Drew, I'm so glad you made it home to see your Dad, and I hope that you got a good night's sleep. Your family is still in my thoughts.

Connie, what a shock! Even if you hadn't spoken to your mother in years, hearing the news without expecting it was going to be a huge shock. However you decide to honor your mother -- going to PA, or staying home and honoring her in your own way -- I know you'll be able to handle it.

ION, I finally snapped and replied to a political e-mail from my uber-Republican uncle (who knows I'm a Democrat). It was one of those forwarded dealies with alleged quotes taken out of context from Obama's 2 books, all of which were cherry-picked (or made up) to prove that he's (at best) a racist, or (at worst) a Muslim. The e-mail was led into with something like "read these quotes and THEN see if you're still comfortable with this man as our next president!"

I replied (to everyone on the list; sorry, but if you spam people with untrue political shit, I want everyone on that list to know that it's not true) that I don't appreciate receiving forwarded e-mails containing un-researched and untrue information that was taken out of context to prove an agenda.

And then I did it. I included a link (I didn't paste the actual quote into the body of the e-mail) to the account of McCain calling his wife a cunt, and said "I prefer to have a president in office who respects his wife."

And after that I just said "please don't include me on your political e-mail list any longer. There is a long way to go before the election, and I don't want something as simple as an un-researched, out-of-context forwarded e-mail to cause anger and bad feelings among family members who love each other.

"We can always argue about the really important things in life -- like who makes better tiramisu: Aunt P or [local restaurant]! (Actually, I think you and I agree on that one -- Aunt P -- so we need a different dessert to argue about.)

"I ALWAYS want to hear about what's going on in your life, and other family news, family photos, silly stories, etc. But it's going to be much better in the long run if we make a "gentlemen's" (gentle-relative's, perhaps?) agreement to not discuss politics.

"I've had to make this same request of some of my friends, and it's kept us from becoming EX-friends. So please don't feel I'm flying off the handle with you -- I just want to keep the peace."

And if he keeps sending me political e-mails, then I reserve the right to lose my shit entirely. Gah. Relatives.

I could start Rickrolling him, I suppose.

You rock, d!

Steph, I did a similar response to my step-brother's christian emails. It worked for me so I hope it works for you.

Drew, so glad you made it to SD last night. I hope you slept and can spend some time with your family today.

{{connie}} I am so sorry. Laura, javachik and ginger already said everything I was thinking, so I'll just add my brackets. {{{}}}

d, you're a rockstar!!

I could start Rickrolling him, I suppose.

He would totally deserve it. I think your email was a measured, well-thought out, and kind response. If he doesn't get that, he needs a little Ricking.

Yay, d!

Omnis, good luck unpacking.

Thank you for sending the email, Teppy. I do the same thing. Many times the sender hasn't even bothered to read the hate emails, much less actually research it. Reply All is the best way to stop the virus.

whoa, I thought I was tired. GO d!!!! That is awesome!!!

I have just done the most dangerous thing. I am laying prone on the bed. Feels good. I've got 1/2 the books, all the cd's & DVD's, and the microwave unpacked. Boy am I exhausted. Next I'm going to assemble the desk, and get computer and audio gear connected. Then, probably put a movie into the iMac and call it a night.

Ow.

Congratulations d!! One of my friends is doing a triathlon next weekend, and we just had brunch and she was soooo excited about it.

Teppy, I'm so glad that although my dad is conservative, he at least doesn't send me emails like that!!

ND, take care of yourself, and you too connie.l

Thanks, everyone! My motto of the day was "I'm having fun, dammit!" I tried to smile as much as possible. I finished in 2 hrs 17 minutes. Not too shabby for someone who doesn't really swim, bike, or run very well! I'll post a race report on my blog later tonight after I get my stats.

I was very sorry to come back to the board and read about the really shitty day everyone had yesterday. I guess that's where my rage was coming from.

connie I am very sorry for your loss. I wish I lived a lot closer to Pitt so I could drive you. Drama-free reunion ma for you.

ND, I am also very sorry to hear about your father's poor state. I'm glad you were able to get there in time to see him. If this is the end may it be peaceful and painless.

Teppy, hope your email works.

meara, hope your friend has a lot of fun!