Beating a Dead Horse

As this episode starts out I sit here looking at the snow on the ground and I don't look forward to it at all. I am reminded that the colder weather is around the corner. I am happy that this episode takes us to a warmer place. I just want to enjoy the sun and the beach and the Caribbean and the wonderful Dominican people.  I want to thank them for being so kind, warm, and welcoming to us.

It is such fun to watch the children stuffing themselves into mom and dad's suitcases. It's a riot to see what kids will do next. They find such interesting places to hide and play in. It's just adorable to see.

Packing is such a big chore. Unpacking is even worse. I try to do it when I am excited to be getting away, and I try to be so thorough, wrapping in tissue paper and being so neat. I think I inherited this from my mom. She came to help and you can see how great she is at being so neat and perfect with what she does. I hope that's not the only thing I inherit from her. She has such a positive attitude and I love having our little chats. She always encourages me to take the high road and try to be the best that I can be. I am so lucky to have her in my life. She's one of a kind.

So we get to Punta Cana and I'm thinking luscious palm trees and balmy breezes, and it's funny to hear the Manzo boys refer to the setting as Jurassic Park. It's a big laugh for us, because they are always saying how much my husband looks like Jeff Goldblum in case you missed that joke. So the joke about Jurassic Park and Rich being comfortable there was a hoot.

On our trip over to the hotel it was clear that boys will be boys. You can take the boys out of Jersey but can't take Jersey out of the boys. We have arrived, as Melissa so perfectly put it, and if they have to go, they have to go. They never grow out of that need to be free, and as men grow up they don't seem to grow out of that little boy quality.

Our villas were amazing! They were so beautiful. When we reached the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, it was just gorgeous. Our host there, Dale Hipsh, was so accommodating and took such good care of us, making sure our stay there was perfect. I was very impressed with the hotel and the grounds and it was a really great stay.

I felt so bad for Caroline that she had that migraine. She was being a great sport, but all she wanted was everyone out. No talking, no bickering, no bikini fashion show, just to be left alone. At first I was bummed that she wasn't feeling well enough to make the boat trip, especially since she had been the one to plan it. But after what happened between Teresa and me, I'm sure she's glad that she missed the fireworks.

We were having a great day. The boat was beautiful and everyone enjoyed some sun and downed a few drinks playing La Cucaracha . I was excited to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach enjoying the sunset, a bonfire, and the traditional Dominican stew prepared by the locals. 

Just when I think everything is going well, we're just having a normal conversation, here we go again. I can't believe that we're going over this again! First of all, I'm talking about ME, MY kids and MY feelings. It has nothing to do with you, Teresa. What happened to moving forward, not rehashing the past, and staying positive? Why do you insist on pointing fingers about something that happened six months ago? Stop beating a dead horse, clearly this is something that isn't over for you, so let's just talk it out, once and for all.

I'm exhausted with this constant dwelling on the same thing. I'm so over it. I've been trying to do the right thing in hopes that we can move our relationship forward. Enough is enough now. Don't keep holding me responsible for your inability to see things for what they really are. She obviously has some unresolved issues and once again mishears, misunderstands, and puts her own spin on it.

After each conversation with Teresa has turned ugly, I have tried to keep my distance. I thought that being on vacation together and temporarily leaving the stresses of our everyday lives behind would lead to an easy environment for all of us to be together as a family once again. It was such a magnificent setting for us all to enjoy. Having said that, I thought that I could let my guard down and express my feelings, and my opinion about my family. 

Till next time. See you all next week.

Lots of Love,

xoxo Kathy

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