gooddecisions
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 13:42:28 GMT -5
Posts: 2,418
|
Post by gooddecisions on Dec 26, 2015 17:56:52 GMT -5
My inlaws came over for Christmas. We get along just fine, but they have been trying to convince me to join their crafting business for years. MIL starts in again this year and I smile and nod, half listening. But, then she goes on about how she feels bad for all of us w2 people who have everything on paper. So, I stop smiling, confused and ask what she means.
She says she feels bad that everything is tracked on paper, the government knows everything and we have to pay our full tax bill. I try to let it go, so I don't have to get into a debate, but she keeps going. Finally I said, don't feel bad for us. This is the society we live in and taxes are part of it. We're doing just fine with our w2 jobs. She says okay, but if you were working your own business you wouldn't have to report as much. Sigh, so now I have to talk about how I feel okay about living an honest life and not being a dishonest person.
At this point, I just want to end it because I don't want my statement to imply she is a dishonest person. She tried to back step by saying that for 30 years her husband had a w2 jobs too. I just couldn't...that does not give anyone a free pass to live the rest of their income producing years dishonestly. Fine if that's how you want to live, but please don't brag to me about it.
How do you get out of these conversations gracefully? Any fun stories from the rest of you?
|
|
MJ2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 24, 2014 10:27:09 GMT -5
Posts: 10,972
|
Post by MJ2.0 on Dec 26, 2015 18:12:29 GMT -5
Well my dad who I haven't seen since my grandmother died in March (and before that at my wedding in 2008) asked me if I'm going to church. Because apparently that's all that matters to a lazy adultering hypocrite.
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,499
|
Post by Tennesseer on Dec 26, 2015 18:15:26 GMT -5
Well my dad who I haven't seen since my grandmother died in March (and before that at my wedding in 2008) asked me if I'm going to church. Because apparently that's all that matters to a lazy adultering hypocrite. Remember-if you say you're sorry to your higher power 2 seconds before you pass, you go to heaven.
|
|
TheHaitian
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 27, 2014 19:39:10 GMT -5
Posts: 10,144
|
Post by TheHaitian on Dec 26, 2015 18:19:26 GMT -5
Oh the holidays!!!
|
|
Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
Posts: 12,318
Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
|
Post by Artemis Windsong on Dec 26, 2015 18:24:07 GMT -5
My Grd1 got 80 y.o. grandma the hot fireman calendar, videoed her opening it then posted it on FB.
|
|
Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
Posts: 12,318
Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
|
Post by Artemis Windsong on Dec 26, 2015 18:25:47 GMT -5
Well my dad who I haven't seen since my grandmother died in March (and before that at my wedding in 2008) asked me if I'm going to church. Because apparently that's all that matters to a lazy adultering hypocrite. Remember-if you say you're sorry to your higher power 2 seconds before you pass, you go to heaven. Forgiven, yes. There are always consequence to behavior.
|
|
TheHaitian
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 27, 2014 19:39:10 GMT -5
Posts: 10,144
|
Post by TheHaitian on Dec 26, 2015 18:26:49 GMT -5
My Grd1 got 80 y.o. grandma the hot fireman calendar, videoed her opening it then posted it on FB. Did grandma blood pressure go up?
|
|
justme
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 10, 2012 13:12:47 GMT -5
Posts: 14,618
|
Post by justme on Dec 26, 2015 18:28:38 GMT -5
My stories are just adorable ones about my 16 month old niece, no bad stories.
|
|
Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
Posts: 12,318
Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
|
Post by Artemis Windsong on Dec 26, 2015 18:45:16 GMT -5
My Grd1 got 80 y.o. grandma the hot fireman calendar, videoed her opening it then posted it on FB. Did grandma blood pressure go up? I don't know. She chuckled.
|
|
MarleyKeezy78
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 22, 2011 13:20:34 GMT -5
Posts: 3,226
Location: Sittin in the mitten
|
Post by MarleyKeezy78 on Dec 26, 2015 18:45:49 GMT -5
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 47,261
Member is Online
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Dec 26, 2015 19:00:44 GMT -5
My brother thinks he has the key to making the philosophers stone. Sorcerers stone for those that read Harry Potter. He spent all Christmas morning explaining the science to me and DH.
Do I win?
|
|
gooddecisions
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 13:42:28 GMT -5
Posts: 2,418
|
Post by gooddecisions on Dec 26, 2015 19:08:55 GMT -5
I don't mind people talking about politics or religion, but I won't volunteer my opinions because I'm just not a fan of debating. Regardless, I have a very low tolerance for things that involve unethical, racist or prejudice opinions. It's pretty much impossible for me to be agreeable.
|
|
Pants
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 19:26:44 GMT -5
Posts: 7,579
|
Post by Pants on Dec 26, 2015 19:11:47 GMT -5
My brother thinks he has the key to making the philosophers stone. Sorcerers stone for those that read Harry Potter. He spent all Christmas morning explaining the science to me and DH. Do I win? Omg. Drama has your DB been evaluated for schizophrenia? serious question.
|
|
Pants
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 19:26:44 GMT -5
Posts: 7,579
|
Post by Pants on Dec 26, 2015 19:15:52 GMT -5
I hosted my parents because we didn't want to travel with the kids. I invited my in-laws knowing they always travel at Christmas. Only they didn't this year, so they came too. My dad opined for 5 straight hours. I kept hearing words like "evolution" and "primaries." Subjects on which my parents and my in-laws could not be further apart. Every time I heard something controversial I turned around, headed back into the kitchen and sang Christmas carols at the top.of my lungs. Nobody punched anybody else so it went ok in the end I suppose.
|
|
geenamercile
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:40:28 GMT -5
Posts: 2,488
|
Post by geenamercile on Dec 26, 2015 19:18:36 GMT -5
My husband has been a DH2 for the past week. He has not been feeling well...... but I don't think he is on death's door as much as he is trying to convince me.
|
|
Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
Posts: 12,318
Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
|
Post by Artemis Windsong on Dec 26, 2015 22:37:34 GMT -5
Photos keep getting posted on FB with the new great grandson. He happens to be 250 miles away. All those moms and grannies hugging on him will keep their hormones in check as well as baby ideas.
|
|
❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
|
Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Dec 26, 2015 22:47:21 GMT -5
How do you get out of these conversations gracefully? I usually just cheerfully announce that the IRS pays a huge bounty on people who turn in others for tax fraud and wonder how much in taxes I'd need to pay on that bounty. (I'd say it gracefully, of course)
|
|
❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
|
Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Dec 26, 2015 22:53:43 GMT -5
My family story is rather dull. I spent the day with my wonderful DH ... we ate Chinese Food and watched a Game of Thrones marathon.
"Winter is Coming!"
|
|
Abby Normal
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 12:31:49 GMT -5
Posts: 3,501
|
Post by Abby Normal on Dec 26, 2015 22:54:36 GMT -5
I used to have a great time with my inlaws and I always looked forward to visiting them on the holidays. But I realized that all the good ones are gone. Either passed away or divorced out of the family. All that are left are the money grubbing, posturing full of crap relatives (MIL and her hubby excluded). I end up spending most of the time in the kitchen working so I can avoid having conversations with them. Just really not much to say....
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 3, 2024 9:07:08 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2015 22:57:15 GMT -5
How do you get out of these conversations gracefully? I usually just cheerfully announce that the IRS pays a huge bounty on people who turn in others for tax fraud and wonder how much in taxes I'd need to pay on that bounty. (I'd say it gracefully, of course) For tax fraud you actually get it tax free
|
|
gooddecisions
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 13:42:28 GMT -5
Posts: 2,418
|
Post by gooddecisions on Dec 26, 2015 22:59:07 GMT -5
How do you get out of these conversations gracefully? I usually just cheerfully announce that the IRS pays a huge bounty on people who turn in others for tax fraud and wonder how much in taxes I'd need to pay on that bounty. (I'd say it gracefully, of course) Lol, my mind went in that direction. It was tempting just to get her to stop bragging to me about it. I'm not leaving my cushy, reliable, 40 hour week, decent paying job so I can work around the clock 7 days/week and turn my beautiful home into a shop w/ inventory. I'll happily pay the taxes. I don't have a problem with legitimate write-offs, but she was making it sound as if they deal with mostly cash and just don't report it. Plus, it didn't help that 30 minutes before that she was telling me about the man they were going to hire to help them with 3000 orders, but could pay him less than minimum wage because it would be "under the table". Word to the wise, don't look for validation from me on this sort of thing.
|
|
Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
|
Post by Lizard Queen on Dec 26, 2015 22:59:46 GMT -5
Christmas was pretty tame, but MIL went into waaaay too much detail about her recent colonoscopy at Thanksgiving. Like, wtf wants to hear about that??
|
|
busymom
Distinguished Associate
Why is the rum always gone? Oh...that's why.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 21:09:36 GMT -5
Posts: 28,388
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"https://cdn.nickpic.host/images/IPauJ5.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0D317F
Mini-Profile Text Color: 0D317F
|
Post by busymom on Dec 26, 2015 23:11:26 GMT -5
My BIL commented that he wasn't worried about money for retirement, because when his was gone the government would support him. I REALLY had to bite my tongue.
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,866
|
Post by zibazinski on Dec 27, 2015 6:35:04 GMT -5
Well, in the form of taxpayers who saved for retirement, he's correct.
|
|
andi9899
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 6, 2011 10:22:29 GMT -5
Posts: 30,421
Member is Online
|
Post by andi9899 on Dec 27, 2015 6:57:05 GMT -5
Am I the only one who is dying to hear how Christmas went with Steff's family now that no one is around to protect Aunt P?
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,866
|
Post by zibazinski on Dec 27, 2015 7:25:13 GMT -5
Nope. I'm sure we will get some updates soon from other posters. In a way I'm glad mine was boring and uneventful. So are my kids. They went to see the ex because other relatives were there. That was not uneventful. Too bad he hasn't grown up yet. Wrong person died imho.
|
|
andi9899
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 6, 2011 10:22:29 GMT -5
Posts: 30,421
Member is Online
|
Post by andi9899 on Dec 27, 2015 7:28:58 GMT -5
Our Christmas was pretty uneventful too. Thank God!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 3, 2024 9:07:08 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2015 8:55:01 GMT -5
Sorry I don't have any dysfunctional family stories to relate- this has been ne of our best Christmas seasons. My parents live in Myrtle Beach and we always drive down and stay for a week or so. This year DS asked about flying in with DDIL and our granddaughter, who will be 2 in April. I offered to pay for a 3rd seat for DGD to save everyone's sanity; when they looked at airfares they were pretty steep ($680 pp R/T) and DS asked if we'd be OK with them buying one, us buying another, and DGD on their laps. (The apple doesn't fall far form the tree, does it?) I worried about them, especially with layovers of only an hour in ATL, but other than leaving ATL about an hour late on their way back home, the flights went well.
They stayed with my parents. We'd reserved a room for them at the hotel where we stay and they were having such a great time with my parents they decided to stay there all week! Unfortunately, it was too late to cancel the reservation, but my parents are in their mid-80s. There will come a day when we can't buy time with them for any amount of money.
So, our granddaughter got to see the beach, try new foods, visit the aquarium, watch seagulls, and interact with her great-grandparents. We think her spoken word vocabulary has exploded since she got here.
Last night Dad and I went over the terms of their trust- nothing major, although I'm the trustee after Both of them are gone. One brother is a CFO and another is a CPA, so I'm flattered. There's about $1 million in the trust, but whatever is left after they're gone will be split 5 ways so it won't be life-changing for anyone. We're just grateful they're financially secure.
DH and I are headed back home today so of COURSE it's brilliantly sunny after days of foggy but warm weather. This is one of those times when we realize how much more important experiences are than things. We did give DGD a couple of CDs of kids' music and added to her college fund, but helping to bring them here really was priceless.
|
|
MJ2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 24, 2014 10:27:09 GMT -5
Posts: 10,972
|
Post by MJ2.0 on Dec 27, 2015 9:08:39 GMT -5
I hope it wasn't the aquarium at Broadway at the beach, @athena53. It's not very good. If you're at the east coast again, make a special trip to the Baltimore Aquarium - it's huge and gorgeous.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 3, 2024 9:07:08 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2015 9:14:12 GMT -5
Yes, that was the place. Definitely overpriced at $74 including taxes for 3 adults. If DGD had been 2, she'd have cost another $8 plus tax. I just put up a TripAdvisor review noting how overpriced it was. They take your picture when you come in but the photo was available only in hard copy packages- multiple 8 X 10s, wallet size, etc. For $30 you got a snow globe, too. I didn't even look to see our picture turned out when I saw the prices; if they'd offered to send a digital version to my smartphone I might have paid some reasonable amount, but who needs hard copies?
|
|