For a while I'd been complaining that I needed a drink. Well, not only did I mean that I needed a drink at that moment, but what I really needed was to establish my "default" adult beverage of choice when presented with the option to drink adult beverages.
Now this can be a tricky proposition, and is somewhat complicated for males. I mean, anything pink is out. So is anything red since it might look like pink, and you can't very well make it standard practice to order Bloody Marys at night. Anything sweet is probably out too--perhaps with the exception of a mojito. If you're visiting Florida. Or escaped from Cuba. Besides, if the mint isn't fresh you end up with something that's disgustingly skunky. And I dare mention White Zin (in a box)!
For a while I defaulted to the vodka tonic, and then to the vodka soda. Both are good options, but leave something to be desired. It's a bit boring really.
I toyed with the Tom Collins, but abandoned that after receiving one that was electric blue at a very disappointing restaurant.
And then in happened. I ended up falling in love (or maybe lust; only time can tell) with the drink of my profession. Perhaps this it was my destiny. We're taking about Scotch. Preferably one that's decent enough to have it served neat. I have a certain co-worker to thank for the introduction. The Balvenie had what the Goose was missing: sass. Kick. Sure there's alcohol, but there's more. Earthy overtones, a hint of peat, maybe some vanilla.
Nonny Nu: Given the week it seems like you're having, might I recommend two fingers of Balvenie Double Wood?
Does the NN readership have other suggestions? Remember, Guinness qualifies as its own food group, so it's out of play.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
"I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch."
By Cl. Panic, Drunken Guest Blogger
For the love of all that is holy...
If you see me with steam coming out of my ears today, don't mind me. I'm just pissed off over being 1) dragged in at 6am to 2) be subjected to people* talking about me, who don't even know I'm hearing them and even though they know jack about me**, 3) due to some messed up circumstances, and 4) in a week when I am up to my eyeballs with assignments that I have to get done. One word: INJUSTICE!
* Not at Nu, Nu & Nu LLP.
** Look, if you have to start off a sentence with, "Now, I don't know the facts of what I'm going to talk about, but...," then maybe you shouldn't be talking about it. Just a tip.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
What the hell, Congress?
This morning, I got up at the ungodly hour of 7:00 am to work out and get ready for some people to show up at my house (more on that later). People, it was PITCH BLACK outside. At 7am?? That's just not right. Little kids are going out to the bus stop for school at that time and it's like the middle of the night. I don't know whose idea it was to push Day Light Savings back, but they pushed it back too much. Any early birds having this problem?
Friday, October 26, 2007
You'd think...
...that getting two kittens would keep our minds off of Sushi, but it doesn't. I miss my little kitty so much. I'm at work and still listening to her playlist. Her face is the background on my computer screen, and her picture is front and center on my desk. (Even Mr. Nonny Nu's photo is off to the side.) I hope she's not lonely.
She's all alone at the kitty morgue right now. Frozen, of course. On November 3, I will be driving down to witness her cremation and to bring her ashes home. I want to keep her ashes, but Mr. Nonny Nu said I can't because it will get in the way of us moving on (which is BS--no offense, Mr. Nonny Nu--because I'm never moving on from this). Instead, we hope to bring her ashes to the cotton warehouse in Central California where she was born and spread her ashes there. I don't know. It just seems like she might be lonely anywhere except right next to me. Or, maybe, that's just me projecting again.
On a happier note, it's Nu, Nu, & Nu LLP's Children's Halloween Spooktacular today and the kids are just now arriving. I brought Reese's peanut butter cups, Hershey bars, Whoppers, and Kit Kat to pass out (I'm a candy stop on the parade route). So far, we have had a Spiderman, a shark, a Flash Gordon, a princess and frog (mother/son duo--"mother boy," a la Arrested Development, if you will), a flower and butterfly (mother/daughter duo), a dog in a dog house), "Mario" from Mario Brothers, a first year associate. (I'll update these later after the parade comes by.)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
My New Plant
Wow! Look what I got today! Green Thumbs McGillicutty, in order to thank me for caring for her plants while she has been away at trial, gave me this brand new plant! Her name is Pauline, and she is a Zygote Cactus.
(Photo courtesy of Cl. Panic from his iPhone.)
Introducing...
Nickelette Van Orton!
(Bonus points to anyone who figures out where that name comes from.)
This little gray monster told us that she wanted a girlie name and when we started calling her "Nicky," she responded to it. So, Nicky it is!* She also goes by "Skillet, the space mouse." It's perfect. She has a little pot belly already:
skil·let (noun)
Pronunciation: \ˈski-lət\
Etymology: Middle English skelet, probably from Anglo-French *escuelete, diminutive of escuelle, eskil bowl — more at scullery
Date: 15th century
1: chiefly British a small kettle or pot usually having three or four often long feet and used for cooking on the hearth
2: frying pan
I know, I am jumping the gun a little since the poll is still live. Everyone gave such good suggestions and we tried them out on her. But, the only ones she really took to are Nicky and Skillet. She's a naughty one, though. Last night, as I was "cooking" my Magic Kitchen dinner, she jumped onto the stove! But, she and Kash have hit it off so well and have become such good friends. Right now, they are sleeping away...
* Weird thing is, I referred to her as "NNK," short for "NoNameKitty" on the blog from the beginning. NNK...pronounced "Nicky." It's fate!!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Kitty Korner
These two kitties are building a wonderful relationship. NNK is no longer hissing at Kash, and they are sleeping, playing, and eating together. NNK's favorite places are window sills. It seems like Kash is getting some bad influence from NNK. There was a bag sitting outside my bathroom for a couple of days and Kash left it untouched. This morning, I found this.
On a more serious note, last week, Mr. Nonny Nu found fleas on Kash so we put Frontline on him. Mr. Nonny Nu also took off a bunch critters (baboon-style). That Frontline zapped those suckers right off his back. Then, this morning, I took Kashi boy to the vet for the first round of his shots. He had never been to the vet before. He was put in a red kitty burrito and cried the whole time he was given the shots and his blood was drawn. He also cried the whole way home in the cat carrier.
Since then, he has been feeling under the weather (just as the vet predicted). He should snap out of it in 18-24 hours, though. In the meantime, NoNameKitty is keeping him company and taking care of him.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Wanted: One Kitten Name
I went to the Humane Society of Silicon Valley today and adopted a very cute kitty for myself. Her papers say that she is rambunctious but also likes to sits on laps--exactly what I wanted! She's a cutie, isn't she? She doesn't have a name yet, so I'll need your help on this (more on that later).
NoNameKitty (hereinafter, "NNK") is 2 1/2 months old and has five brothers (she's the only girl of the litter). When I visited her yesterday, she was mostly sleeping with her brothers in a heap, leading me to *almost* choose another cat. When she and her siblings finally woke up, I played with them for a little while. When I tossed a piece of fabric onto her paws, she jumped back, startled, and promptly went all the way to the back of her jail cell behind all of her brothers! This morning, as I was waiting for my adoption info to be input into the Humane Society system, I heard that the other cat that I thought was a candidate was being adopted right at that time. So, it was fate--NNK was for me.
She did very well on the ride home and took only about an hour to adjust to her surroundings. But, Kash gets a huge gold star today for being a perfect gentleman. He seemed to understand that NNK was going through what he had to go through last Tuesday when he first came home with me. He just followed her around at a distance, even though she periodically hissed at him. He was very friendly without being aggressive, and he just patiently kept at her and made her feel comfortable. In no time, she was and they were rastlin' like brother and sister:
Pic 1 Pic 2 Pic 3 Pic 4 Pic 5 Pic 6 Pic 7 Pic 8 Pic 9 Pic 10 Pic 11 Pic 12 Pic 13 Pic 14 Pic 15 Pic 16 Pic 17
After romping around for a while, Kash takes NNK to the food bowls and they eat side by side. Fast friends, yes? Kash is such a gentleman. He showed her where the bathroom was and everything. Then, they played some more. Finally, after hours of playing, they took naps. Kash chose a comfy position on the sofa, but NNK chose a rather peculiar spot--on top of a Converse shoebox on a window sill. Go figure.
Anyhow, here's where you can help me out. Judging from these and future photos, what do you think her name should be? Below are the ones I am considering. Vote now, and you can change your vote later as you discover her personality with me! (Disclaimer: This is not a guarantee that NNK will be named whatever name is most voted for in the poll. This is just to help me figure out a name for her.)
What is a good name for No Name Kitty?
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Moment of Enlightenment of the Week
Okay, I realize that these "[blank] of the week" blog entries may be misleading in that they imply that I have a [blank] every week. It has been a while since I've had a moment of enlightenment worth sharing, so the next weekly moment of enlightenment will probably not occur for another 6-9 months. Just fyi.
As you know, Mr. Nonny Nu got a new kitty last Tuesday. Kash is super cute and I love playing with him. At first, when I went to pick him up (his original master and mistress were lower income folks who just happen to love a pair of Siamese cats who had kittens), it didn't seem like he liked me. I thought he was adorable, but I was very worried that he wouldn't like his home. Well, that very night, after he had his drama queen moment (hiding under the couch for a couple hours), he ended up so comfortable with us that he just slept with us in our bed.
I admit that I felt a bit offended that he didn't do anything that Sushi used to do, and drew a clear boundary that Kash was Mr. Nonny Nu's cat and not my cat. I guess I felt wary of developing a close relationship with another cat, since I know the cat will pass away before I do, and it'll be Sushi all over again. But, the fact of the matter is, Kash is my kitty, too (if not for the fact that I have been the only one feeding him and cleaning out his litter box, then for the fact that California law says that I am entitled to all half of Mr. Nonny Nu's property).
So, I started checking out the websites of shelters around my area, and saw a lot of kitties in need of a home. Today, I finally went to the local PetsMart and also the Humane Society to look for a kitty. I didn't get to the Humane Society early enough and they already had all their adoption appointments booked up, so I was told to go back tomorrow.
Boy, am I glad I didn't adopt a kitty today. If I did, I think I might have adopted the wrong one. I saw a lot of kitties and cats--alot. There were several who I liked a lot and wanted to take home. But, I was looking for one who really connected with me, one who knew that I was there to take them home and that we were meant to be together. I honestly didn't see one like that. That was over six hours ago, but I am just now realizing that, despite logically telling myself not to, what I was looking for was another Sushi. There simply isn't going to be another cat like Sushi, who I bonded with immediately. That was just special and there will never be another moment or cat like that.
But, I think that the point isn't to get another Sushi. The point is to give a cat a home. There were so many cats I found online who needed homes. Some had stories to tell about their old families, which would explain why they weren't all just jumping for joy or "turning it on" when I visited them to say hello. It's not that these cats aren't bonding with me. It's that, maybe, they miss their old life or they miss their buddy they had known for years and years because their buddy got adopted and they didn't.
I almost adopted a kitten today, but maybe that's not really the cat for me. The older cats are so hard to place, and they are the ones who had to leave a previous life or became separated from their life long friends. They have such negative prospect and have lost so much (compared to kittens). No wonder they aren't the happiest campers in the shelter and aren't rolling on their backs putting on a show for perspective adopters.
I'm rambling now, but I guess my point is that I realized that I was looking for something that no longer exists, and what I should be focusing on is helping out the worst off kitty that I can help.
Friday, October 19, 2007
My Sushi Playlist
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)
There Are Places I Remember (Beatles)
Just Call Out My Name (Carole King) ***[edit] Added at Sushi's request.
So Far Away (Carole King)
I Won't Last A Day Without You (Carpenters)
Pictures of You (The Cure)
Just Like Heaven (The Cure)
Time AFter Time (Cyndi Lauper)
Someday We'll Be Together (Diana Ross)
Tiny Dancer (Elton John)
Both Sides Now (Joni Mitchell)
All Of My Love (Led Zeppelin)
Leaving On A Jet Plance (Mamas and the Papas)
This Will Be Our Year (OK Go)
Crazy (Patsy Cline)
Always (Patsy Cline)
I've Got Your Picture (Patsy Cline)
You're My Best Friend (Queen)
These Are the Days of Our Lives (Queen)
There She Goes (Six Pence None the Richer)
My Girl (Temptations)
Stand By Me (Temptations)
From Sushi:
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Want to become a hobo?
Okay, I have a personalized google homepage where I get my word of the day, picture of the day, gmail, and all sorts of other stuff. I also get "How To of the Day." These range from instructions on how to apply eye makeup to instructions on extracting oneself from a car that is on the edge of a cliff. Today's "How To," however, takes the cake--How to Become a Hobo. My favorite is the tip at the very end that distinguishes between a hobo and a tramp/bum: "Remember that, as a hobo, you enjoy traveling and are willing to work, unlike a bum or a tramp who also travels but will not work, and lives by begging for money or for food." (Link in original, interestingly.)
If anyone decides to become a hobo, please keep us in the loop. Note that there is a version of this "How To" that specifically instructs on how to become a hobo with a web-based income. Wow. I don't know. Apart from the "where will you shower," "what will you eat," and "how will you defend yourself" issues, this sound pretty nifty. Am I crazy?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner! [Updated 10/18 with additional photos of Kash]
[Update]
Here are some better photos of Kash. You can see his blue eyes and beautiful markings.
It's true, folks.
What the Sush said about talk amongst the Nus about getting a new kitty...it's true. We did talk about it this weekend. I am so ashamed. It's just that, as I walk throughout the house, I just see all the places where Sushi Cat used to be. I never really understood how much a part of my life this little kitty is. Everything reminds me of her.
Bright and early each morning, she meowed me awake and I'd go downstairs to feed her breakfast. Then, she'd visit one of several watering holes, either downstairs, upstairs, in Mr. Nonny Nu's shower, or (if I was showering at the time), she'd jump in with me. She was my shower gargoyle and would sit on the rug outside my shower and stand guard. Then, I'd head downstairs to go to work and she'd say goodbye at the door, or she'd sit in a window and wave to me.
Throughout the day (on weekends, I'd get to see her do this, which was such a treat), she'd lay in the sun either on the floor upstairs or downstairs, or look out of the upstairs window. She loved windows and chairs, and nooks and crannies. Sometimes, I'd jump in there with her. We'd stare at each other for hours. I'd pet her and I'd pull on her ears. She also loved to scratch on her three scratch pads. And, everytime Sushi went outside, she would make it a point to walk behind these shrubs (because she knew that those were the ones I'd have most trouble getting her out of).
But, Sushi's favorite, by far, were cushioned areas, like:
chairs in the dining room
her couch with her very own bedspread
our bed (it belonged to the three of us)
throw blankets
laundry baskets
We even caught her sitting in the freshly dried laundry in the drier!
Then, after work, when I came up the driveway, I'd look up to the second floor window or to the stairwell to see Sushi waiting there for me.
Of course, she's nowhere to be found these days, even though I see her tracks everywhere. After we put her to sleep, I saved some of her fur, a toe nail, and a whisker. I put them in a box, and now that box sits on my bedside table (it's black and grey, just like Sushi).
Sushi was such a big part of my life. I never really understood how big until now. On the one hand, I think that having another cat in the house will do us good. But, on the other, I feel like I'm betraying Sushi because it's so soon. I don't think she'd approve.
Is it too soon?
Music of the Week: So Far Away by Carole King
Looks like Carole King had a Sushi of her own.
So far Away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know that you're just time away
Long ago I reached for you, and there you stood
Holding you again could only do me good
How I wish I could, but you're so far away
One more song about moving along the highway
Can't say much of anything that's new
If I could only work this life out my way
I'd rather spend it being close to you
But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're so far away
Yeah, you're so far away
Traveling around sure gets me down and lonely
Nothing else to do but close my mind
I sure hope the road don't come to own me
There are so many dreams I have yet to find
But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
And it doesn't help to know you're so far away
You're so far away
Yeah, you're so far away
You're so far away
Monday, October 15, 2007
Doubt it. by Sushi Cat (guest blogger)
Haaaaahhhhh!!! Purrrr.....
Just got in from a breathtaking hike with Cotton and Happy, and am now sitting down to a meal of trees. Thanks to everyone for keeping mom and dad company. They are such babies, aren't they?? Imagine having to herd them around everyday. I tell ya, that was enough to do me in! (Just kidding, but not completely...)
Anywho, let's get to the point here--I am irreplaceable. That's just a cold, hard fact, so there's really no sense in debating it. I understand this to be accepted by all. But, amid the tears and frowns this weekend, there was talk about replenishing the kitty population at the Nu residence. Can you believe this, folks? I'm not even cremated yet, and those two doodooheads are already talking about a new cat. Maybe even *gasp* multiple cats. I am appalled. "Friends" and "family" (I use those terms losely and sarcastically) of the Nus have broached the subject. Mr. Nonny Nu's brother went so far as actually finding a specific cat in Florida for them. The rationale is that I wouldn't want them to be uncared for.
Well, I'm here to set the record straight. That is pure speculation. As we all know, only I am entitled to any and all kitty-related attention from those two dumbos. Will the new cat(s) replace me? Read the title of this blog entry. Will the new cat(s) be as witty, hilarious, and judgmental (in a cute way) as me? Again, read the title of this blog entry.
No, any new cat(s) will inevitably lead to comparisons with me and, unfortch (Bubba, Ghetto FOBulous' rabbit, taught me that one), I will continue to reign supreme. In time, I will overlook this transgression. Right now, I have some trees to take care of.
Ciao, amici!
Sushi Cat
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I met Cotton!by Sushi Cat (guest blogger)
Hi, everyone,
Well, it finally happened. My kitty body gave out on me. I just got too sick to really go on anymore. I've been sick a lot lately. Sometimes, I had a good day (like this weekend when mom took me for a walk outside). But, at the beginning of the week, everything went downhill. I couldn't eat, drink, or sleep, and I lost my voice. I couldn't even purr like I used to always do when I sat on mom's belly at nighttime.
It was an agonizing decision, but mom and dad finally asked the doctor to help me not hurt anymore. Yesterday and overnight, mom and dad spent a lot of time with me. I was sick, and could have used some more rest, but I can never turn down attention! Then, this morning, the doctor came to the house. I was taken into the bedroom and placed on the bed. I knew that something was happening, but I wasn't sure. You know how sometimes you keep wanting something to happen and, when it really happens, you're all of a sudden confused? That was me. The doctor gave me a shot that made me really drowsy. Oh, I haven't been that relaxed and comfortable in a long time.
At that time, dad took my face into his hands and rubbed my cheeks. I thought, "Is this it? Is this really it?" I knew that it was time to say goodbye, but I felt so guilty for getting sick and having to leave mom and dad alone. Who's going to take care of them? Who's going to tell them that it's time for bed, and who's going to wake them up in the morning? And, if they argue again, who's going to meow at dad and then go ask mom if she is alright? (We girls have to stick together.) Who's going to keep dad company during the day, and who's going to sit on mom's stomach all night and stand guard while she sleeps? These were things that were going through my little kitty mind as I gazed into dad's eyes and felt mom's hand petting my arm. She was singing to me (like an idiot, but that's part of the reason why we love her). Then, the doctor gave me the second injection. Now, that one felt really good. And, then, it was all over.
Before I knew it, I was spirited away and put in a line where I was processed for entry to Pet Paradise. By "processed," I mean I was matched up with a buddy to show me the ropes. Lo and behold, they assigned me to Cotton! Cotton is a pure-bred doberman who used to live with dad and grandpa (dad's dad). Cotton chased rabbits (don't tell mom!) and sat on the couch even after being told repeatedly not to. He and I are getting along famously. He has been showing me the sights around PP, and I can't say that I'm disappointed.
Now, I am able to jump and pounce like I used to do when I was a kitten. I also got my voice back--I'm a nice, smooth soprano. No more pain. I hope that mom and dad are doing okay. I know they will miss me, but I'm here having a ball and waiting for them to show up.
Sushi Cat
Monday, October 8, 2007
For Our Brethren in Boston: Leaves Change, but Paint Signs Don't.
Hi, peeps!
Here is the latest update on what you are missing from home--the arrival of Fall! Look here, the leaves are starting to change and we have had milder weather:
The Nu residence has been ice cold in the past month and our energy bill has gone down by 66% because we (read: Mr. Nonny Nu) haven't been using the A/C at home much. One of the members of our Backyard Petting Zoo has added a new floor show to the Fall line-up. Here's sneak preview for you all:
In other news, the parking lot doors are still being painted (I guess it takes an entire month to paint doors nowadays):
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Albuquerque 07' Balloon Fiesta Festivalby MonkeyPig (guest blogger)
It was a great trip!!
You all should come out at least once.
The dark photos are what's call dawn patrol. It was around 5 am. A few balloons will go up to scout out the wind condition. If the conditions are right, the rest of the balloons goes up.
Its a great site. I wish I could stay longer. There was 99 specialty balloons -- like specialty doughnuts. I got to see a few of them -- Smokey, some sort of grimlin, turtle, twin bees, chicken. There was humpty-dumpty, Darth Vader, and the Holloween house that tried to get up but due to when conditions, did not.
Nonny Nu -- Guai Po says hi to you.
Picture Dayby Sushi Cat (guest blogger)
Hello, friends!
Yesterday, mom took a nice portrait of me. Aren't I pretty? I always like to put my best paw forward. Dad loved the photos. After the shoot, he reached down, gave me a lift onto his shoulders, and carried me around the house like the goddess that I am.
Later, mom took me outside for a little walk. I once ate a couple of my dad's trees so I could really make short work of these shrubs. Oh! I thought I saw a mouse but I was just giddy about getting to go outside. Well, I spotted a plant farther down the drive so I went over there to check it out. (Of course, being the good kitty that I am, I looked both ways before crossing the driveway.) Of course, mom was even more giddy than me and was just snapping away like a lone papparazzi. *roll eyes* Anyhow, here I am messing around:
So, today is just a lolligagging day for us. I've just been getting my tan on, and curling up in the sun. Purrrrr...
Sushi Cat
