Melbourne Trip Day 2
Woke up nice and early on day 2, and after getting dressed, having a wrestle with Gaige (my Dad's dog, who I need to get a few pics of), Jyan and I set out to have breakfast at an old haunt of mine, Holy Cannoli. Both Lara and Bev were in they're usual form, and were really pleased to see me and meet Jyan. Both commented on how much weight I've lost.
Bev and I having a friendly chat, and even though I asked her for a "tits out" shot, she was still happy to see me:)
With our tanks full, we headed into the city for a quick bit of Christmas shopping. This was Jyan's first Christmas, and he didn't really understand the concept of gift buying. I had to growl at him (light heartedly of course) not to buy anthing for himself this close to the big day. I eventually got him to understand (he was going to buy for himself the two DVDs that I had bought for him). As 11am approached we made or way down to Minotaur Books where we were to meet my daughter Sarah. I had no idea that there was a pleasant surprise waiting for me as well - my son Robert was there as well! My kids and I have been estranged for a while, so seeing them both elated and shook me up a bit. Jyan quietly slipped into Minotaurs to give me a few moments alone with the kids before he met them.
Sarah was very straight forward as usual, giving me a hug and leapt right into conversation. Robert was shy, and kept his distance. I too was a little unsure of how to deal with Robert, but decided the best thing to do was to act normally. It turns out that Robert was worried that I would lay into him, and wasn't ready for a "confrontation". I feel that he did needle me a bit during the day to try and provoke one, but I just let it all slide as teen rebellion against authority.
Neither of my kids like having their pics taken, but once I informed them it was either this or Santa, they became remarkably co-operative.
Later on in the day, Jyan took me aside and told me that Robert was sorry that he had argued with me in the past, but wasn't sure how to approach me. Jyan suggested that I try and make some opportunites for him to make the first move. I agreed, and did my best, but Robert remained distant pretty much through the whole day. The really sad thing is that I can see a lot of Steve and Matt's (my exs) behaviours in him, and if there's one thing that I do regret about my previous relationship is the amount of negative influence I let both my partners have with Robert (at the time I didn't see it, but now it's glaringly obvious).
The kids meeting Jyan went very well. My man took control (as is usual of him) of the situation and introduced himself before launching into conversation with both the kids and won them over very easily. I'm really pleased that they took a shine to him, but I was also a little sad that again my kids seem to get along with my partners better than me - especially Robert. Still, I'm grateful that it was with Jyan, who will prove to be a strong, powerful influence in their lives, something that Robert in particular needs.
We hung around the city for a while longer getting lunch (Cantonese BBQ) and buying a few more gifts, and then scooted back to the car to get to my sister's place for our early Christmas dinner. Seeing my sister's family again was fantastic. My great niece Danella has grown so quickly, though she still seems really small to me. Jyan took a really nice pic of my sister with my kids, which was when the camera's data stick declared itself full as a goog!
Everybody was happy to see us, with kisses and hugs all round. We met Mel's "new" girlfriend, Ray, and caught up with Kristin's boyfriend Jay (they've been together for nearly 2 years now). My eldest neice's boyfriend Wayne was a little distant, but I think that has more to do with feeling a little confronted by a same sex relationship in such close proximity than anything else. Jay, on the other hand, loves me like an uncle, and has no issues with it all... in fact is so comfortable with it that he and I can joke around with sexuality and not feel any threat at all.
After everyone had caught up, we swapped gifts. This was the first time Jyan has done this, so it was all new to him. Jyan grew up in an alternative (he says hippy) family who didn't truck with a lot of modern social interactions.
The afternoon passed by nicely. Everyone caught up, laughed, got teased, and all the usual family stuff. Unlike some family Christmas gatherings that I hear about, we didn't argue (in fact I can't remember there ever being a blue at any of our Christmas gatherings). Later in the afternoon, Jyan and I took a quiet walk on the beach to relax down a bit. Unfortunately, the time alone also served to randy us up a bit, and there where too many people on the beach to do anything about it.
Dinner was served at about 7ish (roast pork, veggies, apple sauce followed by pav, chic mint mud cake, and drunk Christmas cake) when my eldest niece and god-daughter got home. The evening proceeded into the night, with everyone happy and content. My sister was more than happy to hos Jyan and I for the evening, and we slept quiet well on the floor in the loungeroom.
This was my first Christmas (albeit an early one) away from Melbourne. I thought it was going to be harder than it was, when in fact it flowed really well. I hope Jyan had as good a time as I did.