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Of the mobile blogging app. Enjoy the pictures of the cats!

Thoughts on Pets

Someone (who has children) once said that my advice on cats was as good as gold - as my cats are akin to my children.

It is an interesting thought.

They are the ones I come home to - I have joked frequently that if I didn't talk to my cats, I wouldn't speak on weekends... They are my family - I know their voices and what kind of food they like to eat.  I know where to find them if they are hiding and am acutely aware of changes in behavior.

I get panicky at the vet - worried that something may be wrong.

I search immediately for the source of a sneeze, or unusual noise.  I unconsciously do a head count every once in a while.  I know when the full moon is because they lose their minds during that period.

I know each of their personalities - the way Lady sleeps against the PS3, Sheila curled up in my lap, and Oliver on my feet.  Oliver likes belly rubs, Sheila just wants to snuggle and have a pat on the head, and Lady wants her face/head scrubbed.  Sheila doesn't like to play - but Oliver and Lady romp about all the time.

They are my family.  My source of comfort.  The reminder that I am not alone.  Their safety and health is my priority.  So I guess, yes, they are my children.

Life As A Creek

I am currently sitting on the couch in front of the gas fire, listening to Oliver's happy kitty noises (he has installed himself in the prime location right in front), with Numb3rs on in the background.  My family is arriving tomorrow between 11 and 11:30 for Thanksgiving, at least according to the Thanksgiving Plan Email that has been circling for the last few days.  And, looking around, I have a TON of cleaning to do before they arrive.  Sure, it's only the three of them, but it still looks like boxes exploded all over the place.  It's not a ton to do, but somehow I find it massively overwhelming.  Time to look to one of my favorite websites ever for inspiration:

UnFuck Your Habitat

It's absolutely wonderful - it's for people.  Just like that - for people.  Whether you're a lazy college kid, or someone with chronic pain, or a chronic illness or anything, there are tips and tricks for you here.  It has completely changed how I clean - not that I ever knew how to clean.  I was not one of those people born with the ability to clean things.  Now, I use a LOT of white vinegar.  When it doubt - white vinegar.  It's fantastic - who knew!?  No wonder it comes in such large quantities as compared to the other types of vinegar.

But there are more things on my mind than just cleaning:

With the end of the year fast approaching, it has come to my attention that I need to start planning my races for 2013 and begin training.  I'll keep you posted with the races that catch my eye and things I actually register for.  Going to be an expensive race season, I fear - as I already know I need a new bicycle helmet.  And one doesn't skimp on an important safety device.

Anyway - it must be 2030 - Oliver is telling me he is hungry.

Goodnight, and Good Luck,

-Gingko

Going Out Your Door

Clearly this whole blogging thing hasn't been working the way I thought it would. My world and my career path accelerated much much faster than I was prepared to handle in a very short amount of time, and I suddenly found myself pushing against the walls of the life I had created for myself. Wanderlust combined with stagnation and a mild case of depression, and I left where I was for someplace bigger, more complicated. Where I had been was perfect for right out of school - it was relatively simple, and mostly self-guided and unmonitored. I flitted about solidifying myself as someone "In The Real World", and once the responsibilities had (mostly) become routine, I found that my life required more than what the place (and people) around me could offer.

 Now, it wasn't a drastic "leave everything behind and start afresh like a newborn babe" sort of move, - more like a tributary joining a creek sort of move. I'm still me, but I'm me as a part of a bigger environment. Now I have to figure out how life works here. I've updated the sidebars with things I have accomplished, and new things I wish to accomplish. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotations of all time:

 “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” -J.R.R. Tolkein, The Lord Of The Rings

 -Gingko