Money Can't Buy Lisa's Love

Hello everybody! This week seems to have whizzed by. I have been in NY and now safely back home, but life has been hectic. My new years resolutions are also completely done for. . . Oh well there is always next year.

And so the story unfolds, as we recommence with Brandi still reeling from the confrontation with Scheana. It had been a precarious meeting, one that could have gone either way. Scheana had initiated it. I, with a certain amount of anxiety, had facilitated it, after Brandi decided that it was much needed.

Many have questioned my judgement in continuing to employ Scheana, but understand this, she had been working at Villa Blanca for almost four years and often picking up shifts in Sur. She had always been a reliable and good waitress. I had only been friends with Brandi a few months, or so at that time. One: legally I could not terminate her employment. And two: morally I wouldn't. It was a personal situation, that until now, had been none of my business.

I do believe that often the thought and the unknown is always more intimidating. If you face things head on, I think you are often surprised by the outcome.

If there is one result that has transpired out of this uncomfortable situation that is the fact that both women now don't dread the possibility of running into each other at the restaurant. They have some sort of closure -- and so forwards we go.

I am absolutely fascinated by the dynamic between the sisters, the path they have taken and the growth and strength that Kim displays. It seems to be an incredibly complicated relationship that is almost impossible to understand. I identify with the fact that if somebody hurts you, how can you forget it? Is it possible for one to rewind the clock, cast aside the feelings of betrayal, the tears, and humiliation in this case? I conclude that possibly when the relationship and history is as strong as theirs, that there will always be room, and some potential to mend their fences. I hope so.

I spend time in my restaurant, sampling food, fiddling with flowers, then head on home. I hate surprises, but thought when Ken ordered me to close my eyes, I wondered if it was a new puppy. So when I saw the swing, covered in roses, and the heart-shaped flower bed it touched me. Just the thought behind it! That is what is the most important -- when somebody you love tries to make you happy. It is never a monetary thing, or if it is it shouldn't be. Mmany times Ken has overwhelmed me with ridiculously extravagant gifts. I have loved and appreciated them, but a sentimental gift, an act of love, will always trump that! (Ken if you are reading this, it doesn't mean you are finished buying me jewelry!) Anyway, it was only a couple of months before our 30th wedding anniversary. . .Ken had wanted to renew our vows on our 25th. I wriggled out of that one! We had taken a few days alone on Lake Como. I would prefer it to be just between ourselves, that is where we differ. But after that sentimental gesture, how could I refuse?

So back to our group. . .We are all meeting at a Moroccan restaurant, sans Adrienne and Paul. I had heard that they had removed themselves temporarily from our group. I had no idea where the individual relationships stood. I wondered if Kim would be hauled over the coals for not having Chad's birthday at the Palms, but maybe she had a pass! I knew Kyle had contact with them, but as far as I could gather they had withdrawn from the circle.

All seems to be going reasonably well, until the subject of the legal letter that was sent from Adrienne's lawyer to Brandi. I am flabbergasted that it had come to this. I hadn't been at Mauricio's event and was unaware that Brandi had been called a drug addict and a terrible mother, but doesn't that warrant a reciprocal letter? Should I have sued after the reunion for defamation and slander too?

All I know is that Brandi lives pretty frugally, paying her rent and struggling on a minuscule amount of alimony -- with no extra for the luxury of litigious letters to friends who have crossed the line. Thankfully with this show and her book, things are beginning to flourish financially. The conversation starts to intensify, with once again, Brandi being the centre of the escalating discussion.

Now as I remarked before in my previous blog, Ken will jump to the defense of a woman in need. Brandi was again under attack. Mauricio was chastising Brandi, and Ken was having none of it. That is a reason why I love him -- that he will always be a protector and never let someone be intimidated, especially a woman.

This saga continues, engulfing us all,the group divided and nobody at this point seeing any perfect way of resolving these issues. . .

So till next week, keep warm as it has been almost like winter in England here! That is something we don't expect. So I will close off now and remind myself to always expect the unexpected!

Love to you all.

Lisa.