Bravo Insider Exclusive!

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more!

Sign Up for Free to View

Not Settling

Vicki reflects back on her mindset at the start of Season 7 and what's changed since then.

By Vicki Gunvalson

As Season 7 comes to an end, it’s only natural for me to reflect back on this past year. As we say, the curtain has closed to yet another un-predicted, crazy ass year.

How to Watch

Watch The Real Housewives of Orange County on Peacock and the Bravo App.

When I started filming Season 7, my daughter was single and hoping to find love, my friendship with Tamra was rock solid, my new relationship with Brooks was evolving and my divorce was still moving forward and very amicable with Donn. Life was good, non-emotional and I was at peace where everything was in my life.

Looking back, my hope when I started filming this season was to demonstrate to all of you the transition I was going through from becoming Mrs. Donn Gunvalson to Ms. Victoria Gunvalson. I was and am coming back stronger, healthier, and happier than I have ever been. My motto is "I'm not settling" in any areas of my life, and my passion to live every day to the fullest is my mission. My goal also was to "introduce" Brooks to all of you, in hopes that you would fall in love with him the way that I did. Unfortunately, some of you (as well as my daughter) have chosen not to accept him, which obviously is your choice. What you don't always see is a very genuine man, not pretentious, an amazing brother, son, friend, and father that he is.

Time will tell where our relationship goes, but as of now we are very good for each other and at the end of the day we are taking it slow with all eyes wide open. Briana has a very strong opinion, and sometimes we clash heads, but at the end of the day we love each other and won't let anything or anyone come in between us. Michael went to the Kentucky Derby with us a few months ago, and he had a wonderful time with Brooks. Mike is a very good judge of character, and it was good seeing them spend time together with no drama and ended up really enjoying Brooks.

Continuing to reflect on this past season, I went through a whole host of emotions as you saw, and there were many days that I felt like I was in a bad nightmare. The fear that Briana had cancer made my world stop and it was very difficult trying to continue to film during all of that. Only a week after her surgery, she surprised me with by eloping to Vegas, which almost took me into a state of depression.

Briana Got Married!

My daughter (who in my mind) would NEVER do anything like that, shocked my entire family and friends, and was yet another series of emotions for me. I think the hardest thing for us to understand, was she never told me how serious or even "in love" she was with Ryan. I remember praying in the hospital while Briana was in recovery, for God to completely heal her and for her to find true LOVE and happiness. We all laugh about it now, and say "Be careful what you wish for." She’s now happy, she’s in love, and she's healed. . .so what more can I ask for?!?

After their fourth month of their marriage, Briana announced to me that she was pregnant. Again. . .another emotion that I thought I didn't have in me to endure. Our family had hoped that they would have waited longer to have some time alone as a married couple, but at the end of the day I couldn't be happier for them. I am going to be a grandma, and am thrilled to have this new previous life enter our family. I have been fortunate enough to go to their ultrasound visits and our little bundle of joy is growing healthy and even waved to his momma last week. Yes, she’s having a boy!

I have a lot of travels coming up this summer, and I'm sure some of you do as well. I’ll be in MN, AZ, Las Vegas, Grand Cayman, Chicago, and NYC. If you see me around, be sure to yell my infamous "Woo Hoo." I hope it puts a smile on your face as it does mine.

Keep in mind if you are in the need of any insurance information or free quotes by visiting CotoInsurance.com. If you are looking for a safe place to rollover your 401K or IRA, please contact me at CotoRetirementPlanning.com for more information.

In closing, I want you to know how much I've appreciated all your love and support through this tough year. If any of you have ever gone through a divorce, or having your child have health issues (Slade I can only image what you have endured) you know how hard it is. I may have acted a quirky at times, a little silly, a little emotional. . .but at least you can say I’m not boring or dull. . .right?

I hope all of you have an amazing summer. Enjoy each day that we are given, surround yourself with people who love and encourage you, keep learning, keep laughing, and at the end of the day relax with a glass of wine from your membership at Wines By Wives.

Warmly,
Vicki Gunvalson
VickiGunvalson.com

Want the latest Bravo updates? Text us for breaking news and more!