10.15.2006

Dysfunctional Family Fun

Okay, enough of playing Debbie Downer. Just got back from a lovely evening in Louisville. T is there working for a few days for the VP, and since I'll be out of town most of next week for a hearing, he invited me down for a night. We picked a crappy restaurant, but overall it was wonderful to get away, even if briefly, from the mound of work that covers my desk and has now multiplied and taken over most of the floor in my office (rather like the Ebola virus...)

I apologize for not posting more lately. Life (as I should smartly expect by now) has been truly hectic of late. Between weddings, work, insane and ill family, and trying to schedule time for a real life in the short gaps that I'm not working, I'm exhausted. However, in a positive light, I think I'm one of those people who would much rather be busy than bored. I'm still not sleeping much, so at least I'm getting a lot done!

One of the latest challenges is trying to plan our impending holidays. Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching and my "eclectic" family is trying to get together down South. T & I have arranged it the last few years to spend Thanksgiving with my family and Christmas with his. This has generally worked quite well, as everyone is so limited by distance, we're not overwhelmed by both families at any given time. This is a very good plan.

To explain a little further, my family bobs for Prozac instead of apples at Halloween and T's family likes the bourbon eggnog just a little too much at Christmas. Valium anyone?

We're an interesting bunch to say the least. My dear brother, who is a little too much like me (read: smartass), sent the following e-mail re Thanksgiving and I thought it was too funny not to post. He is witty, smart, and a royal pain in my arse, but he has two children under the age of two, so I have to give him some slack.

For your reading enjoyment:

"The invitation has been extended to most of you. But, if you haven't heard, we're hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year. Not really so much because we're gracious, either. I'd like to see YOU try taking two children under 15 months on the road. As an added bonus, we'll be having a raffle at the end to determine who gets to take home our kids. Here's the tentative guest list:

- Edited to keep the insane anonymous...


...and as you might suspect, we're not equipped to handle that many overnight guests. There are two or three hotels within a few miles of the house. The nicest, located in ----- is $140/night. Brand new Hilton Garden Inn. If you're not worthy, the others are a bit lower and just a little bit further.

We're expecting folks to begin arriving Wednesday evening and depart either Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. We may cater a small dinner, if necessary, on Wednesday night. And, we're planning on a day of cooking and snacking until an early dinner around 5pm, Thursday. I'm thinking simple lunch and a combination of cooking/football until supper-time. And, of course, Friday will be for leftovers and more football. (Ladies, this is your opportunity to enjoy some quality time with the children.)

Unlike holidays in the past, this will be a VERY informal one. You may see our wedding china if we can find it, but I can't promise all of the poop will be off the walls by the time you arrive. Wet-naps and anti-bacterial hand lotion will be provided, free of charge.

Please let us know your plans when you can and we'll make the necessary arrangements for food. And, call if you have any questions. I'm looking forward to a great, relaxing, family Thanksgiving almost as much as I'm looking forward to someone taking the kids off our hands."

2 comments:

Mel said...

Your family sounds so much like mine. Wow.

twobuyfour said...

That sounds like a fabulous invitation - not too pretentious. Slim and I will come, and we'll bring the kids. They're well past the potty-training stage, so they won't need a lot of attention. Just count your silver candlesticks before we get there, and again after we leave.

We'll need driving directions though....