The summer I was 12, my mother entered the city's garden tour. Ladies traveled around in packs visiting various homes, ooh-ing and ahh-ing over gardens, potted plants and the general state of everyone's lawn. I remember it well, because my mother was in her usual worked up everything has to be perfect and don't you dare ruin this state. I had to help clean the inside of the house, even though nobody was coming in but you never know.

And for God's sake, don't come outside or even think about going near a WINDOW!

Gee, thanks mom. It's nice to know I'm so hideous that nobody can see me and shatter the image of your perfect world.

Today, the situation is different, but it's the same thing all over again. My mother is having people of from work do discuss something, and again, I'm supposed to hide for three or four hours.

It's nice to know I'm loved. Instead of holing up in my room all afternoon, maybe my mp3 player and I will take a long walk and find a quiet place to read.