Last few days have been BAU (business as usual). But I have finally taken care of all my Christmas shopping.
I had originally decided that I was not going to get W a gift this year, but then when I did not get her a birthday gift back in August that did not go so well. I got wind via the "grapevine" that W was upset with me and claiming I was now only thinking of myself. And after the cold reception I got for our anniversary (in July), I thought gifts were verboten. I really am confused.
Still, it is Christmas -- and I feel in the spirit of the season I should give her something even if she is negative about it. I will decide to ignore her if she is sour.
But I did not want to buy her anything that she would object to either. All the normal stuff is out -- jewelry, clothing, perfume, etc. I thought of a gift certificate, but I had to be careful about that. I did not want to get her something like a certificate to a nice restaurant or spa or anything that she would use for both herself and OM. So I got her a gift card to a Christian bookstore. I don't think she couldn't possibly abuse that, not really. I plan on making it a gift from me and our S's and enclose it in a card we three will make together, as a little project this weekend.
I also decided -- don't ask me what possessed me -- a smaller gift card for the MIL. Again, it is in the spirit of the season, and I figured I wouldn't expect anything positive in response, but it will still make me feel good.
W kept reminding me that S6 is wanting a new bicycle this year. Frequently. Kept reminding me to look at the boys bikes whenever I was out and about. I found a great bike for S6 Monday night, and told W all about it. I purchased it and put it into storage for the big day.
I may need to cease listening to the "grapevine", because I got word today that MIL is saying I am trying to "buy" my S's love. WTF?!? Her daughter is the one insisting I be sure to look after our children's Christmas wants/needs (as if I need to be told anything in that regard), and MIL claims I am buying my S's affection!
Sheesh! I am d*mned no matter what I do in their eyes! If I don't spend money on (them or) the kids, I am too stingy and selfish. If I do spend money on the kids, then I am trying to buy their affection. And now that I am trying to increase my time with my S's and seek joint physical custody, I am again being "selfish" and "disrupting" my S's lives.
Screw it! I can't win. So I am going to do what I believe is right -- no matter what these loonies might think.
