Visiting parents and boring weekends

[fenchurch]

My dad and step-mom were visiting last night from the other side of the state (they left about two hours ago). It was great seeing them again, and I know how wonderful it is that I have fantastic relationships with both of my parents and their spouses... but I'm also really glad that I don't have to see my dad all that often. Don't get me wrong, we really do get along great... we have a lot in common and I have a lot of fun talking with him. It's just, well, he smokes. He doesn't do it in the house or anything... no, he "goes on walks" or "runs out to the car to check on something" then comes back in reeking of cigarettes and menthol (from cough drops) and thinks that no one has a clue he's smoking. Seriously, he thinks that popping a Hall's Mentholyptus cough drop will cover up the smell and no one is the wiser.

I actually wouldn't mind so much, if he wasn't trying to hide it all the time. It's largely the hypocrisy of it (there are religious issues involved here) and the fact that he's also got a fairly serious heart condition and I worry what it's doing to his health. And a bit of it is probably our collective fault, because I don't believe anyone has ever mentioned to him that it's blatantly obvious he's doing it.

On to other things... looks like it's going to be a boring Saturday at home. Yes!!!!! I'm still not fully recovered from my nearly-five-months away from home earlier this year.

And, finally, a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to merripen and desoto_hia873.

Hope you have a great day!

Comments

[saifai.livejournal.com]

...and thinks that no one has a clue he's smoking. Seriously, he thinks that popping a Hall's Mentholyptus cough drop will cover up the smell and no one is the wiser.

It's funny, that's something I never realized until after I'd quit smoking. The smell is so obvious, but as a smoker you don't smell it like other people do. You're used to it. I always used to just be in such awe for those people who had noses like blood hounds and would be able to smell it right away. *rolls eyes*

[nutmeg3.livejournal.com]

Here's how dumb I can be. Years ago I had Aussie friends visiting for Christmas. They were really hoping for snow (which we did eventually get), and he kept going out on the deck at night to see if it was snowing yet. My sinuses are so bad that I don't always smell things right away, so it wasn't 'til the third or fourth time that I finally twigged to what he was doing.

Anyway, enjoy being home. Sometimes it can be better than any vacation.

[desoto-hia873.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I'm old but I'm happy. :-)

[kassto.livejournal.com]

My father, who is 73, and his twin brother, are both hopelessly addicted smokers who refuse to give up despite attendant health problems. Dad is suffering chest congestion after a bad winter cold; his brother just got out of hospital after a serious angina attack. Both still puffing away. Their attitude is they're going to die some day anyway, and they'd rather die happy (ie smoking!). I think they must have started when they were about 12. At least they don't pretend they're not doing it!

[tomte.livejournal.com]

Man. I remember you mentioning this about your dad quite a while ago. Sorry to hear he's still doing it.

Are you considering breaking it to him that he isn't fooling anybody? That would be a potentially touchy conversation.

[merripen.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Had a good one. Somewhat. Mostly. :D

Thanks.