I seriously need you to help me say no

I need a little help from my friends. It may surprise some people, but I really have a hard time asserting myself and saying "NO!". Heck, my problem is I can't even say "no".

Well, my dad has started his whole, "we need to start planning our next vacation" routine. He lives for planning his next vacation, and he really didn't get to plan one last year with gas prices skyrocketing about the time we were finally going to give in and take Mom to Mt. Rushmore. There always seems to be an excuse.

As the single child, it's my job to vacation with my parents because I've not had anyone else to take a vacation with.

As many of you know, my parents' favorite vacation destination is Branson, MO, or as I call it, Branson, Misery. After going there when I was in junior high, I stood my ground until about 2 years ago that I was not going back. I stood my ground for as long as I could take it, then finally gave in for one time just so that my parents would just simply shut up about it. Eight months later, I had to go back for the entire family vacation. Twice in one year's time.

You all know I love my nieces to pieces and would do anything for them. However, this year, I'm having to block them out. I am not, I repeat, I am not going to Branson this summer with the entire family.

Christi has already said that I'm going to cave. I will not cave. I cannot cave. I need help. I need encouragement. I need you to back me up and make sure that I say, "no."

There are a number of reasons why Branson is my misery and why this year may just put me over the edge. Those close to me right now can fill in all of those blanks. The main thing right now for me is that I need to be an adult, unswayed, stand up for myself and say no. It is not wrong to refuse to be a doormat, I keep reminding myself.

A couple of days ago, Dad says to Paige, like I'm not even in the car, "do you think we can talk Audra into it between now and then? I think we can." I kept my mouth closed. Didn't say a word. Didn't get mad.

I need all the help I can get. It's going to get worse.

Anyone want to plan a summer trip so that I'll have a really, really, really good excuse?

Comments

cheri said…
Branson? Never been there..never had the desire to go! Just the sound of it turns me off. I picture country music,country shows...country, country, country! Ugh! I'm on your side...don't give in!! Just say NO!!! Mt. Rushmore is definitly the place to visit, the Black Hills are awesome....been 3 times!
Mimi N said…
Audra, when are they planning on going? That could help your accomplices figure out some diversionary tactics! You could always come to MN. We have the Mall of America. We could go to Sonshine to listen to all the Christian bands. I haven't been there before. We could go to Northwestern Christian college and maybe see a concert. We could do as the natives do and head up to the cabin in the woods and fish on the lake, go swimming, sit around and eat, and read until our eyeballs fall out. Um, I don't fish and I'm not so hot on swimming in lakes, but the cabin always has lots of people there. I have 4 kids (and an extra car) so you'd never be alone...unless you wanted to. Oh, we could go to the Boundry Waters Canoe Area. I've never been there, but it sounds cool.

As for saying, "no", I happen to be in the same boat, so I won't be able to help you in that area. Unless it comes to my kids, hahaha. You can do it! Seriously as your site is called!

Blessings,
Mimi B
Wendi said…
Hi Audra! Yikes - I've got the same problem when I should say 'no' but can't seem to actually say it!

Seattle is a great place to visit in the Spring and Summer! Pikes Place Market is so much fun!!

:) Wendi
Audra Jennings said…
I believe they are planning on going sometime in July - the week of my brother's choosing.

I have to say it's not all country music. Here's the best way I can describe it, and I don't mean it in a mean way. Branson is full of Mormon family performers, so imagine the Osmonds (some of them are there too) in every theater doing their variety of things.

The shows aren't all bad, that's just not my thing.

And I have been lots of places, but never to Minnesota or Seattle. Seattle sounds like an interesting place to go to me. Minnesota could be fun too.
Thomas said…
I went to Branson last summer!