Blood is Thicker than Water Under the Bridge

By lytspeed Posted in 100 Words A Day, Family, Writing Leave a reply

The story about the stabbing came in my RSS feed, with no picture.  They described the the attacker as being tall and heavyset, unshaven, with brown hair.  The description matches my first stepson (or at least it did the last time I saw him.)  I read further and find that the name is the same, too.

No, it wasn’t him, but it does set me to wondering.  This year, he turns the same age I was when I first met his mother.

There’s bad blood; I don’t really want to know how he his.  Yet, I can’t help but wonder.

Perseids

By lytspeed Posted in 100 Words A Day, Science, Space, Writing Leave a reply

We went out to watch the Perseids last night, an activity I’ve long done with my kids.  Last night was the first time my wife joined us, though.  We leaned back and watched the sky, holding each other, overwhelmed.

There’s something about being out under the summer sky, with a breeze blowing and earthgrazers leaving streaks between the stars, that draws people together.  Maybe it’s the feeling of comfort we get from connecting with another against the vastness of the universe.  Maybe it calls up ancestral memories of pristine skies, kicking in primal instincts.

Whatever it is, it’s downright erotic.

The UPS and Downs

By lytspeed Posted in 100 Words A Day, Writing Leave a reply

I think I’m generally a pretty tolerant person, but there are a few things that just stick in my craw, especially when it comes to spelling and grammar.  Here is one.

UPS — It’s an acronym, not a word.  It stands for United Parcel Service, and it’s pronounced “U P S”, not “ups”.  Does one say “us-puss” for the United States Postal Service?  Or “ibim” for IBM?

I can understand pronouncing acronyms intended to evoke words: CARS, NORML, AIDS.  But as far as I know, that was not the intention with UPS.

One more thing.  There’s no apostrophe in UPS.

Repent, Democrats!

By lytspeed Posted in 100 Words A Day, Writing Leave a reply

“You Democrats won’t go to heaven.”

“What?”

“With the ideals you have, you won’t be allowed into heaven when you die.”

“Are you for real?”

“Yes, I mean it.  Democrats lack strong values, and without them, they can’t have eternal salvation.”

“That’s ridiculous.  How can you equate a person’s political beliefs with … with eligibility for ascension?”

“It’s simple.  If you don’t live a righteous life, you can’t come in.”

“And if I’m not a Republican, I don’t live a righteous life?”

“Exactly.  Only Republican values are in line with God’s word.”

“Since when is St. Peter a hard-line Republican?”

Take a Penny, Leave a Penny

By lytspeed Posted in 100 Words A Day, Writing Leave a reply

The lone service clerk worked frantically, but despite her best efforts, the line continued to grow.  We waited patiently; she was doing the best she could.

While we waited, a short man with messy gray hair and a greasy jacket muscled his way to the front of the line.  He carried a thick stack of scratch tickets.

“Hey buddy, the line’s back here,” said the guy ahead of me.  The man ignored him and made straight for the “Take a Penny, Leave a Penny” cup on the counter.

He took a penny, then left to go scratch off his winnings.