The Bahamas

Went on a cruise with my stepdad’s family to the Bahamas. I didn’t particularly like the Bahamas, but I think that’s because I don’t like tropical climates or swimming. Anyway, here are a few pictures. Please credit me if you take them. Thanks!

Support

I’ve been dealing with the ups and downs of an 85 year old woman (my grandma) for the past two days, and I have something to say about it. And because I really love making lists, here is a list of my observations and thoughts.

1. The people she raised have abandoned her. The only people who call her more than once a year are her daughters (pain killer addicts) and her granddaughter (my aunt, who is having quite a few problems of her own.) Why hasn’t she heard from the niece she raised? Why hasn’t my own father (her grandson) stopped by on his way home from work? (Rhetorical question- he would never do anything like that.) This family is made of FAIL.
2. People she isn’t even related to see her more. My mom’s family sees her more than any other family member of hers. And my mom’s family is in no way related to my grandma, except through my sister and me. Like I mentioned above, she will get phone calls, but no visits. Ever.
3. I get to deal with all of the frustration and anger from her, while they sit around their own houses not even thinking of her. I get to deal with the 1 a.m. wake ups when she falls out of bed. I deal with the incontinence she sometimes has. I deal with cleaning the house. I take her to the doctor. I take her grocery shopping. I never hear from anyone except my sister (who is a big HUGE help) and my mom’s family, asking if they can help out.

Thanks, Holly family. (minus 2, my aunt & sister) A phone call doesn’t hurt, and a visit wouldn’t be so bad. Not because you need something, but because you WANT TO VISIT.

Dad Fail AGAIN

My dad is still at it.

My sister turned 18 a week ago, and he hasn’t called her. I’d like to remind him that this is her senior year, and he is missing pretty much everything. And that sucks.

It’s pissing me off, it’s pissing my sister off, and it’s pissing other family members off. Why isn’t our parent communicating with us?

Hey dad- Graduation is 28 May. You might want to show up.

Dad Fail

I’m frustrated. Let me tell you part of what’s making me frustrated:

I haven’t heard from my father since July. Last time I saw him was my high school graduation, and that’s also the last time my sister had any contact with him. We didn’t hear from him this whole holiday week. It seems to me that the role of parent is one to call the kids and see how they are doing, not the other way around. However, last time I spoke to him, I called him.

This mainly bothers me because this is my sister’s senior year, and the guy never went to see her be a Drum Major at one of the football games, he hasn’t called to see how her year is going, see what her college plans are, etc. If he reads this, it may be the first that he hears that she made the NCDA All- Region Honor Band this year. (Yeah, she did, on Bass Clarinet.) Now that I think about it, it was usually me who called him my senior year. Maybe because I wanted that relationship. I’m not sure. But now? He’s not around, therefore there is no relationship. It’s unfortunate, and kind of sucky, but I suppose I shouldn’t have expected any more from him. He has the best intentions that he NEVER follows through with.

Crisis!

So the invitation to England has yet to be accepted or turned down. However everyone knows how badly I want to  go. I am just so worried about money when I get back. I know I can get there… But once I’m back, will I have enough money for my bills and such? How long will it take me to find a job? I have to make a decision soon and its hard. Its so uncertain.

I want to go to England. Friends and some relatives think I should go. My mom doesn’t think I should. Because of the reasons above. Why do I want to go? Its one of my life’s dreams. The person that invited me has become a great friend and this is an opportunity to get to know her even better. Gaining life experience. Possible seeing one of the Monty Python guys (Michael Palin!) live. Its a big deal for me.

Any input from anyone?

Family Ties

I have a huge family. Seriously. My parents are divorced, and both have remarried. My stepdad has 3 other siblings. And though my sister and I are not blood related to them, they treat us just the same. I know that other people aren’t as fortunate in their step families.

I think most people know my stepdad and I do not get along. We never really have. However his family has taken me in, and they all treat me as though I was born into their family and didn’t come in to it as a headstrong 4 1/2 year old. His younger sister and her family came in to town from where they live (which is about an hour or so away I think) and took me out to dinner. They didn’t have to invite me, or even tell me that they would be in town, but they did. I can’t tell you in words how grateful I am that they did that. For dinner I usually eat something cooked in a microwave, or a pb&j sandwich. Steak was a great alternative. Plus I got to spend time with a family that knows how to have fun and have a good laugh. Except they’re still stuck on Napoleon Dynamite quotes… I’ll have to work on that.