[Corin Stormhands]

I think you just need to start feeling thankful that you have this talent for seeing things that need done that your family lacks. See it as a source of pride. And stop nagging about everything, just choose the one most important thing.

I know, I know, I'm just being a grouch this morning.

And whatever you do, STOP killing their fun surprises at Christmas.

See, here's the problem I have with that. I could handle surprises. But you'd think after 16 years they'd have a better handle on the things I'd like. It took my Mom 30 years to stop buying me clothes and say "here pick out what you want." But it just kinda sucks that your wife will go out and buy something she thinks is perfect and my first thought when I open it is "you really thought I'd like that?"

I know her. I know she works very hard at it. So I'm always "appreciative." But I can't help feeling that she really doesn't know me sometimes.

I'm griping a lot this a.m. Mainly because I have this to do list and can't get at it until she gets back. Then I'll be okay.

And it's better than where we were last year. My Mom went with us to the beach to watch the little one. That was okay for the most part. But by the end of the week the Mrs. and I were closer than we'd ever been to getting a divorce. My Mom knew that. After she visited at Christmas last year, she called back and talked to my son about her visit, he said to her "Well, it wasn't as bad as the beach..."

So, I'll liten up and we'll have lots of fun...as soon as we get out of here!

[Sam Cree]

Hi Corin, my wife likes surprises too. But if I spend alot of money on the wrong thing she looks at me kind of sideways. But after all these years I've kind of gotten it pretty well figured out what can please her. I don't surprise her with clothes (she calls them outfits) though, because I never know how they'll look until she trys them on.