Always Count Your Blessings

Finally... a fun episode! And one where I'm not crying! I loved this episode -- well the end of it anyway -- because it showed more of who I normally am -- a happy person who loves to have fun with her family and friends. It's been a tough year for a lot of reasons, and it was so nice to get away to the Catskills and just let loose. I know the other Housewives have been saying that I act like nothing's wrong when they know something is, but for me it's not about pretending nothing's wrong, it's about choosing to be happy even though life's not perfect. I'm a very optimistic and happy person. I always have been.

And it's not always an easy thing to do. You have to decide to put a smile on your face and laugh and see the blessings in life. Everyone deals with things in their own way. My way is to be happy. Are there days when I don't want to get out of bed? Of course. But I have four gorgeous girls to raise, and I want to show them by example that even when things are tough, you can have a good attitude, you can smile at the world, and you should always, always, count your blessings.

You've seen me and my family on TV for three years now, since Milania was toddling around like Audriana is now! And I love when you also get to see the good times. We had such a great time in the Catskills. Jacqueline is so freakin' funny and makes me laugh so hard. I just love having everyone together. I hope you felt like you were with us at the bar, goofing off and having fun, because if you came out with us, that's exactly what it would be like!

And wasn't it great to see so many happily married couples still hot for each other? We have so many friends who are getting divorced, and I'm so proud of me and Joe, Jacquline and Chris, and Caroline and Albert that we've kept it together for so long. I really do love Joe as much now as the day I married him. We just have so much fun together! (And he's so hot!)

I loved that you got to see the chapel my father-in-law built too. Every September on St. Michael's Feast Day, we have a huge celebration up there with 200 to 300 people. The priest comes and says mass, we have tons of food and dancing, and it's such a great time. My father-in-law's property is 140 acres, so yes, we all fit, and no, we weren't in danger of ever shooting anyone else!

Were you all relieved Melissa and I finally hugged it out? It wasn't easy to sit down with her and apologize again, and I know it wasn't easy for her to come over to Jacqueline's to talk to me. I think you could see by my face and my repeated apologies that I am truly hurt by this and really want it to be better.

From her eye rolling and conversations afterward with her sister and whoever was "sitting on her shoulder" saying "bullsh-t," I'm not so sure she feels the same way. I guess only time will tell...

It was so great to meet you all at my book signings for Fabulicious! this week! Thank you so much for your amazing support! And keep sending me pictures!

Check my website www.teresagiudice.com for my schedule, or follow me at Twitter @Teresa_Giudice or on Facebook.

Tanti baci,

Teresa