My Family, and Why I Hate Birthdays

*WARNING - SOAPBOX*

Expect lots of ranting to follow. You have been warned.

I can't say my dad and I have ever really gotten along. Every time we seem to get a little closer, he does something really dumb that makes me want to scream. We'll play catch in the park, then he'll get drunk and cry on my shoulder for literally hours. We'll spend a day together, he'll spend the whole time telling me how terrible my mother is. I'll tell him something going good for me in my life, and he'll proceed in telling me how much I'm going to mess up. He can't go one day without shooting me down.

Now go back to look at every birthday party I've had with him. Every time we get the family together, he and my step-mother will wait for everyone to get together, then they'll take turns bashing me into the group for no real reason. It'll be on everything, from how much they don't like my friends, to how bad my hair looks, to how ugly my choice in shoes are.

Let's go over what's most likely on the menu this time:

• My new religion
• My girlfriend
• My job
• My scholarship that I'm (not) about to lose

Let's address these line by line:

Yes, dad, I'm a pagan. To be more specific, I'm a Thorsman, a heathen. I really haven't shared this with my family yet, so I don't expect this to be an issue, but who knows, maybe they'll finally notice that Mjolnir I wear all the time.

Yes, dad, I have a girlfriend. She's smart, funny, has a very level head, and shares quite a long list of interests with me. Above all, I'm happy. If that bothers you, I'm so sorry.

(On a side note, I think he may have a point about that "lack of maturity" thing he likes to mention...)

For the 4th time this month, dad, I'm doing well at my job. I was employee of the month last month, and I got a raise the month before that. I like my job, it pays well, and I don't care if it's basically a bus-boy job, I'm still proud to have it.

Now, for my favorite one: No, dad, I'm not about to lose my scholarship. Sure, I'm taking 13 hours this semester rather then 18. I'm doing that for a reason: money. I can't afford to take that many hours and still pay for books and food. Are you willing to help me pay? No? Then butt out.

With all that said, it is nice to see my family every once in a while. I just wish I could get through one family gathering without the whole house shouting about religion, politics, and how bad of a person I am.

Ah well, no-one knows like family, am I right?