I have some DVDs and tapes, but I never watch them. Luckily I realized that pretty early on, so I don't have a ton of them. (Books, on the other hand, I re-read often. And Law and Order episodes, but only if they're on tv--if I had a dad of them I'd never watch)

One wall of my living room is old videotapes, with the complete series of Buffy and Angel (minus Doublemeat Palace) given their own racks of honor. I don't even have a VCR in that room anymore, but I incorporated them into my decor over the years so they're a permanent fixture now. [link]

I have video tapes remaining, but not many. I wonder if the 24 year old one of my son being born is still good. If so it really should be digitized. I like to threaten making him watch it every year. It's pretty funny.

Matt, I love your living room. Also I'm envious of the cool brick wall!

Timelies all!

I understand about the videotapes. I've been able to get rid of some as I get DVD sets of the shows.(mainly B5 and DS9) I keep meaning to go through the cabinet full of MST3K tapes to see if any can be ditched. That's a little more tricky, as the DVD sets aren't by season, so it'll take a bit more effort to see if any of my tapes only contain episodes on DVD. Something to do in my "copious spare time", I guess.

We still have the videotapes of the original Star Wars trilogy (commercially purchased, not taped from TV), and we do have an ancient VCR, so we watched them before The Force Awakens opened, because Tim either didn't remember Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi or *didn't see them* (I told him that if the latter is true, I married him under false pretenses).

The quality was hilariously crappy, but the tapes had held up long enough for them to be watchable.

I am not going to comment on the marriage is hard work discussion because I am failing these days at getting any of the hard work done, in my marriage, my parenting, my career, my emotional life, so I don't think I have any good advice to give.

Burrell, your kids sure don't look like you're failing at parenting. Snapping at your kids or losing your patience with them isn't the best, but it's hardly a failure.

You love them a ton, you're keeping them safe and fed and healthy, and you set limits. That's the whole of your job. You do that and they will grow up to be their own strong willed selves.

Burrell, be gentle with yourself. Plus, you're ability to listen is often exactly what I need rather than advice.

If you want an entertaining story to cheer yourself up this morning, read this request for advice on what to do with 18 lbs of cheese. It's simply marvelous.

ION, ran the dog this morning, and made a tart crust which is now chilling in the fridge. I think I'll try to make frangipane cream tomorrow and throw some apricots on top. Nom.

Gud, I hope you're doing better today.

Thank you both. It's been a rough summer, but then summer tends to be a bit rough on me. I'm trying to just let go of the anger and frustration since fall is almost here and there's a new school year ahead, and that presents a whole different set of challenges.