There have been many times in my life in which I have carried a "Chip" on my shoulder about the size of Hawaii's Mauna Loa Volcano. Today it nearly errupted. I don't, and won't, talk much about work on this blog, so let's just say that I was "this close" to verbally taking someone down. Luckily, I kept my mouth shut and walked away. I talked with my boss about it, and I must admit that she was supportive. Sometimes it doesn't matter how nice you are. There are some folks out there who are just unpleasant. It felt good to know that she understood exactly where I was coming from and told me that what I was doing was correct. It also felt good that I have grown up enough to realize that if I open my mouth in a situation like that, both feet go straight in. All the way to the hip baby.
I kept telling myself to remember the fabulous time I had at my folk's house this weekend. We went down there to celebrate my birthday, family style. On Saturday, my Mom let me pick the dinner I wanted and I chose Chicken Enchilada Pie, complete with all the trimmings. And that wasn't even my birthday dinner. How cool is it that not only someone cooks for you, but that they (Mom) let you choose what you want for dinner, not once but TWICE? I think I died and went to Heaven, but you'll have to get back to me after I digest all of the wonderful food I ate to make sure.
It's always hard to come back to reality after visiting the folks. Both my husband and I agree that the visits are always nice and relaxing, even when all of the family gets together (not counting the brother and family in California) which brings the total body count to 12. Six of which are kids. It is very loud. It's hard for me when there are that many people because of the noise and chaos. There are times when I just want to go hide in the bedroom until they leave. But then? I would be missing out on all of the family fun. All of the cousins get along so well and they really enjoy each other's company. It's fabulous, but at the same time, very stressful for me. But I push myself to get past that. To let it go, to enjoy it for what it is. Yesterday was the first time when I could honestly say, I think I'm getting there. Sort of.
Coming off of a fabulous weekend, I have to face the D.E.N.T.I.S.T. The man of which Stephen King novels are made of. For right now, at this very point in time, I'm ok with it. I just need to get a couple of fillings built up (they are composites) which supposedly means that I will not need to be numbed. That's the idea anyway. On the plus side, he'll also be fixing the veneer on my two front teeth.
If all goes well, I'll be all smiles when it's through. Hopefully, my mouth won't be numb.
Comments
I admire your restraint in the face of an odious colleague. In my past, I haven't always been as diplomatic. Needless to say, I won't be having some of these nasties over for dinner anytime soon.
I wish I knew your secret for enjoying large family gatherings. I think my extended family went to dysfunctional family school: sometimes I think most of them would rather not be there. That's the rub...it would be easier for me to accept if I knew that the fam actually wanted to be a fam. Most of the time, that's simply not the case. So we focus closer to home, and we find immense closeness there.
Kind of a waste, when I think of it.
Back from Michele's. Sorry for being such a nag this weekend :)
Posted by: Carmi at September 8, 2007 8:57 PM
