Family Ties.

I know, I know, I'm super bad for not posting anything on Monday like I promised. I feel bad but I promise you I was busy at work yesterday. Not to mention, I just didn't feel like writing and getting myself all worked up again.

Holidays are for realizing you really only need two days a year to see your family, maybe three: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and maybe Easter (this depends on how big of a dinner you have that day or if you still get Easter baskets from your mom- I do). This had never been more apparent to me then on this past Thursday. It actually started the Monday before with my evil sister's arrival.

Have you ever seen "Mean Girls"? My sister is the character of Regina George realized. To put it nicely, she's the Queen Bee. She was in high school and she was when we were at college together and she still manages to monopolize the small group that makes up my family. I love her because I'm obligated to. I don't like her.

When we were at Kent together, she managed to con me into writing her papers. I also lent her money. I also bought her alcohol (she is two and a half years younger than me). In high school, I watched her date guys I had crushes on that were my age. And through all of this, I was always made to feel like I owed her something.

Cut to this TG. I had lent her money that was wired transfered at an interest rate of $20 via Western Union. I spent an hour on the phone at work to make sure she got her money. She assured me that the day after Thanksgiving, we would go shopping and she would pay me back. Well, instead she bought the turkey and Thanksgiving dinner with the money. She cooked and set up my grandmother's whole house. So when I asked for the money she owed me, I was told by my grandparents and mother to "stop being so ungrateful" and "pitch in around the house." Later, when I asked for the money and an apology, she rolled her eyes and told me I was being immature.

I shook my head and just let her be the Queen Bee, convinced I would still receive the money owed to me. I didn't want to ruin my grandparents' holiday so I kept my mouth shut.

On Friday, she made me aware that she would NOT be shopping with me, as was our tradition, because she'd rather be with her boyfriend. "Maybe if you thought about anyone but yourself, you would understand." And like an idiot, I brushed it off and went on to buy her and my mother several Christmas presents.

Then, Saturday morning, I asked my mom when sis would be stopping by to repay me. "Your sister left for Charlotte again this morning. She said she isn't repaying you because you owe her money I guess."

Folks, to say I was mad was an understatement. Again, I texted ad nauseum from the "You burned a bridge, don't ask me for any favors ever again" to "You're a manipulative snot" to "Your problems are not my problems, please don't call me with them ever." This time, I really don't even feel bad for it either.

My whole entire life (and I don't mean to sound like a bitter older sister, because I'm really not) it's been all about what she does. Parents do pick favorites, and she's it. I accepted that a long time ago. What I will not accept is letting her use that to her advantage.

The presents have gone back. I think $120 is a fair enough Xmas gift.