Did I mention that my aunt is returning?

My aunt, 92, is returning to visit her baby sister. This is a tremendous and very generous gesture and I, honestly, really appreciate it. I am pleased and proud that she is able to travel and fly and care for my mother at this stage in my mother's life.

Interestingly, I was not consulted about his visit. Alice, my mother's nurse, was not consulted either. The VNS and the Hospice Program that is overseeing my mother's care was not consulted either. My aunt's visit was ANNOUNCED to us. Once it was 'announced,' Alice requested that it begin on Sunday, 9/14, rather than late Saturday, 9/13.

I believe that request was honored, but I actually do not know. I was out of town today and was not able to call, chat, text and otherwise CHECK IN.

I think my aunt is staying 12 days, but I'm not sure. We'll see. 

I'm sure I'll hear plenty of feedback about what is working and what is not. I'm sure I'll hear many suggestions about what we could all be doing better. 

I'll let you know. I'll keep you posted.

Resting Bitch Face

Um,

I had never heard of this before until last night when my daughter explained to me that I have RESTING BITCH FACE and that this may explain why so many people whom I encounter, but who do not know me well, believe that I am mean.

I had no idea.

I was really hurt.

I was devastated!

Being a 1st grade teacher of young, impressionable children, this is quite a serious complication.

My mother is mean. My aunt is mean. My cousin is mean. My daughter can be mean. But I have never thought of myself as mean.

Rather, I pride myself on being clear, firm. and consistent. But I do not think of myself as being mean. However, many six-year-olds interpret these qualities as meanness. But, they are six.

But now, the world at large? This changes my whole perspective!

Actually, to me, RBF translates to: LOOKING UGLY!

My daughter is revealing to me that she believes that I have an ugly, mean, bitch face.

Great.

My feelings are really hurt. (Did I mention that?)

However, being a responsive and receptive person in her fifties, I consider myself open to hearing such (harsh, hurtful) opinions/criticisms and thus feel that I am open to the idea of making positive changes in my behavior and demeanor, (and to my face.)

Today, I went to school and adopted a constant, pleasant smile, trying to look open, affable and completely un-bitch-like.

My colleague, Tammy said, "You look psychotic."