I have no idea why there's a blog feature on here. But I'll post something to show the type of story I tell my friends--this is the email they all got today:

I was sitting on my front porch last night somewheres around 11pm. I'm a bit stressed, so I was enjoying the break in the weather and getting some fresh air. So there I am, reading my book, happy as a clam.

Then, all of a sudden, I see it. Walking toward me. Only about three feet away.

A skunk.

I threw myself backward about a foot on the concrete and gasped. Apparently, although this seemed to me a fairly reasonable reaction, it was somehow threatening to the little jerk, and he decided to throw his tail up. Luckily, at this point, the business end was still pointed away from me. I thought to myself, "Well, girl, if you just hold reeeeeally still, I'm sure he'll go away. Y'know, all the books say animals are just scared of you, and he isn't acting rabid, and he's got you dead-to-rights. So we'll hold tight, and wait it out."

At this point, Mister Smelly-Pants decided to take another two-three steps toward me. With tail held high. At which time, I lost all control over my decisions, and my brain decided that the prudent action at this point would be to gibber loudly (oh yes, people, you've never heard gibbering until you hear me...ohahhhhhblaaaaahbababblahblahblah!!!), then scramble on all fours toward the door, while screeching bloody murder.

I made it inside---I'll admit, still screeching a bit---and kicked the door shut behind me. I apparently also locked it, although I don't remember that part, and god knows why I thought a skunk might have been able to handle a doorknob, but hey---brain still on fight-or-flight autopilot at this point.

I'm just about having a heart attack, breathing like an Olympic sprinter, when it occurs to me: Do I smell? Have I been sprayed? After a few non-panicked breaths convince me that no, I am indeed still a lovely little rose, my heart stops trying to hammer itself through my collarbone and seems content to simply dance a merry little jig in there.

I am safe and smell nice. I am VERY awake. My roommate may possibly think I'm insane. And I thought you guys might get a kick out of the story.