And you'll be sad if you don't do what makes you happy. Personally, my life policy is that as long as I am not intentionally hurting someone by making myself happy, I go for it. It isn't my job to ensure eveyrone else's happiness first. Like you said, you paid your dues.

If SD is old enough to work, SD is old enough to learn and cope with the concept that work messes up holidays and free time. She can be sad all she wants, most people are when they don't get to spend the holidays the way they'd like. And then when the time comes, like you have, that you've earned the right to be off, it's that much more enjoyable.

Go, leave SD, enjoy your holiday with no worries.

Number 2 with out a doubt! Step Monster advises step moms to #1 take care of ourselves, #2 their marriage and #3 our children. By doing it in this order we are actually doing the best thing we can do for our kids.

She is old enough and shouldn't ever have or rely on you for anything like this. Too bad.. just do what makes you happy first. If you do it once.. they'll expect it all the time.

Kids grow up and get involved in jobs and school activities and can't always participate in the family stuff like when they were younger. Tough beans. I think you should go and enjoy yourself and not worry about i.

My DH always makes me feel bad if I don't do things for my skids. Sometimes it's not the skids.. sometimes it's DH for putting you in an awkward situation and he clearly knows you'll have to bend boundaries to not only please her but him also. Just make it clear to him that you can't because of other plans. Stop worrying about what he wants you to do. I know it's hard, but it's the only way YOU will be happy..