That would work, Epic. What I usually do is nap, or at least say I am going to, and then escape with a book.

Did I miss the passage in the Great Commission that said "Go forth and beat the crap out of people to win them to the Kingdom"?

yes. the Crusades.

Drat. I've been reading the NIV. Must be a bad translation.

That would work, Epic. What I usually do is nap, or at least say I am going to, and then escape with a book.

Nice strategy. I used to have one that worked great. My eldest niece's B-day is X-mas day. When the younger kids (or my mom, aunt, and same-age cousins) were getting too obnoxious I'd announce "C'mon A, we're going out to a movie for your b-day." And we'd get the heck outta Dodge.

Also, while a kid might not see it that way (I'm sure I didin't), teaching the value of charitable giving is not a poke at the kid, but a good life lesson. My family were all pretty much horrible, but I did learn values from Easter Seal campaigns, the March of Dimes, MDA back yard carnivals, etc. I had one relative who donated to a wildlife org in my name because I love(d) animals. It felt good to know I was "saving the whales."

Agreed. And since Brenda pointed it out--the child's getting said gift, regardless.

I feel bad you have to deal with this drama, Perkins.

So glad we're staying put for the holidays.

Eeeeeeeeee!!! My holiday cards have arrived from Snapfish and they are SO CUTE. I lurve them.

I just got a call from my twin. Someone stole her debit card number, made a phoney card and used it in California to the tune of $2500--in one day.

Bleh.

Heh. My sister and I escape the family on Christmas Day by saying we're having "sisterly bonding" and go to the movies. I think it might've started my first year of college--my mom felt like she couldn't speak against it, then (and, y'know, my sister and I were less likely to be escaping each other, by that point)

If a person identifies as Religion X in a default sort of way, rather than a religious-understanding sort of way, s/he's still a Cultural [whatever].

Well, I know some people called themselves "raised Catholic". As in "I was raised Catholic, so that scarred my psyche right up like it does, but I don't practice/may not believe any of it, anymore"

Lee, how close can you cut it? Say, a flight that gets in ten minutes before meal time? Otherwise, I suggest wine. Lots and lots of wine.

If a person identifies as Religion X in a default sort of way, rather than a religious-understanding sort of way, s/he's still a Cultural [whatever].

Well, I know some people called themselves "raised Catholic". As in "I was raised Catholic, so that scarred my psyche right up like it does, but I don't practice/may not believe any of it, anymore"

When I was baptised in a Baptist church (age 21ish), after being raised Catholic, my father (who hasn't been to Mass since the 70's, and doesn't believe in God) was pissed. Because we're Irish Catholic. Even though neither of us has been to Ireland yet, I'm not supposed to align myself with "our oppressors." He was somewhat appeased when I told him that "Ethnically I'm Irish Catholic, but by choice I'm a California Protestant." Still wouldn't come to the baptism, though.

So, um, yes. That.

Wine is good too. I'm schedule for just about 64 hours there. I was already planning to spend about 30 of them sleeping or napping, and if I spend another 8 or 10 with the wine, that shouldn't be too bad.

Just, you know...friendly reminders.

I need to hire erika as my muscle.