Irritable1

It can be reclaimed (or maybe just claimed) and this could be a good first step..

Well. It's also used for defacing Jewish graves and things.

Hmmm. Gary, I have a couple of reservations about this chapter. 1) Kendall was kind of "defending" himself and Michael against Lanny's suggestion that they are a couple, wasn't he? I know that this is the kind of situation that has to be finessed in real life and Kendall doesn't owe it to anyone to come out to them, especially not a jerk like Lanny... but it's awkward and made me feel sad for them. 2) and this is more about the structure of the chapter, I felt that the pace dragged a bit around their phone call conversation, where you are describing Michael and Kendall's thoughts at some length without anything else going on. I felt like you did a great job showing Kendall's discomfort at reaching out and the necessity that he felt to do it, just in the hesitant and apologetic message he left... so I think the extensive telling of where they stood emotionally was weaker than the rest of the chapter. In contrast, everything suddenly seemed to speed up again and come alive as soon as Michael got to the rink. Awful as Lanny is, the man is a gem... And that moment when Kendall mentioned Chet and Michael shut down was just great.

Well, I have to say the resolution is a relief. But wow, that was painful...

Whoa. For a second with the towel there I thought you were REALLY going far afield.... :0

Sigh, I give up. I've even read the explanation, but I don't get the difference. I'll have to sit down with a board and play it out.

I'm fascinated. What made Taylor keep Nate around in the first place? I notice you have Nate shying away... but not too terribly far. I wonder if the appeal is something like trying to tame a feral dog.

I'm glad you're going to talk to someone. You're a strong person and I admire your steadiness in trying to do the best you can.

Doh! D8?

Thanks! Black queen to d6????

I'm really lousy at this... Can the black rook move to threaten the white Queen from below? She'd be in a sort-of fork thereby. I apologize, but I've forgotten which way the letters and the numbers go on a chessboard (if I ever knew...)

Exactly. You can take the energy and emotion and move it into a different setting.

Occasionally, but more with the uncontrollable weeping. I've taken it to therapy. Helps to talk through the original experience--the trigger isn't necessarily what it looks like on the surface. I mean, if someone in the story is injured in Location A and it really gets me, it could be because I was actually hurt in Location B but there are other similarities. I've also been reminded (by the therapist) that, hey, sometimes it's just not necessary to force myself to power through a story or a movie that distresses me. I don't like accepting that, but, well....

Wow, there's a rating system and everything! The things you learn...

Maybe it started off as a survival thing, and they wound up in public roles and found that it was a big advantage.

Hee. Well, every chapter so far has caused some strong reactions and this one is no exception, huh? I am fine with where we are. Kendall has been pining for Michael for SIX YEARS. He's got one month of independence behind him, hasn't done one unreasonable thing, hasn't leaped into bed with anyone, is taking step by cautious step, and then, HEEEEERE'S MICHAEL!!! I can totally see how he would be defensive. And just as I was impressed with Kendall for getting his feet under him and dealing with life alone, I'm impressed with Michael for not throwing a fit, just sniffing that sweatshirt and making his plans. I like these guys.

I am thrilled to discover you tend bar. What is your opinion of the Moscow Mule? Valid cocktail, or meretricious gimmick?

I'd love that. I've seen photos taken from inside the "blue room" and regret that I'm not in a position to take it up now.

We'll need mockups for the focus groups. Then maybe we can decide on a prototype.

I would think you could do a lot more with the design potential. Come on, slicing both of them down the middle and slapping them together? I'm a straight immigrant and even I could do better.

Great, ominous chapter, Addy! I love the change of seasons echoing a return to reality.

Depends. Does lying to my kids about random life facts count? They kind of believe we couldn't afford to get two dimples installed on the older one and that's why his smile is unbalanced.

Holy freaking moly, Gary. You're getting better by the chapter. It's incredible.

No of course it isn't, it's garbage. They're not similar at all, because cadburys products are edible and Hershey's are not.

I'm very sorry, Dyno. How terribly painful.