Sometimes suppressing darker urges really pays off

[Siwsan]

Anyone who knows me also know that I have a pathological fear of spiders. However, a few weeks ago I saw some small spiders building a web on the den window. For the first time I didn't freak out or grab the vacuum cleaner. Why? Maybe because that's the same window that attracts Stink Bugs that have gotten inside of the house. So, this morning I noticed something on the window and, lo and behold, the spiders are repaying me suppressing my darker urge to destroy them. I now have a grudging respect for small spiders. That being said, I remain convinced that any big ones getting into the house are here for no purpose other than clamping on to me with their slathering jaws of death.

[Guilded Lilly]

1. The natural universe is clear, unforgiving and quite honest...

And I, too, have grudgingly learned well to respect the web makers!...except when they make the unfortunate natural urge to set up camp in my immediate living spaces.
Basement, garage, porch, external windows~fine.
Attic, perfectly OK. I can be watchful when retrieving old board games.
Garden, super fine.
The wall near my favorite recliner?
Uh, bye!

[Ohiogal]

2. The stink bug invasion just sets me off

I capture and release at least 5 of the little devils every day.

I guess we do have to respect their tenacity.

[Siwsan]

3. Last year was a horrible Stink Bug year

My living room window was covered. I'm hoping this is just a phase, like the gawd-awful Japanese Beetle infestation I went through, several years back. I was inundated for about 3 years, they decimated my gardens, and then POOF. Now I see just a couple a year.

[Ohiogal]

4. Crazy, isn't it?

We had a couple autumn's where the ladybugs were coming about in droves, then THEY disappeared. At least they didn't dive bomb you like the stink bugs will. My dog will play with a stink bug and try to eat it if I don't stop her!

[Aristus]

5. But...

spiders are our friends!...

[Siwsan]

6. I am the victim of childhood arachnid trauma

When my brother and I were very young - maybe 3 or 4 - our parents took us to a drive in for a Disney movie. The second feature was 'Tarantula'. No doubt we were asleep by the time it started, so they stayed to watch.

Long story short, my brother and I both woke up and looked over the front seat to see a GIGANTIC SPIDER, the size of a house, coming up over a hill and sucking dry every living thing in its path. Our reaction caused Dad to disconnect and drive away. I can still remember that night as clear as can be.

Out of 4 kids, Pat and I were the only who lived in terror of spiders. I can try to rationalize away this problem, but if the spider's leg span is wider than a dime, I either run from the room or grab the vacuum.

Don't even ask what happened the time I found what looked like a tarantula in my apartment, but it involved a can of oven cleaner.