A student told me today that in her country if you told people you were afraid of dogs, they would think you were normal. But if you told people you were afraid of spiders, they would think you were crazy.
Well, okay.
I learn something every day.
Have you learned anything surprising lately?
Marta Pelrine-Bacon 
I need to go to that country. People think I’m nuts for being afraid of dogs. They also equate with me hating dogs. I don’t hate them, I’m just afraid of them.
You aren’t nuts for being afraid of dogs. I’ve been bitten twice by dogs. But I have two and love dogs very much anyway. They were imprinted on me when I was an infant, and they make me very happy.
Everyone says I should get a puppy and it would be different, but I don’t know.
I don’t know about that. A dog is a huge commitment. If your goal is just to get over a fear, you don’t need to go so far as getting a puppy. Go to a park and watch some dogs. Then maybe visit with a friend who has a dog–not some yappy annoying dog but a calm friendly dog. Maybe watch a show about how to handle dogs so you know what to do if you do have a problem with a dog. Fear is usually because you don’t know what to do. You might find it worthwhile to get over the fear. You don’t necessarily need a dog. 🙂
I know. My friends seem to think that’s the cure. I want a dog as much as I want a hole in my head.
*equate that with me…
I learned that paying to have motor mounts replaced on a 2006 Altima is hella expensive.
I like your surprising news more. Somebody should do a fictional work of “non-fiction” detailing some bizarre culture-specific beliefs (which, to repeat, would be entirely made up). A guy back in high school, I think it was, used to tell this joke which involved two or more people going back and forth along these lines: “Down on my uncle’s farm, [some outrageous fact was the case].” “Is that so? Well, down on MY uncle’s farm, [some even wackier thing used to happen].” Etc.
(I thought sure he must have been ripping off some comedian, but a quick Google search just now has so far come up empty-handed.)
Okay. I’ve got a question. Lately I’ve seen this “hella” a lot lately. Like it’s a thing. How did this get started as a thing? I don’t mind it, but I feel like I’ve missed something.
Sorry about the Altima.
That joke reminds me of something…but I can’t place it. Really.