previous // October 24, 2003
// 10:33 p.m. // next
I had planned on going to see Radio with mom tonight, but when TL asked us up for dinner to celebrate her eldest daughter's (Baby Girl) birthday (which was officially on Tuesday), I couldn't say no...
... because, really, I had no choice. And it was way better than going to see any movie (Mallrats excluded).
I haven't talked much about my family here, so here's a peek into our crazy little world.
When we got to TL's, we were greeted at the door by her youngest daughter (Beaner) with the news that my Idiot-in-law was off hunting. This thrilled me greatly, since I cannot stand this man. Besides getting my sister into their legal troubles, he's just a world class loser. It'll become apparent as you read further.
So while we're waiting for my Idiot-in-law to finish his romp through the woods (we held dinner just for him; bastard), mom, dad, and I talk with TL, the Idiot-in-law's mom, and the I-I-L's mom's Man Friend. Daddy and the Man Friend use to work together years ago, so they always talk about the people they knew, specifically the people they knew that have died since they last talked. Which left me and mom talking with the Mom-in-law, since TL was trying to get dinner ready.
The Mom-in-law has been failing in health the last few years. Her memory is rapidly decreasing and she's definitely showing signs of Alzheimer's. Her coordination is failing and she can't get around very well. I feel so awful when I'm around her because all the while growing up I was very guarded around her and didn't know her that well. I feel pity for her condition now and I never know how to talk to her so I usually just stay quiet unless directly spoken to. Tonight she complimented me on my hair and all I could do was quietly thank her. I felt like such a moron, because I just didn't know how to hold a conversation with her and had to rely on mom.
The Idiot-in-law finally showed and dinner was had. A fantastic dinner too -- steak and potatoes and squash and a Caesar salad Baby Girl made. From where I was sitting, Baby Girl and her father were across from me, and all through dinner and after while we let it settle before we had cake, Baby Girl was trying to illicit attention and affection from her father, who practically ignored her. She doted on the Mom-in-law, helping her eat her dinner and wiping up spills and such, she tried joining her father's conversations a few times, and would occasionally squeeze his arm or hug him and there was zero emotional response from the Idiot-in-law.
This isn't a solitary incident either. I've never seen him show any of his kids affection. I've never heard him tell his kids he loves them, or happy birthday, or anything like that. All 3 of his kids play sports and I've rarely seen him at games. Maybe he's just That Type Of Person, since some people are. It bothers me just the same.
But despite my Idiot-in-law's shortcomings, the night was really swell. Baby Girl showed us the catalog she has for ordering her high school class ring. The one she's thinking of getting is gorgeous! And it's fitting too, a gorgeous ring for a gorgeous girl (I'm telling ya, this girl could stop traffic). TL, mom, and I looked through the Home Interiors catalog, since TL is throwing a Home Interiors party soon. Every page I flipped through I thought, "I want! I want! I want! Oh wait, I don't have an apartment yet, let alone a home!" I have my eye on a few candles (like I need more of those). I'll need to remember to bring my checkbook to the party.
And, of course, we couldn't have a meeting of my parents and at least one of my sisters without telling a story that involves something ridiculous that happened to my parents and/or my sisters back in the day. The main thing that came up tonight was the retelling of the Lamont story. It's really not much of a story, but it gets laughs every time. Years ago, when daddy use to ride his motorcycle to work, he'd leave his helmet on the bike. One night, one of the guys he worked with got the bright idea of writing "Lamont" on the front of his helmet. You know Lamont. From the show Sandford and Son. So one of daddy's official nicknames is Lamont.
See? I told you it's not that much of a story. And really, it's not all that funny, at least not when I tell it. To hear daddy tell it is way better.
I'm putting my degree to shame, I know.
Hoping all your stories are told better than mine,
Thanks for reading,
Ter
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