Am I giving away my age with this whole Luke and Laura reference? I watched this show so religiously that I started having dreams about these two characters (which should have been a clue about the business I'd end up in!). Anyway, when the dreams came, I decided I'd better quit my habit, or I'd be hooked forever.

A side note: My grandmother watched soaps since the dark ages on an old black-and-white TV. As a little girl, I swore I'd never watch them, because every time I was at Grandma's house, I couldn't talk while her soaps were on, or I'd have to go outside. It's colder than hell in Indiana in February! Besides, for a little kid who was once described on her report card as a "chatter box" to have to be quiet while all that mushy stuff was going on -- well, that was nothing short of cruel and unusual punishment...

Nonetheless, I grew older, decided I liked mush, and fell in love with General Hospital. I got hooked, it's true, but much to my credit I eventually went cold turkey, and I've been soap free for years...

But just to be on the safe side, I still do not turn the television on during the day, because like anyone who's been addicted, I know that if I ever see Luke or Laura again, I'll fall right off the wagon...

--d.todd