Eragon

I am almost done reading Eragon. I liked the movie so much I bought the book, with original picture instead of the movie cast on it. So far the book is equal to the movie, which is rare. Usually I like the books better than the movies because they leave much unexplained if you have not read the book yet.

I know it is normal to read books before watching the movie, but I get lost if I know the story. Movies take book scenes out and place new things in so it is hard for me to follow along. When I watch the movie and then read the book, I follow the book very easily and get more background information of characters and places to understand what and why everything is happening. Does that make sense? Post later. Bye!

Lost and Found

Yesterday I lost the ruby off my ring in 1 of 5 stores I visited that day after Christmas shopping. I tossed the ring with the big hole in the center away. Tonight while leaving my sister's house, I find my ruby in the driver's seat of the car. Now which waste basket did I throw the ring into? Empty the kitchen garbage can (Yuck!) and proceeded to the bedroom can (Bingo!). I try to slip it back in the prongs when I notice one prong is broken. Guess I will be buying a new setting for it at the jewelry store next week. Post later. Bye!

Weird kitty

This morning Precious starts in with the meow chorus scratching at the window and door ready to get out for our daily hour outside (weather permitting). We get outside, I toss the garbage in the dumpster. Precious is running around all over the place. Then I head for the back door because Frodo takes his time creeping down the stairs. Precious jumps inside to encourage Frodo outside. But no, Precious runs all the way upstairs, all 3 floors, with Frodo tailing behind him. They wait for me to open the fire door and the apartment door. Huh??? We only spent 2 minutes outside and they want back in. Naturally hours later the meow chorus of Precious going bonkers wanting outside starts again. We don't go outside at night. Post later. Bye!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my readers. Today I woke up early, open our gifts from Santa, tried to sing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas to the cats, took the cats outisde, and went to work. I never wanted a husband and kids more than when I was singing that I couldn't finish the song. I watched Christmas movies all day at work. Back home I am passing time playing with the cats before I see the movie Eragon with someone at work. I haven't read the book so I all I know is that it is about a dragon. Good night. Post later. Bye!

Xmas loot

This year's Christmas presents include a Sugared Pear and Vanilla scented candles, Target gift card, money, bookends, cd shelf, level for the cd shelf, desk organizer, and back up computer discs.

Yesterday the essay I snet to a local newspaper was published. I grabbed a hand full of papers at the grocery store to mail to far away relatives.

I got myself a sweatshirt and Christmas cd so I have something to upwarp on Christmas Day. I got presents for the cats too, mice and fuzzy balls.

Post later. Merry Christmas.

Hanging cat

Since it was raining today, I let my cats play on the steps of the apartment building. They have such a thrill running up and down the steps and pouncing each other. One stair flight has no back to it so the cats can squeeze through the steps and jump down the other side.

Precious was scratching at the carpet on the steps (the carpet is wrapped around each step and stapled underneath) and slipped through the top step space to be clinging the carpet underneath. He was almost cute hanging there staring at me and Frodo. I didn't think I could grab his paws and pull him back up without resistance, so I let him drop, which he did, 1 story. Don't worry, cats are built to fall from trees. I've seen Precious jump down from high levels from trees and hit the ground running. Post later. Bye!

uh-oh

I found out coming to work today that one of my coworkers who has been on vacation all month (she takes her 4 weeks vacation all at once) and celebrated 25 years with the company last September retired yesterday. Too bad I didn't know about it so I had time to get her a retirement card and present, like a snowglobe.

Then later when another coworker came to work, said she didn't retire, she told the boss off and quit. During her vacation while she was inch away from retiring and getting a retirement party? This makes no sense to me, or anyone else. Something must have miffed her pretty good to quit like that.

Next I hear is the bossman is not hiring any new people to replace the outdoor guy and indoor counter person who have quit the past month. He is making cutbacks. Uh-oh. If we are shorthanded and he not replacing people is not a good thing. I wonder if we get raises in January if business is that bad. Post later. Bye!

Mooch

I sent out an email to the family for my sister sick as a dog asking what everyone wanted to bring for the family Christmas. My sister and I thought my brother could bring rolls so he didn't have to cook. My brother answered he didn't know was suppose to bring anything, but could bring rolls if necessary. My reply: Mooch.

He eats like a piggy and thinks he shouldn't contribute to the meal. We women are breaking our backs cleaning, baking, setting the table, lighting candles by the centerpieces, and washing the dishes: and he didn't know he is suppose to contribute. Just eat and watch TV is his job. I'm almost insulted here.

He doesn't have a wife to do the contributing to the meal, so it is him who needs to do it. I'm done ranting. Merry Christmas. Post later.

PS. I am bringing gingersnaps, sugar cookies, macaroni and cheese, French Silk Pie, folding chairs, movies and books for the kiddies. Yes tonight I baked my sugar cookies and bought a pie at the grocery store freezer section. Bye!

Cookies

C is for cookie, that's good enough for me.

Today I baked gingersnaps while my kitties jumped on the counter to investigate. I am almost ready for my family Christmas at my sister's house Saturday. She called today to ask if I would email everybody who wants to bring what so we don't duplicate dishes. She is sick with the flu bug my niece had last week. Yesterday she asked me to pick her up at a Target store because she couldn't drive all the way home from work. Then I drove my brother-in-law to her car and then drove home. At the party, I plan to bring my gingersnaps, a French Silk Pie from the freezer section of the grocery store, and macaroni and cheese. At least the presents are wrapped up and under the tree. Post later. Bye!

Proud mama

Today after our walk we start heading back towards the door. Right in our way, ten feet from the door stands a terrier without a leash barking at Frodo and me. Precious was still sniffing the bushes cause he hates coming inside. Dog master comes out and aplogizes, terrier is all bark no bite. I explain we just need to get through the door cause our walk is done. He holds dog back from Frodo and I open the door for Frodo to escape into. Problem, the dog runs in and stops at the 2nd floor fire door. I don't think he wants to play outside, I joke to the owner. Well before I could stop him, Frodo sprints into the door and runs smack into the dog. My back was my turned so I didn't see the initial confrontation but I heard Frodo hissing so I looked to see him slashing at the dog and the dog backed away. The owner pushes the dog through the fire door and Precious comes missing the excitement to sniff the rocks by the outside door. I was so proud Frodo, he is terrified of dogs and always hides from them. I get Precious inside and we come upstairs. Frodo keeps checking downstairs with his hair raised up, he has nice winter fur now. I pet him and he calms down. Post later. Bye!

Joy to the World!

Hey there. My darling sister said tonight after my niece tossed her cookies on me, my niece, the couch, the floor, and my sister that she would write a check for the amazon.com listing. Joy to the World, I got it listed on amazon.com. I did it tonight and found a special deal, Regular price is $39.99 and newcomers can get a special deal of $19.99 for 2 months. So it will be available online tomorrow. Now if my stupid printer would scan the book cover for the website. Godforbid electronics work past midnight when I want to go to bed. And I had all the books wrapped up too for my nieces' Christmas gifts, right before going to babysit tonight. Oh well, they can be unwrapped as necessary.

Oh yeah, I forgot to look for Mom's Xmas card she left behind with my travel toothbrush and toothpaste, and dental floss I left at Mom's house. Maybe I'll remember next week to get them. I found the pictures Mom asked me to copy in the scanner. Oops.

Done at last

I finally finished my Xmas shopping and wrapped up all the gifts. Now all is left is baking of cookies, which might get skipped this year if I don't find any time to do them. Oh well, other retired people in my family can do the baking for the family Christmas. I emailed my siblings what I got everyone so we don't get identical gifts. We never tell the receiver what they are getting, unless they are so picky we have to obtain their approval to avoid conflict later. But never tell what someone else is getting them.

And my sister gave up on trying to halt the gift exchange because she never gets what she wants (things out of our price range). Now she is poor enough to need things and eagerly informs us her wish list. Plus from my work email I threatened my siblings to buy them either a food basket with jellies and cocoa or a bath basket if they didn't tell me what they wanted. It worked. I guess nobody wanted open cocoa or soap on Christmas. Post later. Bye!

The Nutcracker

I went to see my niece perform in The Nutcracker put on by her teacher. Trying to find this place was the adventure along with costly since the city has a toll bridge I had to cross. I followed the mapquest directions, but they did not mention or show on the map that I could tell, the road splits without any signs directing which street is what. So thinking the right split was a side road, I followed to the left looking for the street the high school is listed on. I ended up in a suburb next door. I figured I went too far when I saw signs for the airport and interstate I got off of a hour ago. So stopped at a gas station. Since I was in another city thatn my mapquest directions the guy didn't know where the place was located. Turn around and stop at a bakery next to a gas station that had no place to park. The lady there said she lives someplace else and had no clue. The customer she just helped in front of me guided the way in a long about way. I got there to discover the street I was looking for doesn't exist. It is the entrance to the high school. Much like Cowles Dr is the entrance to the Des Moines Airport that you will not find on any streetmap, but find on mapquest.

I was 35 minutes late, but no one was present to take my money so I didn't have to pay. I grabbed a program off a box of them sitting on a chair. I saw people sneak in while the performance was going on. I thought one was suppose to wait for intermission before entering a perfomance, but I guess not at a high school audiotorium. I snuck in during the snowflake dance right before intermission. I found my brother-in-law standing up and went over to talk to my aunt during intermission. A niece returned and talked to her. Then the performance began again. I missed my niece in the Christmas party at the beginning. I did see her preform the cook dance where they give treats to Clara and a tiered cake about to fall over. The Nutcracker prince does his storytelling of the battling the mouse king to the cooks. If you are familiar with the story. At the end, my niece needed time to change so we didn't see her. I went straight home and realized I should have turned right at the split in the road. Oh well, pay the toll bridge again and went home. Post later. Bye!

Visit to Mom's

I went to my parents' house for a couple days to have maintence done on my car from a free inspection coupon I received in the mail. Dad thought best if someone else cheaper did the actual repiairs suggested. I brought the cats with me. All the things that needed fixing were done, but the inspection people missed the worn brake pads and worn belt the mechanic said need replaced while he was working on it. Good thing it has yet to break down. Dad even got a new battery in because it tested low. He intended to buy a battery at Walmart and install it himslef, but after testing it the mechanic replaced it so Dad gets to take back the battery to Walmart. That's ok because we were pressed on time. My sister called down to say I was needed for babysitting early than planned.

Nothing exciting happened at Milo except cats being cats and knocking things over to Mom's dismay. She said she would fix her tipped over Christmas deocrations once certain people are not here. I replied, "My cats are people?" She even called Precious a little girl and I corrected her. Then when the cats sensed impending doom when Mom opened the cat carriers, they rushed out the door into the garage when I came back in from packing my car. we had to chase them down. Mom pulled on Precious's tail to keep it from getting away and she was lucky Precious didn't bite her hand off, he just meowed. I informed her not to do that again. Then he came to me when I knelt down and I comforted him. I said, Ah did Grandma pull your tail, and carried him to the carrier. Theses cats are really getting heavy now and stronger when I push down on their shoulders to close the top. It is a little humorous seeing them spreading their paws out to stop me from squishing them into the carrier. They are fine once they are trapped, not too much meowing on the way home. I did get the meow chorus going to Mom's.

Once I got home and put stuff away, I realized I left the water running. It was low so it did not overflow and probably the reason I didn't hear it running when I left. Precious likes to drink from the faucet so I often leave the water running when I am finished. Well better go to work now. Post later.

Funny

Funny I keep getting Christmas cards from charities begging for money. I don't donate to these charities in the first place so it seems unreasonable to send a Christmas card saying thanks for supporting our cause when I have not. The charity Christmas cards went in the garbage with the rest of the junk mail I receive. Post later. Bye!

Masterpiece Theater for Cats

Today it was so cold outside that Frodo elected to stay in the apartment so only Precious came out for his daily walk. Precious scampered over to the edge of the fence where a neighbor has bird houses and bird feeders. It is Masterpiece Theater for Cats.

We begin with birds feasting on the ground by the feeders. All together they fly up to the brush and after a minute come back to the feast one by one. Repeat a few times. They never know Precious in the bushes on the other side of the fence watching them. Enter stage left, a squirrel climbing down from a tree chases off the birds perching on the brush. Squirrel eyes Precious hidden in the bushes before hopping onto the brush. Birds fly to nearby bushes. Squirrel now has the feast to itself while watching Precious. Birds watch helplessly as squirrel enjoys the feast.

Squirrel straightens self on its hind legs with its arms to its chest watching Precious investigate the bushes. Squirrel jumps up on brush and returns to the feast. Birds exit stage right hopping branch to branch of the bushes. What will happen next?

Precious steps on some leaves and meows. Squirrel climbs small tree by the brush and returns to the feast. Preicous climbs tree. Squirrel climbs larger tree and barks at Precious. Squirrel climbs taller tree until out of sight. Birds are gone so their is nobody left to enjoy the feast. The End.

Masterpiece Theater for Cats

Today it was so cold outside that Frodo elected to stay in the apartment so only Precious came out for his daily walk. Precious scampered over to the edge of the fence where a neighbor has bird houses and bird feeders. It is Masterpiece Theater for Cats.

We begin with birds feasting on the ground by the feeders. All together they fly up to the brush and after a minute come back to the feast one by one. Repeat a few times. They never know Precious in the bushes on the other side of the fence watching them. Enter stage left, a squirrel climbing down from a tree chases off the birds perching on the brush. Squirrel eyes Precious hidden in the bushes before hopping onto the brush. Birds fly to nearby bushes. Squirrel now has the feast to itself while watching Precious. Birds watch helplessly as squirrel enjoys the feast.

Squirrel straightens self on its hind legs with its arms to its chest watching Precious investigate the bushes. Squirrel jumps up on brush and returns to the feast. Birds exit stage right hopping branch to branch of the bushes. What will happen next?

Precious steps on some leaves and meows. Squirrel climbs small tree by the brush and returns to the feast. Preicous climbs tree. Squirrel climbs larger tree and barks at Precious. Squirrel climbs taller tree until out of sight. Birds are gone so their is nobody left to enjoy the feast. The End.

Impending catfight

We have drama at work and something to gossip about.

OK, Worker A has a blog. Worker B posted a, well, not so nice comment about Worker C on Worker A's blog. Worker C views Worker A's blog for some newly posted pics and reads the comment Worker B posted. Now Worker C is hopping mad and ready to complain to the manager about it. But really, what can the manager do about it when it is not a company website or comapany email? All the manager can actually do is tell his employees to be careful what you post online. We predict a catfight will erupt when Worker B and Worker C work together next.

Gotta be careful what you post. You never know who might be reading it. I try to. Post later. Bye!

Xmas letter

Here is the Xmas letter I sent out to my friends and family with a photo of my cats snuggled in a chair.

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends. This year was high adventure in Jordan’s place. At the start of the new year, I was enrolled in a few online dating services trying to find love. Disappointed, I cancelled my subscriptions by mid-January. Even more aggravating was waiting for my friend Julie’s cat to give birth. I was promised my kitten would be born around Christmastime. After Valentine’s Day, on Feb. 22, my Precious was born ( a name from Lord of the Rings) with 6 brothers and sisters. He joined a pit bill named Chopper who thinks he is a cat and 2 kittens from a prior litter, Guts and Tosey, in addition to a family of 4 humans. It was much relief after hearing about how tired Dad was after his radiation treatments. Mom continues to wait for her kitchen addition to be finished.
Spring came with a human addition to our family. Joelle Claire blessed my cousin Tammy’s and newlywed husband Samer’s family of dogs. My baby kitten came home as a trembling tiny shrimp at 2.2 lbs. at our first vet visit. My friend Julie was positive my Precious was a girl, but when I took Precious to be spayed it was discovered she is a him and was neutered instead. Tiny shrimp no more, he is over 10 lbs and still growing. About this time, my second cat Frodo (also a name from Lord of the Rings) was born Apr. 29 with his 4 sisters at an animal shelter. In the meantime, I took Precious over to my sister’s house to play with her cats. One cat hid while the other cat bopped Precious on the head to play as cats do. Alas, when my sister got a new leather chair and Precious’s claw poked a hole in it, he was banished from my sister’s house. I went on the prowl for a playmate for my baby. I volunteered briefly at the Animal Rescue League and joked how tempting it is to stuff a kitten in one’s pocket and run out the door. I wanted to take home every kitten I saw and from this indecision selected another shelter to choose a playmate with a clearer head.

May came to see my niece Abby graduate from high school as salutatorian and receiving many scholarships and awards to study to be an English teacher. Mom reported Dad was cancer free and attending his 50th high school reunion. Is he that old? I announced another season at Living History Farms, this time in the Indian Farm section. Summer brought my nieces Abby’s and Alex’s dance recital. Abby did her senior solo to an Irish jig she created herself. The next day was niece Tory’s softball tournament where she pitched and switched hit. At this time, uncle Marvin came over to attend his 50th high school reunion and brought a picture show of his new house and gardens in Spokane, WA. He visited everyone he could during his stay and I had the privilege of escorting him to the Brooks Family Reunion (Mom’s side).
With Precious banished, I searched online for local animal shelters for new kittens who would be eager to play with another kitten. I found a no-kill shelter and visited 2 hours playing with the baby kittens. There was the litter where Frodo came from and 2 kittens who were found at a construction site. I chose Frodo because he was the biggest and would be available first. In Iowa, an animal shelter can not release any animal until it is spayed or neutered, which occurs when a kitten is 12 weeks old and weighing 3 lbs. I reserved Frodo and waited until I could take him home in August. I went to Milo on the 4th of July to see the parade and later came back to Des Moines to visit my friend Teresa’s barbeque. We walked around a park in Windsor Heights and saw fireworks exploding over Sec Taylor Stadium (sorry…over Principal Park). At the end of July, my sister took her family to Colorado. I came over to feed the cats and water her tomatoes. On the last day the tomatoes were watered twice when a neighbor feared they were being neglected. I collected Frodo right after she left and felt nervous leaving him alone with a pouncing Precious. At the shelter, Frodo shook when I picked him up in my arms, but clung to me when he met Precious. Eventually, Frodo settled into his new home and waved his paw to entice Precious to play. Now, they love to cuddle for naps and groom each other. In the Christmas picture, Frodo is on the left and Precious is on the right. Right before Sylvia’s family came back, my sister Diane and her girls spent the night in her house on the way to pick up Alex visiting my parents’ house in Milo. After church services with my parents, they all came back to Des Moines and we had dinner at a restaurant before meeting my cats.

Fall came too quick and I briefly volunteered at the Governor’s Mansion learning to give tours. My birthday was celebrated at a pizza place with my parents and my sister Sylvia’s family. The same month saw my cousin Brian get married and his bride Kathryn’s bridal shower at my aunt Virginia’s house. The wedding ceremony was sweet and simple inside a little country church on the Waukee side of West Des Moines. I hosted my first and last Tupperware party attended by one friend and the neighbor girls who came to play with my cats. At least my friend and I got all the prizes without playing the games. Hospital visits were in order when my Dad’s cancer returned in another place and Mom’s stomach test went wrong cutting 3 holes in her throat, which got infected. October brought my niece Tory’s confirmation and hearing all about niece Abby’s adventures at college. We discussed potential holiday plans. Sylvia will do the family Christmas this year. I thought of getting a third cat at the shelter where I got Frodo, but my apartment manager only allows 2 cats. I would have a zoo in my home if I had the money and space. No, I do not need Animal Lover’s Anonymous. My kitties experienced their first snow and detest wet paws. I worked Thanksgiving with so much business that the computers went down the next day. At least I had an excuse for not getting my work done. I received copies of my book that I wrote for niece Abby and paid a publisher a small fortune to print for me. Give me $12 and I will send you a copy complete with autograph.
I sent in an article for the opinion page of the Des Moines Register about my volunteer experiences and the editor wished to use it during the holiday season. I will be on the lookout for that this December. My niece Alex will be in The Nutcracker without sister Abby this year. I started my Christmas shopping at the Dollar Store and hope to get my book listed on the popular website amazon.com when my finances recover. Just when I’m broke and have no money from getting my book published, my car needs replacement parts. The kitties love playing with my Christmas village pieces, napping on the fuzzy tree skirt, and pawing at the hanging ornaments on the tree. So far, the tree has crashed once courtesy of Frodo. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love Always,
Jordan

Nasty

I just read a book called Nasty by Simon Doonan about his long search to befriend the Beautiful People he saw in magazines and realized the real Beautiful People aren't the rich and famous who lack a sense of humor, but his wacky family and friends. How very Wizard of Oz, as he puts. It is a good book. I was under the impression more rich and famous people would be mentioned, but no, only a vague description of celebrities he met at parties. Though he did say he lived next to Nicholas Cage before he was a star, but that is all he says about him. Oh well, it is fun to read about wacky people.

I had brushes with celebrity when a pyschopath who thought we should be a couple and I disagreed ran a kid over with a pick up truck and the trial of the century began, thus I was catapulted into the media spotlight from being his bullied victim. Every talk show host was calling my house promising everything under the sun and any favorite celebrity I liked to meet, if I would just do an interview. I could not handle repeating the trauma the psychopath inflicted with a camera in my face without having a breakdown. How the celebrities and I became friends I am unsure of, they just kept calling me to see how I was doing after the limelight disappeared and everything went back to normal. All I can say with these brushes of celebrity is that they are guarded like Ft Knox, meaning emotional walls to keep gold diggers at a distance. I asked one friend if she ever stops being the public figure with perfect manners, perfect smile, perfect wardrobe, perfect witty remarks to intrusive questions, and just be herself. That broke down a layer off her emotional wall.

Then I had to deal with their "people" who don't like noncelebrities sending non-name brand Christmas presents or calling with the exspectation of directly speaking to said celebrity. I got hit with "She does not wear Target, she wears Gucci" note with my scarf sent back to me via her manager. After a talk on why I didn't send the promised Christmas gift, I sent her the scarf again and saw it around her coat in a magazine picture. I was touched. As for the phone calls. After talking to one secretary for 20 minutes, I heard a friend yell, "Why didn't tell me she was on the phone!" and my phone calls were put through and messages delivered. Next my phone number got blocked when the celebrities nervously gave me their home phone numbers and college roommates repeatedly called the discovered numbers they found while snooping through my things. I learned to give nicknames when I conversed about them to other people so eavesdroppers wouldn't know whom I was talking about.

When first we meet, there was tons of glitter and fascination on how difficult their lives are from mine. Then the glitter faded and I began to see them as real people like me, except few people around them had the courage to tell them the truth. I had a challenge of teaching them to trust and forgive, things they learned not to do to protect themselves from getting betrayed by gold diggers. I no longer hear from those celebrities. Too much stress waiting for their phone calls and dealing with their people. I let them go. I wonder if they ever think of me. I think of them all the time and hope they are happy. Post later. Bye!

Donation

I have officially donated my tight ponytail holders to the cat toy box cause. My cat Frodo keeps dropping them off my bathroom sink and chases them as they slide on the floor. They are covered in dirt and no longer desire to have them touch my hair. Tonight I found one next to the litterbox half covered in litter. I flug it across the room like a rubberband and excited the cats into play mode. Post later. Bye!

Fun day

I had an interesting day at work. The computers went down long before I got there. And they stayed down until 45 minutes before I was suppose to leave. Which means we have to hand write all the contracts to type in the computer later and then announce to all returning that we have to mail their receipts.

Even more fun was the frequent renter from India who lives here badly wanted a receipt for his expense report. Sorry, the computers are down and he can use his total on his contract as his total charges for his expense report. I know I should not think badly about frequent renters or people from other countries, but I hate dealing with the people from India. It is so hard to explain anything to them. I don't know if it is my accent or they don't speak American English well, but I hate explaining things 5 times and they still don't get what I'm saying. Know what I mean?

At least I was allowed to go home as scheduled instead of typing all the contracts and returns and addressing the envelopes to mail out. The manager gets to take care of that tomorrow. Post later. Bye!

Happy Thanksgiving

I have much to be thankful for this year's Thanksgiving holiday season. I am thankful for my cats Precious and Frodo to wake up to. I am thankful for holdiay pay I so badly need right now. I am thankful I'm not with my family during Thanksgiving (ok, just the family members who think I'm wasting my time volunteering and publishing my book: nieces, one sister in Nebraska, brother, and father not included in my resentment). I am thankful my books arrived today. I have 4 friends buying copies. And finally, I am thankful for a long list of email pals to send messages and pics to. I think I counted all my blessings.

Oh, yeah, I am thankful I have my health, my sanity, a warm bed to sleep in, a fridge full of food, stretch gloves to fit my tiny hands, and Sudoku to occupy the slow hours at work. Ok now, I counted all my blessings. Happy Thanksgiving. Post later. Bye!

The burr is out

After 3 days of crawling on my hands and knees to comb out my Precious's burr (he is amazing patient for a cat), I broke down and took him to the vet. After the 3rd day, he got reluctant about me touching his burr spot. The exam rooms were full so they took him to the surgery prep room. I waited in the waiting room and chatted with the receptionist. I tried so hard with a comb, baby oil and toothpaste, and scissors to get this thing out. After I touched a nerve with the scissors, he dodged them. I managed to get slivers and a few seeds popped out, but couldn't get the rest out. A minute and 2 meows later, the vet lady came out with a wad of fur in her hand and asked, "Is this it?" It looked like, it was 3 inches long. They didn't even charge me for it. I take Precious home and later noticed when scratching his belly that there is a hole in the fur. That's ok, I'm sure he feels better. No more burrs since.

Besides Frodo's harness is getting too tight (the poor kitty), nothing else happened this week of importance. Post later. Bye!

Today's adventure

Took my cats outside as usual and now I get to try and try and try to removed burrs out of my Precious's long haired cat fur. He does not like laying on his back being very still, but lets me pick at his matted fur a few minutes. He hates being combed so it must be uncomfortable. Post later. Bye!

Aarghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today it is announced that the owner's brother got engaged last Wednesday, their one year anniversary of their first date. She got 1 carat round diamond on a white gold band. Her name is Amanda and she is very pretty. I can't recall if I said congratulations to him. I did beg for details since I have no life or man, just cats. I can be a mature adult and pretend to be happy for someone else's excitement, even when I'm really frustrated at my nonexistant lovelife. I announced I'm getting another cat. OK, I'm done feeling sorry for myself. Post later. Bye!

Election Day

Ah, Election Day is finally here. I won't be voting because I already sent in my absentee ballot weeks ago. Hopefully my vote is counted. I can't believe how some politicians want to safeguard the vote for only people who can prove their citizenship and current address when they go to the polls. Isn't that what a voter's registration card proves? Do they really think illegal immigrants are going to commit voter fraud in order to vote for people who want to deport them back home? That makes no sense to me other than create xenophobia.

A gal at work said she won't be voting because she is not registered here, she just moved here from Florida a while ago. She fails to see the point of voting anyway, nothing is going to change. I can see her point of view. Policitians never change. They raise our taxes because they are incapable of balancing a budget. They sell off public land for businesses to increase property tax revenue. They brag about million dollar raises for teachers, but when one divides that million by the 99 Iowa counties and divide that into all the school districts and count all the teachers in those districts one can call it a pathetic raise. Everyone knows lobbyists control the country with their campaign donations along with the NRA and Christian Coalition who actually care to vote. Businesses will continue to outsource jobs into 3rd world countries to save moeny and so they can pay future immigrants to America next to nothing in both countries. Then on top of all that is the intimidating electronic voting devices that any idiot can figure out how to use. For The Record, my Mom couldn't figure out how to change pads on the Swiffer mop I bought for her. They need to rephrase, "Any idiot can use". At least with electronic voting, we are more widely stepping into the 21st Century, reluctantly, slowly, but surely. My hometown had electronic voting when I placed my first vote in 1994. Post later. Bye!

There's a cat in my pants

I sit in my walk in closet getting ready for bed. I squeeze into my pajama bottoms because the cats have to pounce my feet sliding through the material. So my have my bottoms up to my knees when Precious decides to jump into my pajamas. He sits on my crotch pawing at Frodo playing on the outside. Very awkward situation and I starting laughing thinking that I can't go to bed because I have a cat in my pants. Frodo next starts to bite my feet and I reach over I put my slippers on. Precious is still in my pants. Time to get out. He is scratching my legs while pawing at Frodo attacking my slippers. I get a shoe string to coax him out. He bites the shoe string because doesn't jump out. I poke at him, which leaves me with more scratches on my legs. So I try to pick him up, which is very difficult with the elastic ban around my knees. He meows at my efforts and jumps out. Finally I can put my pants on. Nighty night.

My poor coworker

The other day a coworker called in sick. When he was a kid, he had brain and lung tumors removed and the left side of his face had been paralyzed ever since. I noticed he smile oddly but thought nothing of it. After 20 years, his paralyzed side began to tingle last week. He ignored it so the other day the right side of his face suddenly was paralyzed. Yesterday he had an MRI done and got the results today. Nothing found in the brain. He also has a lump on the back of his neck and an infected jaw. So they did a cat scan today and will find out tomorrow the results. Poor guy. He was even nervous about informing the boss of his problem. Don't worry someone at work told him so he knows this coworker will not be coming in for a while. Post later. Bye!

Guess what

I keep getting messages about my computer cleaning out unused folders. Too bad they don't clean out preprogramed stuff I never use. Guess what, all my documents are now erased, meaning all my stories I have been working on. I didn't realize they were classified as unused folders. I suppose I've been too focused getting my book published that I neglected to write. Have to get out the back up disk to see how much is saved. Post later. Bye!

Proof book

I received my proof book and was disappointed. It looks just like the pages I typed up on my computer only smaller. I mailed it to a old English teacher who thought I was a great writer. Next, I get my requested copies. I asked the company which websites it will be listed on in case my friends and relatives wish to brag about knowing an author. Post later. Bye!

Niece's confirmation

I attended my niece's confirmation today. I left for my sister's house yesterday after our walk outside. Precious took his first ride down a slide. He didn't like it. We met the neighbor girls playing on the playground with their father. Precious loved the attention and went under a tunnel with the girls on both sides watching him. I rushed out the door when I laid out extra litter, water, and food. I needn't bother. It looked like one cat peed once in one box and the food and water appeared barely touched. They must have been too stressed. When I came back, the kitties were shut up in the bathroom. I smelled poop and found it in the shower. It was still moist so they must not have been there very long.

At my sister's house we had chicken noodle soup for supper and I slept in a spare bed. There were 2 spare beds and I picked the one with a pillow and blanket on it. Breakfast was huge cinnamo rolls 3 inches tall and 5 inches wide. We got ready for church and were off. There was a big crowd at the church. We took all the necessary pictures to document the event. Then my baby niece wanted her picture taken so I snapped a couple of her with my sister.

My niece's bible verse said a small light is never overcome by great darkness, or something like that. After the service, my mother had difficulty waking up my father. I thought he just fell alseep during the service, but no, he was all pale and had trouble stirring. He finally got up and went to the bathroom. We sent my brother to check on him. He said he light headed for some reason. We offered juice but he turned it down.

We ate dinner of snadwiches and chips at my sister's house, and cake. Before we left my niece open her presents. She got crosses for walls and necklaces, a Precious Moments figurine, lotions, a quilt, money, and my gift certificate to amazon.com. My college niece talked about her experiences of college; a smoking roommate who ate her food (the swiped Snickers was the last straw), people who smell like onions and spraying the room after they left, foreign exchange students, and a guy from California who called her up terrifed that there is white stuff falling from the sky (we call them flurries), and the friend who introduced her to a new pastry (I forget the name). I told stories about wacky coworkers and cats.

After I got home and let the cats out of the bathroom did thye start to eat like crazy and went in the litterbox a few times. Now they sleep on the sofa cuddled against my leg. Post later. Bye!

Wrestling in town

I can tell wrestling is in town again. Not by the super tall and heavily buff men renting cars to Moline today, but by my wrestling fan coworker stalking the passengers getting their luggage. He even asked 2 other people to get autographs for him when he had to get back to work. He brings a wrestling magazine with Sharpie for them to sign and shows it off to everyone. One wrestler refused to sign his magazine, but would sign a blank piece of paper for him. He probably thought he was one of those autograph sellers, but I didn't tell my coworker that because he was very upset with disappointment. My coworker waited throughout his shift for "The Wrestler" who made a movie called Marine, or something like. He had the usual reports of who shook his hand along with the autograph and who was distracted, thus reluctantly signed yet another autograph. I observed how when wrestlers rent cars, sometimes they seem disappointed we non-wrestling fans fail to recognize them. But that could be just my imagination. So you're Mr. Studmuffin in the ring, huh? That's nice. Sign here please. Have a good day.

Guess what, he never got sight of "The Wrestler". But another coworker who recognized his picture pawed around for scratch paper to get his autograph and then suddenly got too nervous to ask him. He was renting a car next door. He made my female coworker who could not care less about wrestling to ask for the autograph. She didn't want to so they asked me. NO, I said. I probably be too nervous and start shaking. I admit it freely, I'm a wimp. So the other girl got the autograph and my coworker was bouncing with excitement laughing how this other coworker is going to be so mad he missed him. Better go. Post later. Bye!

Lost kitty

Naturally I lose Precious again. He ran across the street with the wooded area and Frodo played in the tree by the front door, then moving to the pool area. Near the front door, Precious comes back twice and runs off again. On our way back towards the back door (pool area), I cry for Preicous. I hear a distant meow. He is within yelling distance. I know he is in the cat's paradise. I cry and cry thinking he will run back. Then he stops meowing. Uh-oh. I go across the street towards his last meow and call him some more. More meowing. Guess what, I find him behind a fence (I told ya there were holes in these fences) and he walks around trying to find a way out. The fence seem to make an enclosure with the barbs on top along with bush branches. My poor baby is trapped. Luckily, I know I'm a drama queen in my emails, the fence just reached below my waist and I bent over the fence. Precious ran to me and picked him up. Frodo was happy to see him. The time for our microchipping was soon approaching and I had to carry Frodo in this time with Precious following. Frodo hides when I grab Precious first so I carry Frodo in.

Microchipping. Precious was so petrified that he wouldn't come out of his carrier. I petted him, snuzzled his forehead, and filled out paperwork for the microchip. Vet nurse came in when he finally decided to come out and I was petting him. I explained he was scared. He stepped on the scale. Last time I weighed him at 10 pound. He is 10.25 pounds. My scale is not broken. I read a book that said tomcats (unfixed) are usually 8 to 15 pounds where females are 5.5 to 10 pounds. 15 pounds!!!! That is a big cat. Anyway, they came to fetch my paperwork and soon the vet came to shake my hand. Precious snuzzled their nearby hands. He loves attention. The vet people fussed over his soft coat. Yes, he is combed regularly to stay that way. I was warned he may be sore for a few days in between the shoulder blades where they place it. And it is a long needle. I warned them of Precious sharp claws, they need trimming. I didn't want anyone to get hurt. They took him into another room and I waited. They brought him back in a towel and said he was a very good kitty. He loved being in a towel. Therefore, trimming nails was unnecessary.

On the back, I decided I didn't feel like cooking so I stopped at Wendy's and got a hamburger for me and some chicken for the kitties. Guess what. I got the medium drink that didn't fit the cupholder, so it fell out during a quick turn and thank God I placed this cup on the right cupholder (easier to grab than the left one). After I eat my hamburger and kitties gnaw on the chicken nuggets, I go out with carpet stain remover. Still needs sopping up. I use tissue to sop up what's left and spray all over. I drove on a hilly street so it swished around. The floor mat dripped of pop so I held it over the pavement until it stopped. I get the paper towels and use the half roll left absorbing the carpet stain remover. Perhaps I sprayed too much. At least it looks okay. Post later. Bye!

Care package

Good thing I got that box from Tupperware, I had a box the right size to send to my niece in college. I sent her a Halloween themed care package

Contents: Allure magazine, Blair Witch Project on DVD, Stationary pack, Swiss Miss cocoa, Quaker Oats cereal bars of Peanut butter and Chocolate chip, Pop Secret microwave popcorn, Cystal Light to go in Peach Tea and Iced Tea, Macaroni and Cheese for 1, Chicken noodle soup for 1, Halloween socks, and Beanie Baby black cat with witch hat and candy corn in its paws. I hope she likes it. What can I say, I love my niece. Post later. Bye!

Kitties

My friend Teresa is in such a bind. She has been feeding a stray cat that had 5 kittens that made her porch with a space heater their new home. She can not keep these cats because she has 2 dogs and a ferret, but she feels guilty abandoning them to an animal shelter where they can be killed if not adopted. Then she said she took a cat to a shelter because it got jealous of her son and the shelter charged her $20 to take it in. I try to persuade her that they will be taken care of better at a shelter than sleeping on a cold porch on a pile of blankets and wandering the streets by themselves searching for food. She feeds the mother table scraps and some kitty chow.

I told her that I will take them to the no-kill shelter I got Frodo from. I sent them an email to ask if that would ok and when a good time was. These cats will freeze when winter comes, they need a better place to stay. Post later. Bye!

Today's events

We had excitement at work today.

A couple had to argue with my coworker over their guarenteed pricing that was not what she was quoted when he gave the total charges. My coworker thought maybe it was the price before taxes that was quoted. She insists on giving her reservation # that we already have in the system, but my coworker offers to look it up anyway to make her happy. Then she realizes her guarenteed pricing was for the hotel. Their prices were written down, not on a printout like most people.

Next we got a front seat to a dog show. Some cops hid some plastic bags and came back later with the dog. They left a guard behind to make sure we didn't steal the hidden packages. It was a cute yellow lab. It was fun to watch the dog sniff everything. He eventually found both baggies. Since the dog handler was also instructing the officers, I assumed the training exercise was not just for the dog.

Yes our lives are so boring that we find arguments with customers and a bomb/drug sniffing dog exciting. Post later. Bye!

Newsflash

Newsflash: Sugar free foods are not always carb free.

I was planning to send my diabetic niece a care package with treats that are
sugar free. I asked my sister what she likes. She said sugar free stuff
often has a sweetener that is higher in carbs than things made with sugar.
She said to look at the grams of carbs in the treats, 5g or less per serving
is ok. Now I really have to be careful I grab off the store shelf. Post
later. Bye!

I hate computers

I try to inform my internet provider (telephone company) that I have problems logging off and on my computer. My computer no longer recalls I have internet access to log on and off properly. The telephone person has no idea what I am talking about because logging of and on a computer is not connected to my internet access. She recomends I take it to a electronics person or contact my internet provider (I am).

I take it to Best Buy where I bought this years ago. They play with it a while and can't figure it out either. They could send my computer in for a diagnostics test, which would erase everything I have saved plus cost $200. Another option would be to use the computer brand recovery disk that came with the computer, thus erasing everything I have saved in the hope it works. Now if I can find the thing.

So I guess I will just have to put in my email address, password, install the internet access, sign the agreement, and receive a Welcom to our Network email, every single time I want to check my email. I hate computers. I wish I could toss this out the window, but I have no money to replace it with. I would like to know who placed a curse on my computer. Post later. Bye!

Weird day

Is there a full moon out? It's not Friday the 13th yet.
I think we can save the earth by using less electricity if only it did not take 13 hours to shut down a computer, another 10 minutes to log back on, and more minutes of electricity wasted connecting to the internet.

For a strange reason, my computer froze logging off. I took my cats outside for an hour and 15 minutes. Still frozen. Had to go to work. 10 hours later, it is still frozen and refuses to go into dormancy. After another hour of pushing buttons to wake up my computer, I finally held the off/on button down long enough to shut off. It comes back on after I hit the on/off button. A message pops up stating my computer can not log off because I don't have an internet connection to log off properly. What does an internet connection have to do with shutting off a computer? Well, the start menu pops off and I log off again. Then log back on and try to get my email. I have to install my internet service again and now have to type in all passwords that my computer has saved. Funny, my modem says I have connection and I pay my phone bill for this internet service every month.

At least all my settings are still here. And saved email is here too. I hope tomorrow is better. Post later. Bye!

I'm crushed

I come home after a long day at work and read my email. I get a message from the historic house telling me not to come anymore. It said I don't make eye contact or project my voice so I'm difficult to understand. I don't understand this, they just made me a new name tag last Tuesday. Last Tuesday, I helped fill goody bags for school tours and felt I was starting to get to know people. I was studying all the rooms so hard. I'm so crushed. Well, I better go to bed now. Tough day ahead of me. Post later. Bye!

New Sign

I noticed a new sign taped to one of the car rental counters today. It said:
No Cell Phones at Counter. A customer must have really made the manager mad
talking on their cell phone for her to put that up. Post later. Bye!

Hanging kitty

We just got back from our walk to hear on the news they are searching everywhere in West Des Moines for an armed and dangerous suspect wanted for a parole violation. Schools are in lock down so no one can come in or go out. Kindergarten classes for the afternoon have been cancelled because of this.

On our walk, the kitties investigated the neighbors' grills. Poor Frodo was caught by his harness on the edge hook of one grill squealing like a mouse. I grabbed him up and unhooked him. The cats got braver about crossing the street to explore the playground. One gal left the building to get into her car and Precious followed her. She thought he was very friendly. I informed her that he wants to get under her car. When she turned on the ignition, he was spooked off into the bushes where Frodo was hiding. Now we are back inside. Post later. Bye!

Amazing

Last week, my coworker's daughter was sent home from school with a sore throat. They took her to the doctor who said it was nothing more than strep throat and prescribed antibiotics. A few days later, she is worse crying how bad her throat hurts. Take her to the doctor again. Since it is her boyfriend taking her, my coworker calls up the hospital to give permssion for them to treat her and faxes the insurance information. They call it is a very bad case of strep throat and prescribe medicine. After a couple days, her daughter is screaming in pain and her jaw is swollen. Take her to the emergency room and they are convinced it is more than a strep throat. The do blood tests and an MRI to see what is goign on with her.

It is a staph infection combined with strep. She got the staph infection from losing a tooth and it worked its way down the adult tooth pushing up. They had to take her to a dentist to deal with the tooth infection. Poor girl. Post later. Bye!

Singing cats

I saw singing cats Christmas cards at Petco today after I walked away from the check out counter. I wish they were in with the other Christmas stuff, I would have grabbed them. Instead I put them back as I walked out the door with my bags. They have the cutest Christmas packages and stockings. I know, Christmas can wait. Think of Halloween first. I got a pumpkin on the balcony. Carving will come later since they gross out so fast. I wonder how the cats will react to all the goo when I carve it. Probably just sniff it. Post later. Bye!

Borrowed pencil

I foolishly let a lady at the airport borrow my pencil so her daughter can do her homework. She never came back to return it. The bitch probably thought it was a company pencil so the company can afford to buy new ones that are never returned by customers and noncustomers. Actually it was my souvinir pencil from England, Hampton Court Palace to be precise, rainbow metallic paper and a worn down black eraser. Enjoy my pencil little girl.

The company only buys ink pens, the pencils at the counter are all employee's personal ones to do crossword puzzles with. Post later. Bye!

Voter's bain

Some say the reason people often do not vote is because they do not care or feel their one vote doesn't really count. Actually, I think people do not vote is because they don't know the people they are voting for or against. Big name politians like Senators in Washington DC, the Governor of Iowa, or the Mayor of their city are people we know and recognize on TV. But County Hospital Trustees, District Associate Judges, or Soil and Conservation District Commissioner are people I have no clue who is the best one for the job.

Though I must confess that if I see a woman's name on the ballot I tend to favor her simply because we need more women in government offices, even if they are a bitch. Bitches often get things done. I know, I work with some. Post later. Bye!

Down will come kitty

Rock a bye Frodo, on the tree top.
Climbing to crab apples, the leaves taste so good.
When Frodo will reach the end of the branch,
down will come kitty, crab apples and all.

Post later. Bye!

Good deed for today

I did a good deed today when outside with the cats. Precious pawed at a monarch butterfly and it clung to the edge of the stoop playing possum. Well that made Precious bat it some more to play with it, and made the wings move when he hit it. It had a hole in one wing and another was crooked. I scooped up the butterfly and it clung to my finger, and placed it on top of a bush. It batted its wings a few times recovering from the assault, then flew away.

Post later.

Today's fun

Today I climb out of bed to barely make it to the historic house. Then I use the last of my treats to get out the door, so I have to go shopping at the end of my shift. Next I almost get a shower at the front door. Yes a sprinkler is spraying the front door and sidewalk going to my car. I wait patiently for the rotation to move away and make a break dashing to my car in high heels before the sprinkler comes back. At least I didn't trip. They have new sod out front where they tore the old grass up. My cats don't like the front part anymore because the new bushes are so tiny, but they do like the brick edge.

I get to my volunteer position. Nobody wants my cupcakes, but they will gorge themselves on corn dip made of cheese, corn, and peppers. One lady did take one home for her husband. She only eats organic foods. I noticed the ladies over lunch talk about food I never heard of. I realize upon hearing the Sabbath starting in the evening that they are Jewish. They talked about family gatherings and how new converts (somebody's wife) try so hard to fix food the kosher way, but never do it right. One lady had many vegetarian friends so she had to really watch what she served to them. Plus she is lactose intolerant so she has pills to take if she is eating dairy products.

I did get to hear one tour with a family from Waterloo with a relative from Washington state. The grandma kept asking questions nonstop about anything and everything, but we have to move to the next room. I saw a guy planting more flowers by the balcony, in a perfect rectangle.


Anyway, I made it and forgot to go shopping. So after our outdoor time, I give my last can of chicken in gravy and run out the door. Post later. Bye!

Valuable lesson

I learned a valuable lesson today: Never have a party again, even if my sister begs on her knees for me to have one so she can get free Tupperware.

Let's see where I went wrong. I invited all I know. Showed everyone the catalogs. I had 4 say I'm coming, one was bringing a friend to make 5 total. Got orders from those who could not attend. Spent 4 hours cleaning my apartment completely to impress my guests. Made cupcakes, got punch ready to mix. My sister is bringing the punch bowl and pin wheels to eat. Took out the garbage and cats escape. Tupperware lady finds me chasing my cats in the parking lot. My friend Teresa helped carry a cat in. Mixed the punch while Tupperware lady and Teresa talk. Offer punch, move the dining room table so the lady can do her presentation. Lady says we do food at the end and moves it off the table to the kitchen.

While we wait for the others to come, we talk and Teresa looks at the catalog. Nobody else comes. My sister calls saying Mom is in terrible pain and has to go to the doctor. She is very sorry about not coming, she had had all her stuff ready by the door. Tupperware lady does her presentation and since we don't have enough people to do the purse scavenger hunt we get all the prizes. There are no words to express how much these prizes mean to me. I tell the lady that my coworker wanted her own catalog and didn’t figure in the shipping and handling part when she wrote her check so her total is off, then she goes to Minnesota so I can't tell her that. I did leave a note for her at work. Then my sister will give me the list of what she wants, but she wanted to see the samples first. Lady said she can drop by her house and show the samples. Tupperware lady asks if I want to get orders from those didn't come. I say fuck them for not coming. Besides who knows when I will see them again, they work for different companies so I can't call them at home. I ain't going to bring a catalog to work tomorrow to get more orders.

Then the neighbor girls knock on the door to play with my cats. Lady gives the girls a catalog to give their mother. Girl leaves with the book to return saying her mother is coming over. The bitch never shows up. That is a big surprise. The girls play with cats while we ladies talk.

Well the party was suppose to last until 8:30. At 7:00 my friend has to leave. I beg her to take a cupcake with her. I offer cupcakes to the girls and the lady. Lady says she had a big dinner before she came. She has vowed to never eat at the parties she attends. How nice. I get a cup of punch for a girl. Of course, the Lady packs up and leaves. I move my furniture back where it was. Teresa liked the way I rearranged for the party.

The girls left a little while ago when it got really dark. Well better go dump the punch down the sink. Old punch always tastes bad when the pop fizz dies.

An hour later, my aunt calls saying she will not be coming. Yeah, I figured that out. But she does want the can opener. Ok, that is ordered. I wrote a check for my aunt and the gal at work. I give the lady my email so she can list what everyone ordered so I get the right stuff to the right people. Huh? Post later.

Family day

I went to my cousin's wedding today. 2nd marriage for both. It was sweet and simple, and short, in a rustic tiny country church on the Waukee side of West Des Moines. It was so small all the guests barely squeezed in. The bride wore a tank top dress, floor length but no train, with a second layer of white lace over the white satin. I'm unsure of the flower bouquet varities, but they were large and colorful, and mostly purple. Matron of honor wore a strapless lavender gown. The junior bridesmaids, my cousin's girls, wore a blue floral dress and yellow floral dress. The groom, my cousin, wore a black suit and orange carnation. No tuxedo this time. The best man also wore a black suit.

No ushers so after the wedding party left all the guests stared at each other wondering what the do. The 1st row got up and the rows after walked themselves out. No receiving line so followed the leader down to the basement where a 3-tiered cake awaited us with fresh fruits, mints, and cherry kool-aid in a punch bowl. The topper had a groom carrying his bride in his arms. The cake was marbled on the bottom layer and second layer was white (the top layer is saved in a freezer to be eaten on the 1st anniversary). The spare cake was chocolate and lemon. The napkins were ivory. The mints were blue with green leaf mints. They had dinner mints wrapped in packages saying Thank you for sharing our special day. The photographer took pictures of the couple with the cake, set the bouquet down and photographed the rings. I don't know if they fed each other cake because the matron of honor and best man stood in front of the table and blocked the view. At the end of the dinner, the best man gave a speech and toast. My glass had melted ice in it, but I raised it and sipped. Soon it was time to leave. Hugs and kisses, and grab the presents. No rice, flower petals, bells, or bubbles to sent off the couple. And no decorated car that I could tell. I don't think they are having a honeymoon, they just bought a house. Good thing too because my uncle's mother decided she can't upkeep her house anymore and will move in with them after it sells.

Then my Mom, brother, aunt, uncle, sister, and her family went to visit my Dad in the hospital. They know what is wrong. A swollen gland pushed up against his uretha tube connecting his kidney to his bladder, causing the blockage and a lot of pain. So a kidney is not working until they operate to undo the blockage, whatever that means. They will do a biopsy to see of the gland is cancerous. And he just got rid of his prostate cancer in May. Daddy is on a liquid diet because they don’t want food in his intestines when they operate. I brought Daddy some red roses and balloon. I think I left the card in my purse, I have to check. I'm the only one who brought flowers. We talked, Dad had his supper, and we had to leave. He says in the hospital he gets to sleep in the daytime. He might have to break down next summer and hire someone to help him finish the kitchen addition. He is a prideful man.

When I got home, I found another cat treats container open and contents spilled over the floor. Later the 3rd one was opened. The lids glide across the carpet like a hockey puck. That's ok, I have to clean the floors for my Tupperware party Monday. My aunt said she might come if she is not working. Off to work tomorrow. Post later. Bye!

Kissing can be hazardous

Kissing your pet with your lips may be hazardous to your health, a news report said just before the commercial break. Apparently, I missed the story when it came on.

Sure kissing a pet (or a sick human) can spread germs and make you sick. But let get real here, there are germs everywhere. The very air you breathe every day has germs.

Granted some experts say to wash our hands after touching your pet. But when I pet my cats every 15 minutes, that will not be happening. Besides, my cats sleep in my bed, purr in my ear, sneeze in my face, take naps on my lap, lick my nose when I wake up, and chew on my shoestrings so we are already sharing germs without me kissing their soft, furry foreheads. Though I do wash my hands with anti-bacterial soap after cleaning the litterbox, mostly so my hands won't smell like litter all day and prevent catching fecal germs.

Post later. Bye!

Basil jelly

I got the opportunity to talk about my first day at the historic house to my coworkers today. They were interested in the basil jelly I tasted. A lady knew someone who grew purple basil and used it to make a jelly using lemon juice, sugar, water, and boil it to make a reddish jelly. It had a very strong flavor of basil, a bit too strong to my liking. I never tasted basil before. It was an experience.

Then we had a rare day when nobody shows up to take a tour, until we were about to leave. I got to listen to the ladies talk about food, waitresses, history of the family who built the house, and past tour experiences. One lady had been a volunteer there for 15 years, she was full of stories. Then thinking we could go home and put on our coats, a couple comes to take a tour. They are from California. I finally listened in to a tour being given. The guide was full of information. I am officially in training, so I just listen and look at what the guide points at. I was disappointed in their garden since I've seen much bigger. None of the plants were labeled so when asked what a certain plant was called, we had no idea.

After we got back, we left for home. It was a good day. Post later. Bye!

Mad rush

We had a mad rush to the litterbox today. Frodo was scratching at some dirt and sitting down. I knew he was preparing to pee. I grabbed him, rushed back to the apartment, and he runs out the door. I grab him again and drop him near the litterobx. he heads for the door with a meow. I pick up the litterbox scoop and start scratching a hole in the litterbox. Frodo comes up, scratches at the litter, and runs for the door. Trying to entice further his need to pee, I kept scratching at the litterbox. Frodo finally came around, jumped in the litterbox, scratched his own hole, and went. he covered his mess and off we went back outside. I let the kitties have extra time outside today. The neighbor girls came over to play with the kitties after we returned. Precious meowed like crazy wanting to go outside again. I worked on my Halloween cards for my coworkers. After the girls left, I found a little girl's shirt in my bed. I tossed it by the door to remember to give it to them when they come back. They were real happy I had kids movies in my collection. I don;t mean to be a bitch here, but I am getting tired of their visits. I have things to do besides entertain neighbor kids. But the kitties enjoy the attention. Post later. Bye!

That darn cat

I got some new cat treats from a coupon I found. The cats like them alright, I them all over the floor when I woke up. Apparently the containers are not cat proof. Though I wish I could find the lid to it. Post later. Bye!

Singles online

When I signed up to do paid surveys, I apparently got on the mailing list of a lot of things. One is for singles online, or dating services. I won't apply to anymore dating services. I tried that after my 30th birthday, and got so frustrated I cancelled my accounts. I only got one date out of it anyway. Now I'm 31 (eek!) and completely give up on men. Sure it would be wonderful to get married, live in a house in a small town, have kids and cats (I'm allergic to dogs), and have a white picket fence surrounding the yard full of flower beds. I just come to the realization that it will never happen. No man is ever going to find me attractive, I'm not going to make enough money to buy a house or adopt a child, and I have my cats to love and cuddle. I finally give up. I'll just single the rest of my life. I'm hopeless. Post later. Bye!

Kitties in tree

Frodo has finally grown strong enough to follow Precious up the treetops. Though they investigate different branches. See if you can find them. Post later. Bye!

Don't worry, they do come down on their own.

Interview

I had my interview at a historic house to be a volunteer. She said I had exceptional (or excellent or whatever she said above good) references. When I went to work, I ran into my boss and told him that I guessed I have him to thank for that. He grew a giant smile. Though, I was disappointed she didn't ask me many questions. I was so ready to sell myself on my abilities to get along with he public, talk to foreignors who don't speak much English, and try to get children to ask questions. She did most of the talking. She did say I was dressed a little formal in my new purple suit I got just for the occassion. I can mix the jacket and skirt with other things. I have been trying to gain a dressy wardrobe in the coat closet because every time something happens (like wedding or gradaution) I have nothing to wear and have to buy something at the last minute. A great "Only in America" joke goes: Only in America can a woman have a closet full of clothes and have nothing to wear. I love those jokes. A friend from England liked them too, though I had to explain what they mean first. But enough jokes.

I am so excited for their special events. The other museum I volunteer at has special events too, but only during weekends when I'm working. They have some on weekdays I can do. Hooray! Well better go to work. Post later. Bye!

Cat did it

I have been editing a final copy of my book for the publisher. While typing in an email detailing the mistakes I saw, the cat jumps on the computer. I pull him off and see he just sent my email. I start another apologizing for the un-finished email I just sent. He replied he has never received an email from a cat before. Post later. Bye!

Pooh hell

I babysat my niece as usual so my sister can volunteer. We played wash and dry our doll blanket (I made the ding sound), read books, and then my niece requests a video. Yes my niece actually said "Video". So we watch Winnie the Pooh and Sing Along Songs. The second to the last song is a Winnie the Pooh song. Since she loves Pooh so much, I say we can rewind it to play the Pooh song again. Big Mistake. I am soon in Pooh hell rewinding this tape 15 times before my sister comes home. Niece wants Mommy to come down to the basement to hug her, she doesn't want to leave Pooh on TV. The last song plays and my niece protests. My sister turns off the TV for a Pooh break. Niece cries and screams her head off. My goodness. Mommy says to get ready for bed and we can read some books, maybe Pooh books. I'm starting to think my niece has a Pooh addiction. She doesn't react this way to Elmo. Now I'm home again. Post later. Bye!

Home Sweet Home

Even though I have lived in Des Moines for years, I still consider my parents' house in my hometown as home. Perhaps because I don't own a house. I visited my parents for my Dad to change the oil in my car (he insists that HE does it) and stayed a few days.

First on Sunday came the bridal shower for my cousin's fiancee so she had a chance to meet the extended family. We played games, ate cream puffs, and watched the bride open her presnts. No lingerie was given to her, just house things like sheets and utinsels.

Then, I went home to pack up and drive to my parents's house with the cats. I can't pack early because that would stress the cats too much. Dad emptied the oil tank in the garage and changed the oil the next day. He says I will have to take the car somewhere to change the antifreeze. OK, worry about that later. Mom had to point out the litterbox smell believing the litter covers up the smell. No, not really.

I took the cats outside and watched them sniff around and climb trees. It has been raining for almost a week so mud is everywhere. Mom put me straight to work making muffins for them while they went shopping and doctor appointments. I forgot about the muffins in the oven so they cooked for 3 hours before I smelled the burning cakes. Oops. Mom made more when she came home. Today we came back home. Good thing too because I didn't bring enough cat food. Who knew 2 cats could eat so much in 2 days. I gave them some of my Mom's turkey to fill their appetite beofre packing up to come back to my apartment. Post later. Bye!

Trying so hard

I have been trying so hard to earn extra money since I spent a mint trying to get my book published on my own. I tried saving money, but 2 cats prevent that from happening.

Looking through the want ads of a paper looking for at home jobs, I found out companies pay people to take surveys. I never heard of that before. So I go online and sign up, for a fee of course to access all these companies' paid surveys.

I click on company survey access #1: I am directed to another paid survey site where I can access companies' surveys for free. why did I pay a fee to access this site?

Access click #2: I am directed not to a paid survey site, but to a web page of articles of paid surveys. One article said 99% of paid survey sites are scams. Like we are suppose to know where to find the 1% that are real.

Access clcik #3: I am directed to a website claiming if you accessed this site for a fee then it is a scam. They no longer do mystery shopping or paid surveys anymore.

Go through hoops in the free paid survey search site to find other sites who do paid surveys and off lots of free. Yes you do get paid to do a survey, but you also have to purchase a membership that costs more than what one gets for the survey to get paid for the survey. if you do not cancel your free trial memberships, you are billed each month until you do.

Did I just waste a fee to be paid for nothing? I guess Mom is right, I am the stupidest person on earth. I fall for scams so easily when I badly need money. I would like to know if the news media is more concerned over celebrity babies and contiuous bombs going off in the Middle East to protect poor people from scams? Need I mention car title loans who charge outrageous interest because such practice is yet legal to do, but unwise if you are poor and badly need money.

I did find a mystery shopping site I signed up for (through the fee site), but at the present I don't have time to do any mystery shopping. My sister just signed up to volunteer at the Democratic Party place and needs a babysitter every week. Isn't that so nice of her? Post later. Bye!

Great opportunity

I read in the musuem letter that they are hiring for a position I have the education and 2 seasons of volunteering experience to qualify as a candiadate. The question is: Do I apply?

I would take a pay cut, but get similar benefits. I would work 5 days a week instead of 4 like I do now. Plus work in the hot summer heat doing manual labor as compared to doing crosswords in air conditioning while sitting at a desk all day like I do now. How do I decide?

I voted against it. Besides the money (my cats need to eat today not when I make more money), my allergies were the deciding factor. Humidity, like early in the morning, makes my allergies act up and I feel glued to the bed not being able to breathe.

Comparing all aspects of the opening and my job now, I decided my poor people, dead end, a moron can do my job looks pretty good compared to a prestigious, must have college degree to be hired opening. I'll pass this time.

Post later. Bye!

Happy Birthday To Me

I got a surprise visit today as I opened the door in my pajamas. The neighbor kids from yesterday brought their baby sister to see the kitties. She kept calling my kitties, "doggie". We started the playing in the hallway and moved in my apaprtment when they wanted to look inside. Then the baby sister was getting tired so one girl took her home. Then she came back annoucing that their mother told them to come back because she was going shopping. They promised they would be right back. I changed my clothes, took care of cat duties, and cooked my lunch. They never came back. That's OK with me.

Then I took the cats outside because Precious drives me nuts meowing at the door. I saw the girls. We did meet a squirrel who bounced tree to tree to chatter at my cats. The cats jumped up the tree trunk and the suqirrel ran into another tree. Then it was time to come home.

I went out with my parents and my sister's family went out to eat in honor of my birthday. My mother baked an Angel Food cake for me. My niece sat in my lap for the picture. We went to a new pizza place with a buffet. They have great cinnomon rolls. The pizza isn't that great. After we returned to my sister's house we talked and went out for a walk. When niece got tired we came back. We watched Age of Innocence until bedtime. Lastly, I drove home and petted my cats.

Happy Birthday to me. pOst later. Bye!

Find kitties

I took my kitties for a walk outside and took some pictures. I met 3 girls outside eager to pet and pick up my babies. One girl introduced them to her female cat watching from the screen door. I explained to her father that my boys are neutered. Two sisters came outside to find the apartment playground, but didn't know where it was. They followed the cats everywhere and came upstairs to see which apartment we live in when I decided our hour and a half walk was long enough. They just looked inside the door and I got cat treats out to coax the cats back. I said good-bye and shut the door. I don't mean to be rude, but I thought it a bad idea to invite strangers, especially kids, into my apartment.

See if you can find my kitties in the pictures.

Vet office

I took Frodo to get his shots thinking this is the last time. They don’t have Frodo's records from the animal shelter I gave them last time. I know the lady marked a sheet while checking Frodo's folder. Well whatever she wrote down was not there, just the shots they gave that day. They didn’t reaize Frodo had been neutered until they grabbed his privates or knew he was from a shelter. They need those records because the nurse needs to figure out if he needs another distemper shot.

So I go home to get the folder and call the vet office to read off the unprouncable medical terms. I'm on hold for 5 minutes. Get a person and she has no idea what I'm talking about and gives the phone to someone else. I read off the shots and when they were given. She is confused at the series of shots they gave, "Why did they do that" she says. I asked if she would like the phone number of the shelter's vet and she says yes so she can call them for Frodo's records. As I start reciting the first 3 numbers, she interupts saying it would be easier if I just came down with the folder and they can xerox it for the file.

Get to the office, get a person who knows why I'm there, I hand over the folder, and the lady is given the phone. She doesn’t write anything down, just talks on the phone about a little girl 8 years old who was sent home with a 102 temperature and throwing up. She thinks is inexcusable to send this girl home when she is so sick. I assuming it was a doctor who sent the girl home, not a school. We are interupted by the nurse who gave Frodo his shots asking if I forgotten something. I explain I brought over his records and the lady on the phone pats the folder sitting on the counter. No xeroxing was done and only a couple of boxes were written in on the paper saying Animal Record on top. The lady hands back the folder and says Thank you, then continues her conversation. You know, it really pisses me off when customers are neglected so people can take personal phone calls. Especially when they make me come all the way back because somebody didn’t do their job last time we were there. I have no idea if Frodo needs anymore shots, lady on the phone didn’t say one way or the other. I'm done griping. Post later. Bye!

First bird

Precious caught his first bird. I saw him pawing at the bushes and then his head got bigger, then I realized he had something in his mouth. He hid under the bush and I saw him pawing at a bird, it didn’t move. I don't know what he did with it, it was all under the bush.

Then Precious climbed a good 10 feet up a tree trunk, then looked at me like "What do I do now?" He made himself comfortable on a branch, then started down. He came down a little backwards, then turned around to jump down. As he was squirming before the jump (maybe 8 feet), I walked over and spread my arms. I caught him and set him down. We had an adventurous walk.

I got in the mail my first birthday card today from my aunt. She was pleased at the cat photos I sent her. Apparently she feeds a stray cat in the neighborhood. She cooks chicken for her dog and feeds whatever is left to the cats. Pampered pooch. She included $20 with her letter. Mom keeps reminding me that my dining room table is my birthday present so don't expect anything else from her. I don't have any plans for my birthday. Mom said she wanted to take me out to dinner. I can't expect my barhopping friend to recall my birthday every year.

Post later. Bye!

Party!!!

My sister sells Tupperware so she is itchy to get me to host a Tupperware party. She said she will bring all the food and drink, and the Tupperware lady respresenting the company. I have been sharing the news at work to see if there is interest. I have a few excited to come and a few maybes. I never hosted a party before so I am relying on my sister for help. I do feel guilty making my sister bring all the food so I told her I can make cupcakes. I think this will be fun.

My sister often rags on me about getting better friends and working with higher class of people. She can't understand why I want to hang around poor trashy people. Easy: They accept me the way I am, fun to talk to, eagerly look at photos of my cats, and encourage my dreams. Why would I want someone else to be my friend?

Post later. Bye!

Good-bye Nina

I received notice of the no-kill shelter cat I had been sponsoring for about
a year has died. Nina died from complications of feline leukemia and the
staff made her as comfortable as possible in her last hours. The noticed
called it passing over the rainbow bridge. I wonder where that come from. I
have heard of passing away, going cat heaven, or even kicking the bucket,
but never heard of a rainbow bridge to describe dying. Oh well. Post later.
Bye!

Tupperware party

My sister has been itchy for me to host a Tupperware party since she sells it. She said she would provide the finger food and drinks. I get 25 party invitations and catalogs for those who can't attend but wish to purchase. I got a few yeses and maybes so we shall see what happens. I plan to invite everyone I know at work. My relatives live too far away. Post later. Bye!

Spider-cat

I caught my kitty Frodo climbing the window screen in the bedroom in the middle of the night. Then I spied Precious climb up and paw at Frodo until he came down. Ahhh, I didn't have to get up and grab him as usual. When I do that it means I close the window for a day to keep spider-cat from climbing up again. He is learning. Later when Frodo climbed up again and stuck his head through the blinds, I yelled at him to get down and he climbed down. I didn't shut the window. I petted him and said he was a good boy. I also petted Precious since he was there next to my feet. Post later. Bye!

Cat walk

I took my cats outside and left off the leashes. They did have harnesses on if they wandered in no-no territory. I did hook up the leash when they got interested in the pool fence. They jumped around like prancing gazelles and climbed trees while chasing each other. They stirred up people walking their dogs, but sniffed about ignoring them. The dog owners guided their dogs away from the cats. When Precious once could not see Frodo in the bushes, he let out this strange yowl and Frodo answered. Cats do speak to each other, thye just don't speak English. Since we had not gone outside for almost a week, I let them have extra time out. Cats do talk to each other, they just don't speak English. After an hour and 15 minutes, the cats were meowing at the door to go back inside. They meowed at the wrong door (they all look alike) so I had to carry them to the right door. It is aninteresting experience carrying 2 cats in my tiny arms. I met one of my nieghbors coming home with groceries. He petted Precious and talked about a neighbor on the 2nd floor whose cat was allowed out on the balcony. It jumped over the railing, landed on the roof over the front door and jumped door to the ground. There is not much chance of that happening from the 3rd floor balcony where I am. I wore them out so much that they took a nap right away. Post later. Bye!

Ad for purses

I saw an advertisement today for Paris Hilton's purse collection. Is there anything this girl doesn't do? I mean modeling, reality show, book, perfume, horror film acting, commericals, record label, singing on her own album, and now purses. I have to wonder what exactly is her passion. I can tell she gets her feet wet in everything and masters nothing. Post later. Bye!

Funny people

The other night, I guess some flights to Cedar Rapids were diverted to us. I had a guy (not joking) asked me to bill United Airlines or the FCC (I think he meant FAA) for his rental car because they messed up his flight plans. I said I couldn’t do that. What a weirdo. Post later. Bye!

Hurricane Annika

My sister and niece came to visit me and the cats today. My niece Annika entertained herself in my bedroom while my sister and I talked in the living room. We heard her talking so we felt asured she was alright playing with the cats. I checked on her once and she was looking at my photo albums and got excited when she saw people she knew.

Then I had to go to work and my sister tried to put my niece down for a nap while she played on my computer. I come home to a bedroom that looked like it was hit by a hurricane. My cats' water bowls were empty and their food soaking wet. Plus my bedroom was a mess with stuff thrown everywhere. Then I am missing 3 pictures out of my photo albums after putting them back in the slots. At least my niece had fun. Post later. Bye!

Maggots

I got a moist cat food from the animal shelter when I picked up my cat Frodo, along with dry cat food they use. Today I check the cats' food dishes to see the moist cat food is moving. Odd. A closer look revealed maggots crawling all over the food. I tossed it in the garbage disposal and rinsed out the container. I hope Frodo doesn't have maggots in his tummy from this. He takes forever to eat his food. I wish he would eat the mosit stuff I little quicker, but he takes his time about it. Post later. Bye!

Met Superman

Well I met Superman as he walked by and said hi to my coworker who lives next door to Superman's parents, but I didn't realize it was him until my coworker said "You just missed Superman." "You mean that kid that just walked by," I answered. Sorry I didn't get his autograph. Posty later. Bye!

Warning at the desk

I heard today of an airplane bombing plot in Britain where 15 to 20 people
were arrested planning on using a new explosive that is a liquid so the TSA
banned on liquids from carry on baggage and beverages held in passengers'
hands. They even printed a warning for the car rentals to tape to their counters to inform the public of this new rule. I think the TSA should simply ban all carry on luggage, coats, and any clothing with pockets. Perhaps that will make the security line shorter with fewer false alarms from innocent passengers not thinking like
terrorists.

I was also thinking that there is actually an explosive substance invented by the terrorists that the US Army has yet to get their hands on. That seems a little strange to me. Post later. Bye!

Fleas

My sister told me yesterday that her cat has fleas around its head. She is convinced my cat gave them to hers. But they haven't seen each other in weeks since my cat has been banished from her house. Plus, I took one cat to the vet the day before and he said nothing about fleas. He said I have a healthy cat. I am sure if one cat had fleas the other would too. Who knows where they came from? Post later. Bye!

Figured it out

I figured out why my Precious keeps chewing on my ears, he's teething. My other cat Frodo has started doing that chewing thing to my pajama top. I looked up in my cat book when they start getting their adult teeth, 4-6 months. Then thye sexually mature at 7 months for males (6 months for females), and are fully grown at 1 year. I guess Frodo would be like a 7-year-old human, while Precious would be about 8 or 9. Post later. Bye!

Cute kitties

Here are photos of my kitties playing today. The larger is Precious and the smaller with white paws is Frodo. Post later. Bye!

Adventure

Today I got visitors today. My sister and 3 nieces from another state went to church with Grandma to pick up one niece who was visiting Grandma this past week. My sister came yesterday with 2 nieces and stayed overnight at my other sister's house in town. We met up at IHOP, but they were a little crowded and I have to get to work in an hour or so. I gave directions to Perkins nearby, but gave wrong directions so they found their own way there. I had the Belgian wafle, sister had strawberry waffle, one niece had shrimp feast, another had omelette and pancakes, and the third had soup and something I forgot. I think it was some kind of sandwich. Two nieces ate off of the shrimp feast plate because my niece got full drinking her chocolate shake waiting for the food and had a tummy ache. Then the omelette and pancake niece was full the the third ate most of her pancakes. So I would have time to visit with my visitors, I called work from my sister's cell phone to say I would be in an hour after my shift began. No problem.

Then they followed me to my place. Once niece made my sister move so she could sit on the couch next to me, then ran all over the room playing with the cats. The shrimp feast niece wanted ice cream she had last time she visited, but my sister said no since she didn't eat her dinner. One niece told my cat Frodo, as they petted them good-bye, to go find the ring. My cat Precious is named after the Ring in Lord of the Rings. The nieces loved the cats so much that my sister had to order them to put the cats down. Then I walked them out to get dance recital pictures off my sister. They are back to school shopping. One niece said she wished she could go swimming again as we walked to the car. No swimming today, gotta go shopping. I had a long day at work before driving across town to feed my sister's cats. She returns from vacation tomorrow. Post later. Bye!

Water bowl

My 2 cats drank from the same water bowl at the same time, and no catfight. I was so happy they are getting along so well.

My new cat is less of a scaredy cat now. Post later. Bye!

Back cover

Just when I'm trying to figure out how to send back my story version with all corrections present, this will be my 3rd attempt of sending this back. Then the book publisher sends an email telling me to cough up a back cover paragraph describing the book and me. No wonder I'm so bitching lately when people ask for favors. But I can't tell anyone what is bothering me because no one knows I'm doing this. If I do, I know it will be: So is it done yet?

I read the back of a few books to see what they say. So far , I came up with:

Written for a beloved teenage niece, The Hermit tells a story of a hero who fell from grace reciting his autobiography to three boys demanding to know why he can't erase all the evil in the world. The Hermit stages of life in a world when mermaids and fairies were real. Back when people worhipped gods and goddesses of nature and commerce. A time when kings creating empires respected sorcerers and witches while their soldiers discovered iron weapons. This is a story of a foretold hero rising to fame in his homeland, falling in love, and losing everything he ever cared about. Will he rise from the ashes of sorrow and fight another day?

And for the author's paragraph:

Jordan Harvey loved reading stories to her nieces and made up a few of her own. Her debut novel chronicles much of her own life from a childhood full of hope to a twenty-something struggling to make ends meet. Now living in Des Moines, IA with two cats named Precious and Frodo, Jordan Harvey writes stories in her spare time for a wider audience.

Wake up call

Early this morning, I received a wake up call from my cat. He was on my
back, claws dug into my hair, chewing on my ear. At least I know what it is
like to have a lion cub eating me. Post later. Bye!

Cloud 9

I am so excited today no grouchy people will be bringing me down. I emailed the shelter holding my 2nd kitten last night about when they estimate I can bring him home. They answered back today that I can take him home tomorrow. He has been neutered, but still has yet to have his final shots (like rabies). If I took him in tomorrow, I would have to pay for his final shots. That's ok, I can handle that. I'm so happy Precious will finally have a playmate. Post later. Bye!

Cat offer

I don't know why I bothered adopting a kitten from an animal shelter, I'm having cats thrown at me left and right. A friend from the car rental next door offered a kitten to me. But I already reserved a kitten from the shelter. I'm just waiting to take it home. I don't need 3 kitties. But since Precious badly needs a playmate and has been banished from my sister's house, I said I could foster it for a month until I get the other kitten. She guessed it was a girl that weighs about a pound. Mother cat is a stray roaming around down by the river where my friend's brother was feeding it. My friend has 2 dogs and a ferret so she can't take in this kitten. It is roaming around lose in her yard. She said she will find another home for it while it is at my apartment. Hopefully it won't get chased up a tree or hit by a car before I get my hands on it. If she can't find a home for it, it will be going to the animal shelter where I am getting my kitten from. Post later. Bye!

Buried treasure

I was cleaning out my Precious's litterbox and found a green ball. I tossed across the floor into the living room and Precious comes back with it, dropping it in the litterbox. Weird cat. He also drop balls in his water bowl. Well he is sleeping so I better go try to clip his claws. Post later. Bye!

Weirdoes

Guy comes to my counter asking for flight info. I point out the flight arrival screens hanging on the ceiling. He says it states it will arrive at 10:30 (So why is this bozo bothering me?) He has never done this before so he would also like to know how long it takes to fly from this city to here, commuting the time zone change in that assessment, because the flight has not left yet. When it is coming?!

Don't know, sir. He says, "You people are suppose to know these things". Sir, this is a car rental. I point the direction the airline counters. There is nobody at the airline counters, he claims. I point out again the flight screens hanging on the ceiling and he finally leaves. Weirdoes.

Tip of the day: If I am not standing in front of a airline logo nor wear a airline logo on my uniform, I don't work for the airlines. Plus not having staff visible at the airline counters is not my problem. OK?

Thinking

I have been watching the news coverage about the bombings between Israel and Lebanon. And so far the American President has not asked for a cease fire. Why is that? The Secretary of State Rice is talking to everyone about humanitarian aid for the Lebanonese people, except to Israel. I'm sorry for not saying this sooner, I have been expecting someone else to say it.

To Israel: Can we please have a cease fire now?

Post later. Bye!

Lance Armstrong is here

Lance Armstrong has arrived in Ames by private airplane, going by the news camera point of view. He rides in the annual bikeride across the state of Iowa called RAGBRAI. It has already begun and half way done. Yesterday the town of Waukee welcomed riders with leis for their themed overnight stay, Hawaii. They even had a photographer take pictures of riders wearing grass skirts and straw hats in front of a tropical backdrop. Each overnight stay has a theme and a beer garden. Lance Armstong will be present in Newton today to speak about cancer research in the town hall. It is expected that 10,000 people will come just to see him. They even set up large screens for people outside the town hall. Then Mr. Armstrong will ride the rest of the route of the bikeride with the 6500 plus other riders. This bike ride has become so popular that they had to only accept 6500 riders to ride the entire route while more are allowed to ride parts of it. At the beginning the riders place their tires in the Missouri River. At the end, they place their wheels in the Mississippi River. My friend's son is riding this year with his YMCA club. Post later. Bye!

Caught in the rain

Yesterday I took my niece and Precious outside for a walk while my sister ran to the store. It was barely sprinkling when we came outside. Under the trees, we got no raindrops at all. After 20 minutes exploring the backyard, it poured. My niece was screaming but I couldn't see her. Precious jumped into the bushes. I found my niece behind the grill under the eave calling my name. I tied up the leash to the bushes and guided my niece back inside. I told her I had to get Precious. Then I called for Precious to come out of the bushes (fat chance of that) so I had to stand in the rain dripping wet waiting for him to come out. He did come out and jumped on my sister's plant box. I grabbed him and went inside. I dried us off, even Precious. I stuck in some sing along videos my other sister left behind since her girls are too old for them. My niece loved the sing along tapes. She didn't even notice my sister came home until she told her she smelled a poopy diaper and paused the tape. Post later. Bye!