SabineElisabeth

In all fairness, Layla's been saying her full name (or at least, first and last name) for quite some time. For example, I definitely remember (not sure why I remember, but anyhoo) her saying her first and last name during their last camping video, which according to YT was 9 months ago. And I'm pretty sure I remember hearing her say her full name a few other times, although I can't remember any other specific instances off the top of my head. To me, in the referenced video from a couple weeks ago, it seemed like either something about the way Evan asked the question confused her in general, or that she was asking Evan to remind her of her middle name (or, as I think she called it, "that" name). Anyway, certainly not an Evan + Carlin apologist, but as evidenced by previous video, Layla knows her real name quite well and has for some time. IMHO, Layla seems rather bright and very outgoing, and I think she would really excel in a mainstream pre-k environment - and would love every minute of it. Really quite sad that instead, she's sitting alone at a desk being "taught" by her dumb-as-a-rock parents.

Not that this really matters at all, but I've been wondering since I saw the video of them assembling the crib why the 4 corner pieces of wood are natural colored rather than white like the rest of it? It looks unfinished / cheap, IMHO. It also amuses me how Trace goes on about how skilled Lydia is at decorating their house because I'm sorry, it's sweet he's supportive of his wife, I guess, but yeah, no . . . their house is not cute. At all.

So, just thinking back to when my nephew was Allie's age, he would also say he didn't enjoy the private Christian school he attended. However, he wasn't making some nuanced distinction between Christian private school and other schooling options; he just meant that he doesn't enjoy school generally. But, assuming for the sake of argument that Allie actually does have a gripe(s) specific to homeschool only, Allie's 8. And 8 year olds don't get to run their own lives because - thank God - that's not how this works. That's not how any of this works. P.S. I think home schooling almost always provides children with a sub-standard education, significantly restricting their options re: higher education / career, and has the potential to restrict their socialization. So, absolutely not advocating for home schooling. Just pointing out that the inmates shouldn't be running the asylum IMHO.

While she might protest otherwise, the evidence certainly seems to suggest Carlin in fact doesn't give a crap about Evan driving her around . . . given that in their very next YouTube video, Carlin and both the kids got their hair done - while Evan waited in the car, as usual.

Pretty sure their devotees are about as bright as they are. And apparently, a lot of people don't realize that all they're actually getting is crap someone else bought, repackaged, and then marked up 1000% This is also rampant on Etsy, and I'm guessing lots of other seller platforms. Do a quick Google image search, and it's amazing how many of these items are available (and sold individually) on AliExpress for pennies on the dollar, comparatively. Of course, it takes a while to get shit from China, and you don't get the "Bates expierience," so if people want to go to their warehouse sales, whatever. But, if truly just looking for a good deal, you're much better off staying home and just buying the items directly.

I usually don't even write my appointments down or take an appointment card anymore when leaving the doctor/dentist, as I already have an email by the time I get home with a link to click to add the appointment to my calendar. And then there's the text and/or email and/or phone call asking me to confirm my appointment. Then I sometimes get another couple emails/texts reminding me of the appointment after that. So, to your point, seriously, how is it actually still possible to get your appointment day/time wrong? I have been late to a doctor's appointment exactly once in recent memory, due to a wreck on the interstate of which I was unaware in time to leave early - and while they did in fact fit me in, I waited almost 2 hours. Perhaps when you just kind of float through your days, that's no big deal, but I certainly have better things to do. It was also super weird that they didn't know exactly why Zade was going to the doctor. However, given the way they recount their medical appointments generally, I suppose it's not all that surprising. And this applies not just to C&E, because my God, shaking my head after watching Trace/Lydia's last video about their baby's size, in which Lydia just giggles about being unsure of her baby's actual status/progress because she can remember "patterns" but not "numbers." They are definitely not the Brain Trust. I was able to articulate information from my doctor's appointments (and I had lots of respiratory issues as a child, so there were many) with way more comprehension and detail than C&E by the time I was in kindergarten - and I'm really not exaggerating that. The other super weird thing about their videos I keep noticing is how Evan just hangs out in the car waiting for Carlin and Layla to have spa treatments (often impromptu?) and whatnot. I get she can't drive, but if I were her, there's no way I would be okay with my husband regularly just sitting in the car while I get pampered. Even if he were 100% okay with it, I would feel so uncomfortable and guilty that I wouldn't be able to really relax and enjoy the activity. I still watch C&E because mainly because I personally think Layla and Zade are pretty stinkin' cute. And I do appreciate that they want to foster a fun environment for their kids and do like watching them all enjoy being together. But, I will say this - my parents, who both worked full-time jobs, managed to both act like responsible adults AND fill our lives with tons of laughter and fun and love.

Sounds like they probably do have more income streams than I'm aware of (as I have no idea what a Dime page is, for instance), and they probably make more off each than I'd expect. And I guess it all adds up. Just seems kind of crazy, but good for them, I suppose, if that's what they want to do. As someone who wanted to be an attorney from the time I was 6 yo (and I am), I can't imagine being happy with a mash up of sorta work (nor I could imagine having much respect for a husband whose entire career goal now seems to be making short youtube vids and helping with some website design (or whatever it is exactly he does for BSB) , , , but to each their own. I was actually watching some old youtube vids of theirs last night - as I was busy and couldn't reach my remote, so ended up watching whatever vids my tv randomly cycled through - and really became aware of just how very materialistic Evan and Carlin are. In one video, they were both drooling over Zach and Whitney's GMC Denali, going on about the luxuriousness of the leather, and so on. In another, Evan was circling Trav's Tesla, exclaiming how "sick" it is (idk why exactly, but hearing Evan say that word grates so much). And in another, Evan surprised Carlin with diamond stud earrings for Christmas, and she actually asks straight up how much they cost, while Evan points out that the screw on backs were a very expensive upgrade. (And in fact, she seemed super focused on - and delighted about - all the expensive gifts with which Evan had stuffed her stocking. Lush bath bombs, and some other crap (already forgotten exactly what). Anyway, I don't really have a grand point . . . was just very struck with the pretty stark contrast between Evan and Carlin's content and say, the videos Chad and Erin upload (and it made me wonder what Erin thinks about their over-the-top focus on expensive "stuff"). Not that Erin is the arbiter of what's okay and what's not . . . but idk, E&C's vids don't, in some ways, seem very in line with the values they grew up with (at least Carlin, can't really say for Evan), nor the values they espouse to have now.

Tax cover for what??? To get any benefit out of writing off a loss, don't you need something to write off? And if they aren't making the bulk of their income from the fugly dress boutique, then I can't imagine how else they're funding their, shall we say, less-than-frugal lifestyle. There's no way they're making that much from social media with less than 200K followers, and while I guess it's theoretically possible Gil gave them a decent chunk of money for doing the show that they've prudently saved/invested . . . that doesn't strike me as super likely. Then again, they paid $310k for a house a little over a year ago according to the warranty deed - and there's no evidence of a mortage. Or at least, not a traditional one (as in, one recorded in the real property records). I guess it's possible they did some kind of owner financing / contract-for-deed kind of thing, given they were close with the owners. But, bottom line is they clearly spend a not insignificant amount of money - which has to come from somewhere. For Knoxville, their house is nice, but absolutely nothing over-the-top. 100% completely average. However, add in the Tesla. The vacations. The endless supply of Starbucks + fast food, facials, massages, manis and pedis, higher-end leather sofas, electronics . . . and so on. So, either they did actually pocket a chunk of change from the show (highly unlikely, IMHO), or they're making way more than we think from the BSB, social media, or some combination thereof. And I guess another option is that they're making money doing something we don't know about, but chances of them having some other lucrative side gig and not saying a word about it are remote, I think it's fair to say. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

So . . . keep in mind this was 10+ years ago, and we were only there for 2-3 hours. Plus, this was before the Bates had even filmed their first show, United Bates of America, so we only knew of them from 19 Kids. Thus, I'd say that at the time, we were way more curious about the Duggars than the Bates and because of that focus, i think, we came away with more observations and thoughts about the Duggars than the Bates, to be honest. And my final caveat would be that while it sounds a little odd, even to me, in retrospect, there really just wasn't as much to dish on as you might think. When we got there, Kelly, Gil, and Jim Bob were hanging out in the house together and watching the younger kids, Michelle was napping (and she had Josie with her), and the rest of the kids had basically broken up into boy/girl groups based on age. The boys mostly stayed outside, the older girls hung out in the girls' room, and the younger girls played mostly inside in the big living room. So, I wouldn't say it was quiet, but it wasn't deafening, because everybody was pretty scattered about and never inside together all at the same time. As to their heights, the only ones I remember actually noticing were Gil and Jim Bob . . . as Gil wasn't much taller than I am (5'2"), and he looked especially short in comparison to JB. After a bit, Gil, Jim Bob, and a few of the older boys got the grill going and cooked hamburgers and hot dogs (and yes, there were more than enough). Kelly and a few of the older girls then got some stuff ready in the kitchen (a few side dishes, which were store-bought, as I remember . . . although I didn't pay that much attaention as I'm a pretty picky eater, so just had a hot dog and some chips lol) and set out plates, plasticware, etc. And they did ice cream cones for dessert - and there was a pretty hilarious amount of ice cream, I must say. Michelle finally came out right around this time, got a bowl of ice cream, and the other adults (plus the 3 of us) sat together inside talking for a little while longer, until they decided it was time to organize a big group game, which seemed like an appropriate point for us to excuse ourselves and head out. As to their personalities . . . Michelle was by far the most quiet and seemed kind of distant / disconnected. Granted, that could be because she'd just woken up. And yes, her voice sounds just as high and unnatural and fake in person as it does on tv. Jim Bob was also pretty much exactly like you'd anticipate - cheesy, and just seemed very "on." As we were preparing to leave, he went back to where he and Michelle were staying, I guess, and came back with two of their books (which means he obviously travels with copies of their book, just in case, apparently, which cracked me up for some reason), and autographed them for us. Re: the Bates, I really don't think i came away with a very strong impression about Gil one way or the other, and honeslty, I didn't find Kelly annoying at all. She seemed super friendly and warm, and I know she gets knocked a lot for being lazy, but out of the 4 adults, I can say that at least while we were there (which admittedly, is barely a second in the scope of things), she definitely did the most work and just overall seemed the most "busy," I guess is the right word. She was the one who would get up to go check on the youger kids the most often, and was always just kind of moving about, checking on things, being a good host (asking if we needed a drink refill, etc) that kind of thing. After we left, my sister and I both remarked that while Gil and JB seemed to get along pretty efforlessly, Kelly and Michelle's personalities seemed like night and day. So much so, that we were both kind of surprised they were such good friends. (Or professed to be, I guess lol). As to any of the kids, I can't say I spent enough time around any of them to really comment much on their personalities. The ones we interacted with were all super polite to us, but they were really just super excited, I think, that they were getting to spend time with their besties and focused on that. (Oh, and my impression of their house? It was clear that function was way more important than style/decor, which kind of makes sense when you have that many kids. I don't remember a lot of specifics, but it certainly wasn't dirty; just cluttered, all the furniture looked older and well used, etc). So, for what it's worth, there's the scoop on my Bates/Duggar encounter. : )

As I was watching the new episodes on Tubi, I noticed a couple of the older boys saying "idea-er" too, but now I can't remember which ones. Maybe that's a South Carolina thing, because I grew up about 20 minutes from where the Bates live, and nobody else pronounces "idea" that way. Another thing they do, and that is common in that area, is to say "I seen" instead of "I saw," and that is the one that drives me the most nuts. As for their accents generally, they're definitely on the heavy side for that area, but nothing that would turn heads. Many, many years ago my sister's now ex-husband was working for his dad selling used cars, and Gil would occassionally buy trucks to use in his tree business from him that had been previously owned/used by the railroad. One summer, Gil and her then-husband had just completed a sale and he reached out to Gil to arrange to deliver the trucks to him, and GIl invited them to a cookout they were having the next day with the Duggars, who were staying with them. My sister of course immediately called me and invited me to go with, so the three of us along with my nephew all went over the next day and hung out with them for a couple hours. All of that to say that, I don't remember their accents being as noticeable in person as they seem to be on the show. However, I guess part of that could be that they were around a lot of people with less pronounced accents (us, and the Duggars), and it does seem like people unconsciously adapt their way of speaking to be more like the people with whom they're speaking. For instance, my colleages tease me every time I go home to visit, because they say I come back (to Dallas) and sound like a country girl for the first week or so. People also tease me if they hear me on the phone with my family, saying I instantly have a much stronger accent. Jumping back to the show, I've been working from home this week and let the new episodes play again in the background yesterday as I worked. And after seeing Esther's wedding dress a second time, I find it even more hideous than I did the first time around . . . which seemed like an appropriate note on which to end my post. : )

Can you really make a living as an "influencer" when you have less than 200k subscribers? I just assumed whatever they make off social media is incidental, and that they must be actually living off the boutique. In any case, either way, I certainly would never in a million years have imagined they're making the kind of money to drive a $100,000+ car. (Nor do I have any idea how Katie and Travis afford their Tesla, either, for that matter). As far as being jealous, consider the long term, and I bet you'll be more horrified than envious. You KNOW without a shadow of a doubt they aren't maxing out the amount they can contribute tax free to a retirement account each year (guessing they don't actually have retirement accounts). And I would also bet on the fact they aren't investing, saving . . . you know, all that stuff that isn't as fun in the moment as trips to the spa and fancy cars but is awesome when you're old and don't have to try and survive on the pittance you get from social security,

Speaking of, I really expected to see tons of videos of Erin, Alyssa, and their kids hanging out together now that they live so close to each other. However, I've only noticed a few vids of Alyssa taking her kids to Erin's house, a couple mentions of visits that weren't filmed, apparently, and I don't remember ever seeing Erin and her kids at Alyssa's house. Nor do I remember Carlin visitng Erin in Florida. I guess when you have that many kids in a family, some are going to be closer than others, but the seeming lack of interaction between Alyssa / Erin / Carlin stands out like a sore thumb, imo.

Umm, just watched Carlin and Evan pick up their brand new Tesla . . . and holy crap, with the options Evan implies they chose, that's about a $125k car. Whether they bought or are just leasing . . .damn. Guess the fugly dress boutique is a way more lucrative endeavor than I'd imagined.

I wondered the same thing, so asked The Google - and after a couple minutes skimming the search results, I think you're correct. A grandparent / grandchild don't share enough DNA for the results of a DNA test between only one grandparent and a grandchild to be considereed conclusive (>99% certainty); thus, the results will either be in the inconclusive or excluded range. It seems like a result of 76% is considered quite high for a grandparentage test, however, and about as close to conclusive as you can get.

Hmmm. . . so Trent and Amber bankrolled his sister so she could leave her husband. Noticed that when they cut to Trent and Amber, Amber, who always has an opinion about everything and usually interrupts Trent to say it, was completely silent and had major stink face going on. (Okay, Amber always has stink face . . . but somehow seemed to amp it up even more as Trent was talking about helping his sister out financially).

Love the sweet relationship between GiGi and the oldest granddaughter. I was also the oldest grandchild, and my grandmother and I were always especially close. Until she passed away a few years ago, she was my best friend and the person I loved most in the world. GiGi actually reminds me a little bit of her, in that they both have the same kind of spunky attitude, can be a little bit irrereverent at times, and are fierce when it comes to their family. I laughed when Darien suggested a double date and GiGi said, "Child, please." Overall, this show just feels weird to me, and I think it's the disconnect between the crappy parents who I dislike more every time I see them and their 14 awesome kids, who all seem to be bright, happy, funny, well-mannered, creative . . . Overall, the kids are just delightful - and I love seeing glimpses of their personalities. (Would love a show that only focused on GiGi and the kids. Woudln't miss the parents' storylines at all). I laughed out loud when Derrico was trying to teach the kids to ride their bikes and Dawsyn totally peaced out, saying, "Done with this. Bye." 😆

Totally a guess, as I don't personally follow any of them on social media, but betting Jessica has been posting about her girlfriend on social media since long before the episodes featuring her started airing on tv. And that's probably the same place they advertised their meet 'n greet, as well. So, same audience - meaning, that in real time, the people who attended the meet 'n greet were probably already pretty familiar with her girlfriend by then.

Wow. That was actually painful to watch. But, good on Pumpkin for rejecting the feel good moment June was trying to shove down their throats, and for then actually turning it into an opportunity to force June to really hear her. Not that I think it will do any good as far as changing June's behavior, but I found it quite satisfying to watch as she finally had to face the enormity and depth of the hurt she's inflicted on her family. But, most of all, I hope it was helpful to Pumkin to be able to be face to face with her mom and say what had long needed to be said. Lingering thoughts from this episode? An even more intense hope that in spite of their pathetic excuse of a mother, June's kids get their happily ever after.

I do think June is sorry her relationship with her girls is broken, but I only think she's sorry in so much as it's negatively affecting HER. And I don't feel even the teeny tiniest little bit bad for her. In fact, I would say I feel about as bad for her as she feels about what she's done to her kids - which is to say, not at all. Not to repeat myself, but . . . in June's world, it's always about June, 100% of the time. I mean, for example - dragging Anna to her wedding shower. I nearly threw up in my mouth when June said she invited Anna because she wants to have a closer relationship with her. Sorry, but no. If she truly wanted to do something related to the shower that would also help in mending her relationship with Anna, save some treats for her and take them by her house after the shower. Make sure she's doing okay after having major surgery. Spend a little time with her sick daughter and her grandkids. But no, June needed Anna to physically be at the shower as part of the fake image she's trying to create for the inlaws, so she somehow coerced Anna into showing up. At which point, June watched her hobble in, sit there for who knows how long, clearly on pain meds and clearly still in pain - and June didn't give a FUCK. Then there's June and her crocodile tears in the bathroom over finding out Jessica's gay on social media. Aww, poor June. She must've been so upset because she knew it would've meant a lot to Jessica to be able to share that moment with her mom, right? Nope. Not fucking June Never once did it seem to even cross June's mind that Jessica might have felt some kinda way about the fact her mom found out she's gay through her social media. June was upset because SHE didn't want to find out from social media. SHE wanted to be included in the moment. SHE wanted to be wanted. SHE wanted to be having fun and partying with everybody else. Anyway, so many more examples, so little time. But, it all comes down to this. It doesn't matter what "it" is, it's always always always about fucking June. June, and only June. All of the fucking time.

It's finally starting to dawn on June that her kids are thriving in spite of her / without her in their lives - and June is wracked with guilt over the damage her addiction and selfish behavior has wrought on her entire family super irritated her crappy relationship with her girls is making her look bad to Justin's family and pissed the girls are raining on her wedding fun dumb-as-shit wedding crap by not acting like everything's great and participating. And as June sniveled and cried over her broken relationship with her kids and Justin crowed about June finally giving a shit, it occured to me that she cared only because it's negatively affecting HER. SHE wants to use her girls to create a fake image of herself for her in laws, SHE wants the girls to participate in her wedding prep because it will make it more fun for HER, SHE wants her girls to walk her down the aisle because it will means so much to HER, and so on. Not once did it ever seem to occur to her that perhaps the relationships are worth repairing not because she isn't having as much fun as she wants, but because her girls might need her. Because her girls might be hurting. Pumpkin basically said it all in one of her talking heads, when she commented that rather than just turn around and invite Anna to the shower when the other girls refused to go, it would have been nice if June had instead put some effort into making things right with them. To me, it's clear as day that what June's kids really need from her is to feel like they are her first priority, like they are more important to her than anyone or anything else. In fact, I think that is what's really at the core of every single issue they have with June. And sadly, I don't think June has the ability to honestly self-reflect or the insight needed to truly understand that, first of all. (I mean, let's be real, every time she managed to admit she was anything less than perfect, she also couldn't resist (falsely) accusing the girls of also being responsible for the current state of their relationship). And even if by some miracle she were to finally get it, I don't think she has the emotional capacity nor the sincere desire needed to consistently prioritize her kids over a man. So, yeah, June, you are still a massively selfish fucking bitch. (Sorry, it just makes me feel better to say it "out loud"). On a positive note, they all seemed to have a ton of fun at the drag queen show, and loved loved loved how much it meant to Jessica. Also, cracked up at Pumpkin's "zen and peace" comment.

After finishing all four episodes, I would say it was definitely a worthwhile watch, but overall, it felt like the docu-series was having an identity crisis. From beginning to end, it just seemed like the focus was continually bouncing from exposing the Duggar family as liars and fakes to pulling back the curtain on the IBLP, back to the Duggars, back to the IBLP, and so on. In any case, I personally was left feeling like I never could pinpoint the exact point the docu-series was tying to make - but, it still managed to present a pretty horrifying picture of what life was like for those associated with the IBLP, and the individual stories told by former victims were especially revealing, compelling, and powerful. *And while I admire all of them for sharing their stories publically, I have to say my absolute favorite was the woman who ultimately went to Bill Gothard's house and ended up staring him down and finally seeing him for the pathetic loser he really is. That, IMHO, was totally bad ass.

Wow. Derricco's in a mood so far this season and is treating Karen even worse than usual. Don't get me wrong, she was as unlikable as ever herself, but that doesn't give Derricco a free pass to be a condescending asshole towards her, either. Interesting that silent hanger-on dude (sorry, can't remember his name) is now living with GiGi. He's probably a nice enough person who's just highly introverted and has no life of his own, but yeah, can't help it . . . he still gives me creeper vibes and just generally weirds me out. Hopefully he's helpful to GiGi, however, and she's pleased with the arrangement. Speaking of GiGi, adore her and very happy she seemed to be in reasonably good spirits and that her quality of life appeared to stilll be good. Also enjoyed seeing the kids again and appreciated the individual updates (altho I wish they hadn't been nearly as brief). Always amazed at how bright, happy, vibrant, and well-adjusted their kids seem to be in spite of their crappy-ass parents. Also appreciate the lack of whining and bickering amongst the kids - as compared to most other huge TLC families . . . such as, oh, I don't know . . . the Busby quints? Or perhaps the Gosselin brats? So, will continue to try to tune out Derricco and Karen for another season and focus on GiGi and the kiddos. ❤

I still CANNOT stand Daniele. Healthy self-esteem is a good thing, but IMHO, Daniele's opinion of herself is better described as conceit. She says she knows her own worth, but again, IMHO, if she were basing that worth upon the right things - namely, that human beings have inherent worth by virtue of being human - then she wouldn't think she's God's gift to the world, while showing through her words and actions that she thinks Yohan is a piece of shit. Somebody in the Tell All Part 1 thread mentioned Daniele's bankruptcy, and because the Tell All Part 2 is boring me to death, I decided to hop on over to PACER and have a look-see. Will share the more interesting tidbits, but labeling the info as "spoiler," since it's not really episode related. And disclaimer: While I'm an attorney, I'm not a bankruptcy attorney, so take any opinions or conclusions I express accordingly. : )

Pumpkin's constant begging for grousing about money is pretty grating and yet, I still find myself rooting for her. While by no means perfect, she's definitely risen above her raisin' - as we say here in the South. And I think it's pretty sweet Josh gives her credit for that. In any case, Lord knows the odds are stacked against them, but I can't help hoping that she and Josh somehow manage to keep their little family together and relatively healthy / happy. Otherwise, I've mostly spent the first two episodes of this season wondering why in the hell June is still on my screen. IMHO, the show would be much better if she were written completely out of it - a la Michelle and Jim Bob on 19 kids (minus the "being slowly written back in" part, that is). Seriously, she adds absolutely nothing. And when, with that smug look that's always on her face, she starts whining and pouting about her girls still holding her drug addiction against her three whole, long years later, I so want for someone to make her understand that you don't get to fuck peoples' whole world up and then demand they get it over and move on just because YOU are too selfish and lazy to do the hard work of rebuilding that which YOU single-handedly destroyed. Sorry, June, but that's not how this works. That's not how any of this works. And yes, Josh could work. And no, Alana doesn't need to get her nails and hair and whatever done all the time. And the list goes on. However, none of that changes the fact it's fucking disgusting for June to only pay $800/mo in child support while buying expensive wine for her mother in law because she wants her to enjoy the "finer things in life," a mouthful of new teeth for her boy toy, a stupid wedding-after-the-fact with her boy toy and his new teeth . . . basically anything you can think of other than taking care of her own freaking kid. (And maybe some day, I'll share how I really feel about June . . . ) :)

If Amber has any hope of stopping her downward spital, she's going to have to face the reality of why she really had an abortion. After confirming her pregnancy, the doctor said that her impaired liver function "could be very serious." Amber then asked, "Could it be fatal to me?," and after a short pause, he responds, "There are people who have died . . ." Saying that something is possible, however, is not at all the same as saying it's probable, and it's definitely not the same as saying it's a certainty. Nonetheless, Amber consistently recounts being told "it was me or the baby," creating a completely false pretext for her decision to have an abortion. She doesn't stop there, though, using her made up reality to portray herself as a victim and to try and solicit sympathy (which I personally find pretty gross every time she does it - which is often). But, as we all know, the real reason she chose to terminate her pregnancy is because T.C. had already made it clear to her he didn't want any more children, and she was desperate to maintain the relationship. It's looking like her plan has been a huge fail, however, as T.C. refuses to coddle her at all and is perilously close to bolting, and Amber doesn't have the baby that I think she actually wanted. Now she's left trying to reconcile the fact she had an abortion she didn't want to try and keep a relationship that's obviously slipping through her fingers - and she deals by getting drunk and spewing all her anger at T.C. (Said in my best armchair therapist voice).* In other news, I'm not really sure why, but I find myself kind of liking Taylor. I feel like she and her sister must've gone through some shit growing up, as they're both damaged, but I just get the sense that Taylor's a pretty decent and grounded person who seems to have some actual potential. So, I'm hoping that in the next episode, we see her finally get rid of Chance the lying, manipulative dead weight she's been carrying for good. My favorite person on the whole show, however - maybe ever - is Aris' daughter Lina. And to Aris' credit, she's very aware Lina is the coolest - and is appropriately proud of her. *To be clear, the above is intended to be neither an expression of judgment nor opinion regarding Amber's choice to have an abortion. However, I definitely intended to express a large amount of judgment and opinion, all directed towards her gross misrepresentation of her doctor's comment as not only a justification for the abortion, but to make herself out to be a victim in an attempt to play on others' emotions to get attention and sympathy.