the good news: With all the walking back and forth to the Shakespeare in the park theater, my knees don't hurt today. The bad news: my back and arms do instead. Ow. We are going to get the stupid golf carts just in time for when we don't need them anymore. Stupid bureaucracy.

Ugh Nora, I can't imagine making my children shoulder the costs if DH died. But I'm sorry, I don't want to sound too harsh or judgey. I'm sure her death has hit his father too, separation or no, and I know that people who are grieving don't always consider the impact of their actions (or inactions).

Sending good vibes to you and Tom.

Nora, that absolutely bites. Not what y'all needed.

Nora, what everybody's been saying. I hope something works out that doesn't involve a major outlay.

Nora, I'm sorry.

I'm slightly bitter about the whole estate process as well. I'm shelling out my own money--a substantial sum--to close out an estate that in the end won't have enough to cover his funeral expenses. Rob made some very boneheaded and stupid financial decisions that are now affecting me. (To be clear, I'm not responsible for his debt, but there's no way I could have dealt with his estate without a good attorney.)

So tomorrow is the Dating for Nerds event. I've never been to any sort of event like this. Anyone have any tips for, um, attracting women?

Anyone have any tips for, um, attracting women?

1) Be smart - check! 2) Be funny - check! 3) Be kinda cute/attractive - check!

Well, you've got my list covered at least. Good luck, have fun! (Not to be facetious. I know boy/girl stuff can be very complex. [still bewilders the hell out of me too] But you've got the basics in spades. Good luck with working out the details!)

ION: Is it wrong how VERY, VERY tempted I am to get this shirt? (They even have the amazingly elusive 2X Babydoll!)

[link]

IOON: Work is eating me, desde abajo, so no meara, just hugs and glitter, apply to affected area, repeat as necessary {{Bitches}}

Anyone have any tips for, um, attracting women?

You are chock full of attractiveness -- your life is wildly interesting, you're funny, you're kind, you're smart, and you're handsome (which doesn't hurt).

Here is my best advice: don't think about it from the POV of "attracting women." Think about it from the POV of wanting to find out what these cool nerd women are like. Someone whose attitude is "I want to get to know you, Other Interesting Person," is WAY more appealing than "I want you to find me attractive!"

I mean, yes, of course you want women to find you attractive. That's *not* a flaw; that's how we're wired. So that's not a bad thing in and of itself. It's just less important than being interested in them.

t edit That's true for women, too. What's more appealing to you: a woman whose attitude is "Find me attractive!!!" or a woman whose attitude is "Wow, you just had a play produced? Tell me more, Other Interesting Nerd!"?

Don't try too hard! My least favorite thing...makes me think you want to sell me something...

Don't try too hard!

Trying to NOT try too hard SUCKS. Because then you keep wondering "Am I trying too hard? How about now? HOW ABOUT NOW?" and then you spontaneously combust in a bonfire of introspection, stress, and self-doubt.