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So, Back To Divorcing The Family

Posted on June 30th, 2008

You know how there are people in your family you’d rather not claim sometimes?  Or maybe you are lucky enough not to have any.  I happen to have a few – all on Allen’s side of the family.

This last weekend I heard about things going on with two of them – both of which would affect me.

My mother-in-law had given us a serving of china several years ago.  Not sure what made her want to give anything to any of her daughter’s in law because she can’t stand any of us.  But she did.  Probably trying to make nice with her sons.

So, she asked Allen to get that china back from me.  Now, mind you, the china is relatively worthless, butt ugly and has never left the box.  I thanked her profusely when she gave it to me and took it so it wouldn’t hurt her feelings.

I’m no Saint but I hope I would know better than to do something that hurtful to my children or their spouses.

So after years of carting the children 3 hours to her home for a day visit, without Allen, and then home.

Bringing her mother a television set when we didn’t have enough for ourselves when her mother was in a nursing home.

Getting her a doctor that saved her life because the one she was seeing was killing her.  Saving her husbands life (literally) one afternoon at the house.

Calling her weekly.  Sending cards and gifts.  Remembering her anniversary.

Prodding Allen to call her monthly – only to get in a fight with him because of it (he never wanted to call his family).

The only daughter in law who washed dishes in her home each and every time I was there.

And after assuring her that she would continue to see the children after we were divorced and I would make sure that she did.  She can kiss THAT one goodbye

She will get not only the dishes but every other piece of anything that she ever gave us – BACK.  I just can’t be bothered with that much negative energy in my home.

So now I’m faced with the dreaded SISTER-IN-LAW this weekend.  She would be the cream of the crop.

She has called Allen, congratulated him on the divorce and told him that she’ll come by and take him shopping for a whole new wardrobe and get a new hair cut.  Probably so he can attract a new wife.

The poor guy is really hurt.  Not sure what she is thinking.  I left him.  He’s devastated and she is congratulating him.

But then, that would be the person she is.

So she’ll be here in town this next Fourth of July weekend.  At a block party 4 blocks from me.  Telling all of the neighbors about how I left him, it was all my fault and it was such a surprise.  These three things I know because she’s already started calling neighbors.

And I’ll be left to clean up the mess she leaves behind when my youngest is faced with the other children in the neighborhood.

He hasn’t had the nerve to tell anyone yet.  But it looks like he won’t have to.  Allen and I have caught her numerous times over the years in terrible lies to her husband, friends and the family.  So – she could most likely add a few lies to the stories she brings.

My friends know me and they know my character.  The people who don’t know me I don’t care about.  My son – him I care about.

After two days of ruminating, worrying and being concerned that my baby will be the brunt of her sick mind I realized that I have to give this to God.  That only He can take care of her and the situation.  And that no matter what He’ll support my little guy through this.

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It’s A Wet Dog Day

Posted on June 28th, 2008

You know, the dog days of summer?  Well, they aren’t really here yet but the weather is sure hot enough.  We’re hitting 90 today and the humidity is so bad that I’m dripping wet within minutes of being outside.

I found lots of new patches of poison ivy in the yard today.  It seems that they propogate very quickly.  And after itching for 2 weeks I’m thinking I need to get something strong enough to kill it.  I’ve used a mix of vinegar, salt and water before – I think this time I leave out the water.

I’m miserable today.  Not sure really why.  Think it’s a combination of not enough water, no good nutrition, definitely not enough sleep and too much worry.  Mix it all together and add a dose of Allen and you have yourself a very strong reason to stay in bed most of the day.

Alas, four children, a dog, a guinea pig and my very own company don’t really allow for that.

Tomorrow is another day.  And God has been very faithful.  I’ll keep counting on Him and I’m sure I’ll get through.

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It’s Quieter Around Here

Posted on June 26th, 2008

I really noticed today how the cicadas are toning down their drone.  Of course I’ve also noticed a few more dead bugs on the driveway and sidewalks.  I would have put a picture right here on the page but these are really weird bugs – thought it might gross out a few people.

When I went in to the see the doctor when I Injured my leg he told me they would stink when they all died.  The stench has started.  But the noise level is much lower.  Six of one . . .

I love to be outside – gives me a real boost and some peace – and now that these little nasties are leaving (rather, dying) I can spend more time without fear of losing my hearing.  Unfortunately I think the mosquito crowd is increasing in number.  I was bitten four times the other day when I was in the garage for 10 minutes at 2 in the afternoon!

Of course, I’m the mosquito magnet, but really!  4 bites in 10 minutes in the middle of the afternoon?  That’s a record, even for me.

It’ll be three weeks on Saturday that we separated and he has called me every day since then.  I don’t think he gets it.  But since I can be outside more I haven’t minded as much

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