Manz - Yikes, sounds like a rough situation at your parents' house.
Andy - Not your monkeys, not your circus. Good job not letting toxic, dysfunctional behaviors influence your decisions.
Saskia - Glad you found peace throughout the holidays.
Fbl - Sounds like a lovely trip to see your mom.
Toots - I like what you said about having choices on how to react to people. So true. If I realized that when I was younger, I could have avoided me years (upon years) of heartache and confusion and self-blame over my stepmother's behavior. Like you said regarding your father, though, I can now see her behavior for what it is. I'm grateful for that. It's given me the freedom to hold myself in much higher regard.
Today I cleaned and organized my kids' rooms and closets. Out with the old, in with the new. Afterwards I treated myself to a quasi spa trwatment, and moisturized from head to toe with as many potions as I could find!!
I hope everyone has a nice day!!