Putt Putt and Mean Girls

I’ve decided to start lying more. I think it will be better for my reputation.

This last weekend we went to our family reuinion in Albuquerque. My sister and I drove with the four kids, and DH met us there. He had been working in New Mexico so it worked out beautifully.

The reunion was SO much fun! My uncle who hosted, spent the last year building a mini putt putt course, a Bocci ball course and a Horseshoe pit, in his backyard. We had a huge family tournament on all the games, plus he hired a line dancing teacher and a DJ who played Karaoke.

My brothers were there, at least two of them were… I actually think I have three but the other one doesn’t show up much, so I get confused. My middle brother brought his new girlfriend. Apparently in the car ride to Albuquerque he was trying to describe his family to her and I got the description of “The Mean One”. Sadly, I’m not surprised!

I have a tendency to offer up my opinion often without being asked. I also “call ‘em like I see ‘em” which doesn’t win me too many points either. I think it would make my family feel a little better if they knew I do this with everyone, it’s not just my family! I also think it would be good for them to know, I’m starting to see this as a flaw.

Many times, as family and friend dynamics work, people tell lies. Little lies, to try and avoid telling someone you love they may be making a bad choice. The trouble I have with this is then all of the people who have “Saved Face” by telling you what you wanted to hear, tell everyone else- behind your back- what they REALLY THINK!

“So you’ve decided to quit your job to become a Rock Star! Wow! I really think that’s courageous! Seriously, you’re SO talented!”

“Did you hear about Jimmy joining the band? I KNOW!! One time, a fox killed something in our backyard and I seriously thought it was Jimmy making all that noise!”

I also think I have a twisted sense of humor. It gets me into trouble ALL THE TIME! I think things are funny that NO one else does. Well, that’s not entirely true. My sister and My Smarty Pants, have the same sense of humor. Hmmm… what’s that tell ya?

Two weeks ago, I called a friend of ours a “Pot Smoking Whore” to his face! My sister fell on the floor laughing, and Smarty peed her Pants! The guy… I’m not sure we’re friends anymore…

All of this has led me to some serious personal reflection. I could be nicer. I could try the path of least resistance and tell you whatever you want to hear. I would have more friends. My family would call me the “Nice One”, but here’s the rub, I like the way I am.

I think life is worth laughing over. If someone is messing with someone I love, I am FIERCELY on my loved one’s side. I have few friends, but the few I have are FUNNY (and have thick skin). They know who I am and I truly believe they like me just the way I am. They also know I want the same honesty from them (maybe with a hint of humor laced through), but if I'm screwing up, for peet's sake, somebody TELL ME!

OR… none of them really like me at all, they just say that to my face, then turn around and tell everyone behind my back that I’M THE MEAN ONE! Could be...