On another note.....

I'm a happy girl. That is all.

Just checkin' in....

Seems to have been a chaotic week here in the Blogosphere. Two of my favorite bloggers (who shall remain nameless, but who will soon be noticeably absent from my Blogroll) closed up shop. Anonymity is a great attraction to this whole blogging world, and I'm sure that for these two, with huge "fanbases," that anonymity was somewhat lost, which subsequently stifled their writing.

Or maybe not.

I may have no clue what I'm talking about, afterall, I'm far from anonymous on my blog, and I certainly don't have the larges numbers of readers these two had.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, regardless of the reasons, though I'm sad to see them go, I understand their reasoning (I think).

So long, you two. You will be missed.

Which "Breakfast Club" character are you?

OH! I can't believe I didn't think of this quiz first! Sheesh, it's only one of the most important movies of the 1980's (a close second behind "Ferris Beauller's Day Off" of course).
Hah, as if THESE results came as any big surprise.....


You're Claire Standish! A "princess" with
a dysfunctional family. You're known to:
shop,being center of attention, and playing
miss popularity. But really though you hate
it... with john Bender as a boyfriend, I'm sure
people will start to get the hint.


Which Breakfast Club Character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Oh yeah, and I stole this from Tommy.


Now playing: "Hollywood Nights" - Bob Seger

Thank you, Blogspot!

This makes me really glad I'm safe and sound over here at Blogspot.

*phew*

UPDATE: Yahoo has since re-worded the headline on this article to read "Web logger" (as opposed to "Blogger" as it read before), apparently to clear up this confusion.

Now playing: Um, shoot. I was so busy this morning, I forgot to turn on the radio!

Whatever you do...

Do NOT get me a prescription for these patches. I've got too much of a sex-drive as it is...

Now playing: "Date Rape Song" - Sublime

No, I will never, ever, ever tire of this song. And apparently 93.3 knows this, as they are still playing it in heavy rotation.

A musical meme....

A Musical Meme….

And for once, I didn’t steal it from James.

Since I am such a music NUT, I figured I’d pick your brains about what sorta stuff you listen to….. (this was conceived this morning while sitting in bumper to bumper traffic trying to cross the bridge).

1. What is your favorite musical artist/group now?
2. What was your favorite musical artist/group ten years ago?
3. What was your favorite musical artist/group twenty years ago?
4. What was the first song you remember liking as a child (other than nursery rhymes)?
5. What was the first album you bought (and what format - Vinyl, Cassette, CD, 8-track)?
6. What artist/genre do you listen to when sitting in traffic/commuting?
7. What artist/genre do you listen to to create a romantic mood?
8. What artist/genre do you listen to to ensure you’ll get laid?
9. What artist/genre do you listen to on long road trips?
10. What artist/genre do you listen to when you’re depressed or angry?
11. What song would you pick if you were to perform a strip-tease in a club?

I’ll post my answers in the comments, and please do the same!

P.S. And yes, question 11 is a ridiculous one, but if you think about it, I’m sure you can think of a good answer!


Now playing: "Just Like You" - Three Days Grace

Big Jerk!

This is the first I've heard/read about this incident (yes, apparently I've been living in a cave lately!), but I can't believe a grown man would do this to a kid!

However, sounds like the kid is doing just fine, and has gotten some good publicity to boot!


Now playing: "Slither" - Velvet Revolver

I'm diggin' this tune lately!

The Generation Gap

I work with a couple of girls who are a bit younger than I am. By "a bit," I mean about 10 years. Most of the time, this isn't an issue, though we (the 'older' women) do pick on them from time to time.

And then there are times when something comes flying out of the 21-year-olds mouth that just causes me to shake my head in exasperation.

Today she's listening to the 80's radio station (she has a sister my age, so she likes much of the 80's music). She says, "Natasha, there's a song on, and the beginning of it sounds just like 'Ice Ice Baby,' but it's NOT!"

She was seriously distraught over this.

Without even hearing her radio, I knew it was in fact "Pressure" by David Bowie/Queen. To me, a classic. To her? A rip off of one of her all-time favorite songs.

I had to explain to her that it was in fact Vanilla Ice who stole the infamous introductory riff, and not the other way around. But she ain't buyin' it.

Ahhh, kids these days.

Now playing: "Sabotage" - Beastie Boys

I love my cleavage

And hey, after those... *ahem* enhancements a couple weeks back how could I not?

Nah, but seriously. I joined my first webring. I love my Cleavage may very well be the only non-work safe Blogring around! Whoo hooooo!

Anyway, do be sure to toddle off to the sidebar over there and check out the other members. Support the cleavage!


Now playing: "Dance to the Music" - Sly and the Family Stone

The good, the bad, and the....

The Good

I paid $1.92 for (regular) gas this morning. WHOOO HOOOOO! That's $0.07 less than I've been paying for the last month. There IS light at the end of the tunnell!


The Bad

Ummm....


and the....

Anyone else notice the new changes to Yahoo mail today? NICE! 100mb of storage ROCKS! I'm so happy! (ok, so it doesn't take much to please me these days).


Now playing: "Pretty Woman" - Roy Orbison

I wonder if this company also hands out free boxes of tissues?

I'm all for a relaxed work environment, but I don't know that I want to be surfing porn with my co-workers.

Now playing: "Just One Look" - Doris Gregory

I might get to ....

Ah, nevermind.

Now playing: "Gimme a Little Sign" - Brenton Wood

Reggae Sundays....

Well, my roommate successfully (finally!) dragged my ass out of the house yesterday. I've been very good at making up excuses to get out of social engagements this week, since Jeff left. I've just not been in a real happy-fun-social mood. I've been in the mood to sulk and cry and sit around on the couch in my jammies watching "90210" re-runs on FX (not to mention "Newlyweds" on MTV).

So Lauren and Deb dragged me (albeit kicking and screaming) to The Conch House yesterday for a few drinks and a lil reggae. Ended up having a really fabulous time, though I did have a few too many beers. We then headed over to A1A Ale House, where I noshed on some amazing Ahi Tuna... Hmmm mmm good!

However, the evening was marred by some *ahem* intestinal distress later on. Initially I suspected food poisoning; however, upon arriving to work and learning that 2 of my co-workers called out sick with "the funk," and two more are here at work today with "the funk," I realized it must just be a virus or something making the rounds.


Now playing: "She's Come Undone" - The Guess Who

If you can't use the English language properly....

...please refrain from using it at ALL!

"...so we was out in the back yard and he was EMERGED in the pool."

Um, didja mean "SUBmerged" perchance?

Arrrggghh.

This has got to be the stupidest thing I've read today...

What sort of world are we living in that kids in junior high school can no longer enjoy an innocent food fight without fear of getting arrested?


Now playing: "I'll follow the sun" - The Beatles

Arguably, one of the most beautiful songs they ever recorded.

Friday Ego Boost

Shamelessly stolen from Minnesota Diva.


You are a temptress


Which Ultimate Beautiful Woman are You?
brought to you by Quizilla


Now playing: "Maggie May" - Rod Stewart

I'm Picture-Happy today

I guess I'm in this super-sentimental mood today (that, or I'm bored at work).

Did I mention that Sam's Bridal Shower involved some bareback (and barefoot) horseback riding? Yes, it's amazing what one can be coerced into once they've had about 45 Key Lime Martinis.




Now playing: "Wild Thing" - The Troggs

Ummmmm

.....

Charlie's Angels

Just going through some of the pics I got developed last weekend. This is a classic one from the wedding.

In the morning mail....

"Perfect Password"

A woman was helping her husband set up his computer, and at the appropriate point in the process, told him he would now need to enter a password. Something he will use to log on.

The husband was in a rather amorous mood, and figured he would try for the shock effect to bring this to his wife's attention. So, when the computer asked him to enter his password, he made it plainly obvious to his wife that he was keying in...


P...



E...



N...



I...



S.



His wife fell off her chair laughing when the computer replied:

***PASSWORD REJECTED: NOT LONG ENOUGH***



Now playing: "Summer Breeze" - Seals and Croft

I actually love this song. I am so cheesey, that I actually sing along to the new Gap commercials.

This disgusted me!

Last night, around 5:45, I happened to flip by C-Span, which was broadcasting people filing past President Reagan's casket to pay their respects. The scene was quite tranquil, people shuffling along quietly, never taking their eyes off the casket at the center of the Rotunda. From what I could gather, it appeared that there was a representative from each branch of the Armed Forces, standing at attention, watching over the casket. The only sounds that could be heard were the soft footsteps, and the occasional cough.

And then a cell phone rang.

If ever there was an occasion where one should either leave their cell phone in their car, or simply turn it off, this would be it! I really would love to be able to ask this person (whoever they are) a question: if this were a member of your own family (as opposed to being arguably one of the most loved and revered political figures of our time), would you leave your cell phone on to ring during their funeral?

I was simply utterly disgusted. This was the absolute height of disrespect.

Now Playing: "Photograph" - Def Leppard

We'll miss you, Ray

Today is a very sad day indeed.

It's a TMI kinda day.....

While Eric is on vacation, his guest-bloggers are wreaking havoc over at his place. It's been a terribly amusing week indeed (afterall, Eric's are large shoes to fill!).

But today's offering from Geoffrey takes the cake.

What can I say, I share his pain. I work with similarly inconsiderate people.

Cretins.


Meanwhile, poor Lilly is experiencing a bit of intestinal distress of her own. Hmmm... wonder if she works with Geoffrey?

No sympathy whatsoever....

Hhhrrrummmph.

I will not be sending flowers to poor lil Britney. Afterall, did it make news when I hurt MY knee a couple weeks back? Did the Associated Press rush to publish it when I fell flat on my ass in excruciating pain? Did Reuters give a rat's ass when I felt as if my kneecap was going to explode from it's fleshy prison? Did The New York Post rush to my side as I stood precariously upon 4" heels, biting back the tears as my knee wobbled and creaked?

The answer is no.

So while I can relate to Ms. Spears' pain, while I can appreciate the agony she must have felt, I will not be rushing out to Kuhn's to order up a "Get Well Soon!" bouquet for her.

*sigh*

...

Since I don't have a webcam....

... I wanted to provide you all with an accurate representation of what I look like while I'm working (or blogging).

This is something that would happen to me

Seriously. This would be just my luck.

What I'm confused about is where was the guy she was having sex with as she walked home, clutching paper to cover her body?

Perhaps did her flatmate/boyfriend lock her out BECAUSE she was out having sex in the park (apparently with someone else?)


Now playing: "Play that Funky Music (White Boy)" - Wild Cherry

Did I mention....

... I got a breast augmentation a couple weeks back?

I must be emitting pheremones or something...

Ok, so they are coming out of the woodwork.

By "they" I mean guys I've either dated in the past, or expressed interest in when I was single. And yet, already they're calling me, "so how are you and the boyfriend doing?" "You sound down... call me tonight so we can talk..." or "What's your cell # again? I lost it."

Fuck fuck fuckity fuck fuck.

I don't get it. If I went looking for them, these guys would be nowhere to be found. Who knows.

Ack.

Makes no sense. No sense at all.

Freaking perverts...

Sometimes I wish I DIDN'T know what people were actually looking for when they happen upon my blog.

This post is dedicated to you perverts out there who OBVIOUSLY didn't come looking for my rants and whining.

17:57:07 bachelorette party, drunk panties (Google)
18:02:01 loverboy fucking the bride in her bachelorette party (Google)
11:24:07 pictures of people skinny-dipping not knowing of the photographers (Google)


DRUNK PANTIES? WTF?

Weirdness.

I also have searches for "Eric Bana wedding photos" and "Orlando Bloom sexlife," but those I can kind of understand (shit, if I thought I could actually get the nitty gritty details on Orlando's bedroom romps, I'd Google him, too!)

New Poll

Seeing as I've been doing an excess of crying, sniffling and feeling sorry for myself the last day or so, I figured it warrranted a new poll.

So get to clickin'!

Now playing: "Away we go Away" - Bramhall

Yes, I'm STILL listening to the same CD... have been over and over today. Wanna make sumfin of it?

A Tuesday Meme

Well leave it to James to supply me with the latest in memes.... But this one has a twist! These questions are for YOU to answer (via comment or email, if you prefer)...

1. Who are you?
2. Have we ever met?
3. Give me a nickname and explain why you picked it.
4. Describe me in one word.
5. What reminds you of me?
6. If you could give me anything, what would it be?
7. Ever wanted to tell me something but couldn't?
8. Are you going to put this on your weblog and see what I say about you?
9. What do you love like a fat kid loves cake?
10. What makes you come back here?


Now playing: "Chariot" - Bramhall

Sometimes I really hate the people I work for...

...and then there are days like today where they totally redeem themselves.

I just went outside to move my car for the guy who parks behind me... and looked up to find our flag flying at half-staff.

Rest in peace, Ronnie.

*long sigh*

The USS J.F.K. has officially gone out to sea. And on it, the love of my life, Jeffrey.

I'm sad, but I'm also numb. With so much chaos going on over the weekend, plus his parents, his son, and everything that goes along with them, we didn't have so much as a moment's peace together. I feel like we didn't even get to say good-bye properly.

After he walked up the gangplank to board the boat, after we had waved until he was out of sight, I turned to find hundreds and hundreds of other young couples, locked in embraces, kissing passionately, crying, not wanting to let go. And yet, here I was, walking back to the car with his horrid mother, his father and his son. I felt so cheated. Where was MY embrace? Where was MY passionate kiss?

While I do feel like a part of me is missing, I also don't think it's all completely hit me yet. I don't think I'll fully feel the loss until I get home tonight - to MY home, rather than his (which is where I've lived for the last year).

For once, I'm actually thankful for being at work... at least it's a distraction from the sadness and depression that are setting in.

I've now lost 10 lbs in the last 7 days. Seem to have lost 3 yesterday alone. Food is not a priority. I really have no appetite whatsoever. Haven't slept, either. Guess the bags under my eyes won't greatly compliment my new slimmer physique.

This is SOOOO not me....

... or is it?

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Stolen from David, who stole it from James.

Taffetta and Bobby Pins

I gotta say.... In bright sunlight, shiny fabrics are flattering to NO ONE.

And I do need to mention, I've got literally about 72 bobby pins in my hair... it defied gravity. And it hurt like hell.


Oh, and as for why I had nearly passed out? I had somehow injured my knee the day before the wedding, and then attempted to stand on grass in 4" heels, in 90 degree weather. At some point, I "locked" my knees (it hurt less to have it straight than slightly bent). However, as anyone who has stood at attention will tell you, locking out your knees is a surefire way to pass out. Which I nearly did.

As Jeff took my arm to walk back up the path toward the reception, he noticed all color had drained from my face, and he nearly had to hold me up to manage the short walk.

But we look cute!!

Wedding Photo Proofs are IN!

OH! The photographer for Sam and Roy's wedding set up a website with all the proofs from the wedding pics!! They are BEAUTIFUL! Apparently they took over 1400 shots, so I haven't had a chance to go through them all yet, but here's a cute one of Jeff and I walking back up the aisle following the ceremony (mind you, this is about 2 seconds after I nearly passed out... long story... I'll get to that later).



(Please note: this IS a copyrighted photo, and I've made no attempts at removing the watermark!)

Get this...

More about the evil (future) MiL....

When Jeff spoke to her last night about his Ex's refusal to release Brandon to her, she stated that this was a scheme the Ex and I had concocted to keep her grandson away from her, because we don't like her.

Um yeah, that's exactly it. I have nothing better to do with my time than plot with my boyfriend's ex-wife ways to piss off his mother. Uh huh. Suuuuuuure.

I asked him if he had pointed out that it was I who had made any and all attempts to be friendly toward her, and that any "dislike" I might feel towards her is as a result of her treatment of me.

He had indeed attempted to correct the misconception she had, but she wasn't interested in hearing it, so he simply cut the conversation short so as not to hear her drone on and on about it.

ARRRGHHHHHHH!

The dearly departed

I experienced a sad, sad loss last night. My favorite bra, Buffy, passed away last night.

It's my own fault, really. I knew better than to toss her in the washer, then cruelly bake her in the dryer. But I did it anyway. Time and time again, she rinsed, she spun, she tumbled. And yet, she came through it like a trooper, each and every time. She was always there to support me.

Buffy was a plain-Jane. She was often pushed aside for younger, prettier models. But still, she toughed it out. She was loyal, and patient, because she always knew I would come crawling back to her at some point. She and I were comfortable together. Our relationship was seamless. I will miss her dearly.

But finally, the abuse became too much for her, and, battered and broken, she gave up. She simply could not take it any longer. She cracked under pressure.

Good bye, dear Buffy. And thank you for your years of service.

TOO MUCH CIDER!

Jeff leaves Monday. That's three days away. I'm still not dealing with this well. In fact, the stress/anxiety over it is causing me to not sleep, not eat, and drink just a WEE bit too much. (Okay, maybe more than a "wee bit.") However, this diet of Beer and Diet Coke seems to be working for me - I've lost about 7 lbs in the last week (and apparently it shows, as my dear friend Sam slapped my ass and remarked about it seeming "less voluptuous" last night as we were walking into a restaurant!)

Last night we were supposed to go to Bike Night (since it would be Jeff's last one ofr a while), but the weather had other ideas. Just as I was leaving work, the sky opened up, and we had torrential downpours for about two hours. Granted, we NEED the rain, but it's not conducive to motorcycle riding. Nuh uh. Not at all.

So our friends Sam and Roy (the newlyweds) asked if we wanted to head up to the Ale House to grab some dinner, and throw back a few pints of cider. Heh, gee, twist MY arm. We had a blast. We always have so much fun hanging out with them... they filled us in on the details of their honeymoon (which as we expected, was perfect).

It's funny... as friends, we compliment each other well - Sam and I are identical in personality (we're both very outgoing, talkative and goofy), while Jeff and Roy are also very similar (a bit more subdued, quiet, sometimes shy, and very, very nice). When we go out, Sam and I are typically being boisterous and silly, while the guys just sit back and watch the show.

It was just a fun night all around. I really think they're going to miss Jeff almost as much as I will.

In the morning mail....

A little humor to start off the morning. (For some reason I pictured Eric as I read this)...

This is the ultimate response to a Dear John letter. You gotta love a man like this. Humor in the face of defeat.

A Marine was deployed to Afghanistan. While he was there he received a letter from his girlfriend. In the letter she explained that she had slept with two guys while he had been gone and she wanted to break up with him. AND, she wanted pictures of herself back.

So the Marine did what any squared-away Marine would do. He went around to his buddies and collected all the unwanted photos of women he could find. He then mailed about 25 pictures of women (with clothes and without) to his girl friend with the following note:

"I don't remember which one you are. Please remove your picture and send the rest back."

My Ego Boost for the Day

After all the drama of the last few weeks, I needed this. Yes, all it takes to lift my spirits is a few computer-generated kind words. *sigh*

N	Naughty
A	Accurate
T	Terrific
A	Amazing
S	Silly
H	Hardworking
A	Appealing

Name / Username:

Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com

Courtesy of Lilly, who found it via Scott.

Men are such simple creatures....

Warning: THIS POST MAY TEETER ON THE VERGE OF TOO MUCH INFO. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Now, up to this point, I've spared you, my dear reader, from the details of my *ahem* sexlife. I figure you just don't really care to hear that stuff right? Now, I don't intend to make a habit of crossing that line (especially since Jeff is about to leave, and I will HAVE no sexlife for six months). But I have a cute anecdote to share:

I have this swiumsuit I bought back in April. It's a halter "tankini" style - dark blue top with white top-stitching, with navy/white floral boyshort bottoms. Cute, comfy, fits great. I actually bought it without trying it on, and was shocked at how well it fits. The one problem, however, is that the top was apparently engineered for someone with... well... not much up top. So it makes me appear a bit abundant in the cleavage department.

But back to the story....

Saturday night, after dinner with the (future) Mother-in-Law-from-Hell, Jeff's little brother and nephew came back with us to hang out with Jeff's son. With the boys taking command of the living room, we decided to stay out of their hair, and head to bed early. We snuck into the kitchen, grabbed a couple beers, some chips and salsa, and retreated to the bedroom, for a little slumber party of our own.

After checking on the kids, seeing that they were happily occupied playing "Simpsons Road Rage," we tiptoed back to our room, locking the door behind us. It was then that Jeff whispered to me one of the cutest lines ever. "Um, honey... do you think that bathing suit is dry yet?" (I had work it out for a swim earlier in the day). I sat up and looked at him, trying to stifle a giggle. I replied, "Um, yes, I think it is. Would you like me to go put it on?" His eyes lit up like Christmas trees, as he nodded an enthusiastic "YES!"

Of course, it goes without saying, that I fulfilled his request, but I am still just tickled that he finds so much excitement in a silly little bathing suit! As I remarked to him later, with all the lingerie, nighties, corsets, and babydolls I have hanging in the closet, it's the swimsuit he requests!!

Men are such an amusing species. So easily pleased.

Not that I'm complaining.

The Big Dick Meme

Well, I was in need of some lighthearted fun, and seeing as it's been DAYS (sheesh, at least 5 or 6) since I've done a meme, I figured, "What the hell, let's steal this one from Dick!"

1. Do you try to look hot when you go to the grocery store just in case someone recognizes you from your blog?
Oh my word, no. I barely have any pictures of myself linked to my blog, not to mention the fact that my readership is... well... pretty damned small. So if someone recognized me at the grocery store, I'd be freaked out.

2. Are the photos you post Photoshopped or otherwise altered?
Nope, not in the least. I don't post photos to try to impress anyone or get a date, but merely to put a face to the words.

3. Do you like it when creeps or dorks email you?
I suppose I've been lucky to have avoided emails from creeps or dorks. However, I have gotten several nice/complimentary ones, which I enjoy (and do respond to).

4. Do you lie in your blog?
Nope. Much like the photoshop picture question, I'm not doing this to impress anyone. This is purely an outlet for me, a place to rant. No need to make anything up.

5. Are you passive-aggressive in your blog?
Errr, no. Weird question, though.

6. Do you ever threaten to quit writing so people will tell you not to stop?
Bwwa hah hah hah ha. I don't think many people would even notice if I stopped.

7. Are you in therapy? If not, should you be? If so, is it helping?
Nope. Nope. Not applicable.

8. Do you delete mean comments? Do you fake nice ones?
No, but then I don't recall any truly "mean" comments. The only comments I've ever deleted were when I got some random comments from a troll, talking about his penis. And another time when two readers got into a debate that turned not-too-friendly.

9. Have you ever rubbed one out while reading a blog? How about after?
Only once. Not during, but after. I ran across a blog that had some erotic tales on it (touted as non-fiction, but I think it was, for the most part, all fiction), and it was quite... um... enlightening.

10. If your readers knew you in person, would they like you more or like you less?
Probably just the same. If they like me now, they'd like me in person, as I write exactly the way I speak.

11. Do you have a job?
Yes, I'm in sales.

12. If someone offered you a decent salary to blog full-time without restrictions, would you do it?
Oh hell yeah. Why not?

13. Which blogger(s) do you want to meet in real life?
Ahem, in NO PARTICULAR ORDER....
Dogman
James
David
Dick
Rae
Sarah
Natalie
Serenity

14. Which bloggers have you made out with?
Only Matt. But it's okay, we were married.

And I've also hugged Scott.

15. Do you usually act like you have more money or less money than you really have?
Um, neither.

16. Does your family read your blog?
Oh hell no. If they did, how on earth could I vent about them?

17. How old is your blog?
Technically, about 8 months. But I've only been actually making a habit of blogging for two months.

18. Do you get more than 1000 page views per day? Do you care?
Oh good GOD no. Hell, I think I only passed 1000 hits TOTAL about a week ago!

19. Do you have another secret blog in which you write about being depressed, slutty, or a liar?
No, but I've contemplated doing an alter-ego blog. I used to write quite a bit of erotica, and after reading that blog of tawdry tales, I thought it might be fun to start one up solely for that purpose.

20. Have you ever given another blogger money for his/her writing?
Um, no. (another weird question).

21. Do you report the money you earn from your blog on your taxes?
Wait, wait, wait... you mean there are people actually getting PAID for this? How do I sign up for that gig?

22. Is blogging narcissistic?
Probably just a little. We all come here to write about our own thoughts and opinions, under the assumption that someone else out there will find it interesting to read.

23. Do you feel guilty when you don't post for a long time?
No, not actually. But I do feel 'backed up' so-to-speak. When I go for a few days without posting, I feel like I've got a million things to say, but not sure how to spit it all out.

24. Do you like John Mayer?
Yes, love him. And Jason Mraz, and Edwin McCain. Yes, I adore all those sappy, guitar-toting singer-songwriter types. Wanna make something of it?

25. Do you have enemies?
Does my boyfriend's mother count?

26. Are you lonely?
No, but some Monday, I will be. Very.

27. Why bother?
Uh yeah..... ok, thanks!

More emotional exhaustion.....

Months ago, Jeff and I began discussing the idea of my visiting his son from time to time (whatever we could get his Ex to agree to), to get pictures of him, have him draw and write things for Jeff so I could send them to him, and to take him down to visit Jeff's parents.

Well, Jeff approached his Dad with the idea on Sunday. Dad was warm to it, but said Jeff needed to run it by his mother. At some point yesterday, he mentioned the idea to her. And (as you can guess) it was met with strong objection. She insisted she didn't need a "go between" and would make arrangements to have Brandon for 10 days during July (however, this would be their ONLY visit during the 6-month period).

Then the idea of Jeff parent's coming up to see him off next Monday (when he leaves on cruise) came up. I had already intended to be there, and had also brought up the idea of bringing his son with me (which thrilled Jeff). His Mom had the same idea.

Since Jeff had to go to work this evening, I agreed to drive north and meet up with his Ex-wife to drop off Brandon, as well as to give her all of the clothes we have for him, some toys, etc.... Knowing Jeff had spoken to her before I got there, I knew she was already up-to-speed on what his Mom was planning. However, the Ex-wife told me (in no uncertain terms) that "there is no way I'm letting that crazed woman see my Son!" She said she'd gladly release him to me, but not to Jeff's mother.

So now I'm in this position where I could do the nice thing, and meet up with the Mom, allowing Brandon to ride out to the boat with them. However, in doing so, while I MIGHT make points with the Mom (doubtful, but possible), I run the risk of losing any trust from the Ex-wife. In truth, while I don't much care for the Ex-wife either, I've only got 11 more years to deal with her, and anything I can do to make the process smoother, I am all for it.

My other option is to pick up Brandon, and let him ride out there with me, thereby forcing the Mom to be kind/speak to me in order to see her Grandson.

Tough choice.

Jeff is fine with the Ex's decision. I think he's also at his wit's end with his own mother, but realizes there just isn't anything he can do about her.

*sigh*

Emotionally exhausted

*phew*

Helluva weekend.

And no, not in the good way.

I took a couple of days off to extend the holiday weekend, in order to spend some time with Jeff, help him get packed, etc.... His parents (as well as younger sister, and her two young children) came up as well, which was an additional source of stress in an off itself.

See, his Mom... well... how shall I put this? Oh wait, Jeff doesn't read this. So I can be honest here. She's a bitch. Granted, HE'LL be the first one to tell you that, and says so often. But then there's that sort of unwritten law that even though HE acknowleges that she's wicked, spiteful and mean, I can't speak about her that way myself.

Now, to give you a bit of background info, she hates (and I mean HATES, as in, would probably hire a contract killer if she felt sure she'd never get caught) Jeff's ex-wife. And maybe for good reason. But hello? Two years have passed - he's over it, so shouldn't his MOM be over it? One would think so, but still, the grudge is alive and well.

So, when Jeff and I first met, she expressed her displeasure, and, in no uncertain terms, told him he should not be dating me, that it was too soon (he had been divorced for a year at that point), and that "they" (meaning the family) were not ready for "another one" yet. Bawk-bawk-WHAT? She feels that one should wait three years following the end of a relationship before so much as going out on a date. Really. I'm serious.

Now, since his parents live a few hours away, we see them every few months, but not TOO often. And each time we see them, I make a point of being very pleasant, very polite (more so than usual), and try my damndest to engage in conversation with his Mom, in hopes that she'll realize what a wonderful person I am, and will welcome me into her family.

However, so far, this hasn't worked.

So, the family arrived, and the abuse began. His mother (and sometimes his sister) were so incessantly rude and disrespectful to me, I can't even believe it myself. A couple of times I found myself alone with the both of them, so I would attempt to strike up a conversation with his Mom (such as, "I've got some pictures to pick up this week - there are a bunch of Jeff and Brandon. I'd be glad to send you a set."). Each attempt was met with one of three reactions: total silence, her talking over me to someone else in the room, or her simply getting up and leaving the room, while I'm still speaking.

But I dealt with it. Jeff had told me before this is simply how she is, and that there is no talking to her. The same thing had happened with his ex-wife when they were together, his brother-in-law also deals with it, as does his father.

So Sunday night, we follow them downstate to spend a couple days at their house, see the rest of the family, etc... Sunday night went off without a hitch, and *gasp* Jeff and I actually slept in the same room together. I questioned this (since we'd always been required to stay in separate rooms in the past), but he assured me it would not be a problem.

Monday started off nicely... we spent the day with Jeff's 13-year-old brother, then returned to the house for a family cookout. Dad was out back, grilling steaks, Mom and sister were bitching away in the kitchen, and the kids were all in the family room playing X-box. Hmmm.... so where shall I go? Yes, yes, I offered assistance in the kitchen, but my query was met with scarcely a grunt of a response. So I retreated to the family room to hang with the kids.

Dinner was nice... A few barbs were thrown my way, both from Mom and sister, but I was able to ignore them for the most part. However, after dinner, Jeff sat down with his parents to give them emergency info, account numbers, etc... I went to the bedroom (just down the hall from where they were) to read a book. When they were done, as Jeff was padding down the hallway toward the bedroom, his Mom called him back to the other room. She was questioning what he was going to do with his car while he's away. He told her I would drive it down to their house the following weekend, with a friend following to take me back home. She grunted, then expressed something along the lines of "That's a nice offer, but I don't believe she's sincere in some of what she says, so let's make other arrangements."

Excuse me? Ice Queen Bitch is going to question MY sincerity?

This was the straw that broke the camel's back. She had already expressed objections to his storing certain items (his X-box, the big TV, some extra uniforms) at my house, mumbling something about "divvying up his things," but this was an actual personal attack on my character, and I wasn't having it.

So I sauntered down the hall, and stood before them. She glanced my way, at which point I stated, calmly, politely, "if you have an issue with something I've done or said, I would appreciate the courtesy of you coming to me about it, rather than standing here criticizing me behind my back." Immediately, she launched an attack on me. And when I moved to interject something? She actually HELD HER HAND UP not 6" from my face, as if to "SILENCE!" me.

For about 15 minutes (seemed longer!) she hurled insults at not only me, but at Jeff. She essentially (actually, quite plainly) stated that he doesn't know what's best for himself, that she trusted his judgment when he got married, and look what a disaster THAT turned out to be, so why should his judgment ever be trusted again? And when I pointed out that out of all that heartache, one wonderful thing came out of it (and then I motioned toward his son, playing in the next room), and that didn't that make it all worthwhile? Her response? No. Yes, you read that right. This woman actually would trade the birth of her grandchild in order to get back the money she spent on his divorce attorney. I am not even exaggerating.

Finally, Jeff lead me by the arm back to the bedroom. I had managed to remain fairly calm, but she was getting more and more fired up. I was in tears (as does happen when I get angry), as was he. He closed the door, and went to speak to his Mom at the other end of the house. When he finally returned, his eyes were bloodshot and puffy. At this point, I felt like the best thing was for me to remove myself from the situation. I felt it would make his life simpler if I just wasn't in it. And I said so.

We slept on opposite sides of the bed, not so much as touching (oh yeah, one of the barbs she tossed out at ME was that I was setting a bad example for her 13 year old son, by sleeping in the same room with Jeff). This morning, more of the same, with intermittent periods of crying (both of us). We drove home, attempting small talk, then he slept (he had to go into work at 7:00 p.m. tonight). Finally, once we got back, and he realized I wasn't bluffing (I left my overnight bag by the front door, rather than taking it to the bedroom, and unpacking it), he spoke.

In short, we worked it out. We don't quite know how the family dynamics will work in the future, but we both agree we have too much between us to allow his mother to rip it apart. We're both emotionally drained, but happy at the outcome.

However, I will have to deal with his Mom next Monday....

(more on THAT to come)