Thursday, May 24, 2007

The circus comes to town
And so it begins. The family festivities on Memorial Day weekend. It sounds like it will be a busy weekend. With what, I'm not sure.

My dad & his girlfriend are driving down tomorrow morning. They should be here in the early afternoon right as Logan goes down for his morning nap. Bill will be at work all day, so I figure when Logan wakes up, we can go out to lunch, spend some time at the park & maybe do some shopping with my dad & D. They plan on leaving Saturday morning, but I'm not sure what time.

Then there's Saturday afternoon/evening with Bill's family. I'm trying my best not to feel like a dead man walking, but it's hard, given the fact that Aunt Ju-Ju won't even speak to me, nor will Bill's parents for that matter. I've had my anxiety in check & it's been surprisingly mild until typing this out. Now I'm nervous & getting tightness in my chest. And it's not from my workout, either.

I suppose my biggest concerns are not getting bullied (or allowing myself to be) & standing my ground with the boundaries. The big triggers that I foresee are Bill's parent's stepping in to discipline Logan (which I know I will have to do there. Logan will undoubtedly have a temper tantrum at some point) & reminding Grandpa L that if he smokes (which he of course, will) that he has to wash his hands & change his shirt before playing with Logan again. Last time (at Christmas) we left with Logan & all of his toys reeking like a pack of Marlboro's. Because I will say something about it (& I pray that Bill will say something before I do), I'm expecting World War III to start.

I'm not looking to start any fights, but I will express my feelings & concerns (in a calm manner) about any overstepping, rude passive aggressive comments or disrespect. I think I'm nervous because I know I'm more confidant about how to deal with them & that I have grown more of a spine, but I fear the end result. I don't know why. It's not like it can get any worse.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

You've got mail! ;)

Anonymous said...

Ahh, I feel sorry for 'ya! I've been having MIL issues myself lately - no fun!

And I totally agree with you on the smoking thing. No one in our families smoke but I would make them wash their hands and change too if they did!!! Good for you!

Erin said...

I hope it helps to write it out. Sometimes that helps me prepare for a stressful conversation (work-related, family-related, whatever). Good luck!!!

Erin said...

Oh my gosh, I feel for you girl. In law problems are no fun. But it sounds like you've got a good game plan. Tons of luck to you!!

Anonymous said...

What happens if Logan loves your in-laws more than you do?

Kristin said...

I know for a fact that he may love them more than I do. So, it's not really a "what if". Unless they keep acting a fool like this, then that might not be the case.

Liz said...

Good luck...I know it's a tricky situation for you and Bill, but you've done a lot of work here, Kristin. Only you and Bill know what's best for your family.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with ya girl... Hopefully it's all nice and smooth.