missing in action

My computer has been doing some wild and crazy things as of late. I have written posts - head down, creative juices flowing, eyes glued to the keypad (not really good at touch type). Feeling quite satisfied that I had expressed myself appropriately I looked to the screen to do some editing. The only thing staring back at me was a frozen arrow. All that wasted creativity. Arghhh!!!!!

I am absolutely surprised at this stage that the computer has not frozen yet. Maybe it is because I have my eyes glued to the screen. I am going to dare this piece of technology to rumble with me.

I came across a new word on the weekend - schadenfraude. It means when you take pleasure or delight in some other's misfortune or failings. I was going to blog about my experiences in this. I was, but I'm not. I just cant get my head around a decent post. I know it is in me somewhere.

The screen has not frozen yet! Think Mary, Think. What can you blog about?

I think I will share a little story I wrote about one of my first bumps with the in-laws.

Inheritances

There I was, a new bride, melding my life with this new family. We’d sit and chat and share stories of family nuances. No contest really. My biological family was dysfunctional and damn proud of it. Hubby’s family, on the other hand, had no idea just how dysfunctional they really were.

Let me explain.

One day the new bride is sitting with her new family when we hit the topic of inheritances. Hubby’s grandmother had passed on some time earlier and the sisters had scooped in and made claims to the earthly treasures. One got this; the other snatched that etc etc etc.

Hubby must have been invisible, shy, retarded or all three. As the sisters made their grabs hubby moved not a muscle. Apparently, this wasn’t his scene. He wasn’t concerned about antique furniture or crockery. He had no use for those gold dripping necklaces and sparkling rings.

Fortunately M-in-law was watching out for son and sneaked a bit of this and bit of that which would be appointed to son when he took himself a wife and had himself his own little family. M-In-law was determined those greedy daughters were not going to deprive son of his share.

Over coffee I heard the story and was beginning to feel a little excited. It was a bit unfortunate that earlier, in a moment of weakness, I had viewed my opinions about greedy ‘Will snatches’ (quite disdainful really). Still, a little inheritance to help set up home would be acceptable surely?

M-In-law disappears to get the jewels. Armed with a rather large bundle of crisp brown paper M-in-law passed on what she had rescued for son. This was a moment - unlike anything I’d ever experienced before. This was me melding with my new family. I was the new In-law daughter. What was his was mine (I mean ours) and it was time for me to receive it.

Using my best manners I reverently un-wrapped the goods.

Metre upon metre, of stiff....starched.... calico. Brand new, still on the roll, calico.

No smile broke out. No hint of mischief.

Best in-law joke ever.

To this day I am not sure whether it was meant as a joke but with all the excitement they somehow forgot they never actually passed on the real goodies, or, maybe my humble reaction convinced them I was truly impressed with calico. Who wouldn’t be? There is the little story about the coveted marble table that may hold some of the secret. Who knows? If by any chance in-law ever reads this, please don’t be offended. I am completely over it now and have nothing but admiration for your ability to remain in complete denial of your dysfunctional status. I salute you.