Tinhuviel Artanis

I've been dealing with a serious writer's block, and I still am. It's taken me several days just get up the gumption to make this post, but make it I must because, if I stop writing altogether, and I'm very close to that already, I may never start again. Other steps I'm taking not to lose my writing mojo are rehashing my outline for The Blood Crown and listening to Crown almost exclusively. Now, yesterday, I didn't do any of that. I took a break yesterday and vegged out in front of the TV watching the Alien movies. Today, it's back to work holding on to the threads of my Vampire story.

Also on hold is the Femme Joker story. gunslingaaahhh and I need to get our arses in gear regarding this tale and just write it already! It shouldn't be this difficult. It shouldn't be such a task. It's supposed to be fun. I keep telling myself this and I will believe it or die trying. Harrumph!

One thing I know that's bothering me is something I thought would have been over by now is still drifting around in limbo and I'm wanting it done and part of my past. (vague much, Tin?) I'm sick to death of the whole thing, of the petty politics, and the superficialities I've forced myself to tolerate far beyond the limits of my patience and temper. When I realised that my interest had waned to the point of being nonexistent, I knew then that my association with this situation had stretched far beyond my comfort zone.

Shmoop disappeared last week. This, after Motley, Norvus, Barney, and Spectre all disappeared, and Smidgen returned to us with her side torn out. Some sort of vicious thing is stalking my feline friends and I hate it. It bothers me that I can't let Steve in because of how he behaves toward Smidgen and Aloysius. But Steve is a wily beast, so I don't think he's going to become yet another "Dead Steve." Smidgen and Al are almost exclusively house cats now, thank the Mighties.

A lawyer has taken my disability case. Well, not just any lawyer...the premiere disability lawyer in the Upstate of South Carolina. So that heartens me somewhat since I know that lawyers typically don't take on cases unless they're pretty sure they'll win. So another several-month waiting period is in store, then we'll see what happens. In the meantime, I'm just gonna keep on keeping on...

Steve and Shmoop are currently indoors taking a nap together. I had to get a picture of them because Steve appears to be clutching his head as though he is suffering from a feline migraine.



That Steve, he's a one of a kind cat, bless him.

My latest tacky attempt at turning one of my cat pals into a LOL-Cat.



This is pretty much my favourite picture of Shmoop. She looks like such a drunkard in this photie! And, O! How happy she is. You can tell by the shit-eating, beer-drinking grin on her silly face. I loves me some Shmoop.

Two days after losing my beloved Lynx, there arrived on my doorstep two wee kittens, one ginger and one light tabby. The ginger kitten spits at you if you blink your eyes. I think he's a boy. I've named him Spiteful, and he's a real cutie. The other, smaller, kitten is a girl and much friendlier. She comes across as being very prim and proper, so I've named her Miss Marple. Both of them have eye problems. Aunt Tudi's written a note to call Dr. Patch and order a bottle of Amoxil Drops. I'll pick them up after work on Monday. I doubt I'll be able to treat Spiteful as he's feral down to the bone, but I will be able to get some meds into Miss Marple 'cos she's already letting me pick her up and love on her.

So I lost one cat, but gained two. The great cycle continues to spin.

Shmoop's eye is much better today. The eye goo Doc gave me seems to be doing the trick. Damn conjunctivitis! Damn it all to hell!

Aunt Tudi and I went to Lyman to run some errands, get meds, and go to the local Ace Hardware store for some caulk. We need the caulk to apply to the stripping around the screen we're replacing where Foley broke and entered our home in the dead of night. Anyway, we got our caulk and was heading up front to pay when I saw a slush machine. It had two flavours: grape and blue raspberry. The slush looked an awful lot like Slurpee mix, so I bought a cup of the grape. OH.....MY.....GAWD. This is the closest thing to a Slurpee I've had since I was out in California where they have 7-11s. I told the old lady at the register that she'd be seeing more of me. It's not exactly like the Mythic Slurpee, but it's so close, I was prepared to weep with glee until brain freeze kicked in.

Before we went to town, Aunt Tudi called Morrisons in Asheville to see if they were still open. They've extended their time to 13 May instead of 6 May. Aunt Tudi started talking about how she wanted to go back and pick up more doo-dads, so I had to tell her that we couldn't go spend as much as we had the past three times we went up there, because I didn't have much money left and I thought it would be wise if we had some fundage for England. This floored her. I was hoping to keep the financial situation from her because she worries so much, but she's also a Mad Shopper from Hell, and she'd never stop until I came clean about our shortage of money. So she started freaking out and worrying and so on and so forth, but I told her that things would work out. We're out of debt, we're stocked on food and non-perishables. And I've started actively looking for a job, even just a rinky-dink job. Something that will bring in enough money for groceries and gas. That's all that's needed. I assured her that things would work out, all is well.

I don't think she really believed me, because Aunt Tudi isn't inclined to be laid back about such things. But, when we got back from Lyman, I had to messages on our answering machine from two companies with whom I applied. They're wanting to interview me and probably hire me. Even if they don't hire me, I'm still quite optimistic about finding something. It's like I told Aunt Tudi: we may have a skinny month after returning from England, but then I'll start pulling in money, a lot of which we can save. This eased her mind somewhat.

On the way back home, we stopped by the local fruit and veggie stand to pick up some tomatoes. The old dude also had freshly picked strawberries (like picked this morning) for $8.00 a gallon, so we got a gallon of those too. I've always loved strawberries and Aunt Tudi has grown quite fond of them over the past year, so they definitely won't go to waste. There was one berry in the lot that was fairly alarming, being the conjoined triplets of the berry world.

( Freak Berry )

So far, it's been a really good day. I feel good about the future and even better about mutant berries that fascinate my cat friends. ::firm nods:: Everything is gonna be alllllll right.

When Aunt Tudi and I got home, we found a bathtub full of Shmoop Poop! She's still doing it, which means it's the food. I took pictures of the sorry situation to show to Dr. Patch tomorrow when I see him. I'm sure he'll suggest an expensive food that we can't feed everyone, so the outdoor prides will have to be converted from free feeders to being fed once or twice a day under supervision so Shmoop won't join in. Oy....the problems this entails. ::hits head on the nearest hard surface::

I'm including a picture of the horror to which we came home. Mind, this bathtub is almost 40 years old and is cast iron; thus the dark splotches. Except for all the shite, our bathtub is quite clean! GAH!!!

( shmoop poop everywhere everywhere EVERYWHERE! )

Oh, she left a couple of butt stains on my bed too, so I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight. I don't mind sleeping on the couch; in fact, I prefer it. But it cramps Aunt Tudi's style, so there's that. We've already cleaned up the bath room. The tub looks wonderful, thanks to Aunt Tudi. I've redone the litter pan and did all the leg work the clean-up required. Now, we're both just sitting here, stymied.

Tomorrow: laundry (lots of it), vet visit for Motley, picking up the dogs, the last half of diabetes education for Aunt Tudi, and a visit to Llew.

Tonight: the occasional whimper just prior to passing the fuck out.

Aunt Tudi, Diane, and I went to Asheville yesterday and things didn't go exactly as expected. Aunt Tudi took a bit of a tumble and busted her lip and knee, and strained her neck, shoulders, and back pretty badly. So I've been hovering over her like a schizophrenic mother hen. To top that off, Shmoop began to suffer some serious diarrhea, so much so that she couldn't make it to the litter box during the night. I got pooped on and my bedclothes got pooped on, and I've had very little sleep as a result of the poop. Shit happened all over the place. I'm thinking she may have contracted a hook worm, but I'm not certain, so off she went to Dr. Patch's office this morning before I took Aunt Tudi to her doctor later in the morning. Oh, I also took a stool sample entitled "Shmoop Poop" on the jar. Heh. I'm waiting to hear back from Dr. Patch, but I'm expecting Shmoop may be spending the night in the hospital because Wednesday is Doc's surgery day, so everything goes rather slowly on this day. In the meantime, I'm gonna try to catch up online and do some laundry in between nursing Aunt Tudi back to health. She's looped out on pain meds right now, so I'm able to have a wee tad of time for myself.

I'm going to write about yesterday in increments, making separate posts for each major occurrence. One post with all the information would be too long and I don't think I'll have the time to write that much in one sitting. The first post will be about Aunt Tudi's fall. For now, I'll post a couple of pics of the miserable little lady. I just ache for her.

( Aunt Tudi's visible injuries )

I'm trying to bide my time until Battlestar Galactica comes on tonight. So here I am here to torment the masses.

Earlier today, I spent over two hours on the phone and talked to 17 different people at Capital One trying to find out where the hell my car title is. I was finally informed that it was mailed out on 12/28, so I should get it any day now. Having to deal with so many idiots in such a short period of time gave me serious flashbacks to The Pit and I was literally in tears there for a brief period of time. They weren't girly oh-my-feelings-are-being-mooshed tears. They were ohmigawd-I'm-gonna-rip-somebody's-skin-off tears. It wasn't a pleasant experience. In fact, it gave me a headache and the desire never to pick up another phone for the duration of my existence here on Earth.

Sven came to dinner last night. He allowed me to step out in the back yard with him and take some glamour shots. Here's the result.

( ain't he cute? )

I just adore his little hands.

Now behold the candle that falkenna sent to me. In case you can't make it out, it says "Nemesis Now." How cool is that?

( candle )

I took some pics of Aunt Tudi and myself at the doctor's office on Wednesday. It's obvious we don't feel well.

( unwell )

After having experienced a hot flash, I am now down to a tee shirt and my hot pink boob pants. I just put the flannel shirt back on because I've been outside trying to get Shmoop to come home. It's after 7 and she's not home yet. This is highly irregular. HIGHLY. And I'm worried.

A good name for a band would be Knuckletoe. I thought about that when my the knuckle on my left big toe popped like a firecracker. Ow, fucking ow.

Thanks to luminita, I have registered with Catster. Over the next few days I'll be working on creating a webpage for Smidgen, Shmoop, and Motley. They deserve all the publicity they can get because they're the coolest cats around.

I stepped out to the front porch to get a breath of fresh air and spied Smidgen and Shmoop playing tag in the front yard. Of course, I wobbled back into the house to get my camera.

( at play )

I came back in and Smidgen came with me. As I sat in my sinus-y stupour, Smidgen jumped up on the couch arm to say "howdy!"

( Smidgen )

Everyone is in and snuggled for the evening. I'm waiting on Aunt Tudi to wake up from her nap so we can tend to Motley's needs and let her explore the house a little. She's still a little sick baby and, BOY, does she stink! Her poop is the worst smelling thing I've had the misfortune to encounter in a very long time.

I jumped up late and ran to the ATM to get some moolah. Got the moolah, left my debit card. Had to go back to the bank and eat crow whilst dressed like a bag lady and wearing toe socks. They have me a new card on order.

It's cold, rainy, and grey. Wonderful weather to snuggle in. I had to wrestle one of the blankets away from Shmoop, who was certain both blankets were hers alone. She's now snuggled in on the bed and I'm on the couch. What would be better is if she'd come snuggle with me. I love that cat, words cannot express how much!

Shmoop loves Sleepytime Tea. She just finished rubbing all over a used tea bag, purring, and acting the fool. I checked the ingredients to see if catnip was in the tea, but it's not. But there's something in that tea that makes Shmoop all flippy. It's adorable. At one point she was lying on her back with the teabag on her chest. Adorable.

I need something and I don't know what it's called, so I'm dubbing it a "contraption" until that time some kind soul enlightens my dumb ass. I need a contraption that clips onto my laptop screen on which I can perch papers. Shmoop has made it more than obvious that I am not allowed to be on the computer without her presence and it makes it nigh to impossible to work with any papers I might need. I'm gonna have to get this contraption before I start school; otherwise, I'm gonna be SKA-REWED!

I do adore this cat, though. She is such a sweetie. Verily does she live up to her name. I don't think I've ever encountered a schmoopier cat than Shmoop. Some may say I should just set her off me and continue with my work, but I can't resist her. No! I will purchase a contraption that will allow me to continue with my duties whilst basking in the presence of my Shmoop.

Upon waking at 7 AM, I decided to stay up instead of lying down for a few more hours, as has been my routine of late. This gives me about 4.5 hours of sleep and, already, I'm feeling the burn of sleepies.

There are things to do today, but I'm waiting for it to warm up a little first. Right now, I'm covered with as many blankets and comforters I could find and I'm still chilly.

One thing I needed to do I've already accomplished: I spoke with Lori at Dr. Patch's office about Shmoop. She put me on hold to go talk to Doc, who suggested that I come in for more Amoxil Drops. It turns out that this medicine only holds for about 14 days, so I've been administering something that was doing Shmoop absolutely no good. How was I to know? Duh. I also asked about the symptoms of dog flu that is going around right now. For any readers with dogs, I'm typing the symptoms in large font so it won't be easy to overlook.



To my knowledge, the dog flu can't jump from dogs to humans like the current avian influenza, so please don't banish your dog out of fear. That's wrong, man, wrong!

Speaking of dogs, Chester took a tumble last night. He was balanced on the back of the love seat when Janice came down to visit, got a little excited, lost his balance and fell flat on the floor. Later on, Aunt Tudi was cuddling him and asked him if he was sore.....and Chester answered: "uh huh." We both were astonished, but I told Aunt Tudi there was no use in proclaiming to the world that we have a talking dog. Every time we'd try to show him off, he'd just sit there and make Yorkie noises, but as soon as the strangers were gone, he'd pick up his top hat and cane and start singing "Michigan Rag." I know it to be true.

One of the reasons I was up so late last night is I was watching one of my favourite guilty pleasure movies on Turner South. Ice Pirates was on. This is the movie from which I got the notorious "space herpe," which makes me titter with glee every time I think about it. While watching Ice Pirates, it dawned on me how similar this movie is to Joss Whedon's Firefly, based on what little I know about Firefly. I could be wrong, but I can't help but suspect a little bit of recycling was performed in the writing of Firefly and Serenity. Should Robert Urich be spinning in his grave?

Also, last night, Aunt Tudi and I were discussing Christmas. She's the Bob Cratchett of our household and I am Scrooge. Most years, we don't do much because we really can't afford it. I despise the fact that what should be a holy season for so many different religions has become a commercial mishmash of horror, but Aunt Tudi gets all starry-eyed and wants to give to everybody and his brother. This year will be the first in many where we can marginally afford the kind of Christmas Aunt Tudi likes. I informed of this last night, saying "We're going to do Christmas your way this time and give shit to a bunch of people I don't like." Hey, I gotta stay in character.

I have an appointment with Jan in Human Resources at The Pit today at 4 PM. I was going to have her fill out my insurance paper for credit card payment protection, but the idjits at account secure sent me the wrong form, sending me the disability forms instead of the unemployment forms. So I'm SOL. I must call them this morning and get that straightened out.

For now, though, I'm keeping under the covers and praying for the feeling to come back in my toes.

Shmoop is sick. She's come down with some bug. This morning, I gave her some Amoxil Drops and will do the same tomorrow morning. If she's not considerably better by Tuesday morning, Shmoop is going to see Dr. Patch. For now, she's all puny and clingy, wanting "mama" to make it all go away, so I'm going to have to put away the computer and snuggle with her. She's already lying part way on the keyboard.

It's been a very slow day. Aunt Tudi has slept for the majority of the day and I took a killer nap myself. As mentioned in my previous post, nothing was really accomplished today, so Monday is going to feel more like a Monday for the first time in a very long time. Business, business, business.

A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story just came on. This movie is for me what Mommie Dearest is for green_goblin70. I'm horrified by it, yet I must watch it. After this, the sequel comes on. It's called Her Final Fury. I'll be here until 11 PM, wincing and fidgeting in response to the horror of it all.

Aunt Tudi took this picture of Shmoop and me all unconscious last night. This is our state every night: me on my back and Shmoop spread out on my abdomen and chest like warm kitty butter.

( kitty spread )

I saw Rick yesterday. He invited Llew and me to his Hallowe'en party next weekend. I'm planning on going and may go as Sadako. This way, I can wear my nightgown and be all comfy. Of course, I'll need to shave my legs if I do this. If I don't, I'll be attending the party dressed as Sasquatch impersonating Sadako, and that would just be uncool. I suggested to Rick that he dress up like Darth Maul and then I would molest him. He said he'd have to have someone paint his face, that he couldn't do it himself. I volunteered. Of course, we were both just kidding. He mentioned he was planning on being a vampire. That would work, methinks. I'll be taking pictures. Lots of 'em.

Earlier today, clumsycake called, but it was during my nap so I think I said a couple of incoherent things to her, and then hung up. I tried to call her a little while ago, but the phone was busy. An apology is in order, methinks.

My visit to Llew last night was brief. He's still not feeling well, so we rescheduled for Saturday. I lent him my LOST DVDs, informing him that he would have a number of questions upon viewing the show, but don't ask me any of them, 'cos I don't know and it'll just piss me off. He asked me what it was all about and I told him that LOST as like The X-Files meets Gilligan's Island meets Land of the Lost in Hell. That peaked his interest considerably.

I am hellbent on going to Asheville one day next week. The colours on the Blue Ridge Parkway will be near peak by then. It's always nice to go back home and soak up the town's ambiance. Someday, I hope to move back home.

I woke up unbelievably early with a migraine that just didn't seem to want to quit. Popping an Imitrex, I lay back down for a short while. Thirty minutes passed and the headache was still raging, so I took another Imitrex and lay down again. The time I had allotted to get cleaned up and ready for the second part of the College Workshop 100. I was now officially late.

The headache continued, so I ate a pain pill and lay down on our marshmallow sofa. It was 9 AM by then. There was no way I would be able to go back to STC today. Actually, I'm not much concerned about it anyway, 'cos this is aimed toward folks who want to be art of Smart Jobs. Today would have consisted of listening to representatives from various local businesses while they told us what their expectations of new employees may be. What a crock o'doody.

Instead, I'm going to go over to One Stop, hopefully tomorrow, and see about WIA. I'm also going to call admin at STC and set up an appointment to tour the school and learn more about it, as well as taking my placement test to get that out of the way. I also need to fill out my financial aid forms and get that ball rolling.

The head has calmed down considerably, which is why I'm no online. If the head were still raging and vibrating, I would still be lying down preparing myself for the Big Sleep.

---

I have four unusual cat photos.

( click here to see them wth commentary that's only available on the collectors' DVD )

---

There are gnats in our house. There are gnats all over the place. Everyone in the neighbourhood is having serious gnat issues here. I don't mind gnats and I don't kill them. Why bother? Their fucking gnats. The only problem I have with them is that they are quite inclined to fly right into your eyeballs. Why the hell do that do that? Don't they know it spells doom for them? There's really nothing worse than having a small creature struggling for freedom on the surface of your eyeball. I shudder from the mere thought of it.

6 AM jangled my nerve (singular) and I slithered out of bed, feeling as hideous as I look. At 7:30, Aunt Tudi and I gathered up the dogs and Shmoop, and took them to the vet's office. Michelle is supposed to call us when the pups are ready to come back home. Shmoop won't be taking much of Dr. Patch's time since she's only there for a quick recheck from her surgery. Gravy.

Speaking of cats, while I was in the backyard feeding the Pride, Lynx came up to me and started rubbing along my leg. I scritched him behind the ear and picked him up to pet him some more. He's a real sweetheart! I checked out his rear parts to see if he had any tail at all. He has a furry button of a tail. So, now, Lynx has a nickname: Button Butt!

I believe it's time for a nap. This Moon is kicking my behonkie all over the place. My tentative plans to drive up to Asheville have been put off until that time I'm feeling considerably better and not so achy and hormonal. Aunt Tudi is cool with staying home. In fact, she's asleep on the love seat as I type this. Neither of us are worth crap.

Oh, and I'm a Socialist.

( Like really! )

I want to write more, but I can't think of what I want to write. It's one of the worst feelings in the world. I may just force myself, though. Sui Generis is just frothing to be completed. Maybe I'll work on that later.

Ho hum.

I've been nauseated all day, horking up just about everything I've eaten. Yuck.

Got my first unemployment check in the mail. I'm making about $20 less than I was in The Pit. Once I have the car and credit paid off, I'll have much more money being unemployed than I did being a serf. How's that for poetic justice?

Errands to run tomorrow and Friday is Shmoop's spaying appointment.

I think I'll watch more Lost until I perish for the evening.

Now tell me she doesn't live up to it. I double dog dare you.

( shmoop )

Honestly, this is how she sleeps most of the time. I'm gonna have to take her to a chiropractor.

( Shmoop )

Both came to me very sick and on the edge of death. Both are now healthy as horses and the very best of friends.

( I present Smidgen and Shmoop )

Aloysius is still doing fabulously, as is Biafra, although I don't see much of Biafra. She comes to eat, but often when no one else is around. She's feral and will always be so. It saddens me.

As for Iggy, she will have her stitches removed on Monday. Her ferality also seems irreversible. It seems that, since she's no longer in heat, I have nothing to offer her. She growls and warns me off every time I come near her. Honestly, I think she'll be happier back outdoors. dr_nebula, I am so sorry! I've tried my best, but I really don't think it would work out. Neither she nor you would be happy in Iggy's current state of mind.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle trying to save all the cats but, when I look into the faces of Smidgen and Shmoop, I feel better and move along in the quest. I just need to keep it all in perspective and know that I can't save everyone, but I can at least make everyone's life a little easier, if it's ony by putting out some food each day.

::firm nods::