I Just Have Something in My Eye

I've never been a fan of Harlequin novels.

I do enjoy the cozy murder mystery now and again. But sappy romance novels? Not me.

So I am grappling with the realization that I am becoming hooked on the Hallmark Channel.

I don't know, maybe it's the time of year. Doesn't everyone get sucked into formulaic stories and happy endings during the holidays?

Or maybe it's just my age. I've heard from coworkers, whose moms are of a certain age (e.g. same as me), who are also hooked on Hallmark.

Or perhaps it's the rancid political climate. The Oh-My-God-I-Just-Can't-Watch-It-Anymore, pit in my stomach feeling that comes from too much CNN.

Could it be that it's just a guilty pleasure? It's relaxing, at the end of a stress-filled day, to sit back and watch two people meet in a small, friendly town, overcome some hurdle(s) or other, and find they want to spend the rest of their lives together.

I need a break from people crashing cars and bashing skulls. From fart jokes and parents who are dumber than their kids. From really, really bad football. From zombies and foolish teenagers who don't know enough NOT TO OPEN THE DAMN DOOR.

And, you know, it's okay if I cry a little at the end. It's all good.

So, now that I've confessed, I will also admit that The Ref is still one of my favorite Christmas movies. That I'm just a little bit in love with Chili Palmer. And Stranger Than Paradise is still my favorite local flick.

So I'm not a total mushy heart.

Now hand me the tuner. I want to see if Uncle Bernie and his bookstore are going bring Sean and Gina together in time for Christmas.