I love to watch them sleep.

I'm a cat mom who enjoys watching the cats sleep. They are so peaceful and angelic when asleep. I take a lot of pictures of them sleeping.

Last Day of March, First Day of Baseball Season

Or a whole lot of randomness:

My mother had another milestone birthday last Saturday. A good number of the grandchildren were in attendance, even after her favorite grandchild commented, "Only grandma can invite a day before the event and expect everyone will show up." Well that was my fault, really. My mother wanted to celebrate her birthday with just her children, all five of us, but my brothers didn't know about this wish. Only I know what she really wanted for her birthday. However, I cannot let that happen. How can she have a birthday without her grandchildren and great grandchildren in attendance? After all we hardly get together in one place aside from Christmas day, so I sent out an email and facebook messaged grandchildren of the plans after I heard from my brother that he reserved a place for us at a local buffet. Mother wanted to eat at buffet. Well, that's her only vice and joy to eat out every week. Sometimes, twice when I happen to take her on a Saturday and bro #4 takes her out on one of the weekdays.

And so when we arrived at the restaurant after braving the strong downpour she saw her grandchildren at the entrance first. So I whispered to her, "Everyone is here."

It turned out to be really good day. The restaurant gave us two hours to eat and eat we did. Then we all came back home to have cake and one of the grandchildren brought ice cream. Then there were card games for the adults, card games and board games for the younger set, and a whole lot of running inside the house and chasing by the much younger set (great grandchildren).

I made tea three times and we put coffee on once. When only my brothers and one sister in law were left because they were still playing cards, I made pizza and heat up the meatballs I made the previous night so they can nibble while playing cards.

Moving on....there isn't much going on with me. Work is pretty busy so far. My tv shows are quite interesting. I have gained two new addictions - Crisis and Believe. But I'm catching them via On Demand on the weekends.

What is most anticipated is the start of the baseball season today. The Giants are playing the Diamondbacks tonight. Hopeful that they would be competing when September comes, isn't that what's first day of baseball is all about?

On the homefront, my dear Emma celebrated her fourth adoption day (GOTCHA DAY) on Sunday and of course she had treats and lots more treats whole day long. Now she's back on diet :)

It's been raining, so it's fun. At least it helps our very dry state. I wish there would be more storms coming up.

So until next time.

Crazy Cat Lady post

Crazy cat lady and kitties napping during one of my sick days off.

Please I beg your indulgence in this purely selfish, crazy post.

It's about what happened in the bed last night. Did I hit your curious nerve there?

Aha, this is not R-rated, if you must know. It's actually sorta Disney-esque kind of post.

It's about my furbaby Buster. I've been yakking here about Emma sleeping on my legs or in between them almost nightly (except when it's hot). Buster on the other hand has claimed under the bed as his kingdom. That was the first place we went to when we got him from the shelter and so we put his catbed there. Now his catbed is gone, he doesn't like to sleep on it anymore, instead preferring the dusty carpet floor, or if he surfaces from under the bed would sleep in the computer chair also in the same room.

Well the night started as usual. Emma in between my legs, Catpapa next to me snoring. As I was trying to catch my sleep I heard a noise. I knew Buster jumped onto the bed and before I knew it he's next to me. He does this sometimes, asking for head rubs, neck and ear scritches. If I'm not awake, he would head butt my palm, and instinctually I would do as he asks in my half awake state.

Last night I was fully awake. It's been my habit to have a pillow on one side while the hubby sleeps on the other side. It feels more comfy and warmer that way.

So Buster proceeded to beg for head rubs and scritches, which I willingly gave. Then his motor started running, he's a big purr machine that one. As he purred and purred while I rubbed and rubbed, he started to make himself comfy on top of the pillow.

And my last waking memory is that of my hand draped around Buster's body, while his sleeping face was inches away from mine.

We slept cuddling. He was so sweet to allow this moment and experience with me.

Yap I admit, I am certifiably a crazy cat lady.

Sleep like a cat

A former student and now facebook buddy doesn't update her status much, but when she does it's always imploring the high heavens to give her sleep. I think she's insomniac.

I don't have a problem with sleeping, thank heavens. Despite all my many ills, perceived and real, difficulty in sleeping is thankfully not one of them.

However, once a month, coinciding with female hell time, I experience difficulty in sleeping. It doesn't fail to happen, once a month, at that specific time.

So the specific time happened to me on Sunday night into Monday this week. I've already seen replays of the Giants game earlier that evening. I've also seen a show I've DVRd. I still couldn't sleep. Emma (see picture) who sleeps in between my legs was also getting affected. Finally she left her spot and walked up to my belly and looked me in the eye as if to say, 'GO TO SLEEP, SO I MAY SLEEP TOO.'

It's really funny. So when the tv turned itself off (we put timer on tv when we go to sleep) I let it be. I thought that I could easily fall off when the distraction is gone, but it wasn't to be.

The ugly thing about laying awake in bed while everyone's sleeping is that you hear funny noises. Some scary noises too. Or perceived noises?

Thankfully in this house where we are living now for 4 years, I have yet encountered the house to "breathe". In my previous place, the townhouse which was relatively newer than this house I'm in now, squeaks and creaks at night. So when I get those once-a-month insomnia, it was very disconcerting.

Also as if it timed itself, Monday was a day off for me making my lack of sleep a nonfactor in my Monday.

As if to reward myself for my lack of sleep, I spontaneously got a massage.

All's well that ends well.

Yays and (oh) Noes!

Yays:

• Shoe shopping.  Got 2 on sale.
• Dress shopping.  Got 2 also on sale.
• Reserved camping cabin for July.
• Drive to our favorite route Highway 128 to visit the "ghost trees", which are actually California oaks all covered/dripping with Spanish moss, looks eerie on a misty rainy winter day.
• San Francisco 49ers going to the Super Bowl this Sunday, a little viewing party at home to boot.
• Bought a dining voucher that includes a 5-course tasting menu with drink pairings.

(Oh) Noes:

• Emma still not fully healed with whatever is ailing her. 
• Pet insurance has not reimbursed me yet.
• Headaches - go away!
• Failure to pick up a book and a month is almost gone.
• Unable to start with craft/needlework project.
• Cannot get with the American Idol vibe this year.  Maybe when the shows are in Hollywood.
• Big Bang Theory not getting love from critics as evidenced by their inability to snag any awards so far.  They were the toast before and when the show skyrocketed in popularity with the viewing masses, the critics looked the other way.  Isn't that always the case?  Still, I'm frustrated.
• "Haven" has had it's season finale already. I want more of it. 
• Cannot seem to start losing weight.
• Still have not inquired about swimming lessons. Or pilates. Or Zumba.

Day 3 (30 days of June)

Extremely happy to celebrate my catblog's first anniversary. I cannot believe that I'm also blogging from a cat's perspective.

Adopting cats made me a crazy cat lady and I'm proud of it. Who wouldn't when your cats are these cute - of course I'm 100% biased.


Emma was 2 when we adopted her. She's now 4. We took her in while I was in the middle of a month-long recuperation from a major surgery. Needless to say, I had a very smooth recuperation time. She kept me company the whole time.

And because the experience with Emma was heavenly, we naturally came to the conclusion that one cat is just not enough. We took in from the same shelter a 5-month old ginger cat, that's really naughty and clumsy, and funny. A total opposite of Emma. I was telling the hubby that if the situation were reversed and we adopted Buster first, I would have to think twice about getting another cat. He was a handful, still is. But he's totally adorable. Look at this face:



Now he's two years old, still the baby in the family. I am trying my darnedest not to adopt another cat. It's a constant struggle. But I suppose the fact that we're feeding many homeless/feral cats give me the satisfaction of having more cats, because I feel very proprietary of these cats already. I have been feeding them regularly/daily and interacting with them. I even named a few of them.

So today my story is about my being a crazy cat lady.

What I learned from my cat

1. If it itches, scratch it.

2. If it’s dirty, wash it.

3. If you gotta heave something up, find a soft place like the new carpet or a bed. Someone will clean it up.

4. Odors are interesting so sniff everything.

5. Have fun and play with everything, including someone’s toe if it moves.

6. If you’re lonely, let someone know, even if it’s 2 AM.

7. If your food dish is empty, complain to someone, anyone and everyone.

8. If you see an empty lap, fill it.

9. Never permit an interloper in your territory.

10. Do not even recognize the word “No.”

11. If someone gets angry with you, purr.

12. If you get tossed out of bed, wait a few minutes and get back in, they’ll be asleep by then.

13. Be eccentric and aloof, you don’t want them to think they own you.

14. Never let other things interfere with important activities, like your nap.

15. It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.

16. Do not worry what other people (or cats) think.

17. Do not make the mistake of thinking you are on the same level as your master, you’re much better than that.

18. Scratching pads are for laying on, furniture is for scratching.

19. When it come to furniture, what’s theirs is actually mine.

20. Kitty beds are for decoration; sofas, chairs, beds, refrigerator tops, clothes dryers, closets and dressers are for sleeping.

21. Every vets should have to go through an annual exam like cats, including being tested for worms.

I wish I wrote the list above, but I didn't. It's from this site.

And why am I posting this today when I have a separate blog for my cats? It's because I'm celebrating Emma's adoption day today and her birthday too. Emma is with us for 2 years now and today is also her (appointed) 4th birthday. Happy birthday sweet Emma!!!!

Heavy As Those Clouds

I have a heavy heart.  My pet parakeet died on Saturday.  He suffered.  He got bit by Emma, my lovely and well-behaved cat.  I was torn.

Emma had always been quiet, well-mannered (for a cat), and did no shenanigans around the house.  So it was a total shock to me to learn she was the one who bit the bird.  I don't want to expound on this. 

Let's just say that cats know what you're feeling.  They can sense your emotions.  She knew I was upset.  That she was partly to blame. 

She became very aloof all weekend.  Didn't cuddle with me except during sleep time at night.  And when I went to get her, she even went under the bed. 

Anyway, it was really sad. I know it's only a pet, only a bird.  But you get used to them, they become part of your life, your family.  And when one is gone, it just isn't the same.

We got 2 parakeets in his place.  I don't know why we did that.  Just in case, the one left behind will never be alone, I guess.

In an unrelated news, I had a lovely impromptu lunch at Jollibee with my mom and my two bros.  It was such a surprise thing that came together without a plan.  I love having lunch with my bros and mom.  Plus I get to eat spaghetti.  Wasn't I telling you about the spaghetti craving last week?  Well, after I had the Jollibee I didn't even bother to make it at home.  That lunch satisfied my craving.

Chick Flick, Man Flick and other Highlights

I finally managed to find time to finish EAT, PRAY, LOVE this weekend. I started it some days ago, but wasn't able to finish the whole movie until this weekend.  I don't get  how this movie did not connect with me.  I am a sucker for chick flick and any Julia Robert movie.  But this one, nothing.  Did nothing to me.  Why? 

Sure the cinematography was excellent, who wouldn't want to visit those three lovely locales.  But the story did not touch me one bit. I was disappointed.  Talking with a fellow church member this Sunday I mentioned to her how the movie did not connect with me and that I should try reading the book and see how it would affect me.  She liked the book, have not seen the movie, but while she liked the book she wasn't sure what's all the hoopla was all about.  Anyone would care to comment?

Oh I broke my rule of not going to the movies on a film's first weekend run.  Yap, guilty!  And what movie made me break this rule?  X-MEN: FIRST CLASS.  Now this movie on the other hand is 100% entertainment.  I loved everything about it.  I enjoyed watching the cast.  I enjoyed learning what they were before they become who they are.  I always enjoyed the prequels, you know.  I am always curious as to what made the characters the way they are.  And not a follower of comic books, I have no knowledge of who these characters are outside of what they tell me on the movies.  It was a good, good way to while the time away on a cold rainy weekend.

In addition to these movies, I finally created a blog for my little furbabies, BUSTER AND EMMA, which means that you'd see less of them here and more of my ramblings from now on. 

Another thing that made my weekend was that I was able to upload on Flickr video clips. Yay!  For the longest time I was barred (by my firewall? my browser?) from uploading video clips to Flickr and/or You Tube.  I didn't try You Tube yet because I was busy uploading on Flickr. I didn't want to jinx it.  Needless to say I went crazy and because it was rainy all Saturday, I had all the time in the world to be online doing all these uploading.  See Buster and Emma for a sampling of what I uploaded.

Still don't know why I was able to upload. My husband guessed some updated version of something. I didn't care to know as long as I was able to do what I wanted to do :)

And yet another good news.  Have you heard of YELP? Go ahead click it!  Basically it's a website where ordinary (and extraordinary) people go to review restaurants, hotels, doctors, etc etc. 

Okay so here's the good news about YELP.  I am a member, which means I have created a user name and persona and have reviewed something.  YELP is holding a little shindig - with food and drinks and entertainment.  See poster below and here is the link to the party.  I better put this on my calender lest I forget it. 

Emma on Cats on Tuesday

EMMA: Mama said, "No peeking on the bag, Emma!". I didn't peek. I just sit there quietly and patiently for her to unload what's on the bag. I would be really unhappy if there is no treat for me inside :)

I am linking to CATS ON TUESDAY.

Emma on Cats on Tuesday

EMMA: Mommy are you done playing with the computer? Can we play now?

I am linking to CATS ON TUESDAY.

Weekend Reporting

Another weekend is over. The above photo has nothing to do with my post. I thought this blog could use another photo after consecutive all text posts.

We began our weekend by taking the kitties to get their vaccinations. There is a mobile vet clinic that gives vaccinations and other vet services every Saturday at a local PetFoods store.

We loaded up the cats in their own carrier. I had my husband do this task, but he was a bit heavy handed with Emma, who screamed her little heart out. She did not want to get in. Eventually we got them in. And the short car ride freaked them out. Buster was meowing in that tone of voice that said he was really scared. They were both in the back seat. I had to take Buster's carrier infront to soothe him, and petted him and cooed the whole time.

Emma was quiet but I could sense that she was unhappy about the whole thing. I stayed with them inside the car while husband did the queueing up and filling out of forms.

The cats both received 3 different shots each. And while they didn't seem to feel it and they were very good the whole time, the experience left me unhinge.

I was told that the shots would make them feel lethargic and not their own selves for a couple of days. Just like people in the aftermath of a flu shot.

But Emma and Buster were unusually quiet all weekend. There wasn't that running up and down from Buster and Emma for the most part stayed in our bed the whole weekend. I would come up and check on her and she would let out that faint meow and I'd come and hug her and tell her "I know you are sick, baby."

They also got shots in their legs, and I think they felt sore, both of them as Emma was thinking twice before leaping on top of shelves all weekend and Buster was favoring that leg when he jumped down.

I hope they get back to their own rowdy selves soon, today if that is possible.

And so after that unpleasant experience for me, we thought we'd turn the day around by going to an iris farm. I found out about this iris farm from a local magazine. It's free of charge and they sell the iris for those who are interested.

It wasn't far, about 35 miles from home, and the drive was smooth and quiet. The weather on Saturday was high 70s and breezy, so very very comfortable.

The minute we got off the freeway, the farm was still about 6 miles away.
This road was lined with farms, nurseries, and beautiful houses. The atmosphere is totally completely farmland, yet only about 50 miles from SF and about 40 miles from Sacramento. So close yet so far :)

The farm was smaller than I expected - as I've been to a bigger one in Oregon. The blooms were definitely there, but apparently we were early for the peak season as many of the plants were not blooming yet. The lady who greeted us was very friendly and told us what to expect or do when we want to buy anything.

And of course she said we can just take pictures - when she saw hubs with teh tripod. People were there for the picture taking ops too. I'll sort out the phots and blog about it soon.

On the way back to the freeway, we didn't backtrack as we saw a sign to the town. When we followed the sign, we found we were driving in residential areas. I love driving in residential areas. I enjoy looking at curve appeals and house architectures. And then we found we were in downtown and I've never been here before. This city to outsiders is home to the Outlet Stores that are next to the freeway. I don't know anybody who had come to this city to be in this city - downtown area. People come here for the shopping.

After much failures, we finally found the way back to the freeway and to the outlet stores. We entered a few stores, got a shirt that would be good for my rafting trip this summer.

I must fess up here. In my single days, I had been here more often than needed. I have known these stores like the back of my hand. I have enjoyed shopping here. But this has been the first time I'm here as a married woman. That means I haven't been here in a long time. And maybe because I now value my hard-earned cash more now that I am married and have a mortgage, but I thought the prices of dresses - wow as they maybe - were pretty steep for an outlet mall.

We ended our Saturday by watching the Royal Wedding that we recorded. I peeked at the clock when it was time to turn off the tv and it was 3:30 am, Sunday.

And on Sunday, we stayed mostly at home. Slept till 11, got up and had oatmeal for breakfast. The Giants (baseball) game was on, but they were losing (again) so we changed channel and watched the Sharks (hockey) instead while browsing at the Sunday paper ads.

Sunday went by quickly, we cooked for the rest of the week. Our menu for dinner the whole week: goat goulash, gumbo, and steak fajita :)

Then before the day ended, we went for a quick shopping trip at Walmart. Snagged some shirts and cats stuff. Then went to Sears, they had a sale on Canon DSLR, but they wouldn't let us open the box to inspect the camera. They don't even have a floor model, can you believe that.

So I didn't get my Canon this weekend, but I think I found a new love - Pentax. Let's see if one of these babies could be with us next week.

So how was your weekend? And oh have a lovely May.

On EMMA mode

I'm tired. No matter how many times I say it today, it doesn't make me less tired. I need a break!!!!

Bulleted Thoughts for Friday

Oh one of those days when I cannot string sentences into paragraphs so I'm using bullets.

• First time since I got married that I went to work without my wedding band.  Forgot to put it back on last night after taking it off to wash the dishes.  Something feels wrong.
• Did not do an American Idol recap/prediction.  A combo of laziness, busy schedule, and worry over Emma.
• Emma my tuxedo cat has vomitted in the middle of the night.  What came out was unchewed food.
• Last week we awoke to a vomit near Buster's food plate and assumed it was Buster who overate and threw up. Now we're leaning more towards Emma being the culprit.
• Was observing Emma if she had some changes in eating/appetite (No), behaviour (NO), or her physical well-being (NO).  She's not lethargic at all, although my mother has been noticing that she was. I think my mom may have mixed up lethargy to a cat's laziness.  Keeping my fingers crossed still.
• Really bummed that my 2 point and shoot cameras have dirty lens and I don't know how to clean them.  They are ruining my shots when I zoom to take photos.  The newer one thankfully is still covered by warranty and would be sent for clean up.  The older one is my fave and I think it's on its last legs, but I still want to hold on to it.
• I hope I can save up enough for that DSLR.
• I feel really silly and petty when all I could think is DSLR while two of my friends are having a tough time.  One is in need of a pacemaker, else the next time she passes out she won't wake up.  And the other is caring for her husband who's dealing with chemo :(
• I am going to a free Christian music concert in Berkeley this Saturday. 
• I am looking forward to a little trip in Costa Rica late summer/early fall.  Not booked yet, getting our schedules sorted out so we can start planning and paying for the trip. 

One Joyful Year

March 30, 2010. The day started as it had always been for the past two weeks. Being sidelined, recovering from a surgery, I knew I would spend the day by getting a little sun in the backyard, granted it wasn't too cold. And I would spend most of the time taking it easy - watching tv and blogging/bloghopping.

I knew that I had to make a life-changing decision before the day was over. Hubs and I made a decision and there was no turning back from that decision. We had reached the point of no return. Yet I wasn't 100% sure inside as I pretended to be outside.

Still, I dove in. Que sera sera!


Emma's first picture - taken March 31, 2010

You came home with us that night. Spent the first few minutes under the bed. I let you sniff the downstairs living area. After that everything is fuzzy.

Except when it was time to sleep, you jumped into bed and cuddled up with my legs and slept in between them. That's where you sleep ever since.


You made me a cat person, Emma. You are such a good cat. A very entertaining cat. A perfect companion. You knew when I need you on my lap and when I need you to stay beside me so I can have the laptop on my lap instead. We were so pleased with the experience that 7 months after we got you, we wanted another one and got your brother Buster.

Since we didn't know your exact birthday and the shelter told us that you were 2 years old when we adopted you, your dad and I agreed to make your adoption day your birthday. So today, March 30, 2011, my dear Emma you are 3 years old. You are going to get a LOT of treats today my darling.


I don't know how life was before I had a cat, honestly. Now I understand why cat owners seemed cookie/crazy to noncat owners :)

Oh joy!

I love watching her sleep.

I love watching her sleep., originally uploaded by M'roy.

My husband watches in fascination at the joy that's flowing from my soul as I watch Emma sleep. Neither he nor I knew that I would get so much happiness from having a pet/cat. He insisted on getting a cat because he said a home needs pets.

Emma gave me a fright last Friday night when she awoke from her slumber and coughed like clearing a furball. Instead vomit came out. While concern washed over our faces, she was an image of embarrassment. Luckily, it seemed like nothing at all.

At the end of this month Emma would be celebrating her first year of adoption. We are so lucky.

Welcome to Buster's Corner

My name is Buster. My mom is busy with work and her hands are full with church stuff. She's about to cry, so I volunteered to write a post to this blog.

Well what can I blog about?

I love to eat - just about everything. At dinner time, I lean on my dad's legs and stretch myself to see what they are eating. My parents find this funny. Oftentimes, this action results in a piece of meat. Oh I love human food. I just don't like it when they have Mexican food. This cat doesn't like meat with Mexican seasoning. Yuck. My big sister Emma also turns up her nose at any offerings of Mexican food.

I live in this household for almost 4 months now. Dad picked me out in the shelter. I was merely 5 months old then. Mom was with dad at that time, but she was busy ooohing and aahing at the cute little 2-week olds. Dad said the little kittens were way too young to be adopted by them. He said they would be too much to handle. So he picked me.

When they brought me home a few days later - I had to get all the necessary stuff like neutering and getting microchipped before I could go home with them - I was a bit spooked. They had this carrying container and I somehow managed to get Mom to let me loose inside the car. It was dark and I was spooked at the lights on the road. I have never seen a road before.

Mom was happy to bring me home. My grandma wasn't. The least happy in the household was my sister Emma. Dad was complaining that Emma was acting too spoiled and too baby-baby (his word) for her age. So they brought me in to complete their family. Emma wasn't pleased at all. It took Mom a lot of coaxing and long sessions of combing to get Emma to settle a bit.

(Me and my sister Emma playing on the bed while Dad is sleeping. Mom thought this was hilarious, while Dad woke up grumpy)

Later on we got along. Infront of the parents, we act indifferent and barely could tolerate each other. But when they go to work, we have the whole house and the whole bed to ourselves and we share harmoniously.

I overheard Mom ask Dad if I will be as comforting and as affectionate to her as my sister Emma. Dad said that maybe not since I am a boy and boys are not like that, unless you're in GLEE or something.

Anyway, I give Mom a bit of enjoyment. I sit next to her motionless - and believe me that is a hard task. I have tons of energy that needs to be used. Mom and Dad make me use up that energy with the laser light work out. Oh boy I go gaga (babagtit - their word) over this exercise/play activity.

I think I may have shared too much. I will be seeing you all later, when Mom cannot find time to post here, I will be doing it.

Tata - it's naptime.

2010 Survey

Here's my 2009 version.

In 2010:

Did you do something you would never do?

I adopted 2 cats – didn’t think I was ever a cat person until I adopted the first one.

Did you keep any New Year's Resolutions?

I never make any so nothing to keep.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

My niece Wynne had a cute son, Chris.

Did anyone close to you die?

No, thank heavens.

Did you visit any countries?

Yes – Mexico.

What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

A child of my own.

Will any date from 2010 stay etched in your memory forever?

March 12, 2010 – my surgery; March 30, 2010 – Emma’s adoption date and the date she came home with us; October 16, 2010 – Buster’s adoption date, October 20, 2010 – Buster came home with us. November 1, 2010 – the SF Giants won the World Series championship.

What was your biggest achievement of 2010?

I cannot think of anything.

What was your biggest failure?

Unable to lose weight and conceive.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Low iron level and Vitamin D deficiency – I need to get more sun .

What was the best thing you bought in 2010?

The trip to Cancun was a great deal and I enjoyed it.

Did your behaviour changed over the year?

I became more whiny 

Where did you spend most of your money?

Fixing the house, we got new front door.

Are you happier than this time last year?

I can’t say.

What song will remind you of 2009?

Nothing comes to mind.

What do you wish you would have done more of?

Diet and exercise.

What do you wish you would have done less of?

Being surly and grumpy.

What did/will you do for Christmas 2010?

Same thing every year, a day with family.

Did you fall in love in 2010?

Yes, I fell in love with watching baseball and the Giants again.

Did you get your heart broken in 2010?

Nope.

Favorite TV program of 2010?

Castle, No Ordinary Family, The Good Wife.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

No.

What was the best book you read and/or movie you saw?

I haven’t read a book this year – or haven’t finished reading them. Movies? The Boy In A Striped Pajama was memorable. So was Harry Potter.

What was your greatest discovery?

Northern California is teeming with small towns that are worth visiting. And I will this year.

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

A lady never divulge her age. Against any big to-do, I suggested we take a day off to drive around Sonoma Coast, stopping at sights every so often, then visiting Fort Ross and 2 more regional parks. It was a gloomy August day, but fruitful when it comes to blog-worthy images.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Having a baby.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2010?

I don't have a fashion concept.



FRIENDS:

Who was the best new person you met?

I never met anyone new face to face. But I met fascinating new bloggers on cyberspace.

Who did you wish you did not meet?

No one.

Who was your bestfriend?

My husband

Who was your enemy?

No one.

Who do you miss?

My girl friends from high school, college, dorm and CHS.

Who will you never forget?

The 2010 San Francisco Giants team.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

Count your blessings always. Because there’s always something to be thankful for.

What will you always remember about 2010?

My surgery, adopting cats, and the Giants winning the WS.

ASPIRATIONS FOR 2011:

What do you want to do in 2011 that you couldn't in 2010?

Get pregnant, be fit.

Any resolutions?

Want to do yoga and gym.

What is different about 2011 than 2010?

Many many things I hope – first off to change my attitude and behavior about how I take and tackle adversity and failure.

Anything you want to change about yourself for 2011?

Revamp my whole attitude towards life.

Do you want to make more friends in 2011?

Absolutely!

2010 - The Year of the Cats

When I look back to 2010 - I have only 3 words that would sum up my year:

1. Surgery
2. Emma
3. Buster

I will expound on those 3 items soon, but allow me to say this out first. I had no major expectations for 2010, because 2009 was THE YEAR for me. It was the dream year, the year when almost all my dreams became a realty and more, much more. After such a monster year, no matter how great 2010 would be, it would pale in comparison to my 2009. Hence I had no expectations whatsoever.

Still I was a little perplexed that the year would start with uncertainty and seem to be ending with another kind of uncertainty. But I sucked it up the entire year. I knew whatever life would bring I could handle it - I was still enjoying the afterglow of a marvelous 2009.

And so my 2010 began with a doctor's visit that ended with him saying: Surgery would be your best bet. Please, surgery here is not THE ONLY option. I had other options. I was never in danger at any point. My choice of surgery is like choosing to have an aching, pestering, nagging tooth be removed/extracted, other than taking in pain medications. So the surgery my CHOICE.

And yet it's monumental for me being my first time to have a surgery - let alone be confined in a hospital. I've lived all these years and thank heavens I've never stayed in a hospital overnight as a patient. Many times I did when my father was sick. He was sick the whole time I knew him, from my birth to the time he expired. Poor guy.

Anyway, what was unforgettable about that was it went by pfft - so quickly, so painless. I thank God for pulling me through that test.

EMMA came out of nowhere. Sure we were visiting animal shelters because we heard that with the down economy comes a spike in the numbers of pets in the shelters, but we weren't in the market for a cat.  We were hoping we could get a dog for husband who's aching to have a four-footed best friend. 

Emma was a sweet one. She meowed her way into my heart that first meeting. When she continued to extend her paw from inside her cage to touch me combined with her purring and mewing, I knew that she had to come home with me. We took the weekend to decide, just to be sure, although we knew the two days would change nothing. We still wanted her home.

And she came home in the middle of my recovery. I was still housebound and recuperating marvelously. But I thought having Emma around the house keeping me company and sharing my lazy days [who would have thought that cats loved doing nothing with their owners, not I?] made me heal faster. I couldn't think of life before her.

I named her after Emma Watson. On the second HP movie, Hermione turned into a cat, remember that scene? I thought Hermione there looked a lot like my cat, so we named her Emma. The cat did not look like a Hermione, but Emma fits her to a tee.

And BUSTER completes the year.

The San Francisco Giants had an amazing year, memorable, awesome year. They won the World Series trophy after 50+ years. That's a long time to wait for a championship. That's why the entire region was almost hysterical in their euphoria.

In the midst of their hunt for the trophy, the region was awashed with the team's colors of orange and black. Anything orange and black seem to be selling. The shelters - I thought all of them - were having a "sale" of only $9 adoption fee for orange cats.

So off we went to the shelter closest to our house, the same one where we got Emma a few months ago. This orange tiger was on the front and he wowed my husband. I wasn't paying attention to him because I was too enamored by the trio of 2-week old kitties in the back. Sooooo cute!

Before I knew it, my husband was signing the adoption papers. Unfortunately, this shelter was not having a "sale" and so we didn't get Buster for that price. It didn't matter. We love the cat.

Buster wasn't fixed when we adopted him, so we couldn't take him home right there and then. Instead, we picked him up four days later at another facility and he was a darling, although he was roaming all over the car when we were driving home.

We named him Buster for BUSTER POSEY, the SF Giants rookie phenom catcher. So we call our cat, Buster, the Posey cat.

I cannot imagine life without the cats now. Emma sleeps in between my legs, and only in that spot, and only when I go under the sheets. Lately I have been waking up with Emma in between my legs and Buster next to me with his toys. Buster is funny that way. He carries around his toy with him whenever he goes from upstairs to downstairs and even to the bed.

My co-worker has warned me that cats are indeed addictive, that I better watch out not to get any more. Else she'll see me on the ten o'clock news with all my cats being taken away by authorities. Funny. I fear that may be true. I am so in love with cats right now.

That's what I remember about 2010. It is the year I became a cat owner and a cat lover.

After Christmas Post

12 days had passed since my last post. You know why, right? You know why a lot of bloggers had not had a new post in a few days, me included. Well the preparations for the Holidays had gotten in the way of some blogging.

Well, what have I got to report during this 12-day absence from blogging? For one we have had a lot of rainy days - continuously raining for a week, stopped for a day then wet all day Christmas. What can I say but thank heavens it seems like no drought situation next summer. We will have enough water to get us through a dry California summer.

I have enjoyed shopping this year. Must be the fact that I started last year during the after-Christmas sales so I was already ahead by the time the season of shopping came around. Plus, there weren't as much shoppers as in the past so I really didn't have to wait in line to pay for my purchases. You know those long lines really zap the energy out of me - and the cheery spirit too.

Again, I hit the stores this year on the day after Christmas and was able to snag great deals at Sears for next year's holiday gift giving. I buy stuff that I like a lot so that when these items don't go to the intended receiver, I would enjoy the items myself, a bit selfish don't you think? But honestly, I think anyone would love what I already had boxed up in the garage for my loved ones' 2011 Christmas gifts.

Have I mentioned that it was my turn to host the family's Christmas lunch this year? A number of family members were absent but there was a big turnout so it the food wasn't wasted. To-go boxes for everyone too - hubs and I don't have to eat all the left-overs, yay!

Our lunches are always pot luck, but as the host house we had to fix more dishes to be served. My mother shouldered the lechon - wouldn't be a celebration unless there's a lechon, that's what she believed. But since she was paying, I let her get her way :)

We made pancit bihon, Laotian salad, pesto pasta, basmati rice with green peas, italian style sauteed brussel sprouts, spiral ham, beef curry, lasagna. We put out veggie platter with dip, and cheese and crackers. For desserts we made Crema de Catalunya - a custard like dessert, and ambrosia.

Our family brought roast beef, lengua, dinuguan, green salad with chili dressing (really good combination), baked trout, and a cakey dessert that I would have to show you later on.

All in all the lunch was fun. Two dogs were in attendance, I was expecting four. But the presence of the bigger dog, Max, my brother's little darling mutt had spooked my dear Buster that he and his big sister Emma stayed the entire day inside our room upstairs. At night when almost every one left, especially the dogs, we were able to coax them to come downstairs and say hi to the ones left behind playing cards.

There was sniffing - a lot of sniffing. They sniffed the entire downstairs living area and garage too. Then and only then they calmed down and joined us on the couch in the family room where we were rewatching 2012, the movie, not a very Christmassy movie.

Well, how's that for a report. I hoped you all had a safe and happy celebrations.