is it bad to think "I wonder what Pete would like with explodey head from embarrassment"? Part of me would like to see that, and yet, the fear of the consequences keeps me from going there.

Angry. It would be very, very angry. Pete does not like surprise parties either. He very seriously explained this to me, which is why I NEVER EVER plan them for him.

Me, I love surprises. Once, when I was out with co-workers at Claim Jumper, one of the managers decided our table needed free cake, so told the server that it was my birthday. (It wasn't.) The waitstaff brought over a piece of cake that was longer than my arm, and sang a birthday-type song to the tune of the Addams Family.

I may be more thankful that none of my waitressing gigs occurred in places which would have required me to learn insane-o non-"Happy Birthday" songs than I am thankful to share bt's joy. But not by much. And? It's a totally different kind of gratitude.

Still, I think that a birthday song to the tune of the Addams Family theme song would possibly be the Jilli-est b-day song.

I am not a fan of birthday singing in restaurants. My mother loves it though. and she can't sing worth a damn.

Every time I go to a family-type restaurant, somebody gets a birthday song. I don't know if there are just a lot of birthdays celebrated in Applebee's-type places, or if I'm cursed. My friends/family know better than to do that to me; I don't like being the focus of attention like that.

Your character arc has been impressive, Mr. Tea.

I'm like the anti-Wesley!

Thanks everyone. I am pleased to report that this morning Ryan was full of smiles and pats on Daddy's back, until Daddy had to go to work, when they were replaced by the tears of betrayal.

Oh, while I think of it, happy Independence Day! I hope aliens don't blow up the White House.

making you work on a holiday. That's just mean. Oh wait, that's right, y'all have weaned yourself from the Queen yet. When will OZ declare itself independent? t stirring political nest

(sorry, can't find the end tag on that one)

Oh wait, that's right, y'all have weaned yourself from the Queen yet. When will OZ declare itself independent?

Hey, we get a day off for Australia's Federation. And for the Queen's birthday. And a frakkin' horse race. Not to mention two days off for both Easter and Christmas. Oh, and mandated four weeks' annual leave.

Seriously, if ever a Prime Minister got assassinated, the reaction of most of the country would be, "So do we get a day off for this?"

Ded from puppy cuteness. Floppy ears are more adorable in person. And so soft!! Cuteness meter on overload!!!

Seriously, if ever a Prime Minister got assassinated, the reaction of most of the country would be, "So do we get a day off for this?"

name a beer for it, and they'll be fine.

Floppy ears are more adorable in person. And so soft!!

GSDs have such soft, soft, supremely nommable ears. They're better than baby toes, in my book.

name a beer for it, and they'll be fine.

Ours is an uncomplicated psyche. A psyche of beeeeeer.