Insanity

I just got back from a visit to the Jersey Shore.  This means spending time with my egg donor. As I have previously referenced my mother, you are all aware that she can be an interesting character.  I have learned that a visit must be limited to 3-4 days.  She can "behave" somewhat, with a few snarky comments here and there.  After 4 days all hell will break loose. 

During the good old days, when I was a child,the common treatment for schizophrenia was electric shock treatment.  I believe that my mother has undergone this 20+ times.  The result was a zombie-like persona that had no ability to lash out for at least 2-3 months. One of the therapists must have suggested that she write a daily log of her activities, since she couldn't remember much. This resulted in "the book".  This daily log has been done ever since I can remember and has always been left out for all to view in the kitchen.  Since acknowledging our contributions are pretty much only ever done in writing and never out loud- the goal of any stay at my mother's house is to be mentioned in the book. 

My brother-in-law has had a good run lately.  I believe during the weekend of the 4th he made the book on 3 separate occasions. Basically, in order to make the book you have to do a chore that improves the quality of life for my mother.  Just coming to visit is not book-worthy.  You must answer the Janet  Jackson question- "What have you done for me lately!" Unfortunately for my brother-in -law, he did not make the book when I was there.  Poor guy cut the tree branches from the neighbors trees, hedged the grass and fixed the lawn around the newly dug city water meter. He did not make the book.  Absolute defeat! I took everyone out to dinner and made the book.  No sweat necessary.  I have learned my lesson from previous visits.

Albert Einstein said- the definition of insanity is: repeating the same behavior and expecting a different result.