Drama drama...
By TheRealDawn
@dawnald (85135)
Shingle Springs, California
October 11, 2010 1:04pm CST
I was in Las Vegas this weekend. My mom's friend had a "celebration of life" party. I'm pretty sure it was for her 80th birthday, but she wasn't telling.
It was at New York, New York. Not my favorite casino (loud), but anyway... Friday night was dinner at the Italian restaurant there, and Saturday night was a private party in a separate room. Well, I can tell you for sure that they have really good food there. But on to the drama...
First night, I get to the Italian place (they had actually set us up separately in their Bistro), and mom's friend is upset. Turns out she has disowned her son (again), but didn't want to talk about it.
So then my step-mom sees that her collar is up and goes over and turns it down for her. Well she didn't want the collar down, and she says so. She wanted to look like Sharon Stone, so she turned it back up. Step-mom turns it down for her again, and they have words.
Then the son shows up at the party. Step-mom meets him for the first time, and goes over to mom's friend and says "he's an a**hole", and I'm thinking he said something nasty. Nope, she is just picking up "negative energy" from him, bad enough that she had to leave the party for a while, apparently. And so the entire rest of the evening, Dad is acting like she's nuts, and she is bending my ear wanting to know that I don't think she's nuts. AND asking me intrusive questions about my divorce IN FRONT OF THE OTHER PARTY GUESTS. 
Next day, my sister and nephew hit town, and we go over early to help mom's friend decide on the table seating for dinner. That's when I find out that the whole spat with the son was over the fact that she wanted to assign seats, and he thought people should be able to sit wherever they want. Well dang, it's HER party.
So anyway, we come back at 7, and there are hors d'oeuvres and drinks. And there are separate tables (tall for standing, and also lower for sitting) for "cocktail hour". Well the step-mom and dad get theirs and go sit at the dinner table. Mom's friend gets a bit miffed and sends my sister over to try and get them to mingle. Step-mom says "I want to sit here". But later they come over and talk with people.
Anyway, it gets to be 8:00 and step-mom is wondering when dinner is. Well the night before, the appetizers weren't even brought out until 8, and dinner started a bit after that. This evening appetizers were out promptly at 7, so I'm figuring dinner is going to come soon, and no big deal. I turn around, and step-mom is over talking to mom's friend and POINTING AT HER WATCH. And I'm thinking, "oh no she didn't".
Oh yes she did. Mom's friend comes by, red in the face, "can you believe what she just did?" I said, "yeah I saw her pointing at her watch. She was complaining about dinner not being served, wasn't she? Deep breaths. Deep breaths." So she says a few choice words, calms down, and just then dinner starts making its way to the tables.
After that it was mostly a pretty pleasant evening. She got up and made a speech, and talked about how my family had adopted her when she first moved to CA. Later her son comes by and applauds us, something about us being saints for putting up with her. Maybe the step-mom was right about him, but overall she was pretty obnoxious the whole weekend. She came by after the speech asking more "none of your business" type questions with other people sitting there.
My sister and I have a pact. If we get that old and we get really weird and obnoxious, we will just shoot each other.
PS I have a Swedish friend who wants an e-mail buddy. Anybody want an e-mail buddy?
Next day, my sister and nephew hit town, and we go over early to help mom's friend decide on the table seating for dinner. That's when I find out that the whole spat with the son was over the fact that she wanted to assign seats, and he thought people should be able to sit wherever they want. Well dang, it's HER party.
So anyway, we come back at 7, and there are hors d'oeuvres and drinks. And there are separate tables (tall for standing, and also lower for sitting) for "cocktail hour". Well the step-mom and dad get theirs and go sit at the dinner table. Mom's friend gets a bit miffed and sends my sister over to try and get them to mingle. Step-mom says "I want to sit here". But later they come over and talk with people.
Anyway, it gets to be 8:00 and step-mom is wondering when dinner is. Well the night before, the appetizers weren't even brought out until 8, and dinner started a bit after that. This evening appetizers were out promptly at 7, so I'm figuring dinner is going to come soon, and no big deal. I turn around, and step-mom is over talking to mom's friend and POINTING AT HER WATCH. And I'm thinking, "oh no she didn't".
Oh yes she did. Mom's friend comes by, red in the face, "can you believe what she just did?" I said, "yeah I saw her pointing at her watch. She was complaining about dinner not being served, wasn't she? Deep breaths. Deep breaths." So she says a few choice words, calms down, and just then dinner starts making its way to the tables.
After that it was mostly a pretty pleasant evening. She got up and made a speech, and talked about how my family had adopted her when she first moved to CA. Later her son comes by and applauds us, something about us being saints for putting up with her. Maybe the step-mom was right about him, but overall she was pretty obnoxious the whole weekend. She came by after the speech asking more "none of your business" type questions with other people sitting there.
My sister and I have a pact. If we get that old and we get really weird and obnoxious, we will just shoot each other.
PS I have a Swedish friend who wants an e-mail buddy. Anybody want an e-mail buddy?3 people like this
16 responses
@much2say (53958)
• Los Angeles, California
12 Oct 10
Isn't family drama so much fun? Yeah, right! Who needs to watch soap operas when you can live in one - ha ha. Yep, that's some crazy drama . . . or is that some crazy step-mom?! My hubby says the same thing about his parents . . . that if he gets to be like them when we are old and gray - to just shoot him. Sometimes he'll come home after going to his parents and tells me "Would you like to shoot me now or shoot me later." (Remember that Daffy Duck/Bugs Bunny episode?). Well, besides all the drama you had to endure, I hope the food was at least good!!
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
12 Oct 10
The food was awesome, but I wish I had stayed away from the slot machines!
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
12 Oct 10
Fortunately only some of the company sucked...
@much2say (53958)
• Los Angeles, California
12 Oct 10
I'm not much of a gambler . . . so I never got into the slot machines. But I did love nickel Keno!! I guess when the food is great but company sucks, I try to stay tuned out and shovel the food in (like, don't-bother-me-I'm-eating bit)! But I know - it's not always easy to tune out!
1 person likes this
@mands61123 (2098)
•
12 Oct 10
what a weekend i have a headche from reading about these people so god knows how you put up with them! I'd love to go las vagas never been but i plan to someday it's nice that everyone got together for her though and i like the whole celebration of life thing ;). You'll need a vacation just to recover lol
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
12 Oct 10
I don't think I've ever seen it this bad. Hopefully I won't be like that when I'm 80...
@mands61123 (2098)
•
12 Oct 10
either that or hopefully you'll be to out of it to care lol
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157562)
• United States
11 Oct 10
Dawnie, your step mom is my older sister. I did not know we were related. Actually it may be that my sister is your step mom's younger sister instead of my older sister. Whatever. It is almost impossible to have any thing private if you tell her about it. I would think that probably the new meds are implicated, but still not fun. Meds for seniors is like meds for children, not really tested and studied appropriately, and metabolized in different ways.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
11 Oct 10
Are you from Nebraska? 
I didn't tell her much. I pretty much answered in monosyllables. But she does have a reputation of not really knowing what is appropriate to talk about and what isn't. When she and my dad first got (back) together, she said somethings to mom's sisters that she really shouldn't have.
I didn't tell her much. I pretty much answered in monosyllables. But she does have a reputation of not really knowing what is appropriate to talk about and what isn't. When she and my dad first got (back) together, she said somethings to mom's sisters that she really shouldn't have.1 person likes this
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
11 Oct 10
Just a usual happy family gathering then Dawn I loved reading all about it. Hilarious. I am getting nervous already about my big sister arriving December 11 or somewhere about there. I was BBing my sn is the U.K. about it on Saturday and almost started to hyperventilate
I'm so sorry about the behaviour of your step-mom. Give thanks that you do not live with her.
I loved reading all about it. Hilarious. I am getting nervous already about my big sister arriving December 11 or somewhere about there. I was BBing my sn is the U.K. about it on Saturday and almost started to hyperventilate
I'm so sorry about the behaviour of your step-mom. Give thanks that you do not live with her.1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
11 Oct 10
Yes, there is that. It's a 3 1/2 hour drive, so we only see each other a few times a year...
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
12 Oct 10
Dawn - what you ahve is a normal dysfunctuiona family. There bare very few norma famiies. Most are dusfunctuional. Your step-mom is probably going loopy loo.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (215497)
• Chile
11 Oct 10
Hi dawn,
Your story sounds like the best of my famly gatherings. The difference is the shooting part: I should shoot myself right now or have someone close do it NOW!!!
My dear closest family is nosy and it is supposed to be a proof of love. I don´t visit much my siblings because they think I should "change". OMG!!! I´m 65!!!
My own family (daughters and grandkids) have to be taken in small doses too and one at the time. That way they are wonderful. But when they get together I feel faint.
Last week I had two small family reunions for 2 grandson´s birthdays. Both made me realise how happy I was lving alone. First it was my youngest daugthter´s son. She got her a b/f (quite nice) with FOUR kids of his own (not as nice) The youngest girl was almost naked in a cold Spring evening with lots of flu around. I said nicely: "go and put something on". She answered she was dressed. My daughter then scolded me for saying that to this girl (11 years old and he lives with my daughter for years and just had a baby together). I counted to 1 million.
Next day was my other daughter´s grandson. There was a lot of calling to do something or call it off as he had a severe cold. We went finally for a while, sung happy birthday, candles were blown and then one of his older brothers dumped his head on the cake while my daughter smiled and took pictures of the mess. I made a speech about viruses and bacterias and behaviour and of course neither did my other daughter nor I ate an ex lovely birthday cake.
I am begining to think that I´m from Mars or even a farther away galaxy. I don´t understand the world anymore.
PS I don´t want a swedish friend just now but tell him to become a mylotter.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
11 Oct 10
How long did it take you to count to a million?
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
12 Oct 10
Mute has its advantages too, although it might be misinterpreted...
@marguicha (215497)
• Chile
11 Oct 10
I took the rest of the evening. Two days later my daughter apologised and said that she was worried that as the child had answered like that, I would ground her or whatever. It seems that latelly my daughters think I´m more stupid than what I am. I wonder if that is reversible or I should start to play being mute.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (45506)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
12 Oct 10
Sounds like a fun time was had by all... not!
It made for interesting reading, though.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
11 Oct 10
Well at least it wasn't boring! LOL...kept everyone on the edge. When I get that age I told my kids that I don't want them dragging me around if I can't function to full capacity...like I don't want wet britches in public not to mention anyone feeding me in front of a bunch of people. If I get that old....bring it on over if you want to treat me.....LOL
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
11 Oct 10
That's what Depends are for. lol But yeah, a little dignity please!
@sconibear (8016)
• United States
12 Oct 10
Sorry Miss Dawn.......but I've been forced to report you yo the proper authorities. 
.........how soon they forget the "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" rule. 
.........how soon they forget the "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" rule. 1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
12 Oct 10
You forget the fine print. If it's been seen by 20 family members, it's exempted. 
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
12 Oct 10
I loved your story Dawn and I am relieved to find that I am not the only one putting up with family drama on a regular basis; folks getting all upset over silly little things and causing serious rifts…I used to tell my best friend to stop me from going out to nightclubs desperate and dateless if I was still single at forty! Luckily I was married by then...(LOL)!
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
12 Oct 10
Whewww...that is a lot of drama for a life celebrating party..lol...I would have been very uncomfortable..I am not good with drama or people sticking their noses where they don't belong. I have to applaud you for being able to handle it with class and get out of there.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
12 Oct 10
Yeah I didn't have to hide any bodies or anything. :D
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
15 Oct 10
That sounds like something that would go on in my family. Every time that you get a bunch of us together there is found to be a fight in some way, shape or form. The last time was when we were in Cincinnati for a family reunion during the summer and everyone in the family was mad at one uncle because his partner had run an investment company that has fallen apart with the recession, they were simply mad because of the fact that Denny wouldn't just admit to them that the money was gone.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Oct 10
Which is probably why it's not a good idea to invest with relatives...
@jennyze (7029)
• Indonesia
12 Oct 10
Yes. life is like a drama. Some got an a**hole roles, and some got saint roles, the rest just got a small part in the drama. I want to be the obnoxious, because then I can be myself.
What is e-mail buddy? Sending pictures of body parts via emails? Ups, wrong I guess.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
12 Oct 10
an e-mail buddy is like a pen pal, only via e-mail...
@fannitia (2167)
• Bulgaria
12 Oct 10
Hi, Dawn, what a mess! It's always like that with family events. I'm the last one of my family. My parents are not alive and I have no siblings. My husband left this world years ago. But almost every contact with my mother-in-low is a drama. My sister-in-low is angry at me, I don't know why but it's better like this. I hope that my daughter will not have similar problems with me one day. Because I don't have a person close enough to make the pact you made with your sister:))
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
12 Oct 10
It's usually not this bad at family events, but mom's friend and the step-mom have issues...
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
11 Oct 10
So confused.. was this your step-mom's friend, or your mom's friend.. and why does your step mom think it's okay to tell this woman her son is an a-hole or to touch this woman's collar.
Sounds like everyone was just real touchy that things weren't going as they expected.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
11 Oct 10
She's my mom's friend. I think she and the step-mom mostly just tolerate each other, because my dad still considers her a friend.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
11 Oct 10
This is why family is just so much dammmm fun. Can you guess how boring it would be to not have family. I married into mine, the one I was born with just didn't hang together, but I have enjoyed the one I married, they are from Texas and sure I was always part of the outsiders but even in that position it's been great fun.
1 person likes this
