What's That Date Again?

There are some people I just don't like. Fortunately, there aren't many of them, but one of my aunts (an in-law who is not so jokingly referred to as the out-law by many in my family) is one of them. She's cheap, a busybody, vindictive, lazy, judgemental, and I'll stop there.

She's the one who is no longer allowed to host Christmas after the year when she had the finger food Christmas. No one was allowed to bring any food that required a plate or utensil. It couldn't need heating or refrigeration. For Christmas dinner. Seriously. Her contribution was a few small trays of Market Day food for twenty-three of us. And yes, we stopped elsewhere for dinner on the way home.

Yesterday, I received an email invitation from her for Memorial Day. I'll let you judge it for yourself.

You are invited to our house for a "day after" Memorial Day indoor picnic lunch which is just an excuse to see the new baby, Rachel Anne, who will be 3 months and 1 week old! Please RSVP via email or phone. We will hope for nice weather to get a few games of bean bags in the mix also.

Mildly confused, I sent her an email back asking if she was referring to Tuesday the 25th or Monday the 24th. And ummm what time, as that sorta plays into whether or not we can go. I just received her response.

I realize that I did not make it clear. I meant the day after the ACTUAL Memorial Day (Saturday, May 30), so that would be Sunday, May 31st. I know that was confusing; I'm sorry.

Oh. Yes. Of course. The ACTUAL Memorial Day. Because when someone sends an invitation for a Memorial Day event, they aren't referring to the date that is a) commonly celebrated or b) on every calendar. Nope, let's be a total showoff.

Yes, Memorial Day used to be celebrated on May 30. However, in 1971, Congress changed it to a three day weekend. While they introduced a bill to change it back in 1999, it never went anywhere. Coming from anyone else, I'd shake my head at their oddity. However, I know her well enough to know that she's doing it because she's just that kind of a person. Trust me, it was no accident that she didn't put in the actual date. She wanted to feel superior to everyone else.

And May 31? Yeah, sorry. I can't make it. It's my anniversary, and driving three plus hours to and from her house is just not the celebration I'm looking for. Besides, we have t-ball, a birthday party, and a friend's business launch early that afternoon. Maybe next time.

And I'm so proud of myself for getting through this whole post without calling her a mean name.