Phase I..success!

I'm currently in our hotel room in North Dakota. The boys have gone out to do a little birthday shopping and I'm relaxing.
Last night was "the dinner"  But wait, we didn't just have dinner. We were invited (more informed than invited) to a "pre-party" at the ex-wife's house. Drinks and appetizers. Oh Joy. I fought to win this one but didn't. It seemed to be very important to the graduate so we complied. My in-laws, however, were not so eager. We made excuses and regrets for them and showed up wearing a smile. I was greeted awkwardly at best, but managed to pull myself away from the loud obnoxious one and charm her father. Her mother actually hugged me as I left so it went well I think.
We stayed for a little more than an hour and endured a very loud woman. It occured to me that she must be very insecure to be as loud and obnoxious as she is. She definitely demands attention.
We went to dinner at a Japanese steakhouse complete with cheesy chef and hibachi grill. It was definitely interesting. We picked up the check, for 12 people. After my husband had accepted and signed the check and sent it back the ex throws her napkin across the table and hits him with it. I KNOW I showed my shock and disapproval at that point. She had made an ass of herself all night while I smiled and visited with her father seated next to me. At the napkin throwing, I probably didn't hold back. I looked over at her like.. what is wrong with you?? and she makes a writing motion with her hand, apparently that was her way of getting my husband's attention to find out about the bill. Seriously? The whole table saw him take it and pay it.
The best part of the evening was when it was over. The graduate sent a text to her dad thanking us for participating and telling us how much it meant to her. This weekend IS all about her, in spite of what her mom thinks.
Today is the big graduation. After that, we are done with this woman and her outrageous self for a while. I'm so excited to get the boy away from here and have him live with us. After seeing his mother with him and how he reacts to her, I see just how unhappy he is.
I have learned something about myself this weekend. I will share it when I wrap up in a day or two.