Steph is my hero.

Tep, that does sound like a shitty day, and I'm petty enough to kind of want you to have retaliated with the "old" dig - but I'm glad for you that you're in a place where you're more mature and compassionate than that.

Your mother does sound disconcertingly like Anne Eliot's dad, from Persuasion.

I like the thought that you're the heroine of your own Austen novel.

Scola, you're way prettier than me.

Okay, joking aside (though you *are* a handsome devil), you'll get there. I *know* it.

Also, let me point out that being spun hard by parental bullshit is NOT proof that a person has made no progress, mental-health-wise. (Though I'm still insane.) It's just proof that the parent or parents are being JACK.ASSES.

As fucked up as my family is, I am so glad they have been loving and supportive of me all my life. Even when I was fucked up and not very good to them, they were there for me. My folks may not have agreed with all my beliefs and decisions but they backed me no matter what.

They are proud of me and my kids and think I'm smart, pretty and funny and remind me when I forget.

The buffistas are like that. And it's what makes me happy to be part of this community.

I'm petty enough to kind of want you to have retaliated with the "old" dig

I'm not saying I wouldn't, ever; just that I didn't, last night. I know myself well enough to know that I'd do it if she got nasty enough. I may have gained some mental health and ability to recognize my mom's bullshit and walk away from it, but I'm no saint. And when I'm cornered, I fight dirty.

Hell, *she's* the one who taught me how to fight dirty; she should expect it.

Your mother does sound disconcertingly like Anne Eliot's dad, from Persuasion.

She is, almost 100%, Lila Wingo from The Prince of Tides. I can't stress enough that, when it sounds like I'm exaggerating about my mom, I'm really, REALLY not.

Also, let me point out that being spun hard by parental bullshit is NOT proof that a person has made no progress, mental-health-wise. (Though I'm still insane.) It's just proof that the parent or parents are being JACK.ASSES.

you said it yourself better than I could have.

As far as the boy ...well he does occasionally step in it.

and while I haven't met your mom, I believe you. While it is not my personal experience, it is true that sometimes what you learn from a parent is what not to be. And as far as I can see that pain doesn't go away.

Oh god, given where I come from, I never assume exaggeration when people talk about their parents. Besides, it's all relative. Each person's pain varies!

My grandma was Lila Wingo too, Tep. Borderline personality, much?(Thanks, Dr. Melfi. Because she was Livia Soprano, too. With better hair and make-up)

Oh Teppy-- that sounds like quite a day.

I am so glad my mom never mentioned my weight or my looks, through many weights and oddly dressed phases. I think HER mother was Lila Wingo. Unfortunately, she is paranoid and depressed, and annoyingly enough, sometimes she is right in her paranoia! People are out to get us, and mean, nasty creatures sometimes-- but the grudges she holds, man! I would prefer to forget some of the things she hates people for doing to me in elementary school, frankly. It was a long time ago, and I hope those people have grown since then.

When I need a little comic relief, or to be reminded that it could worse, I like to visit Postcards from Yo Momma.