Wendy,

It's funny that you mentioned the book "running with scissors".

Right before i came here to NeuroTalk, I was at the website for the book club that I order books from, and I ordered every single book written by Augusten Burroughs-- there are 4, Dry, Magical Thinking, Running with Scissors, and the new one Possible Side Effects.

I have been wanting those books for a while now because he talks about his nutty family and I figured it would give me some perspective on my own nutty family.

The book club was offering a holiday special, so I got the first 3 books for $7 each and the new one for $16.... with the $2 for shipping the total for all 4 books was only $39. The book club is the Quality Paperback Book Club - the sell the larger type of paperback books that are almost the same size as the hardcover. I generally prefer hardcover books, but the oversized paperbacks are great because they are the right size, but cheaper

Anyway, I just thought it was ironic that you and I both ordered the same book for pretty much the same reason.... we will have to have a book discussion when we start reading

Liz

Good idea Liz. I will be getting the book on Friday according to the UPS website. So I will be getting on it ASAP!

Not sure if this was the wisest decision I ever made but I sent my sister an e-card for her birthday which is coming up next week. I also let her know that my grandmother told me about the wedding and I wished her all the best.
Like I said it may not have been the best idea I have had but I wanted to give her congrats and all.

You can always leave the door open - but not expect a reply - then if one does come, it will be a {hopefully} pleasant surprise.

Hopefully she would be polite enough to send a thank you.

I Hope you have a very nice Thanksgiving!

Knowing me....I am setting myself up for a slap in the face.
But at least I can say I am trying to be the bigger person and didn't send her a nasty email about how rude she is and was about this whole thing.
Eh! Who knows.....I probably won't get a thing back. If anything probably an email of her freaking out like the last one I got when I found out where she lived and sent her a letter.
At least she now knows that I do talk to family and I can keep up on how she is if I want to. Not in a nasty way but to make sure if she's okay.

I am amazed that it is not just family that treats us with indifference, but strangers too. I was shopping yesterday at Kohl's Department Store. I walk with a cane and had to return several items. It is a chore for me to get to the back of their store...but I did make it there...A woman saw me walking towards the return counter and literally ran to get in front of me...If that wasn't bad enough she then went on to ask about a rain check and held me up for about ten minutes...I was in considerable pain until she finished. I almost said something, but thought better. If she was so thoughtless to push in front of me..she wouldn't get it...but I am finding more and more...people just push in front of me...With my recent lumbar fusion I am so afraid they are going to knock me down or push into my back and really hurt me...I have to be so careful, especially during the holiday season...

I have to say too...that we have to remember, especially me...that when people ask how we are ...We really have to just say fine because in most instances they really do not care and do not want to hear...I made this mistake with my sister-in-law and when I started to tell her she said, "Oh let's talk about something else." During my last visit at her house, she brought my health up to my husband and used it as an excuse to tell my husband she thought I just had a low tolerance for pain...For one of the first times ever, my husband spoke up very quickly and said no she does not....My goodness I just tolerated a sixteen hour surgery with two twelve inch incisions..One in the front and one in the back....I would like to see her pain tolerance for that surgery...She has never had any surgery of any kind...but I will never make the mistake of telling her anything ever again....In fact, should she call the phone will go to my husband...My eighteen year old daughter has more sense than me...She told me she was like a rattle snake waiting to strike...and so she was and did....I think our family members are the least understanding of our conditions...My sister-in-law makes all kinds of excuses for her alcoholic brothers, but thinks I should tolerate my back pain...I had just let down my guard and started to trust her...never again...

Hi Wendy,

I'm sorry your family treats you this way. Why do the ones that are suppose to love us unconditionally, treat us the worst!! Total strangers have treated me better than my own family. I guess it's true, they don't understand our CP, and they choose NOT to understand it. Like we "want" to live this way.
You have every right to feel hurt over this. Your sister shouldn't treat you this way. Blood is suppose to be thicker than water.
I think it's great that you sent her the email. That really shows that you are the bigger one willingly to forgive and forget but if she doesn't respond, then try not to stress over it. It just shows she hasn't come to a point in her life where she will understand that all this time wasted will never be gotten back. Be proud of yourself and your actions. You have done the right thing.
Take care,
Linda

Hi Wendy,

I'm sorry your family treats you this way. Why do the ones that are suppose to love us unconditionally, treat us the worst!! Total strangers have treated me better than my own family. I guess it's true, they don't understand our CP, and they choose NOT to understand it. Like we "want" to live this way.
You have every right to feel hurt over this. Your sister shouldn't treat you this way. Blood is suppose to be thicker than water.
I think it's great that you sent her the email. That really shows that you are the bigger one willingly to forgive and forget but if she doesn't respond, then try not to stress over it. It just shows she hasn't come to a point in her life where she will understand that all this time wasted will never be gotten back. Be proud of yourself and your actions. You have done the right thing.
Take care,
Linda

Thanks Linda. I have it set up for Tuesday, her birthday, for it to be sent. We will see what happens then.

Hi Wendy,

Wanted to pop in and give you some {{hugs}}..Take care,Kristin