It's been 13 days since you've heard anything personal from me, never mind that ranting about mobile phones or the pretty pictures I showed you. So, I figure it's about time.
Let's do a quick recap.
My mom got here on Wednesday. By Thursday evening she was already rubbing against my last nerve. The problem with family is that you love them out of obligation. Thursday, Mom and I passed the time by repotting a few plants. I was ready to scream when she continued to complain that I was spending too much money on the pots I was buying. It's my damn money, I'll spend it any way I like, thank you very much.
Friday we did some sight-seeing and grocery shopping. No matter how loud I turned up the radio, she insisted on talking over the top of it. Talking, in itself, isn't really a problem. I enjoy good conversation. Unfortunately, her talking involved remarks on the various street signs, and the telling of countless childhood stories, the same childhood stories she tells me every week on the phone.
Saturday was more sight-seeing. We went to the Dallas Museum of Art, on her request. I'll sum this day up by telling you that, when we walked into the special exhibit on 18th century French painting, mom looked at a few and then said, quite loudly, "Thomas Kinkade's got nothing on this guy". One of the docents nearly keeled over upon that remark.
Sunday, Jess and I went to my parents house for my Dad's birthday. It was a much needed vacation. Unfortunately, Jess got a fever and we had to come home early.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were much more of the same. I was at work Monday and Wednesday, so that was a nice break. Tuesday and Thursday I worked from home. A portion of Tuesday was filled with Mom's insistence that I bring a computer downstairs for her to use. Afterwards, as I attempted to work again, I hear her screeching my name. It turns out she wants speakers too. I lug them downstairs and hook them up only to hear her complaining that "Real Player" wont work a few minutes later. I correct the problem only to be entertained for the rest of the afternoon by the booming voice of the gentleman whose voice is featured in the Online Audio Bible. Ugh.
Friday we did grocery shopping again. As we walked out of the store I noticed a police officer behind my car writing a ticket. It turns out, I was about 30 seconds away from a $250 ticket for parking in a handicap space without a permit, since my mom and I had forgotten to hang her tag on the mirror. The cop was nice and tore the ticket up, thankfully.
Saturday morning I went to Keller to get my brother so he could see my mom too. I had a blow out on the way there. I knew my tires were bad and had already arranged for Jess to meet me somewhere to get them replaced on my way back from Keller. Ugh. $810 later, and the truck drives like a dream. Saturday afternoon we went to lunch, then for coffee, then to a movie. My brother decided on "The Life Aquatic". I enjoyed it, but the girl that ran around without her top on, constant swearing, and the joint hanging out of Bill Murray's mouth in every other scene made me uncomfortable around my mom. Luckily I didn't sit next to her, but my brother said she gasped throughout the entire movie. Saturday night we had a little birthday party for my Mom.
On Sunday mom decided she had to have nice pictures of all of us to bring home with her. She said "nice pictures" so I thought I'd do the best I could and give her something worth looking at. However, it turns out that by "nice pictures" she simply meant taking a picture or two with her disposable while we all stood in front of the couch. My frustration was eventually evident so we opted to do it my way. By then, however, I was more interested in getting it over with than doing it right, so they aren't very good at all. Later we brought my brother back to Keller and spent a little time talking to my uncle who's in town for a while. Then headed back home for the evening.
Monday was mostly uneventful. During the say I was at work and in the evening, since all my nerves are shot and my fuse is quite short, most conversations ended with me simply walking away from her mid-sentence. She actually apologized to Jess Saturday morning, apparently, for staying as long as she did. We strongly urged her to book a one week stay, but she opted to go for two. I'm glad that, in the end, she realized that that was a mistake. I'm sure, however, that the next time she decides to come, she'll stay just as long. During the day Jess attempted to get her car inspected. She didn't pass because her front tires are too worn. I checked them out, and they are indeed quite worn. The back tires look great. That's what I get for not rotating them. That'll cost $200 – $500 to correct, depending on how "right" I want to do it. I know it needs to be done and I expected it would happen eventually. But the timing is quite poor.
Today's been pretty quiet so far. I'm working from home again. Tonight we're going to a nice dinner and then she has to be at the airport tomorrow morning. I'll go to work after dropping her off and then come home to the peace and quiet of an empty house.
