On Thursday morning we had to put Grover to sleep because he was just too sick to go on. We’ll miss him so much. After 16 1/2 years, he was really more like a child to us than a pet.

He was a GREAT cat — a real tough guy. I know we did the right thing, but it still sucks. Shacky seems to understand what’s going on, I think. She’s quieter than usual. (Or that could be me just humanizing her — hard to tell.)

We coped by buying a Wii, snacking a lot, and drinking booze. I think we’ll be fine. Eventually.

Thanks to everyone who helped us take care of him and who appreciated all that he was.

…stop apologizing for my lack of blog entries.

Seriously. It’s off my guilt list. I’ll write when I feel like it and you’ll LIKE it!

A million changes in the past few months but nothing is different. Time is flying by, but standing still. Know what I mean?

Christmas - ***** (5 out of 10 stars)
Not too bad considering I hate Christmas in general. Family was good, kids were good, gift buying wasn’t frantic, etc. I’ve felt bad about hating the holidays for the past 5 years since my Dad and sister-in-law were sick, and I figured I would like it more as time healed my wounds. But it wasn’t happening. And then Steakman reminded me that I have ALWAYS hated Christmas–at least since he’s known me and that’s been 19 years now. What a relief! Things have returned to normal for me, but I forgot what normal was.

Family - ******** (8 out of 10 stars)
Fine, fine. Everyone’s fine. The kids are cute, the siblings are good, and mom is good. The only reason it’s not 10 out of 10 is because I really miss my family that doesn’t live here.

Health - ******* (7 out of 10 stars)
My migraines are horrendous. Weather, hormones, wine, cheese, chocolate, sleeping funny, weird smells, the heating system, etc. You name it, it gives me a headache. Getting a full checkup is on my list of stuff to do soon. (Don’t bug me about it.) I also plan on investing in a Neti pot. Seriously.

Work - ***** (5 out of 10 stars)
Work is actually going very good — I would even give it 8 stars if it weren’t for one person who sucks any sort of confidence and relaxation I get from my job right out of me. My job minus this person would equal satisfaction with my work life. I got a promotion and a raise, and some excellent props, so you think it would all be good. But it’s just not possible and in fact, it is so NOT possible that my rating is down by 2 stars just because of this one person. I never want to say more than that because who knows who reads this. And I’m sure it would come back to haunt me in my eternal struggle to work without being micromanaged. Dude, I’ve been working since I was 15 — I’m pretty sure I got it. Am I jealous of people with different management to deal with? You bet I am.

Home - ******** (8 out of 10 stars)
We need to clean out that back room and set up our fancy vintage kitchenette set. Also, Grover isn’t doing so hot. He had some blood tests that may indicate cancer. But, that vet was so negative, I can’t bear to go back to her. We’ll have to get another opinion. He dropped 6 pounds since summer, but he’s eating fine now because we’re not making him eat his prescription food. He’s chowing down like crazy on the other food. Hopefully he’s putting weight back on. I don’t want to talk about it too much. We’ve had him for 17 years now, and Shacky for 15.

Friends - ******* (7 out of 10 stars)
The majority of our friends are doing great and I love ‘em. I don’t see many of them nearly enough. Hence the 3 missing stars.

Future - ????
Don’t know - but there’s some good shows coming up on TV soon! WOOOOOO!

I’m thankful that I don’t have to be at work today.

And I’m thankful for pumpkin pie.

And for not being a shopping freak so I don’t have to go out the day after Thanksgiving.

And for everything else that’s in my life, good or bad. Because at least I have one!

Every year I try to stay upbeat while the days get shorter. I say to myself, “Cool! It’ll be night sooner and I love that crisp, clear air in the Fall.” And then I say, “Oooo, rain! I love rain!” (which I do).

But, every year, I start to panic about the way time is slipping away. It’s almost Thanksgiving already for crud’s sake! I haven’t even started my Christmas shopping!

It’s just not right that people freak out about buying presents for the holidays. It’s not right that you have to do mail-order in October if you want your presents to arrive to your out-of-town sister on time.

Bottom line - the winter holidays blow. There’s no two ways about it.

MAK

PS - But if you want to get me presents, I’m not going to stop you.

Sorry for the lack of links over the past 2 weeks - but I decided to give myself a break from everything and everyone.

In any case - HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO YOU ALL!! I hope you had a bootiful night!

MAK

In my boootiful balloon! Check it out - an entire “manor” made out of balloons! Hopefully we’re going to see it this weekend. WEEEEEE!

Visit Gothtober!

So little time so much to shop for. Visit haunted eBay for fun decorations for Halloween and visit Gothtober just because I said so!

Did someone say historically? How ironic! I have The History Channel’s “History of Halloween” for you. It’s chock full of fun, but accurate, facts about the holiday origins, historic haunts, and fast facts. There’s also some have great creepy video clips (beware the pre-mercials - but they’re only 15 sec long) and yummy treat recipes.

Speaking of YUMMY! visit Gothtober for a delicious-sounding recipe for Pumpkin Pizza. I kid you not - this sounds faboo! A crust topped with roasted pumpkin chunks and goat cheese, drizzled with creme fraiche, and topped with roasted pumpkin seeds. I’m going to have to try it with the pumpkin wine. I can’t get the recipe to print, but I’ll find a way!

Hooray! ABC Family Channel has just released the schedule for this year’s 13 Nights of Halloween, which runs from the 19th - 31st!

Here’s the lineup:

thursday, october 19
8/7c………………Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

friday, october 20
8/7c………………The Sixth Sense*

saturday, october 21
12/11c……………Tower of Terror
2/1c……………….Casper Meets Wendy
4/3c……………….The Little Vampire
6/5c……………….Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
8/7c……………….Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
10/9c……………..Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
Midnight/11c…….Urban Legend

sunday, october 22
12/11c–2/1c…….Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
2/1c……………….Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
4/3c……………….Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride
6/5c……………….Satan’s School for Girls
8/7c……………….The Initiation of Sarah Premiere

monday, october 23
8/7c……………….Locusts

tuesday, october 24
8/7c……………….The Initiation of Sarah

wednesday, october 25
8/7c……………….Satan’s School for Girls

thursday, october 26
8/7c……………….Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

friday, october 27
8/7c……………….Misery

saturday, october 28
12/11c……………The Initiation of Sarah
2/1c……………….Misery
4/3c……………….It
8/7c……………….The Sixth Sense*

sunday, october 29
12/11c……………Scariest Places: Fear Force
Noon–Midnight Scariest Places on Earth Marathon
8/7c……………….ALL-NEW Scariest Places on Earth
10/9c……………..NEW Scariest Places: Fear Force
11/12c……………Scariest Places: Fear Force

monday, october 30
8/7c………………Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

tuesday, october 31
8/7c………………The Sixth Sense*

*Viewer discretion is advised

Hopefully, the Scariest Places on Earth episodes will actually be scary. They USED to be horrifically frightening, but in the past few years they’ve gotten very very lame.

Visit Gothtober today for a cute short about being drunk. It’ll make you feel better about yourself. ;-)