I miss my Friends. Did Ross and Rachel decide to have another child? Emma must be walking, but has she started school? How are the twins and is suburbian life treating Monica and Chandler well?? Did Phoebe and Mike get pregnant like they alluded to in the finale? I know that Joey moved to LA and pretty much sucked after that (hello, that's why he was *cancelled*).
In the absence of my Friends, I will take what I can get. If that means offering what support I can to the *actors* that made my Friends possible, so be it. I rent all the movies they are in, and I give each new television venture of theirs more than a fair shake. The exception of course was Lisa Kudrow's show on HBO. I couldn't bring myself to order the movie channel for one show, *but* I promise to rent it when/if it becomes available!
Joey
I watched out of a desparate attempt to keep in touch with my Friends. His blond neighbor was cute (Andrea Anders), and I think the eventual cause for his real-life divorce, but it was clear from the first episode that there was very little intelligence to complement Joey's innocent stupidity.
Studio 60
Not only is Matthew Perry portraying a grown-up Chandler, his character's name is Matt! Excellent cast, intelligent characters with an fab-o cast (Amanda Peet, Steven Weber, Bradley Whitford, D.L. Hughley, Timothy Busfield, Sarah Paulson and Nathan Corddry!) and clever writing (did they borrow any of the geniurs Friends staff??). Heard rumors the show was being cancelled, imagine my joy when it turned out they ordered more episodes to finish out the season!
Dirt
Courteney Cox is gorgeous and I think she's the kind of person I would like if I knew her. I heard all the hype about Dirt and how not only is she starring in it, but that she was the creative genius behind it... I'm two episodes in and the only reason I'm coming back for a third is the off-beat functioning schizophrenic Don Konkey (Ian Hart). Hopefully he can keep my interest long enough for the show itself to mature into a guilty pleasure. Right now it is neither guilty or a pleasure. And this little tidbit has piqued my interest. I suppose they've got my number... if a new friend is making an appearance (on the finale March 27th no less) they can count on me, because I'll be there for my friends!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Friday, December 29, 2006
Baby's First Christmas
Yes, we just celebrated Baby's First Christmas. People got us several ornaments and even a stocking, and to be honest, aside from having to pack a ton of stuff to take her with us to the parties, it didn't feel all that different. When we opened gifts that people gave her she seemed more interested in the noise the wrapping paper made than the actual gift (although I was quite excited about the stuff she got). We did manage - very last minute, Christmas Eve - to get a picture with Santa! Quite a few people have commented that we are very lucky she wasn't terrified by Santa, but we were also very lucky that there wasn't a line and we had all gotten a mostly decent night's sleep!
What I can't wait for is Baby's Second Christmas, that will be something fun! She will actually be able to open gifts!
What I can't wait for is Baby's Second Christmas, that will be something fun! She will actually be able to open gifts!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
One of Them
Yes, I am now officially, One of Them. I am an official member of the Parents Club.
Before, One of Them would tell me how exhausting a newborn is. How you don't sleep, shower, brush your teeth... How the first three months are the most difficult because not only are you trying to keep your new child alive, but you are also negotiating your new roles as parents (and for those of us lucky enough to not be doing it alone) divvying up fun new responsibilities like: washing the bottles, washing the baby's laundry, washing the baby... I heard Them tell me this. I believed that I understood what they were saying, it was in English after all. But, having recently survived the first three months with my baby, I still have to say that no one really communicated just how *difficult* it is! I get it now.
Before, One of them would tell me how they could stare at their newborn for hours on end. How the love they felt for their baby was something so unique and overwhelming. How they found themselves completely and totally fascinated by the (on average) 8 pounds of person in front of them. I heard Them tell me this. I believed that I understood what they were saying, it was in English after all. But, imagine my surprise when watching my baby's facial expressions *while sleeping* I realized that I could be happy just like that for hours on end. How the first time she stared at my hand because it was back lit by the window, I wiggled my fingers for her for hours while she gazed on... Except that my arm started cramping, I found I had no emotional reason to stop - me watching her watch my hand was indeed fascinating! I get it now.
Before, One of Them would tell me that no matter how difficult this huge transition is (new baby, no sleep, no more time for the gym or other non-essential activities... heck, eating dinner at the same time as my husband is a miracle these days), when your baby starts smiling or even better, laughing, it is *ALL* worth it. I heard Them tell me this. I believed that I understood what they were saying, it was in English after all. I clung to the idea that I would feel this way (I mean, hello, They had already warned me that it was going to be tough), and you know what? It is so much more than just worth it! The smiles, and the laughing (still new at this point), must pass some airborne chemical/hormone because not only is it all worth it, but it is better than I could have imagined! So much so that I tend to forget all the hard work that got us to this point. There is so much joy and pride and love and so *much* when your baby smiles up at you... I get it now!
Before, One of Them would ramble on and on about their kid(s). Sharing pictures and anecdotes and sucking you into a time vortex where you would be left wondering, How do I excuse myself from this conversation without appearing to be an insensitive b*stard? I swore I wouldn't be one of those people who couldn't understand that your life doesn't revolve around their kid(s). But now, I realize They were just trying to brighten my day with a few stories or pictures of Their greatest joy. That what I thought was rambling is really a selfless individual doing what They can for their fellow man by attempting to ignite joy and excitement in others! Or, at least that is what I tell myself every time I corner a friend or colleague and subject them to pictures and anecdotes... I get it now.
I have become Them.
Before, One of Them would tell me how exhausting a newborn is. How you don't sleep, shower, brush your teeth... How the first three months are the most difficult because not only are you trying to keep your new child alive, but you are also negotiating your new roles as parents (and for those of us lucky enough to not be doing it alone) divvying up fun new responsibilities like: washing the bottles, washing the baby's laundry, washing the baby... I heard Them tell me this. I believed that I understood what they were saying, it was in English after all. But, having recently survived the first three months with my baby, I still have to say that no one really communicated just how *difficult* it is! I get it now.
Before, One of them would tell me how they could stare at their newborn for hours on end. How the love they felt for their baby was something so unique and overwhelming. How they found themselves completely and totally fascinated by the (on average) 8 pounds of person in front of them. I heard Them tell me this. I believed that I understood what they were saying, it was in English after all. But, imagine my surprise when watching my baby's facial expressions *while sleeping* I realized that I could be happy just like that for hours on end. How the first time she stared at my hand because it was back lit by the window, I wiggled my fingers for her for hours while she gazed on... Except that my arm started cramping, I found I had no emotional reason to stop - me watching her watch my hand was indeed fascinating! I get it now.
Before, One of Them would tell me that no matter how difficult this huge transition is (new baby, no sleep, no more time for the gym or other non-essential activities... heck, eating dinner at the same time as my husband is a miracle these days), when your baby starts smiling or even better, laughing, it is *ALL* worth it. I heard Them tell me this. I believed that I understood what they were saying, it was in English after all. I clung to the idea that I would feel this way (I mean, hello, They had already warned me that it was going to be tough), and you know what? It is so much more than just worth it! The smiles, and the laughing (still new at this point), must pass some airborne chemical/hormone because not only is it all worth it, but it is better than I could have imagined! So much so that I tend to forget all the hard work that got us to this point. There is so much joy and pride and love and so *much* when your baby smiles up at you... I get it now!
Before, One of Them would ramble on and on about their kid(s). Sharing pictures and anecdotes and sucking you into a time vortex where you would be left wondering, How do I excuse myself from this conversation without appearing to be an insensitive b*stard? I swore I wouldn't be one of those people who couldn't understand that your life doesn't revolve around their kid(s). But now, I realize They were just trying to brighten my day with a few stories or pictures of Their greatest joy. That what I thought was rambling is really a selfless individual doing what They can for their fellow man by attempting to ignite joy and excitement in others! Or, at least that is what I tell myself every time I corner a friend or colleague and subject them to pictures and anecdotes... I get it now.
I have become Them.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Exhaustion
So, in my psychotic need to fit into my work wardrobe in time to return to work, I spent the last two weeks getting up (sometimes) and going to the gym at 5 am while the baby is sleeping. While working out made me feel mentally great, it took its toll physically, since it meant a lot less sleep for me, and I began to wonder if it was really worth it. Maybe I should just resign myself to buying a new work wardrobe in a larger size...
Anyway, this last Monday (the 9th), I hit the snooze button (unusual) and had to talk myself into getting up. Once I got to the gym I only did half the cardio that I normally do before hitting the weight machines. My point is that I didn't do anything normal that morning, and it all got me to the bicep curl machine at the exact same time a man sat down on a leg extension machine across from me. Important to note at this point that I do believe that everything happens for a reason.
I noticed that the man across from me had closed his eyes, and immediately began snoring. My amusement, that someone could be that tired and still be at the gym, quickly turned to adrenaline pumping fright as I watched the man slide off the machine and onto the floor - still snoring. My first thought, having no medical knowledge whatsoever, was that he might have had a seizure, but when I couldn't see any obvious shaking or foaming at the mouth (that happens with seizures, right?), I suspected he was narcoleptic. Where's House when you need hum? Anyway, I jumped off of my machine and began patting his arm and loudly saying, "Sir, sir, wake up!" The way he was folded up on the floor, I wondered if he'd broken a leg or suffered any injury more than embarrasment. As he came to, he repeatedly apologized and told me that he was very tired. I suggested that he leave the gym and nap in his car before heading home. He agreed, although I noticed he didn't seem all that coherent.
He stood and I returned to the bicep curls. I watched him slowly walk towards the door, stopping short at a snack counter and leaning against it. My first thought was that perhaps he had come with someone to the gym and was waiting for them. Then I saw his eyes start to close...
As quick as I could I (again) jumped off my machine and ran towards him yelling, "Oh sh*t! Oh sh*t!" The eyes closed, the snoring started and his body began to crumble again. Before I could reach him he hit his head on the counter and descended towards the tile floor. I got there just in time to barely support the weight of his torso as I heard his head crack while hitting the ground. He lay on the floor, body askew, head bleeding and - still snoring. At this point I began yelling towards the gym employee, "Call 911!" and again trying to pat the man's arm and waken him. When he finally opened his eyes, he tried to sit up and apologizing began to try and stand. Another nearby exerciser and myself held him down and explained to him that he'd hit his head and needed to remain where he was until the paramedics showed up. His first remark was that he had thought he was already home...
Someone brought a towel to hold to the back of his head and slow the bleeding. He handed me his gym card and his phone, he had already dialed his home number and was asking me to tell his wife what had happened. Needless to say, I won't soon forget his name, or that his 44th birthday is this October 24th, or the panic from his wife who explained to me that she couldn't leave the house because the kids were still sleeping.
Two off-duty firemen who happened to be working out then came over and began asking him questions, checking his vitals and collecting my account of what had happened to inform the paramedics when they arrived. The man didn't remember falling asleep on the machine, and had no memory of leaning against the counter. And during this entire time (all of 15 minutes maybe, except that I remember it in slow motion) I was thinking, "If this is a bad case of exhaustion, is this where I am headed, and is it worth it?" Of course, my gut tells me that it was something more serious for this man (I will never know).
The site of him collapsing has haunted me since. Not that I can deign to know why this happened to him, but I can guess why I was brought to witness it. And, no, I no longer sneak out to the gym while the baby's sleeping. I'd rather spend the money on new clothes for work than be so exhausted that I have to spend it on hospital bills...
Anyway, this last Monday (the 9th), I hit the snooze button (unusual) and had to talk myself into getting up. Once I got to the gym I only did half the cardio that I normally do before hitting the weight machines. My point is that I didn't do anything normal that morning, and it all got me to the bicep curl machine at the exact same time a man sat down on a leg extension machine across from me. Important to note at this point that I do believe that everything happens for a reason.
I noticed that the man across from me had closed his eyes, and immediately began snoring. My amusement, that someone could be that tired and still be at the gym, quickly turned to adrenaline pumping fright as I watched the man slide off the machine and onto the floor - still snoring. My first thought, having no medical knowledge whatsoever, was that he might have had a seizure, but when I couldn't see any obvious shaking or foaming at the mouth (that happens with seizures, right?), I suspected he was narcoleptic. Where's House when you need hum? Anyway, I jumped off of my machine and began patting his arm and loudly saying, "Sir, sir, wake up!" The way he was folded up on the floor, I wondered if he'd broken a leg or suffered any injury more than embarrasment. As he came to, he repeatedly apologized and told me that he was very tired. I suggested that he leave the gym and nap in his car before heading home. He agreed, although I noticed he didn't seem all that coherent.
He stood and I returned to the bicep curls. I watched him slowly walk towards the door, stopping short at a snack counter and leaning against it. My first thought was that perhaps he had come with someone to the gym and was waiting for them. Then I saw his eyes start to close...
As quick as I could I (again) jumped off my machine and ran towards him yelling, "Oh sh*t! Oh sh*t!" The eyes closed, the snoring started and his body began to crumble again. Before I could reach him he hit his head on the counter and descended towards the tile floor. I got there just in time to barely support the weight of his torso as I heard his head crack while hitting the ground. He lay on the floor, body askew, head bleeding and - still snoring. At this point I began yelling towards the gym employee, "Call 911!" and again trying to pat the man's arm and waken him. When he finally opened his eyes, he tried to sit up and apologizing began to try and stand. Another nearby exerciser and myself held him down and explained to him that he'd hit his head and needed to remain where he was until the paramedics showed up. His first remark was that he had thought he was already home...
Someone brought a towel to hold to the back of his head and slow the bleeding. He handed me his gym card and his phone, he had already dialed his home number and was asking me to tell his wife what had happened. Needless to say, I won't soon forget his name, or that his 44th birthday is this October 24th, or the panic from his wife who explained to me that she couldn't leave the house because the kids were still sleeping.
Two off-duty firemen who happened to be working out then came over and began asking him questions, checking his vitals and collecting my account of what had happened to inform the paramedics when they arrived. The man didn't remember falling asleep on the machine, and had no memory of leaning against the counter. And during this entire time (all of 15 minutes maybe, except that I remember it in slow motion) I was thinking, "If this is a bad case of exhaustion, is this where I am headed, and is it worth it?" Of course, my gut tells me that it was something more serious for this man (I will never know).
The site of him collapsing has haunted me since. Not that I can deign to know why this happened to him, but I can guess why I was brought to witness it. And, no, I no longer sneak out to the gym while the baby's sleeping. I'd rather spend the money on new clothes for work than be so exhausted that I have to spend it on hospital bills...
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Pregnancy Plaints
Pregnancy Complaints (aka, Nature's way of convincing you to push)
1. Lower Back Pain
2. Sciatic Nerve Pain (I actually read that to help with this I should avoid waddling and focus on swaying my hips when I walk. Right, like that doesn't look ridiculous!)
3. Heartburn (Thank God for TUMS!)
4. Not being able to eat a lot in one sitting thanks to the squished stomach.
5. Being hungry every hour or two thanks to not being able to eat a lot in one sitting.
6. Rolling over in bed (it's like picking up and throwing a large boulder while laying down).
7. I'm hot. Even in my office where the AC has other people pulling out their winter jackets, I'm hot.
8. Shortness of breath just from getting up off the sofa.
9. Throbbing feet
10. Being kicked in the ribs all day (but I secretly don't mind since I take it as a positive sign for the baby).
11. Strangers who guess the sex of the baby. "You're having a girl, right?" Let's see, you have a 50/50 chance of being right...
12. Strangers who are hurt that I won't tell them the name. Like you have any right to *any* information about me. If you couldn't *see* that I was pregnant, I wouldn't even tell you that much!
13. Bacne (if you don't know, don't ask)
Pregnancy Proplaints (aka, Nature's way of tricking you into getting pregnant)
1. I am a goddess. Hello - I'm bringing life into this world!
2. My husband cleans the litter boxes.
3. My hair and nails have never been so luxurious.
4. No judgmental looks from my husband when I want to have ice cream for dinner.
5. Ice cream
6. Strangers are generally nicer than usual.
7. Feeling the baby move (so bizarre!)
8. Having the perfect excuse for getting out of undesirable social events.
9. Extra cleavage to distract admirers from the extra belly (leave me my illusions won't you?)
10. Ice cream
1. Lower Back Pain
2. Sciatic Nerve Pain (I actually read that to help with this I should avoid waddling and focus on swaying my hips when I walk. Right, like that doesn't look ridiculous!)
3. Heartburn (Thank God for TUMS!)
4. Not being able to eat a lot in one sitting thanks to the squished stomach.
5. Being hungry every hour or two thanks to not being able to eat a lot in one sitting.
6. Rolling over in bed (it's like picking up and throwing a large boulder while laying down).
7. I'm hot. Even in my office where the AC has other people pulling out their winter jackets, I'm hot.
8. Shortness of breath just from getting up off the sofa.
9. Throbbing feet
10. Being kicked in the ribs all day (but I secretly don't mind since I take it as a positive sign for the baby).
11. Strangers who guess the sex of the baby. "You're having a girl, right?" Let's see, you have a 50/50 chance of being right...
12. Strangers who are hurt that I won't tell them the name. Like you have any right to *any* information about me. If you couldn't *see* that I was pregnant, I wouldn't even tell you that much!
13. Bacne (if you don't know, don't ask)
Pregnancy Proplaints (aka, Nature's way of tricking you into getting pregnant)
1. I am a goddess. Hello - I'm bringing life into this world!
2. My husband cleans the litter boxes.
3. My hair and nails have never been so luxurious.
4. No judgmental looks from my husband when I want to have ice cream for dinner.
5. Ice cream
6. Strangers are generally nicer than usual.
7. Feeling the baby move (so bizarre!)
8. Having the perfect excuse for getting out of undesirable social events.
9. Extra cleavage to distract admirers from the extra belly (leave me my illusions won't you?)
10. Ice cream
< 6 weeks
So I finally made it to the critical 34-week mark. Critical? Yes. Apparently by now, if the baby decides to make its way out, it would actually survive with minimal to no complications. The trick now, is for me to survive the next 6-ish weeks.
The thought that distracts me during my waking hours is this: I will continue to get bigger over the next six weeks. Trust me, I am big enough. My sciatic nerve is already on my nerves. My body can barely roll over in bed as it is. My stomach protests over the smallest of meals (seeing how it is squished like a pancake I'm not surprised - oh, pancakes, those sound good). The heartburn is guaranteeing me a permanent Stevie Nicks vocal quality. We can barely afford the water bill from my multiple bathroom trips an hour. Throbbing feet, leg cramps, lower back pain, inability to thoroughly shave my legs, shortness of breath just from getting into my car... none of these will be helped by the additional 6 - 10 pounds that have been predicted for my immediate future. (I just know there is NO WAY I'll be one of those lucky women that loses weight her last month of pregnancy!)
And for all my complaining, I am constantly amazed at how nature works. 30 weeks ago, I was not prepared to handle having my waist size double (practically), my weight triple (at least that's what it feels like) and the prospect of actually pushing a melon through a comparatively small hole. Now... the changes were gradual enough that my enormous belly looks pretty normal to me, and I'm looking forward to having the baby so that the aches and pains of carrying this bundle of joy will finally go away. I'm NOT actually looking forward to labor, but I'm starting to understand how I will reach a point mentally (physically I think I'm already there) where I might prefer the baby come on out! Tricky Tricky nature is.
The thought that distracts me during my waking hours is this: I will continue to get bigger over the next six weeks. Trust me, I am big enough. My sciatic nerve is already on my nerves. My body can barely roll over in bed as it is. My stomach protests over the smallest of meals (seeing how it is squished like a pancake I'm not surprised - oh, pancakes, those sound good). The heartburn is guaranteeing me a permanent Stevie Nicks vocal quality. We can barely afford the water bill from my multiple bathroom trips an hour. Throbbing feet, leg cramps, lower back pain, inability to thoroughly shave my legs, shortness of breath just from getting into my car... none of these will be helped by the additional 6 - 10 pounds that have been predicted for my immediate future. (I just know there is NO WAY I'll be one of those lucky women that loses weight her last month of pregnancy!)
And for all my complaining, I am constantly amazed at how nature works. 30 weeks ago, I was not prepared to handle having my waist size double (practically), my weight triple (at least that's what it feels like) and the prospect of actually pushing a melon through a comparatively small hole. Now... the changes were gradual enough that my enormous belly looks pretty normal to me, and I'm looking forward to having the baby so that the aches and pains of carrying this bundle of joy will finally go away. I'm NOT actually looking forward to labor, but I'm starting to understand how I will reach a point mentally (physically I think I'm already there) where I might prefer the baby come on out! Tricky Tricky nature is.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
PWC
Yes, believe it or not, I still watch bad TV, keep up on the latest celebrity gossip, and am honestly interested in how *you* are doing. Just because I'm pregnant, it doesn't mean that I've lost the ability to think and talk about things other than the baby. I know, you're shocked.
I don't know if it's that everyone really wants to know the gory details about how *I'm* feeling, or if it's just an obvious elephant-in-the-room type discussion opener that most people feel comfortable starting off with, but for some reason, the first thing anyone ever wants to talk about is the baby. It's as if I'm some new alien species that won't understand conversation outside of stroller features and crib recommendations. As much as I appreciate the advice (and the horror stories), the bottom line is that it goes in one ear and out the other because the baby isn't here yet. I don't have a point of reference. (Does that actually make me an alien?) Granted, I love this baby (still in its convenient carrying case) and I am thoroughly enjoying being pregnant - but, I still have interests outside this general topic (hello, the Sharks just made it to the second round of the playoffs!).
I am well aware thanks to people with children (PWC) that I should expect my life and interests to be over after the baby is born (which seems totally alien to me), but the key here is *after* the baby is born. Maybe PWC can only talk to me about the baby, because they have kids and they are their whole life now. But along with telling me to enjoy dinners at restaurants with my husband before the baby gets here, and relax and pamper myself now - don't you think they would also know that I should enjoy all my interests (gossip, political debate, etc..) and not be harassed by PWC?!
Now, people without children (PWOC) are interesting. My guess is they discuss the baby either out of fascination (which was me when I was not pg) or some crazy sense of obligation. Let me tell PWOC loud and clear, unless you are planning on having kids shortly (or trying) I don't actually expect you to be interested in all things baby! If you are, great. Research online like I did (because if you get me started, I might forget that you are a-PWOC or b-male, and babble on about things like episiotomies!). But you, PWOC, are my last conection to sanity. Talk to me about your wedding plans, about your awful boss, about your crazy neighbor that knows someone who knows someone who might know Drew Barrymore! I'm not PWC yet!!
I don't know if it's that everyone really wants to know the gory details about how *I'm* feeling, or if it's just an obvious elephant-in-the-room type discussion opener that most people feel comfortable starting off with, but for some reason, the first thing anyone ever wants to talk about is the baby. It's as if I'm some new alien species that won't understand conversation outside of stroller features and crib recommendations. As much as I appreciate the advice (and the horror stories), the bottom line is that it goes in one ear and out the other because the baby isn't here yet. I don't have a point of reference. (Does that actually make me an alien?) Granted, I love this baby (still in its convenient carrying case) and I am thoroughly enjoying being pregnant - but, I still have interests outside this general topic (hello, the Sharks just made it to the second round of the playoffs!).
I am well aware thanks to people with children (PWC) that I should expect my life and interests to be over after the baby is born (which seems totally alien to me), but the key here is *after* the baby is born. Maybe PWC can only talk to me about the baby, because they have kids and they are their whole life now. But along with telling me to enjoy dinners at restaurants with my husband before the baby gets here, and relax and pamper myself now - don't you think they would also know that I should enjoy all my interests (gossip, political debate, etc..) and not be harassed by PWC?!
Now, people without children (PWOC) are interesting. My guess is they discuss the baby either out of fascination (which was me when I was not pg) or some crazy sense of obligation. Let me tell PWOC loud and clear, unless you are planning on having kids shortly (or trying) I don't actually expect you to be interested in all things baby! If you are, great. Research online like I did (because if you get me started, I might forget that you are a-PWOC or b-male, and babble on about things like episiotomies!). But you, PWOC, are my last conection to sanity. Talk to me about your wedding plans, about your awful boss, about your crazy neighbor that knows someone who knows someone who might know Drew Barrymore! I'm not PWC yet!!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Fun Weekend with the Family
Let me start by saying that I love the fact that I don't live in the same city as my family. Don't get me wrong, I love them (most of the time), I'm just glad I don't live near them. I am too far for them to "drop in" for dinner. But close enough to fly down for the weekend. Which means, of course, that occasionally I have to subject myself to the "Fun Weekend with the Family", and if you haven't already guessed, it is never fun.
For instance, my husband and I had discussed going to visit the family for a weekend this March. Maybe we would get a room at the Hotel Del and have the family come to us. Or maybe a room near the beach so we can relax with an evening stroll along the boardwalk and essentially find a little time to enjoy ourselves while we are there. Uh, no.
Not only did multiple family members seem offended that we weren't going to stay with them, they all seem to think that they aren't being allotted enough time with us. Yeah, it's great to be loved.
My first priority is to see my Dad. It is not an option for us to stay with him, thanks to his Evil Wife (EW), since it is her house now (even though he had always said it was our home too) and she doesn't want "guests" - although her family is always staying with them. I'll be lucky to get to see him for dinner (with EW) and even luckier if he squeezes in time for a breakfast - EW-free. Even though he is my priority, getting quality time with him is difficult - like chaperoned custody sessions.
Then there is Sister #1. She is fun! We go out, we dance, whatever we want to do. I'd be fine just spending my weekend with her (as long as I get a meal with Dad - which we can usually combine with Sister #1).
But, there's also Sister #2, who is too young to drive. Therefore, I can't see her without seeing my Aunt and Uncle and their family.
My Aunt and Uncle and their family... Even as a kid, their home was a black hole of time. You could make plans to be there for 2 hours on a Friday evening, and they'd manage to suck you in to staying (they have many tools, primarily guilt) until Sunday night. They were the most upset that we wouldn't be staying with them. Hello. They live in a 1200sq ft 3bed/1bath home with 4 adults already. Not a lot of room for 2.5 more (this is including me, hubby and Sister #2).
If we arrange for a weekend with one of any of the above, it is usually fairly manageable and we generally have a good time. BUT trying to squeeze all of them into one weekend, immediately we see that there isn't any time for hubby and me to enjoy ourselves. It looks like it is going to be another Fun Weekend with the Family.... maybe there's a reason I haven't booked it yet. Maybe my subconscious is trying to tell me something...
For instance, my husband and I had discussed going to visit the family for a weekend this March. Maybe we would get a room at the Hotel Del and have the family come to us. Or maybe a room near the beach so we can relax with an evening stroll along the boardwalk and essentially find a little time to enjoy ourselves while we are there. Uh, no.
Not only did multiple family members seem offended that we weren't going to stay with them, they all seem to think that they aren't being allotted enough time with us. Yeah, it's great to be loved.
My first priority is to see my Dad. It is not an option for us to stay with him, thanks to his Evil Wife (EW), since it is her house now (even though he had always said it was our home too) and she doesn't want "guests" - although her family is always staying with them. I'll be lucky to get to see him for dinner (with EW) and even luckier if he squeezes in time for a breakfast - EW-free. Even though he is my priority, getting quality time with him is difficult - like chaperoned custody sessions.
Then there is Sister #1. She is fun! We go out, we dance, whatever we want to do. I'd be fine just spending my weekend with her (as long as I get a meal with Dad - which we can usually combine with Sister #1).
But, there's also Sister #2, who is too young to drive. Therefore, I can't see her without seeing my Aunt and Uncle and their family.
My Aunt and Uncle and their family... Even as a kid, their home was a black hole of time. You could make plans to be there for 2 hours on a Friday evening, and they'd manage to suck you in to staying (they have many tools, primarily guilt) until Sunday night. They were the most upset that we wouldn't be staying with them. Hello. They live in a 1200sq ft 3bed/1bath home with 4 adults already. Not a lot of room for 2.5 more (this is including me, hubby and Sister #2).
If we arrange for a weekend with one of any of the above, it is usually fairly manageable and we generally have a good time. BUT trying to squeeze all of them into one weekend, immediately we see that there isn't any time for hubby and me to enjoy ourselves. It looks like it is going to be another Fun Weekend with the Family.... maybe there's a reason I haven't booked it yet. Maybe my subconscious is trying to tell me something...
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