Yes, but I see the two examples as radically different--can you explain why they are similar?

I see the salad eating habit as being a way to regulate consumption/desire. The toothbrushing has to do with abjection, kind of the flip side of that.

How about a definition where a neurosis can be stimulus for a compulsion? I mean, the compulsion are the tasks you execute to relieve the distress caused by the neurosis?

I think this can be the case for a lot of compulsive behavior, but do you really think it's the reason behind all of it?

Oh my sweet Jesus, it would be more dramatic than a supernova. With added lamentations in Italian.

We could bring in my Boston-Sicilian auntie for added hand gestures, if you like.

Third time's a charm for Roto Rooter. *sigh* At least this is a different toilet than the last two. This guy's ready to give me a frequent customer discount.

I refuse to buy a toilet auger myself, even though I could have more than paid for it by now. I steadfastly believe that this phase will pass and my kids will soon find flushing inappropriate objects down the toilet as tiresome as I.

Worst case scenario, I have to track down the film makers who did Flushed Away and beat them to death.

We could bring in my Boston-Sicilian auntie for added hand gestures, if you like.

Bwah!

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. It looks like we'll be departing from New York on time today, and we should reach Los Angeles in the record time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. We seem to be aided by a strong tailwind caused by excessive hand-flailing and multiple recitations of the Rosary in the vicinity of Harrisburg, PA and Boston, MA. Evidently, Maria and Juliana have not checked in with their families yet. That means trouble for them, but a quick flight for us.

Sit back, relax, and hope they don't call until after we land.

Is school out for the summer now?

It is now!!! Today was the last day. I'm now home and getting ready to leave for the end of the year party. Woot!!

It was cute to watch all the 8th grade girls sobbing over leaving middle school. And, surprising. Surprising because of who some of the girls were (girls I didn't expect to be criers) and suprising because I certainly didn't cry when I left middle school.

Timelies all!

I'm sorry for your loss askye.

but do you really think it's the reason behind all of it?

What other sorts of reasons do you suggest?

God information collecting and organisation for re-presenting purposes is twisting my brain in an not-leaving-the-building-for-lunch sort of a way. I hope I at least manage a late afternoon stroll for a...well, I don't know where to get decent hot chocolate. Something.

Roto Rooter gave me another $5 off this time. Which is nice. He pulled a sock and two toothbrushes out of the kids' toilet.

He pulled a sock and two toothbrushes out of the kids' toilet.

Cash, I think your kids are bent on world domination one toilet at a time.

I admire you so damned much.

Yes, I think I'd have long since resorted to yelling "That's it! I'm putting a lock on the toilet and you're wearing diapers until you can drive!"