Russ and Paola: You're the Only Juan for Me

[Lola16]

When Pao was on the beach with her newly acquired model girlfriends... are they the same models on the beach that Mo meets? Wonder if they were TLC hires.

[sarah82]

On 10/24/2016 at 4:04 AM, ChaChaSlide said:

I kind of disagree with this, Paola came from Colombia to the US solely to be with Russ. As an off-shore pipeline engineer, it's not really a job specific to one location; they moved to Oklahoma because his family is there. From what I understand, he can basically be home-based anywhere and still complete his work. Even if the job in Seattle isn't an off-shore remote job, I wonder if he discussed with Pao what his options were and got her feedback on where she wants to live. Even if he's the breadwinner, her feedback on where she would like to live is important and should be treated as such. 

As a married woman myself and the secondary earner in my household, when hubby is up for a move (Department of State), a lot of consideration goes into which of the options present viable job opportunities for me. It is important to further my own career as I support him in his. Pao deserves at least that, the opportunity to pursue her goals and dreams (even if they're quashed) within her marriage. No woman should have to completely suppress herself to support her husband in 2016. 

As I've mentioned before, I don't even think wanting to live in Miami is really even about modeling, I think it's about feeling at least a tiny bit at home; south Florida is home to the largest Colombian community outside of Colombia. The least Russ could've done was  explore jobs in that area, to quell Pao's homesickness. I get a vibe from Russ that he's a bit jealous; isolating her from her own community is his way of making sure she doesn't wise up and leave him (though I don't think she will, I think she truly loves him). 

How do we know Russ did not look for a job in Miami? Are there a lot of oil and gas engineer jobs in Miami?  It does seem like there are a lot of these jobs anywhere. You said your husband had options.  Russ got one job offer.  Beggars can't be choosers.  Realistically, Paola is not going to make it as a model. They need to bring in money.

[Arwen Evenstar]

Since a poster referred to Russ as "boiled oats", I haven't stopped snickering. He's a nice looking man, but he's a bore. He's about as exciting as a bowl of oatmeal. 

Oil and gas jobs are not really found in abundance in Florida, particularly a scenic place like Miami.  Russ COULD live anywhere he wants if he's got a 20 days on 20 days off kind of job. 

[Neurochick]

On 10/25/2016 at 5:46 PM, gonecrackers said:

I don't understand downing Russ; a lot of women would probably appreciate his quiet ways, & perhaps more traditional values, more than Pao does. She knew who she was marrying & came to his country & state to live with him. Maybe she should've thought that through better beforehand. So now she wants to go where she wants for a 'career' she doesn't even have & may never, & her husband has no say in the matter, even though he's trained & actually does have a career & is looking to get a job out of OK - for her.  She may have made a mistake in marrying him but she chose to. If she wanted to 'model', flaunt her body & party it up she had her chance - she's not 20 yrs old anymore. She's now 30, married, & has a responsibility to her husband to care about what he thinks. My opinion is she's being selfish, is acting ridiculous & needs to grow up. She has all kinds of opportunities with him wherever he goes - she can go to school & use her outgoing personality in much better, more productive ways that could nurture her marriage instead of destroy it.

But that's my own opinion.

Well Russ knew who he was marrying as well.   As for traditional values, whose tradition?

[gonecrackers]

38 minutes ago, Neurochick said:

Well Russ knew who he was marrying as well.   As for traditional values, whose tradition?

I said perhaps, as in I'm not really sure what his values are; he doesn't mind her working (I don't think he said he minded) so he's not a 'Jorge', but he does mind her flaunting her body, which I can't blame him; other people may consider that 'controlling', or, 'old fashioned', etc.. She could've done that years ago if she wanted. He also could be concerned for her safety in that regard, but I don't know, however, to me it's a reasonable issue for him.

And yes he knew her culture & her ways, but, I don't think this 'modeling', or moving, was the plan, & he's been vocal about it, but she shuts him down completely. I don't think they had a plan to move out of OK, but he's obliging her on that as well, although he may have never wanted Miami. I don't think she's naive, & she may have already had a 'Miami plan' going on when she arrived. She's already shutting down Seattle without consideration; so I'm thinking she already knows (& perhaps knew) where she wants to be.

It could all be an excuse for her to get out of the marriage; she's here now so that's done & she can blow off her husband & do whatever she wants, however, it could also be a story line, to make Russ the 'bad guy dud of a husband' & her the 'oppressed fun loving wife'. They do manipulate to portray people the way it works for the show. Time will tell.

[funky-rat]

I liked them on the first season, and thought they stood a chance, but I started to dislike them during the first recap, where she wanted to go home for 6 months to run some shoe business that was supposedly super successful. Now they act like her little jobs are all that's keeping them afloat and there's no mention of this super-successful shoe business.  Something is just "off" about them.  Not sure if it's their dynamic, or if it's producer driven.

[booboopbedoo]

I think Pao wants to be on top once in a while and they will not last. She is getting bored and he is so jealous of her.

As for all this modelling career BS - she is almost 30 and how often will she really be called for a job??

[EmeraldGirl]

I'm afraid I'm not as generous about Paola. What's wrong with finding yourself in the state you actually agreed to live in when you couldn't wait to get out of Columbia? She's following the classic, "but I can be a famous model" delusion (hi Anfisa). No she can't. She a dime a dozen pretty girl, and is likely to end up hosting cocktail parties in her bikini for a few more years. I didn't watch their original story, but I'm assuming she wasn't that hot to leave him for modeling when they were dating? Seattle is an amazing city. She can find some sort of career there (even if it's just hot restaurant hostess).

[bichonblitz]

For once I'm on Russ' side. He's trying to find a job. Looks like he may have a pretty good offer in Seattle. Pao is being a bitch. Some one has her believing she has a real shot at modeling. Probably that "photographer" she was paying to take those cheesy beach photo's and that talent agent she was paying to sign her up. Wake up, silly girl. 

[biakbiak]

2 hours ago, bichonblitz said:

For once I'm on Russ' side. He's trying to find a job. Looks like he may have a pretty good offer in Seattle. Pao is being a bitch. Some one has her believing she has a real shot at modeling. Probably that "photographer" she was paying to take those cheesy beach photo's and that talent agent she was paying to sign her up. Wake up, silly girl. 

Also, I imagine the response of the agent would have been completely different if she came in without cameras.

I think she is lovely with a nice body but you could literally find someone more marketable for even the jobs she was complaining about doing in OK and Texas at a coffee shop, juice place, or bar in Miami.

Edited October 29, 2016 by biakbiak

[sleepyjean]

Apparently that agent Pao saw has a background in porn. I wonder how Russ reacted when he heard about that!

[Arwen Evenstar]

53 minutes ago, sleepyjean said:

Apparently that agent Pao saw has a background in porn. I wonder how Russ reacted when he heard about that!

The "I don't like to work with married women" was a huge tip off.  There's lingerie modeling for Victoria's Secret and other legitimate outfits, and trashy lingerie modeling one step above porn.

Russ likely won't object to tasteful stuff, particularly if the photog is female, but I think his discomfort lies in her being alone with male photographers and male promoters who may not be acting in her interests or he's concerned for her safety. There's a lot of bad apples out there.

Edited October 31, 2016 by Arwen Evenstar

[hisbunkie]

On 9/14/2016 at 11:50 AM, Major Bigtime said:

I think he's a mama's boy and doesn't want to leave home.

How do you know that? I have not heard anything that would suggest that.

not sure if they own their home?

[Cherrio]

I don't think Pao knew much about Oklahoma.   I would not be happy there either, especially with his parents. Just don't like folks like that.

Same kind of thing when the Russian gal ended up in butt fuck Rexburg.     

At any rate, I can't stand Russ, I still think he is gay but not dealing with it (his parents and their beliefs) and I think Pao is extremely beautiful and bubbly.

Even at her age I do think she could make a living modeling. She has that "it' factor in her smile, her face, the kind of person who can't stop looking at.

[Aw my lahgs]

2 minutes ago, Cherrio said:

 

Even at her age I do think she could make a living modeling. She has that "it' factor in her smile, her face, the kind of person who can't stop looking at.

For Pao, especially in Miami, there are a dozen girls younger and prettier than her to do the job. Especially since she doesn't have much actual experience. 

[Cherrio]

On 10/30/2016 at 11:48 PM, Nutella said:

For Pao, especially in Miami, there are a dozen girls younger and prettier than her to do the job. Especially since she doesn't have much actual experience. 

True, but I stand by my comments.  She has something special and there are models now of all ages.

Edited November 1, 2016 by Drogo
Removed blank quote.

[Arwen Evenstar]

1 minute ago, Cherrio said:

True, but I stand by my comments.  She has something special and there are models now of all ages.

Pao is very pretty.  And, thanks to the poster who mentioned they think Russ is gay.  He kind of pings my gaydar, but not as much as Mohamed does,

[Cherrio]

Just now, Arwen Evenstar said:

Pao is very pretty.  And, thanks to the poster who mentioned they think Russ is gay.  He kind of pings my gaydar, but not as much as Mohamed does,

I mentioned him being gay the original season. I think a lot of posters were pinging.

[Eme]

Yep, he pinged a lot on the previous season....but, lots of people also took him for being somewhat sheltered and mild mannered.  YMMV.  I think she looks much different from the previous season -- did she get some facial work done?  Not as cute as she was a few years ago.  She is fine looking, but nothing special - and I think that the pictures in her original portfolio were also nothing special.  If someone is really photogenic, that comes through even if the photos are not great quality.  She is much too old, and too short for the kind of Victoria Secret's lingerie modeling that she's envisioning.  I wish Russ would tell her to Go Get The Job and he is prepared for HER TO SUPPORT HIM as she wants to with her fab career (which is going nowhere).

[Aw my lahgs]

On the original season she had a lot of plastic surgery done - boob and butt implants, multiple lipos, nose etc (required of models/escorts in Colombia), was slim but not athletic. Ever since moving to Oklahoma she got into fitness big time! She's now eating low calorie healthy food & working out all the time. So her face is slimmer and more defined. She may have had extra work done too, who knows! 

[biakbiak]

I was sort of shocked by how awful the photos were. She looks much better in motion than in the photos.

[hisbunkie]

Can someone explain what " pings" gay means? Really? 

We are still having this conversation? 

[Landlord]

2 minutes ago, hisbunkie said:

Can someone explain what " pings" gay means? Really? 

We are still having this conversation? 

Pinging the gaydar = 

that you suspect someone to be gay. 

"Everyone insists that Julie is straight but she pings like crazy and she never has a boyfriend. I'm gonna go flirt with her and see how she reacts."

[hisbunkie]

13 minutes ago, Landlord said:

Pinging the gaydar = 

that you suspect someone to be gay. 

"Everyone insists that Julie is straight but she pings like crazy and she never has a boyfriend. I'm gonna go flirt with her and see how she reacts."

Landlord thank you- I know what it means....I'm trying to make a point.  I realize we are snarking here but I guess I get uncomfortable with "getting a ping".

i realize I'm the one who shouted at the tv for Jorge to smack the marionette.  It's the principle of shifting principles.

[Toaster Strudel]

The subject of the argument was Pao's burning desire to show off her titties.

But it could have been about budget, moving, you know, all those decisions you take as a couple.  You marry someone to build a life with him/her, and in all decisions, that person's feelings must be considered, and compromises and sacrifices be made.  And compromises and sacrifices will be made for you, too.

The way she argued with him was outrageous.  Childish, petulant, mocking, stubborn, dismissive.  Russ, on the other hand, kept his cool, stayed rational, and always tried to continue having an intelligent and considerate discussion.  She would have none of it.  I was very impressed with his handling of the situation, and very disappointed with her.

I forget what she said exactly, something to the effect that a husband would be easier to replace than her juvenile, ridiculous titty-baring career.  That was extraordinarily hurtful, because Russ' concerns came from a place of love.  He was fine with her modelling, just no nudity, so I don't think jealousy is at stake here.  She didn't care that he was hurting about this, and set out to hurt him more.

[Landlord]

Just now, hisbunkie said:

Landlord thank you- I know what it means....I'm trying to make a point.  I realize we are snarking here but I guess I get uncomfortable with "getting a ping".

i realize I'm the one who shouted at the tv for Jorge to smack the marionette.  It's the principle of shifting principles.

Oh. LOL! It's on me, then! haha! 

BTW, Mo did not ping for me. He's really just an asshole. 

[Aw my lahgs]

1 hour ago, Toaster Strudel said:

I forget what she said exactly, something to the effect that a husband would be easier to replace than her juvenile, ridiculous titty-baring career.  That was extraordinarily hurtful, because Russ' concerns came from a place of love.  He was fine with her modelling, just no nudity, so I don't think jealousy is at stake here.  She didn't care that he was hurting about this, and set out to hurt him more.

She didn't even tell her parents about the topless pictures, she told them Russ had issues with her posing in underwear!

[ALittleShelfish]

On 10/25/2016 at 8:53 PM, Lola16 said:

When Pao was on the beach with her newly acquired model girlfriends... are they the same models on the beach that Mo meets? Wonder if they were TLC hires.

I thought that too!  I said something on Twitter about it in hopes someone with television knowledge had answers.  A few people mentioned TLC has to pay for a filming permit, so they probably just opted for one permit.  I'd venture further; they probably filmed both storylines the same day and just had one gaggle of model-type-girls around to pick from.  

I liked Russ & Pao so much in S1.  Now, I can barely get thru a scene with them. I hope the previews for the recap/reunion show next week are just soundbites out of context or something.  But does TLC even care that much to do that anymore?  Did they even do a recap/reunion/what's up with everyone now? episode for S1?  I'm old and forgetful.  

[Pepper Mostly]

Pao keeps nattering on about her "career". Which she doesn't have.  She's got a couple of pictures, on spec, from some shady outfit that has promised her nothing. Its been said over and over again, at 30 she is not about to launch a career as a model. She seems to be a go getter and has managed to get gigs even in Oklahoma. Why are we being peddled this "all or nothing" story? It has to be Seattle or Miami? Couldn't Russ look for work in Texas, for instance? Big Latin communities, big cities, and probably more opportunities for Pao's "modeling" than in Oklahoma. I'm sure jobs in his field aren't thick on the ground in Florida. Does Pao intend to support them with her modeling? They are comparing apples and oranges. Russ's career opportunities should be given more weight, not because he's the man, but because he is far likelier to get a good paying full time job than Pao is! She's going to book what, a plumbing supply house calendar? She makes me crazy. She did have a point about Russ loving having a sexy wife, but now he wants her to tone it down. And he lost me completely when he started whinging about how he was raised with morals. Dude. You can take off your top and still have morals. I thought that was a low blow.

[EmeraldGirl]

All I would need is my in-laws making fun of me (with wife egging them on) and I wouldn't be nice enough to walk out of the room. Wtf was that? Bitch is lying up a storm about Russ hating lingerie pics. He didn't even mind the swimsuit pics, I don't think he'd mind lingerie. It's not like anyone offered Paola any sort of contract. She was acting like a young girl finding friends in the dorm for the first time. I'm sorry if you didn't have that life, but you married someone - deal with that first. 

Ack. I'm usually not the kind of gal would would blindly side with the Americans, but these people are making it impossible !!

[Cherrio]

9 hours ago, Toaster Strudel said:

Childish, petulant, mocking, stubborn, dismissive.  Russ, on the other hand, kept his cool, stayed rational, and always tried to continue having an intelligent and considerate discussion.

That description reminds me of Russ at her birthday party.

[booboopbedoo]

What career??? She had some pictures taken!

[gonecrackers]

I haven't finished watching the show (3 hours??? eeesh); anyway I have a new take on Pao. I was really hating her behavior then realized it's all an act, & a bad one. She's over acting, like Chantel. It's way too over the top - all of it. I'm thinking they're taking something, a little something, & blowing it up for a good story line. (typical) I have no doubt her parents were in on it, playing along. It makes the couple money & they're all on American TV, so why not. So, my guess is this is all a build up to a good end - he finds a job, she's happy with whatever happy, blah blah. IMO

Edited November 1, 2016 by gonecrackers
forgot a word

[funky-rat]

On ‎10‎/‎31‎/‎2016 at 2:33 PM, Pepper Mostly said:

Pao keeps nattering on about her "career". Which she doesn't have.  She's got a couple of pictures, on spec, from some shady outfit that has promised her nothing. Its been said over and over again, at 30 she is not about to launch a career as a model. She seems to be a go getter and has managed to get gigs even in Oklahoma. Why are we being peddled this "all or nothing" story? It has to be Seattle or Miami? Couldn't Russ look for work in Texas, for instance? Big Latin communities, big cities, and probably more opportunities for Pao's "modeling" than in Oklahoma. I'm sure jobs in his field aren't thick on the ground in Florida. Does Pao intend to support them with her modeling? They are comparing apples and oranges. Russ's career opportunities should be given more weight, not because he's the man, but because he is far likelier to get a good paying full time job than Pao is! She's going to book what, a plumbing supply house calendar? She makes me crazy. She did have a point about Russ loving having a sexy wife, but now he wants her to tone it down. And he lost me completely when he started whinging about how he was raised with morals. Dude. You can take off your top and still have morals. I thought that was a low blow.

My uncle lives in Oklahoma, and I don't know that many people down there would have an issue with the photos she did.  I didn't see any topless - she was covering herself (although I could have missed something) but many of those guys down there have calendars hanging in their hunting cabins or garages that were worse than what she did.  I just think his parents had an issue with him "importing" a bride.  Jerks come from every state.

[silverspoons]

On ‎10‎/‎31‎/‎2016 at 11:20 AM, ALittleShelfish said:

I thought that too!  I said something on Twitter about it in hopes someone with television knowledge had answers.  A few people mentioned TLC has to pay for a filming permit, so they probably just opted for one permit.  I'd venture further; they probably filmed both storylines the same day and just had one gaggle of model-type-girls around to pick from.  

 

Reality TV and TLC has filmed a lot in my area. TLC has recruited people for their shows. I know they found girls from my son's high school for a show to "act" a part in a polygamy show. It was so fake. Our whole family sat around watching like it was a comedy since it was so faked. What is sad is there are so many real stories that I know the viewers would love to see, but TLC picks easy storylines  and actors to film instead of finding the real people that have real stories to tell.

I'm not sure about permits because here they film in the same  areas and make it look like another place or exaggerate. 4 networks have filmed with 2 miles of my house and TLC has filmed 3 shows 2 miles from my house and if you were to believe everything that these shows put on TV, I live in a an area that is either the happiest sunshine loving community to a community hiding in fear. Editing is crazy. Just waiting for them for film 90 day finace here someday. I had 2 neighbors both marry on K1 visas this summer. there is no shortage of 90 day finaces here but I think most would be too boring and not enough drama to fake.

[CofCinci]

Are these two still together?

[biakbiak]

14 minutes ago, CofCinci said:

Are these two still together?

Based on instagram, yes. There are a few pictures of them hanging out with Alexei and Loren so maybe Russ moved to Miami. She is also using her married name on SM.

[spankydoll]

On 3/26/2017 at 9:19 AM, biakbiak said:

Based on instagram, yes. There are a few pictures of them hanging out with Alexei and Loren so maybe Russ moved to Miami. She is also using her married name on SM.

I am shocked! I thought that he was done after the topless shots. 

[silverspoons]

On ‎3‎/‎26‎/‎2017 at 7:19 AM, biakbiak said:

Based on instagram, yes. There are a few pictures of them hanging out with Alexei and Loren so maybe Russ moved to Miami. She is also using her married name on SM.

I almost didn't recognize her as a blond now. So she is becoming a personal trainer? I think it is a better choice then a model , and hopefully a good comprise. It is at least a career you can do in just about any state (if you are qualified and get results for clients).

[gonecrackers]

I agree that's a better career choice but saw her Twitter profile pic & crap she looks like a freakin' stripper.

[biakbiak]

The blonde hair is atrocious.

[Celia Rubenstein]

Pictures please!  Links!  I need to see this! 

ETA: nevermind, I found it.  I don't mind the blonde hair, actually.  It looks a lot better in some pictures than others.  She needs to find a shade that suits her better than blah champagne though.  But I like it better than that mop of black coffee weave mess she used to wear. 

Edited April 6, 2017 by Celia Rubenstein

[greekmom]

OMG. That blonde hair is terrible

[sleepyjean]

Her hair is interesting. In some pics it looks good.

This is just embarrassing.

[CofCinci]

#ignorethebruises just brings attention to the bruises. 

[jumper sage]

On 10/31/2016 at 1:20 PM, ALittleShelfish said:

 A few people mentioned TLC has to pay for a filming permit, so they probably just opted for one permit.  I'd venture further; they probably filmed both storylines the same day and just had one gaggle of model-type-girls around to pick from.

Nice catch!

Paola looks terrible in the second picture.  Horrible outfit.  Reminds me of Balki.

[spankydoll]

On ‎4‎/‎9‎/‎2017 at 11:30 PM, sleepyjean said:

Her hair is interesting. In some pics it looks good.

This is just embarrassing.

She should have covered up the cheesy plastic storage bins. Is she auditioning for music videos or yacht girl?

[Wings]

She should have tidied the entire background including bananas! 

[greekmom]

I saw the preview on TLC. So she spends big bucks to get her hair done because you have to spend money to make money?  Uhhh... sure - she is perfect now for a stripper job.

[MrSmith]

On 4/28/2017 at 8:31 PM, spankydoll said:

She should have covered up the cheesy plastic storage bins. Is she auditioning for music videos or yacht girl?

With moves like that, I can see how Russ was able to get in there! Neither one of them seem to have any sense of rhythm. The outfit she's wearing is terrible, horrible, and even worse than that. Personally, I don't think she looks at all good as a blonde. It's not that she has to have black hair or anything, but blonde is definitely not for her.