I think it's a basic Puritan thing, that if you really want something material or "frivolous", that it will be very character building when you don't get it. I've seen dozens of shows where the protagonist is yearning and working for something, only to lose it at the last minute. I think it's part of some perverse "don't long for better things, be content with what you have" thing.

I should add that I actually think it would be very different going to a shower for someone I’m really close to

Yeah. My "No more baby showers" rule is conditional. If my pseudo-sibling's wife becomes pregnant? I will be at that shower with glee.

if you really want something material or "frivolous", that it will be very character building when you don't get it.

Sometimes people have tried to use that "logic" on me. I answer with, "Really? You think I need more character?"

You could be a Toon!

I think it's a basic Puritan thing, that if you really want something material or "frivolous", that it will be very character building when you don't get it.

Makes sense, but I don't think it was a character-building thing for this congregation. It was a punishment for the sin of pride and love of/desiring material objects.

I've seen dozens of shows where the protagonist is yearning and working for something, only to lose it at the last minute.

I HATE that trope.

You could be a Toon!

COULD be? According to several people, I already AM a Toon.

Got a random question: in written or drawn work, what makes a villain a *sympathetic* villain to you? Not somebody you want to win, but someone you say "I really understand why you do what you do. You have a good argument/you are so damn broken. I feel for you. But I still want you stopped." For example in many of the X-men comics we are intended to feel that for Magneto. Or we are meant to feel that in some portrayals of Cat-woman where she is not an outright hero/anti-hero. So I'm seeking examples where this kind of intent work for you? What villains do you feel sympathy or maybe even empathy for, without moving all the way to their side? Comics, plays books, animated cartoons only - anything without live actors, because actors can overwhelm the writing to make someone sympathetic.

Just curious. Not doing a study or anything.

We made onesies with iron ons (mostly Ramones and funny song lyrics) and hung out. It was fantastic.

Raq made an iron-on onesie for Matilda from Invader Zim: Perfectly Normal Human Worm Baby.

What villains do you feel sympathy or maybe even empathy for, without moving all the way to their side?

Dr. Doom. No one is going to hurt his people, ever.

What villains do you feel sympathy or maybe even empathy for, without moving all the way to their side? Comics, plays books, animated cartoons only - anything without live actors, because actors can overwhelm the writing to make someone sympathetic.

Hmm.... will ponder.

Was up past 11 last night, reading and stretching. I'm so tired my eyes keep rolling back in my head involuntarily. And my hip still hurts, always and forever, amen.

Was up late last night, drank a little too much, stomach was feeling funny (shakes fist at taco table), Tom was up every couple hours with tooth pain, and I was super stressed out because I got an email from my direct report late last night saying that we needed to talk first thing in the morning.

So, first day beck from vacation, my awesome employee tells me she's resigning, I have a zillion emails to go through, and I am so tired I could cry. I also have a work meeting after work so I'll be here late.

I may very well cry at least once today.