Because that was the point I couldn't stop my tears anymore, despite the room being full of people to whom I'll need to explain how come my C++ simulation made me respond so strongly:

Fiona: In honour of all the newlyweds here, I just went and picked a bunch of flowers (a hyphen bouquet: lily-of-the-valley and forget-me-nots). Whenever I look at it over the next few days, I will think of you and wish you all the happiness in the world.

I think it was the so-very-Buffista combination of emotion (from the other side of the ocean, too!) and hyphens.

In F2F:

Raquel: Yes indeed the cicadas are here. Not awful yet, but here. DC's under attack by al-Cicada.

Karl, in Bitches:

May life be good and sweet to all of you, and bring you just enough misfortune that your friends and loved ones are able to lift you out of it, and no more.

Natter:

Lilty Cash: Dear Katerina Bee,

I am writing in response to your plan for World Domination, and am inquiring if there might be a position for me in your organization. I'm an organized self-starter with a proclivity for both baby ducks and cable networks.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding this exciting plan of leadership.

Sincerely, Lilty Cash

Wait...I don't need a cover letter for domination plans! How 'bout I just bring the minions and the jelly donuts?

Minearverse, on automatic vs. stick:

KristinT: If there's even a chance of starting a family in the next five years, I want to have a hand free if I have a baby in the back seat.

tommyrot: <tries to picture KristinT driving from the back seat while giving birth>

Trudy, on things to do in D.C. when you're dead...or at the F2F:

I'm going to visit the Constitution and see if it's still there.

DAMN it, P-C, you beat me to Trudy's post.

(shaking large fist in menacing yet motherly fashion)

In Natter:

Suela: Bleargh. I'm supposed to know something about spectrum management to write this proposal. I don't.

Sigh.

ita: Consuela, keep red as far away from violet as you can. That always helps.

Trudy Booth, in Bitches:

Short and blonde and sorta pasty

The girl from Ypsilanti gets pastry

A certain donut makes pregnant Empresses

Go "ahhhhh"

Merinda:

...a girl from Ypsilanti's so tasty...

Wow, that was weird. You went "pastry" and I went "tasty."

Trudy:

Clearly you know more girls from Ypsilanti.

Aimée:

Ahem. *I* am from Ypsilanti.

Polter-Cow:

Ah, yes you are. And you are definitely tasty. Offensive as all get-out, but tasty.

Miracleman: One of the things that weirds me out about this Revolution X story is the "military liaison".

Since when does a high school have a military liaison?

I'm just trying to imagine Community High School in Ann Arbor having a military liaison.

"Good morning, students. I'm Colonel Jack Brickchin and I will be your military liaison.

In the event of an enemy invasion, you will be required to do the following:

The A/V department will be coordinating communications from here through the Public Access channel down the street.

All students in the Scott, Eisenberg, Dodd and Brown forums will join up with the 101st Light Armored and establish a defensive perimeter that includes Zingermann's and Kerrytown.

All students in the Dewoskin, Morales and King forums will hook up with the 352nd Infantry and head south to protect Briarwood Mall. It is imperative that the enemy not gain access to Ruby Tuesday's and S'barros, so until reinforcement from Father Gabriel Richard High School arrive to relieve you, you will hold that line. Are we clear? YOU HOLD!

Dismissed."