My favorite show to document my community is coming back on the air tonight, The Real Housewives of Orange County. The “gates” that the show affectionately refers to are Coto de Caza, and my little city is right outside of the gates (Rancho Santa Margarita). Many of the scenes that take place in the show take place in my city, because really all that is inside Coto is houses and a country club. All of their restaurant eating, shopping, schooling, takes place outside of “the gates.”

Many people ask me, “How can you WATCH this show? It’s so ridiculous! There is no way this could be true!” But the sad/amusing truth is, The Real Housewives of Orange County might be the most realistic reality show there is. Growing up right outside the gates, I have had firsthand experiences with many people just like the women (and kids) on this show. They really ARE that materialistic, superficial, spoiled, and stuck up. Of course, there are notable exceptions to every rule. I have many great friends that live in gated communities that AREN’T like this, and are as grounded and down-to-earth as you and me.

But people like those on this show made my high school experience less than enjoyable for the most part because it is located RIGHT outside of the gates of Coto (turning right from the senior parking lot takes you right to a gate for Coto) and as such, is populated with Coto snobs. Let’s face it, my high school was no different from any other. Every high school has a group of rich snobs who feel they are entitled to anything and everything they want. Every school has a group of middle class and lower class kids who feel victimized by the richer kids.

It’s just great to see these kids and their parents being made fun of on national TV. And let’s face it. It’s kind of a trip to see the Target you shop at on TV, too. 😛