Is it Wednesday yet? I've been waiting for next Tuesday for 2 (more like 8) years now. I have thought that, if I could just survive a wee bit longer, I'd make it. But now I'm not so sure Tuesday is going to bring any relief.
For starters, my son's first basketball practice is 6 to 7 that night. And there's a parents' meeting, so I can't just dump him out and run home for the latest poll-closings. And, although I have internet on my phone (which I'm using to type this, so please forgive spelling or punctuation errors, as it's impossible for me to thumb-type and watch the screen at the same time), I really shouldn't carry booze into the school to either keep me calm or to celebrate. It's so not fair...
Second, this thing is such a nail-biter, I am not being optimistic. At the very least, I expect a long night. At worst, I sort of expect a long month... Again...
pesimst starts his vacation tomorrow. I'm trying to decide if that's a good thing. On the one hand, it'll be nice to have my husband home for a week. On the other, we're both so invested in this election that we're sort of feeding on each other's neurosis.
Everybody, go vote. Just do. On Tuesday, if not earlier (I am forsaking early voting in favor of being able to have pesimst with me to help wrangle the children; they HAVE to be with me for this one. I want them to know and remember). Besides, the lines won't be too long out here where I am. I really wish they would, but they won't be.
I think the baby dinosaur has fallen asleep, so I'd best get go check. If he has, I'm going to follow his lead. This migraine is getting worse, no matter how much I try to ignore it...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
the thing about the Kitchen Cat
I'm starting to worry about the ancient, terrifying beast that lurks beneath the edge of my table cloth, waiting to chomp firmly upon the buttocks of any unsuspecting diner. That monster is the smallest adult cat, with soft fur, a tiny pink nose, and delicate grey marks that trail into kohl lines around her wide, innocent-looking green eyes. I'm, obviously speaking of the Kitchen Cat.
For those who don't know, the Kitchen Cat was inherited from my former grandma-in-law. Grandma and I bonded over our mutual love for bad-tempered, ornery, seemingly misbehaved cats. A long time ago, I had a cat that was often refered to as P.M.S Kitty From Hell or just Church. He was a nightmare and my best friend. He used to sit on the back of the toilet and smile at male visitors.
Her cat, who she called "Princess" in a falsetto Okie twang, introduced herself to my ex's uncle by dropping on his head out of a closet in the hall. Grandma had marks on her arms where Princess would occasionally get irritated with grooming, or messing about, or random petting...
So when Grandma was admitted to a nursing home with Alzheimer's disease, I, naturally took on her cat. My primary reason was that my former in-laws had decided to have the cat put down. Their reasoning was that "there is something wrong with that cat. She'll never be normal."
Well, all cats are "not normal." It's a natural part of being a cat. But Princess had been a faithful companion, determined caregiver, and the only being who seemed to notice that anything was really, really wrong with Grandma. For that, she deserved a chance at life and love and a happy retirement.
When she first lived with me, she moved into a kitchen cabinet and flatly refused to come out. After a year or so, she finally moved out of the cabinet to occupy the rest of the kitchen. And the kitchen is where she lived. When she moved here with me, she moved into the kitchen, and that is where she lives.
Princess, whose name has been changed to something much more appropriate, has proven me right, over and over. In the wee hours of the morning, when I can't sleep, she will sit in my lap at the kitchen table and purr. The rest of the day, she grumps, growls and hisses at everone who comes near.
But she is beginning to fail. She is old. Grandma told me that Princess was 7 years old in 1999. She continued to say Princess was 7 years old until her own death in 2005. Yeah.
Her fur has taken on old cat softness, and her joints are losing their flexibilty. She is crosser than ever on cold or rainy days, when she aches, and, I think, when she misses Grandma most. She is drinking more water, and spending more time in the litterbox. I would take her in for tests, but she would likely die if she were gone from home comforts overnight. She hates strangers, and I won't put that stress on her ancient heart. I have lowered the protein in her diet, and I keep her well-watered. I try to give her warm, comfy places to sleep, but she insists on the kitchen chairs (at least they're padded, and the tablecloth keeps off most of the drafts) or the windowsill.
At this point, I think her problems are all related to age. So all I can do is love her, from a safe distance, so the teeth can't get to my ankles, give her all the care I can, and try to make her life as pleasant as possible for as long as I have with her. I wish cats lived longer...
For those who don't know, the Kitchen Cat was inherited from my former grandma-in-law. Grandma and I bonded over our mutual love for bad-tempered, ornery, seemingly misbehaved cats. A long time ago, I had a cat that was often refered to as P.M.S Kitty From Hell or just Church. He was a nightmare and my best friend. He used to sit on the back of the toilet and smile at male visitors.
Her cat, who she called "Princess" in a falsetto Okie twang, introduced herself to my ex's uncle by dropping on his head out of a closet in the hall. Grandma had marks on her arms where Princess would occasionally get irritated with grooming, or messing about, or random petting...
So when Grandma was admitted to a nursing home with Alzheimer's disease, I, naturally took on her cat. My primary reason was that my former in-laws had decided to have the cat put down. Their reasoning was that "there is something wrong with that cat. She'll never be normal."
Well, all cats are "not normal." It's a natural part of being a cat. But Princess had been a faithful companion, determined caregiver, and the only being who seemed to notice that anything was really, really wrong with Grandma. For that, she deserved a chance at life and love and a happy retirement.
When she first lived with me, she moved into a kitchen cabinet and flatly refused to come out. After a year or so, she finally moved out of the cabinet to occupy the rest of the kitchen. And the kitchen is where she lived. When she moved here with me, she moved into the kitchen, and that is where she lives.
Princess, whose name has been changed to something much more appropriate, has proven me right, over and over. In the wee hours of the morning, when I can't sleep, she will sit in my lap at the kitchen table and purr. The rest of the day, she grumps, growls and hisses at everone who comes near.
But she is beginning to fail. She is old. Grandma told me that Princess was 7 years old in 1999. She continued to say Princess was 7 years old until her own death in 2005. Yeah.
Her fur has taken on old cat softness, and her joints are losing their flexibilty. She is crosser than ever on cold or rainy days, when she aches, and, I think, when she misses Grandma most. She is drinking more water, and spending more time in the litterbox. I would take her in for tests, but she would likely die if she were gone from home comforts overnight. She hates strangers, and I won't put that stress on her ancient heart. I have lowered the protein in her diet, and I keep her well-watered. I try to give her warm, comfy places to sleep, but she insists on the kitchen chairs (at least they're padded, and the tablecloth keeps off most of the drafts) or the windowsill.
At this point, I think her problems are all related to age. So all I can do is love her, from a safe distance, so the teeth can't get to my ankles, give her all the care I can, and try to make her life as pleasant as possible for as long as I have with her. I wish cats lived longer...
Sunday, October 19, 2008
GET MOVING!!!
***UPDATE***
Okay, I'm talking to myself here. I am suffering from a near-critical lack of motivation today. I spent the last two days getting the kids' room thoroughly cleaned - cleaning carpets, sorting out broken-to-the-point-of-useless toys, washing bedding, vacuuming mattresses. Then, yesterday evening, I asked for some help to get the rest of the house tidied. And got no takers. Gee, family. Thanks.
So today, after not enough sleep, I'm grouchy. I don't want to work. No one else cares, so why should I? Of course, a scattered house contributes to my depression. So that might be part of the problem.
But right now, I vow to get off my duff and do some work. I will get the kitchen cleaned, do two loads of laundry. Get the rest of the clean put away, and scoop the cat boxes.
Can we fix it? Yeah, sure, ya betcha...
Edit:
Two loads of dishes, one load of laundry, put away half the clean laundry from everywhere, the front bathroom, and feeding kids lunch down!
Edit # 2:
Library cleaned and sweetly scented, clean laundry put away, living room half cleaned, another load of laundry
Okay, I'm talking to myself here. I am suffering from a near-critical lack of motivation today. I spent the last two days getting the kids' room thoroughly cleaned - cleaning carpets, sorting out broken-to-the-point-of-useless toys, washing bedding, vacuuming mattresses. Then, yesterday evening, I asked for some help to get the rest of the house tidied. And got no takers. Gee, family. Thanks.
So today, after not enough sleep, I'm grouchy. I don't want to work. No one else cares, so why should I? Of course, a scattered house contributes to my depression. So that might be part of the problem.
But right now, I vow to get off my duff and do some work. I will get the kitchen cleaned, do two loads of laundry. Get the rest of the clean put away, and scoop the cat boxes.
Can we fix it? Yeah, sure, ya betcha...
Edit:
Two loads of dishes, one load of laundry, put away half the clean laundry from everywhere, the front bathroom, and feeding kids lunch down!
Edit # 2:
Library cleaned and sweetly scented, clean laundry put away, living room half cleaned, another load of laundry
Friday, October 17, 2008
free time?
My big kids are gone. I dropped them off with my parents yesterday, and they won't be home until tomorrow. And I can't tell you how happy I am about this!
Now, if I can only finish the floors, the laundry and their rooms before they come back...
I was cleaning Demon Child's room a few minutes ago. Now, DC is a sweet, quiet, gentle little thing. Yes, prone to drama and saying really weird things for being such a mite, but her room! I swear, it's the most horrible mess I've ever encountered. She wrote all over her furniture, shoved ALL of her socks behind and under the bed, and hid underwear in any space not occupied by a Princess or a Pony! What frightens me is that she's usually tidier than Van, and his room is next on my list...
Can't Fall Break last a month or two?!
Now, if I can only finish the floors, the laundry and their rooms before they come back...
I was cleaning Demon Child's room a few minutes ago. Now, DC is a sweet, quiet, gentle little thing. Yes, prone to drama and saying really weird things for being such a mite, but her room! I swear, it's the most horrible mess I've ever encountered. She wrote all over her furniture, shoved ALL of her socks behind and under the bed, and hid underwear in any space not occupied by a Princess or a Pony! What frightens me is that she's usually tidier than Van, and his room is next on my list...
Can't Fall Break last a month or two?!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
waxing political
I don't usually "go there" on this blog, but I'm relaxing my rules this time. Why? This time, it's personal. This time, my vote is going for a candidate, rather than voting against someone or against an ideology. This time, I'm voting for Barack Obama.
There are quite a few issues where I have a difference of opinion from that held by Senator Obama. In the main, however, I agree with his policy ideas, and I do believe in him as a man. He very much wants to be one of the "good guys," and, rather than assuming he knows best, he is willing to seek out those of thoughtful discourse and cool counsel to advise him. He asks "what do you disagree with?" and then tries to find ground where everyone does agree. And that is something I respect.
My mother pointed out his liberalism. I told her that was one of the key points in his favor. I'm tired of conservatism that isn't. The right in this country aren't conservative, they're mean, petty and selfish. I'm tired of policies that sound like they offer a chance for personal responsiblity, when they trump basic human decency and generosity. The poor are always with us, and it's time we were with the poor.
I read an article earlier where some loon was blasting the "liberals" for wanting to pay for everything for the poor. The writer accused the poor of "expecting" taxpayers to pay their bills. Give me a break!
Why should we help the less fortunate? Because there are more of them than the rich. If the poor have basic needs met, they have a chance to become productive. They don't catch and carry diseases that sweep through the population, regardless of class. They don't further drain the economy by needing critical care when an ounce of prevention would have kept the worst from happening. They have options other than crime or starvation. They are allowed to pursue life and happiness, just like everyone who is not wallowing in poverty.
And the best reason to offer socialized support to the poor, ill and "the least of these" in our society? The mighty beast of capitalism runs on having money to spend. And, as I said, there's more of them.
Another reason for my vote this year is basic human decency. We've let our government and the major coperations rape the American public for years. It's time for that to change. It's time for morals to apply to more than religious belief.
And there's a bit of selfishness mixed in. I am middle class. pesimst makes a good living at his horrible job. It has provided us with a comfortable home, food, transportation and the ability to keep life and limb together - so far. Because the things it doesn't provide are health insurance, a chance for further education for us or our children, or a very solid safety net should something desperate occur. That is not right. That is not fair. And I am voting to see that change.
Obama's healthcare plan is not perfect, but it is better than the pittance McCain is offering (which would pay less than 4 months insurance premiums for us). His education plan is daring and would turn out a generation that is educated and responsible. His tax breaks would ease our burden and let us save more. And his hand on the wheel of our economy would be solid, steady, and give me a bit more faith in our retirement policies that are festering in the current uncertainties.
I have a belief in the man behind the politics, and that makes all the difference.
There are quite a few issues where I have a difference of opinion from that held by Senator Obama. In the main, however, I agree with his policy ideas, and I do believe in him as a man. He very much wants to be one of the "good guys," and, rather than assuming he knows best, he is willing to seek out those of thoughtful discourse and cool counsel to advise him. He asks "what do you disagree with?" and then tries to find ground where everyone does agree. And that is something I respect.
My mother pointed out his liberalism. I told her that was one of the key points in his favor. I'm tired of conservatism that isn't. The right in this country aren't conservative, they're mean, petty and selfish. I'm tired of policies that sound like they offer a chance for personal responsiblity, when they trump basic human decency and generosity. The poor are always with us, and it's time we were with the poor.
I read an article earlier where some loon was blasting the "liberals" for wanting to pay for everything for the poor. The writer accused the poor of "expecting" taxpayers to pay their bills. Give me a break!
Why should we help the less fortunate? Because there are more of them than the rich. If the poor have basic needs met, they have a chance to become productive. They don't catch and carry diseases that sweep through the population, regardless of class. They don't further drain the economy by needing critical care when an ounce of prevention would have kept the worst from happening. They have options other than crime or starvation. They are allowed to pursue life and happiness, just like everyone who is not wallowing in poverty.
And the best reason to offer socialized support to the poor, ill and "the least of these" in our society? The mighty beast of capitalism runs on having money to spend. And, as I said, there's more of them.
Another reason for my vote this year is basic human decency. We've let our government and the major coperations rape the American public for years. It's time for that to change. It's time for morals to apply to more than religious belief.
And there's a bit of selfishness mixed in. I am middle class. pesimst makes a good living at his horrible job. It has provided us with a comfortable home, food, transportation and the ability to keep life and limb together - so far. Because the things it doesn't provide are health insurance, a chance for further education for us or our children, or a very solid safety net should something desperate occur. That is not right. That is not fair. And I am voting to see that change.
Obama's healthcare plan is not perfect, but it is better than the pittance McCain is offering (which would pay less than 4 months insurance premiums for us). His education plan is daring and would turn out a generation that is educated and responsible. His tax breaks would ease our burden and let us save more. And his hand on the wheel of our economy would be solid, steady, and give me a bit more faith in our retirement policies that are festering in the current uncertainties.
I have a belief in the man behind the politics, and that makes all the difference.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
so long
So it appears Steve Fossett died in a horrible plane crash on the side of a lonely mountain. I mean, well, we "knew" that, but still, proof and all.
There was part of me that kept hoping he'd just gotten fed up with fame and planned to vanish. Another part of me hoped he wouldn't do that to his family.
You see, Steve was one of my great heros. He was a fairy tale adventurer in a modern day world. He quested for dragons and grails in a time that such things held no credibility. He marched to the beat of a medieval drum, and he dared to dream that there was another horizon beyond that which modern thought acknowledged.
His many triumphs, in finance, mountaineering and ballooning, in flight and on skis, sparked my imagination. His daring even led to the creation of one of my favorite characters who has appeared in at least twenty short stories of mine. For all the ways his life touched mine, even though we never met, I thank him.
Steve, I'll miss you. My heart goes out to your family, and I'm grateful they may find closure. May time bring them peace and may memories bring joy and laughter. And I hope, wherever you are, there are still dragons to slay and grails to find. So long, my friend.
There was part of me that kept hoping he'd just gotten fed up with fame and planned to vanish. Another part of me hoped he wouldn't do that to his family.
You see, Steve was one of my great heros. He was a fairy tale adventurer in a modern day world. He quested for dragons and grails in a time that such things held no credibility. He marched to the beat of a medieval drum, and he dared to dream that there was another horizon beyond that which modern thought acknowledged.
His many triumphs, in finance, mountaineering and ballooning, in flight and on skis, sparked my imagination. His daring even led to the creation of one of my favorite characters who has appeared in at least twenty short stories of mine. For all the ways his life touched mine, even though we never met, I thank him.
Steve, I'll miss you. My heart goes out to your family, and I'm grateful they may find closure. May time bring them peace and may memories bring joy and laughter. And I hope, wherever you are, there are still dragons to slay and grails to find. So long, my friend.
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