It happens in threes

Yeah, I know the theory is that things happen in threes, particularly deaths. But this week seems to be a more vivid illustration of that than any other I can remember. I mean, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson within days of each other? I just can't believe it.

And I've realized today that Michael Jackson will be to my God-daughter what Elvis has always been for me. Elvis died on my second birthday, and I've never known him as a living entertainer. And she will have the same experience with Michael Jackson. He will only be a legend in her life.

The deaths of these three entertainers, though, really makes me feel like an adult. These three people were incredible stars throughout my childhood. Though they all had fallen pretty far since then (especially Jackson and Fawcett), what each was as part of my youth will never change. Who can forget that poster, Thriller, or "Heeeeeere's Johhny!"?

Pet Peeve

"Parent" used as a verb.

I love the idea of being a parent and raising my child. I don't love the idea of parenting my child. It sounds PC and lingo-y. The use of this word as a verb drives me insane.

ER

No, nothing bad here. I'm just watching the ER series finale, and remembering exactly why I stopped watching it about 10 years ago. So far, only two of the cases have made me cry.