I'll make up a new version of the buffista database list and post it in Press and include a "top 10 under 10" pick-me-up list. Does that sound like a good idea?

I can report good results from an echidna skull.

Isn't Chop Suey American Chop Suey?

Chop suey shares its birthday with Jen amd meara. I kid you not.

Totally. He's got the metabolism of a hummingbird. He's only about 2 inches bigger in his pants size than he was in high school

Hummingbirds hibernate each night, which is just as well, because there's no way they can keep up their metabolism once the sugar-water shuts up shop for the night. Oh, but the ruby-throated hummingbirds take one night a year to pull an all-nighter across the Gulf of Mexico. They have a pretty slim margin of error for hitting headwinds or anything else that slows them down.

By which I mean, I shall be looking at Joe with a new measure of respect. If it seems like open mockery then that's just a trick of the light.

Sometimes you've just gotta do it (and that thing is pretty damn cool!).

Occasionally my spending habits are excessively driven by missing out on the Echidna: The Survivor video. I just... I assumed it'd always be there, y'know? t sobs

It's not so much the Axe Murdering Invisible Internet Friend thing that gets her (although I'm sure it does still freak her out), or even The Strange People Who Dress Up at Dragoncon that worries her the most. It's Allison's Not a Good Driver and Will Get in an Accident on the Interstate that's her main worry.

If you bring back pictures, you may be able to nudge The Strange People Who Dress Up at Dragoncon into first!

You could pull up the stats that most accidents occur less than 50 miles from home. Not that that will make her worry less.

Well now. Most driving occurs less than 50 miles from home. You'd really need to compare the accident incidence to the exposed-to-risk to determine which is actually safer.

Wally report! Alas, it's a little sad-making. AS is unhappy in her job, andindeed in her corner of the industry. She currently works for a life insurer, but she started in general insurance and that's where she really wants to be. Problem is, Melbourne doesn't have much of a general insurance industry. Career-wise, she needs to be in Sydney. This is NSM where I am, and we're not really at a point where moving interstate is such a good idea. I may need to spend tonight standing outside her apartment and shouting "WALLY!! WAAALLLLLYYYYYY!!!"

Not "Elaine!" or "Stella!" Picturing some nice woman getting out of her car or somewhere to say "I'm sorry. I just had a fight with my boyfriend too." Cause, the Wally thing.

Not "Elaine!" or "Stella!" Picturing some nice woman getting out of her car or somewhere to say "I'm sorry. I just had a fight with my boyfriend too." Cause, the Wally thing.

But her name isn't Elaine or Stella. Ok, it's not Wally either, but consider this point: shut up, you.

Skipping over 400 messages. I have been at Teacup Guy's for a couple of days and he needed to use his computer, so I haven't been able to keep up.

How is everyone? ~ma and hugs to all who need them.

Minor freak out: I am meeting Teacup Guy's brother and sister-in-law tomorrow for the first time. Is it possible for me to become an interesting person before then? Also, they are moving, so I picked up a couple of coloring books to occupy the kids during the move. Any other good ideas of things to keep a 3 year old and a 5 year old busy on a move?

Cereal:

Wally report! Alas, it's a little sad-making. AS is unhappy in her job, andindeed in her corner of the industry. She currently works for a life insurer, but she started in general insurance and that's where she really wants to be. Problem is, Melbourne doesn't have much of a general insurance industry. Career-wise, she needs to be in Sydney. This is NSM where I am, and we're not really at a point where moving interstate is such a good idea. I may need to spend tonight standing outside her apartment and shouting "WALLY!! WAAALLLLLYYYYYY!!!"

I'm sorry to hear this, bt.

Deena, two e-mails insent to you.

Saute ground beef with onions; add tomatoes, macaroni, and seasonings; cover and cook until done.

My family's version is called "tallarina." It was one of the recipes I sent in. Looks like everyone knows it already, and the list of variations will be longer than the recipe itself. Too funny.

Sorry, mate, too many movies. It's a real disorder. Hope you guys figure out something. Or should I say "you lot" right?

Minor freak out: I am meeting Teacup Guy's brother and sister-in-law tomorrow for the first time. Is it possible for me to become an interesting person before then?

What become? You're already there.

Coloring books are an awesome idea. They might also like blank doodling pads and a couple of packets of stickers. Also little plastic dinosaurs, if they're just big enough for the 3yo not to choke on. At that age, you can rarely go wrong with dinosaurs.

At that age, you can rarely go wrong with dinosaurs.

Ooooh, brilliant idea.

What become? You're already there.

Thanks. Part of the worry is because when I said to Dave, "Did you mention I am handicapped?" his response was "why?". Now don't get me wrong, I love him for this, because it truly doesn't matter to him, but it could be awkward.

sj, I can't imagine anyone not finding you smart and entertaining. Meeting relatives is always a little scary. Meeting my relatives is really scary, but that's a different problem.