Kawaii Neko

So about an hour ago, my the fire alarm was going off. At first we thought it was another false alarm that could be enjoyed retreating to our balcony. But no, it was real. And believe me, carrying the Grand Poobah of fat cats down the stairs isn't fun. At least he didn't scream like Kyo. But it's done now. I'm so going to be a zombie at work tomorrow.

See You Space Cowboy...

Seems like lately I'm losing everything. My last paystub's location is unknown. My mp3 player? MIA. My glasses are a frequent search item. I can't seem to get used to them. I leave them always where I don't need them. I think my mind is next...

So yes, as mentioned in one of my posts from ages ago, I need glasses. Sadly I knew it. My prescription isn't too bad (less than .5 in one eye and .75 in the other, with astigmatism in both eyes) but I do have problems with distances. I couldn't recognize my own cousin from 4 feet away. I just thought that some weird person was waving at me.

So as usual, it's been a while. That's the problem with growing up, getting a job, and having responsibilities. The desire to post hasn't been there lately. Especially given the amount of hours that I was putting in there for a while. Few things that are new are as follows:

I've been doing a different job for the past few months, which is why I've had little to no time. It requires a bit of overtime, which on the one hand, is nice for stuff that requires money, but I miss the ability to see Senth a lot.

Senth is working again. It's only part-time, while he goes to school, but it gives him something to do, and gives him a bit of money.

Sadly one of my favourite restaurants closed. And in its place a new, better place arose from the ashes. Go Tempura is by far, my favourite Japanese restaurants.

Smudge is on a diet and I'm sticking with it. He's gone from 26.2 lbs to 24.8 lbs. Only 7-8 lbs to go.

There have been new reports how bed bug infestations are the new pandemic. Screw H1N1, if anyone should adhere to pandemic warnings it's this. I get itchy and creeped out every time I see a picture of one. Man I can't wait to get out of apartment life. No more worries about bed bugs, or the elevator being out of order, or little turds pulling the fire alarm.

It's amazing that lately I've been keeping up with TV series lately. I've been watching Dexter, Supernatural, and Stargate: Universe. I've been filling in with a few episodes of SG: Atlantis just because I love Carson Beckett, and McKay's snarky attitude is amusing when he's in a tight spot.

See You Space Cowboy...

I'm not dead.

See You Space Cowboy...

I'm getting nervous for Saturday. Senth and I both have appointments with an optometrist to get checked out. For him it's no biggie, but for me I haven't been to an eye doctor since my OAC year in high school, so it's been ummm ....almost seven years. It's for the better I know. My eyesight has really gone down the tubes. The only reason I know when the bus is coming is cause of where it stops before it hits mine. You know it's bad when I didn't even recognize my cousin from across the street, worse still when I even didn't see someone who I used to know years ago from five feet away. Sometimes I think my eyesight isn't so bad, but I think I might need glasses.

Senth started school this past Tuesday. He's enjoying it so far, although he's divided about if he wants to do the co-op program or not. It's more expensive, cause there's co-op fees and no guarantee of getting placement, but there's definite reward if you're willing to take the risk. Experience, having your hours count towards your certification, paid work placements, plus getting contacts in the industry are making it a hard decision for him.

Kyo hasn't taken too well to Senth going back. When Senth's home he's constantly by him or on his lap. It's so obvious how that cat prefers Senth.

I want a house. With Senth getting more books and tools for school, it makes the apartment feel more cramped. Mind you we probably should do a huge clean sweep, but we're still really cramped. To be able to pull the vacuum out without a pile of crap falling out of the closet would be nice. I would rather pay for a mortgage than for rent. At least my down payment is growing, finally. It has taken a while for me to figure out how to put enough away each more to make it finally grow. And for me to buckle down and do it.

See You Space Cowboy...

It seems that every time I need something, I have put it in a spot where it's tucked away enough that I can't find it. It's only until I don't need it, and it's in the way again. I've lost my little list with all the episodes that I have seen for a show I watch online. For some reason they don't post them in order, so I have a hard time remembering those that I've seen. This list has pissed me off for the past week cause I keep coming across it. Now that I have to add to the list, it's nowhere to be found. Rats.

My package will soon be here. It won't have all the items I ordered. Unfortunately one of the items I bought was damaged and it was the last one, with no more being manufactured. It's sad cause it was really pretty. But here's hoping customs isn't evil again and holds my package for TWO friggin days before releasing it. I would love it if it arrived before the weekend.

Senth and I have been watching FY again. It's amazing how much I remember the dialogue of that show. I don't know which one I've seen more, FY or Trigun.

I keep wanting to go shopping. It would be cool to pick up stuff with the gift cards we get, but don't really use cause I'm never around the area the store is located anymore.

I found my certificate. It figures since less than a week after I find it, I get a new certificate to put in the empty frame. Now I have to acquire another frame. Heehee, now I have one diploma and two certificates to my name. Maybe I should keep working on it to see if I can get another credential under my belt.

See You Space Cowboy...

Because I have the horrible habit of buying things and then putting off reading/watching/playing/tinkering with them, I've made the resolution to start going through all stuff I've accumulated and using it. I've started with the manga I've bought in the past and never read. I make a point of taking at least one with me to work to read on lunch, and so far it's been working to a degree. Problem is, that for the series that I've only bought a few volumes of, I now want to know what happens, so I bought the rest of what's available.

I originally started out with Vampire Knight (which is amazingly good!), but that one's on hiatus because I picked up FY: Genbu Kaiden again. I had read the first few volumes, but I wanted to reread them before I started on what I hadn't read. Now I'm hooked. I have to keep putting the book down cause I'm squeeing so much over the different relationships. I really hope there's an anime series for this one. I enjoyed the first one a lot, and I think they could do amazing things with Genbu Kaiden. I have one more volume left before I'm done what I have *cry*. It sucks cause Yu Watase won't be releasing anymore until Spring 2010. Ah well, I've waited longer for Hellsing volumes to come out.

I need to see an optometrist. My vision keeps getting worse. I'm having really tough time with distance, although I do find it's better when I'm not tired.

I can't wait until September. Taking more night school, although this is less academic than what I've taken in the past. I'm going to learn Japanese and bellydancing! Bellydancing is really fun from what I've heard from people who've taken it in the past. And Japanese is something I've always wanted to learn. I've tried in the past, but I think I wasn't ready to learn. Now I feel I'm ready.

See You Space Cowboy...

I survived today. Had the feeling of having the mentality of a gerbil for most of the day, but it was alright otherwise. Managed to get to the mall before they closed, and picked up what I needed instead of having to walk in the rain, or take a bus anywhere. That was nice. Came home and found out that Senth was hanging out with Pen and JD for a bit, which gave me some time to myself. I haven't had a lot of that in the past little while.

I've noticed I'm in a routine now. Get up, go to work, come home, eat, sleep. Repeat. Oddly enough, while this may drive most people crazy, I enjoy it. I'm slowly working towards my next set of goals, but it's the realization that it won't be a while until I can complete them that's getting me down. Unfortunately, all my efforts appear tiny when it comes to the big picture.

I think my bank has stiffed me yet again. I usually keep track of how many debits and credits go into my account, and found that there was exactly $3.50 that was taken out of my chequing. Which is the exact same amount that was unexpectedly taken out of my savings a few months ago. It was an error, and they returned the money, just left me confused for a few weeks until I got my statement. I hate it when things don't add up.

See You Space Cowboy...

I have a love/hate relationship with Costco. I love going there. I love hitting the cafeteria for some of the best chicken fingers and fries around. But I hate that I cannot walk away without spending at least $100.

Damn customs! My package is just sitting there. In the past it only took half an hour to figure out it wasn't full of cocaine or other illegal crap. They've held on to it since the 8th when it arrived in Canada. If only they had breezed it through like the past two times, it would have been here by now. Probably trying to figure out how much they feel like charging me.

I'm tired. I can't wait until I can rest for the weekend. This has been a pretty hectic week. I was hoping all I could do would be sit and play Mana, but alas, we have obligations. It's probably a good thing my delivery didn't show this weekend, otherwise I would've been tempted to not go.

See You Space Cowboy...

Smudge actually can get in the crinkle kitty tube, and not just his head sticking in. It looks like a stuffed sausage with a fluffy grey tail sticking out, but he can do it. Now just get to sit back and watch Kyo jump on it time and time again.

I have no discipline. I ordered another one. Now I have two on the way. At least Kaida should be shipping really soon, while the new one, Amaya, has an ETA of September 2. I really should save my money right now, but what the hey! I'd do it again.

The Offspring puts on a really good show live. Played some stuff off their new album which I'm not too familiar with but enjoyed, and their older stuff as well. You could just feel the energy in the air when they started to play "Staring at the Sun". I'm glad we went, it was 12 years in the making for Senth to see this concert. He had an opportunity to go way back when, but it didn't work out. So now he's finally seen both his favourite bands.

Speaking of favourite bands, I've had to think about what band is my current favourite since Tea Party disbanded. At the moment I'd probably have to say Apocalyptica, cause about half the stuff on my mp3 player is theirs. I just love their sound, and the fact that they don't have a set lead singer keeps things interesting. I'd love to see these guys live, but at the moment they're touring Europe.

I have six tomatoes on the way! Finally, these plants are getting huge. One's almost taller than my balcony railing. Here's hoping I'll get a good crop of cherry tomatoes.

See You Space Cowboy...

It's Canada Day! Meaning I get a day off the celebrate the founding of our nation. Sucks that it's in the middle of the week, but at least the weekend won't be far off. But I'm intending to head over to the festival to enjoy what I can before it starts pouring. Supposedly also going to get some thunderstorms later.

I've been neglecting my lj as of late. I guess it's cause lately I've had no initiative to type when I've spent all day at work, and the weekends are spent with my Mom or hanging out with Penguin. Or last weekend burning through Secret of Mana and Rick and Steve: Happiest Gay Couple in the World. Plus life hasn't been the most exciting as of late. I've even been neglected my somewhat obsessive-compulsive tendency to micromanage my financial stuffs. Although I feel a lot better after sorting through some stuff last night. Now I just need to figure out what the hell I'm doing when it comes to how much I should set aside for savings.

My tomato plants are getting pretty big. In fact, I can see 3 tomatoes on the tomato berry plants. I should really look up if these are tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. But I need to go to CT to get more stakes. I have one plant that appears to be two merged together and they'll need their own separate stake.

I finished my class! Final exam was last week, and depending on if I pass, I should be eligible for the certificate. Which will bring my tally to one diploma and two certificates. After this who knows what I'll do. Part of me would like to continue my education in accounting, cause I find it relaxing of all things and I've done well in it in the past. Although, part of me wants to avoid the academic classes for a while and focus on something more fun. I've been thinking of belly dancing or Japanese. It would be something to broaden my horizons.

I think Smudge needs to get shaved. He's to cranky and bitey when I try to brush his fur or snip the mats out. I dread the thought of him walking around shaved though. I know I'd see the fat jiggle when he walks. He really needs to lose weight. The cat tree has definitely helped, but he needs kitty boot camp I think if he's going to get to a decent weight.

EDIT: Well we tried to get to the park before it started raining. This turned out to cause a huge pain in the ass. Not only was it pouring and wet, but this forced most people to hide under the tents to stay out of the rain. Which made it extremely difficult to find a spot when we were getting dinner. We basically had to fight and cling to our two seats, even had one taken when I went up to get my food. And to top it off the number of smokers huddling under the tent. Don't they realize that it's against bylaw to smoke under any kind of covered structure. If they wanted to smoke, they should have done it in the rain, not where their hand was right by my face when I was try to eat. >:( Assholes.

See You Space Cowboy...

Is amazing....

See You Space Cowboy...

I hate waiting. For the past week I feel like I've constantly held my breath. I think I'm finally going mad. I can't understand why things haven't been smoothed out, but good things come to those who wait. Still doesn't keep me from developing frayed nerves.

See You Space Cowboy...

Wish me luck world. Part of me needs it, the other realizes I'm more prepared now than ever before.

...I do, I do emerge from the depths to fight and then
Go higher than ever before
I do, I do look to the future and smile
Not fearing anything anymore...

I Do by Ilaria Graziano

See You Space Cowboy...

I finally bought the cat tree. It was expensive, but on sale and by far the best money I've ever spent on the cats. Smudge (in my opinion) has already visibly lost weight. He's still a fattie, but hey it's a start. It is also Kyo's favourite spot. He can sit and look outside and watch the pigeons. He and Smudge actually fight for the top spot, which surprises me that Smudge can actually reach it.

I have been quite sick lately. I'm wondering if it was actually food poisoning seeing how no one else other than Senth and myself got sick. Oddly enough, I got it worse than Senth which almost never happens. This is the second stomach thing in six months, which is bizarre for me seeing how I hardly ever have stomach problems. Mostly I get colds.

My class is over! Although I already signed up for the next one. But it's worth it. Finish this level and then I'll get my certificate and I'll be able to look into getting a job that I can do from home as a back up for IF we decide we're going to have kids.

Today Senth and I went for a long walk. Up the Rail Trail, and down the Kenilworth stairs, and then back up again, and back. My feet are killing me. I was frozen by the time we got home. It took a shower and diving under the blankets to warm me up.

Tomorrow is going to be a day of cleaning. And perhaps the closest thing I do to baking. There's a no-bake pie that's really good that I can make, and I have the ingredients to do it.

See You Space Cowboy...

A week ago I lost a companion that has walked my road for 19 years. I go from realization that he's in a better place to depressed in a short period of time. If I seem weirder than usual for the next little while, please be patient.

His ashes are ready. I didn't realize it would be this soon. I'll try and pick them up tomorrow, just hope that I can make it to the vet before they close. I should be able to make it there for 6 p.m. here's hoping.

I know it was going to happen anyway. It was just a matter of when. At least by having him put to sleep I spared him the possibility of him experiencing pain. He was struggling, but not yet in pain. Even though I know it was coming that doesn't stop how much it hurts.

In other news (and less depressing topics, cause if I think of this too much more I'm going to cry again)

I only have 2 classes left, then I decide on whether or not I want to take the next level. I think I will just because after that I can apply for a new certificate. Which then will make all the transcripts I requested in September obsolete. Not that they aren't already. I noticed on them that my one certificate didn't reflect as a honours grad, so I had it fixed today.

Went to Toronto on Saturday with Akai. We took care of a few errands that HAD to be done in Toronto (stupid Rogers), and afterward we headed to Pacific Mall. It was an interesting experience. Definitely will go back there when I have more money to blow. Especially in the Japanese tableware store. I loved the tea sets that they had there (not that I need another tea set). In the end I wound up having a blast.

See You Space Cowboy...

My two younger boys got taken to the vet today. Mostly because there's a chance that Weegee may develop feline leukemia which is viral, and the younger two weren't vaccinated against it. A small fortune later, and I am glad to announce that they are both in good health (other than Smudge is fucking FAT at 26 lbs), and are negative for any nasty viral diseases. She noticed that Smudge had a knot on his private area and managed to succeed at shaving it off where Senth and I have failed time and time again to get it off. This cat would leave us bloody from the fight, while she managed to pull it off relatively unscathed (aside from him trying to bite her through her lab coat). Her only answer as to how to keep another knot from from forming was "give him a Brazilian".

Weegee is still not doing well. He's not in pain according to the vet. She lowered the dose of Prednisone to 2.5 mg in the attempt to still have the effects of the drugs, but not make Weegee zone out and not do what he normally liked doing, which is being cuddled. Take him off it and he's back to normal, but throwing up again. She also put him on A/D Diet. This stuff is for anorexic cats, and is incredibly high in fat. Which goes without saying, Smudge needs to be kept away from it. Seven seconds in the microwave and it's warm enough for him to eat after being in the fridge. Here's hoping it'll give him some energy, although all his symptoms do point to the fact that he's dying. At least the vet doesn't seem to think that it's time to make a decision to put him to sleep. With him not being in pain, and not suffering, at least there's still some hope.

But there is something I have wanted for a while, and hopefully I will get soon. And by that I mean the cat tree. We're reorganizing the living room to see if we can fit everything in (heaven help me) plus the tree. It's to help Smudge lose some weight. Hopefully jumping on the perches will help him lose some blubber. That or he'll get stuck in the tube part of it.

I guess I should do my taxes before I start doing too much. The vet visit was a small fortune, and the tree is almost $200. I should probably make sure I don't owe the government anything before shelling out for these things.

See You Space Cowboy...

The vet believes Weegee has cancer of the lymph nodes. That's why he has a lump on his throat, and why it has been getting bigger lately. The said that there's nothing they can do or have done in the past. Removing it surgically would have surely killed him, as well as any chemo or drug therapies to fight it. The vet feels that even though they aren't sure it's lymphoma, they don't feel it's necessary to test him any further. He's dying.

All they can do now is give him drugs to try and reduce the size of the tumour, and keep him comfortable. His vet estimates the drugs will only work for about a month or two. After that, it will be a matter of what quality of life he has.

Even though I have been blessed that Weegee has made it to 20, I am heartbroken. Even though I know he's old and death is a part of life, it won't stop the fact that I love this creature and his time is limited. One to two months. Maybe more. I dread what's coming.

All I know is that I'm going to cherish what few last months he may have, and keep him pain free and peaceful as possible.

See You Space Cowboy...

Lately, my life has been rather blah. Nothing much to mention other than I've been feeling crappy lately, and I have a painful lump right where my earlobe is attached to my head. I'll give it a few weeks, see if it goes away on its own, if not see the doctor. I hate going there only to find out it's nothing.

We cleaned today. Not where things are spotless, but decent enough where I don't mind if people drop by or come over. My desk is a mess of course, but my desk has too much crap on it for it to ever be clean.

Anime North weekend is weighing heavily on my mind. I need to start saving now for hotel, and spending monies. For food, I think I'll ask for Bon Appetite gift cards for my b-day. They're good at Kelsey's, Harveys, and Swiss Chalet which all three are located in the same plaza. Maybe Tim's cards too. Need my coffee for sure.

There's also a few things for Zoe I'd like to save up for. A new pair of eyes, a new pair of pants, a wig that won't drive me absolutely insane having to brush and arrange, there's some pretty sets I like, but basics first. Having the right colour eyes is a priority in my book. Plus something not acrylic.

March 1st is the day of truth. Doing my taxes then. I hope I don't owe anything, although I'm nervous cause I think I do. Keep thinking about taking out a RRSP to counteract the possibility, but I don't know if I'll be able to get to the bank in time to get things ready. The bank where I keep the money I'd be using for it has pathetic hours, and I'd never be able to make it there after work. I'll see if my Mum can give me a ride after work one day. Maybe then I'll be able to make it.

See You Space Cowboy...

The past few months (all of 2008 really) kind of sucked. There have been a few issues that have come up that really threw things into limbo, but after living with it, I have found the good in a bad thing.

For those who are completely lost at this point, Senth was laid off from his job. He was among half the staff that got the axe just before Christmas. Sucked at the time, however, we're coping pretty well with it.

Particularly when it comes to our relationship. Oddly enough, you'd think a job loss would cause a relationship some form of hardship. Honestly, it's only brought us closer together. We're more open to communication, both of what we're feeling and financial talk. Which is comforting knowing that Senth is there when I'm ripping my hair out over account stuffs.

This situation has made Senth decide to do things he was looking at doing but felt he never had the time. Like he's already been accepted to college. He's going no matter what. If he had still been working he probably would have hesitated at going. At least until he saved up enough for it. Now he may qualify for Second Career funding, which if he gets will be great. If he doesn't, then we'll see what we can do.

See You Space Cowboy...