10 people bought for and 4 to go...
I'm finished my parents and the outlaws with hubs and the kids left. I know what I'm getting the kids but I'm pretty stumped with dh. He has given me a couple of ideas but to be honest I don't like them.
He's hard to buy for. Then apparently, so am I. (Not true, I like lots of things)
I did an intervention on my investments. I have some high risk RRSP's that were on a downward slide. I pulled them out and put them into a short term interest account. I am not doing much more with them until February. Good thing too as I have saved $300 in the last 10 days! I was loosing sleep at night about the US economy! That is a sign that I need to move my money! lol!
Our EF Emergency Fund is in a TFSA and that will come due for renewal in January. It is in a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) that we can withdraw from penalty free at any time but if you do you don't collect the interest. Big whoop for how low the interest rate is. But better than a slap in the belly with a wet fish!
My side of the family is unravelling. The perfect sibling is in such deep debt and is emotionally paralyzed. She has been in denial for so long that she can not function. Her husband is running around with anything that breathes, drinking heavily (then driving) and gambling all of the time! So when the going gets tough, princess gets a $150 hair cut, colour and highlights, and wants to get a new $300 North Face jacket...yep, that will make it all go away....
I don't know how crappy her marriage has to get before she says "Enough". Rock bottom is at a different level for every person. Hers level is pretty darn low I tell ya! I'm just sitting back and watching the carnage and it isn't pretty. There are 3 kids being left by the wayside in all of this nonsense!
I am hosting Christmas for the parents and the sibling. She would be alone with the kids if I didn't. It's been done to me (ignored at Christmas) but I won't reciprocate. If I died tomorrow I would know that I chose to treat my family better than they have me and my children. It's different now. A giant emotional step back helps a lot. I told my parents and sister what time, what is on the menu, what is expected of them (to bring) and that my own family of 5 will be going to church service Christmas eve as we have done and enjoyed the last 3 years. They can choose to join us or not. My house, my family traditions.
It shouldn't be too much extra cost. I have a big turkey that I was going to cook the 25th. Now less leftovers is all.
Maybe I'll stuff the bird with Prozac so that we all get along!!
6 comments:
Sometimes it is so hard to be the bigger person. But when your sister hits bottom it really isnt going to be pretty~~
I say stuff the bird AND marinate it in Booze!lol
That's so sad that perfect sib and hubs have kids and can't see beyond their own childishness to do what's right by them. They'll end up damaged adults and have much work to do on themselves when they're grown.
Good for you for being the bigger person when dealing with your family.
And if the US economy is keeping you up at night, imagine what it's doing to my peace of mind!! ;-)
*stiffles a laugh* Never considered stuffing a bird with something like that. It would surely make them want to come back next year! Hope your season goes well. Good luck finishing shopping. (Though if I may invade, you mentioned that hubs has given you a few ideas that *you* don't like. Does he like them, though, and are they non-harmful? If so, I'd say go for it. All I really want for Christmas is socks and nobody really likes that idea either, but it is the one thing I really want.)
I agree with Sluggy..U.S. Economy is keeping all of us up at night!
You are good doobie, B-Kat. But then I always knew that. Perhaps your family will finally take notice. If nothing else, you are setting a good example of caring for your kids.
And if that doesn't work, some holiday 'spirits' might be in order! :)!
You're doing the right thing, & I feel so sorry for your neices/nephews. Whata confusing & difficult situation for them.
I'm thinking your sister must be very deep in denial, & the spending is comforting in the immediate moment. I compare it to overreating during difficult times, even when you're medically obese.
Whoa - your sister is in desperate circumstances for sure - she will really need your support so I'm glad you're hosting Christmas and I hope she and her kids will join you! It can be hard to get yourself up and going when you're feeling that low but I hope she makes the effort for the sake of her kids! I'm with you - make the invite and hope they do their part - at least you can sleep well knowing you did yours!! Merry Christmas Bkat!
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