Enough...

The brother-in-law had his surgery on Tuesday, and it went well.  He has recovered enough that they are going home tomorrow.

Everything has been pretty peaceful, and we have all been getting along pretty well.  But I've finally had enough of the wife.

We've watched their dog while they were at the hospital.  I've cleaned up after their dog's accidents (she's a nice dog, but young and not completely housebroken).   Hub has cooked dinner every night for the 4 of us, and I've cleaned up afterwards.  Before they came, Hub even rented an electric lift chair, so Bro didn't have to struggle to get up.  I've even done their laundry!  (And I have absolutely no problem with any of that...that's what good hosts do, and Hub loves his Bro, so he does what he can to make their stay more comfortable.)  In other words, we've both been very hospitable.

Last night the wife "E" wanted to go visit a niece in Seattle, and they were going to meet at a festival at the Seattle Center today.  So E asked me if I wanted to go along.  I'm not much for driving to Seattle, and the weather is horrible right now, raining non-stop.  First I said, no, then I thought about why she wanted me along…she didn't want to drive there by herself, because she doesn't really know where she's going.  Okay, I do have some compassion for that, and so I changed my mind and told her I would go with her. 

We got over to the festival, and she just happened to know someone at one of the booths.  So she was explaining why she was in the area, that her husband had surgery and "we are staying with in-laws."  I was standing right there, and she never said…"we are staying with in-laws…and by the way, this is my sister-in-law…WHO HAS BEEN SO HELPFUL AND HOSPITABLE."  Nope, she talked to the person for about 10 minutes like I wasn't even there.  Whatever. 

At some point, we met the niece and had a pleasant time...the niece is really sweet.  Then on the way home, we started to talk about our respective husbands…joking a bit about how they are definitely brothers, they have some similar funny, annoying characteristics that run in their family.  Just typical girl talk.  But then out of the blue, she started bashing my husband in a very personal way, and saying some really mean things. I was shocked, and angry...it's one thing for me to criticize my Hub, but I would never criticize her husband to her!  I said, "You know, E, none of us are perfect.  But he's my husband, and I love him, and I'd appreciate you not talking to me about him like that."  She immediately backed off, but I'm pissed.  How dare she? 

So, that's enough.  I'm done.  Especially after everything we've done for them.  I can't wait until they leave and I don't have this negative energy in my home anymore.  Buh Bye.     

Something Creative...which Normally I Would Not Attempt

First let me say this...I do NOT consider myself an artistic person.

I know that I do have a good eye for color, and am somewhat OCD about putting outfits together.  I know what looks good and what works...and what doesn't.  But if you ask me to draw a picture...fuggget about it!

So when I saw this new business advertising near my office, and then looked at their website, I thought..well, it's not something I'd usually do, but this looks interesting!  So I invited a girlfriend to attend with me, and we went last Friday evening.

Basically it was a 3 hour "art class" (but not really a class...more like a party) where everyone who attends paints the same thing from a professional example.  (In this case it was the Seattle Wheel, but they have about 20 different subjects.  You choose which event to attend based on what you want to paint.)  It is "taught" step-by-step by a professional artist; all the supplies (acrylic paints, brushes, a small canvas on an easel, apron) are provided.  You can't use any pencils to sketch, so it's all done free hand with the paint brushes, including making the circle for the wheel. And the instructor encourages you to use whatever colors you like. 

It was one of the most fun things I have ever done!  You can purchase wine and they play rock music throughout (like I said...it was really a party).  It was so interesting to see how differently everyone interpreted the same subject.  My girlfriend and I talked and laughed and rocked out and painted (and drank wine)...and I learned something about myself...I actually like to paint!

And I surprised myself in that my painting was not "too" bad.  Yes, there are a few things I would change if I painted it again (such as the size and perspective of the Space Needle).  But I think if I practiced a bit, I could get better.  Not that I'd paint anything terribly original, but I really enjoyed the creative aspect.

The best thing was how complimentary Hub was when he saw my painting.  He just raved about it and said he liked it even better than the original.  I think he was just being sweet...but still...  *smile*

My girlfriend wants to go again, so I think we are going to get a few other friends and go paint another subject.

So here is the original painting by a professional...

And here is my rendition...(please don't laugh)

And here is my friend's painting and my painting side by side...

isn't she a wild one?! 

They're (Coming) Baaaack...

Yes, the brother-in-law and wife will be here this afternoon...he will have a doctor appointment tomorrow, and I think the shoulder surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, or maybe Wednesday.  So, they will probably be here about a week.  I don't really ask too many questions as it doesn't make much difference to me...all I know is they will be here for a while, and I hope the wife behaves herself.  

Yes, it will be a somewhat trying time, but I have the advantage of going to work every day.  Hub will get to deal with them on a day to day basis, which is only fitting, considering it is his brother and he invited them to stay here. 

Does that sound mean?  Oh well.  I'm learning that "everything" that takes place in my home is not my total and complete responsibility.  My job is to be civil and I will be helpful when necessary.