call my family more often

doing much better already.

i’ve only been away a month and a bit and i think i’ve called at least 4 times. :)

I live in a different country to my family. I speak to my mother every week now and both of my brothers once or twice a month.

I texted my brother and he replied. We live in different countries now. Things can often be quite easygoing between us. We go surfing together. I go to his gigs when he plays music. I am fascinated by his archaeology work and we talk about it a lot. However I have always acted like an older brother towards him and definitely far more than I should. I hadn’t fully realised the way things were between until somebody pointed it out to me again recently.

A few years ago one of my best mates highlighted the way I act towards my brother, and I was surprised and saddened but I didn’t change my behaviour. I think I am quite often controlling, negative, patronising, overbearing and overprotective.

I am now seriously trying to reduce and cease this behaviour. I will take it one period at a time.

Some of the ways my German flatmate behaves remind me of myself. He is also the eldest of three brothers. He’s not a bad guy and I get on fairly well with him. His tendency to give orders, make too many suggestions and attempts to influence others are all characteristics of mine.I think I am improving and moderating these behaviours in myself now. It has been really useful to be the other person in these exchanges with him as I can see and experience the effect this type of behaviour has on others.

Chatted to my mother and my youngest brother on the phone yesterday. I want things to be better with my other brother. I tell him what to do A LOT. I must be a pain in the ass. I miss all of them.

Today I made about nine Cards to send to my family for the holidays. Only a few more to make then I can send them off. It might not be a call, but at least I’m making some effort.

Last night I called my father. He was drunk.

All right. I’m gonna call him definitely THIS WEEK.

I call Bol last friday. I am going to call S. tomorow and send things to him.

Every Sunday, it’s my routine now for the last year. Last week, though, my cell phone was uncharged. I started a blog for them to read.

I like the feeling we are growing closer.

i have an awesome family, i shouldn’t take that for granted