Monkey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHXBL6bzAR4

If You Were There

First CSA pickup in one month. I can't wait. Fruits, veggies, and flowers too!

I found the Boxer Nintendog. He's really cute. Much cuter than I expected. All I need now is the Dalmatian. There were two Yorkies with the Boxer. I felt bad for leaving them behind. Yes, I already have one, but still...

My cat mentor confirmed that our little Cara is indeed one smart girl. Cara is probably acting out because she's bored and not mentally stimulated. The mentor gave lots of suggestions on dealing with Cara, one of them being time-outs. Our little girl will give chase and then walk herself into timeout. It is so cute and funny that QE and I have a hard time trying not to laugh.

Cowboys and Angels

Watched King Corn last night. Really enjoyed it. My food hero Michael Pollan was interviewed too. The documentary was a really good summary of Omnivore's Dilemma. We learned that many Iowa farmers are in the farming business not because they actually profit from farming (they don't). They make money from government subsidies. They showed a Colorado CAFO (feedlot). I have to be honest and say that the CAFO shown didn't have poop-crusted cows. It was run by a little guy and not some big conglomerate. And I assume that any gruesome operation wouldn't have agreed to be filmed, and that the CAFO shown probably cleaned up the place since it wasn't a surprise visit. So I still don't believe CAFO cows are happy cows. What surprised me what that somebody said that a good cut of steak (I forget which part) from a grain-fed cow has 9 grams of saturated fat. The same cut from a pastured cow has 1.5 grams of saturated fat. CAFO cows get fat because their movement is restricted to a pen. King Corn will air again on PBS next week I think. Check it out.

I finally figured out why my Cinderella sock looks weird. I wasn't getting the pattern. Gyah. Will rip most of it out tonight. LOVE the Koigu Kersti yarn.

Everything She Wants

Em wants to kill me. After much talk, we're finally going to knit socks together. Holy crap. I don't think it's possible for her to have chosen a more difficult pattern! Provisional cast-on and all this wyif/wyib nonsense (with yarn in front/back). Cinderella on Knitty. I am totally freaking out.

Young Guns

Hard to tell who's butt is April's pic of the month, but it's Cara's. Her coloring has gotten much darker in the year we've had her. She and Angel look so alike that Davis often freaks out at the sight of Angel. I too have gotten the girls mixed up. What a terrible mom...

Here are my Nintendogs. I found the king charles spaniel (?) and golden retriever yesterday. Now I'm only missing the boxer and dalmatian. I've never seen the latter. No, I didn't buy a bed just for my doggies--it's Angel's new bed that she nixes in favor of her older-but-roomier bed. It would have been hilarious if I did buy a bed for the dogs though. hahahaha

My right arm and shoulder are very sore from playing Wii Sports, but it's worth it. I got a KO in the first round and my first-ever play of boxing. I had so many home runs QE asked if I was in the HR derby. Yay me! If only I was even 25% as coordinated or athletic in real life... :) I bought Zack and Wiki today, and Rayman. I'm conflicted about Rayman because I think it's shooting bunnies.

Wii Are Family

We bought a Wii tonight. QE spotted a Wii in the very back of a display at Target. It was the only one. I have to admit that as many times as we saw it last summer and passed on it, I found tonight's purchase a joyful coup. Sure, the games look fun, but for me it was the thrill of the chase and "winning".

I left work early today since I had well over 40 hours as of yesterday. Bought cat food. Over $31 for a case. Ouch. Still less expensive than feeding ourselves for a week, so I can't complain. A case of food will feed Cara and Davis for 24 days. Penne, the cutie doggie from Pet Sage passed away on March 22. I held my tears as I expressed condolences to her mom, the shop owner. Penne was a big dog (chocolate lab?) who was getting on in years and had lots of physical ailments. We had not seen her in several months, but I was in denial about her illness and didn't want to know if she was still with us. She was a sweetie pie. Penne was very friendly to everyone and was always an excellent hostess. Once, she hobbled around the store looking for QE so he could pet her. He was charmed and smitten.

After getting cat food, I spent the rest of the afternoon applying sprinkles to cupcakes and finishing up my kangaroo. I could definitely get used to working part-time. My spirits were up, my mood good. All of this week's anger and frustration dissipated. I am seriously thinking of quitting next week. Life is too precious and short to put up with crap.

Blue

Cara projectile-vomited on my face last night. I administered her medication last night and she started heaving with that inchworm/wave movement cats do. I wasn't sure what was going on but saw she had drool hanging off her face. Like the good mom I try to be, I grabbed a towel to wipe her face. Cara looked up at me and before I could wipe her face, she puked a vertical fountain, right on my face. So nasty. I have to say it was much grosser than having to wipe Angel's butt or any other motherly thing I've ever experienced. I started to dry heave uncontrollably. Between the thought of what just happened and actually smelling/seeing it, I was gone. Luckily, I didn't have dinner last night. I got home from work just before 8:00 p.m. and decided it was too late to eat. I was heaving so badly that QE didn't make me clean up the mess. I think he was totally grossed out having to clean up vomit while hearing me heave continuously. HAHAHAHAHA

Spinning the Wheel

Saw deer in our yard on Saturday. QE pointed out a big deer lounging in our yard, laying down and just chillin. I took pictures and was beyond thrilled to see our neighbor-visitor. So excited that I didn't even notice the other two laying down butt-to-butt with their backs toward us. :) Deer are such big and fascinating creatures. I need to post pics.

I have cupcakes coming out of my ears. It's been fun, in a boring way. The pattern gets dull, but I still enjoy it because it's a quick-knit so I get instant gratification. I got a suggestion to knit ice cream cones, so maybe I'll come up with a pattern for that.

I met a boy on Friday while waiting for the train. He was traveling alone to his dad's house. Sweet boy (reminded me of the kid on Two and a Half Men) who I thought to be about 12 but said he was a high school freshman. I still doubt that given his adorable face and perky attitude. There was an innocence about him that makes me question his age. Plus, he was very interested in knitting and wanted me to show him(!). We also talked about a game called Smash Bros. or some variation of that. He quizzed me on the characters from his "strategy guide" (aka CHEAT book! hahahaha). He had no idea who Snake was and was very impressed that I knew. One more reason why I don't think he was a freshman...most kids that age would play or at least be aware of Metal Gear Solid I think. Hopefully he doesn't live a sheltered life where his parents shield him from the real world. He was a total darling and I would hate for someone to take advantage of his sweet nature because he's not street-smart. The fact that he initiated conversation with me caught me off guard.

I bought a litter of puppies. Nintendogs. :) Adorable. I'm now missing four--boxer, dalmatian, golden retriever, and king charles spaniel.

John and Elvis are Dead

I just realized (ok, I knew but was trying to block it out) that this week is the start of baby seal clubbing season. I am by no means an expert or informed participant in the topic for obvious reasons. I did learn that Canadian fishermen do it in the off-season as a supplement to their fishing income. It makes sense to kill animals for food and other uses. What I don't understand is why it has to be baby seals, who are vulnerable and can't defend themselves or get away. And even if it is ok to kill a baby seal, why can't they do it with a gun or something that will cause immediate death? I'm assuming it takes multiple whacks to kill. Isn't one of the unwritten human codes of conduct not to prey on the innocent and helpless? We're not supposed to eat our fellow humans and we are not supposed to pick on those weaker than us.

Fantasy

Finally managed to convert the three discs to mp3 and burn it as one disc. It only took five discs, but it's done. So I don't look like a total idiot, I should probably clarify. Used three discs to make exact copies, one mess-up that I thought was burning the mp3s but was really just a copy from my Library, plus the final product.

Since everyone is probably sick of hearing about George, here's some other updates. Cara got upgraded from a harness to a collar. She hates it and keeps scratching her neck. Cara has resumed chasing her siblings. Maybe I should take the Prozac so it won't bother me when that happens. Chicken-flavored Prozac doesn't taste like chicken, btw.

Found some kid- and wash-friendly yarns for cupcakes. Except the yarns aren't all the same weight, which means it will affect gauge and finished size.

I'm thinking about working part-time. Not sure what I will do with my free time (knit!) and haven't thought it through fully. I have no valid reason like child-care to go PT. Wonder if "my cats need more play time and attention" will work. :)

Heal the Pain

Oh.My. George's music is timeless. Careless Whisper, Last Christmas, One More Try...still love them like I did back in the 80s. Other than reminding me that the 80s were twenty years ago, it's all good. Paul McCartney duet on right now. I feel so dirty for thinking a 60-year old is cute. hahahaha Upon further reflection last night, I realized just how awesome Wham! and George were--they were the first band to perform in China, he was the first white person to perform a duet with Aretha Franklin, he had the most awards/#1 hits or some statistical record at the time.

I find George returning to my life a bit weird. Ok, he was never really IN my life, but he had a profound effect on my life. As Frap would probably be all too eager to share, my world revolved around George for most of my adolescent and early-adult years. I did have several George-related license plates. I boycotted Sony when he was in a legal battle with them and continued my ban for years until he forgave them. I think I may have loved George more than all but one of my boyfriends (yes, QE is the only one I've loved more than George). Not that I lusted for George...it was more of a loyal, unconditional love. His dimpled smile still warms my heart. He's happy, so I'm happy.

A Different Corner

Bought the 3-disc set last night. Tried to convert to mp3s and burn to a spare CD since I don't want to ruin my originals or the packaging. Not sure how that works on a Mac. We only have iTunes software. Can't do it using Sonic on a PC either. So I made exact copies of each disc. Hopefully those actually work and will play. I am convinced that not all technology is good. It's only a matter of time before I am left behind. Five years is my guess.

Too Funky

mmmm...George. I got tickets. Sadly, there are still lots of tickets left. Yes, I know it's only the fan club presale right now. Honestly, I think the prices are a bit steep. But, this isn't NSync...George is in the Madonna, Prince, and Elton John class, so I expected the tickets to cost more. Unfortunately, this could weed out my fellow teeny boppers and encourage the stuffy old farts with wads of money up their ass. At his last concert, there were dorks in suits and old bags wearing pearls and cardigans. They should have gone to the Kennedy Center if they wanted to dress up and sit down during a CONCERT. In any case, I'm excited about seeing George. I have floor seats, but I'm starting to wonder if getting seats in the first tier of the venue would give me a better view.

Fast Love

I am still a teeny bopper to the core. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing. :) I joined George's fan club so I can get early access to his concert tickets. I also feel very guilty for "cheating" on John. Oh dear. I had George's music in my head as I slept last night. Every time I think about buying tickets and going to see him, I get an adrenaline rush and my heart races.

Hey Cupcake!

I've finished several cupcakes and two mini cupcakes. I gave away my prototype and my first "official" one--the service guy at the car dealership saw it and thought it was adorable, so I gave it to him. Why a 50+ year old man needs a girly knitted cupcake is none of my business, I suppose. :)

I'm kind of in a knitting rut since I've knit all the full-size cakes in Debbie Bliss cotton angora. I love the yarn and it works really well for the project, but I feel guilty that my sweets are all uniform. Where's the flair? I guess that will have to come later since I need to finish up my six-pack and minis before getting too creative. A certain girl has a pink Disney Princess toy oven. I am SO JEALOUS! It's very cute. And PINK!!!! Anyway, she needs to have girly cakes to go in her awesome oven, so this elf needs to get baking.

Kissing a Fool

HE'S COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My beloved George Michael announced a US tour. I've been a loyal fan since 1984. Kept the faith all these years. In my fairy tale dreams, I'd go to the show in LA--on his birthday!!!! Oh George...

I called QE to share the news and said he's going with me. Silence followed by a muted sigh. Now all I need is Mark Wahlberg to tour (fat chance!) and my torture trifecta will be complete. Too bad Marky Mark has forgotten his roots. I wanted to see sweat coming out of his pores. hahahahaha

HR Nerd Humor

Me: I forgot to tell you that every time I use “flex”, “FSA”, or “flexible spending account”, nobody knows what I’m talking about. It’s “benefits bank” here.

QE: Well if you used the proper terminology of “benefits bank” instead of your benefits slang like FSA maybe someone would understand. Jesh! What are you going to use next, “section 125”?

Mental Ward

The Goo Mental Hospital for Rebel Cats is going well. Our patient has been on Prozac since Friday. A quarter-tablet of human med is tiny and very difficult to administer to a squirmy 12-pound wiggler with sharp pointy teeth. She managed to spit out tonight's dose twice even after I chased it with water. The final product was pretty soft and eventually caused her to foam at the mouth--it's a bitter pill. Cara seems more mellow but is still opportunistic in chasing her siblings. She has less of an appetite but still eats, so no worries there since she needs to lose weight anyway.

The rescue recommended a harness so we can attach a bell to her. Our little Houdini has managed to escape and choke herself on regular collars, so they thought a harness is safer. I bought one today. It doesn't fit. It appears that our little girl isn't so little. I also bought her a wand toy since many of her toys are hand-me-downs. She loves it. I'll buy another one (or two) when I exchange the harness for a dog-sized one.

Overall, I think Cara is doing well. She seems to appreciate the time I spend with her, seeking pets and headbutting me. I must say, I can see how human children, even as adults, can perceive a parent's favored treatment of a sibling. I have been thinking about Cara constantly and miss her when I am away from home. That's not to say I don't love Angel or Davis, or that I love Cara more. It's just that Cara needs me more and my attention right now. A few of us were discussing parents recently and someone said that parents tend to favor the (Cara is purring right now! She NEVER purrs!!!) sorry...parents tend to favor or focus more attention on the troublemaker/failure/black sheep kid of the family because they cause parents more worry, even as adults. Is it true that parents tend to "favor" and focus more on the "bad" sibling? Obviously a blanket statement like that is just not valid, but I wonder if there would be a trend there if all parents answered a survey honestly. Maybe parents don't love one child more than another, but love each one differently. That's how I feel, at least. I assumed I loved Cara "less" since she's had less time to build up a reserve in my heart. Based on recent events, I'd say that my love for her is just as much as her siblings.

Druggies in the Family

Well, I suffered all week for nothing. My doc is apparently out of the state, possibly the country. I was so mad I didn't hear what they said. :) They said they couldn't reach me but they had my cell phone number. They called "several weeks ago" and DID NOT THINK TO TRY AGAIN!!! So now I must go back. Let me just say that I had this appt scheduled over a month ago. I've feared and dreaded this appointment the whole time. The pain, itching, and swelling is worse than my shots. The mental and emotional anguish I've had! Serenity now!!

I took Cara for her annual exam. I asked the vet for advice on how to promote family harmony and told her everything we've done and tried. She gently asked if we considered giving Cara up. Ouch. Yes, QE and I have discussed it, but never seriously. Hearing the suggestion from an impartial person, a medical professional no less, stung. The vet did mention a possible solution: Prozac. She said many of her patients are on it for various reasons. Our doctor didn't recommend or dissuade giving up Cara or Prozac. She only brought up two additional options. It would have been so much easier if she gave her opinion (but I respect her professionalism for not doing so.) Long story short, I went home heartbroken. The thought of losing Cara was unbearable. I cried. Cara came to see if I was ok (is that progress?!) but she guarded the stairs to prevent my HeartHealers from visiting (no progress here!).

Is this what we've become? A society that medicates our problems? From a parenting standpoint, I don't agree with medicating Cara. Regardless of what other people do to their human or furry children, I don't agree with drugging up the troublemakers or using drugs to solve our problems. It just doesn't seem fair to her since it's not medically necessary or live-saving. Will we have a zombie cat? Will Cara lose her zeal for life? I contacted the rescue and Cara's foster mom replied saying she highly recommends we try Prozac. Gyah. I guess it makes me feel better knowing I'm not a bad mom for medicating my baby. Screw my beliefs and values...I have to do what's best for Cara. And I guess Prozac is better than giving her up, right? Right??? I don't know, actually. As a selfish human, of course I want to keep Cara. She's my baby. Do I think staying with us is best for her? Possibly. I know we will give her the best care possible and all the love she can take. It's likely her next home might not be as patient or loving. I don't think other households would put up with her antics the way we have. The vet was shocked we've done it for a year. That's love, right? Love is supposed to be unconditional.

So, tomorrow I will be calling the vet for Prozac. We'll try it on a short term basis and see if she improves. Hopefully just a few months on it will ease tensions and build tolerance.

Screw Hugs, Gimme Drugs!

Two (possibly three) days without my allergy meds. I must stay clean until Thursday, when I get my back stabbed with fifty needles they call allergy testing. I think the government is really embedding nano machines in me or maybe injecting me with some mind-altering serum. :)

I was ok yesterday but it slammed me today. The itchy nose and throat, the sneezing, and overall irritation makes for a cranky me. I need drugs and lots of it. Pretty green bottles are my friends.