Kitty Q Web Journal

What a year

2009 has not been a good one- 3 deaths in the family.

The good news- I’ve been committed to making art more this year (perhaps to aid in the grieving process?). And then there’s facebook. I am a junkie.

God I am BAD at this

This is why “diaries” never worked for me. I cant commit to recording daily reflections. In any way…not even by creating art. It’s like a chore to me.

Anyway I am addicted to (and have no problem committing daily to) FACEBOOK. IT ROCKS. I am in touch with some old friends whom Ive missed.

Home from Virginia

Just got home from visiting family in VA. We had a blast- went to DC. I had soooo much fun with the niece and nephew! Will post a pic later if anything turns out awesome. We love traveling but hate sleeping in other peoples’ beds…or couches…or air mattresses …or floors. We love to be around family also, but it’s hard to adjust to the schedules of others. And the plane…oh, the plane. I can’t stand sharing my air with other people. We had an anonymous gas passer on the first flight and were the row in front of the bathroom on the way home. ‘Nuff said.

We have lots of fun stories and can’t wait until the holidays now when everyone is home.

We visited my brothers house back in September and got the “holiday itch” because we had such fun with them. Again, my nephew is a blast. So friggin cute!

It’s been a year!

My “bjournal” has has a life for 1 year, now. I have not done a very good job keeping up with it

But I am working on it. My friend, Kelly Darke had a blog that is quite interesting…pics and all. I aim to have a bjournal like hers.

So…let’s see where the Duag is, a year later. Well, we “officially” have 35 members, 42 people on the mailing list, we will be having our 4th exhibit and our 1st annual holiday party in November. Not too shabby.

My grandma wants to die

So there it is. It had to be said. It’s the big pink elephant in the room.

Let me tell you  a little about my grandma. She has always loved me no matter what- she even loved me during those years that I was a sassy little teenager, believing every adult was the enemy. As a little girl,  I never called my  grandma my best friend, but I cant imagine why not. She was my best confident,  most honest and loving friend: my best friend.

When I was 11, my father had made it perfectly clear that I would not have my ears pierced until I turned 13. So, one bright snowy day in that February, I came home late in the afternoon with my ears aglow….that’s right, brand new earrings in my pierced ears!

And my grandma marched in the house right after me, grinning.

My grandma introduced me to cosmetics (who would’ve guessed I’d take it so far), took me clothes shopping each fall (compromising on outfits mom would have said no to), and made the best peanut brittle on the face of Planet Earth.  She threw the best party each and every year on Christmas Eve- the stuff dreams are made of: lights, lots of tasty food, presents, music and laughs.  And of course, my grandma…rarely told me no. My best friend.

So, I can’t help but wonder how my love for her has failed- she has no will to survive.  She has told me that she wants to die. When does a grandma’s love for her granddaughter cease to matter in life? How sad.

This is why I have grown fond of the pink elephant. I’d rather sit next to him…

I am a new woman

Since I’ve last blogged, I have gotten a new job, moved to a new house and done some much needed sole searching.

Josh has purchased a motorcycle and  joined me in living a healthier lifestyle. We do a mile walk/run each night and are more aware of what we are eating.

Further, we are the only married couple our age not having children.  I’m okay with it, though because I don’t feel like I am ready. I have been around children my whole life so, it would be very familiar to me…I just don’t think it’s for us right now.

I also have a grandma on her deathbed.  And a father who is obviously having a hard time dealing with it.  No matter how much you prepare for something like this, you will never be ready for it. My grandma has asked for death- she has made us aware that she is ready. And why wouldn’t she be? She had lost control of almost every aspect of her life, including those we equate with humbleness and pride. She also believes in heaven and reuniting with her lost loved ones and husband. So, as my friend Jelane pointed out- it is OUR selfishness that won’t allow her to move on. We ask her not to say those things. We ask her to keep eating, keep taking her meds, keep on living a less than quality life. Something to think about.

Hmmm….lots of things going on.

More later

The other February holiday

…that is my birthday. The celebration begins Thursday the 14th and will end on the 19th. I always like to begin the celebration on Valentine’s day since there will already be candy and balloons. Again this year, I will be at The Michigan Humane Society’s Telethon. Look for me on tv…channel 7. This is really the best way to celebrate my birthday (doing what I love most).

Then on Friday morning we leave for Chicago. We are going to Shedd’s, the art museum and the nautral history museum.  HELLO souveniers (sp?).

On Monday (the actual day) I am splitting the day with my grandma and THE SPA! And on Tuesday I am volunteering at an Art Therapy camp for children who suffer from AIDS.

Then…back to the real world. (sigh)…(again)

I wil be sure to submit an entry after the week of festivities comes to a close. I might even find out how to post pics and show off my trip to Chi town. Do people still call it that?

Peace

No heaven for me

My friend Jelane told me (after my recent cat rescue) that I’d be going to heaven. She also told me that a higher power might have bestowed some sort of abandoned animal radar upon me. Hmmm… Anyone who knows me knows that I’d much rather be in animal heaven than people heaven. So, hopefully she’s not too far off and I’ll be going somewhere with  animals roaming about.

I  found my neighbor’s cat a few miles form home and when I brought her back to them, they told me that they had gotten rid of her and they refused to take her back. I believe he said something like, “Oh I’ll find something to do with her alright”

That began a two-day mission to find her somewhere to stay.  I am still in shock about how hard it is in the state of Michigan to find a home for animal in need. Long story short: I finally got her a place in a no kill shelter after strong arming them.

Nicknames

I was laying in bed this morning (in disbelief that I had to get up) thinking about the strange nature of nicknames…alternatives to real names that usually are given to friends, family, etc.

Some nicknames make sense. My friend lisa, for example. I call her Lee (Li)- but then you have the typical  nicknames of people you love (sweetie, honey, darling). Okay...then (and here is where it gets weird). There are pet nicknames- and I am referring to animal names.

My friends Sarah and Andy  hold the crowning title for strange deviations/nicknames fot their cats. So much so, infact, that I don’t know who they are talking about half the time. They have Shamrock and Bailey (which they are NEVER referred to as, but rather shimsham or something like that). And they also have Tookie, which is a nickname. I dont even know her real name.

Anyway, my brother Alex comes in a close 2nd place for the title. His cats are named…are you ready for this? Richard Parker and Spiderman. Nicknames: Grayball and Cowgirl (yes, they are both girls).

So I thought I would record thehistory of our cats’ nicknames (in chronilogical order)

1. Big Willie Style (Willie, Buddy, Budro, Buttox)

2. New Cat (Pablo, Weasel, Beezel, Beezer, Boo)

3. Punkin Butt (Punkin, Stinkie, Lil Girl)

4. Hal (HalPal, Handsome, Boober)

I wonder why they dont know their names…just kidding. Buddy and Hal know their names.

Serving the People

I had jury duty last Thursday. It is my 2nd time and I lOVE IT! Everyone around me has always complained about it, I dont get it. It’s a day off work to use your power of authority (or civil duty, whatever).

As it is, I can not talk about the trial b/c I return on the 25th. I will be sure to fill you soon after.

I do have a complaint, now that I  think about it. I was not aloud to bring my coffeee in. How can I possibly be my very awake and most alert self w/o my morning fix? Hmmmmmm????
To Be Continued…