Hello, situation normies! Longtime readers know that sometimes I use this space to tell stories about my dad. I call those pieces Larry stories because my dad was named Larry, and also because branding is an important way to set reader expectations. A typical Larry story inspires awe, joy, and sometimes, a really good crying session. But today’s story isn’t a Larry story. Today’s story is a Linda story. Linda is my mom. I love my mom very much, but as you’ll soon see, Linda is extra.
I thoroughly enjoyed this article, Michael! Your mom, who is of my generation, somewhat reminds me of my mom, who once asked a NYC policeman (as he was writing her a ticket) how many times he had to have sex with his mother to become a NYC policeman. She then turned to ten-year-old me and said, “don’t ever talk to a cop like that.”
Thank god that woman was never unleashed on the internet.
I loved this! Thanks for sharing your stories... your mum sounds awesome. My mum sends me fact-checking, passive-aggressive “helpful” emails about my newsletter, or throws little comments into our phone calls, such as “it’s *a lot* of reading”.
I spent the day with my own "extra" mother today so this piece was particularly delightful to come home to. My mom subscribes to my substack, and occasionally manages to "like" things, though she sometimes has difficulty getting the "like" to work, so she'll just call me to tell me she liked it. I shamelessly asked her to become a paid subscriber, which she did, but not before lamenting about she didn't want to subscribe to too many things that she was paying for because that would create bullshit for her kids to deal with when she died. 😂 Sweet of her, but I really wanted that $50, so I assured her if she died, I wouldn't hold myself responsible for covering her subscription cost. As the author, I would simply eat it.
Feb 5, 2023·edited Feb 5, 2023Liked by Michael Estrin
Halfway through this piece it all made sense. Your mom is South Park's Gerald Broflovski. If you don't know what I'm referencing, check this out: https://southpark.fandom.com/wiki/Skank_Hunt
Also, all publicity is good publicity, so this was clearly intentional. I bet my life on it.
Also, I'm glad it was intentional, because when I saw the comment I got anxiety too! I was thinking to myself, 1) it's highly unlikely Michael missed a shoutout to a paying subscriber, and 2) even if he did, he's so nice! Clearly it was an accident!
Finally, new reality show pitch: Moms who troll. Just don't forget us Situation Normies when you buy a house next to Kevin Bacon's.
Mum- bogglingly good! Michael, you excel at mining humor from the most mundane events. Granted, trolling on the Net isn’t mundane, and your mum isn’t mundane, but still , great read. Seems like your Mum needs your attention sometimes...
Gayle: if you’re out there reading this, I’d like to invite you over to Both Are True - our comments section is divine and if you subscribe for free I’ll give you 10 shoutouts and I will never call u a troll
I’ve just now figured it all out! You’re not really Michael Estrin, you’re Michael *Westen* the out of work, former CIA operative from Burn Notice. Because the real Michael Weston’s mother talks *exactly* like yours.
I thoroughly enjoyed this article, Michael! Your mom, who is of my generation, somewhat reminds me of my mom, who once asked a NYC policeman (as he was writing her a ticket) how many times he had to have sex with his mother to become a NYC policeman. She then turned to ten-year-old me and said, “don’t ever talk to a cop like that.”
Thank god that woman was never unleashed on the internet.
Say hi to your mom for me.
1) You know I love Linda. Always have. Always will.
2) She not only trolled you, but has now ensured your readers will be reading EVERY comment after this. Brilliant. 👏
3) This REALLY makes me wonder about a suspicious shitty comment I got years ago on my art site. I got some questions for Debra Ann.
Thanks for this, I can just send it directly to my therapist for context.
I enjoyed the twist when you revealed who Gayle really was. But can't she just send you money in a card like other moms?
On that note...you are lucky that you are still able to be with your mom. Hi Linda! Your son is one of my favorite writers. Good job momming...
I think “Gayle” should write a guest post & then you can troll her!
I’d just like to take a moment to appreciate Gayle for not signing her comment.
Can’t wait to see what alias your mom switches to next. On the upside, you might get another paid subscriber out of it.
This was totally terrific man!!
For whoever reads this issue of Situation Normal, from here on out it'll be Situation New-Normal knowing that Linda - Gayle - Mom might drop a bomb.
LGM...we'll be forever scouring the comment section with popcorn in hand.
I loved this! Thanks for sharing your stories... your mum sounds awesome. My mum sends me fact-checking, passive-aggressive “helpful” emails about my newsletter, or throws little comments into our phone calls, such as “it’s *a lot* of reading”.
I spent the day with my own "extra" mother today so this piece was particularly delightful to come home to. My mom subscribes to my substack, and occasionally manages to "like" things, though she sometimes has difficulty getting the "like" to work, so she'll just call me to tell me she liked it. I shamelessly asked her to become a paid subscriber, which she did, but not before lamenting about she didn't want to subscribe to too many things that she was paying for because that would create bullshit for her kids to deal with when she died. 😂 Sweet of her, but I really wanted that $50, so I assured her if she died, I wouldn't hold myself responsible for covering her subscription cost. As the author, I would simply eat it.
Def here in the comments to see Gayle’s response.
Well, my mother really liked the 💩emoji until she realised it wasn’t a cute little chocolate chip .... 🤦
Halfway through this piece it all made sense. Your mom is South Park's Gerald Broflovski. If you don't know what I'm referencing, check this out: https://southpark.fandom.com/wiki/Skank_Hunt
Also, all publicity is good publicity, so this was clearly intentional. I bet my life on it.
Also, I'm glad it was intentional, because when I saw the comment I got anxiety too! I was thinking to myself, 1) it's highly unlikely Michael missed a shoutout to a paying subscriber, and 2) even if he did, he's so nice! Clearly it was an accident!
Finally, new reality show pitch: Moms who troll. Just don't forget us Situation Normies when you buy a house next to Kevin Bacon's.
Mum- bogglingly good! Michael, you excel at mining humor from the most mundane events. Granted, trolling on the Net isn’t mundane, and your mum isn’t mundane, but still , great read. Seems like your Mum needs your attention sometimes...
Gayle: if you’re out there reading this, I’d like to invite you over to Both Are True - our comments section is divine and if you subscribe for free I’ll give you 10 shoutouts and I will never call u a troll
Think about it
https://botharetrue.substack.com/
I’ve just now figured it all out! You’re not really Michael Estrin, you’re Michael *Westen* the out of work, former CIA operative from Burn Notice. Because the real Michael Weston’s mother talks *exactly* like yours.
My only question is, do you like yogurt?