The Visitor

I often hear a cat meowing very loudly at night- so much so that it wakes me up at the likes of 3 a.m.

Well, while I was walking up the apartment steps last night, I spied a "stray" cat that was still very friendly, so I lured it toward me with clicks and sweet words and captured catnapped rescued it! I had the culprit!

It was a pretty well-groomed cat and it was wearing a red collar, so I was afraid I had stolen some one's cat. Alas, the animal lover that I am, I figured it was better to trap some one's cat for the night then let a cat stay homeless. Of course, I immediately made posters and, due to RightHand warning me about falling in love with the cat quickly, actually posted them around my building around 11:30 p.m.

Well, two calls the next day! One was a neighbor hoping it was her lost cat, yet knowing it probably wasn't. The second- answers! The girl said she had been feeding the cat for two weeks and put the collar on it to see if someone would take it off, indicating there was an owner. Well, no owner has appeared and so her brother was willing to take the cat.

And I can understand why- my little hostage was so sweet and loving. Last night, the cat immediately drank all of the water I gave it, ate lots of food, used the litter box like a pro, and lounged royally on my futon. This cat was clearly a lovable indoor cat. Thus, we met up this afternoon, and the cat left for its forever indoor home. Dontcha just love happy endings? I know Gatsby and Latte were very relieved when the visitor finally vacated their territory...

So, she's gone now, but here is our brief visitor:

But one last thing- this wasn't the loud-mouthed cat! The girl showed me the black feral cat that yells at night but refuses to be caught... until he met Stray Charmer Reagan! Stay tuned! ;)

Caturday

Not for the extremely faint of heart, but here are my recent injuries from the cats:

Latte gets excited when playing with her bird toy, and flies across my foot, claws out!

Along with zits from stress, of course, but the scratch on my chin is from Gatsby as we left the vet...thanks, boy.

Another product of Latte's frenzied toy chasing...

Obviously I'm fine and obviously they were "love scratches"...right...

Friday Foto

Here we go again...

Here are my faves- clearly couldn't narrow them down this time! (And you know, the captions really make the pictures, so make sure to check out the site linked below!):

And yours?

The Juice

Oh, dear Readers, I'm afraid a very important scandal may have passed below your radar... Not because you're, you know, out of the loop, you just don't have nothing to do roll like I do...

But, much like Lewis Black, I'm here to catch the news that falls through the cracks.

Three words: Orange Juice Scandal!

Oh yes. Read on. (Like you can help yourself!!!!)

Apparently, Tropicana's decision to change their carton has people up in arms! The New York Times even wrote about it! I'm hoping and praying that it is just a nice little outlet for the consumers to distract them from the REAL issues, like, oh, I don't know, the economy and how they probably can't even afford the orange juice anymore...

So, here's the before:

And here's the after:

I have to admit, it took me a solid 5 minutes to find my regular type of OJ because the distinctions on the cartons are tiny! (Light 'N Healthy, baby!) At the grocery store, a solid 5 minutes is really a lot, or at least more than necessary. Call me Ms. Reasonable or Ms. HasALife(Sometimes), but it didn't really upset me. Or maybe I was just placated by the coupon in my hand- damn you, Tropicana!!!

But any lingering indignation slipped away as I went to pour myself a glass the next day and saw this:

The cap is a little orange!! Is my juice coming out of a fresh orchard? Do you smell the birds, the bees, the...uh, chemicals and underpaid workers? :( Or maybe that is simply the true source of the juice, the orange's anus. I remember a comedian's bit about that little part of the banana that gets stuck in the peel at the bottom-- it's the bananus!!! And should be avoided, I might add.

So, there you have it, the scandal of the century. Oh, you just drink the store brand and don't even care? Well, cheers! :)

Sicko

Like everyone these days, I'm sick. Not just sick and tired of sooooo many things (though I definitely am that!)-- medically sick. Yay.

After months of randomly blowing my nose culminating in feeling like my head was going to explode (I am prone to exaggerating- this time? NOT exaggerating! And as RightHand knows, I have a strange fear/fascination with spontaneous human combustion, so I was quite panicked).

Annnnnnyway, turns out it's sinusitis. Yeeeeeeah, like that's even a diagnosis! Riiiiiight, Doc... (To be fair, any "-itis" added on to any word in the medical world means sickness (or something...) Foot hurts? Footitis! And conjunctivitis? Clearly a grammar-related problem!* This concludes Med School 101- please hold your applause.)

So, the doc tells me I need a shot in my bum. Naturally, I panic (yes, again). I am ashamed to admit that these words actually came out of my mouth: "I'm scared..." "Okay, Reagan, no problem--- Pacifier and blankie to room 203- STAT! You know, for the 24 year old LAW STUDENT."

As it turns out "shot in the bum" just meant pulling my jeans down a little and getting a shot in my lower back- and it didn't even hurt! But then again, that resulted in no lollipop, so I'm not really sure if I won that round.

With orders to put a hot washcloth on my face, sleep at a 15 degree angle, and use eye drops, I skipped off to get my prescription. Leapin' lizards look at these HORSE PILLS I have to take:

Well, at least they go down smoothly. And they're pink- always a bonus!

Alright, off to prop myself up for a lovely night's sleep, with the wind humidifier in my hair...Bliss...

*Or, pink eye. Seriously.

Outrageous!

A lot of you, like me, have been wondering what sort of outrageous act that you can and SHOULD do. So here's what Gloria* has to say:



*Oh yeah, we're tight like that.**



**Er, Ms. Steinem, can I call you Gloria? Please??

The Power of One*

*Great movie, btw.

I really don't talk directly about feminism very often on this site, but hopefully that will change. In the meantime, this picture makes my heart sing:

Gloria recently challenged women to do something outrageous every day. I want to, and I will- if only I could think of something. What would you/will you do?

A Really Belated Caturday

My paper boy:

He just can't get enough!

Friday Foto

Here we go again... Here are my favorites this week:

And yours?

Gatsby's Groggy

Gatsby had horrible plaque and gingivitis, so the little buddy had to get his teeth cleaned at the vet. They had to put him under for the procedure, and he was a little groggy when we got home.

Watch until he hops on his scratching ramp...priceless! (And please ignore my hyena-like laughing!)

In Your Face

Maybe it's just that I am still on a college campus and also go to law school with lazy, grimey boys (yeah, I said it!), but I am finding men's hairstyles/beardstyles INTOLERABLE lately.

NO, you do not look cool/studious/sexy/handsome/debonair/insert any other adjective you're trying for here.

YES, I am distracted when I am talking to you because there is a piece of lint/fuzz/God-knows-what stuck to your freakin' hairy FACE!

And if you pair this up with 'skinny' jeans, sneakers from the 80s (yes, if they're from the 80s, I'm going to call it like I see it: SNEAKERS!), and a "witty" graphic tee, I swear I'll...I'll...well, hate you silently. So take that.

Contrary to what it seems like, I usually don't like focusing on others' appearances or judging them. God knows I'm no fashionista. But lately, I have been cheering and fist-pumping when I see those Axe ads telling guys to get "girl-approved hair." Yes, I hate that company for their sexist, heterosexist, and all sorts of other "ist" advertising, but at least this time they're promoting a cause I can get behind.

And to make matters worse, I saw this ad in the Sunday paper:

OH. MY. GOD. Now, this isn't the nasty, scruffy beard that I am so angry about but look at the AFTER picture that they are HAPPY with!! (Yeah, yeah- "...with which they are happy.")

He looks so much better before, and frankly, so does she.

Ahhhh, judging and spreading my message to the masses: my work here is done.

Another Belated Caturday

Here we have Latte and Gatsby demonstrating the ancient symbol of balance, the Yin Yang:

And her little pawsies are crossed, so it's just adorable.*

*Yes, I know I'm going to be one of those moms that thinks their child is the smartest, cutest, brightest, etc. etc.! :)

Friday Foto

Here's my fave:

I also like the pic of the frozen prairie grass, but I couldn't find it online to share here. So, you're just going to have to check them out for yourself. Enjoy!

PSA

Important, please watch! I didn't know any of this! (Then again, I'm me...) ;)

Just Dance!

This guy takes the cliche saying "Dance like no one is watching..." to a whole new level. And everyone's watching. I really can't pick a favorite, but I love his shirt in #15 and RightHand needs to check out #69.


BOOMBOX from Ely Kim on Vimeo.

Weddings Are In the Air!!!

BIG NEWS: My sister, Jenny, is engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She called last night, right after the proposal happened on the beach in Florida where she and Paul are on vacation to escape the dreadful Connecticut winter. Apparently her boyfriend fiance called my parents and stepmom for their blessings, so everyone knew it was coming except me! Well, and Jenny, of course. :)

I was screaming and crying on the phone with her and may have re-fractured my leg as a result of all of the jumping which must accompany squealing. It was so nice to have RightHand there with me, as we shared the family news together. Hmmm, who will be engaged next? ;)

Here is the happy couple (at his brother's wedding last summer):

And here is the ring (through grainy cell pics!):

Daaaaaaamn- way to set the bar high, Paulie!! ;) Can't wait to see it (and my sis!) in person!!! I really adore Paul and am so happy he'll be joining our family. Still can't believe my sister, my best friend, my life partner (seriously!) is going to be a WIFE!

In other not-quite-as-exciting-news, but still related and important, I have my first bridesmaid gig EVER this summer. One of my best friends, Marlee, is getting married and I was so honored to be chosen. I'm quite excited to join the ranks of the frustrated, sulking women who have come before me. ;) Kidding! My outlook is that whatever the bride wants, goes, and I don't mind a bit. I AM enthusiastic about the dress, as a matter of fact. Here it is (though it will be some shade of blue, and we'll tie the train up after the ceremony so that we don't trip later while intoxicated partying in the couple's honor):

Oh yes, I WILL be making that sultry face through the entire ceremony... ;)

Love is in the air!

Eat, drink, and be married! :)

Belated Caturday

Lately, Gatsby has been using objects to prop himself up because, you know, life is oh so hard being a spoiled kitty... how does he have the strength to go on? Gatsby, you inspire us.

Here he is, using the wall to prop himself up...

A closer look...

And then half on the window sill, half on the book case...

'Til next week!

Belated Friday Foto

Couldn't choose just one this week, so here are my favorites:

And you?

Hermit?

The day started out beautifully:

Blue sky, sunshine, and the entire cozy, non-school day ahead of me...

I find myself at twilight wondering where the day went... I had such big plans! Well, I got caught up on life, so I guess that's good.
And as I told RightHand, I'm glad I was literally stuck at home all day due to the weather. Otherwise, when I know the rest of the world is out and about, I feel like I'm missing out on something.

How do you feel when you don't leave the house all day?

Trifecta

Once, it happens. Twice, frustrating. Three times? It's getting a little strange...

For the past three weeks in a row, I have returned home from the love of my life/the final destination of all my money/the benevolent provider of food, Publix, to find that I am missing something that I know I bought AND it is on my receipt. There is clearly a black hole between Publix and my apartment, and I'm sure the manager is starting to think I am running a Darwin Award-eligible scam in which I buy $150 worth of groceries and then scan them for $4 of beef.

The first week:

Where's the beef? (I had to...)

And I had even bought the Organic beef this time, because of this article, and I was so excited to try it!

Week Two:

The new concealer I was excited to try.

And this week:

Literally, apples and oranges. No joke. (It feels cliche to ssay since everyone says "That's like comparing apples to oranges!" which, DUH, are actually really similar...)

Stay tuned ;)

Bills, Bills, Bills

I know what it's like to be hounded by the debt collectors. The mortgage companies. The debt consolidation companies. The phone calls, the messages, the mailings...

Why do I know this? Am I overdue on payments? Do I have huge debt?*

No, but Bill does. And isn't he oh-so-aptly named?

I am assuming that Bill was the previous tenant of my apartment. I am now fielding mail and calls for this man and his financial disaster. So. Much. Debt. (Okay, okay, I accidentally opened the first erroneous mailing and saw the numbers. Eeks!)

Ever since I connected my land line, my calls are not from friends but very official sounding people demanding that I, Bill, call them and SHOW THEM THE MONEY! Lots of references to case numbers and other scary things.

Bearable for awhile, then it was clear it wasn't going to stop. So, I diligently write down the numbers and make my oh-so-courteous call to let them know that this is an apartment, he doesn't live here, etc. etc. It's slowly petering out.

But what a glimpse into another's life. Can you die from secondhand stress?

*Well, student loans and other things, but, for now, still good.

The Best Medicine

I dare you not to laugh out loud:



Thanks for the laugh, Dooce.

The Day is Done

Well, the excitement just wouldn't stop!

Cute kitties huddled together for warmth:

(Er, yes, that is a picture of their daddy above their bed. He did not want to be forgotten! His idea! His idea, I say!!)

We had some power surges all evening and then a full outage. It was quite charming to see the candles begin to glow from everyone's apartment. Not so charming to be in the pitch black dark, convinced a murderer is also in the room (what? like you don't remember the night goggles scene from Silence of the Lambs?!) with nary a candle or light nearby. I panicked as I realized that everything (reading, blogging, watching movies) that I had fantasized about doing on this cozy night needed electricity. I've gotta get me a hobby that can be done in the dark. Damn you, knitters!! I groped my way towards the drawer with my flashlight and then quickly got to work.

Quite the ambiance. About 15 minutes later, all was better back to normal.

Goodnight, Moon.

What A Day!

So Ol' Man Winter has finally come back to Georgia! Long time, no see, eh?

At first, I got reallllllly excited about this:

Oh, that's right. If you squint, you can even see some snow- I swear!


Then I got even more excited about this:






And spent all afternoon trying to figure out what made these tracks:

It is only now, while posting that I remembered the complex maintenance guys drive around in golf carts. Bingo. (Yeah, we Sherlock Holmes it like that around here.)


And then, my dear non-Southerners, an activity commenced that is so magical, so rare, so mystical, that it had the power to make this the OFFICIAL BLIZZARD OF '09 (get your t-shirts!!!) Oh, that's right, kids:

Let the pathetic Southern sledding begin! After about 3 runs, the kids had pretty much slushed up all the snow on the "hill."

It was about this time that I went to work-out (thank God for indoor treadmills!) and tromped through the wet and slushy "snow." Got back and took a hot shower, which we all know I love, and literally giggled at the prospect of a cozy, wintry afternoon. I sincerely hoped that everyone was taking this day to stay inside and slow down.

Lest you think the excitement died down, here are some more pics:

Now we're talkin'!

I don't like to be too Judgey McJudgeykins with nature, but this tree just looks sad and awful. Though now it is lookin' a little better to me.

And it just kept getting better from there!

I hope you're sitting down because, be still my heart, I even made a little video for you all! Enjoy:

And, you aren't even going to believe this, but I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST!! No, it can't be!! you say. (Oh, I hear you, I do.) But here you are:

Perfect day. Hope you all are warm and safe!