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The End of an Era

Julie discusses her decision to leave Team Bethenny, but how she'll still be part of the family.

By Julie Plake

OK now everyone knows. I made a life decision, and that decision was to leave NYC and move back to Pittsburgh (my hometown).

Watching this episode was emotional for me, because my decision to leave was a difficult one. But as you can see from Bethenny and my reactions, it was the right decision. Moving back to Pittsburgh to be with my family and my boyfriend was always a thought that weighed on my mind.

I felt very strange having the conversation with Bethenny on the couch because I knew that it would be the end of an "era" and that things would never be the same. However, I will always be a part of Team B and part of their family. Bryn is my godchild and nothing is more special than that. I can't wait to visit NYC and spoil her all the time.

If you ask "how could you do this?" Remember, that I have worked for Bethenny for three years. She taught me important life lessons -- don't do things out of fear, follow your heart, and trust your gut. I listened to her and did exactly those things.

I had and still have the utmost confidence in Jackie to take over and take on the role. And from what I hear that is just what she has done. She is an amazing person who loves a challenge and takes pride in her work. She will do just fine.

Onto the episode recap:

The shapewear fitting session and shoot were so great. Stacey, Jackie, RaRa, Maggie, and Sonia are such rock stars. I think we were all pretty nervous, but once it became a fashion show in Bethenny's apartment -- it was all good! You can see how excited Bethenny gets when she gets all her girls together. She is jumping on the couch like a little kid. And don't even get me started on Bryn. You can see that she is always a part of everything. I can't believe I walked out in the booty boosters. . .I think I only had the guts to do it because I was carrying Bryn!!

The day of the shoot was very surreal. It was like everything was backwards. We were all in hair and makup and in front of a camera, while Bethenny was watching and cheering us on! Everyone looked so fabulous and I loved the final group shot!

Seeing Bethenny talk about me in therapy was emotional. In my time with Bethenny, I was pretty much everywhere with her (bathroom, bedroom, fitting room), but the therapy room. I guess I didn't realize until I saw this what an extreme part of her life I had become. I always knew it, but seeing her get emotional like that made it more real. Bethenny and her family have become a HUGE part of my life. I saw them EVERYDAY all day. . .not being around them is like having an empty hole. I am just glad that Bethenny has Dr. Amador to help her work through her emotions and learn tools on how to handle situations. Everyone needs that.

Don't worry though -- you can't get rid of me that quickly. I'm still around to wear out my welcome and say goodbye. . .

It's bittersweet. . .stay tuned.

xo
Julie

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