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A Good Year

Tamra Barney looks back on the highs and lows of her first season as a Real Housewife.

By Tamra Judge

Lauri and George's wedding was so beautiful — it took my breath away. Lauri looked amazing and George so handsome. Simon and I are so happy for them. They are so in love and it is obvious. I wish them years of love, happiness, and all the joys of being married. Maybe even a baby? Ahhh — think how cute it would be, Lauri! I would have to say that last year was one of the most exciting times of my life. If someone would have told me a year ago that I'd be on a TV show I would have told them they were crazy. I never in a million years would have believed them! The friends that I have made during this process has made every stupid thing I said on TV worth it. All the housewives are wonderful women and I have them as friends forever. There were so many good times I don't even know where to start. From going to New York and attending the Project Runway fashion show to Access Hollywood, Extra, The Today Show, and the new 1500+ MySpace fans I have. The first season you are on a show is definitely a learning experience. It is almost therapeutic to see yourself from the outside. There were things I wish I did not say and certain facial expressions that I will never make again.

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My life has changed drastically for good and bad. Thank God the good outweighs the bad. I get recognized whereever I go. It is so funny to see their expressions — some people will look at me and turn away real fast like they don't want me to think they are staring or they will follow me around the store until I say something or the occasional screamer" "OMG YOU'RE THAT GIRL FROM THE RHOC!" The young girls are funny — I had one scream in the middle of the mall, "Your oldest son is SO hot!" Getting into restaurants is a lot easier now. BUT, the privacy issue is sometimes a problem. I had to change all my phone numbers and people drive by the house all the time (the neighbors don't like that too much). I feel like I can't leave the house without looking my best or I have to put a hat and sunglasses on (doesn't work). I heard that we all get pre-judged, I think people need to keep in mind that just because they don't show us at charity events or playing with our kids or going to church doesn't mean we don't do those things. I have recently gotten involved with a charity called Childhelp. Now that the season is over I am looking forward to giving them more of my time.


Overall I loved working with everyone and it was an opportunity of a lifetime and I am sad that the season is over. Here are my Top Five Favorite Moments from this season: 1. My birthday party was so amazing. I am so happy to have it all documented on film. Thanks again, Simon, for a great party 2. Ryan moving back into the house was something that I had wanted for years. It was so nice to see him every day and for the little kids to be around their big brother. 3. The Harley ride was so much fun. Getting all our friends together and riding over to Cook's Corner is always a blast. 4. Going to San Diego with the Housewives and staying at the beautiful hotel — being pampered is always nice. 5. Sharing my surgery with the viewers was special to me. I got so many e-mails from girls all over the world that had the same problem. I think I inspired other women to have the BIG implants removed and go natural, or have smaller more comfortable implants replaced.

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