plastic lovah

This crazy cat is addicted to plastic. Every time we replace the kitchen trash bag, he starts violently licking the exposed bag. He especially loves it when presents are around because he loves any type of bow or ribbon.

I was surprised to find this bow still in tact when I got home from work. But Shinji jumped on the table a few minutes after I walked in the door and started licking the bow and going crazy in his plastic loving heaven.

I was talking to Jon a little later and found out that he had smeared the bow with toothpaste to deter Shinji from licking the plastic. Apparently the smell must have worn off throughout the day because Shinji hates the smell of toothpaste and was loving the taste of this bow.

oops

I've got a really bad habit of buying books. It wouldn't be so bad if only I read every book that I bought, but sometimes I just have to read the next crop of books that I buy instead. My new year's resolution this year was to stop buying books and start using the library.

So, last week, I was at Barnes and Noble debating over whether or not I should take them up on their "buy three, get one free offer," when I had the brilliant idea to write down all of the books I wanted and get them from the library instead. I went home, logged onto my library's website, searched for the books I was interested in buying and placed them all on hold. Most of the books were already checked out or were interlibrary loans, so I thought I'd have a few months to get through all of the books.

Well, I got a notice on Tuesday that two of my books were on hold for me, so Jon and I stopped by the library after dinner to pick them up. I had a hard time locating the books on the shelf, but Jon finally found them. I picked up the two on hold and Jon says, "there's two more," and then, "and two more." So, I walked out of the library with six books, in addition to two other books I had picked up at another library earlier in the day. Needless to say, I've got a lot of reading to do in the next three weeks.

her own little apartment

Whenever we can't find Nuku Nuku in our little apartment, we always know to check under the table. She curls up and lays under the table any chance she can get.

settlers of catan

On Sunday, Jon and I finally had a chance to play the game, Settlers of Catan, which has been sitting in the game section of our hall closet for a few months. We bought it online a while ago after hearing such rave reviews, but never had a chance to play it because it needs 3-4 players. We had Luke over and set out to learn the rules of play and arrange the game board and pieces. It took us a bit of time to set everything up and catch on to the rules of play. Once we all got into the game and learned some of the bits of strategy, it made everything a lot more interesting. And I'm happy to say that I won the first game, which makes it even easier for me to like it.

cranbrook...again

Jon and I went back to Cranbrook to see the bog and oriental gardens in all their summer glory. Everything was so much more overgrown and green than before. It almost looked like a different place. We attempted to try a shortcut to getting to the gardens, but instead ended up parking even farther away than usual - so much for my "shortcut." But, seeing as we had a longer walk, we did get to see a lot of the boarding school buildings - incredibly beautiful!

little league all star...

I had the chance to see my cousin, Cal, play in his Little League All Star game a few weeks ago. It was a double thrill day for Cal as it was also his 8th birthday.

Cal playing first base.

My aunt Jenny and grandparents watching the game.

My uncle is a little league coach?!? Where have I been?

My mom and cousin (Cal's sister) Casey watching the game in the shade.

My grandparents during the seventh inning stretch...

Cal playing his favorite position: catcher

a long drink after the game

I think this was the second ever baseball game I've attended. Hanging out with the family and seeing Cal in my uncle Ralph in their element made for a fun evening!

a favorite photo

still my favorite photo of the two of us...one day, one day, we'll buy different glasses...