The thing about some suburban communities I don't like is the cookie-cutter houses, and here's why: I was reading a local news station's website this morning, and there was a headline of "1 Dead After Shooting at Home in [Large Northern Suburb]," with a picture of the home in question, and it looks EXACTLY like my cousin's house, and my cousin does in fact live in Large Northern Suburb. So it freaked me out in the time it took for me to click on the story and see what street it happened on, which was NOT my cousin's street.

The thing about some suburban communities I don't like is the cookie-cutter houses, and here's why: I was reading a local news station's website this morning, and there was a headline of "1 Dead After Shooting at Home in [Large Northern Suburb]," with a picture of the home in question, and it looks EXACTLY like my cousin's house, and my cousin does in fact live in Large Northern Suburb. So it freaked me out in the time it took for me to click on the story and see what street it happened on, which was NOT my cousin's street.

I'm glad it wasn't your cousin's house. We were visiting a friend once in one of those planned communities where all the houses look exactly the same. We knew our way back to the street, but I couldn't remember the house number, and if I hadn't recognized her car in the driveway, I never would have been able to tell one house from the other.

I mean, the odds of it being my cousin are astronomically low, but when the picture was of a house that is the same model (is that the right word? design?) that they own, it was a bit unnerving.

So when people were talking about square footage, I realized I have no idea what mine is! According to Zillow, it's just under 1300 sq ft., but it's really good for entertaining because it's just two bedrooms and has a big dining room open to the living room. So, obviously, not all square feet are alike.

I'm clinging to San Francisco until they pull me away kicking and screaming. Which feels like it might happen the way the tech boom is driving the City l lately.

Same here. Our building's under a trust, so it can't be sold & we can't get kicked out (& we have rent control), but still. I worry.

Pretty house, Jess!

Consuela, I hope you feel better.

NYC is all about making you feel you failed, even if you still live there.

I won New York City! I have a great apartment in a great neighborhood, near stuff like this. It's paid off, I'm only paying maintenance, and I'm shielded against rent increases and I can't be evicted.

The only problem is that everyone else leaves NYC ☹.

I tripped last night, split my eyebrow, have a teeny black eye and broke my cool new glasses -- you know, the newest ones I've g=had in 7 years?

We're going to have to get you a giant hamster ball, aren't we?

Ugh, that's a bummer, Strix. I remember falling and giving myself a shiner a couple years ago. I felt like an eejit.

Wraps Strix in bubble wrap