Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Whenever I tell people about the relationship I have with my brother and sister, they think we are nuts. See, we subscribe to a very simple philosophy: Don't Ask, Don't Tell. No, this isn't some Clintonian gays in the military policy, but really a way of life for us. If you don't ask, I won't tell. It's a simple way to avoid the family drama. You know those families where everybody has an opinion about every choice people make, that is so not us. We never have to worry about being in each other's business. It doesn't work for everyone, but it works for us. For example, I don't know whether my sister is dating the guy that visits her or if they are just friends. She doesn't know if my latest stay on the phone at all times partner is a girlfriend. She didn't even ask any questions when she met PHD. We like it like that. It's not about being secretive, but more allowing each other to live our lives sans interference. It makes stuff easy for us. A few years ago, however, don't ask, don't tell went wrong for me.

It was the summer of '05 and our cousin, Trevor was getting married. He's not a real cousin, but we all grew up together in Spring Valley, New York. His mom and my mom are best friends, and my moms is his Godmother. Technically, he is my god brother, but our families were much closer than we were to our blood cousins. Anyway, the wedding was in Dallas, and my brother, sister and I planned to make the drive out there. Far as I knew, it was just the 3 of us and my sister's 2 kids. Until they showed up at my crib to pick me up. This dude (now my sister's baby daddy) was with them. I was a little taken aback. Nobody mentioned anything about taking dates. I didn't ask. She didn't tell.

We piled in the van and went to pick up my brother. When we got to his crib, he was there with his girlfriend (now wife.) I was wondering why she was there, but it didn't strike me until they started loading their bags in the rental van. Oh, she's coming too? Word? Why ain't nobody tell me? My sister has a date, my brother has a date. Me? Solo. Damn don't ask, don't tell policy. I didn't even know that they were dating anyone, much less seriously enough to take a 10 hour road trip with. Did I mention that I had never met either of them before? It made for a wack van ride. I sat there listening to my cds the entire trip, while they shared banter with their significant others. It sucked... When we finally made it to Dallas, I just chilled in my room for the first night there. I don't know what everybody else was up to, but I was stuck there with no car and no desire to play 3rd or 5th wheel. I felt like somebody should have at least given me the opportunity to bring a date. I actually had someone that wanted to come with me, but I rebuffed her since I thought it was a family trip. That's what I get for thinking, I guess.

The second day, I hooked up with my cousins and their friends and managed to salvage some fun out of the trip. The bachelor party was hot. My brother didn't come through, I guess cuz he was with his woman, and my sister's friend wasn't there, which was actually cool because I didn't have to temper my strip club persona. That was the most money I ever spent in a strip club, but most of it was for my cousin. Our plan was to keep 2 girls in his lap at all times. Between me, his brother, and his homeboys... Mission accomplished. And the talkative stripper from South Africa that was hanging out with me all night... nah, I better not tell that story. LOL. See, more don't ask, don't tell stuff.

The third day had me back to the feeling left out thing. Just about everybody was hooked up at the wedding reception besides me. I probably coulda tried harder with the bridesmaids, (or invited the South African stripper) but the gold teeth and tattoos weren't doing it for me. Not to mention that they all went outside to smoke a blunt at the reception. My moms was there, I couldn't really bring myself to try to chase a weed smoking hoodrat in front of her. It woulda been really cool if I had a girl with me though. Don't ask, don't tell ruined that.

You may ask did we change after that? Not so much. We are still on that don't ask, don't tell stuff. But I know next time we take a trip, I'll have to cast aside my not wanting to know, and ask them straight up if this is siblings thing or a couple thing. I don't want no more surprises like that.

EDIT: PEOPLE WANNA KNOW ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN STRIPPER SO HERE GOES.

We were at this club in Dallas. It was a multicultural thing. Black, White, Latina all kind of girls in there. All night I was pulling strippers to go dance for my cousin since it was his bachelor party. His brother was taking care of him for a minute, so I decided to sit down and get myself a dance. There was this one that had caught my eye, so I gathered up my loot and got my dance. When the song (or maybe it was 2 or 3 songs later LOL) was over, she didn't leave. I thought she was trying to hit me up for more money, but she wasn't. She was like do you mind if I just sit here for a minute. Here was on my lap, so of course I didn't mind. She started talking to me. Normally, I don't really go for stripper talk; I look at it as a business transaction. I pay you, then you leave. Besides, most strippers are usually drunk or high, and I get enough crazy conversations in real life that I don't need it in the club. This one was different. I could tell from her eyes that she wasn't intoxicated, but she certainly was intoxicating. I didn't really look at her face while she was dancing, but she was beautiful.

Her name was Amaya or Imaya or something like that. Even though she wasn't drunk, I was. I can't remember. I found out that she was from South Africa, had been in Dallas for about a year and was going to school for nursing. I know what you are thinking because I was thinking it too. The stripper working her way through college is a myth, but it actually was true. I know because at some point of our conversation, she decided that she wanted me to see pictures of her family. Amaya went to the back and got her wallet, showed me her family pictures as well as her school id. It was weird. Like I said, I usually tune out any stripper talk, since its inherently disingenous and designed to gas up heads, but we actually clicked for a minute. She even bought me a dance from one of her homegirls. When we were getting ready to leave, she told me to call her before I left town so she could show me the city.

Now, I didn't call for a couple of reasons. She had to work Saturday night, and I was going to be at the wedding reception. I was leaving on Sunday anyway. But more importantly, although I'm fairly secure in my stuff, I don't think I could handle being in a situation where other dudes are seeing my girl naked. Sorry, just doesnt work for me. Hypocritical, based on my love of strip clubs, I know, but it is what it is. She did call me once when she was in Atlanta for a weekend, but we could never hook up. Oh well, it just wasn't meant to be.

Now you know the story of Rashan and the South African stripper. She was cool people.

The Road Trip From Hell!!! Days 3 - 5

I'm gonna try to condense this into one post, since I'm getting tired of writing about this unpleasant experience. I know it's long as hell. Break it up by days if you have to. Here are the links to Day 1 and Day 2 if you haven't read it. I know this is like a week's worth of posts in one sitting, but the story is worth it, if I do say so myself. Oh yeah, I called her Tweety cuz that's how she used to comment on my old blog. She really likes that "I thought I taw a puddy cat" Tweety Bird. LOL

The Road Trip From Hell!!! Day 3

First a little background... I was all for the trip to Orlando, but I only had one request. I wanted to go to Giordan.os. It's this pizza place I fell in love with when my sister, brother and I went to Chicago over one cold, wintry MLK weekend the year before. (That's another story I never told.) They have the best stuffed pizza I have ever had in my life, and they had a location in Orlando, so that was a must.

When we woke up the next morning, the plan was to visit 2 of the other Disn.ey parks: Animal Kingd.om and MGMStud.ios. This time, we figured that we would just drive. We stopped at BobE.vans for breakfast, and then headed to the park. The animal joint was quick and painless. It was like a zoo with a few roller coaster type rides. There weren't any arguments or disagreements to speak of. Later that afternoon, we went to MG.M. That also wasn't an all day thing. There were only about 4 rides, my favorite being the Aero.smith RocknRollCoaster, and of course the To.wer of Terr.or. That was my joint. We had to ride that one a couple of times. Things were okay between Tweety and I. If not warm and fuzzy, we at least were tolerating each other and had no beef. We left the park at around 8 after another full day in the sun. I wasn't quite ready to call it a night.

I, yes I, wanted to go out and explore the nightlife. I know that I'm usually the one that would rather sit at home than go out, but I was in a new city and wanted to see what I could see. I drove towards Univer.sal CityWalk (I think that's what it's called) intending on just hanging out for awhile. That's when the drama began again.

I don't wanna go there.
Okay, where do you want to go?
I don't feel like doing anything. Let's just go back to the room.
It's not even 9 o clock yet. Can we just check out the scene for a minute? We don't have to stay long.
I dont wanna go to a bar. Why would I want to sit there and watch you drink?
We don't have to go to a bar. Let's just see what's down there. It'll be fun.
No, take me back.
Huh? Are you kidding me?
No, I'm not kidding.

Da hell? I'm supposed to just sit around the hotel room doing nothing. I could do that at home. I did everything that Tweety wanted to do all trip, and she can't even roll with me for a minute? It was just ridiculous to me. I tried one other tactic as I was driving back.

You hungry?
Yeah.
Okay, lets go to Giord.anos.
Let's do that tomorrow. I'm not in the mood for pizza.
I'm telling you. This pizza will change your life. You should try it.

I pulled into the parking lot assuming that she would agree. That's what I get for assuming, I guess. She wouldn't get out of the car.

Rashan, I told you I don't wanna go here.
Come on, this is the only thing on the agenda that I wanted.
I'm not going.
So what do you want to eat then?
Anything but this.
You love pizza. Why you acting like that?
I'm not getting out. You gonna have to drag me out the car.
Come on with that. That's the second time you made a little comment like that. Stop insinuating that I'm a wife beater or something.
You aint crazy.
Fuck it, let's go!

I drove back to the hotel and got out the car. I went in the hotel room hoping that she would not follow. I was too through with the whole situation. I wanted to have some fun, maybe have a little dinner, a drink or two, but instead I was having the life sucked out of me by this woman that up until 2 days ago, I would have sworn was normal. The night ended with me watching Sportscenter on my bed, and her playing solitaire on her phone in her bed. 3 nights in Orlando, 3 nights in separate beds, 3 nights of no booty, 3 nights of wishing I was anywhere else but there. Could Day 4 get any worse?

The Road Trip From Hell!!! Day 4

The answer to the above question of course was yes. This was the last day and night we were scheduled to be in Florida. The agenda... tentative at best was to go to Ep.cot, and somehow I was gonna make it to Giord.ano's if it killed me. As I woke up, there was no good morning or any pleasantries exchanged. We were like 2 strangers forced together in a room. We showered and dressed in near silence, except for an occasional "excuse me" as we reluctantly shared the sink and mirror. Before we left the room, I hesistantly spoke up.

Are you sure you wanna do this?
We came here to go to the parks, and that's what we are gonna do.

So we did. Epco.t was cool as hell for a big nerd like myself. Seeing the different countries and stuff was right up my alley. My companion didn't really matter since I was paying attention to the exhibits, instead of her. It seemed like that was the best approach. Only speak when necessary and there could be no arguments. Until we got to the Mexico exhibit. Apparently I was taking too much time looking at everything. Tweety was annoyed. She just walked out the building. I saw her, but I pretended like I didn't. I recognized the signs and knew that another unnecessary argument was coming. Standing on the steps, it came to a head.

You just gonna leave me?
I was bored.
Like I wasn't bored when you were standing in line to take a picture with The Beast.
Whatever!
I'm saying, you could have just said let's go, and we woulda left. Walking off is some childish stuff.
Ugggh!! Let's go. I'm tired of walking around here.
Didn't you want to come here? I don't think it was my idea.
I didn't know you would act like this the whole trip.
Okaaaay. I was just talking about Epco.t. But if you wanna talk about the whole trip, we can do this. I can't beleive you even have the nerve to say anything with the way you been acting. You're like a totally different person.
You too.
Fine let's just go. No need being here if you aren't gonna have fun.
You ain't said nothing but a word! Which way is the exit?

Tweety started walking with a deliberate gait towards the exit. I lagged behind a little. I wasn't worried about her leaving me, since I had the car keys, but I made sure to keep her in sight. I probably should have told her that she was going the wrong way, but instead I just let her figure it out herself. I wanted to allow her to throw her tantrum without interference from me. In my mind, I was thinking...One more day. Just make it one more day and then you never have to see her again. This relationship obviously isn't gonna work, but don't break up with her now. That would make for an awkward car ride home. I worked out in my head what I was gonna say. I was going to derive pleasure from this break up. Hell, even if she broke up with me instead that would still be cool. I don't care who says it first just as long as it gets said. I have to say that those thoughts made the walk back to the car more enjoyable. When we got to the car I had a smirk on my face a mile wide.

What are you smirking about?
Nuthin'
Give me the keys. I wanna drive.

I tossed her the keys, not even opening the door for her as was my habit. I got in, buckled up and stared out the passenger side window. It was still early afternoon. The sun was beating down on my face and the happy thought of breaking up still swirled in my mind. When we got to the hotel, I spoke.

Lemme hold the keys. I'm gonna go get something to eat.
No!
Whaddya mean, no? I'm going to go check out the Cit.yWa.lk and then stop at Gior.dano's to get my pizza.
You cant take the car!
Why not?
The car is in my name. I don't want you to take it, so you aren't taking it.
Word?!? It's like that?
Yeah!
That's just being ridiculous. If you don't wanna do anything, why do I have to sit here?
Cuz I said so!

I thought for a second. I really can't be here right now. This was the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. What if I did the same thing? The hotel was in my name, you can't stay here. I should say that to her. But I didn't, instead I just walked. I don't know how long I walked, but I do know that I did stop at the first gas station and bought me a pack of BlackNMild. I never ever smoked around her, but today I couldn't help it. I needed something to calm my nerves. As the tobacco took over, I started to feel better. I started to think clearly. Something had to give. Ain't no way I was riding home 8 hours with Tweety. After making the walk back to the hotel, I stopped in the lobby to try to find another way home. I made some calls to the airport to see how much a flight home would be. I researched one way car rentals. Hell, I even called Greyhoun.d. I couldn't find any available flights, the rental car companies wouldn't do one way trips unless I had a plane ticket and Grey.hound would took 2 days to get back home. I was stuck with Tweety.

The sun had long since set when I finally made my way back to the room. As I put the magnetic key in the door, I saw she was sitting on her bed trying to hide her tears. I walked past her without saying a word, got some clothes out my suitcase and took a shower. After the longest shower known to man, I packed my shit and asked...

What time are we leaving tomorrow.
11
Okay/

No more words were exchanged the rest of the night. She slept in her bed, I slept in mine. Day 4 was a wrap.

The Road Trip From Hell!!!: Day 5

Day 5 started out like the previous 3. There was a palpatable tension in the air. I was determined not to say anything to set her off. Over the last few days, I discovered I was pretty good at pushing Tweety's buttons, even when I wasn't trying. All I wanted was a peaceful ride home and to stop and get my Giordan.os stuffed pizza to take home. All in all, if I could get that, I could consider the trip a success. Lose a girlfriend, get a pizza... yep that works for me. LOL In order to do that, I had to talk to her.

Can we please stop at Giord.anos on the way home?
We'll see.
Please, you know that's the only thing I wanted on this trip.
I said we'll see.
Okay.

I packed the car up and turned the keys in at the front desk. When the clerk asked if I enjoyed my stay, I lied and said yes. No need in bringing her down too. I got in the passenger side of the car as Tweety drove. We drove towards and then right past the restaurant.

Hey, Giordan.os is right there. You passed it.
I know. That's cuz we aren't going.
Why not?
I just want to go home.
So Fucking Ridiculous!!!
I'm ridiculous? You crying over some pizza.
Okay, just don't talk to me for the rest of the trip.
I didn't plan to.
And don't ask me to drive either. The car is in your name remember.
Fine, I can drive the whole way! You can't drive anyway. I don't need you!
Good, cuz you don't have me anymore.

*silence* - The car ride alternated between silence and loud gospel music, but no conversation. When we stopped for gas, I bought a CD player and some headphones and listened to underground hip hop music the rest of the ride. I didn't sleep, I just stared out the window alone with my thoughts. Before I knew it, I started recognizing the highway signs. I was almost home. I never thought I would be so happy to see Marietta, Ga! I got out the car, got my stuff and walked up the stairs to my apartment. Tweety followed me up.

You need to use the bathroom or something?
Shouldn't we talk about this?
Ain't nothing to talk about. If you need to rest, come on up. Feel free to take the bed. I'll be out here in the living room.
You don't have anything to say?
Nah, not really. We took a trip together and it turned out to be the worst idea ever. We both know that. Nothing left to say.
So, its over...
Uh...yeah. I think that would be a fair assessment.

She stayed for a few more hours then drove back home to Hanganiggaville. We didn't talk for a couple of weeks. Somehow, we got back together. I can't even explain how it happened, but we stayed together for another 6 months before we finally realized that we would be much better as friends. We just were not meant to be in a relationship. Tweety knows that I tell this story all the time, and knew that I would eventually tell it on my blog. I had to. This was the craziest relationship story I have, and it is all 100% true, well maybe 98%. I'm sure I embellished a little. Thanks for reading. We now return you to your regularly scheduled lives.

The Road Trip From Hell!!!: Day 2

Click Here for Day 1. I'm writing as fast as I can. I been distracted the last week by a mixed up work schedule and other recent revelations. But I think I should get back to it this week.

The Road Trip From Hell!!!: Day 2

We woke up early for a fresh start early the next morning. I was determined to put the previous day's ugliness behind us. Tweety and I got dressed and went to breakfast. Things were okay. If there was any residual resentment, it remained unspoken. We were back to normal. After breakfast we headed back to the hotel and caught the complimentary shuttle to the Mag.ic Kin.gdom. It had been years since I last went to Disn.ey, but what I remembered was that there wasn't really that much to do there if you were over the age of 9. It didn't matter though, Tweety wanted to go, and I wanted to have fun too.

Here's where the story took the inevitable turn for the worse. Tweety knew someone who worked for the same company we worked for that was supposed to get us in free. You know Negroes are all about the hookup and if it was gonna save me $36 each, I was all for it. We were supposed to meet this person at the gate. The only problem is we didn't know what she looked like and she didn't know what we looked at. It was like a blind date situation. Somehow, she was supposed to find us amidst a sea of people. That was a little strange to me. Seemed like an awful lot of work for some free tickets. I wasn't sure why we couldn't just meet the person somewhere else and get the tickets, but apparently our hookup had to let us in the gate. One hour passed and still no sign of the hookup. I was ready to just pay and get on with it, but of course Tweety disagreed.

Why would I leave now when she is on her way?
Can you call her and tell her nevermind?
Why are you so ungrateful? She didn't have to do this.
She hasn't done anything yet. For all I know she was just talking mess.
She wouldn't do that.
Just call her.

Tweety called the hookup and found out what the deal was. Apparently, a family member of the hookup worked at Disn.eyworld and could get us in at the gate. Apparently, this person was running late. Apparently, time was running short and I just wanted to get it over with. Tweety actually said this to me.

If you wanna go, then go. I'm gonna wait for her.
So, I go and then what? You find me in there somewhere? That's crazy.
You the one acting all impatient.
You don't think I have good reason? I'm not gonna leave you here. That makes no sense.

I wanted to go far away from her, and I'm sure she wanted me to leave, but come on now. How I look leaving my girlfriend at the gate while I go into a kiddie park. I sensed another argument coming on, so I did what I always do when faced with that prospect. I compromised. Fine, I'll wait her out. She finally arrived..2 hours late and with not so much as an apology. We walked up to the gate and the hookup talked to the security guard and we were in. Tweety handed the lady some money, and we were finally inside.

How much did you give her?
$50
You mean we waited 2 hours to save $25?
I had to give her something.
Okay.

That was my way of ending what was about to become an argument. I figured we would just go and have a good time. Nothing was gonna get accomplished by continuing to question each other. We started to walk around the kingdom and were having a relatively good time. But wouldn't you know it, the old argument resurfaced. We were leaning against a wall just watching the people walk by when she brought it back up.

Don't worry about what I did with my money.
Wow, I didn't say a word. Lets just keep it moving
Yeah, but you walking around with an attitude.
Really, its all good. Don't stress it.
Then fix your face. Stop with that smirk.
You really are incapable of letting something go, aren't you. For real, it's all good
Whatever, Rashan!

And she walked off. Stormed off, actually. Now I know I probably should have walked after her but I didn't want to be in her presence at the moment. I needed a break from Tweety and all her dramatics. I also didn't want to chase after her. It was a power play. I know it was a game, and I admit that I didn't want to be the first one to show weakness. When I realized she was not gonna come back, I reluctantly followed behind her. Not close enough for her to see me, but close enough that I could see her. Getting separated amongst the throngs of people wouldn't be cool. I would say at least 20 minutes went by before she turned around and I saw tears in her eyes. I reached out and touched her on the arm to get her attention. With a devilish look on her face she stated:

Don't you fucking grab me!!!

Huh? First that wasn't a grab, don't make me out to be Ike Turner in this bitch. Secondly, that was the first time I had ever heard her curse, outside of the bedroom of course. Thirdly, there was no thirdly, I just wanted to go. I was like let's just leave. This ain't working out right. After a pretty intense "discussion" in front of German tourists, wide eyed kids and mindful security guards we managed again to put it aside. Really, who argues in the happiest place on earth. Rashan and Tweety, that's who?

We had a pretty good time after that, riding the rides, watching her geek out at the sight of her favorite Disn.ey characters, and especially at the laser and fireworks show that night. I was starting to think that the worst was behind us, and as much as I didn't like how it started, I though that we could make something of the rest of the trip. After a full day at the Ma.gic King.dom, we stood in the parking lot waiting for the shuttle to take us back to the hotel. We were exhausted from a full day in the sun, and all the walking. She leaned into me and we actually showed some affection for the first time since leaving my apartment the previous day. It was cool. We had turned the corner. Then we went back to the hotel and fell asleep... in separate beds again. Maybe the tension between us wasn't really over. We'll find out on day three.

Flashback Friday -The Road Trip From Hell!!!

As requested by my homie, Opinionated Diva... Here is a blast from the past. I'm gonna warn you now. This is long and I have not finished it yet. If you would rather wait until I'm done, I'll link them together when I post the conclusion. I'm just telling you now, so you don't get mad at the cliffhanger. On another note, I think I'm running out of interesting stories. I've been trying to write this one for a couple of years, but the story is so much better when I embellish it verbally. I'll see what I can do to make it pop. Chances are if you've ever talked to me, you've already heard this story, but for the rest of you may I present...

The Road Trip From Hell!!! - Day 1

Tweety and I had been together for about 6 months. Everything was running smoothly, probably because I lived in Atlanta and she lived in Hanganiggaville, Tennessee. The long distance thing worked for us. We would see each other every other weekend, and talk on the phone every day. Before we became a couple, we had been friends and although we weren't totally compatible, we managed to put those differences aside. We talked about taking a trip together and decided on Orlando. She was obsessed with going to Disney World, and I was cool with that too. So it was decided. April 2004, we were going to go to Orlando.

I mentioned in my what's wrong with me post, that I don't really make decisions. Well at least that's how I was back then. I was a go with the flow type, she was very particular. She liked things to be a certain way, and if they weren't, then she would get an attitude (If she is reading this, she will say, "how did I get an attitude? I don't have an attitude, I'm just speaking my mind" LOL). Consequently, I let her plan the trip. I know I probably should have had more of a contribution besides giving her my credit card, but really, anything I would have picked would have been vetoed. Plus, I'm not much of a planner, so this worked out for both of us. I was paying for the hotel, she was getting the rental car since she had to drive from TN to ATL to scoop me up.

The trip started out great. She arrived at my crib (it was about 3 hours from her) and we chilled out for a minute. It was supposed to take 8 hours to get to Orlando. We planned to arrive around 7, get situated in the hotel and maybe go explore the city a little. Well, that didn't happen according to plan. We had (how do I say this without offending my favorite blog prude, Jameil?) certain biological impulses that needed to be fulfilled before we could leave. And they were fulfilled multiple times followed by deep sleep. Next thing I know, it was getting dark and we had yet to leave Atlanta. After hitting up Ruby Tuesdays for some food (Tweety loved their salad bar) we hit the highway with me in the driver's seat. As we drove down 75, everything was cool. We talked like a normal couple, and after a couple of hours she fell asleep. Then it happened... My enjoyable trip took a turn that started with 6 simple words:

Why are you driving so fast?

Okay, that's me being dramatic. I didn't know at the time that this was gonna be the beginning of the end. But looking back I can see that's where it started. See the thing is, I wasn't really speeding. I was going like 5 miles over the limit. She had woken up to tell me to slow down.

I got this. Just go back to sleep, baby.

And she did... for about 5 more minutes. That's when more questions came up. They didn't come this rapidly, but for the sake of the blog I'll just list them all now.

Why are you swerving? Why are you listening to that? What are trying to do.. run into the back of the truck? Why don't you turn on the defrost? Why are you chewing that gum so hard? Why didn't you get gas yet? Why? Why? Why?

If I heard "why" one more time, I was gonna go crazy. Instead, I just calmly asked if she wanted to drive. I figured that she was just cranky about sleeping in the car. I pulled into a rest station to stretch my legs and change seats with Tweety. She went to the restroom, and as I stood outside waiting for her, I thought to myself "what is happening here?" You know I talk to myself, so I convinced myself that everything was cool. Just go to sleep and when you wake up, you'll be that much closer to the hotel. I bought us a couple of waters and an ice cream sandwich from the vending machine. As we walked back to the car, I handed her the ice cream.

Why did you get me this? I didn't ask for ice cream.

*sigh* Apparently, I couldn't do anything right so I just sat there and ate the ice cream I bought for her. Forget my lactose intolerence, if it will get her to shut up, I'll just deal with it. I fell asleep to the sounds of Ruben Studdard while Tweety drove. I was sleep for a good 10 minutes when I was jarred from my slumber by the sounds of shouting. Or at least I thought that's what it was. Apparently that's how you are supposed to sing gospel music. I didn't know that's what was hot in the church. But yeah, the shouting woke me up and I instinctively turned the volume down a notch.

Why are you turning my music down?

There was that word again. I couldn't take it much more. I was getting really annoyed. I couldn't even sleep in peace. If I didn't know any better I would think Tweety was annoying me on purpose. There really was no other explanation. We had had disagreements in the past, but never had we had a fight. I felt it coming on. And I hate arguing. I tried to just sit in my seat and not say the first sarcastic comment that came to mind and for the most part I was sucessful. I just dealt with it. Loud gospel music, jerking the steering wheel, incessant use of the word "why"? Not a problem, I'm bigger than this. Besides, I'm on my way to the happiest place on earth. I can't be mad, can I? I spent the rest of the car ride in as much silence as I could muster to avoid saying something else that would make Tweety upset, even though I wasn't sure what I actually had done. By the time we got to the hotel, it was 4 in the morning. I was happy that the road trip from hell was over. I just wanted to get in the room, take a shower, and sleep the stress away.

We pulled up to the hotel. I can't remember (more accurately, I've blocked it from my memory) which one it was, but it was not exactly what I was expecting. It was close to the Dis.ney theme parks, but looked like it was built in the 1950's and may not have been painted since then. It definitely didn't seem like a $100 a night hotel. As we entered the room, I made the mistake of actually expressing an opinion.

This doesn't really look like what you showed me online.

Well, if you woulda participated...

Hold on. I'm not criticizing you. I'm just saying

I know what you are saying, Rashan!

Whatever, Tweety. I'm bout to go take a shower. (under breath) If this cheap ass hotel actually has running water.

What did you say?

Huh? nuthing.

By the time I got out the shower, Tweety was sleep diagonally across one of the queen beds in the room. I laid down on the other and fell out hoping that tomorrow would be a better day. I couldn't believe that 8 hours in a car could be so nerve wracking. But it was. If only that was the worst part... what was yet to occur took it to a whole 'notha level!