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Kelly Dodd: It's Nice to Not Be the 'New Girl' Anymore
"At least now I know what these women are really like."
It's summertime and things are getting ready to heat up on Season 12 of the Real Housewives of Orange County. Welcome back. I hope everyone had a very happy 4th of July. I know my family and I did, including lots of fireworks, metaphorically and literally.
Before I provide my commentary on our first episode, I have a few thoughts on last season. Last season was one of the highest rated seasons ever in RHOC history. I have to say, it's nice to not be the "new girl" anymore. Last year was, at times, gut wrenching and nerve-racking. From the moment Meghan introduced me to the ladies at Heather's yacht party, my life was in constant turmoil. As the new girl, I had no idea what to expect. Every relationship was new and challenging. At least now I know what these women are really like.
Okay, so, about episode one, "The Great Divide" – a perfectly titled episode. The animosity between Shannon and I, and Tamra and I, as displayed at the reunion, is still there, simmering. Meanwhile Vicki and I have continued to strengthen our friendship. Meghan is back and forth between her various homes while taking care of baby Aspen, so getting together is sometimes a challenge. I am so happy for her and Jimmy. Watching Lydia with Tamra and Vicki, I think Vicki is onto something when she describes her as "Disneyland all the time."
Seeing Tamra break down and cry during Bible Study at Lydia's house was another reminder of how painful her daughter's absence from her life has been. I still regret saying "no wonder her daughter doesn't speak to her" during our Ireland trip. Seeing her cry again breaks my heart. When Lydia asks Tamra what she thinks of me and says she thinks I am a hot mess and should pray for me, I thought yes Tamra, pray for me often. I too will be praying. For you.
Watching the scenes with Vicki, Steve, Briana, and the boys is fun for me. Michael and I have spent quite a lot of time around Vicki's family and we think the world of them. Steve's a great guy. Briana is virtually a single mother who works as a nurse, trying to stay healthy while having her hands full with two boisterous toddlers. I believe their great family chemistry shines through.
During the reunion Tamra showed a photo of Shannon with the caption I added that said, "keep eating." I didn't know she would take me literally!!! Just kidding. Relax. We all struggle with some aspect of our body from time to time, so I have empathy for Shannon. I am struggling with my weight too. Speaking of working on your body, I am trying to get my mom's body out of the house and back on the market. There is this awesome senior center in our village where, I hope, she can make new friends or even find someone to date.
I am looking forward to watching next week's episode. Summer is heating up, it's OC time. Get ready for some sizzle.
Twitter: @RHOC_KellyDodd Instagram: @RHOC_KellyDDodd and Facebook: RHOCKelly
