Iki got neutered

We took our kitten, Iki to get neutered yesterday and to have his vaccinations. He is just over 5 months old now. This is the little guy that my son found in the back yard, apparently removed from it's litter by it's mother no more than a day old.

We dropped him off in the morning and picked him up late in the afternoon. We were nervous and concerned about him the entire day. Actually, Nina and I feel like he is a son, we care about him so much. We nursed him since he was a day old and raised him, so there is a real bond here. I truly love this little bugger like a son. My own son thinks of him as a little brother. . .he is a part of the family.

When we picked him up he was sure out of it from the anesthesia. He was not his usual self, chasing the big girls ( our older cats) around and getting into mischief. Sure, it was peaceful and quiet, but not in a good way. We missed him getting his nose into everything that was going on. The ambush attacks from out of nowhere, the climbing up my back and sitting on my shoulder as I type at the computer, the stalking and pouncing upon our feet as we walk by. . .we missed the little guy even for just the afternoon that he was gone.

The vets office said he would most likely throw up after his first eating since the anesthesia and that he would not be himself for a few days after. Well, when it was time to feed him he ate well and held everything. He seems to be back to himself already and this is just one day after. He had always been strong and a survivor and he still is.

Our Iki is one great little cat and were proud to have in in the family.

A funny moment. . .

Something happened the other day that pops up in my head now and again always bringing a laugh.

I was doing my laundry one morning and after loading the machines decided to go across the street to this little luncheonette for a bite to eat. I think it's called "Georges's luncheonette or something. George is the owner and is, well, sort of hyper and nervous but very nice.

The small place was packed with all the tables seated, and it appeared they were also doing alot of delivery orders as well because George was taking orders most of the time on the forever ringing phone.

George hustled over to one of the workers, a young Mexican kid who was getting the neccessary items to put in the bags for the deliveries at the time. George began excitedly checking the contents of the bags to make sure there was nothing left out. Apparently one bag was missing a fork and knife. . .Without hesitation George yells over " Gimme da Fork and Knife"!

Now, George has a thick accent, perhaps Greek but I'm not certain. The fork and knife request sounded more like " fuk n knife". The kid was also getting nervous at the repeated instructions from nervous George and began fumbling around but unable to come up with the fork and knife quickly enough. In just a matter of seconds, George was yelling "Gimme da fuk n knife, fuk n knife, fuk n knife"!

Silence fell upon George's luncheonette as everyone looked up at George and his repeated demands for the "fuk n knife" As soon as everyone got what was actually happening and being said, the placed roared in laughter. George and the poor kid looked back at the tables and I don't think they understood what was so funny. . . .

After a short pause someone requested "Hey George, say fork and Knife again" and I think at this point George had understood what might have been so funny.

I had a smile on my face the rest of the time packing my laundry bag and heading home.

These are those little moments we all have at some time or another that really make life worthwhile, if for nothing else. . .

The Presidential Election 2008

Another election come and gone, but this was one that will define an era in history for our country.
I did not vote for Obama, however I can say that I am not disappointed that he won the election. I liked McCain better, but did not dislike Obama. After seeing the reaction last night on the streets especially amongst the black community, I feel that the very fact that a black man (half black, actually) has been elected may be what it takes to bring this country into a new era of unity and pride in itself and in the eyes of the world. As I was on the bus last night at about 10:00, there were a group of black passengers that were discussing Obamas win. It was apparent that they have never felt so connected with the political process as they did now, and the positive tones of their conversations and views were very encouraging to me. They were truly proud to be American. American flags were draped over cars, hanging down on balconies, being carried around through the streets by groups of teens and adults together. If he does well, he will be in for two terms. If he does not, he will be out after his four years. Whatever the case, the country has moved into a new era and one that seems to me to have much positive tone to it. I wish him well and will support him as my president for the next four years. I'm proud to be a part of the process and our great country.