Have discovered a new addiction (unfortunately it has not displaced my other addictions, most notably snacking on the tub of raw cookie dough I keep in the freezer). The Deadliest Catch is so unsavory to me on so many levels and yet I find myself riveted to the TV screen. First there's the idea of being out in the middle of a raging sea that's cold and dark and far, far away from any help should you need it. Then there's the confines of a boat that houses thousands of pounds of crabs crawling around. Not to mention how I watch the fishermen on deck and think, "God, I bet they need a shower." And the 24 hour shifts and lifting of sharp metal cages, etc. Not to mention the surliness of all of the fishermen. Actually watched one man slice his finger off and practically had it wash away.

Before I discovered The Deadliest Catch, whenever I thought of jobs I'd be ill-suited to, and therefore never want, I'd think things like snake handler and accountant. Now I think: Crab fisherman. Perhaps I'd feel differently if they were actually catching something I'd like to eat. Like I might consider a job where I risked life and limb just so I could catch a cage filled with containers of chocolate Haagan Daaz ice cream, or even Snickers bars. I'm not a big seafood lover, but I'm sure there are people sitting down to a lovely crab dinner who are very thankful that those men are willing to do what they do. Even if I'm also sure the crabs wished they'd find another occupation.