There are just some things I do not understand when it comes to V’s parents.  However, I’m sure the feelings are mutual.  I could really get into it and mention all the times they claimed to not have enough money to visit or call their son, only to find out later, in the midst of their missing his graduation from college, all of his basketball games (in college and professional), birthdays, and other holidays, that they had bought a new house, two cars, and other rather large purchases.  But, I won’t.  Instead, I will talk about something way more interesting-their usage of the dishwasher and the dryer.

Before this visit, we were in Lithuania almost two years ago.  It was our first time seeing his parent’s new house, and we were appreciative of the extra space.  At least now, when we visit, we kind of have our own room.  Also, his mom decided to install a dishwasher in her new kitchen.  In Europe, dishwashers aren’t as popular (unfortunately), and I often find myself planning my meals around how many pans it will take to cook a damn casserole.  More than 2?  Find something else to eat.  Anyway, I digress…

So V’s family now has a dishwasher, only, they NEVER use it.  Or, I take that back.  I have seen them use it once this trip, and it was so awkward that V and I had to leave the room to contain our laughter.  How can dishwasher loading be funny, you ask?  Well, it took about 45 minutes.  V’s dad removed the silverware bucket, put it away in a cupboard, and proceeded to stick each spoon and fork through the holes in the upper tray.  They were just dangling there, but it presented a problem-What are we supposed to do with the knives?  They keep falling through.  And also, now, we have nowhere to put the cups.

 So, this dishwasher caused too much unnecessary stress, and they ceased using it, again.  But, do not worry internet, the dishwasher is being put to good use.  It is where they keep all their fruit and cookbooks. 

Onward to the dryer…

Again, it is rarely used.  V’s mom likes to remove laundry from the dryer to hang up elsewhere.  I am pretty sure that V and I are the only ones who employ its services.  However, the dryer cannot be used in unison with the washer or any other large electrical device, such as the vacuum.  If it is, the house loses all power.  So, when his family is away at work, V and I coordinate our laundry so we can actually use the magical, misunderstood drying device.  After washing one especially impressive load of ALL THONGS, I plopped them in the dryer and went to the mall with V.  Apparently, V’s mom got finished with work early, because when we got home, my underwear was hanging from every railing in the house.  Thongs were adorning the staircase, the towel rack, and the radiators.  OH MY GOD.  His entire family (mom, dad, and three brothers) was just hanging out in a house littered with my skimpy underwear.  No one said anything to me, and I tried to nonchalantly collect my goods and take them up to our room.  I don’t even bother trying to dry my clothes anymore…