Welcome Back to the Land of the Living

Okay.

So I know it's been over a month.

But this month has been CRAZY.

School, Shakespeare, work, school, Shakespeare, work, etc., etc., etc.

School--not much to update.

Shakespeare--I know I don't HAVE to help, but Andy asked so nicely, and I really do love Shakespeare a lot :)

Work--I quit Red Mountain Spa! And it's about time. Whew! I got hired over at the Writing Center at the college as a writing tutor, so that's pretty fun. It's a great job for me.

Mainly what I want to talk about today is family.

What does family mean to you?

Is someone family just because they share a blood line with you?

Because they share a father or mother, maybe both?

What constitutes family?

You can take this, or you can leave this. You can stop reading now, for all I care. You are welcome to shut your laptop, exit the window, or sign off right this minute if you are worried about me disagreeing with you, or hurting your feelings. Welcome to reality. You are also welcome to continue reading if you feel so inclined; it doesn't matter either way for me.

Family does not mean that I will allow my life to be controlled and dictated by someone else's beliefs and desires solely because we share a father. Family does not mean that I will excuse rude, selfish, and other undesirable behavior easily. Just because you are my "family" does not mean that you can treat me like shit and expect me to roll over and take it. You earn your presence in my family; You have to earn my respect, love, and support. And don't think that forgiveness comes easily, because for me, it doesn't. I'm very good at holding grudges. I am very good with serving just desserts. You get what you ask for. And in this case, you have asked for me to turn my back on you and deny your existence in my life. In this case, you have begged me to rip you from the ranks of my familial ties. In this case you have influenced me to disown you. This is all on you, remember that next time you are quick to judge, assume, speak, or behave. Remember that the next time you indicate that all we have done for you means nothing to you and we aren't your "true family". Remember that when you need something from us and we aren't so willing to give unconditionally. Always remember that your behavior has harsh repercussions, sometimes not eligible for undoing. Always remember who you step on to get to the top--when you fall, those people aren't going to be there to catch you. Remember that when you fail.

I am done being associated with people who are the constant source of negativity in my lives. God only knows I have enough negativity due to my theories on life; I don't need the added darkness. I am finished being associated with people who not only have done nothing to deserve my love and devotion, but have done significant damage to the already weak relationship that existed. I am not an unconditional lover, and in this case, I have ceased loving.

Remember that.

WOW & DQ:

1. Rethink what "loyalty" means to you.

2. "Everybody, sooner or later, sits down to a banquet of consequences." --Robert Louis Stevenson

Definitely, maybe,

Erika