Like Mother Teresa, Only Better
by Steve West on May 22, 2012

If you recognize the title of this post, then you are already familiar with Jenny Lawson, aka The Bloggess. I had the opportunity to meet her, briefly, at the Barnes & Noble book signing in Annapolis this weekend. She was larger than life and incredibly funny as she adlibbed before reading a selection from her book, Let's Pretend This Never Happened. There followed a Q & A session and then the book signing. She was gracious and profane at the same time which is an incredible coup to pull off. I bought her book and when I had her sign it I related a short anecdote about my daughter, Olivia. I told her that I admire all of her advocacy and I have a cause of my own (quickly assuring her that I was not trying to recruit her to my cause). I just wanted to share with her that Olivia, now 10, has autism and is still mostly non-verbal. She can read out loud however she just doesn't use her vocabulary to communicate. I told her that we read all the time, including her blog. When we get to a word that I don't want her to use like "motherf*cker", I just cover it up and let her know I'll teach her that one later. Jenny responded sincerely when she told me that I had just made her entire day. Anyway, check out her blog at The Bloggess. You'll be glad you did.
Two Replies to Like Mother Teresa, Only Better
Scott Hardie | May 24, 2012
Like Erik, I have enjoyed the blog on occasion when someone sends me a link. I'm glad she turned out to be just as charming in person.
Web Junkie
Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »

Isn't That The Red Skull In That Weird Pantsuit?
My internet idol, Uncle Scoopy, refers to Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham as Skeletor Spice for her resemblance to that cartoon character. Interestingly, she resembles other cartoon characters often, depending on how she dresses. She has got to make Blackwell's "Worst Dressed" this year. Go »
You Make Life Worth Living
Recently, I attended a wedding for some close friends of mine. The reception featured a DJ who doubled as emcee announcing what was happening and what would happen next. After doing the stupid chicken dance and the hokey pokey, he tried to create a “feel good” moment for the newlyweds. Go »
It's 419, Do You Know Where Your Dealer Is?
It's the eve of 420 and you don't have to be high to enjoy the following links, but it couldn't hurt. When this clock goes into production, it will be featured in my den. Smart dog or dumb dog? Go »
Differences That Make All The Difference
Recent discussion with Brenda: me: There's such a huge difference between how I interact with people at work and how I interact with the people in my home. Brenda: How so? me: At work, I spend all day talking about banking practices and domestic and international finance. Go »
Knock Knock Knockin' On Morpheus' Door
Nestled in the arms of Hypnos, my daughter woke me with the sounds of retching. She is struggling with a very phlegmy cough that makes sleeping difficult for her and impossible for me. What with all the changing of bedding in the middle of the night, clothing, dosing with medicine, and comforting - I lost a significant amount of sleep. Go »
Erik Bates | May 22, 2012
[hidden by author request]