So, I am shaking here, guys. One of the very worst things I ever did in my life was get involved with bullying a girl when I was 13. Two friends of mine and I went after a girl we knew well, but who was not part of our little group for some reason I don't know. It might be because the other two in the group had been bullied a lot when younger. It was mostly their idea, but I know that's no excuse. I was there and went along with it, so I am culpable.

It lasted a few weeks only, but it was MEAN. In her name, we ordered magazine subscriptions and entered her in record clubs and Fruit of the Month and anything you could send in a card for. We got found out and were made to apologize and I was grounded (go, team my mom and dad). Then we did one thing I STILL can't remember without cringing. We went to her house and snuck in and STOLE her favorite dress. So awful. I felt bad after that and opted out, although I think the other two kept it up for a while.

They moved away the next year (not because of this--her Mom got a job in the West) and I never knew what happened to her. She just joined a Facebook group set up for people from my hometown and I sent her a friend request along with a full apology. I don't expect forgiveness, but at least I was able to say I was sorry. This has eaten at me ever since I was a kid--I have never treated anyone like that before or since.

Steph, I'd appreciate any links to ADD/ADHD info, and thank Tim for me.

3 minutes max on the toilet, after that everyone is totally justified in thinking you're either dying or shooting up. Yep.

"Excuse me, did you ask me something? I was praying."

Oof, Scrappy. I hope that there's a good resolution for you both.

Scrappy, that took a lot of guts. I hope that woman responds positively to your apology.

Scrappy, that took a lot of guts. I hope that woman responds positively to your apology.

Yes, this.

Scrappy, that took a lot of guts. I hope that woman responds positively to your apology.

This.

Scrappy, that took a lot of guts. I hope that woman responds positively to your apology.

So much this.

Whatever the outcome, Scrappy, it took guts to apologize. Go you.

Also, in my experience, I think children (and thirteen year olds are more children than teens in this regard) often learn to map their moral universe through mistakes and transgressions more than through good behavior. I know that was true for me. What's important is how you responded to your actions.

Oh, dear. There's a new book out cataloging Israeli slang. [link] One dialogue that it presents and translates:

Man: “tistovevi: turn around”

Woman: “totsi miyad: take it out immediately”

Man: “tiftchi: open up”

Woman: “al tafsik: don’t stop”

Both: “achshav: now”

Woman: “Haya lecha tov?: Was it good for you?”

Man: “Likro lach monit?: Shall I call you a cab?”