There were not many Bravo blogs from the Real Housewives of New Jersey this week. Teresa just thanked everyone for their support. Melissa laughed about Amber’s phone call. And Dina warned us that Scary Island pales in comparison to what we are about to witness in Florida. The twins didn’t put up anything. at all. And then, there is Amber. Amber is about to play the cancer card AGAIN to explain away her ridiculous phone call to Teresa.
OK, OK, OK, on to my most annoying scene to date — my total meltdown when I called Teresa! OH MY Lord! I seriously was annoying to watch, I cannot imagine what you all were thinking. I remember that day, and I can assure you, I was having a very rough and emotional day. I cannot share exactly what was going on yet, but I was going through a very difficult time. I think it just all hit me at once, and I was displacing my fears and anxieties onto Teresa. Not that I do not care for her or her family, I truly do. That was absolutely not insincere; I was emotional for personal reasons and just could not deal. I do wish though that Gia, a 13 year old child, could have been asked to leave the room as her mother talked to both me and Melissa. I guess we have very different parenting styles. In my opinion, Gia should not hear adult conversations. Regardless what you think of my breakdown, I certainly do not give a crap about what she was wearing to court, I am thinking only of her children. Honestly, I wish I was not so empathetic to other sometimes; I take on other people’s heartaches all of the time, and it greatly affects me.
Clearly, she is implying that her cancer scare that happens on an upcoming episode was the reason for her meltdown. It also really chapped her hide to see Gia laughing at her. Gia is a teenager living in the house with two people preparing for jail. She’s well aware of what is going on. Amber’s thought that Gia should be banished from the kitchen is ridiculous. She was part of the scene. 
And, as far as asking too many questions, she is right, I did, and I apologize. This is difficult for me; I am unfamiliar with situations like the one Teresa and Joe are in. It is my personality to educate myself on everything there is to know of the situation. I remember when I was being treated there were two groups. Some people being diagnosed with cancer did not want to know anything about it. Their attitude was just give me the treatment and call it a day. As you can see, that is not me, I wanted to understand the science, the medicine, and the statistics about everything that I was going through. I think and think and think repeatedly in my mind until the thought is pulverized. Sometimes it is exhausting; I wish my brain would turn off. But it is just me, always has been and always will be. However, I do have to learn and respect that not everyone is going to be like that, including Teresa.
This paragraph should have just said. “I’m super nosy and I ask way to many very personal questions about people I barely know.”
Going on to the scene where we were discussing Project Ladybug and our trip to Florida. I had not seen or talked to Teresa since being at her friend Victoria Gotti’s home where she shared that bombshell with us. I had no idea what to expect, especially after the attack at Bobby’s house. The best way to explain this to you is to bring you into my mind and have you walk through my thought process.
Welcome to my mind:
Oh God, I’m not sure I want to enter here…
1. The twins and I were working things out. Was Teresa going to say something? How was she going to handle it? I did not know Bobby and the twins were trash talking behind my back about reaching out to Bobby. I truly thought were working things out.
So trash talking Bobby and referring to his swarm of whores on the side was you working things out with the twins?
2. After what Bobby, the twins, and even Melissa did to me, I was not in a place that I trusted anyone. As I looked around the room, I thought not one person who knew I was attacked, not one, gave a sh–. They did not break it up. They were worried about eating and went to dinner to celebrate with the attackers. And remember, it was because of me this group met. They knew one another for a hot minute. So, no, I was not trusting anyone at this point. With that in my mind, I found it suspect and odd that Teresa, who is good friends with Victoria, never heard this shocking piece of information. Was I being set up? AGAIN!?
And remember, you started trash talking Nicole to Melissa.
3. More bizarrely we were just asked to go on vacation with the girls. I have never left my children for any reason, so this was a big step for me. Before I even considered going, I wanted to make sure that Teresa knew that first; I would not disrespect her or her friend and blab to anyone about what I was told. I wanted to be crystal clear that I did not know what she was going to do with this information, if anything, but I was not going to do a damn thing with it. I am sweeping it off my front porch!
In the middle of a party on camera.
4. What did Victoria Gotti gain by telling me this? Just why?! Still to this day it baffles me.
I leave you with a final thought that swirls in my mind still to this day. How did Teresa not know Victoria Gotti’s bombshell about Rino already? That is some story to keep a secret until a causal drop in. Why do the twins blame me and Jim? We did not know Victoria Gotti, so something seemed out of sorts. The meeting was way too coincidental for me. All I know is Teresa brought this rumor to my table, and I was asked to go to Florida with a group of girls who either attacked me or sat idly by as I was attacked…stay tuned.
Bravo brought the rumor to the table. It’s an interesting test for you to see what you do with this damaging information regarding your friends. From the looks of things, you tell Jim so that he can drop the bomb in the middle of vacation. I can’t wait.
Great recap TT. I haven’t watched much of this season…but what I have seen makes Amber look like an idiot! So tired of hearing about “the cancer”.
I loved scary island! Can’t imagine anything topping it!
Me too! My favorite season ever.
I hope they bring jelly beans to Florida.
I am so craving sugar and talked myself out of any sugary stuff at Trader Joes yesterday. I did by that fancy honey that is supposed to cure the cancer and stuff. Maybe I will have some on toast.
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 4:07 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Proud of you! Hard to resist the Trader Joe’s selection of candy. I miss this store. No Trader Joe’s in El Paso. 🙁
Scarey island was fun times!!! Almost makes me miss Kelly!
I loved the trip through her mind. But then, I always did like haunted houses. Vacant, dusty, cobwebs and spiders everywhere.
I’m also tired of the cancer card. And I recently tweeted as much to her. She should be grateful and happy to be alive…and leave it at that.
But no, she has to compare it to EVERYTHING. Like comparing apples and armadillos…or, in her case, arma-dildos.
Meow. 🙂
Speaking of THE CANCER… Where are you with all of that?
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 4:19 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Still struggling with side effects from chemo, BUT I AM STILL HERE! I go back for more testing at the end of the month. Mammogram on the remaining breast (ugh). I also need a colonoscopy and another biopsy on the polyp found in my cervix.
Other than that, I’m just taking it easy, and adjusting to my new life. Thanks for asking!
Cats really DO have 9 lives!
You know you are the only Cat I like. I admire your brave attitude. Once you win the mental game the rest is easy! xoxo
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 4:37 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Cat, I for one sure am glad that cats do have nine lives. Dig those claws in lady and hang on for all you are worth. If you are anything like my Tisha cat you are a determined soul. Love that about her. She is a 13 pound, 11 year old cat who still scares the hell out of our 4 (all over 100 lbs.) Rottweilers. If she is on our bed and decides she doesn’t want them to get on it, she will run to the end of the bed hissing and they will back up and walk off lol.
Thanks. Yeah, my doctors said my attitude is what pulled me through. I’m still doing mastectomy jokes: “Walking in circles”, “Having to toss the other one over my shoulder, since it gets in the way.”
And I seem to be dealing now with some type of post-cancer ptsd. They tell me this is “normal”, so I just have to take it day by day.
I have no complaints, though. Not like Amber. I’m damned lucky to be here, and very grateful.
TT, I’ll make a cat lady out of you, sooner or later. 🙂
Hannah, give your Tisha a scratch behind the ears for me, ok?
You know how people always say eat right, exercise and drink lots of water? I never paid much attention to that until the crazy came. Oddly enough it works for the crazy. It might help cancer ptsd too. And some lavender oil helps the nightmares. Just put a few drops on wrists on the collar of your nightie or whatever.
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 6:49 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I agree. I’ve always been a sugar junkie, and I hear that accelerates it. But I haven’t been able to quit. I have toned it down, though.
I love lavender. Before my surgery, I bought a nice (and expensive) Aromatherapy plush kitty. It’s really soft, and has a lavender pouch in it’s stomach that you heat in the microwave. I love that thing!
I wish they’d legalize medical marijuana here. I’d love to try some of those “special” gummy bears!
I only have a sweet tooth during certain hormonal phases. I have pretty much given up refined sugar. I used to pour a ton in my sweet tea. Now I used raw sugar and or agave. I’m weaning myself. I still pull through the drive through of McDonalds or Chik Fil A to get a sweet tea as my reward for going into the world. I also drink the occaisional Mexican coke. I think I drank too many co-colas in my life to make retribution… but might as well try.
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 6:59 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I try to stick with dark (70%) chocolate, although lately I’ve been craving Good & Plenty. I do limit the amount per day, though.
And I recently rediscovered Southern Comfort…..CHERRY Southern Comfort. Yum.
Cat, those side effects are a bitch! Hang in there baby.
I will, Valerie. One day at a time. You hang in there, too.
Hey Cat:
My shrink recommended a couple of things for The Crazy. One is a supplement called NAC (N-acetyl cysteine). The other is going gluten free. I’ve read the studies on both and it does help.
❤️ The PTSD won’t be forever.
I suppose virtual pot cookies won’t do – I’d send you real ones if I could.
I will Cat, for as long as I possibly can. This blog is one of my very few escapes. I suppose I should comment on Amber. You must be so very careful when playing the Cancer Card. Who wants cancer to define them? Stop! My mom lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over forty years. Her fingers were actually at a right angle it got so bad. She never ever complained. She said it was just such a waste of time. If you constantly use the cancer card it loses all effect IMO.
Cat, everyday you pass the mirror test is a good day. Throw a vanilla instant breakfast, a couple of pasturized eggs in the blender w/the milk and ice cream and a big tot of rum and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Eggnog. The colonoscopy prep is far worse than the procedure. Move the TV into the bathroom.
I am so disgusted with Amber. She should be so glad she is alive to walk her kids to school. She views herself as the victim, not the survivor.
c
Ooh, Elizabeth…I LOVE egg nog! Thanks for the recipe!
I used my new phone to post and it used my not not my alias. I love good n plentys too. Black licorice is the best. I hear all the red vine people murmuring…….
name.
5 cats, I love black licorice. Always have. I know, I’m weird. But it helps to clear my throat. And it realy is good for you…sort of.
I loved your real name! I thought it was an alias…but a great name, none the less.
Thanks to you and everyone for their support!
Cat, I am SO praying for you; wishing you the best and tons of love. Stay strong and positive.
Thanks!
As a survivor and in remission, may I suggest a PETSCAN. That scan is able to detect Cancer anywheres in the body. It saved my life! Also if you need radation. Treatment. Ask about. PROTON Treatment. I have the best Hematologyist&Oncologist.
Cat…just a couple of words/ thoughts. I’ve lost a lot of loved ones to cancer…I myself a survivor. Just want you to know I think you are an inspiration. Like T said…your brave attitude is admirable. If it was not for a positive attitude you or I might not be here. If you are like me, laughter is the best medicine …… so keep on laughing and keep your head in a good space and you will win more battles than you lose.
Godspeed ….
Both of you have to keep it together. I have plenty more swear words to teach you. 🙂
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 6:51 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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You’re an educator through and through, Tamara.
Thanks, Riley. TT seems to be the guru of cancer survivors.
And yes, my vocabulary has grown a great deal since being here. 🙂
Oh, by the way, TT, I also drank a lot of green tea during chemo. I read that it accelerates the effects of chemo drugs. I still drink green tea now, all my doctors agree it’s helpful.
Oh hell yeah…green tea so good for lots of stuff that ails (did I spell that right?) you.
And, HERE is good news! My oncologist said instead of drinking protein shakes like Boost or Ensure, he would rather I buy milk and ice cream and make my own shakes! Yahoo!
WOOT! I LOVE YOUR DOCTOR!
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 9:06 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Hi Cat,
This is the first I have heard about your cancer battle. I lost my mom in 2013 to this horrible disease after one hell of a 15 year battle. She would make it to her 4 year point several times but never to the magic 5 year point
I was diagnosed with it one year ago and my older sister 2 years ago. Fortunately, they discovered it in early stage. Does it run in your family? Just wanted to say that it sounds like you’re one brave girl and a fighter. Wishing you full recover. I saw how my mom battled it for 20 years before it finally took her life
Wishing you the best.
brenblake, you are in good company here. TT commenters vent laugh and fight here. And they ALWAYS win.
It runs in my family too but I can’t afford Obamacare so the good news is that if I have it, I can’t afford to find out or treat it! YAY! I bought some of that NZ honey yesterday. Hopefully that will be enough. 🙂
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 9:30 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Cat is one of my favorite things about this place. Really.
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 10:44 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
> brenblake, you are in good company here. TT commenters vent laugh and > fight here. And they ALWAYS win. > > It runs in my family too but I can’t afford Obamacare so the good news is > that if I have it, I can’t afford to find out or treat it! YAY! I bought > some of that NZ honey yesterday. Hopefully that will be enough. 🙂 > > On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 9:30 PM, Tamara Tattles [email protected]> wrote: > >>
So sorry to hear about your mom. I’m so glad you and your sister detected it early.
No, there was no history of it in my family, which is why I waited so long to see a doctor (4 years) By then, I was advanced stage 3, on my way to stage 4. Originally, I was diagnosed inoperable.
I waited so long for several reasons. 1. There was no family history (a doctor told me “History has to start somewhere.”) 2. I thought it was scar tissue, since I had hit that side of my right breast on a door frame (another doctor told me, a strong blow can trigger it.) 3. I had been laid off from work, and didn’t notice the lump until the day AFTER my insurance expired. It was another 4 years before I could find work, and work my way up to benefits.
I almost waited too long. I had a couple of close calls over the holidays last year, and right before surgery in March.
HOWEVER, in a way, breast cancer SAVED my life. When I went in for surgery last September to have the port placement, they found my heart rate would not go above 35. I was taken back in for an emergency pacemaker. If that electrical block had not been found during surgery, I would have simply died in my sleep.
So, I was very lucky. During chemo and radiation treatments, I wore cat hats (with ears) to make everyone laugh, and to remind myself to land on my feet, and never give up. 9 lives! (My pacemaker surgery was on 9/9 last year, and I was in preop room #9. Omen?)
Oh, I waited much too long. Now every day is a celebration, especially if my pain level is low. (I know, wah wah.) Cancer is fucked up.
Amen to that, Valerie!
I am just gonna sit back and enjoy y’all chatting. This is way better than anything Amber has to tell is. (I really did enjoy reading your comments back and forth to each other) Am I the only one who saw where Amber mentioned she homeschooled her kids until they turned 6? Cause ya know….that is when they start first grade and all.
Amber’s teaching abilities are probably good through about the first 18 months of life.
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 8:40 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Made me laugh out loud on that one, TT. My brother and his wife home schooled all four of their kids through high school. Unfortunately, not one went on to college and all of them missed out on their childhoods as far as I’m concerned
Not saying this is the case for all home schooled kid’s
I can’t wait either! Andy must LOVE Jim!
Team Amber. Jim is a hot hot hot mess, and I love every scene he’s in!! lol
If Jim was taller, had more hair, and ditched the glasses, he may be on the cool side of hot. For now, dude is just a mess.
Jim is, and always will be, a cocktail weenie. (Allegedly.) He has to hide (allegedly) behind his dominatrix of a wife (allegedly), and SHE is the one with the penis in the marriage. (Allegedly.) She straps it on nightly (allegedly), just for him. (Allegedly.) Her pet name for him (allegedly) is “Little Smokey”.
Jim is a bullshitting weasel, a liar and a jackass. I find him very entertaining because he has actually made Juicy Joe and Joe Gorga look smarter which is not easy to do!
Speaking of idiots, I find myself feeling a little sorry for Juicy this season. I know, please slap me. I get the feeling that Joe would have probably been happy running his pizzeria, living in a small house, making & drinking his homemade wine and watching TV in his underwear. I feel his fraudulent activities were primarily to keep Teresa and the girls happy.
I agree with your assessment about Joe.
This is not in the thread of comments but I don’t have a lot of close friends and I feel like I know a lot of you. This is about my sweetheart of a husband. He is one of the best people I’ve ever met. I so don’t deserve him. He has a smile almost all the time, or did. He started having heart disease when he turned fifty. He has 32 stents in his heart, two types of dementia and now stage three chronic kidney disease. For the first time, he is afraid. Very childlike and so dear to me. I know I’m only sticking band aids on him and I will lose him, but I just ask for prayer that he doesn’t have to suffer. I’m all he has for a caretaker and I’m certifiable by now trying not to cry in front of him. Please send up some good wishes for him, doesn’t matter what force you believe in. He needs some love. Thank you for reading this long, dreary post.
I’m so sorry for you and him vbewley10. Sending some positive energy your way. I wish I had some words to say, but I don’t. I will be thinking of you though.
So Sorry to hear this news vbewley. Sending positive vibes.
On Tue, Sep 16, 2014 at 1:28 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I’m so sorry to hear that you both are going thru such a difficult time. I will keep both of you in my prayers.
Please google help for caregivers and you will find gov websites and others to find out what resources are available in your area. Reach out. There are a lot of good people and programs out there just waiting to help…
Prayers, strength, and comfort on the way for both of you.
Thank you all for the good words and wishes. I’m pretty sure everyone has something really difficult in their lives. We all just do the best we can. Bless you all.