenery (being a Canadian girl myself), Whistler is one of my favorite places. Good luck and I can't wait to see how things turn out!

Anonymous said...

Oh Jillian!! I must say, I am enjoying the Bachelorette immensely! This is the only season I've watched because you are Canadian. I saw your promo on BT here in Toronto, and I laughed so hard when you gave a shout out to Joe Fresh clothes! I love them too, ha ha!! Anyway, I think you are trying to subletly tell us that Wes gets sent home in next week's episode, but my heart has been breaking for Jake, and now Jesse! Michael was a cutie but he needs a few years, I think you sensed that too. Man, Jake in his uniform, that was one hot sight. Don't tell my hubby! I heard that Kip will be next Bachelor, WHY NOT JAKE?????? It seems that most of the fans are in Jake's corner for that one. Wow, glad I found your blog!!

Anonymous said...

I liked the red cowboy boots. Giddy up! I think your red flag with Wes should have been when he called you "mama". That's what Slater called Jesse Spano on Saved by the Bell. It didn't work then, and it doesn't work now.

Run in those sexy boots, Jilly! Run fast.

Anonymous said...

Jilly,
I am so enjoying your openess on the show. Your HEART is huge, you're smart, you're fun & funny, you're affectionate, & you're so real. I appreciate what you see in Wes, knowing that you are Alberta born explains a lot. I can feel his sensitive soul too and despite his personal goals, he is a good man at heart & he is still learning humility too. This must be a difficult lesson for him right now!

Jake is absolutely lovely but culturally too straight for you. You're very hip! Ed is definitely attractive and I sense the instant soul recognition you had with him. Just resonant. I feel he might have a skism happening that is more than skin deep. If you choose him, & you're happy, than good! You look right together.

Kip is interesting, not sure if he's THE real thing for you ~ you know though! He uses his sexuality to communicate. How is it otherwise?

My favourite is Reid, so hoping that tremendous ease, fluidity & honesty we see between you is real.... including the discomfort too. He maybe too close to his family to make the transition to be with you though. What a huge heart he has. Maybe he's nuerotic, I don't care, I'm cool with quirky. I'm glad he's straight about it. But whether you two are a long term match, or just brother sister friends, I do not know.

I appreciate all your decisions & am proud to be your witness. Thank you for your courage & kindness.

Anonymous said...

I feel that Wes is fine... not blaming you at all. Even sweet as can be Michael only has good vibes from Wes, and isn't it so interesting that Michael wrote a book pre-dating this show called "Wesley's Stories"... Michael and allot of us out here agree that Wes was edited to pieces and that there is even a word for this phenomena: "Frankenbites". That Wes was especially Frankenbit to such an extent it was hard for us to see straight! Maybe you got the truer picture, actually. Anyway, we love you (we smart ones do!). All the best.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that you gave Ed another chance! He has been my favorite for you since early on and it was heartbreaking to see how sad you were when he left. Whether he is your final choice or not (I hope he is!), you will not have to look back and wonder "what if....". All the best to you Jillian. Thank you for being honest, kind and funny throughout this season. It's a joy to watch you!

Anonymous said...

Dear Jill,
I hope you come to your senses about Wes. I have been a back-up singer in a country band for 15 years and I can tell you that being married/engaged to a band singer front-man is a miserable life for anyone to endure. I have seen it all; from groupies to cougars, and very few guys (married or single) have the strength to not give into some of these "ladies". At first it's fun, sitting in smokey/dirty bars until last call, but believe me it grows old very fast. The musicians are all spun up from performing while all you want to do is go to sleep. This is where the problems start. Wes is an ok singer but Texas is full of them. His chances of becoming the next Clint Black or Garth are almost almost nil. I hope you think with your practical side, for once, don't let your heart steer you to a life of unhappiness and lonliness. The "thrill" of being with the band is very short-lived.

Anonymous said...

I have to say that I was so disappointed when you left Jake go. There are not many men like him left in this world. I'm positive that he will mak someone special very happy one day and that they wil be the couple that are "old and gray on the front porch together kissing". Enough of hm. Best Wishes on your pick.

Anonymous said...

You are LOVELY and so are these men. I wish the whole editing hadn't hacked it to death, making good guys out of some and bad guys out of others.

Jillian, you have my vote of confidence. Blessings in all ways to you. You are a star among stars for your honesty, kindness and willingness.

Happiness to you and your final choice.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jillian, i have been a big fun of Bachelor/Bachelorette, that episode with Ed leaving bachelorette made me cry, he was a great guy and stable as far as job is concern. I also watched that episode when you and ed came down from that high building and that was one big test about his feelings for you. You look good together and i feel that you two deserve each other. Good luck and i hope to see Ed as the "one" for you. God Bless You and Your family!!!

Anonymous said...

Jill: The thing I love about you is that you're so real, so warm and so sincere. Keep following your heart. I feel sure that it's in Ed's hands, and it doesn't get any better than that, from my point of view!

Crystal said...

Hi Jillian,
I have loved watching you this season. I think you are so down to earth and you have a great head on your shoulders. If Wes actually did go on the show for publicity he sure didn't do himself any favors from what people are saying all over the internet about him. He sure is a charmer and I can relate to liking those kinds of boys. Anyways I was really upset when you let Michael go. I was watching it with a friend and had to cover my face up with a blanket so he wouldn't see me sobbing, pathetic I know but I loved watching him. He made the show so funny. I imagine him being someone that would give so much love and affection and would be so fun to be around at the same time. I do think you are very smart and in the end made the best decision for yourself. I can't wait for Monday already, it's the only good thing about the weekend being over. Take care and I wish you all the happiness in the world.
P.S. Send Michael my way!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jillian,

The #1 “to have” on my list is also someone who can make me laugh too. I think it’s an important component to a life-long lasting relationship. From what we see, only 2 men have been doing that – Reid and Michael. Reid and you have a deeper connection. I’m rooting for Reid. I love his quick wit, sense of humor and great looks.
I’m glad you are happy with your decision. Hope you have found your Mr. Right.
=)

P.S. Hope you are getting rid of Wes soon.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jillian,

You've got a great group of guys to choose from. I think some of them are a bit of reserved than others (i.e. Jesse & Kip). But my friend and I think Reid is a great guy who carries himself well and a great communicator. Did you seriously have a thing for Ed? After all, he did miss quite a bit of time. Ed is a nice guy but I thought his personality is not as interesting. Take care. I can't wait for Monday!!

Anonymous said...

Jillian...my husband and I both watch every Monday night. You are such a beautiful lady, both inside and out. What a tough decision you have and what a tough position to be in. I adore Reid. He seems so genuine. But, truthfully, the last 3 all seem pretty great. My husband loved Jake, but I'm like you, I think that he was just 'too' nice. He was cute, smart, educated, etc...but not a turn on.....too perfect/too nice. Wes - I can't stand him. He was all about his career and based on his comments, cared only about himself. Jerk!!!! Good Luck Jillian. You have to be true to yourself and follow your heart. If the guy, in the end, that you pick, really loves you, he won't hesitate. My husband and I have been married 9 years. We were engaged within 6 months of meeting. It was like love at first sight. I do believe in this, to an extent. If it's right, you will just both know. Good luck!!! I can't wait to watch again, next Monday. You seem so sweet and I love the way that you dress - gorgeous!!! PS...we are only 33 and 35 - my husband and I - two kids and happy. It's your turn. You are gorgeous and you deserve the best!!! Don't settle!

Tonya

Anonymous said...

Hi jill I have been a big fan of yours since last season of the bacherlorette. I have been watching this season too and must tell you going from all that I have seen that Reid better be the guy you chose, he seem the most honest of all and not just saying what you want to hear, he looks you straight in the eyes. I know he is not your type and all but i do not see for ever with Eds wondering eyes or kip's lack of interest towards you. Reis the guy I see that can be your best friend and he sure does make you laugh, hope you picked him, I think u guys are a match made in heaven.

Bebe

Anonymous said...

Please, please, please let it be Reid. The connection between the two of you comes across even under the obvious pressure and with cameras in your face. There just is not the same "real" chemistry with Ed and Kiptyn, they do not seem to be even half as interesting as Reid is. In fact, dare I say it, they seem almost a bit robotic and boring. Anyway, I am 100 percent for the real guy, don't let him get away - please!

Peggs said...

Dear Jillian,

Please let it be Reid. The 2 of you balance each other...There's a song that I feel best describes your connection with each other that came across on the show and hopefully for life...It is the song called "When you say nothing at all" by Ronan Keating. I hope it's Reid, cuz to me, it would seem the most "real". Plus he'd fit in the Vancouver scene very well! Heck, I'm sure he'd sell lots of homes here in Vancouver where the real estate is hot.

Anonymous said...

Hey there Jill! I wanted to say that you have made this season of The Bachelorette very enjoyable! I have laughed, cried and said, "Oh yeah, I can relate." I have been a fan of yours since The Bachelor and was happy to see you go on as the next Bachelorette. I do have to say that in the end I would love to see you with Ed. When I see the two of you together I see true love. My grandmother always told me to marry a man who made you feel like you could dance on water (despite the butterflies in your stomach). She also said that sometimes a woman knows who she will marry the moment she meets him - this was the case for her (with my grandfather) and with me and my husband - we just knew the moment of meeting one another. Funny thing isnt it? Woman are smarter than some people think :)We really are in tune with out feelings/emotions. I see you and Ed going on forever. I think Kyp is great, and lovely as well, but with Ed I can see you two dancing together for a life time, especially on water :). I wish you the best of love and happiness. God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Jillian, after watching tonight's Final Rose episode I was so disappointed with the outcome. Right from the start of the show I was a Kiptyn fan and throughout the show I rooted for him. Until that is, the viewers got a real chance to see what Reid was like. He seemed like the most genuine contestant on the show and definitely without a doubt is marriage material despite him not standing out based on his first impression. Physical attraction is very important especially in the beginning. However, the attraction to another person develops over time and that is what appeared to be happening with you and Reid. I was surprised when you eliminated Reid because it truly appeared to me that you had a true connection with him. I liked Kiptyn but it seemed there was more lust than something substantial upon which you could build a relationship. I am not sure if you were pressured by the producers to pick Ed, who is a nice guy, but too wishy washy from the get go. Ed seemed more interested in the idea of being in love (not disingenuously). I am glad that you didn't pick Kiptyn in the end because that lust would have eventually fizzled out because he came across as a playboy with the perma smile which all the gals like. I am hoping tomorrow night on the After the Rose show that you have changed your mind and end up with Reid because at the end of the day he will be your best friend and be loyal and definitely be by your side. If it is indeed Ed, I hope things do work out for you. I really like you and think you are very genuine, sensitive and I hope that you find love. From one Vancouverite to another, good luck! All the best to you.

Anonymous said...

Jillian, I am not a huge fan of the Bachelorette or the Bachelor show because I find it creates a false illusion about the feelings two people can develop towards each other in the face of once-in-a-lifetime experiences (paid for by the network and unlikely to happen again) and multiple dates which seems unnatural and fosters unattractive competitiveness ultimately undermining true and genuine feelings that should develop naturally. Another thing that makes the show seem unnatural is compelling people to admit their feelings in a short-time frame and then hold them accountable for essentially being normal well adjusted people that don`t spout off professions of love just to gain your favour or prolong their time on the show. All this aside, I, who doubt the show almost in its entirety, felt that Reid was a real person, not an actor-type person or a guy milking his 15 minutes of fame on network television. I felt that he was normal more than any other guy. He never tried to do something out of the ordinary (jumping into a pool naked) to get your attention. He never started professing feelings before those feelings were actually legitimately felt. I told my wife you would pick the first person that told you they loved you. Ed was first and he is the "winner". You wanted commitment and you would not settle for less, understandable for the stage that you are in your life (your age and your desire to be married and have children, etc.). However, the choice should not come at the expense of what is actually a well developed chemistry that is based on mutual affection and caring rather than the positive feeling you get when someone always professes their love for you. The final episode was hugely disappointing because Reid put it all on the line. Kiptyn is the next Bachelor. That was scripted from day one. He got what he wanted. Ed seemed desperate to tell you every chance he got that he loved you and that he wanted to be with you forever. This seemed unnatural and contrived, but mostly desperate. You do not need to be with a desperate person. All in all, I felt that you were more expressive and emotive when you were telling Reid he was not the choice than when you told Ed you loved him. I still think you will end up with Reid because there is a natural feeling about the two of you and it just seems to be the true outcome. Maybe not. You made Vancouver and Canada proud (especially once you got rid of Wes). I hope you realize that Wes' music was awful. Anyway, I wish you the best whatever happens. Say hi to Reid from me and my wife! (we know you will end up with him - - guaranteed). If we`re ever in the market for real estate in Philly we`ll be sure to look you guys up!

Anonymous said...

Jillian,
How could you pick Ed? It's all over the web that he had a girl friend when he came.He is not handsome at all and there is something just odd about him. You let go Jake a catch, Kypton so handsome and Reed who truely seems to love you and is way cuter. He dresses odd (weird bathing shorts) is ugly and not quite right. I think this show is a scam. I never comment on these shows, this just really bugs me. Very troubling.

Anonymous said...

Jillian-

You are awesome! I have ABSOLUTELY loved watching the show this season. Monday has been my favorite day all season long!
I am THRILLED that you picked Ed! SO happy! My heart was racing the entire finale because I was so nervous and excited for you.
Ed is so genuine and you can just tell how much he loves you.
Nice work!!!
Good luck to you too! You deserve it!

Anonymous said...

Jill - I have just loved watching you and Ed fall in love this season. I have never posted anything on the internet EVER, but I just had to tell you how darling you are and how moved I have been by your honesty, vulnerability, kindness and oh such STYLE! Chicago is a stylish town so you should fit right in!

Ed is a doll...I loved him for you from the beginning. He is so assured! And SOOOO clearly in love with you. The two of you seem very at ease with each other and very, very happy! Best wishes to you both for a lifetime of laughter and joy!

And we'd love to have you back in Austin, Texas whenever you like!

Anonymous said...

Love that you found your special partner in life and I knew looking back at the first time you met Ed, you had a great attraction. I think that he is the perfect match for you...but I did like Kip, Reid and Jake ...but they would not fit as well as ED does. I am a jewelry designer working with Swarovski crystals and would love to make a piece for your special day.
Cannot wait to see more...and enjoy every minute of your new life!!!
cmsmith328 on aol....

Anonymous said...

Dear Jillian, I don't normally write letters to people I don't know, but I was so inspired, so deeply touched by your TV episodes of The Bachelorette, I just had to send this note. I hope you read it because it is filled with all blessings and best wishes for you and Ed together, and everyone else in both your lives. And I hope you do not allow yourselves to be in any way affected by the negative comments some others may have made. I'm sure you know people see the world according to their own level of consciousness. I'm not much of a crier, but tears sure did fall while I was watching - I'm very intuitive and I knew as soon as I saw you and Ed interracting at the beginning that you two were a match made in Heaven to be realized on Earth. Thankyou for keeping your heart so loving, gentle, understanding - and open, so that when love came you could give it and receive it, and when (or so we all thought) that love went, you did not close your heart, which I believe, drew it back again. You seem to look after yourself on every level, so I commend you for that. You trust your heart above all else, and let me tell you, people have done austerities for decades, lifetimes, to achieve what seems to come so naturally to you! You are bright, beautiful young lady with a magnetic personality, a highly intelligent, balanced mind, and a heart as big as the world itself. Thankyou for putting such a personal documentary in the media because it has been my inspiration to give love another try. I'll be wiser this time, thanks to you. God bless you both, may you have a very long, happy, healthy and wealthy life together. I won't be checking into any blogs for a long time, so if you feel to respond, you can find me at: truetalk81@yahoo.ca P

Anonymous said...

Dear Jillian, I just posted a comment from: truetalk81@yahoo.ca my first initial, P., came too close to my email address, just letting you know in case you feel to respond. In any case, please know I am among the many out there who felt very happy for you and Ed and wish you only the best. P.

Anonymous said...

Jillian:

Everyone deserves a second chance. I hope thing work out happily for you. I would love to work with you in some design/creative venue.....wherever you end up making your home. It appears we are very much on ther same design/style wave length. I'm also a big fan despite being older and more experienced in challenging relatinships, Ha! The show gave you exposure to a lot of indivduals who will recognize your apparent values and skill and you WILL do well. Don't let the gossipy media get to you. Best of luck.


Christie
in San Diego

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Unknown said...

Hello Jillian:
I am writing an astrology article about you which will be published soon. Could you please tell me your date, time am/pm and place of birth? Thanks so much.
Kathi Calahan