Like A Band Of Gypsies We Go Down The Highways

I am currently traveling to see my in-laws in North Carolina for the weekend. I literally didn't have one free minute yesterday to post, because Peanut was extra-clingy yesterday while I was trying to pack and dog-proof the house. We haven't even unpacked everything yet, so this was quite a job, one I decided to allow my husband to complete when he returns early on Monday.

You see, we are picking up a dog this weekend, specifically my mother-in-law's. She just moved to a condo, and wants the dog to have a yard to play in. The dog's name is Sophie (which is why that is NOT Peanut's name), and she is half-Beagle, half-German Shepherd. Yes, I'll pause while everyone thinks about that for a minute...and chuckles...yes, she looks like a large Beagle with a Shepherd's tail. Anyway, we are driving the earth-killing monster truck 1000 miles with the baby to visit the family, and then T. will be flying back on Monday so that he can work on Tuesday. I am driving back. Originally, the plan was to go back with no other adult--just me, the baby, and the dog. Did I mention I've never owned a dog before? But since everyone in my family thinks I am a helpless, delicate little flower, I got nonstop crap about this. My mother reminded me of the time when she was in her 40s and her father refused to let her drive home from his house in Florida home by herself, and got in the car with her. I say, just because your dad was overprotective doesn't mean I'm not going to do this.

I finally caved. My father is flying down and driving back with me. That means nonstop SPORTS RADIO. And bitching about how my brother is wasting his life. At least my parents finalized their divorce yesterday, so I don't have to hear about how horrible and unfair my mother's lawyer is anymore (what, is she supposed to just trust you, a divorce lawyer yourself?) Now we are just getting crap about driving towards Hurricane Frances. You would think they couldn't read maps. WE ARE HUNDREDS OF MILES NORTH OF THE HURRICANE TRACK. Really, we'll be ok. We might get rained on, but that's all. I swear. I am not driving my family into the heart of a monster hurricane. The fact that they think I would foolishly do such a thing is quite disturbing, but I will attribute that to their understanding of my lack of sleep.

I get to meet my brother-in-law's girlfriend while I am there too. She is tall, and blonde, and runs marathons and was a tennis pro. She is fluent in three languages (that I know of), and is in grad school after working successfully in finance. I know this is all about my insecurities, but I am not looking forward to it. T. is of no help. He has met her before, and said she was nice, but that's about all he can tell me.

Note: I can't respond to all my comments while I'm gone, but thanks for coming here and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it more than you know. The fact than anyone takes a minute out of their busy days to read my ramblings is amazing and very humbling. Thanks.