The family part of the weekend was pretty much a disaster; the timing couldn't be better. Bruce's mom had originally confided to me that she would make Bruce's favorite cake for his birthday. I never smelled vanilla or warm baked goods in the house, so on Saturday I pulled her aside and questioned her: "Did you make that cake? Or do I need to go out and get something?"
She threw up her hands and gave me a sheepish look.
So Bruce and I picked up dinner for everyone (his parents gave us enough money to cover their and his sister's sandwiches only) and a Superbowl-leftover football-shaped clearance ice cream cake for dessert. I stuck candles in it and his family sang "Happy Birthday." Bruce was majorly disappointed in his parents.
On Bruce's actual birthday, he took the day off, and his mom brought home a (consolation) cake at lunchtime. "No, thanks," he said. "I already ate some of my own cake."Then Bruce's dad and I had another spat. It was just another instance where I tried to talk to him and he was rude. Whatever. But it got me all upset again. I know I should develop a thicker skin, but the man simply doesn't know how to talk to people sometimes. Remember the dad from the Wonder Years? How he was always grouchy? That's Dad.
And yes, I remember what happened to the dad on that show, and I am aware how quickly life passes by. That's why I try my best to keep the peace and not speak my mind. I don't want to sever our familial ties because our living situation is the beaker and our chemical mixture is reactive. It's not going to last forever, especially since....
We started house hunting!
Our realtor has taken us out twice so far. The first time, we saw five houses. None of them were keepers, but the realtor used it as a learning experience. We saw some features we liked and some we didn't. Some things we were honestly creeped out by. In one house, the little old lady owner was there, photos of her dead husband on the walls, and she was watching - I kid you not - a show about tornadoes. Yup! I walked in and the first thing I saw was a huge, F5 twister on the screen. Strike that house from the list!
Yet he assures us that we will be able to get what we want from our first home. We're not talking mansion or anything, but if we play our cards right and are patient, a good one will come along. The patience part is the hardest. The second time we went hunting, I thought this one duplex might be it. My heart plummeted when our realtor told us the neighborhood wasn't the best. Sigh. I know better that that. When we were driving to meet the realtor, Bruce said, "We have to expect that this process will be difficult. We might love a house and then not get it. It may take a long time. We have to know all this going in." So what did I do? Got my hopes all up.
But today is like a brand new day! While Bruce's parents are gone, all the pressure is lifted. Bruce took several vacation days so we can treasure this time together. For a little while, at least, we can be ourselves again.
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