How I Already Know My Summer Will SUCK! - A Rant and a Plea

[AlFrankenFan]

Okay, here's the background. Every summer, I have to go to my father's house in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and stay there anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. Normally, I would enjoy a vacation if so many circumstances didn't apply to this particular situation. For one, we have to wake up early and go to bed early, like my brother and I are five years old! We get very little to eat, no TV, no Internet, we are forced to go to church (we're Jews), and to top it all off, my father and step-mom are perfect examples of the Christian right! They support Bush, listen to Limbaugh, watch Hannity and O'Reilly AND Faux News, and are intolerant of poor lil' liberal me.

So naturally, you'll see my summers usually all suck. And this year, you see, I had my hopes up. For, since I'm going to be a freshman in the fall, I was going to go to summer school to take courses that were required (like Geography, computers, etc...) and get them out of my way so I could actually take something I'd like my first year. BUT NOW as part of the dumbing down of the nation - these classes are not required, and in fact, since they aren't required for graduation, they just toss the whole summer school thing right in the fucking trash! So now, I'm screwed.

Summer school was going to be a way that I wouldn't have to go see my evil father (there's a lot more to the evil than I let you guys know). Now that it's gone, it seems almost definite that my whole summer will be ruined.

My question is to you, fellow DUers, what can I do this summer to get myself out of going to my father's house?

The only idea I have is that I've been nominated for this "People to People World Leadership Forum" that takes place on July 4th in Washington, DC. The only problem is, it costs $2000, money my family can't really spare, unless we're really desperate. But then again, that doesn't take care of my brother.

Please help me - even though the summer isn't even here, my father, the evil idiot he is, sends plane tickets and information around March 30th, my mother's birthday (which is like ripping out her heart to be reminded we have to visit him).

Thanks for listening to me hehehe....

[Madrone]

1. This isn't what you want to hear -

and believe me, I DO feel your pain as I hated going to my dad's house too, back in the day. I didn't even get to have this discussion, as my mom FORCED me to go.

I think you SHOULD go. It won't be long before this whole issue is moot and you are no longer spending summers with your dad. You've only got a few years left, and he IS your father and deserves to see you, even if he can be a horse's ass.

In retrospect, I am really glad I had to go to my dad's - and knowing what I know now I would advise you to suck it up and go. My dad was difficult to deal with, but he was also stuck seeing his only child every other weekend and during the summer. I'm sure he wanted to see me more, but that was his visitation.

If something happened to your dad, I think you'd look back and regret it if you knew you spent your time trying to get out of seeing him.

Again, I really DO feel your pain, and I understand why you wouldn't want to. When you are older, however, the hassle it is to you NOW won't matter so much. And you may just be thankful you went.

[AlFrankenFan]

9. hehe, no offense but you do sound like my mom at times...

But I do see your point. I'm sure I'll regret it some day. It's just he treats my brother and I like when we visit, we're not even there, like we're watching their daily lives through one of those mirrors in interrogation rooms. Like we're objects...they way he shows his love...it's very odd, if it's there at all. When we fly there, he sticks us in the cheapest seats, and could care less if we have an escort there (like my step-dad) and makes us pay for it. He doesn't take days off of work or anything....it's just odd, and not really a pleasant experience.

[Betty]

2. Are you old enough to get a summer job?

and legally, can you not go to your Dad's? One of my students has no say about that type of thing, (summer visitations) it's all set out in the divorce settlement.

But if you have some leeway, maybe a summer job would convince your conservative father that it would be good for you to stay home and work to earn some money.

[Big_AJ]

4. Get a job....

this could also be where you get the money for the forum in
July.  And even better get a job where your father lives.

AJ

[AlFrankenFan]

6. I'm 14...so I'm not sure I'd have to ask

And I do believe I am old enough....I'd have to call my lawyer in VA to find out...

[Exultant Democracy]

3. Well if you can't find a way to take your brother with you

then I suggest that you go so that he won't be alone in it.

[Philosophy]

5. It's time to stand up for yourself

When you reach the age where you finally realize your parents are far from perfect they cease to be able to "force" you to do anything.

[AlFrankenFan]

7. I've stood up many times...

He doesn't care. He doesn't listen. But it is always worth trying.

[gmoney]

8. How about a job as camp counselor?

You could do a part of the summer at some camp helping younger kids, meeting girls, getting fresh air, make a few bucks, and living the "Meatballs" lifestyle. But that's probably not ALL summer, so you should still have at least a couple weeks with the 'rents in Camp Hill.

[Reverend_Smitty]

10. This may be one of the last summers you get to spend with your dad

I speak from experience. Except I live with my dad, I never get to see my mom anymore, In fact I have not seen her since the summer after I graduated from high school (2 years ago). It's not that I don't want to see my mom (we really get along) but as I've gotten older I work in the summer and we don't have the money.

So you may not have too many more opportunities to spend quality time with your father. As for the political differences, I think that you should have a heart to heart talk with your dad and explain that you are getting older and you are forming your own opinions. He should be able to respect that and now that you are getting ready for high school you should be afforded new privileges.

And if all else fails and you can't work out an agreement, you can always apply for working papers...or even try volunteering for your local democratic party this summer. Not sure if you have to be a certain age to volunteer...I know I did it while I was in HS.

What ever transpires I wish you the best of luck in your dilemma

On edit...work out a compromise, only go down for 2 weeks or so, that way your parents will be happy and you don't have to spend your whole summer there