I had my face bitten by an Alaskan Husky when I was a wee boo. I never blamed the dog, because I was just in the wrong place at the right time, but I'm still wary of most big dogs.

Other than my own dogs I've only ever been bitten once, by a farm dog when my friend's grandfather had a dizzy spell and I was the only unfamiliar person holding him up. But I have resolved that if yappy formerly feral beagle at my apartment complex gets braver and bites me rather than just snapping, it'll be her final act on this earth.

bon bon insent.

cutest thing so far today? image of shrift as a wee boo.

I know I've said this before, but here is the reason I like online dating sites (and similar): Not because I'm going to meet my husband, but because it gets me used to talking to strangers. Which I generally avoid.

Relatedly, I do like the online dating because you are meeting total strangers-- no awkwardness around knowing the same people or seeing each other around. It doesn't work out? You never have to talk to them again. Embarrassed at, well, all the embarrassing things we do while dating? Never have to look them in the eye again. And I really think starting things off in the "dating" space is more likely to lead to a relationship than with someone you meet in a friendly circumstance.

Relatedly, I do like the online dating because you are meeting total strangers-- no awkwardness around knowing the same people or seeing each other around. It doesn't work out? You never have to talk to them again. Embarrassed at, well, all the embarrassing things we do while dating? Never have to look them in the eye again. And I really think starting things off in the "dating" space is more likely to lead to a relationship than with someone you meet in a friendly circumstance.

I never had any experience with any sort of dating service. I met Scott when I was 23, and we were married when I was 27. This perspective is interesting, because when I read Kate P.'s post earlier, my initial thought was to wonder exactly the opposite--if it isn't just better to go live your life, do the things you like to do--if eventually, a person would end up in the right place at the right time, with people of similar interests and convictions.

Obviously, both things can and do happen. I figure, if nothing else, dating services get you in the right frame of mind, and introduce you to more people than you'd naturally come across.

Finally, one of my friends is actually at work and so we're gonna go do lunch. I think I need to exchange holiday rants.

My new favorite store at cafepress...click on your name: [link]

I figure, if nothing else, dating services get you in the right frame of mind, and introduce you to more people than you'd naturally come across.

Now why would I want to do something like that? I mean, I want to smite enough humans as it is...

Kidding, mostly.

The Forbes Fictional 15. The 15 richest fictional characters.

[link]

Note: Do not read the Malfoy profile if you have not read that last Harry Potter book.