Kristin, I love reading things like this:
Mostly, though, I think it's easier because I know this is the right marriage and I'm a lot more comfortable with myself.
I do remember when you were with your ex, and I love seeing how much happier you are now. And I really am glad to know that you've got some good friends in LA; I'm glad of it for your sake but also for mine, as a reminder that it may take a while to make new friends, especially as an adult, but it *does* still happen.
Nora, I have no words for your cousin, just fists of rage.
Mostly, though, I think it's easier because I know this is the right marriage and I'm a lot more comfortable with myself.
Which shows, and I'm so happy for you both.
Sooooo, we'll see. I may need to use the punchbowl to get the ring for my sister, because that's really important to her, moreso than the punchbowl is to me.
No. No, you and your sister need to confront your scumbag cousin, tell her that you know that she intercepted the undertaker and took all the rings, that such behavior is appalling, therefore she will NOT be getting the punchbowl, AND she had better damn well give your sister the gold claddagh ring.
Does the rest of the family know the nonsense your horrible cousin is doing? Because if they don't, they need to know. That sort of behavior is awful and reprehensible.
(I wish I could come be the heavy for you in this family issue. I'd probably terrify your cousin, which only could be for the best.)
Intercepted the undertaker!
I think it's time to lay all this in front of her executor. You shouldn't have to negotiate with a punchbowl you were actually given by your grandmother to get something that your cousin, to not put too fine a point on it, stole. The ring belongs to the estate. The punchbowl belongs to you.
Intercepted the undertaker!
Actually worse than the "Grandma was getting forgetful" line!
The executor is her dad. But my mom is going to my grandmother's lawyer this week to discuss these shenanigans.
I also found out that the punch bowl is Waterford crystal and thus rather valuable, which explains why it is suddenly so desired by money grubbing relatives.
Here's how the issue of the Waterford crystal punch bowl should be resolved: You crack it over her pointy little shit-head. Don't you dare give her anything without a sharp poke in the ribs with an icepick!
There's always the Solomon approach: Offer to split the punchbowl with her.
And I really am glad to know that you've got some good friends in LA; I'm glad of it for your sake but also for mine, as a reminder that it may take a while to make new friends, especially as an adult, but it *does* still happen.
Yes, please remember this. It took me a couple of years, I won't lie, but I have such a solid group now. One thing that I did was to take an active role. I decided to be the instigator and ask people I liked to do something even if I wasn't sure what they would say. If you meet someone who you think is interesting, don't be afraid to say, "Hey, I've really enjoyed meeting you--do you want to grab coffee/lunch/dinner/a movie sometime?" I've found that the response is almost always positive.
Building off that, I started a tradition of girls nights a couple of years ago with a few of the friends I had made and told them to bring their close girlfriends, and now we have a network of 10-20 women who are all close, to varying degrees.
Nora:
No. No, you and your sister need to confront your scumbag cousin, tell her that you know that she intercepted the undertaker and took all the rings, that such behavior is appalling, therefore she will NOT be getting the punchbowl, AND she had better damn well give your sister the gold claddagh ring.
Does the rest of the family know the nonsense your horrible cousin is doing? Because if they don't, they need to know. That sort of behavior is awful and reprehensible.
WHAT JILLI SAID. Seriously, this is disgusting behavior. I'm so sorry you have to deal with it.
Coffee: And Kate, this:
(BTW, there is a chance that we might be coming out to LA sometime this fall! Mostly to visit my brother, but we would for sure want to see you & Drew too. I will let you know if/when I have more details!)
would be SO AWESOME. We have a guest room if you need one.
