My mother called, did a spot-on impression of her dream self, and now my whole family's visiting for the Fourth of July. So, four days from now. Three extra people. In my two bedroom apartment. I'd like to say that I don't know how it happened, but I absolutely do: She manipulated me by dangling her approval in front of me like a gift. Either I need to grow some thicker skin, or that woman should join the CIA.