never talk to strangers.

is this good advice for those of us who are old enough not to be lured into a kidnapper's grasp? i mean, isn't everyone a stranger until you meet them?

i ramble. i'm just writing this entry because i actually talked to somebody i didn't know. past the usual automatic pleasantries of "hi" "how are you" "excuse me" etc. and for me, this is a BIG deal. especially coming on a night where i was feeling kinda saddy. for no apparent reason. i struck up a conversation with this girl in the local coffee/bookshop - something i never do. i never feel "cool enough" to talk to strangers, especially the likes that hang out in said shop. i've seen her there before, so maybe a conversation will occur at a later date too.

okay- i realize that for you super-outgoing types, this is silly. but, those of you who know me know that i'm really shy (if you don't, just remember back to when we first met.....)

I am slowly becoming my father...

As I sit here on a Sunday morning, sipping my coffee and watching CBS' Sunday Morning, only one (maybe two) things are missing - the Sunday crossword, and my life partner working on it with me.  Other than that, I may as well be my dad.  

i woke up one morning and realized that the Sunday ritual i always hated as a kid - being forced to watch this 90-minute news show with a funny them song and a low-tech, looked like it hadn't changed from the 70's set, with the funny guy in a bow tie instead of watching cartoons or whatever; and being asked a multitude of questions regarding the remaining answers in the crossword puzzle that my parents thought i might know - had suddenly become my very own sunday habit. (minus the crossword b/c i'm poor and don't subscribe). i find i really miss doing crosswords daily, but can't seem to make the time to do one. moreso, i feel guilty for trying to do one at work while "on the clock" so to speak.

anyway, i suppose in more than just this way i am slowly becoming my father. this isn't a bad thing. i pretty much think that he is the greatest man in the world, and i'd be lucky to be half the man he is. recently, it's become more of a reality that i will very likely succeed in this. following in his footsteps and also growing into them.