I think it works if you go:

I tend to agree with Allan Siegel; a colon would have been more elegant in place of the semi.

oh shit, is Easter coming soon? Ack! How soon? I mean, can I ignore it for another week or so, or will that get me in hot water?

We totally missed out on Valentines day this year, too sick. I really can't blow off another fun holiday, plus it's the last good excuse for Sees candy in months.

Easter is on my birthday, March 23rd. First time that I remember the two coinciding--I remember a few Good Friday birthdays, but no Easter ones.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that learning a foreign language really is not at all important* for a majority of Americans.

I'm not saying that's a good thing, or that it wouldn't enrich your life and your understanding (and in some cases, your career). But fact is, I don't think it matters* to most people. That may be changing, and in some geographies faster than other. But right now, it's probably virtually immaterial for 75% of Americans.

[*in the sense of "has any meaningful impact on their lives" rather than the more obvious "is something they consider a priority." ]

I am inclined to agree that the necessity of learning a language other than English is sharply reduced for most Americans, particularly given that most Americans do not travel abroad and we already speak the international language of business.

I do my own framing, because having other people do it seems dreadfully expensive. I find a nice frame in a standard size that's 2 or so inches wider on all sides than the print. Then I go to a framing store and have them cut an acid-free mat to fit, plus an acid-free cardboard backing.

I was going to say. If you are the least bit crafty (which I am not, I am craftarded!) it's pretty easy and WAY less expensive to get a mat cutter and cut and mat and frame your own. I get my crafty friends to do it for me.

I had some original pieces that needed to be mounted and framed and all that "preserve this art" stuff done. Oh, and non-standard sizes. I think it was $200 a pop sometime between 5 & 10 years ago at the art framing place. Ouch, but since I really do want to display and protect this stuff forever, worth it.

My sister took care of framing the cross-stitch wedding piece I made for her and my BIL last fall--it ended up costing $80 after the half-off coupon from Michaels, but according to Mom who is visiting there now, it looks gorgeous and is prominently displayed in their living room.

I've got several other cross-stitch pieces I'd love to frame for my apartment, but I'm not going to spend that kind of money, that's for sure!

I have a mat cutter, but I suck at it.

Timelies all!

Happy Birthday Beverly!

Lesson learned: Nova-kitty has not calmed down enough to be allowed in the bedroom at night. Sure, having her curled up to me, purring like a motorboat, as I fall asleep is kinda soothing. The middle-of-the-night excursion under the covers was not.