So far...

[shadesong]

The parental visit continues....

It's not too horrible so far. The big thing yesterday was Mom's announcement that Thanksgiving would be taking place at Aunt Kathy & Uncle Stu's this year, and that my attendance was anticipated.

Me: "Well, I kinda have a tradition of cooking Thanksgiving at *my* place."
Mom: "Well, they have a new house."

I plan to point out that I'm violently allergic to their dog and that I've already invited people here.

Besides *that*, they're planning a four-day cruise for Grandma's 80th birthday, and we're expected to attend *that* as well - I'm hoping that they plan it for MegaCon weekend, as Mouse and I will definitely have a booth there this year. Sorry, can't go be trapped on a boat for 4 days with you guys!

So. Mom's only mildly irksome. Dad's getting old in humorous ways... the latest being that he seems to be on tape delay. He'll say the *exact* thing that Mom or I say, in the exact same tone, five minutes after we say it. And it's not deliberate - he just looks confused when we start laughing.

So the visit isn't too painful thus far. Wish me luck...

Comments

[yendi]

I vote that whenever the cruise is, that's when Megacon is. As far as they have to know, at least.

Am I expected to be trapped on the boat, or is it for direct family only (I couldn't find a dignified way to ask last night).

I've always loved the idea of taking a cruise, but under other circumstances.

[voltbang.livejournal.com]

Good plan.

[edie22.livejournal.com]

You know, even on a confined boat, I bet you guys could get away with only dealing with Fern at Dinner. It'd probably be big enough that you could hide every time she was around and still have a blast. I'm just sayin if it turns out you have to go.

You can always say that you can't get time off from work, or that some huge project is due that week or something.

[yendi]

You can always say that you can't get time off from work, or that some huge project is due that week or something.

And if I let shadesong get trapped on the boat without me, how long would I live for, would you estimate?

[edie22.livejournal.com]

I meant both of you could use the same excuse. She'd kill you in about 3 seconds.

[m0usegrrl.livejournal.com]

yes!! we'll definitely have a booth at Megacon, which will be whenever this cruise is planned for... =)

as for Thanksgiving, you think your dog allergy/pre-existing plans argument is gonna float with Fern? i kinda have my doubts, personally, but good luck with that one anyway...

[gev.livejournal.com]

parents don't like y'all's thanksgivin' plans?
Two words:

fugg'em

[tikimama.livejournal.com]

Why don't you just tell them you don't want to go? Start a new family tradition: honesty.

[chrisv.livejournal.com]

Now, that sounds pretty radical

[adellyna.livejournal.com]

Heh, if her family is anything like my family, that just won't work. She'll end up having to go, except this way, the whole family will ostracize and glare and make pointed "I told you this would be fun" comments the whole time. Gotta love family!

My vote is with the big project at work. Maybe one of your bosses could be scheduling surgery and put you in charge? Eh?

[m0usegrrl.livejournal.com]

it'll never work -- Fern's the Queen of Denial...

[voltbang.livejournal.com]

Denial is a river that flows two ways.

"Did you buy the tickets?"
"I told you I'm not going"
"You have to go""oh, in that case, yes, I have my tickets I'll see you there"

weeks later

"what do you mean we were on the wrong cruise ship?"

[iroshi.livejournal.com]

Quite a few of us have been wondering (to ourselves and aloud to 'song) why she feels the necessity of continuing "polite" contact with these people.

Personally, I think she should start being completely honest with them and see how long they stick around. :) She'd be a lot more comfortable if they decide they want nothing to do with her, in my opinion.

[tikimama.livejournal.com]

She and I have had this debate for years. Of course, I've cut off relations with my own father, who has fewer transgressions at his door than 'song's parents. So maybe I'm a heartless bitch (oh, wait, I am.)

I believe family member should be held to the same standards as everyone else in your life. Would you let a friend treat you the way you allow your family to treat you? No. Just because you share genetic code, you don't owe them anything.

I'm big on honestly. It is the best defense, first of all. Lies are so confusing, so much to remember, and you inevitably have to argue them. With the truth, you don't have to argue!

But I'm immune to guilt. :)

Re:

[iroshi.livejournal.com]

I'm not immune to guilt. I just believe in only feeling guilty for things that are actually immoral...oh, wait, I don't do things that I believe are immoral; therefore, no guilt! :)

Re:

[iroshi.livejournal.com]

Well, one can feel guilt for honest mistakes, of course, but that's more of a sense of responsibility than 'guilt'.

[crowyhead.livejournal.com]

I do the tape-delay thing with my friend Kay, or at least I used to when we spent a lot of time together. We finally decided that I was so used to being with her that I was mistaking her comments for my own thoughts... ;)

As for Thanksgiving and the cruise... excuses are good.

Crow

[deza.livejournal.com]

{big hugs}

Know the feeling--I go through it regularly with my mom. One good excuse I've used is "The kids aren't feeling well, and I don't want to force them on a long trip while they have upset tummies..." Hard part is keeping the kids quiet enough that she believes it while I'm on the phone.

[bahtswana.livejournal.com]

Hello? This thing on?
Can you hear me? Can you see me?
Could I have found a cheesier photo?..
Hello everyone, this is nathan.
If you can't tell, this is my first post on LiveJournal!
Hi Shadesong, thanks for inviting me!
uhh.. that's it. You people can continue your conversation now, sorry :)
(Reply to this) (Thread)

Re:

[deza.livejournal.com]

Hi Nathan. Welcome to LiveCrack, um, I mean LJ...

*grin*

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

Newt!

*pouncetacklehug*

Um. Yes. We see you. :)

[phantom_wolfboy]

Nope, can't hear you at all. ;-)

[crackerbob.livejournal.com]

*holds a funnel up to his ear*

Eh?

[bahtswana.livejournal.com]

Damn, thought I was SHOUTING loud enough. Wait until next week, I'm getting a second capslock key installed.

[bahtswana.livejournal.com]

Is it considered poor ettiquette to reply to yourself?
I filled out my personal info and posted my first page. I'm tired now, think I'll take a nap.

[bahtswana.livejournal.com]

Cool! I have another friend. Thanks Deza!!
148 more and you'll get to see ME nude.

yikes

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

Newt! Settle down. :)

Not that I mind the traffic - I'm a comment whore - but those can all be posts in *your* journal. Where deza will be more likely to see them anyway. :)


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