The Wordmistress

Fake Out

Turns out that the turkey Bush was photographed with in Baghdad (if that really was Baghdad) was a fake turkey. It was simply a stunt turkey meant to make the soldiers' steam tables more festive. This just fuels my fire that his whole trip was a political publicity stunt, a transparent and dangerous attempt to capitalize on what he perceived as some momentum in public opinion. I am aghast that he would send troops to Iraq under false and fruitless pretenses, then gallavant out there for the holiday for a photo op.

Sad thing is that this type of dog and pony show usually works.

Unusual and Cruel

In an effort to keep the little one entertained, I took Mia to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. They were having a Rein-dog Parade as part of a holiday celebration and I thought, well, Mia loves dogs. She'll probably love this.

Yes, I had reservations. I do not think it is a nice thing to dress up your dog. We watched the Westminster Dog Show on TV yesterday and though it is not as funny as Best in Show, my heart was warmed by Mia's squeals of delight. (Squeals rock.) I guess that why my judgement was so cloudy when I decided this was a good idea.

Weathered the traffic out to Glencoe all right, but the parking took at $9 bite out of my already strapped funds. The parkingmaster read us a list of warnings before taking our money: you have to wait 15 minutes, there's an additional charge inside, then the reindog parade begins. Okay, yeah, I know, I said but I began to feel trepidation.

The event was very badly planned and we stayed out in the snow a long time and never really did get to see any semblance of a "parade." Mia was not amused. Worse yet was when I put her back in her carseat, she cried bloody hell and did not let up. Mia is not a crier so I worried. The only other time she ever did this was when my friend Jake looked at her, but that's another story. (Sorry, Jake!) I started back to Chicago with her whimpering, worried that something might be terribly wrong. About five miles into our highway drive, I put her hat on over mine and she cracked a little smile so I figured she'd make it till we got home but all in all the outing was a bust.

Verdict: Suburban events where people dress up dogs-- Bad Idea Jeans.

I Want to be the Baby

Keith commented in my previous post about Irving peeing. He said that perhaps Irving was connected to the Internet and read my Cat in the Hat post and was, well, peeved. He may not have been far from the truth. As documented above, Irving does like to hang out on top of the computer, his gangly legs often marring my ability to see the monitor. But does this feline care? No sirree Bob. He doesn't. He is a big baby. He wants attention, attention, attention. In fact, when he sees Mia walking he purposely tries to trip her. Luckily, Miss Mia thinks this is quite humorous and pulls out a chunk of Irving's hair to celebrate.

This girl, Nellie, is content to loll around all day with her eyes closed. But at 5 am she will howl until I open my bedroom door and give her pets.

I'd sleep with the door open, but then the kitties think it's super fun to knock things like the clock radio and the baby monitor off the bedside table. No winning.

Okay, here's a treat for everyone who's read so far. A link. Sorry to say, but I've done it to my cats. Let it be known, loud and clear. I AM NOT A CAT PERSON!! I am a person, who has cats.

Whew. I feel better. Now, here's a fun cat game.

Criminal Behavior

Phone call with a client (more of those lately!!) and what do I smell? Cat pee and lots of it. For no apparent reason, Irving decided to leave his calling card on my bed. His litter box is not full, his food dish is not empty, he's been getting plenty of TLC. True, Nellie was locked in Mia's room but a simple nudge would have sufficed. Uncalled for. I assure you that a full investigation will be launched.

Some of My Least Favorite Things

Did I ever mention how much I suck at Fantasy Football? I used to rock. But this year, no matter what I do, I can't buy a score. If I drop a player, he makes three touchdowns. And if I play him, he runs away from the ball like a little girl.

We're feeling better here, thank goodness. But now I'm pissed as hell at Comcast Cable. They did me wrong, oh yes, they did me wrong. Our cable went out on Friday and they lied to us many many times about when they'd be here and what was wrong. I waited all day yesterday for a technican to show up to fix the cable. (During the Jewish Passover seder, they call this invisible person Elijah.) Finally, this "supervisor" Yvette last night tells me that the customer assistants all day have been completely lying to me and that no technician was ever intending to come out at all. I totally blew my top. Don't mess with me Comcast. I'm not done with you money-grubbing idiots yet.

This girl's weblog is bitter and funny, actually more like one of my favorite things but included because of my current curmudgeon mindset. She sort of reminds me of me in high school. Link is courtesy of Evan Williams' Evhead.

Finally, Iraq. HELLO!!!!!! Why are politicians so fucking stupid? Can anyone explain it to me? My glasses need a new prescription and I could see this coming a zillion miles away. George Bush is a fool. Can 'em.

Futility Reigns

So the lovable(?) losers once again prove that their moniker is at least half right. Chicago is so deflated today. And I feel it. Maybe maybe we'll win tonight. But we shoulda won last night. Lots of people want to blame this guy. But I don't know. Sports is funny. It makes my Dad so hopping mad, creates joy in Mudville. My fantasy football team is in the ditch. I've played for about fifteen years and never had such a terrible season. 0-6. Terrible draft. But I spent last night teaching myself html, a skill I've claimed I've known for years. I'm updating my online portfolio. Hoping it will help me land the everloving JOBBBBBBBB!! And I've got a new freelance job coming in today so I'll be busy busy. Well, Mia is up and we're off to playgroup. Yeah play!