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.

Someone stole her debit card number, made a phoney card and used it in California to the tune of $2500--in one day.

Eeek. That stuff is scary. Is the bank being cool about it?

Aw, thanks. I promise not to flip out and kill any Russians...it's the least I can do for a knight in white satin armor like yourself.

From way back:

(Sail, there may be an "EMERGENCY--PLEASE FOR TO HELP ON PROJECT" email, in your future.)

No problemo. Christmas in Spain was very interesting to someone raised with US Christian holidays. It's very much more directed to the entire population celebrating along strictly religious lines, and while it can be solemn, it is by no means joyless. I enjoyed every aspect of it.

Things you should not tell your mother:

1) That you told the nurse at the ER how long it's been since you had sex.

2) That you told another nurse that really you wish you were having sex.

I blame it on the drugs.