Grrrr. As regular as the migration of the birds, so too is the bi-annual arrival of my mother and father-in-law for their extended visit. For those of you who have known me for a while, you have heard my gripes about my in-laws (and if you keep reading, you'll hear more!) but for those of you who don't know them, a description is in order.
First, let me preface this diatribe by saying: they are not mean, cruel, cheap, or harmful people. They are, in fact, very generous and giving. This being said, THEY DRIVE ME APESHIT! If you have ever seen an episode of 'Seinfeld' and remember George Costanza's parents, Frank and Estelle Costanza-- that just about sums up my outlaws...um...in-laws. New Yorkers, type-A personalities, and completely oblivious to the stress they cause.
The lastest boost to my blood pressure--sleeping arrangements. By shifting my family members around and doubling up in rooms, we were able to provide my in-laws with a room of their own and two twin beds. My father-in-law decides that he does NOT want to sleep in the same room as his wife because she SNORES and he gets a better sleep out on the couch in the living room. (NOTE: They have been married for 40 years. I suspect he knows she snores. I also know that they sleep in the same room when they're at home)
Anyway, this means that when HE wants to go to bed, EVERYONE has to go to bed because there are no more rooms to go to in the evening (the kids being asleep in two rooms, mother-in-law in the third room). So, at 9:35 pm last night, he says "I think I'll turn in." I got to go sit in the dark with a flashlight under the covers in my daughter's room and try to read while not waking her up. I felt like I was at summer-camp!
Now. Wouldn't you think that a) His wife would say "You're inconveniencing everyone. Just sleep where you're supposed to! OR b) His son, my husband, would say, "Dad, can you just suck it up for three nights and sleep with Mom like you do the other 362 days of the year?" But NO.
So I'm the one who gets to suck it up and just plaster a grim smile to my face. My only revenge is that at 6:30am when the baby wakes up, I stomp through the living room to the kitchen, turn on the lights, and start making her breakfast. Loudly. Wakey wakey, Dad!
I'm sure there will be many other little annoyances during the next three days. I will keep my mouth shut and, in the interest of family harmony, try to make the best of it. I appreciate you letting me vent a little, though!
4 comments:
That is a rather disconcerting photograph, especially the way the dog's pupils are reflecting.
This is actually a self-portrait of me, ArmyGuy. I was not feeling my best last night. In fact, I only had a second to upload this picture and that was it! My lights were shut off by my father-in-law. (See the blog) Read on!
Infomatrix, now that Infomatrix Jr. is detached from you and eating on her own--the next time the outlaws come in--come see ME in CA!! Let USMCMan have his parents AND his children on his own for a couple of days and see how he treats you when you get home--like a queen I'd imagine--and no less than you deserve. Come on...get out here...I miss you!!
Ah, the in-laws...entire volumes could (and have!) been written describing their "crimes" against humanity! Extended family fits into the in-laws category. My husband's sister and her family came to visit us last Christmas. (This story must be prefaced by saying that I do love these people most of the time) This was supposed to be just a two-night layover on their way to gramma's house but my sister-in-law showed up with a major cold. The family party happened the next day without incident. S-I-L et al. headed off to bed and I'm thinking "They're leaving tomorrow...huzza!" when S-I-L shows up in the laundry room bearing sheets and blankets that have been mucked up with unnameable substances issuing from her son who has come down with flu. To make a long and gruesome story short, the two-day layover turned into close to a week as the grim virus made its way through the entire family. At least S-I-L was apologetic about it all but I have sworn (and TIL is going to hold me to this!)that there will be no family parties at MY house next Xmas!!! One good thing about summer in the desert and not having a pool is that no one wants to come to stay!
Hang in there, Informatrix! To quote my mom, "This, too, shall pass." Just make sure you don't run out of batteries and bang a few kettles at 6:30 a.m. for me! Love ya! AVWoman
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