Table for Eight

I have no words. Just me and my big eyeballs--and Phillip--trying to endure. (c) CBS, Monty Brinton, 2012 Well, I mad e it through another Tribal Co unc i l on Survivor Caramoan. Wooohoo! It's not easy, I tell you. This is one BRUTAL game. Tough to play. And even tougher to watch a t times. I can't get over just how difficult this game is--it's harder than anything I've ever done in my whole life (and this season is definitely harder than my first season). The lack of food , water, and sl eep ing condition s would tank your strongest person. But then a dd difficult personalities, rain y days, intense physical challenges .... and a million dollars on the line. Forget about it. It 's just downright HARD. Now, I know a lot of you are struggling to understand why we keep certain players, align with some, and vote out others. Believe me, I strugg led with these decisions , too. It's m iserable out there. But I had a really strong

(c) CBS, Monty Brinton, 2012. Preparing for the Reward Challenge (ep 7). (c) CBS, Monty Brinton, 2012. Me, Cochran, and Julia during the Reward Challenge. Tonight's Survivor is a doozy! It's Episode 7 (out of 14) and about Day 17 in the game. At this point, we've swapped tribes, and while the Favorites still have a majority of players in the game (8), we're all MAJORLY stressed about whether everyone will stay loyal to their original tribes (Meaning, will the Favorites stay aligned?). And to top it off, I'm on the NewBikal tribe, not the NuGota--whom we affectionately refer to as "The Bold and The Beautiful." For those of you keeping track at home, NewBikal has the oldest male, the oldest female, the youngest male, the youngest female, and definitely the weakest puzzle-masters EVER. To put it delicately, we are sucking air . But, NuBikal still Sucks Coconuts, in my opinion. Hahahaha. I can't wait to see tonight's episod

Jay is still so excited about his mission call to Indiana ! We're watching Hoos iers (movie), learning about the state, and checking the w eather daily. (He is not a fan of the snow, so of course, he is goin g to serve in a place with SNOW! It's all good though.) Here are a LOT more photos from the party where he opened his papers and learned where he was going. Thanks to Janae and Roma for taking them. XOXOX   Jay's friends Zach and Caleb (Caleb is going to serve his mission in New Zealand!) Our sweet friends the Kirkmans. Beautiful Angie and her new bambino. The most handsome man in my world--Dave. Papaya, Bam, and their friends. Jr. Me and Janae--being photobombed by her daughter! LuLu and Janae's daughter. Again ... only with the sillies. Jr. and Papaya dancing without music. Janae and Whittney. My two best friends. Truly, they my soul sisters. (PS: they've been our kids moms when I've gone to

Indiana HERE HE COMES! Last night, J ay opened his formal "mission call" to serve as a missionary for The Ch urch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Indian apoli s, Indiana Mission (beginning in July). Woooooooo hoooooooo! We are all so excited ! But most importantly, J ay is excited! He said his hands were shaking as he op ened the letter (you can go anywhere in the world-- literally anywhere). Here are a few photos from the ni ght. He opened his le tter at our friend Janae/Jeff's h ome with about 40 + friends and ne ighbors. (Thank you Janae for being willing to host us!) It was honestly the best feeling ever. Dave and I are s o hap py and proud of Jay. PS: We'll post more photos later today. Our kids snapped these ones, but I think our friend Roma was als o t aking photos --and she may have a few we didn't catch. Love you, Jay.    

5/8 of the Meehan gang, just two years ago. Today is a day we've been waiting for FOREV ER. Truly, it feels like something we've talked about, thought about, and dreamed about for at least 10 + years! J ay is getting his mission "call " today! We are so proud of him--because it just takes so much prepar ation, dedication, and sacri fice to serve a two -year mission .  He's my hero today. I know pride isn't supposed to be a positive trait, but I d on 't know how else to d escribe how I feel for Jay today. I'm just so happy for him --and this decision and commitment.  We love you, Jay! Tonight can't come soon enough (W e're opening the letter at 6pm . Stay -tuned.)       ****** (c) CBS, 2012 , Monty Brinton. Oh, and last night's Survivor! Yay! I surviv ed another week in the game! Woo hoo !   And I didn't even have to do any deep breathing!  I was sad to say goodbye to Matt, but truly, Matt had t

(c) Favorites Tribe, Survivor Caramoan, CBS, Monty Brinton, 2012. Okay, this isn't a spoiler, I've already seen the promo where Jeff tells us "to drop your buff ..." because we're swapping tribes! That's right, after tonight, the "favorites" tribe will no longer exist as we/I know it. From here forward, it's Bikal and Gota--tribes comprised of both FANS and FAVORITES. Eeek! See. Before the swap: (c) CBS, Monty Brinton, 2012. And after ... I've eaten a blueberry pie (wink, Louise)! See, I'm not even crying! (Yet.) (c) CBS, Monty Brinton, 2012. But I was feeling so comfortable on my majority tribe of EIGHT! Waaaaaa. I want my mommy! LOL. Can't wait to see how it all plays out tonight. How about you? PS: While I can't comment on the actual details of the game, I thought I would answer a few of the email questions I received this week about the experience of watching the game/show. (PS: T