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Thursday, December 27, 2007

My Aunt's Christmas Visit

My aunt and I have always had a good and steady relationship. That's not to say that there hasn't been some ups and downs. Definitely when I was in high school, things weren't very smooth, so we sought some professional help. Yes, I was a little young, but our relationship was important to me. We also had a little bit of an issue when I was in college. Usually our problems arose during swim season in both high school and college. I think the time and energy I spent focusing on swimming, left my aunt feeling a little neglected.

Lately we had been having issues again. Again we sought professional help, but what had worked for us in the past wasn't working now. In fact, it was having a negative impact on our relationship, and I really did wonder if things were ever going to be the same again. Fortunately, a new tactic was suggested and it did seem to work. For me anyhow. I can't speak for my aunt. I actually think my aunt may have been a little offended. I didn't see her for a few months. I had been told this might happen, so although my initial inclination was to freak out since we've always had a regular relationship, I ended up enjoying the personal space. A couple times I thought she might stop by for a visit so I bought her favorite refreshments.

That's the thing about my aunt. She's always been very particular about her food preferences. For the longest time she only liked greasy food, and then it was salty food, and then it was chocolate. Every once in a while it was all three! Not knowing what she would like these days, since we haven't been on speaking terms, I went out and bought the whole gamut. Wouldn't you know that I later found out that none of those choices were OK. She only wanted protein, mainly nuts and yogurt, and get this, the nuts had to be those red pistachio nuts that stain your fingers. Honestly I just wanted to throw my hands up and give up. In the meantime, all the other food I bought was just sitting around because I didn't feel like eating it. Sure the Big Giraffe nibbled on some food here and there, but my aunt's tastes are just so peculiar that you really have to be in the right mood to enjoy her type of food.

I started to become concerned by her reclusiveness. I contacted my doctor because I was worried that perhaps medical intervention was needed. I mean it's one thing to decide to be a little bit of a homebody, but it's another not to leave your home for over 3 months. My doctor said that actually my concern was justified so that if after holidays I hadn't heard from her, medication would be a good solution for her. Unfortunately, the medication can be somewhat uncomfortable so I was really hoping for her sake that she would get over whatever was bothering her.

In all honesty, I think that she was annoyed about the new medication she started taking after our last professional get together. What's the big deal about taking a pill every day for 3 weeks out of the month? I pointed out to her that she wouldn't be as likely to get migraines, be crabby, or have weird food cravings. This medication was similar to the medication that she had been on for most of the last ten years, but now it was new and improved. It was a win-win situation. In fact, the older medicine had made our relationship great. I think she was offended. On top of it, I know she's been annoyed that I've been training for the triathlon. In fact over the past few months I've had quite a few prank calls that I know are from her.

I pretty much assumed that this Christmas would be relative free. That's why I was so surprised when I walked into the bathroom on Christmas morning and saw that my aunt was there! Luckily I was prepared, and my kitchen was well stocked so when she made her crazy request for protein, I was able to offer some food. Her visit was light and brief. We did have a few fights, and I felt like she had socked me in the stomach. In fact I even ended up taking a few rounds of Advil because all the fighting gave me a headache. However, a visit is a visit no matter how short. We parted on good terms, and Aunt Flow has shown a good interest in visiting again in four weeks. This time I'll make sure I have a lot of yogurt and nuts on hand.

A. Elliot's Lesson Learned: Always be prepared for visits from Aunt Flow.

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posted by Alex Elliot @ 7:01 PM   7 comments
7 Comments:

  • At 12/27/2007 8:45 PM, Blogger soccer mom in denial said…

    You. Crack. Me. Up!!!!!!!!

     

  • At 12/27/2007 9:55 PM, Blogger Fairly Odd Mother said…

    You are too much! I read this entire thing thinking, "holy crap, you have one high-maintenance aunt!". NOW, I get it! ; )

     

  • At 12/27/2007 9:56 PM, Blogger Amy said…

    I'm such a dork. I read your entire post and didn't get who your aunt was until the last paragraph! I kept thinking you had a very strange relationship with your aunt! Sometimes I'm really slow.

     

  • At 12/27/2007 10:28 PM, Blogger Heather said…

    I have had issues with that aunt as well. Thankfully, she won't be visiting me for a while now.

     

  • At 12/28/2007 9:48 AM, Blogger Kami said…

    I am the biggest loser! I didn't GET who your aunt was until the very end. I did think it weird to see your aunt in the bathroom but thought maybe she had a key to your house.... oh I am so swift!

    I have the same troubles. It's coming up on 3 months but I don't want to take meds......

    :-)

     

  • At 12/28/2007 11:14 AM, Anonymous FishyGirl said…

    I am an idiot, but you, my dear, are hysterical. Seriously.

     

  • At 12/29/2007 9:51 PM, Blogger Suzanne said…

    You evil trickster! I was so worried about what was going on, and then I got to the end. Hilariously brilliant.

     
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Name:Alex Elliot
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About Me:Professional Mom of two cats, a dog, an ant farm, and oh yeah...two boys: a 6 year old and a 3 year old. Also found in my house is my husband who is known on this blog as The Big Giraffe.
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