Susie Cupcakes

I'm not even going to make an excuse for being AWOL. Let's just get going again!

1) Graybaby has redeveloped her diabetes. We noticed that she had lost a few pounds, and in our house, the loss of a few pounds is cause for celebration (people) or concern (cats), because our family doesn't lose weight easily. A visit to the vet last week was cancelled after my smart kitty hid from me, and was rescheduled for yesterday. It was quickly confirmed that GB does have the 'betes, and needs insulin shots and fancy food and follow up visits. She was first diagnosed almost exactly four years ago and it lasted about three months. I hope this round is similarly short.

2) I am playing a little game called Sober October this month, in which I am not drinking any alcohol all month. Mostly, I just wanted to see if I could do it, as it's been a long time since I went a considerable length of time without drinking. So far, so sober. The only times I've "missed" it is when I'm eating a meal with other people and wish I could have a glass of red wine with my pasta, or a beer with my lobster roll. Other than that, it's been pretty easy. I've even lost a few pounds! Don't worry, though, I'll go to the vet soon.

3) Despite the success of Sober October, I am looking forward to Don't Remember November.

Labels: cats, diseases, drinks

Lately I can't even sit down without a cat climbing into my lap, by my side, and on my feet. Every time I go to the bathroom, Mouse is shrieking at the door the second it closes, and Buckles likes to lie on my ankles at night. He weighs almost 20 pounds, so it's not unlike dumping a dozen textbooks on my feet. But they are textbooks that poop and chase one another at 4am.

However, there is something unquestionably nice about a heater bug in the bed on cold nights. They are so sweet and comforting. Even with their fish breath.

Labels: cats, nablopomo

Is this thing on? Hello?

NICKNAMES for my cat MOUSE

Mousie
Mousie Mouse-demeanor (variation on Missy Miss-demeanor)
Moo
Moose
Moo-cow
Moosie
Moo-moo
Mink
Minky
Minky-moo
Mouser
Mouse Cookie
Mouse Cookie Joslin-Roher (honorary last name of my college roommate)
Mooker
Moon
Moonie
Moo-dog
Moon-dog
Mao
Moomba
Lady Moo
La Moo
Meehee
Moopey

Suggestions gratefully accepted

Labels: cats, nablopomo

I am fresh out of blog-worthy chat today, so let's take a fond look at Sparky's Extreme Home Makeover:


Sparky, before: starved, weak, pregnant, furious
Home, before: calm, happy, friendly

Sparky, after: fat, sleepy, delighted with herself, furious
Home, after: at the mercy of Sparky's moods and whims

And that is Sparky's extreme home makeover. None of us will ever be the same again.

I love her the most when she's asleep.

Labels: cats, nablopomo, sparky

The first of several pairs of socks-in-progress I'll be revealing (exciting!) over the next week. These are Monkey Socks in Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Peacock. I added an extra pattern repeat to the leg, but otherwise they were knitted as written.


Love the colorway. These are for my ma.


This past weekend Mr. C and I had a very nice visit from my college roommate Emily and our friend Noah (who was also my roommate for a summer, come to think), both from New York. We mostly just hung out, watched reruns of ANTM on MTV and Babysitters Club videos (I could explain, but I choose not to.). I love old friends and falling into the exact same patterns comfortable laziness that were enjoyed ten years earlier.

Also I learned that Sparky is a little minx who loves boys.

Awww, suddenly she's so nice! No wonder she was an unwed teenage mother when we met her.

Speaking of unwed teenage mothers, have you seen Juno? It's fantastic. It's so nice to see a movie with a young teen/woman who has a personality (not just "friendly"), and is interested in things IN ADDITION to boys. Also, the Minnesota license plates really warmed my heart.

Labels: cats, movies, socks

1. America's Next Top Model is so much better this cycle, don't you think? I was pretty concerned after last cycle's (hate that, why not seasons, Tyra?) hideous final runway show in a cave with random tourists looking on. This season is all weird and self-referential and almost as confusing as Lost. Also, Tyra looks like a gypsy, so: cool. I predict Dionne, Jaslene and Renee in the top three. I hope Natasha becomes a European pop sensation. It just feels right.

2. It was supposed to snow today, but instead it was just a heavy, cold, gray rain. Ish.

3. I was going to go to the gym, but I just came home and ate a granola bar and read the newspaper. Same diff.

4. The kids are working on their theses and final projects, and because I work at a small college with a rather impressive film program, you never know when you'll be an extra. Or when your house will be an extra.
Should I be worried that they appeared to be filming some kind of gritty Rocky redux, and chose to film it using the exterior of my house?

5. Our evil stray cat Sparky is starting to assimilate, although she is kicking and screaming (literally) the whole way. I came home for lunch the other day to find this.

My pillowy and timid little Mouse relaxing with clawful Sparky. She is awfully cute, with her Holstein spots. My hands are scarred but my heart is open.

Labels: antm, cats, five things