I identify as culturally christian.

I seriously don't mean to start a kerfluffle or anything, but I'm curious -- what do you mean by that? I've heard the phrase before, and I don't understand it. Or rather, I don't understand how someone can be part of a faith culturally but not religiously. So, Beth (or anyone else) -- when you say that, what does it mean for you?

Hate. My. Bad. Boss.

Man, your boss needs a good smiting. And some plagues.

I have 2 out of my 3 holiday "things in jars" gifts decided, and am still wavering on the 3rd. Here are some of my ideas:

Choose strawberry! Go strawberry!

Hate. My. Bad. Boss.

So do we.

what does it mean for you?

I think, for me, it means that while as an adult I am a non-believer, my parents sent me to Sunday school and we celebrated the Christian holidays. My family still gets together on those holidays and does some traditional things -- but gathering for an Easter ham is a family thing, like gathering for a Thanksgiving turkey, rather than a religious thing for me. I give my nieces and nephews Christmas presents, even though I'm a non-believer, because that's what they're celebrating. (I give my husband Hannuka presents, because that's what he's celebrating). But my knowledge base, and my perspective comes from being raised in a household that worshiped as Christian.

That's my start of an explanation.

I always figure 'culturally christian' means there is no real conviction behind it, but its to some extent how one was raised.

Mmmm rhubarb.

Yuck, the fun trip with Brendon and his 3 girly classmates has turned dramatic with the van having serious issues. DH reports that he heard a very loud noise then the van wasn't driving right at all. He is on the side of the road waiting for my girlfriend who works nearby to rescue the kids. Well, at least they will have a story to tell.

He says now he doesn't think it is something horrible, but he won't go on with the kids.

Or rather, I don't understand how someone can be part of a faith culturally but not religiously.

For me it means that I grew up with Christians and went to church and all that, go to church with my mother when appropriate, and might well get married in a church -- but don't necessarily believe in God, or Christ for that matter.

And TSP [The Scarlett Pimpernel] is anti-Semitic as HELL, very embarrassing. Let us all pretend the last chapter doesn't exist.

This is so hilarious. I've read most of the book, and seen most of a couple of different versions of the movie, but various unexpected occurences have conspired to make me miss the end each time. Perhaps that was a good thing!

Duuuuude. Alaska's State motto could be along the lines of: We're Not Nuts, Honest.

But I don't live in Fairbanks anymore! I moved to Juneau, which is wet, but lovely.

I have a friend whose sister moved back to Fairbanks from Eagle River (near Anchorage) because she didn't like the weather farther south. I gasped in shock when I heard that, and go into a coughing and/or laughing fit each time I think of it, it's just that hysterical.

Emily, I'm taking more meds and going back to sleep. Toto misses you. He's lying in your spot keeping it warm for you.

I have a friend whose sister moved back to Fairbanks from Eagle River (near Anchorage) because she didn't like the weather farther south.

I have cousins who retired from Wisconsin to northern Minnesota because they wanted more winter.