Of Cats and Christmas Trees

I never celebrated Christmas as a kid, but I knew about all the usual traditions involved. As one comic writer I love put it, "Jesus was born in a manger, so we go shopping at Macy's." Yes, a hapless tree, poisonous holly, and parasitic mistletoe to dupe chaste women into osculating.

It didn't make sense as a child, it still doesn't makes sense.

BUT my hubby loves Christmas, despite his mother being Jewish and coming from what was, for all intents and purposes, a Jewish family, albeit not a strict one as I learned one Christmas evening when his mother told me we were having ham for dinner.

His parents were coming up for Christmas, and since our place is far larger than my uncle-in-law's tiny bachelor pad, it was my duty to provide a Christmas dinner.

Um... great! I know nothing about Christmas dinners.
And if we didn't look properly festive, oy ve, watch out!

The Tree:

We spent money we didn't really have for all the obligatory accouterments of the season: poor tree, plastic wreath, stockings from Dollar Tree, in fact, most of our things came from the Dollar Tree. The ice storm we had the week earlier snapped off a lot of pine branches, so I cut off a few and put sprigs around the house. Gotta admit, the place smells marvelous!

One thing I can say: trees and cats don't mix! Sumo (aka Capone) body-slams everything, and Ninja (aka Stetson) attempts sneak attacks on anything that moves/doesn't move/might-possibly-in-this-century move.

My hubby is a major Trekkie, and for years, his parents would get him the annual Star Trek ornament. Therefore, half our ornaments comprised of starships, Borg cubes, various captains, shuttle crafts, and alien ships. There are plenty of music-related things to hang up as well, stuff I've collected because it was adorable and my traditionalist hubby insisted were really supposed to be ornaments. Whatever. I've learned, when it comes to some issues, just make a man happy.

Thus we had our dead tree. I have to throw it out in two days for the apartment's recycling deadline, but I'm holding onto that thing for the moment. It was sacrificed for the sake of archaic pagan tradition, but it makes one heck of an air freshener. I'm going to keep some sprigs around, considering the ones I gathered for Christmas dinner have dried out. At least the life of that lovely little tree brought happiness for a fleeting moment.

Okay, enough of me being emo over the evergreen. Worse things are done in the name of religion and tradition than the existence of tree farms.

The Dinner:

Dinner with the in-laws went well. We still had lots of snow, so that afternoon we slushed out to Summerlake Park, which at that moment was the most ironically named place I could imagine, gazing out over fields of snow and a frozen lake. We built a snowman, threw snowballs, and let the crazy Californians have their winter delight. It was my mother-in-law's first White Christmas, so she was having fun, although the slush involved three days after a snow and ice storm is not as romantic as Bing Crosby crooned it to be.

Then we marched back home, and since the ham was pre-baked and just needed warmed, everything went into the oven all at once. Green bean casserole, pineapple candied yams, Hawaiian rolls, a trip to the honey-baked ham store, pumpkin pie, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. I had a table-center of the tree branches I cut with a three-candle display I had for a while and some glittery red and white candles from $Tree. Music came from TSO mostly, whatever we had in our iTunes collection. There were all the usual compliments, but most importantly, no one fell sick afterward, unlike a party Matt and I went to where he ate a dessert I did not try and got ill. It was a dessert someone brought, so our dear host and hostess were not to be blamed.

I made a special crock pot brew of mulled apple cider. After assuring them I said "mulled" not "mold," they agreed to a taste, and that quickly became the beverage of choice through the night, even over the egg nog, coffee, wine, Martinelli's, cream soda, and other drinks we splurged on.

1 gallon apple cider (unfiltered tastes better, but regular cheap brand works)
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
1 tsp ginger or use crystallized ginger
optional 1 tsp whole allspice (I couldn't find any, and it tasted fine)

Pour cider into crock pot. Mix brown sugar until dissolved; if powdered ginger, mix that too, if crystallized, put it with other seasonings. Wrap cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and allspice into cheesecloth (if you don't have cheesecloth, use a tea ball, coffee filter, or just make sure you fish them all out before serving). Toss in an unpeeled orange to float, or for a tangier taste, float orange slices (I've tried both). Cook high 2 hours or low 4-6 hours. Let the crock pot sit uncovered to make the whole house smell divine! Serve into mugs with a ladle

Optional: add a splash of rum or brandy to each mug, float a pat of butter, add orange slice or cinnamon stick to each mug, many things you can do to individualize your recipe.

The Loot:

I've sort of forgotten much of what I received. Tis better to give, right? Matt got me Prince Caspian. His mom got me new kitchen gloves that I totally needed, plus nice shower gel and crystal-etched nail files that are so wonderful. Matt's uncle knows I love lighthouses, so everything was lighthouse-themed: a little ceramic lighthouse, a DVD on Oregon lighthouses, a fridge magnet, and of course the obligatory 2009 calendar. Matt got the iPod alarm clock he really wanted, Dark Knight, an Andrew Lloyd Webber CD, as well as AC/DC's new album that he's been drooling over. And the kitties got a new scratching post. Their old one was thrashed!

Great Christmas Memory:

Now remember, our cute evergreen was covered in sci-fi paraphernalia. One thing that got everyone cracking up was when I saw Stetson (mister chew-everything) nibbling on a Bird of Prey (must have thought it was a green parrot).

Not thinking, I yelled at him, "Stetson, don't chew on the Klingons!"

Two seconds later, splitting laughter from all around. (Maybe you had to be there, but it was really hilarious)

A couple hours later, he attempted to nibble the lowest ornament, the Borg cube. My earlier comment prompted Matt to quote the lovable Q: "How many times do I have to tell you: don't provoke the Borg!"

Stetson's insatiable chewing habit meant no ornaments for the first two feet of tree. Of course, our tree is only about four feet tall. He attempted to chew on the branches, but I guess they don't taste as good as Klingons. By luck, the tree is still upright, so the tannenbaum might become a tradition around here. Of course, no offense to Bing Crosby, but I'd rather spend my winter in So-Cal with family and friends than chipping ice off the car.

Watching the hippie Priuses slipping along the road was sort of fun, though.

The Wrist Pop

I damaged my wrist a couple days ago (don't ask how, really!) We can't afford X-rays, but I broke my wrist in 4th grade, I remember what it was like, and this isn't as bad. I've got a brace on it that prevents my wrist and thumb from moving. As for the bones, they're not too bad or I'd be in enormous pain, and honestly my wrist feels great so long as I don't use it. Maybe sprained, maybe broken, who knows. If it's still really sore after my birthday, we might suck it up and get x-rays after all. I REALLLLY do not want to be in a cast during the summer again.

Typing like this hurts after five minutes or so, which means my novel writing is on hiatus. That's fine, I just finished Shadowstrider Book 7 a couple weeks ago. I don't think I blogged about that, so belated YAY for me! Anyway, with the book done, I can go through and start revisions. So my wrist gets some rest.

Otherwise, I'm fine. Matt's taking me out tomorrow for my birthday. And he has a special present for me. I get to find out tomorrow.

Best of wishes to everyone! Summer is halfway over. Ahhhhh!

8-8-08

Just posting about the numerological significance of today. 8-8-08.

One of my favorite weird numerological coincidences was an old neighbor's sister whose lucky number was 8. She had a lovely baby girl on 8-8-88 at 8:28 who weighed 8 pounds and 8 ounces. Now that's cool!

Oh, and yay for the Olympics!

I know there's all sorts of brouhaha about it being in China and political issues and human rights protests, but you know what, the Olympics were meant to transcend politics. It didn't matter if you were from democratic-loving Athens or one of those toss-the-baby-over-the-cliff oligarchical Spartans (insert obligatory "THIS IS SPARTA" just to get it out of my system), athletes came to the Olympics to compete for individual glory. In fact, during the Greek Olympics, there was a truce held throughout Greece (and yes, Sparta did once break that truce, so they were forbidden from attending... don't ask how I remember these weird historical facts).

Anyway, the Olympics were MEANT as a time of peace, a promotion of camaraderie, a celebration of the human form and physical strength.

True, it's had its political moments. The Nazi's hosting the Berlin games as an "oh look at us we're the good guys" maneuver, then demanding that the USA not have two Jewish athletes, only to receive an in-your-face from African-American Jesse Owens ("take that you racist Nazi scumbag"). And those two guys with their Black Power salute back in the 60s. And let's not forget the 1996 bombing or the Black September terrorists. (shudder)

For some people, politics are just too hard to put behind them. For some, winning a metal isn't just about a personal achievement, it's a national victory. No matter how we optimists would love the Olympics to be "pure" and a competition for Humans, not insert-nationality-here, I also try to be a realist (difficult and not as fun, I know). Considering the condition of this world, I'm surprised political problems have been so few. If you bring that many nations together, you're gonna have issues. Many people are just too shallow, mundane, uneducated (and all sorts of insults I can toss out knowing they will all bounce off their rubbery, hollow heads) to accept that we are one race: Human!

It's gonna take the Vulcans coming to teach us that bit of logic, I guess :P

But you have no idea how many times I've heard people compare the Beijing Olympics to the Nazis. I mean, come on, this is Godwin's Law in flamboyant action here! My favorite is the claim that the Olympic torch is made from Nazi gold, because "Levono" (Chinese name for powerhouse company IBM) had something to do with the gas chambers. What that "something" is, no one will say. I mean, why don't you blame 14 million deaths on the company that made the frickin' locking mechanism, and then claim the Olympics are Nazi because the port-a-pots all use the same frickin' locks.

Really, it's that crazy. I for one am going to watch those US gymnastics girls with the same amazed wonder as if they were in Egypt, Spain, Lithuania, Kuwait, or Easter Island.

Yeah, okay, that's enough for my lousy rant. I'm so bored. Can't wait for my birthday!

Happy 8-8-8.

Capone

This is my new kitty, Capone.



Capone is a very rare male calico. Only 1 in 3000 calicoes are male, and it is due to a genetic anomaly known as Klinefelter's syndrome.

For a cat to be a calico, it takes two X genes, one carrying an orange characteristic and one carrying the non-orange characteristic (usually black). Since a cat needs the XX combination of genes to be calico, it means 99.99 percent of the calicoes out there are female, giving rise to the myth of "there's no such thing as a male calico," something my vet told us on our first visit. Boy, was she nonplussed when she realized Capone really was male. She said, in her 10 years as a vet, she had never actually seen a male calico!!!



These rare XXY male calico cats rarely live past the age of two, are usually sterile, and are prone to numerous genetic disorders. We got very lucky on this boy. He's 5 years old, which means no early death, he doesn't seem to have any cognitive disabilities, our confounded vet had to shave him to see his underdeveloped manhood, but it's there... barely.



The only problem he's having is some stomach ailments as we try to find food he can digest, and he is FAT. The last owner took him to the vet, worried about diabetes. He's on a special diet now, but the weight just isn't going off. It might be another genetic thing, we don't know.

He gets along great with Stetson and seems to be calming him down, or at least distracting him. He's got a wonderful playful side to him and really tears after his dangly play stick thing.



He's been declawed (poor kitty, don't ever do that to cats, people!) but he quickly realized he has the weight over Stetson. When they play together, he does this sumo wrestling pounce and floors Stetson right down. It's hilarious to see this pudgy cat do a smackdown on Stetson, who is longer and more muscular (not fat, but big) but not anywhere near Capone's whopping 24 pounds!!!

We found him on Craig's List. The last owner had to get rid of him due to a boyfriend with allergies, and being declawed, he can't be tossed outside. Poor guy, I say toss the boyfriend outside!!!

Anyway, she said his name was Chubbs (totally appropriate) but that before that, when she got him, his name had been Capone. She thought that was a terrible name for a cat. Matt and I looked at each other and nodded. Yep, that's the perfect name for our little pudge ball.



Plus, "Stetson and Capone" just sound good together.



One interesting thing to note: black cats are considered unlucky, and calico cats are considered lucky. So they balance each other, a sort of yin-yang thing. Of course, I think all cats are wonderful, no matter the color of their fur, and all cat owners are doubly lucky to take in such quixotic and lovable pets!

After a Hiatus, My Mind is an Icy Pop

After a few months away from blogging, MySpace, emails, and the internet in general but for research (with no regrets or withdrawals, I might add), I've checked back in, mostly to see if anyone has messaged me and to hack away at my email account.

Update: we have a new cat, Capone, a MALE calico (very rare XXY chromosome). Our vet had actually never seen a male calico before and told us they almost never live past 2 years. Capone is a whopping 5 years, which means he managed not to get any of the weird genetic disorders male calicoes are prone to. His only problem is his weight. His last owner just fed him whenever the dish was empty, so he's 24 pounds now. The vet says we've got to get him down to 12-15 pounds. So the poor guy is on a special wet food diet and hates us for taking away his regular food. He and Stetson get along as well as two boys are expected to, which means one minute they're rolling around fighting, the next minute they're curled together licking each other.

Matt's folks will be up here for the 4th. That should be fun. We're getting ready for a concert on the night of the 4th. We're playing for the city's big fireworks show. Ooh, and I've got a solo. I'm the youngest trombonist and still the "new kid" in the group, but the guy who would usually play the part is going away for the 4th, so I get it, yippee!!! It's to "Good Ol' USA" which anyone from the Santa Ana Winds will remember. Thanks to the Winds, I know the solo quite well, thus I managed to shock those gray-beards... omg, a 20-something GIRL can play dixieland? LOL!!! They really are shocked I can play it, it's hilarious. I'm not telling them I played the part for 6 frickin' years.

I FINALLY got my trombone fixed from the crunch it received thanks to PDX. They got the bell straightened out and a tweak to the slide, and I went for the full sonic cleaning since the thing probably hasn't had a professional cleaning in 50 years. It's so lovely!!! Now I want to get all the little scratches and the lacquer problem taken care of. Next stim-bate check!

That's about all that's been happening. Wow, I live a boring life. Well, most of my time is eaten up writing, and I now do that solely on my laptop, and this old thing doesn't like looking up websites. It's an antique Powerbook G3, great for just using OpenOffice (I didn't like NeoOffice and don't even ASK why I would use something as asinine as M$Word because I will have to smack some sense into you) but if I try to get it to look up graphically intense websites or anything on YouTube, it just doesn't cut it. So I've learned there is more to life than wasting it on stupid video shorts and hours siphoned off my life updating MySpace. Text blogs like this are okay so far.

I'm in a "simplification" mood, making my life less stressful, less complicated, less time consuming... so I can spend more time writing. I'm done with Book One of my dragon story and flipped back to "Shadowstrider." I want to finish Book 7 before the end of the summer so I can get started on Book 8 and have that done by next year. Then a rewrite of Book 9 and, oh yeah baby, on to Book Ten AT LAST! When I'm done, a re-re-readthru of all ten books, and it's off to the publisher. I refuse to publish until I know for a fact I can finish all ten of these books before I die.

Do you hear someone whispering the words "obsession?" Maybe it's just the tangerine orangutans sucking on my icy pops again.

Survey Galore

Your IQ Is 135

Your Logical Intelligence is Exceptional Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Genius Your General Knowledge is Genius

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

You Are a Total Brainiac

You’re amazingly brilliant. Some would even say genius. You’re curious, thoughtful, analytical, and confident. You take on difficult subjects because you want to... not because you have to. No field of knowledge is too complicated or intimidating for you. You’ve got the brains to do anything you want. It’s possible you end up doing everything you want.

Are You a Brainiac?

Your Vocabulary Score: A

Congratulations on your multifarious vocabulary! You must be quite an erudite person.

How’s Your Vocabulary?

Your Love is Based on Commitment

You believe that love is something that develops and grows. You don’t believe in love at first site, and you never mistake lust for love. For you, love is about mutual devotion, respect, and understanding. You don’t feel comfortable in a relationship, unless you’re both in it for the long run. Why your love can last: You don’t take commitment lightly - or leave relationships easily Why your love can fail: You’re so committed, you often can’t see the most obvious problems in your relationship

What Is Your Love Based On?

Your Love Quote

True love stories never have endings.

What Love Quote Suits You?

Your Love Song Is

Yellow by Coldplay "Look at the stars, Look how they shine for you, And everything you do, Yeah they were all yellow" You’re so in love, it’s like a drug.

What Love Song Are You?

You Should Be a Teacher

You are patient, optimistic, and good at explaining things. You work well with all types of people, and you are a good role model. Success and positive outcomes are extremely important to you. You are both a good leader and instructor. People look up to and depend on you. You do best when you: - Can see the results of your work - Are able to teach someone a new skill You would also be a good nurse or non fiction writer.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

You Should Be a Poet

You have a way with words... and a talent for drawing the pure emotions out of experiences. Your poetry has the potential to make people laugh and cry at the same time. You just need to write it!

What Sort of Artist Should You Be?

You Should Be a Science Fiction Writer

Your ideas are very strange, and people often wonder what planet you’re from. And while you may have some problems being "normal," you’ll have no problems writing sci-fi. Whether it’s epic films, important novels, or vivid comics... Your own little universe could leave an important mark on the world!

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

Arty Kid

Whether you were a drama freak or an emo poet, you definitely were expressive and unique. You’re probably a little less weird these days - but even more talented!

Who Were You In High School?

You Should Learn French

C’est super! You appreciate the finer things in life... wine, art, cheese, love affairs. You are definitely a Parisian at heart. You just need your tongue to catch up...

What Language Should You Learn?

You Are Guinness

You know beer well, and you’ll only drink the best beers in the world. Watered down beers disgust you, as do the people who drink them. When you drink, you tend to become a bit of a know it all - especially about subjects you don’t know well. But your friends tolerate your drunken ways, because you introduce them to the best beers around.

What’s Your Beer Personality?

You Are Chardonnay

Fresh, spirited, and classic - you have many facets to your personality. You can be sweet and light. Or deep and complex. You have a little bit of something to offer everyone... no wonder you’re so popular. Approachable and never smug, you are easy to get to know (and love!). Deep down you are: Dependable and modest Your partying style: Understated and polite Your company is enjoyed best with: Cold or wild meat

What Kind of Wine Are You?

You Belong in the Silent Generation

You fit in best with people born between 1925 and 1942. You are a person of high values and character. Family, your country, loyalty, and hard work all important to you. You are willing to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult.

What Generation Do You Belong In?

You Belong in 1964

You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too.

What Year Do You Belong In?

You Have Not Been Ruined by American Culture

You’re nothing like the typical American. In fact, you may not be American at all. You have a broad view of the world, and you’re very well informed. And while you certainly have been influenced by American culture (who hasn’t?), it’s not your primary influence. You take a more global philosophy with your politics, taste, and life. And you’re always expanding and revising what you believe.

Has American Culture Ruined You?

You Are 70% "Average American"

You are average because you’ve known your best friend for at least ten years. You are not average since you would pay to go in space.

How "Average American" Are You?

You Are 64% Weirdo

You’re a pretty weird soul, and you often can’t help but notice how strange you are. You simply see things very differently. So you live your life in a very unusual way. Who cares if you don’t fit in? Just remember to embrace your inner weirdo... because there’s no hiding it.

Are You A Weirdo?

There’s a 84% Chance You’ve Been Abducted By Aliens

You’ve almost certainly been abducted by aliens. Either that, or you’re totally certifiably nuts.

What Are the Chances that You’ve Been Abducted by Aliens?

You Should Get A Butterfly Tattoo

Sweet and sassy For you, tattoos are a thing of beauty - not toughness

What Tattoo Should You Get?

Your Pirate Name Is...

Iron Mistress of Death

What’s Your Pirate Name?

Orange County

You’re rich, pretty, and living a charmed life. (Or you seriously wish you were.) From Disneyland to Laguna Beach, you’re all about living the California dream life. Just make sure to marry rich - so you don’t have to work for it!

Where Does Your Inner Californian Belong?

White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino

One of a kind and forward looking, you’re the first to introduce a wacky new trend to your friends. And even if your ideas seem weird, they get adopted pretty quickly.

What Flavor Frappuccino Are You?

Your 80s Theme Song Is:

Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison

What’s Your 80s Theme Song?

You’re a Pack Rat in Training

You know those crazy old people with a ton of video tapes and cats? Well, you’re training to be one. Time to do some spring cleaning. Even if it isn’t spring!

Are You a Pack Rat?

Your Social Anxiety Level: 88%

You have extreme social anxiety. Your social phobia is a serious problem for you, and you definitely need help. And while getting help may seem very scary, it’s your only choice... except for hermitude!

Are You Socially Anxious?

The Part of You That No One Sees

You are balanced, peaceful, and sincere. You’re the type of person who goes along to get along. And you’re definitely afraid of rocking the boat. Underneath it all, you fear your world falling apart. You’ll put up with a situation that you don’t like in fear of changing it. Disruptive and forceful people intimidate you - and sometimes exploit you.

What’s the Part of You That No One Sees?

You Are A Fig Tree

You are very independent and strong minded. A hard worker when you want to be, you play hard too. You are honest and loyal. You hate contradiction or arguments. You love life, and you live for your friends, children, and animals. A great sense of humor, artistic talent, and intelligence are all gifts you possess.

What’s Your Celtic Horoscope?

Your Power Bird is an Eagle

You are spiritual and able to soar to great heights. You are a true inspiration, and many people look to you for guidance. And you are quite demanding in relationships... but you’re worth it. People know that you will become even greater than you imagine.

What’s Your Power Bird?

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you’re flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you’ll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

You Are Impressionism

You think the world is quite beautiful, especially if you look at it in new and interesting ways. You tend to focus on color and movement in art. For you, seeing the big picture is much more important than recording every little detail. You can find inspiration anywhere... especially from nature.

What Art Movement Are You?

You Are Best Described By...

Impression, Sunrise By Claude Monet

What Famous Work of Art Are You?

Your Inner Muse is Euterpe

You are most like this muse of music. While you may or may not be musical... You love music and set life to your own personal soundtrack. And you are good at making anyone’s heart sing!

What Muse Are You?

You Are Psyche!

Eternally in search of purpose and insight. You’re curious and creative with a total sense of wonder. Totally empathetic, you pick up on other’s moods easily. Just be sure to pamper yourself as well!

What Goddess Are You?

You Have Good Karma

In general, you like to do the right thing when it comes to others. Your caring personality really shines through. Sure, you have your moments of weakness - and occasionally act out. But, all in all, you’re karma is good... even with those few dark spots.

How’s Your Karma?

You Were An Owl

You are stealthy and secretive - no one knows the true you. You are a seeker of freedom, and you are comfortable with your dark side.

What Animal Were You In a Past Life?

Your Aura is Violet

Idealistic and thoughtful, you have the mind and ideas to change the world. And you have the charisma of a great leader, even if you don’t always use it! The purpose of your life: saying truths that other people dare not say Famous purples include: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony Careers for you to try: Political Activist, Inventor, Life Coach

What Color Is Your Aura?

Your Power Element is Water

Your power colors: blue and aqua Your energy: deep Your season: winter Like the ocean, you evoke deep feelings and passion. You have an emotional, sensitive, and spiritual soul. A bit mysterious, you tend to be quiet when you are working out a problem. You need your alone time, so that you can think and dream.

What’s Your Power Element?

You Are an Old Soul

You are an experienced soul who appreciates tradition. Mellow and wise, you like to be with others but also to be alone. Down to earth, you are sensible and impatient. A creature of habit, it takes you a while to warm up to new people. You hate injustice, and you’re very protective of family and friends A bit demanding, you expect proper behavior from others. Extremely independent you don’t mind living or being alone. But when you find love, you tend to want marriage right away. Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul and Visionary Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Ultimate Emo

My husband and I were talking about ultimate emo sayings. He declared I won when we both burst out laughing at this:

"My life is a rose plucked from the grave of a loved one, sliced with a rusted knife, and scattered in the litter box of a diarrhetic cat."



Got a good emo phrase? Reply with your suggestions. Let’s laugh at their misery!