The Fate of "Jon & Kate Plus 8"

By now, I'm sure you've heard the news that America's most beloved multiples family "Jon & Kate Plus 8" will be going through a divorce. The announcement came this week that Jon and Kate are calling it quits after 10 years of marriage and eight beautiful children. I have always been a fan of the show. Like you, I watched in amazement while this couple seemed to pull off the impossible. So I was saddened when the rumors of discontent in the marriage began surfacing a few months ago, and even more disappointed to hear that Kate has filed for divorce.

I don't know exactly what happened in the Gosselin household. Supposedly infidelity, disrespect, and much more has tormented the marriage. The one thing I do know is that somewhere along the way, other things became more important than the marriage -- and ultimately the family.

Many things come into our lives with the potential to threaten the things we care about most. Sometimes their allure disguises the potential danger that they possess. For instance, a high-paying job might solve your financial problems, but its demands on your time could tear your family apart. Or, a friendship that promises partying and non-stop fun could de-rail you from graduating on time. Is it worth it?

If I take anything away from Jon & Kate's situation it's that we must never let anything become more important than the things we care about most - no matter how "sexy" they might seem. In the end, when all is said and done, I wonder if Jon & Kate will realize that they risked everything for nothing at all.

MTV's "16 & Pregnant" - What Did You Think?

Last night, MTV premiered their reality show on pregnant and parenting teens called "16 & Pregnant." I watched it, and for the most part, I felt it accurately depicted the struggles that young people face when they experience a pregnancy.

I found similarities in the my story and the story of the first young lady featured, Maci. A prevailing theme in her episode was the struggle to hold on to her relationship with her baby's father. I remember enduring that same struggle even though deep down I knew it wasn't a good situation for me, and it wouldn't last. Any serious relationship is hard to let go of, but one that it involves a child is even more difficult. Maci -- who describes herself as an "over-achiever" -- is also going to college (she graduated early from high school) and is working part-time. She reminded me of myself, and so many of the young women I meet in my travels, who are determined to make a good life for themselves and their children. It was really comforting not to see the stereotype of a lazy, unmotivated teenage mother being perpetuated.

At the same time, I think the first episode also shows the tremendous difficulties of raising a baby at a young age. Maci -- and everyone involved in her life -- is feeling the challenges and stress that it can cause. It really speaks to the importance of preventing teenage pregnancy. The best time to raise a child is when you're emotionally, developmentally, and financially ready.

We'll have to see what the rest of the season has in store, but I think it's worth watching. For more information on the series, click here.

Nicole

The Soaps Are Dying? Say It Ain't So!

Today I saw a Yahoo! blog claiming that soap operas are dying, and I sighed. But the photo of my beloved "Days of Our Lives" couple John and Marlena, made my heart sink. I haven't watched an episode of "Days of Our Lives" in ages, but it's ongoing presence has always been kind of comforting to me.

My mother, my sister, and I shared a common knowledge of the show, having watched it at different points in our lives. We all knew the families and the back stories of the major couples, John and Marlena being one of them. We enjoyed the bizarre story lines (such as Marlena being possessed by the devil and John being the priest who performed her exorcism). It's just been one of those ongoing things between the women in our family - another thread weaving through our relationship.

But it seems that soaps are dying away, and I wonder what their replacement will be. I can't even keep up with the shows on TV now - "One Tree Hill," "Grey's Anatomy," and "Ugly Betty"? Just not the same.

So here's to you "Day's of Our Lives." It was fun. Sniffle, sniffle.

Nicole

Housewives - My Guilty Pleasure!

Am I the only one who loves Bravo's series The Real Housewives of...? I couldn't get enough of The Housewives of Orange County, and I watched a little bit of the NYC version. Well, they're coming out with an Atlanta show, and it debuts tonight! I've read about each character, and I'm not sure if I'm going to be as into this one, but it's worth checking out!

The title of the show is a bit misleading since many of the woman featured on all versions have their own booming businesses. It's really great to see them flourishing in real estate, fashion, nutrition, etc. Sometimes, you may learn a thing or two from them that you can apply in your own pursuits. Now don't get me wrong, there are also those wives who don't do much of anything and can come across as snooty and lazy. They often provide the best drama of the show.

Things can't be serious all the time, can they? :)

Nicole