{{Laura & Bobby}} I hope they figure out what it is, that it's nothing serious and that Bobby's back in the pink soon.

Ugh. I just realized my first real snowpocalypse issue - I'm almost out of tampons. If nothing's open tomorrow, I'm going to have a problem. I have a few friends in the complex that I can ask if I have to, luckily.

David, I'm not seeing her as totally unreasonable -- I've been trying to be pretty objective about it, and still do. And I want very much, and I think we have a pretty good basis for having a workable relationship as...not co-parents, but you know what I mean.

I don't think it's bad or unreasonable, that although I want to be pleasant and friendly with her, I don't want to be her friend. It was just that this was a kinda weird request to me; it'd be different if her sister was someone that we, or that D. was still close to, but it's a fairly loose relationship.

I am still..."struggling" isn't the precise word I want; it's too fraught...trying to adjust, which I think will be, of course, a process. We have different personalities -- she's very concerned with appearances and is very controlling (this is based on my observations, with me trying very hard to be unbiased, which I can do -- I can be pretty logical and cold) and I don't give a flipping shit about people's opinions, except for people I'm close to, and resent -- highly -- being controlled or told what I should do, think or feel. D. very much dislikes conflict, and she has stated that she thrives on it.

I don't thrive on it -- I kinda hate it -- but I am the type that looks for a compromise, but if I am being pushed into something that goes beyond my set goals or my level of comfort, then I won't back down.

Also, this is weird to me, because it doesn't really have anything to do with M; she has a hostile relationship with her sister, and I don't see it as my place or responsibility to prepare and deliver a meal to my fiance's ex-sister-in-law, so that my finace's ex can feel like she's being a good sister.

But like you said, David, quilt families (I like that term) are Le Weird. Like always, I am using the Buffy Board and a sounding board. I can get my petty and eyerolling out here, and then be reasonable and logical other places.

It was just that this was a kinda weird request to me; it'd be different if her sister was someone that we, or that D. was still close to, but it's a fairly loose relationship.

Erin, I think it's weird, too. It would be like my dad asking my stepdad to go visit my uncle in the hospital. It's kind of...random.

Happy to be a sounding Board. And, yes, that does seem odd.

I'm sorry, lisah. I hope the chemo and radiation take care of everything and are as painless as possible.

That's my feeling. Philanthropy by day, hedonism by night.

Suddenly I want in. I've done housebuilding in Mexico, but that mostly just involved camping in a quarry at night.

People who have taken/taught on-line classes, any words of advice? Stuff that you really liked or disliked? Tech that helped/hindered?

Just watch due dates and be prepared to kick your own rear into gear. (I struggle with this if I'm not going to a physical classroon, ymmv).

D and the sister get along fine, but are not close or anything.

My first thought was just to follow D's lead. M's mom contacting you seems a little...much, but maybe it's her trying to be cool with you coming into M's life, y'know not cutting you out or trying to not interact with you. If D wants to do it, then you're both just reaching out to a fellow human, and if not, his call. But good luck navigating the waters.

Epic, insent (as I can't find you on FB!)

'K. I can't check FB or email (sucks) at work, so I'll respond tonight. Unless you're bored and feel like trawling other Bitches' friends lists to find me...that'd be pretty bored given the amount of paperwork you have looming, huh?

But like you said, David, quilt families (I like that term) are Le Weird.

It's especially tough being the step-parent. And I do think you're engaging with the issue in a self-honest and thoughtful way. I guess what I'm really suggesting is just a matter of strategy. Which is don't let the situation or circumstances put you into a limited/negative role of The New Wife, but rather set your own terms on how the patchwork pieces will fit together.

Her request is a little odd, but while the rules and roles are still fairly mutable it doesn't hurt to be more expansive than necessary. Unless you think that would create a bad precedent, or set bad boundaries or false expectations.

Dear Wednesday,

So far, you are completely blowing goats. If a do-over is not possible, can we at least trying improving the rest of the day?

kthnxbai

Suddenly I want in. I've done housebuilding in Mexico, but that mostly just involved camping in a quarry at night.

C'mon, girl! What else have you got to do March 13th - 20th? And you don't have to volunteer the whole week, as many or as few days as you like. (event is from 3/9 - 3/20, the dates I give are when I will be there)