Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Wait. What? How Did That Happen?

Because my mother was grousing about missing Lumpyhead (a trip in October didn’t work out, so she hasn’t seen him since July), I suggested she and my dad could come to DC for Christmas. I told her I would keep an eye out for tickets, and sometimes cheap fares pop up if you’re willing to travel on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Last week, my brother called. “So you’re having Mom and Dad out there for Christmas?” he asked.

“Yeah, if we can find cheap fares,” I answered. “Does that screw up your plans? I know you were planning to go home.”

I suddenly worried that I’d yanked the Yulerug out from under him. “It’s not definite, though. Would you and Penny like to come, too?” I offered.

“No, no,” he assured me, “I want to help you pay for their flight.”

Turns out I gave him a perfect opportunity. He and his wife could avoid the eight-hour drive to our little hometown. He wouldn’t have to spend Christmas in the middle of nowhere with the nearest liquor store 20 miles away. He wouldn’t have to think of an excuse for why he didn’t want to go to church on Christmas morning. He and his wife could relax at home – parent-free – and enjoy the holiday with their cats and my sister-in-law’s family and all the beer they wanted.

The bastard pawned our parents off on me, while still managing to look like the good guy.

Brilliant.

Jerk.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

doh!

so sneaky but at least you weren't tricked into having everyone over for Christmas at your house!

Em said...

Aw LHM, that's OK because they can just stay at Aunt Bob's house, right?

Mom at Work said...

Don't worry. We'll be home by the 27th. And the Aunt Bob B&B is always open.

Anonymous said...

he sounds almost as clever as you!

Anonymous said...

I am TOTALLY paying for my in-laws flight to anywhere but here next year!!

Anonymous said...

I guilted all four grandparents into spending Christmas morning here. I have also conned Gabe's sister into showing up. Am I a sucker too?