[Corin Stormhands]

You are the only one that can recognize all the things that need to be done before the trip. The rest don't see it.

Yep. That's true. But even when I say "you need to do this before we go," it doesn't happen.

That whole episode with Corin, Jrs. ear surgery is a prime example. I nagged the Mrs. every day for two weeks to take care of that before she finally did. And we needed to know to reschedule. I nagged her for two weeks to find out if her sister was going to visit us at the beach. Finally, I had to find out...

Part of the problem is my nature. I HATE being surprised by anything. So when there's a question about something, I want to know the answer right away. I can handle it if the answer is unavailable, but if it's readily known, I want to know it.

Plays into holidays and birthdays too. Don't surprise me with anything. In a lot of ways because I need/want to know how much money is being spent. But I can also say "these are the things I want for birthday/father's day/Christmas." And I'm pretty specific because I know they're going to spend money, so it should be money spent for things I need/want. I'm not sure that I've EVER gotten anything on my list.

The Mrs., on the other hand, LOVES surprises, and wants to make a big deal out of holidays/birthdays. I think it's a wimmin thing...Drives me nuts.

[HairOfTheDog]

Hehehe - Poor Corin.

I think you just need to start feeling thankful that you have this talent for seeing things that need done that your family lacks. See it as a source of pride. And stop nagging about everything, just choose the one most important thing. It doesn't matter if the sister shows up! Let the dishes go! - She will see them when she gets back and perhaps wish she had done them first! Get the van loaded!

And whatever you do, STOP killing their fun surprises at Christmas. Thats a drag! You have to let them think about fun things and stop with the "don't want them spending money on things I don't need" Bah humbug! Give them the money they can afford to spend and let them go be creative. It isn't about need!