Yes, it's been a while...

And for good reason. It's been an emotional year and then some.

Here's an example (with the most recent drama):

Last Thursday, my step tried to off himself and my mom. He apparently had taken medicine and been drinking since around noon of that day and decided to take out his .357 and was telling my mom his intentions of shooting her first, and then himself and then everything would be done. Over. Well, mom called the police, step was taken away in handcuffs, and we saw them last weekend for the first time in 6 months. They pretended that everything was fine - hunky dory, in fact! And I was told beforehand not to discuss the 'incident' because step was embarrassed. My first thought was, "That's the ONLY reason he didn't want anything said? Because he was EMBARRASSED?! Not because you two are drunks?!" Talk about priorities, people.
I know this because my brother called and told me a bit of it. They are blaming step's reaction to mixing the pills and alcohol. Not the fact that he and my mom are ALCOHOLICS. No, that couldn't be the reason at all! And then I got a call from my best friend who told me more specifics of what happened - apparently anyone in the county with a police scanner could hear the dirty details and pass it along to their friends and neighbors. Yes, the town is that small.

My sister in law said that when they bailed out step the next morning, he and mom acted giddy and happy like nothing had happened. That is just WEIRD. Is that normal? "Hey, let's forget that we were toasted and you thought a murder-suicide of us was a good way to go. Now give me hugs and kisses and let's laugh like hysterical hyenas!"
They maintained that things were fine and sorted out between them when we visited last weekend. They were, however, NOT happy that I had alerted family. I messaged step's sister on FB (what, I didn't have a phone number), and my mom's eldest brother: "Please call step & m's house. PLEASE. They really need support right now." Figuring I was doing a good job of bringing the family together to support these two crazy kids... I went about my business. They seemed a bit upset step's sister called and then asked me what I had told her and what I knew. But then things blew over.

Well, this morning around 10am mom called and says "This has not been a good morning!" And then some rambling about what did *I* tell everyone and how she has to know so she can defend herself. Seriously? What is she trying to defend herself against? The fact that she DRINKS so much and picks fights with people so they don't want to be around her? Or the fact she called the cops on step? C'mon now... don't get skittish here. I have a feeling it was her brother who called her this morning. And if so, they already saw first hand knowledge that she's an alcoholic last summer when she and step were knocking back the wine at our family gathering that lasted two days. She and I nearly came to blows when she told me to refill her wine glass for the 10th time in the only 4 hours she was there that day. My uncle's wife saw it, and watched us but said nothing. I filled the glass like some lowly little barmaid and then ended up leaving the room in mortification. That was the first time I really recognized that I was an adult child of alcoholic parents.

Upon doing some research today, I found that there is a group for Adult Children of Alcoholics: http://www.adultchildren.org/  and they have a fascinating fount of knowledge. I look forward to finding new ways to deal with the damage that has been inflicted to myself and others by our alcoholic parents. And for right now, I guess I'm in a holding pattern. I refuse to return the phone calls of addicts when they are blaming ME for their lack of judgement. I was just trying to rally the troops - my parents are the ones trying to sweep everything under the rug and pretend it's fine.

My Review of Case of Diapers - 4 pk Size 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6

Originally submitted at Diapers.com

NEW! Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Diapers - Jumbo Pack 4 pk

 

Our Chlorine-Free Diapers offer soft, cloth-like comfort and perform as well as conventional brands. In addition to keeping your baby dry, our absorbent polymer is non-toxic and non-irrit...

Case of Diapers - 4 pk Size 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6

*~* Buy the Next Size Up! *~*

By Mrs Anderson from Roseville, MN on 1/28/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Absorbent, Convenient, No Leaks

Cons: Need a bottomless box

Best Uses: Diaper Changing, Overnight

Describe Yourself: Former daycare owner, Parent of Two or More Children

We LOVE these diapers! We were using the Nature Babycare diapers until the repeated leaking got to be too stressful - I was becoming more paranoid with each passing diaper change.
We moved on to the Seventh Generation diapers after our second daughter hit 2 months. We have been using them the last 6 months with great success! No leaks, no strange odors or perfumes/powders, and baby seems quite content.

DOWNSIDE: As with Nature Babycare, you need to buy the next size up once your baby hits the mid-range for the diaper weight range.
Example: If your baby weighs 11-12 pounds, use Size 2. If your baby weighs 14 pounds, then use Size 3. If your baby weighs 24-25 pounds, you may need to consider moving UP to Size 4 early. I think so many people are having leaking issues because they are using the incorrect size. Bottom Line: We love them in our house. :)

(legalese)