r-e-s-p-e-c-t

So, yesterday, I did what I normally tend to do since I'm really the Absent Minded Professor in disguise. Yes, thats right, I left something somewhere. Actually, it was my sketchbook with the painting I had sketched for my American Pictures class, along with my notebook for my Museum Studies class with all my reading notes that we have to turn in at the end of the semester. They are now the property of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art and Portraiture and are probably residing in the dumpster. C'est la vie. (Last year, I would have definitely been pissed. But this time I really didn't care. Its good to be in that mood sometimes...)
I spent Easter with my grandpa and my aunt (my dad's side of the family) and though the food was wonderful, I had forgotten what the conversation could be like. Let me start by saying this - if you can't make a logical argument and if you don't know anything about politics or the world at large don't even attempt to open your mouth. Also, if you are inept at sarcasm - stay quiet! They will eat you alive. Good thing this smiling face isn't always pure and innocent.
So anyways - they're talking, and I'm trying to contribute. But the thing is - I forgot this (and since I dont' see them very often, I tend to forget it) - I don't think that they think of me as very intelligent. Sure, I'm smart. But I'm artsy fartsy and full of emotions and really more of my mother's daughter anyway, minus the fact that I look exactly like my grandma (may she rest in peace). And it really frustrates me because, well, I am smart. And quite able to take part in "adult" conversation. Really.
I guess its a problem I have with alot of people. They don't seem to take me seriously. I mean, they say they do. But their actions tell me they really don't. My boyfriends have never taken me seriously, I'm sure some of my friends don't take me seriously, sometimes I think my own parents don't take me seriously. I'm sure my advisor, Dr. Gillin, really thinks I'm a kook. Although he wrote me an amazing recommendation letter so maybe he knows otherwise.
Maybe it annoys me because I feel like I have never earned my grandpa or my aunt's respect. I mean, I know they love me - they're family that way - but I'm not sure if they really respect who I am. And its frustrating when someone that close to you doesn't even know you who are.
At any rate, its Easter evening and, thanks for family, I will overdose on chocolate rabbit.