I am exhausted. Exhausted from navigating the emotional minefield that comes with having my in-laws living with us, exhausted from the antics and drama two small boys have managed to dream up today, exhausted from fighting the bureaucracy at work and exhausted from keeping the household running, my marriage intact, and my fridge full of food. I have nothing left to give, no energy left to fix hurt knees or hurt feelings, to plan for tomorrow or to care for anyone's needs. I am officially void of pithy stories, humerous view points, sage opinions on the state of the world...not that I have ever been a wealth of any of these things, but it is nice to dream.
And I am officially out of good books to read. It is a perfect storm.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Oh boy. This state of affairs sounds desperate. Have things gotten better since Friday? (Or worse? I hope not.)
ReplyDeleteThe last time that happened to me with the in-laws I was only a guest, not a hostess, and I flipped. Husband teaming up with MIL. I really lost it. Left the house for 2.5 days, stayed in a motel, and returned to my FIL's house, sheepishly, to be a guest at my son's b'day party.
These times can be really rough. I would say sign off on being the provider and caregiver. Just stop. Into your room for some deep breathing time and/or crying, and then to the library to get/search for a book. A quick read that is really engrossing and quite frightful: "On Chesney Beach" by Ian McEwan.
Now, NBS is small. I don't see how I couldn't remember you, especially if you were in my grade 9 class (but perhaps I've misread your comment). How far behind or ahead were you? Last name? Boarder or day student? I know you're not Kate Alton. And not Kate Stimpson. Right now, I can't think of another Kate. Tell me!
Oh wow. Just reread -- "living with us" -- can it be? Your in-laws? Well, you've really got to take self-preservation steps then. Maybe iron it out with them. It doesn't sound like a livable situation long-term.
ReplyDeleteIn-laws have been here for six months and will be returning to Africa at the end of September. I love them both but crave in ways words cannot describe the return to days where I did not need to explain my every choice, my every decision, no matter how big or how small...or worst of all, explain my husband (their son) to them. My tried and true response to every complaint about his behaviour of "Well, beats me. I didn't raise him, you did" has worn thin over the months and I am ready to be a complete nuclear family again. Nanny arrangements are in place and we are ready to move on.
ReplyDeleteKate is just another diminutive for Catherine....as is Cathy....which is what everyone called me back then even though I hated it - but I was in your class for only grade nine - same class at academics, not dance...was a border, not day student. Spent half of the year at Jarvis residence before we all moved to what was then the new residence building. Left (aka got unaccepted) after that grade nine year, went home and studied with Miss Franca, Miss Evreinoff etc....then went to Royal Winnipeg and finally back to NBS as a special after you and others had graduated grade 12.
It was only a year, as I say. Given how people came and went over your years at NBA, you couldn't possibly remember me. But you were always kind, funny and impossibly bright when I knew you. And for that, I have always been thankful to you.
Kate! I think I remember you. Did you have sandy, dirty blond hair and maybe slightly bucked teeth (or an overbite or something very distinctive about your mouth and the way you closed it)? I remember you cried and laughed a lot. You were outspoken, yes, I remember, but also had a very plain-spoken, self-deprecating, down to earth and funny way about you. Was that you? Were you tallish and slim? Can you post a pic or send me one at evalbutton@yahoo.com?
ReplyDelete