My previous blog post about "That's a lot of lumber" generated a LOT of very funny e-mails about folks trying it out (or trying to try it out, and failing in funny ways).

But my favorite and least expected response came from German Sheldon reader Jörg, who writes:

"There's a German idiom which goes: "Das ist eine Menge Holz."

Of course, a lot of lumber could also be five bucks, it depends on your income and what the five bucks were spent on. 5 bucks for a chewing gum would certainly be a lot of lumber!"

Jörg, thanks for writing. That is complete awesome-sauce that that phrase already exists in German.

"That's a lot of lumber." Try it at home today!

Relevant to nothing at all, I wanted to share a completely-random-yet-incredibly-useful non sequitor that my wife came up with. It's one of those out-of-nowhere statements that come in very handy when you need some conversational filler.

I share it with you in the hope that you'll be able to use it in as many odd situations as I have.

And here it is: "That's a lot of lumber."

Not particularly funny, you say? I say try it out, and experience the secret joy that is "That's a lot of lumber." For example:

Co-Worker: "The boss says we're gonna need to come in on Saturday."

You: "Phwew! That's a lot of lumber."

Co-Worker, 30 seconds later: "...um, what?"

It's utterly nonsensical, but sounds like it's apropos to something, so folks don't quite know how to process it. I've been using it a lot lately...but got the best response while waiting in a line today. The woman in front of me was making kind but overly enthusiastic small talk, and at a key moment I chimed in "Wow, that's a lot of lumber."

My super-favoritest part? She said "Sure is!"

If you do use it, and get a funny response, make sure to e-mail me.

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On a separate note: a hearty and happy birthday to my compadre-in-arms, Kristofer Bartholomew Straub.