I wish you would support Slade mentally sometimes more. I think your both a good couple and I know you love him and he loves you, I hope you don't let people like Tammara ruin your relationship. People say Slade isen't working from what we see as viewer's it seems like he is taking care of things for you? You joke and raz him about him wanting to go out and to Comedy or find himself be more supportive of him, Don't let other people judge him remember it was them who judged you. By the way your my favorite couple you guys rock love ya

Spot on, Gretchen!

Vickis needs to stop! If u can dish it u can take it

I'm sure this won't be posted, but I agree with 100% of your blog. You have articulated how the viewers have felt about Vicki for the past 8 seasons!

gretchen you are turning into a bully.you all were talking about lex at the table. and tamra started it.if your going to play along with tamras games.alexis should stay away from you.heather kept talking about it.lex was crying.she had your back so much.you guys are bullys.she and vicki should start a friendship.

Gretchen..Gretchen ....Slade is a LOSER....Loser you can do a zillion..I repeat a Zillion times better...do I need to do an Intervention ?..?? Call me ASAP for help

I think it's really sad how you turned on your friend, Alexis. Don't lie Gretchen, you really have. Tamra said horrible things to you all these years, and Alexis has always supported you, and you know it. What is most sad is that you are letting your argument with change your relationship. She can't say she's hurt? Why don't you say you're hurt when she didn't stand for you with Vicki. You know why? Because she wasn't involved in that fight. YOU were involved in discussing her nose job, YOU brought Tamra into it, and YOU had everything to do with it.

Gretchen, you've always been my favorite, but seeing this relationship with Tamra is pretty disgusting. you're willing to change your friendship with Alexis because she tells you she's hurt, but Tamra can trash talk you, and STILL call your boyfriend a dead beat, and you're OK with that? I think this means you're disloyal and not a good friend. You're not the person with the character I thought you had.

I will agree... Everything in your argument with Vicki was DEAD on. she had no ground to stand on.

Gretchen, before I read your novel, I have to say that it's getting a little hard to side with you. I agree with you about Vicki and several other things, but I just can't respect the fact that you keep feeding Tamra, who you KNOW bullies Alexis, information about Alexis. You know Tamra mocks her constantly. You told her Alexis was getting her nose done knowing full well that Tamra would pounce. Too bad. I thought you were a better friend than that.

I am so glad you stood your ground with crazy Vicki. Wayto go, do not back down to that craZy women. She is a train wreck and I can't wait to watch her derail. Keep holding your own. I am also glad to see that you are standing up to Sladeabout your relationships with the other women. I think you could do alot better for yourself than slade, I think he is a user and doesn't bring much to the table but it's your decision. Keep standing your graound.

Getchen, I cant believe the utter blindness Vicki has in this situation,but i agree that you cant let yourself go there its takes away who you really are and its embarrassing having a confrontation with anyone in public,but i loved the way you stood up for him, right there you didnt wait i think you might have regreted it if you didnt. kudos Gretchen, Slade is a lucky man. ROB

Gretchen: You are such a beautiful young lady, don't let someone like Vicki get you so distrout! You and Slade just need to forgive Vicki, even if she has not asked to be! Just KNOW that you and Slade are great people and that Slade is a GREAT parent! Arise above all of them, and tell Tamra that I am so impressed that she is Vicki's friend and that now you and her are friends! Keep your chin up and know that you and Slade are on the right track! Thank you and God Bless, Ms. Ann

you made some good points but for some reason that i think goes way back before you was even on the show, vicky and slade has unsolved issues. you've just been brought into it by slade. you got to remember slade has some history with the oc girls. and i think the reason alexis wigged out is because once again she feels threaten that you and tamara are gonna be friends and that leaves her all alone to fend for herself, plus knowing Bri was having surgery and everybody was wishing her well, nobody said anything to alexis and her surgery, like take care, hope it goes well etc. etc. enjoy!

You're awesome :)

I use 2 b on the fence about Gretchen not really knowing if she was really genuine, but as the episodes have gone on I realized that she is genuine. She just wants every1 2 realize that each person's household has something going on and noone shud b judged. She is the only person who actually doesn't talk about anyone else on the show.

You are honest and I love that about you! Vicki is not the kind woman I would want in my life. Your blog was thoughtful and truthful.

I was not a fan in the past, but this year, you just seem so mellow (when you are not crazy mad, lol). Regarding the fight, for the most part, you were in the right. The only flaw in your stance (I think, just an opinion) is that you vented all your anger at Vicki when it was Slade who re-ignited the fight. He got in the party and seem to want to start a fuss. But that was to a point, understandable, since normal people normally cannot see straight when they are eyeballs out mad.

You are Tamra are really cute together. You two seem like two frat girls who just can't wait to play pranks to everyone. I wish you both the best and hope you and Vicki can work it out. One piece of advice though (for what it's worth). Don't wait until a person comes to you to reconcile. Sometimes, it's just easier to make the move yourself to save yourself more aggravation in the future (like maybe you should do to Vicki the way Tamra approached you). It will come across as "being big of you".

Good for you Gretchen! You have nothing to be ashamed of, you told the truth. Vicki is a bully and a hypocrite. She continually uses her loved ones as excuses for bad behavior. She needs medication desperately. Meantime, keep on being real Gretchen, that is what we love about you.

thank you Gretchen for sticking up to Vicki and for your man. She's constantly bashing Slade and has been for two years now, the same old thing, not paying child support or having a job - it's actually getting boring now. This is your man and she's clearly not thinking about your feelings and having you continually say mean things about your man. Now her new man was/is in the same situation regardless. She states she can't stand a man that does not pay his child support then how is she going out with this man, but she can't see the difference, that's how one sided she is. It's always about her, so thanks for letting her know her new man was in the same situation. Don't let her overpower you like she tries to do.

Gretchen,

I am amazed by your ability to forgive and move on. That is truly a gift. I know how much hard work it takes and how painful it can be at times. Keep it up. In the long run even if it doesn't make a difference to anyone else, it will to you.

I hope that in the future you can move beyond caring what these other women say, think, or feel about your relationships or past actions. Just be true to yourself. As the proverbial "they" says, life is to short not to enjoy it and dealing with all the backstabbing and cattiness has got to be unhealthy and demoralizing. Keep smiling. Stay sane.

I think it's kind of weird how quickly you forgot about everything Tamra did to you. But what's funny is how you slowly seem to be jumping on the bandwagon with her, while she puts Alexis down. I think Tamra just shifted all of her anger, hate ,cattiness.... Just all of the crap that comes out of her mouth, and now Alexis is who she is focused on bullying!!! Tamra is a bully!!! Please don't become her!

You must realize by now - you can't argue with personalities like Vicky's. They feel like they are always right and they just don't understand or care about other peoples feelings or opinions. She sure isn't going to change now. If she could do what she did to Don, her husband, then don't think for one minute she cares about you and your feelings. Its like hitting your head against a brick wall over and over. Its gonna hurt after awhile.

And as for Alexis - Tamara is so right when she says "you can't argue with stupid". Come on you have to admit to yourself at times that dealing with her at times leaves your brain baffled.

Good luck with all that.

I think you missed the point of Vicki's comment about you not having a child so you dont understand. It had nothing to do with the child being sick and everything to do with child support. She was saying you dont understand what its like to need that child support because you dont have children.

Gretchen you are the best! keep calling Vicki out on her hypocritical bunk! She needs to mind her own business.

What an episode! The Bunco looked like a fun game. Too bad it was spoiled by drama.

Gretchen- I agree with you 100% about Vicki but I think you are wrong about Alexis....several times Tamera has made snide comments and you laughed at your friend with Tamera (7 inch nipples/who stupid she was for the lip gloss). You should be a better friend.

Gretchen you rock and always have...best wishes to you!!

Vicki only thinks about Vicki. The things that come out of that woman's mouth are outrageous. Hang in there Gretchen. You are great! You can't help who you love and I hope Slade is the right person for you.

Gretchen, I total agree with you. Vicki makes the whole world about her. I was not happy when she said to her daughter. "I cant't take this" . Good for you for standing up for yourself.

Please check your pronunciation of of the word soMething.

Wow, reading your blog and Vicki's is totally different. One would assume you are Briana's mom. Seems all Vicki could worry about was her looks and hocking her merchandise. With that said I do believe you both should have behaved better at the bunco party. Though if Vicki had just left there would not have been a scene. Obviously she was looking for a fight. Next time try to ignore as she will look a bigger ass than she already does.

I cannot stand your blogs. Somehow you are always the victim. I can hear your point about Vicki and Slade, but you shouldn't defend his comedy act. I do NOT agree with your feelings about Alexis. You were not being a true and loyal friend to her. How can you not understand why she was upset, when the 4 of you were sitting talking about her 5 feet away. And for the record, she definitely did have your back through past episodes. :(

Hello Gretchen, You are a very strong business woman. I think that you and Vicki are a lot of like about the business and the passion you have for the ones you love. I think thats why she so hard on you because she thinks that you deserve more, I am praying for you and Slade and his young son. He is a great father and I didn't believe or past judgement on him about the child support. It should have never been aired or talked about on television because of the fact it was not anyone business and Vicki realize it and Tamra realize it and she did appollized to him but Vicki has to much pride. She need to let it go. My heart goes out to Slade and Vicki and you for what you all are going through right now with your children. Gretchen you know better then them the hurt and pain be there for Slade and I know Vicki makes it hard but be there for her because she's going to reach out to you and Slade be there for her.

I'm glad u stuck up for yourself. You were absolutely right. But I still think u can do way better than Slade.

These fights are getting so old. If you really don't care what anyone else thinks, then you shouldn't spend so much time defending Slade.

I love it when people stand up to Vicky and you had every right to defend yourself.

I always liked Vicki when the Orange County program began, but she has turned into a total different character. I was actually glad to see Gretchen stand up to her and call her on her "I'm always right" attitude.

Gretchen, you are a piece of work! We all saw and heard you comment to Tamra that Alexis was having this surgery done. Only when the room became loud (Heather and Alexis) did you slink down in your chair and pretend to be so innocent in initiating this discussion. Who are you kidding, Alexis has every reason to be suspicious of your frienship with her and Tamra. Sneaky!

If slade never worked for you, why did his mom say shes your boss a few episodes ago,while talking to her about asking to marry you ? Just askinh ..

Gretchen I am totally on your side. Vicki was out of line and it is ok for her boyfriend to go to jail over back child support but Slade can't fall behind. I am glad to know that Slade did get his modification. Keep your head up and don't let her be on your mind too much.

When you watch the interviews, don't you see how pleased Tamra is to have caused a wedge between you and Alexis? Just like she did with you and Lynn. She is a trouble-maker and won't be happy until she breaks up you and Slade. Tamra, Vickie, and Heather say such nasty, hateful,things about Alexis. Can you really blame her for being insecure? I am really disappointed in you this year.

Good for you Gretchen for standing up for your man!!!

Hun , you are long over due in speaking the words that I'm sure have loomed in your thoughts but were left unspoken. Vicki got what she had coming to her....its just one more thing for her to whine about....Simply buy her a violin and offer her some cheese with her whine.Boo Hoo Poor her....Stay the strong woman you are and have no regrets...thats why you are loved for being you....Strength!

Gotta love you Gretchen. Blog, well put. Watch the fake ones on the show. Sorry about Slade's son. I did not know. Praying for all of you. hang tight. Love ya.

I can't stand how you are allowing the other girls taint your relationship with Alexis. Get over yourself. End this rivalry with Vicki and end this bosom friendship with Tamara. Tamara is a rotten person. She never has anything nice to say unless she's kissing someone's @ss. Why would you ever end your friendship with Alexis for Tamara?? What happened to your religious revelation to forgive? Forgive Alexis for whatever she did to you, she has a good soul...Tamara does NOT!!!

Love you and Tamra,.glade you two are becoming friend and with that said you need to check your friendship with Alexis I dont even know what to say about her but that she is a wannabe everything shes not and she should just embrace who she is.Hopefully as a friend you can tell her that and she would listen. Wish you nothing but the best.

Slade will only continue to slow you down. You would really benefit from therapy to find out why you settle for men who offer you less than you are worth.

Gretchen, I really agree with your blog completely. As I said last time I commented, noone really knows what it is like to deal with an ill friend/family member unless you've been there...so painful and sad and physically, emotionally, and mentally draining. Having someone for support is key to getting through it...glad Slade has you for support. Nothing could ever be more painful than seeing your precious child going through pain and suffering. My prayers go out to you and Slade and his family. God will always take care of his darling boy! Always keep your chin up and always be true to yourself. Never feel you have to answer to anyone but yourself...keep being the strong person you always have been.

You did nothing wrong with Vicki and you did nothing wrong with Alexis. I think these two ladies both feel insecure and take it out on anyone and everyone.

BRAVO GIRLY...LOVE YA :)

Good for you, it was a long time coming. I kinda wish you would've spoke up for Alexis. From the episodes, she has always had your back, especially at the reunion. Gretchen, you can't always be Switzerland, I've been there, and when it comes to your friends, you have to take a stand, and if their ALL your friends, you will come to an understanding! Keep being who you are, you make the show!