Another Reason Why I Said Yes

I know it sounds ridiculous, but the fact that my cats love H so much means a lot to me.  Norman and Pescar can be really annoying cats when they constantly beg for food or like to go to the bathroom, 1 inch outside of the litterbox.  But, just as H has changed my life for the better, he's also made my cats' lives better.

Early on in our dating life, Norman got really sick and needed insulin shots daily for his diabetes.  H took it upon himself to find better food for the cats and a vet that offered herbal remedies, in addition to traditional vet medicine.  Norman is feeling tons better nowadays and is even off his daily injections.

Since he was a kitten, Pescar has been an angry old man.  He is often moody but shows signs of compassion when he cuddles up next to me to take a nap.  Pescar has become especially attached to H and their relationship is pretty adorable.  Since H and I moved in together, almost 3 years ago, Pescar has become less agitated and more loving, sometimes.  How did this happen? 

In the morning, when H meditates, Pescar will jump down from the couch and join H on the meditation mat.  I know that I should respect their meditation time, but I can't help but take photos. 

It's all so sweet. 

H Returns

H finally returned home from his retreat on 12/29.  His first request was that we all go out for Italian food at kitschy chain restauant.  No one objected to an evening spent ingesting pounds of pasta, salad, and beer.  The only thing better than being over the flu and eating real food again, was having H back. 

I can only imagine how much of a shock it must be to leave a 10 day silent meditation and be flung into the loud but loving chaos of my family.  From the moment he walked through the door of my sister's house, the happy yelling and loud talking never stopped.  I'm sure he was ready to head back into the woods after a day of constant talking.

On NYE we spent the evening with my family.  My sister made us all dinner and then popped these bad boys into the oven.  I don't know what to say...tiny sausages wrapped in dough and H and I under one roof again.  Life is good.

Day 5-7: Pathetic Food Journal Entry

It's rock bottom today, readers.  I knew something was wrong the night before when I took one sip of a bloody Mary and started to feel nauseous.  The holiday stomach bug decided to visit me and for 24 hours, all I could eat were crackers. 

To battle the bug I took up residence on a air mattress and binge watched Parks and Rec episodes, all of which I have seen at least 20 times.  My family, who are amazing and wonderful people, took care of me while H was away.  So many crackers and hours of Leslie Knope kept me company on the road to health!  There was nothing culinary about Days 5-7.

Day 4: Pathetic Food Journal Entry for Christmas Day

It was a good move for H to be gone during the holidays because I had limited time at the apartment by myself before heading to MI to spend time with family for Christmas.  This meant that there were only a couple days where I had to fend for myself.  I was grateful to be able to lean on my family in the gustatory department because I was sick of frozen meals, cake with beer, and a growling stomach.  I woke up Christmas morning in MI ready for the traditional schedule of presents, brunch and drinking. 

In the picture below you get a glimpse of my meal.  In the lovely cup I had red wine and on the table, spread out before me, was the delicious Christmas afternoon meal.  I had an egg casserole, bagel with jam, and fresh fruit.  In all honesty, I got most of my "fruit" intake that day from the wine for I was celebrating not only Christmas with my family but the presence of real food. 

Day 3: Pathetic Food Journal Entry

Ok, I will come right out and say it.  Day 3 was a low-point for me.  This thin layer of pasta held a smudge of cheese and a dip of sauce.  Here's something else I will admit: It tasted alright to me.  After a long day at work I was too lazy to prepare anything else, so I indulged in this little ditty below.  Was it bland and boring? Yes.  But, was it quick and easy? You, betcha!

Please note the absence of fruit and the fact that this is the second day in a row where I ate a frozen meal for dinner.  The shame!

Day 2: Pathetic Food Journal Entry

There is nothing classy to say about Day 2.  In the morning I met a good friend for coffee and pastries at her house and then met another friend for coffee at the local coffee shop.  Lunch is where things got dicey.  As you can see, it only took me a day to resort to consuming "meals" from the frozen food aisle at Giant Eagle.  At least I paired the sharp cheddar macaroni and cheese with a slightly bruised banana.  Baby steps!

Day 1: Pathetic Food Journal Entry

Here you will see my first "Pathetic Food Journal Entry" for December 9.  It was a lovely assortment of cakes, strawberry vanilla and a chocolate fudge cake, accompanied by a Blue Moon beer.  I offset the dense flavors with a small bowl of leftover Dan Dan noodles that H made before he left.  It only gets worse from here, folks.  Please note the fruit in the background, I did not eat any of it.