There's no announcement about an addition to our family, but...

we've been talking lightly around the idea of a dog or a cat. Jas would prefer a cat because of the maintenance factor - cats are nice but tend to their own needs and think of washing themselves as a hobby. Dogs - need that doggie bath thing and you can't leave a dog overnight like you can a cat.

The problem that I'm finding is the breeds of hypoallergenic cats are VERY limited and (sorry bald kitty) most frighten me.   This second guy could come live with us and I'm sure we would love him.

According to the world wide web, male cats have less allergens in their protein (or shed less protein... I'm not no veteran - get off me.)

Some of the dogs are cute but the best dogs for allergy sufferers are in the poodle category.  Sorry, PePe... you are not going to live in my house.  Other dogs that don't shed are actually pretty hairy, like the dreadlocked Puli.  It would be fun to have a doggie named Bob Marley, but I think the trips to the doggie groomer would get old after a while.

 Pulis come in white too.  If this guy was ours we would name him "Swifter". 

There's no plan or time line around a non-human soul entering our house.  We are only talking. 

The pro's are many:

1. Pets are a wonderful addition to your home.  
2. They offer companionship 
3. They have character.  
4. They can be fun
5. They can be warm
6. They can be complete members of your family.
7. People with pets are better looking
8. People with pets make more money
9. People with pets don't make up strange facts and post them as the truth.

The cons are these: 

1. Any animal including the hypoallergenic ones will have some impact on my already sneezing guy 
2. Animals refuse to poop in the toilet.  I don't really want to manage poop for the next 18 years. 

I do miss my buddy Peter.  He was a sweet boy and any potential new arrival would not be a replacement.

WE HAVE TO MOVE

The new house is now marred and ruined for all eternity.

It is sad.

Today, I opened a box that had a wonderful blanket called "The Minkie" that Peter the cat use to love... and by love, I don't mean adore and respect, but LOVE in that husband and wife way. I'm pretty sure I have shared that information before, but a quick search of the blog finds no relevant entries. (found it. ) What I can say is that it's a good thing the cat was neutered and that the blanket has no rights because I'm sure the Blanket Protective services might have wanted to take the blanket into protective custody.

My point... the blanket after all THAT abuse and a year in storage needed a good wash in the clothes washer.

The Samsung commercials that show some kid balancing delicate stuff on the washer and dryer to demonstrate their "quiet and non-jumpy" the machines - are, well BULLSHIT.

Our new tub of blue liquid clothes detergent launched itself off the washer and exploded when it hit the floor. I would estimate about 2 cups of liquid hit the carpet and another half cup was splattered, Jackson Pollock style across, the ceiling and walls of our brand-damn-new house.

Jason made the saddest sounds as he soaked in (no pun intended) the damage. Frankly, for someone with mild OCD I thought he handled himself pretty well. As I started to mop up the floor and carpets he made his way to QFC to get a carpet cleaner.

We got the carpet back to normal, but the walls and ceiling in the laundry area and stairwell are a nightmare. The "quality" builder grade paint turned to mush while simply dabbing the blue drips. I got one spot so "wet" that when I touched it to test the spot my fingerprints left indents in the reliquefied paint.

I will have to touch up the ceiling (thankfully a low one) and the walls on the stairs. But I'm not thrilled. I know I could take the paint sample to a quality paint store like www.dalyspaint.com and have them match it, but I'm afraid that since I'm doing spot touch up that the difference between even mildly decent paint and this shitty builder grade paint would be noticeable. I certainly don't want to have to paint the whole staircase (considering it's at least 18 tall.)

So, the house is ruined and we have to move. I'm so bummed because we just unpacked most of the boxes yesterday. What are you all doing next weekend? Wanna come over?

An open letter to Peter's Raccoon friend

Dearest Peter's Raccoon Friend,

As you know, with the passing of Peter in July it became increasingly difficult for me to live in the condo. The joy of a human companion has tempered this pain, but nothing would ever replace our wide, furry friend. You probably noticed the for sale sign that was posted Saturday. I do appreciate your not coming in to rip up the carpet or poop on the floor during the open house.

Well, it is with mixed emotions that I let you know that I will soon no longer own the condo that you and I both enjoyed so much. I received an offer from a small family to buy the condo and at the end of the month (provided all the legal mumbo jumbo works out) they will call the place home. All remnants and lingering smells of our buddy Peter will be replaced by a dad and his young daughter.

I will miss you and your wisdom. The information about eating your young will serve me well in these terrible economic times. I do hope that the new family will have a furry companion. No one could ever replace Peter in either of our hearts, but it is time for us to move on.

Please take care of yourself, and I will leave a hunk of cheese for you on the deck when we remove the last of the furniture.

All my respect to you and yours,

Terri

2008 Year in Review

2008...oh my!

Each year at new years I have wished for true love. Last year, I wished for a good year of weight loss, no complications and good health. Imagine my surprise to reach the end of the year and to find myself rolling in everything I've wished for. Sappy... yes, untrue... nope.

Here's my year in review.

January: Back to work after my surgery and onto a normal schedule. I'd lost about 66 pounds since I started my weight loss journey. I was feeling the results in my clothes and spending a lot of time in the closet shopping for things that fit. I foolishly agreed to be on the board at my condo, and for the first time ever weighed less than the number shown on my drivers license. (Month end tally: 66 lbs down, pant size 24)

February: Started out the month getting rid of clothes that no longer fit. 10+ bags to Goodwill. I went on my first business trip since the surgery. It was filled with challenges related to eating socially, but in the end it worked out. My aunt took ill and entered the hospital leaving me as the closest and most able bodied relative to visit and assess the situation. (situation.. BAD!) Month end tally: 75 lbs down, pant size 20)

March: I Still dealing with my aunt, who was bouncing back and forth from the hospital to a nursing home. Most of the things in her house were a total loss due to (understatement of the century coming up) her unfortunate housekeeping skills and thus trips to the dump were occurring at every weekend visit. I had hopes we could move her to an assisted living place and started working on that with a social worker, but by month end it was clear we were dealing with major issues like MRSA. My weight loss took second stage, but I was still moving along. My retirement account posted a 12% loss for the first quarter. Month end tally: 82 lbs down, size 20 )

April: Even though, I was still in the throws of the family situation, I started to think about possibly dating. April 1 I make a reference to looking into Match.com. We moved all of auntie's remaining items to storage . I was still driving to Bellingham every weekend and missing my own life. In an attempt to move things along I signed up on Match.com. No dates; but had a quick 'romance' with some evil scammer. I also joined the gym. ( Month end tally (89 pounds, size 20 )

May: Had one of my credit cards stolen online and had to deal with that, Auntie died in the early part of the month. I felt relief and guilt. I had a minor flirtation at work and enjoyed a weekend with my girl friends in Portland. My huge insurance settlement came in from Auntie, not enough to really do anything, so I decided to let it sit. My gal pal Becky turned 40! Go girl! (93 lbs gone, size 20/18 pants)

June: hang on to your hats folks, the online dating thing took off in June. I went on a date, was talking with one guy and met someone potentially interesting "this guy seems nice, maybe a little too enthusiastic about his family -but practice dates are good too." By the end of the month was feeling pretty good about myself and not at all embarrassed about "playing the field". I finally passed the 100 pound loss mark and bought a pair of pants in a normal store -- not the big lady section, but regular clothes for regular sized people. Sad news, my cat Peter was getting sick and I lost him at the end of the month. (107 lbs lost, size 18 pants)

July: My date with the "nice" guy was great and within a week of that date we agreed to see each other exclusively - but not because I'm smart, but because I'm lucky. The nice guy found my blog and called me out on my multiple dates and in a rare moment of clarity I noticed that he could really be something real. (Thank God for miracles!) By the end of the month, J and I were spending as much time together as we could manage. (118 pounds lost)

August: Turned 40! Had a great party with my wonderful friends. Introduced J to my parents. Found out I posted a document on my companies web site that mistakenly used the word "Pubic" instead of "Public" oops. I was falling in love... really really falling in love. Weekend sleepovers were starting to happen. My people were beginning to express concern as to how fast the 'dating' was turning into something super serious. Well I was willing to take a huge fall; it is my time to be happy! (123 lbs - size 16 pants, size 14 dress for my birthday party!)

September: Planning a trip to Greece in October, I was looking forward to it, and at the same time i was sad about leaving for almost a month. Things at work seemed bleak, the stock price was in the shits and things don't look good for MegaBank. J helped me clear out the storage locker in Bellingham and it was a huge relief to have all of Aunties things resolved. How odd to have someone to willingly help. J finally shares with his parents that not only are we dating, but that things look really serious with us. We talked about getting married for the first time. End of the month, my company was seized by the FDIC and I called off the trip to Greece. (130 - size 16 pants)

October: cancelling the trip sucked, but I was able to meet with people from the new ownership which ultimately resulted in a job offer. J and I had a romantic weekend away in Long Beach, I started to meet some more of his family and by the end of the month we officially became engaged. The love situation has put a big dent in my gym attendance and we vow to return to the gym. (weight... steady at 130 - pants 16)

November: I met J's parents to the first time am waiting to find out if I have a job, I'm thrilled with the election results. Planned a romantic weekend with my guy in a hotel downtown... you have to love the 'staycation.' Bills and collection notices for Auntie are still rolling in. I try to get a head of it, but she's still gone and not bringing in any money. It's a hassle and I'm whiney about it. Thanksgiving goes well - my parents meet J's parents... all is right with the world. It's official, we are living together. (weight... 130 gone, pants 16... but size 14 in jeans)

December: The holidays are here... lots of events. Dinners, parties, cleaning, putting up two trees. Snow, more snow, and then some snow. I basically skip the last two weeks of work due to snow and then an unplanned vacation. I have a job until March, and an offer to move to Manhattan. It's a nice thought, but I'm not going. Christmas goes well in spite of the fact that Mom and Dad don't make it over. New Years Eve is tomorrow and I'm aware that my life is blessed beyond belief. (weight loss 130, size 14 clothes)

Come back for the photo progression next.

Rambling

The news about my cat was sad and I'm appreciative of all the kind comments and phone calls, but the new topic might have been a nice break from all the boy talk - but as you can tell by the last couple posts we are right back into it.

This morning I received the email reschedule request for the lunch with the WSU Board Member guy. I kind of forgot about him in all of my wacky obsession over the other dudes. We'll be doing lunch next Thursday. I'll let you all know if it ends up being a security thing or a 'date'.

It would crack me up to end up going on multiple dates within a few weeks time considering how long it's been since I've done ANY dating.

Yesterday, in the weight loss world I hit 110 pounds (lost.) I should be a lot smaller if I only weighed 110 pounds. To be clear, that is NOT my goal weight. I'm "only" 76 pounds from my goal weight. Ha Ha Ha… I wouldn't begin to speculate how long that will actually take. I mean, I've lost 10 pounds in the last 17 days - but in the two months prior it was only 3 pounds. So… it could be 129 days until I hit goal (seems unlikely) or taking the average over the last 2 1/2 months it would be 456 days (also unlikely). We'll shoot for something in the middle and yet, since I'm still not living for the day I hit goal weight, my focus will remain on the next ten pounds. It is very nice to be more than halfway done.

In the cute new clothes category my order from oldnavy.com arrived and the little black dress I purchased makes me happy. It's the softest t-shirt material and hangs really well. I would say that it's tasteful and yet a little sexy. I'll be wearing it Saturday when I have dinner with Misty and her new man. We're doing a 'dress up' dinner on the town. I'll be putting on the cute new dress and some sassy new shoes that I picked up in Portland last weekend. June thinks I’m the bad influence when it comes to shopping, but in fact, she's the enabler. (Just kidding, I would shop regardless; it's just more fun with friends.)

The OldNavy purchase also included a SEXY little nighty (woo woo) and a kicky little top that is questionable. I like it, but the pants selection will be critical. If the pants aren't right I could have that "soon to be a new mommy" look which isn't what I'm going for these days.

Online shopping for me these days is a gamble - but so far I've been pretty lucky. The only outstanding inbound clothing items is from Danskin in the form of new workout pants. I prefer the "bike shorts" for the gym and my 3X aren't providing ANY support. I have ease of movement, but no anti-giggle. Plus, I painted a coat in my kitchen after my work out Monday and accidentally bumped my butt against the wall in the refrigerator cubby while painting the opposite wall. I won't be going to the gym with a saggy and painted bum. (I'm a mess.)

I'm planning to finish the kitchen tonight, and I'm looking forward to putting it back together. I may eliminate some of the appliances. I don't really DO toast anymore, and the coffee pot is only used when Mom and Dad visit so in the interest of sparseness and tidiness both may be located under the counter. I purchased some CUTE hand towels from Anthropologie Saturday and am confident they will pull the new kitchen together. (Hand towels… jeezus she is rambling.)

Where I'm at... And a POEM

The thing about being sad is that you have to pick yourself up and move on. It doesn't mean I'm not feeling a tad raw and exposed. I openly cried at the vet while taking care of the bill. A little girl was very interested in my situation. "Mommy! Why is that lady crying???" All I could do was wipe off and smile. I put all the cat paraphernalia away and kept music on last night to distract myself from the quiet. I did hear phantom Peter sounds all night, but those will fade.

One of the e-boyfriends is in trouble over this situation. He emailed Thursday asking about MegaBank and suggested that we transition from email to phone. I responded with a brief thing about MB that while neither I nor my team was affected it was a hard day, and on top of that drama my cat of 14 years was ill. I wasn't feeling like my normal chipper self and said I would call him Monday. "I know it's "just" a cat, but I'm a little heartbroken. I sincerely hope you have a great weekend and thank you for understanding."

Ok… it is MONDAY and he didn’t send ANY reply at all. Not even a short "talk to you Monday." I don't need this dude to be my emotional support person, but a teeny tiny splash of compassion might be in order. I'm thinking I don't need to be calling today…if/when he replies I'll call. I'm still doing the editing of who does or doesn't get into my world… yes there are 40 women for every dude, but damn it I'm worthy of the best!

ANYWAY… here's my poem from the slam. Some of the rhymes are very bad and for that I apologize.

The 40 Is Just a Number Slam Poem:

Hello to those of you who haven’t seen me of late
It may be obvious that I’ve lost a little bit of weight,
Things are changing in my life; exercise I no longer hate
I’m active, having a blast and even starting to date
For the most part, this crazy process is pretty fun
Find a guy, who when you show up doesn’t run
Spend some time together and at end if it feels right.
Drop me off at my door for a sweet kiss good-night
The pool of men in my world has a lot of variety
And not just ones who are with me for charity
There are some though that are mighty scary,
Let’s not forget the one that was still married
This guy invited me to a party; a real hum-dinger,
Casual, hot-tubs, consensual ... Shit, this guy was a swinger!
The Architect was smooth, funny and had a good line,
We enjoyed the evening, talked and drank quite a bit of wine.
By the way, to make sure a second outing you will not rate,
Go ahead, give in, and enjoy some sex on the first date
I’ll be honest, at first I was a little pissed, kind of burned,
With time, I’ve realized it was a fun way to a lesson learned.
In the end, I am looking for my one true love,
Someone who gets me and fits like a glove.
It is still so very early and I have lots of time,
So this is me filled with hope, and I end my rhyme.

Sad News

Peter didn't do well at the hospital and we let him go this morning.


I'm so sorry I wasn't there but the vet promised me that the way they do it is easy and that the whole staff comes together to comfort the animal.


It was the right thing to do but I'm really blue. I am thankful to be here in a house full of friends and children. You can't wallow in the ugly cry with a two year old who wants to play.

My cell phone went on the shits yesterday and to make it work I had to totally reset it, so I don't have anyones numbers, which is why I'm not making outgoing calls.

Peter Prognosis

He's one sick little dude. Chronic kidney failure, which isn't an overly painful thing, but is not reversible. Based on the labs today he has less than 25% of his kidney function left. (If we get through this crisis.).

He's spending the weekend here at the hospital to rehydrate him and see if he rallies. He has a better than 50% chance of coming home.

He's on a warmer with a little iv.

If he comes home the care regimen will be kind of tricky, but the doc and I will talk about that after the weekend.

Some of his labs were so wrong that they couldn't be registered. Poor little guy, he didn't even whine about being in the car. That's one sick kitty.

Since nothing is for sure...I'm in management mode. Thank you Becky for talking me off the floor last night.

Thank you for your kind comments and phone calls. You folks are great!



TP

Peter The Cat

For fourteen years I have have been living with this little dude who is always under foot, whiny about food, doesn't pick up after anyone but himself.

He's demanding, going so far as to knock things off the bedside table to wake me up when he wants something. He'll even stand on my chest and paw at my nose to help me understand his wacky wants.

He has been a snuggle friend on cold nights, likes to sleep on the bed even when it's a hundred degrees in the house and will keep one paw on me to let me know he's there.

He put up with years of my snoring, didn't have to endure too many overnight guests, and forgave me for getting him "tutored."

Well, we're going through something right now. He hasn't eaten in two days and the only water he will take is the ounce and a half tonight that I fed him through a straw. He's moving around the house really slow and today was in the same spot I left him this morning.

We have an appointment at the vet tomorrow, but I'm feeling blue that he feels like shit. His nose is dry (fever) but runny (gross).

He doesn't have any mystery bumps, but groans when I pick him up.

It's A F*CKING CAT... but he's family. A little heartbroken over here.

Boo Hoo

Animal Planet

Last night was pretty dry in the tv arena, I'm caught up on all my dvr'd shows (except Friday Night Lights) so I was flipping and landed on the Animal Planet channel.

They were showing a program about fat pets in the UK. They featured a 40 pound (16 kilo) cat a 202 pound Rottweiler and a King James (I have no idea) Springer Spaniel who was so round that he could only lay on his tummy with his feet sprawled out. He had no spring...

The kitty had a heart murmur and the HOT vet gave the mummy a stern talking to. Poor Peter, because of this show the all-you-can-eat buffet is now closed. He's gone from a heaping 1/2 cup of crunchies in the morning and one at night (and then a top off any time the bowl was empty-ish) to the prescribed 1/4 cup in the morning and one at night.

I'm sure he's a little pissed. He keeps walking me by the bowl and making a noise as if to say.. HEY ASSHOLE... THE DAMNED DISH IS EMPTY!!!! LOOK! EMPTY.

Well buddy, I get it. My all-you-can-eat-buffet is closed too...

Maybe we'll do Kitty and Me Before and After photos. Oh lord, wouldn't that be the saddest thing ever? Here's Middle Aged Midge and her CAT. (She doesn't need a man, she has a cat.)

There's Chiton my floor

I was certainly right about the horrific amount of work that needed to be done to prep for the 8am arrival of Installer Uno and Installer Dos of the we nod at everything you say carpet installation co. Actually - they were very nice and the language thing was only a little issue when I tried to explain why I didn't want my cherry coffee table out on my nasty deck.

By 10 pm I pretty much had everything moved out of the living room and bed room. As you can see I have too much stuff. This stuff WILL be prioritized before it moves back into drawers and closets. This pile is OUT OF CONTROL.

This is what happened in the dining room and kitchen:























They were working away in both rooms at once - and I in the office on a dreadfully dull task when I realized I hadn't seen the cat in a while. I popped out to find they had blocked me into the office and asked if they had seen the cat. The laughed a little and pointed to the deck. There, in a snow drift, Peter sat puffed up to keep warm and swaying in the wind. He was clearly in need of a nap (having been up for at least an hour). I had to carry him in to the office where he quickly found the safe space under a dresser and only just came out even though the installers have been gone since 1pm

The new carpets are lovely. The Berber in the livingroom is stunning (and yes, you can not really see the difference in the before and after shots - but believe me I can tell. The bedroom "Chiton" (shit on) is a pretty mocha color and it should wear nicely. Ok, I've got to go, I've only got 5 or so hours to put my house back together.

Day 6 (revised)

Still without power, still relying on the kindness of friends, still anxious to go home.

The paper this morning reported that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is now saying that some of the power outages are 'our' fault for not letting them de-tree in areas. I personally own none of that responsibility, but it is a sign that the goodwill and heroic after storm actions are starting to fade. I wouldn't be surprised if in short order all hell breaks loose and those of us in the dark start to rise up and revolt.

This morning, I packed my car with all the things I have had at Becky's (she said to just go ahead and use her name, she thinks my pseudonyms are easily crackable) and will go home tonight in hopes that today is the day. Power Day....

I'm feeling really bad for my cat. Peter has been home alone for days now, and I don't think the nightly check in is enough to keep the poor dude happy. It has been cold enough to leave out cream for him to clog his arteries with, but I haven't done it. I am a bad bad mommy.

Power or no, I'll probably sleep at home tonight because the beast needs some human contact before I leave him for the Christmas weekend. I'd take him with me to Yaki-vegas but mom and dad have enough animals. Katie - the loving and super cute black cat, Iris - super bitchy standoffish calico cat. (She was in the home first and is a little more than angry about Katie moving in, but it's the new dog that really has her in Michael Douglas "Falling Down" mode.) The new dog (whose name hasn't been told to me yet) is the most adored being in the house. I think adding my cat to the mix would really throw Iris over the edge. She'd probably step up her bitchy behavior and just set the house on fire. No one needs that drama, so Pete will have to suffer.

Mom has told me that they got a dog three or four times now. (I love that she can't remember when she's last spoken to me. I would feel unimportant except that she's so excited to talk to me that I know she's happy about it - she doesn't recall what we've talked about. It's not Alzheimer's...'cuz that's what you're thinking, she's just caught up in her world.)

Um... what else is there to report... Nothing!---er... previously posted content has been removed because my attorney friend reminds me that it's not really anonymous and how would I feel if something unkind (but true) was posted about me by someone I worked for? Not good. I will now fall back on revisionist history in order to gloss over my lapse in judgement. Everything everywhere is ok, I never said there were "ACTUAL" weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Another bummer about single life

I am appreciative of the unilateral decision making process. It is pretty great being able to decide to spend money how I want, move the furniture where I want it, and put out girly purple towels in the guest bathroom. These are all very wonderful things, but I do wish I had someone to discuss big decisions with - especially relating to financial decisions.

I mull things over and talk them out with the cat, but he's no help when I'm unsure as to how to proceed. Talking it out with the trusted inner circle is an idea, but some think that it is crass to talk money, and then there's the worry that you'll spill the oh-so-secret salary level or the dreadful financial situation. All those charged shoes add up to a worrisome debt to income situation.

There are professionals to talk with, but I'm unsure as to how to find one that isn't trying to sell me something. Plus, isn't paying someone to talk to me a little reminiscent of the days of yore when my mom paid the kids in the neighborhood to be nice to me? I have to tell you I was pretty upset when I found out the reason why little Timmy came over every 15th and 30th like clockwork.

Anywho... I'm mulling over a new fictionary term in honor of our friends who are prohibited by law from marrying: Significan't Others.

Lastly, the shelf lady stopped by last night to pick up the shelf and upon seeing it realized it wouldn't fit in her car. Too bad I didn't include the dimensions of the item on my ad... wait I DID! She's supposed to be back tonight - we'll see.
I want the damn thing gone.

Bye bye shelf

what time is it?

As MWR kindly pointed out - I'm an idiot. When we "spring forward" we do lose an hour, and 5am is the old 4am and thus yes, it is actually DARKER in the morning.

I stand by my statement that the cat is up at all hours of the night knocking crap off the night stand. A smart (and tidy) person wouldn't have anything on the night stand, but I refuse to be intimidated by a creature that has 'relations' with a blanket. I also can't be bothered to actually clean my house. I did drag out the vacuum last night - but it was under protest. I live alone, so imagine the scariness of that conversation.

I'm still trying to get through my bookclub book - HERZOG by Saul Bellows. Can I confide in y'all that I don't get it. For every sentence of linear plot there are 14 pages of swirling thoughts, half written letters to old lovers, employers, and the President. In spite of my inability to tell time I think I'm relatively erudite - but Saul has it over on me. He's out there and I don't get it. I'm weak - I need a plot.

Thumbs up to Grey's Anatomy - who as a plus sized actress getting some action. The best part is that her size isn't THE story. You go girlfriend - get yer swirl on! I do wonder how long it will take Meredith and George to be friends again. They teased me last night (I know the show is on Sundays - but I have DVR people) and made me think he would forgive her for using him for sex when she KNEW he loved her. But - it looks like a NEW Dr. McDreamy is in town. Yes, gals Robin the gay sidekick of that flamboyant Batman is a possible LI (that's love interest if you're still reading me) for Ally McBeal -- I mean Meredith Grey.

You know, sometimes I worry that my posts are silly and useless. I look at other folks who post smart political commentary, fresh insights into our world and I wonder if I'm just trite. However, I was looking at my super smart friend's blog and he's got pictures of a dog and a cat in uniform posted. It scared me - but then I realized that I"m free to post what I like!

Lastly, if you have HBO - there is a documentary playing this month called Paperclips. It is quite wonderful and I encourage you to see it. A middle school in nowhere Tennessee/Arkansas (samething) decided to collect a paperclip for every Jewish person killed in the holocaust. The documentary interviews the kids, teachers and survivors that worked together to create a moving memorial. If you don't have HBO - get the movie any way you can - Netflix, Blockbuster... Amazon. It's a lovely story.

Daylight Savings... the downside

So, it's going to be awesome when I get up in the morning it will be light and the trip to the bus won't be an adventure. However, until we get adjusted the time change is a pain.

Satan - aka Peter who likes to eat at 5am was up super early and to get me up and moving (on a sunday?) jumped over my head to the night stand and started knocking things off. My book(Herzog by Saul Bellows), the water bottle (which I use instead of a glass for just this reason) my night guard (sexy!) holder and finally the alarm clock.

I got up long enough to kick him out of the bedroom so I could try to sleep until 7:30. I did catch some more shut eye but it was hard wtih him body slamming the bedroom door. I know I COULD have just fed him, but I know he can read... he knows that it's Sunday. Crazy cat lady needs her sleep!

So, on much less sleep than I anticipated I accidentally took a nap this afternoon and so now here it is 'time to go to bed' and not only does my body KNOW it's not really 10:30, I'm not pooped enough to fake it. However, since 5 am comes in six and a half hours whether I go to bed or not.. I should try.

Lastly, I probably shouldn't post this pix of the cat but he's so shameless... He is a big boy, but this particular pose highlights his stature.

Connectivity @ home

I'm finally free of AOL. I've joined the ranks of hi-tech people everywhere and am now publishing from my home office.

So far, so good.

The iMac has some fun features a photobooth for one, so here's the required picture of a single gal and her cat. He's not too thrilled about looking at the camera.



Here's one that's a little less attractive. The photo booth feature has all sorts of distortion techniques and the photo's crack me up.



More fun photo's to come!

Is my cat's love for the Minkie wrong?

Huge shout out to the Beckster and family who have agreed to let my enormous kitty Peter come and visit them while I am in Spain. This is a huge relief and load off my mind. I'm taking my usual cat sitters with me on vacation, so they weren't too hip on the the idea of staying home to feed the beast.

Peter is a sweet kitty who doesn't talk too much and isn't overly neurotic -- E&A's cats are legally insane and the one is extraordinarily unfriendly. Peter on the other hand is a love whore -- not so much that he drools when he's getting love (that's just embarrassing) but I do catch him every once in a while with his tongue sticking out. He likes to visit during book group - generally he will find the epicenter of the conversation, fall over and expose his big belly for all to see. The boy has no shame.

He does have one weird thing that I will forewarn Beckster about -- he is IN LOVE with the Minkie. This isn't sweet brother and sister love either, this is nasty "CINEMAX at Night" love.

The Minkie, imported from South Korea (where it gets a little cold,) is the best blanket in the entire world. It is two layers of heavy, fuzzy, heat trapping goodness. It is not for the weak - it weighs approximately 30 pounds (no joke) and I live for the coldest winter nights to snuggle under it. My dad tried to nap under the Minkie and had nightmares (daymares?) that he was being crushed by a piano - but he is not the target Minkie audience.

Beckster found the Minkie while stationed in S. Korea with her hubby B.D. The Minkie got them through many a chilly evening. They mailed me one for Christmas and before opening the box I thought they had sent me a set of Korean pottery.

The only problem with the Minkie (other than I can't use it year round) is that you can't put it under the covers - it HAS to be on top or all the bedding slides onto the floor. Peter, who is fixed but tries to LOVE the Minkie in spite of the futile nature of the act, can not handle the exposure to the Minkie. He won't sleep, he won't eat - his whole life becomes kneading and LOVING the Minkie. It's extremely distracting trying to sleep, read or whatever in your bed with a 20 pound cat trying to consummate his love for a blanket for hours on end.

I thought this may have been a feline thing - but Becksters kitties (Neffie and Cleo) had normal love for the Minkie so I think this is a Peter problem. I will give her a heads up so she doesn't experience trauma when Peter puts the moves on her Minkie. At the very least, she will be able to give her Minkie a talk about the birds and the bees prior to Peter visiting. Again, he is fixed, so there's no danger of unwanted Kitty-Minkie mixes running around.

If I had a digital camera I would get a shot of Peter in action -- but I wouldn't want to get in trouble for Kitty Porn! (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)