I should be reading submissions...

Instead, a few thoughts on family.

I mean, what is it about them? Their unerring ability to remind you, every single time you see them, of the worst you've ever been. Had the big Shore Party shindig this past weekend, and I couldn't help but notice on several occasions that being around my family entices me to behave as they expect me to behave. It's one of them thar never-ending cycles.

Which isn't to say the weekend was awful, or anything like that. It went rather well, I think. But still...

There are times I regret my big Irish Catholic family, and the at-times ridiculous closeness of us all. It's easier to be blase about a repetitive comment made by the somewhat annoying family member if it's only made occasionally, rather than every weekend.

For the record, yes, I like to sleep in. And yes, in years past, when I was less than diligent about my sunblock application, I would sometimes miss a spot. Does this need to be brought up in conversation every-single-time I see certain family members? No, I think not.

Sigh.

All that said, between one thing and another, I think the weekend after next will be my last Shore weekend for the year, unless, as threatened, I gather the geeks for a gamefest weekend. But that'll be less beachy than autumnal. So there.