[sunnykerr]

I wasn't supposed to be there all day, but my sister-in-law went out last night and was exhausted, so she took an extra-long nap, so we wound up staying for supper, so that made us be there all day.

My nephew wouldn't go down for his nap, so he was in a mood coming back home. Completely exhausted, I expect, but fighting it, like kids do. My ears are still kinda ringing.

[There You'll Be]

Oh, that does make for a long day. I'm surprised you guys were able to nap with other people around. Did your brother have fun?

Cranky, tired nephew on what turned in to a long ride home? Does not sound super fun.

[sunnykerr]

Well, my brother got the ground-floor master bedroom to nap in and my sister-in-law went to the first-floor guest bedroom. I just fell asleep on the tennis. It was one of those things where I was gonna fall asleep regardless of how many people were around. But it wasn't a deep sleep. I woke up as soon as my mother yanked a blanket from under me to cover me with it.

Poor shrimp skipped his afternoon nap and was rudely woken up on the ride home, so I understand why he was cranky. It wasn't his fault.

[There You'll Be]

Funny, but not, that your mother woke you up trying to make you more comfortable.

Yeah, kids are kind of subjected to the things going on around them.

My cousin and I are trying to figure out a way for me to go visit her while they are camping on the other side of the state, in September.

[sunnykerr]

My mother always thinks everyone is freezing. Her house is so hot, I fell asleep on the one chair that's in the direct path of the A/C. Hence why I could cool down enough to get comfortable.

So, you know, there was a reason I was sleeping on top of that blanket.

Could you and your cousin meet halfway?

[There You'll Be]

Mom's are always pretty sure they know what is going on.

We might be able to. I get the feeling she wants me to camp with them.

I'd love being at the beach for a while, but, you know I wouldn't do well staying in a small space with other people-even if I love them.

[sunnykerr]

Talk to her. Tell her you want to, but that you know yourself and you want it to be a positive experience, so there are certain things you can't do.

That would be my advice.

[There You'll Be]

You have given me some great advice, all around, from last night.

We've only met twice. Once when I was a teenager, and then again when her and her mom were passing through town a few years ago. It would be nice to spend time with her.

I think you may have been right about meeting in the middle. We could meet in Charlotte, and spend part of the day together...lunch, etc. and then both get back to our locations before dark.

[sunnykerr]

You're not gonna get on for very long if either one of you is always fighting their own natural instincts just to accomodate the other. Open communication and compromise will prove more profitable over the long run, I think.

Of course, that's not something I'm great at myself.

Today was my brother's birthday.

[Meliana]

It was nice seeing my aunt and uncle whilst I was on holiday this week. They are such lovely people.

[There You'll Be]

Did you talk to your brother for his birthday, Sunny?

Yeah, I'm not so great at those 2 things either.

Claire, I'm happy you got to see them, and spend time with them.

[sunnykerr]

I just had a whole therapy session about how much pressure my family's thightness can be sometimes. But it is a strong value with us. All that to say, good on you all, Claire.

I called my brother yesterday, Kim, to wish him a happy birthday. He was at work, so we didn't have an extended conversation. Apparently, my nephew woke him up at 5am that morning. He sounded pretty tired.

[There You'll Be]

I guess your nephew wanted to be the first to wish him a happy birthday.

Glad you guys talked. I also hope your therapy session helped.

[sunnykerr]

Yeah, apparently that's a thing. Kids are a bit more "unruly" on special days. The parents in my circle of acquaintances confirmed that similar things happened to them.

Spending yesterday with my mother was kind of exhausting.

[There You'll Be]

Really? That's funny.

Sorry you got so exhausted yesterday. I'm sure you expected it, but it doesn't make it any less tiring.