cats

He's never been too fond of cats and I've always been overly fond of cats.  So instantly this was a disagreement in our marriage.  We've talked about it randomly over the last year and have had some petty "cats vs. dogs" spats. 

 I remember last summer when I saw a picture of a beautiful cat in a magazine while Ben and I were driving somewhere. We talked about it then... and he again expressed his dislike for cats.  And then I actually started to tear up!  I realized that I might never own a cat in my entire life.  It was so suddenly so sad!  I grew up with cats and have only positive memories with cats.  Owning a pet has never been an option until this summer when we'll move and start being "real people." 

So when Ben promised that I could get a cat this summer-- I was very excited!  And I was thankful for him.  But I also think his "I hate cats" attitude is a total scheme and he really doesn't mind them.  He might even like them! We'll have to wait and see... :)

What should our cat's name be?  I like "Nemo"-- what do you think??

Instantly- cats and I worked well together.

Dinky was our longest cat who literally grew up with me and went to cat Heaven whenever I went to college.

See Ben, look how playful??!!

Jace-er-Ace

 Happy golden birthday to my favorite little brother!!!

 Thanks for letting me dress you up and boss you around as a kid!  I remember that you didn't always make a good student when we played school.  :)

You've turned a fine young man!

(I'll bring you back something from China!)

Happy Mother's Day to our mommas!!

Thanks for raising us, of course, and for all you are to us today!  

Sorry we have to leave and go to China on your day...

Mocha Frappuccino shout-out

www.frappuccino.com

It's back-- it's true!!

Yes, I will be visiting Starbucks between the hours of 3:00 to 5:00 for my half priced mocha frappuccino the whole 2 days I am in the country to enjoy it!  Well, maybe three days if the Detroit airport Starbucks is a "participating store."

Would "participating stores" include China Starbucks??

hmm....

Happy Birthday big sis!

Happy birthday to my oldest sister!!

Thanks for "pulling me around" as kids!

 Jamie, I'm excited to be in the same vicinity as you very soon!!

Trashy shoes

Can I have permission to throw these away??

I'm throwing these away (along with a few others the already met the trashcan).  I'm just posting this picture so I can publicly (virtually??) justify my recent shoe purchases :)

But really, these were bad.  The black pair on the right have been scuffed and touched up with a black Sharpie... more than a few times.

The bottoms of the shoes in the middle are not supposed to be worn as flat as the material. The toes on the  top ones shouldn't be ripped...

I tried to think of a way to re-purpose them- but the sequins weren't even worth saving.

I'm cheap with my shoes so I can buy more of them. Then I like them so much and wear them out really fast... and then I get to go shopping for more!   I suppose it's time to graduate from $8 flats to some real shoes... I suppose!

This picture is also evidence of packing!!  And therefore-- also purging!!  I really enjoy throwing things away.  A few people (maybe my past roommates, haha) know this about me.  Simplifying excess is great.

So yes, the packing has officially begun-- we hop on a plane in just about 5 days.  Whew, typing that number motivates me a little more!