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Vicki Gunvalson

The Reality Pool

Vicki reflects on this season and thanks you for your comments -- good and bad.

Jul 16, 2012

Tonight is the second part of the reunion show, which we filmed back in June. It is brutal. You will see what I mean when you watch it tonight.

Total drama aside, I've been blessed to be on the show for seven great years. I have always said it is because of all of you that I am still here. We have had good times and bad times. We have had some totally fun times -- and even some sad times. All of you know how important my family and friends are to me. What you may not know, or maybe I haven't said to you before, is how important all of you are to me.

You all are -- each and every one of you and I am still learning about you, and even myself. I wasn't born into a show business family so I didn't have any frame of reference to reflect on -- or even a business model to consider. I just dove in this reality pool and started to swim. The instant reward was I found all of you. I have become a different person, I think, because of your love.

Not everything has been easy. There are still many uncertainties, for example, Facebook and Twitter. Just recently, I heard Oprah reveal how she felt when she read her Facebook page and Twitter -- to actually see some of the negative responses she has had. Negative comments can be learning tools but they can also be cruel if personal. I have had both negative and loving comments. While some are hard to read, I know that you wanted me to hear what you had to say. Did I say some are hard to read? Oh yes, but I read them and I hear all of you.

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brilliantblogger777 134 pts

My heart breaks for you when I see how Briana and Ryan are taking over your life. After Ryan wasn't man enough to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage, sneaked off with your daughter robbing you of taking part in your only daughter's wedding.... then he claims to be 'man of YOUR house"? really??? he is a very small man!!! You deserve to be happy just like they are trying to be happy with their lives and their decisions! They are being very childish and demanding. You need to draw the line in the sand. Don't let them black male you with the baby.

Mwatson11 5 pts

Vicki I see the light of God in you. No one is perfect and being on national television puts you on trial for every decision you make good or bad, but I see Gods light in you and in all of your children including brianas husband. The world doesn't have to love you the only one who matters is God. If you are in tune with the spirit of The Lord than you will be lead in the right direction in all aspects of your life! Let God guide you COMPLETLEY. Ask Him to give you the ability to discern who is good company and who is not. May you and your family be blessed in all things. Give God the Thanks! Much love :-)

bythesea2@sbcglobal.net 13 pts

Vicki,

I like your calmer persona....much more centered and self aware.  Congratulations on being a Grandma.....such a lovely daughter and adorable grandson.

Regarding Brooks - maybe it is a southern male thing but I can't watch him. He comes across as an opportunist and seems to say what you want to hear versus being real.  In real life maybe this is not the case - what we see is a condensed version?

Tamara.....she is pure poison. Since she came on the show the tenor of the group has changed dramatically, meaner and more self centered. I miss the original cast to be honest.

deedeebabe59 7 pts

Hi Vicki and Briana,  First of all Bri I know your mother gets on your last nerve, but you are being extremely SELFISH!!!  I am 52 my mom is 75 and has been married 6 times.  Your mom has to find her own happiness, she will find out for herself  who is right and who is wrong for her, you as her daughter must give her that RESPECT, learn to get to know someone before you judge them.  Your mom is a smart business woman and she need's love  and happiness too, Briana you need to suppoet your mom, and not be such a hater.

You as you get older will see what I am talking about. If something ever goes wrong in your life or marriage Vicki will be there for you RIGHT? And little girl you will need her!!!  Remember your children will grow up one day and is this how you want them to dis-respect you. Karma is a real B.  Support and love your Mom, Life is short, one day she'll be gone. And you''ll regret being so hateful.  Please give her a chance.  Trust me she gets on my last nerve too.

b3rdsister 5 pts

congrats on the new grandbaby. watched all the lies from tamera she is not your friend never has been. last season and this season she and gretchen make fun of you and call you a liar. best to keep her at a distance for your own piece of mind.

 

Itokagi23 3827 pts

Congrats Vicki, being a grandmother suit you! You look great, and seem focused. Tamara is 

an infection trying to spread, stay away from he toxic behavior. You deserve better than Brooks, but until you distance yourself for him, you won't meet Mr. Right. I believe that who you are is reflected in your beautiful children, remember that!

Jentuason27 13 pts

You were super likable in this opening season's episode! Calm, collected, fun Vicki is who I enjoy watching. Your montage with Briana was beautiful and your growing family is something to marvel and treasure. While it can sometimes be entertaining to watch (I can't lie!), the screaming and yelling from a completely emotion-filled place is disconcerting to watch from such a strong, successful woman. I hope you can work on walking away before you go down that path...it is not becoming of you. As for Briana, I can empathize with her, but it is TOTALLY unfair of her to not accept Brooks and be rude about it. She is an adult and can be nice the few times she is around him. It is not unreasonable to be a nice person to him for a couple of hours if you are happy. I am sorry you feel that you have to choose. It is not fair to you.

hazel.charland 6 pts

congrats on the new baby  you look great  if i were you i would put tamara behind you she is toxic and spoils everything she is around best of luck this season

 

dragonslayer 436 pts

Congrats on being a grandmother! He is Beautiful. All the best to you - may this be a great season for the OC. I realize that nothing can compare to the addition of you grandbaby.

I hope that you are able to stay away from the craziness that Tamra brings - it is toxic. She has nothing but snide and childish remarks for you and Alexis. she is rellving her teen years and is very Immature for her age and SO disrespectful - don't be a part of it. 

You look great - refreshed. I thought you were very pretty just as you were - but if this makes you feel good - then good for you! Take care of you...wishing you love and much happiness. 

rosyposy 2652 pts

It took me a minute to get used to your new "look".  you look younger and more vibrant.  Congrats!....also on the new grandbaby.  Looking forward to the new season, although I want to gag every time Tamra's face and voice is on.

cosmometro 133 pts

vicki you look beautiful!!!! 

reginae 801 pts

I have a question I hope you mention on your blog. After you and Tamra ended your friendship did that also end your Wine By Wives business too?

reginae 801 pts

Vicki congrats on becoming a grandma. Little Troy is so cute and may God bless him. Cheers.

TristateFan 286 pts

Forgot to mention congratulations Glamma.

Brownsa9577 97 pts

Hey Vicky! I love, love, love your new look! You look so much younger and energized! You will need the energy when the baby comes...I have a grand baby coming too. My first! your first! Lol. Right now my girl is so early that I have had to resist buying stuff for her/him. Let them ladies say what they want about your new look! They are not in your shoes! While I am not so certain about Brooks. I do know your daughter loves you and maybe focus on her and the baby for now? You both need that! I need it too with my girl! Little Troy is perfect! I know you are so proud! Stay away from the drama! Ain't worth it!

TristateFan 286 pts

Vicki;

 

Welcome back and may I say, I love the new you. Your eyes, cheeks, and chin give you this mysterious look and I love it!!!  You can't put your finger on your enhancements, but  it leaves a bit of mystery.

 

Where do I begin, last season you were very upset with Tamara because Tamara did not care for Brooks and to be honest with you Vicki I am with Tamara on this.  Brook seems like a very nice man, he's a mans man one can see that, but he has to step it up, and you have to allow that to happen.  There has to be a balance, if he does not have the bankroll, he has other attributes that can balance the relationship, but if he is not showing this, it is time for him to hit the road. It is his job to prove his love to you, it is Brooks job to show you how much he cares about you, it is his job to make a way to see you and return hometown.  In other words make him work for you in the biblical sense.  In my opinion it is about time you allow someone to hold your heart ever so delicately in their hands, instead of you always protecting their heart.  Remember God set it up for man to prove himself to a woman, not the other way around.  A man has broad shoulders for a reason and women have those curves and big hips for a reason, do not get it twisted.  I would hate for you to leave this world not experiencing the true love of a man.  It's time for Brooks to take off his tutu and you to remove the jockstrap and both of you need to do an even exchange.  Again Brooks seems like a real nice guy, all the men like him, but would they like him for their sisters, cousin or mother now that they have gotten to know him and that is a question you need to ask them all.

 

The difference between Slade and Brooks is no comparison, Slade was accomplished before the financial crisis. For a man to move in with his girlfriend is a hard pill to swallow, but what I admire about Slade he was trying to figure it out under the circumstances and he had a wonderful woman Gretchen by his side, those two are going to make it.  Slade did what he had to do no matter how humiliating and there were times Gretchen was frustrated and gave Slade a switf kick in the butt to wake up and stop whollowing.  Brook does not seem to have that same drive, he seems to take it slow and easy. You should not be coming out of your pocket for any of his transportation to see you at all. How are you going to measure his manhood if you continue to do everything for him, he is not a child. Your daughter hit the nail on the head during the last reunion and you felt betrayed and embarrassed.  You and Don raised her and you raised her to have integrity, she was honest and she is a woman although your child, she can see what you are not seeing; therefore respect what she is saying instead of fighting it.

 

Now the ladies, Vicki you and Tamara set out to be hateful to Gretchen, you two were very mean spirited for no reason whatsoever and the tables turned on both of you.  Tamara finally owned up to her wrong doing, but you continue to deny and blame the next person for your mean spirited ways.  Own it and grow up you are not a victim.  If you can dish it out, you should be able to take it!  I am so tired of you blaming this person and blaming that person, take that figure and turn it around and you will get your answer.

 

Welcome back and hopefully more positive changes are made.

 

 

Charmie 32 pts

Hi Vickie... Now, the above sound like you really are, I would imagine. I agree with one of the other posts, not to push your boyfriend on your daughter, and for that matter, your friends. He's on his own as far as people liking him or not. I do think Tamara was looking out for your best interest. I'm not sure it was done well, but the intent  and concern is really registering with a significant number of people out there. However, it is purely your decision. I'd just be on top of  it and really take a look at it from all aspects. You know... make the column. On one side put "Pros" and on the other side put "Cons" and really look at those before putting them away and make a new list in a few weeks w/o looking at the first list. Compare when you are ready to really deal. Good luck on all of your ventures, relationships and precious grandchild and family. 

sexyma 51 pts

i just saw episode one and already disgusted by heather ,tamra and Gretchen. I honestly don't think i can watch this season. In the world I live in no one, especially educated women would be so catty and cruel. i am 55 and live in bergen county nj. next town from the nj housewives. This first episode was so sad to watch. I think i will call it a day with the oc housewives. Best of luck to you vicki and to alexis. love to both. btw congrats on your grandbaby troy. 

chi.tinklenberg 10 pts

Dear Vicki,

I think you are a beautiful, powerhouse of a woman. I have watched you since season 1 of RHOC and I thought the way the people in your life berated you was terrible. It is truly a shame that money can make some women such haters...especially Tamara Barney! She is a two faced, hypocritical hater!!!! Even if Brooks wasnt a perfect man in their eyes, if he helped you fill that void they should have supported you as you had always supported Tamara. You look amazing this new season and no one can take away your success in life. We all go through tragedy in relationships, the best thing that happened was you getting rid of that fake fake evil Tamara!!! I hope and pray you find happiness and peace. Congrats on your new grand baby..love life, love yourself and know there is a lot of us real women who love you!!!!

Judybrown 63 pts

OMG, Vicky I'm not trying to be mean girl but yikes, bad decision. I'm so sorry for the outcome of you're surgery, you're mouth isn't right at alll

scamper 73 pts

As a proud, lifelong Chicagoan, let me say that I cringe every time you reference the fact that you are "from Chicago."  Quite simply there is no semblance of our fine midwestern classiness, moral compass, and down-to-earth perspective.  Having said this, I do thoroughly enjoy the RHOC, including Vicki!!!  But puh-leeeeeze stop referencing yourself as a Chicagoan!!!!!

martini777 84 pts

Hi Vickie, This is your life now. You have raised children, going through a longtime divorce, etc. Who hasn't really at 50?ha Not liking Brooks. Surely he's Mr Right Now NOT Mr Right. Don't try to push him on your daughter, let things ly for now. Things get better with time. Forget Tamara. She wants to "be" Gretchen, so weird. Let her go. If she's a true friend she'll come back to you. You're a sweet person and I wish the best for you.

msrotti 255 pts

You need to get rid of your so called boyfriend he is not what he appears to you to be. Can you say Con to the 10th power?

4145rose 8 pts

vickie, i've been watching since season 2 but this is my first time posting. I have always liked the fact that you have a real job. I had a successful business too from 1996 to 2008. So I can relate. My daughter is your daughters age also. And we are the same age. I have to say Brooks is no good. I just feel it. Don seemed o.k. to me but you lived with him not me. Anyway, I'm glad you are back for another season. I have always been in your corner and will stay there. Don't let Tamara get ya down. I didn't like her at all until she left Simon, for some reason she changed and maybe she will get even better. She is rough around the edges, but she may mean well yet.

tajmhal 5 pts

I have always been a firm believer in whatever works for two people....but not when it hurts and alienates other people that are supposed to be soo important in your life. (your children etc.) or ultimately cheating yourself!

Gilda222 1178 pts

Vickie, you haven't been my favorite. But you're a good person. Work on your control issues & anger. You don't look very good when you're so angry, you're eyes bulge out & you get out of control. Have you seen yourself? It's not pretty & very un-classy. However, when you're calm & nice you're likable. I'm sure you can find someone better than Brooks. Last season he was sucking up to you. Can you trust that? There's something not quite right with him. Be careful. Use your head & not your needs.

Gilda222 1178 pts

Vickie, please no more "woo-hoos" this season. It's so trashy.

cosmometro 133 pts

 Brownsa9577  Gilda222 i love wooohooo -- wohhooooooooo

piperoni 744 pts

It is almost time.OC my favorite.I hope all you ladies have some fun this season!

ogates 344 pts

Vicki--this season I hope you show more self control before exploding in peoples' faces into a yelling fit when you don't agree with them--you tried to shut down Briana when she tried to talk to you about your boyfriend like you do everyone else--this yelling and screaming takes away from the message you are trying to send--see you soon via the new season and good luck....

Cathy001 5 pts

 ogates please show some control Vicki.  YOu are a grandmother, mother, friend, sister - all of them.  Act like it instead of a 1st grader that doesn't get her way.

 

MimiJae 30 pts

Ditch the gold digging boyfriend!

mp.212 1013 pts

Vicki, I didn't mind you in the beginning... you are a complete control freak, especially with your children, but I liked to think it was coming out of love and protectiveness for them. But, it shocks me that now that the rolls are reversed and your kids are being the protective ones of you about your new boyfriend and not only do you completely dismiss them (along with everyone else) you're mean and spiteful to them! Your kids truly want nothing but the absolute BEST for you and you won't even hear them out. Shame on you. That being said I'm sure it was a shocker when Briana went to Vegas and got married to her adorable boyfriend (now husband!), but again I was shocked at WHY you were mad. Everytime it came up you used the word "I" all the time! I was robbed of being the mother of the bride, I was robbed of planning the bridal shower, I was robbed of going wedding dress shopping... correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it HER life, HER wedding and HER CHOICE?????? Can't you let her have anything for HERSELF! It's so unhealthy of a relationship, you're lucky your kids still want to come around!

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Tess78 23 pts

Hi Vicky, Have just finished watching Season 7 here in Ireland. Firstly I have to tell you your my favourite on the show and it wouldnt be the same without you. I was so shocked by Tamara and Gretchan they both have a very nasty/evil streak in them and I hope you have learned your lesson with Tamara cuz she doesnt understand the meaning of the word "friend" and you are so much better than them thats why I love you simply for being you. I felt for Alexis this season she also was treated very poorly I hope she comes back stronger. The jury is still out on Heather. I have to admit I wished Briana was more supportive to you when you needed her the most, I hope she has learned from this cuz you are an amazing mother to her and she should give you the respect you deserve and let you live your life with whom you see fit and if Brooks is who you choose then so be it. Also, who cares if you buy Brooks gifts your a 50yr old lady and I think you have earned the right to splash your cash on who you like without any judgement from others at the end of the day your not a silly lady. My final thought id like to see you live your life to the full and do what makes you happiest. "keep er lit" lol.

Critic1 7 pts

Vicki, I have just watched your closing show here in the UK, and I'v got to agree with your US fans, your new fella is coming across as a real hanger on. If you understand Rugby terms, then I would say he needs ' kicking into touch '. Hope you get your head and heart sorted real soon.

dean.rasmussen.7 6 pts

I have enjoyed watching season 6 and 7,hope you and Tamra have worked things out. I can see where she coming from by questioning Brooke's intentions towards you.That being said you two do look good together. How's things with briana? I could see the tension at the reunion show.Hope things are better between you.Wishing you all the best for future and for a healthy grandchild.it's a cold February day/night here in the u.k

kat1 19 pts

Okay, there is something just not right about your boyfriend.  I think you need to do some checking up on him.

Gilda222 1178 pts

@kat1 I agree. You're a smart lady. Hire someone to check him out. He gives me the creeps. But I won't have to live w/him. You will.

Rexy 63 pts

Vicki, looking forward to the new season and watching you guys.  Hoping you and Tamera make up because you two together are truly wicked and it makes for good television, but doesn't look that way. 

 

I know you filming is over by now, but I hope you have learned to be a little more self aware of how talking about yourself all the time makes other feel.  Last season when Brianna went to the hospital it was all about you and not her, but that could have been editing.  It has been a re occuring theme with you and while you are a sweetheart and have a huge heart and a moral standard, you might want to watch that!

 

I hope you are happy these days and commend you on being a role model for women everywhere in business!

piperoni 744 pts

Vicki and Alexis ,Looks like you 2 are still friends.The new Lydia,she seems to like everyone.she seems nice.Looks like Gretchen and Vicki are causing alot of Drama this comming season.You 2 have never gotten along.

angelkiss 215 pts

I love and respect you for your hard work and strength . You are a great example to all women. Your success is a direct result of your hard work.

I admire you and wish you were my friend .

IMO I think Brooks is a con and I think you deserve so much better.

Lets have coffee sometime :)

nicola@norwegain 8 pts

hi vicki you are my favourtie real housewive of Orange county and tamara you remind me of my mum your kind lovely nice like your intros when you say whooo lol from Nicola

piperoni 744 pts

My wish for season 8.Fun...Hope the trips they take are filled with good times.

burkhart1 7 pts

Vicki I don't believe you give your daughter enough credit, she has some good advise, and I believe you should hear what she has to say.  I think you are making a big mistake with brook and maybe you should pull up a back ground check on him and find out the truth.  But I hope you tone it down just a little next season!

saaimanl 5 pts

After the season 5 aired in South Africa, and I have seen who and what you really are.....it what quite a dissapointment for me.....I can not believe that you can treat people like that....