Baby's Hogwarts House

Not a real conversation.

Alex is totally Ravenclaw because he's clever and curious and loves learning.  I'm a Hufflepuff because I value kindness more than any other virtue.  Tanner is Slytherin.  He wants to train our children as his ninja army so they can help him take over the world.  Unless they're ginger.  (See: Ginger Girl Babies)

Sims 3 Supernatural

"Special"

Explanation per my dad's request: It's become a thing that people occasionally mistake me for mentally handicapped.  Once I even got mistaken for autistic by a nursing student (I was really nervous and apparently exhibited a few traits she'd just learned about).  The above is a real event where a mail carrier made a comment to Leah after I ENTHUSIASTICALLY greeted her in the hall.

I am not remotely upset or offended when this happens because having a mental handicap isn't bad, just different, and I don't find the idea embarrassing or offensive.

I just hope no one thinks that I treat the mentally handicapped disrespectfully with the few comics I have that reference the subject: [Leah is Pretty] [Guess What] [How Do I Pay?] ["In Retard..."] [The Family Reunion].  While I don't have anyone in my family or social circle who has special needs, I have the greatest respect for that community's ability to love and be genuine.  Sincerity and kindness are way more important to me than any other trait, and I'd be proud to call anyone with those qualities a friend.

Tattoo

X-Gene Immunity

Clatter

Happy 8th birthday, Tiger!

Porn Cops

Son and Air

Telemarketers

I've had friends who've been telemarketers because they can't find any other work, and I've read about how awful the job can be.  Employees have a script they have to follow no matter how obviously you aren't interested and want to get off the phone.  If they don't follow it, they get fired.  The telemarketer in this comic didn't respond at all to anything I said, just plowed on with his script (which is, I believe, the thing he's supposed to do), but he allowed me pauses to respond to his questions.

What you do is, once you've pegged them for a telemarketer (about 30 seconds), you either wait for a spot to reply or interrupt them (some don't give you a chance to reply until they've gotten out about a minute of their script, and some won't stop even if you try to interrupt so you have to talk over them) and politely but firmly say that you don't want to waste their time so you're just going to hang up. Then do it.  If they start talking again, do not start listening.  Once you say you're going to hang up, pull the phone away from your ear and do it.  Otherwise they have to keep going and you have to wait for your next chance.  This is not a situation you can wiggle out of.  You have to take charge of it.

I know some people are okay with being rude to telemarketers right off the bat, but many can't disengage until they get to a breaking point.  My way, you can be polite but still get off the phone quickly.

Kitten Gif

The kitten in question. ♥

Leah Wins

Basically, any comment that points out the downside of a project makes me less likely to try.  Leah always goes straight to the "Yes, do it" option, often throwing in her own ideas or imaginings.  That's the kind of feedback that makes me feel like I can do anything I put my hand to.  Thing is, I know I can do anything learnable, but only if I have enough motivation.  Motivation is often my sole limiting factor, and anyone who dampens my enthusiasm with "reality" can that easily stop me from doing anything at all.

So here's to encouragement!

Someone

TV Cat

Tiger stopped in front of the TV on his way from the couch, propped his front paws high on it, and stretched. It looked like he was trying to hug one of the characters on my show. Also, when I try to watch it in spite of him sometimes I think "Why's there a cat in this scene?"  Very disconcerting.

"Obviously there should be a cat in every scene ever."  -Alex

Kitty Scooch

Tiger wanted Kaylee's couch spot, so he took it.  She grumbled but scooted.

Love

When Tiger wants in a room, he opens the door by throwing himself at the handle until he manages to unlatch it while simultaneously pushing with his considerable body weight.  It is very VERY loud and takes 1 to 4 tries.

Then he does his lowercase purring and you forgive him.  All he wanted was to sleep on the bed with you, after all.