My oldest niece turned 4... I wasn't sure I was going to go for many reasons. My half-uncle died the day before, and my uncle wouldn't allow his non-adult kids to come, and wanted my sister to cancel, which I'm sure added to her already being stressed, but she seemed to handle everything alright. My sister basically works a ton to give them parties like this, and hired a bunch of stuff... My parents didn't come, instead going to the home of my dad's half brother to show respect, greet people coming over to show theirs. I was told by another cousin that her mom told her not to post photos on facebook. I don't see how it's a lack of respect - no one really had a relationship with him or his family. My half-uncles/aunts converted from Catholicism to Baptists, and got real weird. They suddenly became really cold towards other family, especially ones who aren't religious. I was also afraid of COVID, still am.. But I hadn't seen either of my nieces during COVID, and I would never want either of my nieces to wonder "Why didn't Uncle Matthew come", despite them being too young to even notice - too busy playing. I actually had a mask on as soon as I left the car, and when I saw no one else wearing one, I took it off. But I wish all the women-folk hadn't kissed me, some multiple times. I will be VERY angry if I get COVID, especially considering my cousin's husband (only in his 40s) was in the hospital, on a ventilator, and my aunt and her husband currently under quarantining after a routine doctor check. Of course, my throat hurts from talking so much, and I've had some chest pains, as well as being cold/fatigued, but I did wake up at 5am, but took a nap... My ride situation kept changing, but then a family member had to coerce me with someone I really want and can't access, and even that kept being delayed, despite him knowing I wanted to be home before night.. Since my traveling days ended, more and more, I prefer to stay home. There are a few who I enjoy coming over, but they also live an hour away, and I don't like being in cars. Of course, my brother had to drink, and he's already annoying as hell without it... Especially his constant insistence on things I don't wanna do/hear, especially a condescending/patronizing, "Didn't you have fun being around people?" - and I didn't.. I spent most of the time talking to the cousin who gave me the ride, and his brother. I talked sports with my brother-in-law, but my sister and he are going through a divorce, and it was a little awkward. I know I'm ranting, but I can't share this on fakebook, to avoid.... whatever, despite not usually giving a damn... It was nice to do laundry, though... But my main reason was to see my nieces. I get happy watching them be happy. My youngest niece has been fussy usually, but yesterday was in a perfect mood. She didn't seem to care who carried her, etc... She would be playing in those of those jungle gyms, and after a few seconds of activity, she would stand there, and laugh for a second, and do this for hours. I killed my back keeping up with them, but her little laugh was adorable.. being so excited by the simple things -- splashing water, being around other children.
Anyway, I hope my novel wasn't too annoying.. But, I do want to share with my neutral film family here, and I don't care that I've been "doxxed" in the past by rival boards -- I understand that EVERYTHING I post can pop up anywhere, but I have nothing to hide.. I'm sick of the surveillance state, and think the only way to "beat it" is to just accept this spying phenomena.. Just a little FYI for others who might be hesitant, because it happens.