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Lisa's Life is Stranger Than Fiction
Lisa gives you a glimpse inside Sur and begs you to remember the foolish mistakes you made at 20.
Read Lisa's expanded blog after the jump
Welcome to Vanderpump Rules, I still pinch myself when the title comes up and wonder how this has all transpired so quickly!
I imagine many of you have followed RHOBH and are aware of the businesses that I am involved in. Sur, my restaurant in West Hollywood, has been featured on the show several times. My involvement in the complicated dynamics has just been too convoluted to include in Housewives -- so therefore it warranted a show of its own. . .and boy, is it complicated.
Sometimes, planets collide and this what happened regarding Brandi and Scheana. It became increasingly difficult to avoid embarrassing situations and possible confrontations at inappropriate times. I was juggling schedules so that wouldn't occur. When Brandi spontaneously appeared at Villa Blanca I moved Scheana to another section so that she wouldn't be waiting on Brandi. It was embarrassing, so therefore we all decided that ultimately a meeting would be mutually beneficial.
I would like to imagine that if ever I was placed in that situation, I would be as gracious as Brandi. To sit opposite the young woman that had been having an affair with my husband whilst you were married is not something I believe I could cope with. These two women knew that a meeting would change the dynamic between the three of us, so they, with much trepidation, entered into an extremely vulnerable situation, opening their hearts and souls for all to witness.
In retrospect, I think it was good idea. The ice had been broken. I don't think Brandi was prepared for the information that Scheana revealed, with regard to him helping her move, meeting her mother, taking trips. . .all very hurtful. But it ultimately confirmed what she had suspected -- that this was more than a casual fling. Brandi has her wonderful children and is emotionally detached from their father, but her focus is to raise the boys in the most dignified way that they can, given the circumstances.
The ripple effect of this situation, regarding Scheana, meant that she also had to endure the wrath of Stassi, who is a headstrong young woman, very bright but often let's her emotions and neurosis dictate, much to her detriment. She relishes the power play of somebody being the new girl and Scheana would be a lamb to the slaughter!
I am constantly astounded at the challenges thrown at us. Just in the three years that I have been in reality, coincidences that have transpired confirm the old adage that. . .life is stranger than fiction.
As the season progresses maybe you will have some understanding of my frustration at dealing with these provocative youngsters. Some I adore, others. . . .not so much, but always reminding myself that when we were 20, headstrong, and idealistic, maybe we didn't always make the right choices.
It has become the nature of the beast: a restaurant in Hollywood is often filled with waitstaff waiting for their dream. I do believe Sur is a more incestuous situation, full of vibrant, provocative characters, who are as lovable as they are problematic!
So join me on this trek for the next eight weeks, an expedition that has an abundance of twists and turns, resulting in unexpected scenarios, at times disappointing where I have to reign them in, reminding myself that I am not responsible for their behavior when they are outside of my jurisdiction!
A happy and prosperous new year to you all. . .Lisa
