Code Pink: Kitten Cult

Did you know that giving presents for Christmas really started because of an increase in advertisements and the inspiration of the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”? Before that, simple and small gifts were exchanged on the Winter Solstice holiday. Starting in the early 19th century, Americans started to really increase the amount they spent on presents. I read that Harriet Beecher Stowe had a character in a short story that complains about how even the idea of a Christmas present is a new idea. Weird, eh?

Americans have taken it to the next level the last few decades with Black Friday. I didn’t even know that’s what it was called until the last few years. I thought Black Friday referred to the day the stock market crashed in 1989 or the start of the Great Depression. Or maybe it’s the day of that really bad slaughter in Northern Ireland by British police. Instead, it’s the day that American consumers go crazy lining up at malls and stores, ready to break an arm or trample their fellow citizens for the latest toy, laptop, or deep discounts.

Of course, technology would take it to the next level. I read about a website that offers scans of Black Friday Ads, called cyber monday ads, for advertisements from years past and any ads in the pre-published stage for this year. You can download the file in pdf or html format. If you’re really zealous, you could try finding a pattern in the ads and plan accordingly. Maybe Circuit City or Joann’s always have certain items or types of items on sale starting that day after Thanksgiving. Well, put those on your list, and start saving now. Remember those “Christmas clubs” you could join at your bank? You would earn a special interest rate on the money you put aside, like a CD or money market account, except you wouldn’t be penalized for pulling your money out. That’s the whole point.

Even though I’m not big on giving presents on Xmas, I might just use the opportunity to spoil my pups. I could get new collars, new leashes, new blankets, and a new pet bed. I’d love to shop at one of the doggie bakeries I’ve been reading about too, for some tasty snacks. Speaking of which, I actually need to restock right now. I’m splitting treats in half over here! I guess a box of dog treats doesn’t go as far when you have four!

Sometimes when R starts thinking that he might not be cut out for law school, when even finishing his bachelor’s seems like a challenge, he thinks he might start his own business, become a producer/rapper, or start his own chihuahua breeding farm. The last one I wouldn’t mind so much. Our dog Assata has had 3 litters, with 7 puppies all together. The last litter was a bit weird and tragic, with only one puppy surviving. We had to keep her since we had basically paid over $1400 to save her and Assata’s lives. Really, Big Mama is a wonderful part of our family. If we could have a whole pack (as if 4 isn’t enough) and live on a farm or partly suburban area, I would be a happy woman. I don’t know if that would mean me being a stay at home mom, but I hope it does. In addition to a business loan and an ingenious, innovative idea, you need a business plan, knowledge of finance, and a lot of time to commit to your endeavor.

That’s all I really want or ask of R, whether it’s law school or a record shop. Be passionate, put forth everything you got, work hard. We’re nearing the end now, at least with his bachelor’s. It’s the final inning. It’s the 10-yard stretch. On the other hand, when he makes it to law school, that will be like another game, set of goals, and craziness. Let’s just get there already.

With a close friend visiting this weekend, it was the perfect time for a trip to Ikea. A couple of weeks ago, I received the glorious 2009 catalog, grabbed a sharpie, and started making a wishlist. With my blog money, I thought I’d treat myself to a few things.

Cute froggy wall pockets for Baba’s stuff.

Toys for Baba, including this adorable fairy tale frog, a lion, and a fish mobile.

Also, H and I both bought cute bathroom scales for $5. Of course, the scale is telling me I shouldn’t splurge on Nilla Cakesters anymore.

Over at Hartmann’s, they sell a variety of luggage. especially for those who love all types of leather luggage and leather in general. From wheeled luggage, totes, garment bags, wallets, and gifts, they offer a wide variety of products. I guess if you’re going to pay extra for that carry on luggage, you may as well go in style. Even the discount airlines are charging $25 for carry-on bags, so don’t skimp on the packaging, especially since Hartmann is offering discounts! I love their “copy” too - “Old World Style” and references to the “Road Warrior.” I can tell they’re after that Type-A personality, the up-and-comers, and the old money types. Nouveau riche, too.

Leather these days come in all shapes and flavors these days - not just cowhide. Alligator shoes have been around for a while, but I’ve also noticed eel and snake skin. Then there’s fur, from skunks, rabbits, and leopards. What about lizard skin? What about domesticated cat fur? Yeah, not so popular in the U.S., but what about abroad? Andrew Zimmern is willing to eat bull testicles and worm omelets. Is he willing to wear a yak jacket or tote around a Komodo Dragon backpack?

I’m not promoting factory farms or raising animals for the sheer purpose of taking their hides. But isn’t it environmentally friendly, and basic surviving, to skin and wear what we eat?

This year I have the honor of having a co-teacher, in one of my special education inclusion classes. Unfortunately, Monday night, she had to put her pet cat to sleep, after taking her to the vet and discovering a multitude of problems. Her cat was 14 years old, but it’s always hard to lose a loved family member, even if it’s a pet. Gosh, I have 4 dogs and if anything happened to any of them, I don’t know what I would do. I would probably miss more than 1 day. I remember when Muddy got sick the day after we brought Ishmael home from the hospital. I was in tears.

So, I had the kids in that class make cards for my co-teacher. I had them get in groups to make the cards and we came up with suggestions of things to say.  I suggested they write say “I’m So Sorry” or “I hope you feel better” or “We missed you.” Of course, some of them wrote “Get Well Soon,” even though I told them she wasn’t sick. In that case, it’s really the gesture that counts. I am glad that she got to spend the final moments with her friend. When I saw her this morning, she said that was a privilege, even though the decision was hard. I just wish my dogs could live forever and ever.

Here’s a kitten post that you knew was coming: Scary Cats!

Wait, how did that get in there? I guess that’s the crazy kitten dance!

Here’s my new fern tattoo! Yes, it hurt. A lot. It actually still hurts.

Well, maybe. I don’t want to be one of those chicken-eating vegetarians. I hope I got it out of my system. I mean, after tonight’s dinner. I basically went to Publix and bought a cornucopia of fried and saucy goodies. But I don’t want to eat it all the time. And god forbid if my friends found out!! It’s like being an addict and you’re hiding it from everyone you know. I think I’ve had enough for now, though.

Okay, the galbi wasn’t the last meat I’ve tried. Dang it! Last weekend, I was kinda depressed and just had to get this meat craving out of my system. I ate four little breaded wings. It was okay, not that it helped my depression.  You’d think I’d be scared of the bones, but I wasn’t. I was more worried about resulting stomach aches, and I admit the grease did make me feel nauseous. Geeze my cholesterol must be up!  And my craving hasn’t dissipated.

Now, I specifically want to try some saucy, sweet bbq wings. Not from just anywhere but from a nice restaurant. Any suggestions? In the meantime, I did end up giving into trying some nuggets from Chik-fil-A, which I used to love when I was a meat-eater.  I couldn’t get past the first couple, though. Too chicken-y. The breading is the part I crave, and even when I did like chicken, I liked dark meat. Not impressed.

I know I’ll always be a vegetarian (not one of those chicken eating vegetarians either) because I thought, if these were breaded, fried chunks of tofu, I’d be in heaven. See - vegetarian!

Maybe this weekend, I’ll end the chicken craving once and for all.

Have you seen the uber-cute mascots of the Beijing Olympics? Thanks to The Hourglass for the flickr pic.

Much better than our Atlanta mascot. Remember Izzy?