[SuziQ]

(((Ruthy))) Don't know what to say. I avoid negative people like the plague! You're right, they just suck the life right out of you. I guess you'll just need to wait until Alyson is in school, then have another discussion with your mom about whether or not you want to stay with her. Heck, it may even be worth it having the discussion now, if only to shock her into some realization of what she's doing to herself! But that may precipitate events you don't want to face right now. I can understand that.
You're in my prayers, hon. Families can be such a pain in the butt. Frankly, we've been glad to be so far away from both of ours since we've been married. We visit frequently, but we don't have to get caught up in the mini-dramas. ;o)

[RMDupree]

That's what I keep telling myself when I feel like I'm gonna lash out at her.

Eventually, Alyson will start school and I can budget in after-school care if I cut corners elsewhere.

I may have to relocate because you can't even get a one-bedroom apartment here for less than $850-900/month, but then I have to look for work again. *sigh*

I have complete faith that God will lay out the path I need to take. And for now, I have to be with my mom until God throws me through the attic ceiling.

[2Jedismom]

I agree with Suzi...starting thinking of a plan to get away and on your own while you still speak. Sometimes convenient isn't worth it...

Living with people is hard, even when you're married to 'em. Last night Steve came home all in a snit over some little thing I did and wouldn't speak to me. He made, ahem, a major error in judgement.

The difference between Steve and my mother is that I can point out the error and Steve will apologize. He's been writing me all this morning talking about the Bug, because he knows it makes me happy to talk about it and I can't stay mad.