What? Where?

I feel guilty because I miss the dynamic of my Brazilian family.  I should be all butterflies and daisies because I'm here, but I'm not.

My family has always been one to bicker and pick at each other. Regardless, we enjoyed each others company... or that's how I perceived it at the time.

What has changed, I do not know. Maybe it's just my tolerance to negativity has decreased. Maybe I just no longer get why people have to control themselves or feel like family get-togethers are a thing that need tolerated.

I don't understand the lack of flexibility or adaptation. And I'm sure I have my label with them. I'm sure in some way or another, my family is seeing me as being a douche.  Maybe my new Christmas nickname is self-righteous Brazilian Wannabe.  God only knows.

But why is it that when we get home, we are automatically converted back to our old selves. My family always have and forever will see me as an obnoxious 13 yr old girl with braces.  And yes, I was the Queen of all Obnoxious 13 year olds, but I don't think that means I deserve to be treated as one for the rest of my life.

Maybe if one of the numerous offspring would ask how my life is, they would know that I have grown up slightly.  While I'd like to think the two offspring of my own would be a clue, we all know children do not automatically make the parents into adults, sadly enough.

I think we just need a really good surgeon that does not mind working under odd conditions.  We can sterilize the bathroom and get everyone lined up.  One by one he can pull all the sticks out of our asses.  Seriously! If we can't do it ourselves, we sure as hell should be able to call a professional to do it for us.

And you all? Have you ever had to call in this kind of surgeon to your family events?