h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I got a bike from my friend last year, or better, she sold me two bikes. Both perfectly OK. It didn't take long, and I had to find that somebody had done - whatever - to my bike and the front wheel was blocked by the brake. Then the other bike, which I had given to my son, broke, and I told him he could use my bike if he got the brakes fixed. He just disconnected the front brakes (not a big deal, as I tend to risk somersaulting off my bike when using them anyway). It didn't take long, though, and the back wheel of my bike had a puncture. Now I can't fix today's bikes, what with all those gears they have, and as it was winter anyway, I didn't miss the bike all that much.
To my great surprise and delight, I discovered last week that somebody had fixed my bike.

So, when the husband suggested that we have a BBQ with some of his friends about three miles away from here, I said I'd go there by bike, as I hate being stuck there until everybody goes home, and I'd be independent on a bike.

Imagine my surprise when I found that I couldn't move my bike at all. I thought somebody had locked it, but not so. The back brakes are blocking the wheel completely, and not a chance of loosening them. Turned out that my youngest son lent my bike to a mate last night.
I really wonder just how his mate made it here, and how my son managed not to notice what was wrong.

Well, bye, bye BBQ, because I was not prepared to walk the three miles in the scorching sun.

I only hope there'll be a few left-overs, cause I didn't intend to cook anything today; but I don't expect them to think of me.

Sorry to hear that B'el, tis too hot to cook, here's some 'cyber bbq' to keep you going.

Thanks, ST. I'm not really a fan of BBQs anyway, but it seemed convenient to have one.

(The friend probably carried the broken bike to absolve him of responsibility)

I can't cook in this weather either, I tend to live on salad and sandwiches (and ice-cream) in summer

Oh, I can cook, but there's no point in cooking for me alone, is there? I'll have some toast if they don't bring anything.

I tend to think twice now before I lend stuff out.(especially of any value) My laptop was loaned to some friends to help with their kids revision/exam work. It came back absolutely wrecked. The screen/lid was broken, the CD drive damaged and looked like they'd spilt a drink on the keyboard.
Its scrap now, beyond 'economical repair', yet not a word of apology or offer to either repair or replace. I can't afford a replacement either.
A hard lesson learned me thinks.

My son hadn't asked me, so I didn't know he lent my bike to a mate.

Hopefully they'll sort it out when they realise then.

Well, here's part II of the saga:

Suddenly the husband was here, to get the bottle of wine and the cork screw he had forgotten - and, sort of as an afterthought, me.

Now he could have called to say he'd come, but no. He preferred to satnd here and shout at me to hurry if I wanted to come. hmm. I didn't really want to come, but then I'd do nearly anything to keep the peace in the home. He then did his usual thing of: hurry, hurry! barely leaving me time to get a pair of shoes. I told him I would need to wear some shoes, so he stopped his grumbling for a moment.

OK, we arrived at the place: the BBQ wasn't even lit yet (mind, this was a whole hour AFTER I was supposed to arrive there in the first place).

There were - apart from the husband - just three people I knew: my sons and one of their mates. So OK, I went and said hello and introduced myself to the others (no need to wait for the husband to do this).

Everybody appeared busy with other things, so I sat down on a bench and talked to my sons.

The husband did what he always does on these occasions: he flew his model airplanes, completely ignoring my presence.

Well, about an hour later we had our sausages. I sat at the table, next to my sons and talked to them, as none of the others addressed me in any way (they all knew each other).

So, after I had eaten, I said that I'd go home.

And now I have it on high authority:

I am uncommunicative!!

I dissociated myself!

The cheek of it!!

I guess everybody here who knows me will agree with that.

My eldest son left with me and was so nice to give me a ride on his bicycle for about half of the way - the second half goes too much uphill for him to manage both his and my weight.

I'm really glad I'm back home.

Oh dear.

Sorry to have to say this B'el, but you deserve better.

Trouble is, I'm just so used to this I wonder why I still try in the first place.

It's up to you to decide when to stop trying. And if you do decide, you will have mountains of support, whichever decision you make. I got that when I made my decision, you will get it too.

'Tis better to be single than with the wrong one.

Well, there are things that are worse, but it's still good to rant here every now and then.

Thanks all for your support, it means much to me.

oh dear

i have to admit my first intention was to comment on posting 5 (something along the line of "what do you mean 'no point in cooking for me alone, is there?'. look, girl, if i thought that way i would *never* get *any*thing to eat (let alone be overweight, but that's quite another ballgame ).

but that seems like a minor problem now...

here's my advice (to use or dispose of as you see fit): let people think of you whatever they want. it won't change you. you already know that. you are you and - as far as i can tell - you are quite okay

in other words (an ancient german proverb we often use in denmark and estonia): 'you may as well do as you please, seeing that people are bound to gossip anyway'

yes-yes, i know, easier said than done. but worth a try anyway

oops, simulpolst alert!

Thanks, Pierce. I have no idea what the others thought about me, and I'm not bothered at all, because I didn't do anything wrong. I was just so upset that the husband was so unfair, and I was annoyed with myself, cause *every* BBQ with him is a disaster, which is why I really, really should have stayed at home.

And on Mother's Day, too!

Next time, stay home and order wonderful takeout, just for yourself

preferably from a place with nice and well behaved delivery boys

ask hati for advice if you need some