Stanley

I've gotta give credit where credit is due and right now I give credit to our cat, Stanley. Most people know that I'm not exactly fond of our feline. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've used the words, "hate" and "utterly despise" in reference to him. Anyway, when we went to Africa in April we left Stanley with my mother-in-law and she graciously kept him until mid-August when we were done our summer travels. I was NOT looking forward to getting him back for a few reasons:
a) on our way TO my mother-in-law's place, Stanley vomited in his cat carrier and I was so disgusted I could have thrown up. Sick.
b) he sheds so much and I was getting used to a cat fur-free existence.
c) I didn't want him to be running in and out of Noah's room (in fact, he was taught to NEVER go in Noah's room and I had no idea if he'd remember or not).
d) I didn't want him to act out against Noah and potentially hurt him.
e) and lastly that I just plain don't enjoy having him around.
BUT on our way back home with him he didn't utter a sound and was calm (unlike Noah who wailed the entire way home).
I've also invested in the Furminator (it's pretty much amazing) and it definitely has reduced the amount of fur he sheds. LARGELY. It's incredible.
He NEVER even shows an interest in going in or near Noah's room. Before he left he would peek into the room with longing. But no longer. It's amazing.
Noah absolutely LOVES him and it's Stanley that is running away from Noah's grabbing, hitting and "gentle" petting.
I can't say that I like him any more than I did, but I do appreciate him fitting back into our home better than he ever has.
So, here's to you, Stanley. Props.

Weezer

I've gotta say, I am LOVING the new Weezer album. It's fun, funny and a bit strange sometimes. My pick of the day right now is "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" because it's such a mishmash of song styles. Apparently taken from an old Quaker Hymn, Weezer starts off the song with cheering fans and a delicate little piano solo and then a blazing police siren wails and EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. Jamie and I listen to it in the car, Jamie whips his head around looking for the cop car that is undoubtedly pulling us over. And every single time I laugh. Good times.
My love of Weezer stems from my first introduction to them in highschool. A friend of mine made me a tape (wow I'm old) and I listened to it whenever he gave me a ride in his car. The first music video I saw of theirs was Buddy Holly and because it's a take on Happy Days I actually thought this was an old band. (Now I'm showing how gullible and ditzy I am). I'm not entirely sure how long it took me to realize they aren't from the 60's. Probably when the Green Album came out.
Gulp.
Enjoy.

SHOPPING!

Today while shopping in Buffalo I came across a jewelery stand. FINALLY. I have been searching high and low for some way to hang my earrings so they don't get all tangled up AND so I can see my selection.
I stumbled across Urban Outfitters and found a plethora of earring stands. I almost couldn't decide.
But I'm thrilled with my choice and am excited for my new found organization of accessories.
Oh and I got a hat too.
And stocked up on Bath & Body Works hand soap. PS They're opening up one here in Guelph!

I love shopping in the States!

neglect

Today I was catching up on some blogs I read and on one of the blogs I read, this article was linked. I cried and cried.
It's about a feral child (severely neglected child) who is now progressing and has found love in her new family.
My heart absolutely aches that neglect like this and even not to this extent but that neglect PERIOD happens every day and children are not receiving love and attention, hugs and kisses, warmth and cleanliness - basic things that EVERYONE deserves.
Go and hug a child today.