Recently I've been reading, rereading, and listening to the hilarious essays of David Sedaris. I had forgotten how funny they are. While listening to "Jesus Shaves" two nights ago, I had to pause the recording so I could finish laughing before he got to, in my opinion, the funny parts. Normal, simple sentences become a crack-up when read aloud by Sedaris. I may not survive listening to "You Can't Kill the Rooster" because I'll probably lose consciousness due to extreme laughter.

In "You Can't Kill the Rooster," Sedaris describes and (tries to) explain the way his brother Paul speaks, and the special yet strange relationship Paul and their father have. Both are blunt communicators, but only Paul is vulgar. Very vulgar. I have to close the book and compose myself after reading the section where Paul explains why he came to a family holiday dinner party with a black eye. Having read that essay at least ten times, you'd think I wouldn't continue to laugh with each reading. That's not the case. In fact, I laugh harder and more often now than I did at first reading.

Like the Sedaris's father, I appreciate blunt communication, even if it's overtly blunt. At least it's genuine and you know where that person stands. I curse too much myself, but I know that curse words are often stronger words and convey more meaning, although that meaning is usually inappropriate for the setting in which I use it. That's something I'll continue to work on.

And I'll also work on reading and listening to more Sedaris. I highly recommend you do too.