Jen B's Diary Entries Diary Navigation: Choose A Diary Entry -------------------- Latest Entry: 6/4/02 -------------------- 5/27/02 5/13/02 3/20/02 1/30/02 1/24/02 12/31/01 12/4/01 11/26/01 11/12/01 10/24/01 10/20/01 10/3/01 9/18/01 9/11/01 9/4/01 8/27/01 8/21/01 8/14/01 8/2/01 7/25/01 7/18/01 7/10/01 6/19/01 6/16/01 6/12/01 5/29/01 5/24/01 5/15/01 5/13/01 5/8/01 5/2/01 4/24/01 4/18/01 4/9/01 4/4/01 4/2/01 3/26/01 3/16/01 3/14/01 3/2/01 2/23/01 2/17/01 2/15/01 2/8/01 2/5/01 1/30/01 1/26/01 1/23/01 1/17/01 1/10/01 1/2/01 12/25/00 12/17/00 12/13/00 12/5/00 11/29/00 11/24/00 11/14/00 11/8/00 11/6/00 11/1/00 10/25/00 10/18/00 10/11/00 10/4/00 9/27/00 9/20/00 9/13/00 9/6/00 8/31/00 -------------------- Jen B's Introduction

January 17, 2001

I have happily taken off my traveling shoes and thrown them into the closet. Jake and I ended up touring the state of PA over the weekend, and we're thrilled to be home again.

Saturday we went to visit my sister. She was in the hospital in Philadelphia, having a "treatment" (she has Cystic Fibrosis) that involved an IV all the way up her arm and a week-long hospital stay. She was in pretty good spirits, but Jake was not crazy about being in a hospital.

Sunday, Chris, Jake and I left for our trip to Pittsburgh. It was fun overall, but might have been more fun if it was just the three of us. BIL and MIL had decided they wanted to go ride the Incline Sunday night, but Jake was exhausted and ready for bed. We suggested going the next night after the game, but was told that we were supposed to go to Aunt Marlene's the next night.

Now I could go on for pages about this woman, but suffice it to say she's about the meanest person on the face of this earth. She's 4' 11", and maybe weighs 90 pounds soaking wet. Anyone bigger than her, she finds it necessary to criticize them about their weight. For Chris (and Doug) who were big kids, it was extremely unpleasant and hurtful.

Needless to say, Chris was NOT pleased about this idea, and Connie had to know he wouldn't be, because this was the first we'd heard of these plans. Chris told her in no uncertain terms he did not want to be around her. SIL and BIL has already told her they didn't want to go either, but our blatant refusal sealed the deal.

And yes, there's the part of me that felt we should go and be the "bigger persons" of the situation since the woman is family. But my instinct is to protect my family, and I felt that I should respect Chris's feelings in the matter.

It all worked out anyway. We had a good time at the game (Penguins won), and Marlene ended up going to the hotel to drop off the cake she bought and see the kids. Jacob was sacked out when we got back, but woke up grumpy. He's still going through that separation anxiety deal.

We went to Station Square and the Mt. Washington Incline before dinner, which was an adventure unto itself. Connie wanted to go to a restaurant in the city, but wasn't exactly sure what street it was on. Doug isn't the best driver in normal circumstances, so putting him in downtown Pittsburgh with no idea where he's going is near suicidal. Chris and I were grateful we were just following them.

After a half an hour of driving around in circles, we found the restaurant, but Doug passed the parking garage entrance. We ended up parking two blocks over. When we finally get to the restaurant, it was CLOSED. As we head back to the garage, I asked where we'd go now. Connie said there was another Max & Erma's a few minutes from where we were staying, and they should be open. So WHY didn't we go there in the first place?!?!?!?! Diary readers, you have just met my MIL.

I have to admit dinner was very nice. Of course, a couple of drinks, some good food, and the anticipation of having my BIL humiliated by singing waiters did wonders for my disposition.

Jacob was remarkably well behaved, considering he was eating an hour after his bedtime. I am so lucky to have such an adaptable kid. What are the chances that the next one would be as good … ? I guess we'll find out when the time comes.

Jen & Jacob =)