Keepin it in the Family

I only vaguely remember family time. Family time really only took place in one household, my fathers. A friend of mine seems to share a lot family time. It has been, until recently, aggravating for me. I figured that it was so because I didn't really understand what the big deal was. Who cares about family?! Family hasn't ever been there for me and in return I never make time for it (really, as a result of this, in all relationships I have a hard time making space for people before they make time for me. Its a terrible habit, like bitting your nails, I know).

My dad and I even had "father daughter dates." We'd go play slot cars or mini golf. For me it was complete heaven. My dad is the epitome of a working class man, as is my family. My dad worked for the local electric company as a line man (still does the same profession at age 53  although in a different location) until he was electrocuted while on the job. Previous to that quality time with him usually took place after 8 or 9 pm in the garage handing him tools while he worked on his motorcycles. I'm not complaining, don't misunderstand, I learned a lot handing that man his tools. Aside from the one on one time I had with him there was the time spent with my crazy step mom, step sister and my half sister.

I don't really remember what we did. I imagine we watched movies or went out and did things together. Even if I called up my dad and tried to ask what we did for family time he probably couldn't tell you (however, he was working most the time or catching up on sleep, understandably). My step mom usually had something "naturey" planned. She fancied herself some sort of indian (not sure if she actually was. If so, I'd guess she hailed from the crazy fucking nut job bitch tribe. The woman was and is pure evil).

My mom's side are individualistic eastern european types. We don't do shit together (on the other side of the coin there are the eastern block types that do EVERYTHING together). Now that we are all of drinking age we can at least get drunk and pretend to like each other during holidays and the sorts. Our family time was usually out of some sort of puritanical obligation to convene at particular times of the year, also out of the pleasure of our grandparents, at the cost of immense stress to at least my aunt. Once my Baba dies I'm sure I will never see that side of my family again (cute boys my cousins bring home included, sad face). I don't plan on having a family. So I suppose I may not ever really understand this "family time" some speak of. But I will say this, I do respect and appreciate it. I do secretly feel like you guys plot or some kind of creepy conspiracy type deal when its brought up, just saying.