Attitude of gratitude

In honor of Mr. B's upcoming birthday, here's a top ten list of why he's the best.

• His birthday is not on my ex-anniversary. It's the day before, which eliminates all sorts of emotional awkwardness for me.


• Our taste in reading material is eerily similar -- a huge cost-saving measure.


• He can change the lightbulbs in most of the ceiling fixtures without a ladder.


• His family of origin is about as close as mine. Let's just say we enjoy minimal in-law follies.


• His follow-through percentage is just a tad lower than mine, allowing me to act all high and mighty like I'm the conscientious one.


• He doesn't mind loading and unloading the dishwasher.


• He'll eat my mostly-vegetarian cooking without complaining.


• He can handle a drain snake like nobody's business.


• He's a lot handier than he thinks he is.


• He always knows the answer.

OK, the last one is a cheat, an inside joke from decades past. But I have anecdotal evidence that it's true. More on that later.

In other news, I know my posting has been less than... regular lately. I've decided I must embrace my seasonal shortcomings and have declared February to be Let Myself Off The Hook Month. I hereby vow I will shower, dress, make sure the family is fed, pay the bills, and show up at work during February, but everything else is iffy. I expect to rejoin society in about a month.

Anyone else struggle in February, or is it just me?