No wonder you want to be a writer. How can you not, with all that behind you? You practically are a novel already.

I plan to learn enough to read you like a book.

It could not always be love in the afternoon and passion in the night, gifts given, notes written, meals fed to each other. It can't all be like that.

This was another item about growing up: you encountered all the cliches of love and loss and heartbreak.

Those who are apparently absent can feel more present than the people right in front of you.

We have enough money. You don't want to be Uncle Daddy.

Carpe per diem - seize the check.

I'm very type-A, and many things in my life are about control and domination, but eating should be a submissive experience, where you let down your guard and enjoy the ride.

Does Uncle Bob have anything?" "I heard he has an STD." "I mean on the women." "Oh, I have no idea if they have any STDs.

Mother's interest in contemporary American artists emerged during the 1920s.

You can do anything if you have enthusiasm.

When they tried to draft me, I earned a college degree.

There are thorns everywhere, but along the path of vice, roses bloom above them.

I don't really know why I'm not thinner than I am.

If there were no valleys of sadness and death, we could never really appreciate the sunshine of happiness on the mountain top.