Happiest of birthdays to Nilly and flea!

Yay for walking and flipping, Matilda and Dylan!

I was watching the Ireland episode of Anthony Bourdain over the weekend, and I'm pretty sure at one point he was in County Cork watching "street bowling," in which the two contestants took turns throwing a metal ball down the road until it rolled off the pavement. Whoever got the ball to the end of the 1 1/2 mile stretch of road in the fewest throws won (sort of like golf), but it was mostly a venue for a good walk for the (all-male) spectators, as well as a gambling opportunity--there ended up being 2000 euros in the pot.

If you can find a single thing that everyone has in common, I will give you a cookie.

What kind of cookie? I prefer raisin oatmeal. Because I think you were all mammals.

Happy Birthday Nilly!!!

Because I think you were all mammals.

Jar-Jar isn't a mammal.

The nadia pinstriped skirt is beautiful! And you're getting such a great deal on the "another long black skirt" and it's crinkly! I don't think it counts as just another long black skirt. Nice, Ita!

I've always said that the secret to a good relationship is two bathrooms and two TVs. And now I add two Tivos.

Sing it.

Because I think you were all mammals.

You know, I kind of doubt it. At least in terms of self-identification.

I made cookies last night. Dark chocolate with cappucino chips. I'm very popular here at work today.

At least in terms of self-identification.

That's the magic of being dictatorial. An end to self-identification.

Tommy--what is Jar Jar?

I don't think it counts as just another long black skirt.

Mine are all fundamentally different. I just think no one else actually notices. Now I'll definitely wear one in to work.

Hmm. Site didn't offer instore pickup. I wonder where I was remembering that from. Seems like a good way to get customers into your actual store, but maybe the profit on S&H is sufficient that there's no point, especially if they have to mess with standard stocking.

Can I send my boyfriend to hang out in your chamber with you? He can't stop watching the US Open.

As long as he understands that he is not allowed to fidget or speak to me or otherwise do anything that might possibly annoy me, because that would mean sending your boyfriend back in a coffin. It's nothing personal!

That's the magic of being dictatorial. An end to self-identification.

If you're going to be dictatorial, you might as well just order me to bring you a cookie.

My favorite costume this year was probably the Flying Spaghetti Monster.