Frederick Simson

Benevolent Dictator

My fist shot straight out from my side, crossing in front of David’s chest, and released an index finger, aimed at the driver of the car to my right. It held the pose for half ...

Barbarella Fokos Nov. 15, 2012 @ 10:01 a.m.

Guilt Bot

Ha! Good point, on both sides. I guess I'm not used to receiving calls from organizations, I usually ignore the landline. Only reason I still have one is because I live on the side of a hill and cell reception can be spotty. Thanks for your amusing and spot-on comments! :)

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Barbarella Fokos Dec. 13, 2012 @ 9:38 a.m.

Ornament Brigade

It was tricky at first, but with consistency, it has worked (going on 4 years!). I explain to my family and friends (and repeat myself each year) that there is nothing I need or want, that I'm not getting anything for anyone, including David, so if they want to make me happy, please save time and money that is hard enough to come by during the holidays (I also mention that if they want to get me something for the sole reason that they want to get me something, do so at some fun unexpected time of the year, when the gift is not laden with social obligations).

Thank you so much for the invitation! But we're going to stick to our new tradition of having a quiet day, just the two of us. :)

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