It's very strange for me, Sparky, because my mother is a compulsive gambler. Like, losing tens of thousands of dollars over a few years compulsive. So I am extremely ambivalent about gambling. For years I swore it off and wouldn't even entertain the idea of gambling because I've seen first-hand, how much heart ache and pain it causes.

On the other hand, by knowing those pitfalls, I'm more careful about how I go about it and really ended up enjoying it once I learned more about the games (which ones are the best payouts) and how to play. I set strict limits and walk away when I lose--because LOSING IS NOT FUN. Chasing losses is what leads to badness. DH is more caught up in the mathy aspects of the more skilled games like poker. But he LOVES craps because it's all about playing the odds and making the best bets. Craps is the best paying game odds-wise out there. As opposed to roullette. DH just shakes his head when we pass the roullette tables and says that he has no idea why anyone would play that stupid game.

Owen and dandelions

That's a cute pic.

So glad to hear that life is good for bt, and that vw's value is appreciated by prospective employers! (And vw, putting on my unsolicited advice hat, I'd say if you're offered this job, take it and don't worry about the might-have-beens from next week's interview or any other resumes you have out there--the work itself looks fabulous and in line with your interests, and I'm sure you know how rare benefits like they're offering are with part-time work.)

Oh, and DH talked to his online community of choice about the rifle thing, and their consensus was, "We see your point about the gun, but none of those objections really apply to a bayonet or sword." Of course, my character wouldn't have had a sword, but fortunately a Baker rifle bayonet is a decorative object all by itself: [link] I'd probably get the rifle, too (if I ordered from this site, I'd have to), but I wouldn't mind storing it elsewhere. And then maybe I could add a sword or two to the collection later--that site doesn't have the kind of swords either of the next two heroes I'm planning would've worn, but maybe somebody else will....

I guess this is that "compromise" thing of which you speak.

Cashmere -- what a sweet picture of Owen!

Aww....cutie Owen!

I guess this is that "compromise" thing of which you speak.

So does he get his Canon Rebel XT?

Timelies All!

BT - So great to hear about your happier Headspace. Things sound great.

vw - still vibing madly, sounds like it's working!

Cash - darn cute kid you got there. Glad your trip went so well.

Umm, don't remember anything else...

Oh, I don't know if that's the specific camera he wants (it's some kind of fancy-schmancy digital), but once he told me that A) he was serious about photography, and B) our current camera is damaged and out of warranty, that much was given. It's just a matter of when, and where the money comes from. So he's getting his birthday money from his mom early and setting aside extra $$ from his paycheck toward the credit card, and plans to buy the camera before we go to Alabama next month.

ETA I am, however, still pissed that the current camera is broken already. It's only two years old! Cameras should last at least ten years, IMO.

ETA I am, however, still pissed that the current camera is broken already. It's only two years old! Cameras should last at least ten years, IMO.

Same goes for computers. I hate electronics that way.

Oh, I don't know if that's the specific camera he wants

It is, even if he doesn't know it.