Fairytale Kitten

You know the beginning to Disney's Beauty and the Beast? An old woman comes to the castle to beg for shelter, but the Prince, appalled by her horrible appearance, sends her away. She then reveals herself to be a beautiful enchantress in disguise.

Well, Lizard is that Prince (he's Chinese, so the accepted term is "Little Emperor"). I fell in love with Susu (real name Copernicus) the moment I saw him, but to Lizard, he was too dark.

At the shelter, he was called "crazy water bowl kitty". He was so upset after all his litter-mates got adopted, and he was lonely. Plus, this kitty does NOT like to be in a cage. He would climb his cage, tip over the water bowl, desperately trying to get out.

At first, we thought Susu was a black cat. And Lizard hates black cats because he thinks they're ugly. But I fell in love with Susu. Plus, no one else was going to adopt him because everyone thought he was crazy.

I got my Susu. And there were fights about it. But, like all the other times, it turns out I was right about the cat.

The shelter labeled him as a domestic medium hair. However, as Susu has grown, what once appeared to be petite-ness due to his unfortunate circumstances has revealed itself to be a mislabeling of breed. Susu is definitely of Siamese origin, and most likely an Oriental Longhair. He has that graceful, elegant, Siamese look, but his coat is not your average Siamese.

We though Susu was black, but he's actually a smoke colored cat, meaning his fur is black at the tips, and white at the base. As he's grown, he's lightened, and is turning more of a chocolate brown. But the best part is that he's also got stripes and spots, and as he lightens you can see them more and more.

He's a smart cat, and he already plays fetch better than my dog (which, despite the fact that she is a retriever, is not saying anything). It also means that he figures out a way to get into everything! However, a couple squirts stop him pretty nicely.

It just goes to show, just because a kitten is pretty when he's born, doesn't mean he'll be pretty when he grows up! I guess it pays to look inward, and take a chance on something...even if that something is a crazy water-bowl kitty.

I'm happy to be able to care for this little kitty. He is truly a remarkable little being.

Sunshine and smiles!

It's a heat wave around here! Well, as much of a heat wave as us Washingtonians get. Which, for someone used to being in LA, is not that hot at all...except that no one has AC, which means there's no where to hide from the heat.

It also means that I can break out my California clothes. I've hidden from them because of how I felt about my body, but I'm working on accepting myself at any weight. Also, the running has been doing wonders for my body, so I'm looking and feeling stronger.

Today I broke out one of my favorite dresses. I kept it in my bag until after my run, and when I put it on, I couldn't believe how short it was! OK, not California short, but since my return here, I've worn all my skirts to the knee. Wearing a shorter one with heels made me realize how much I love my legs!

In fact, I realized I love wearing short skirts! I don't know why, but it makes me feel powerful, free and awesome! I think I've just been hiding myself under my clothes. Actually WEARING clothes that make me look good makes me feel better about myself! Respecting myself more makes me want to take better care of myself, and helps me keep my eating under control.

Plus I just look good!

Why have one goal when you can have a million?

So lately I've picked up a goal or two here and there.

I'm officially signed up and in training to run a half-marathon on October 10th with my mom and aunt. Which means that I have about 14 weeks to go from my current weight of 187 and drop to my race weight of 160. A tall order, but I'm the kind of person who responds well to a well-defined goal. Any way you slice it though, it's not going to be easy.

I'm now a double major. Have I ever told you that my program (Chinese) is one of the hardest at my already hard college? Well, it is easily one of the most demanding majors out there. Plus I'm in honors 4th year. But I've been missing my one true love, Epistemology. Before the transfer, I was one class and a seminar away from the double major. Here, I'm about 4 away, due to a residency requirement. And I'm going for it. Lord have mercy on my senior year.

I'm looking to land an internship. Because I clearly don't have enough to do this year. Hahaha. I suppose I'm hoping that between training, studying, and working I wouldn't have time to sit on my butt eating, thus achieving my goal weight. Not really, I just love being busy.

KITTY UPDATE!
They are amazing! It's been a long ride. The first day we got the cats, we had a massive fight. The biggest we've ever had. I'm still reeling from it. To be honest, I would have just walked away right then and there except for the cats. At first, it was like having kids with someone you aren't with. Taking turns caring for the cats, avoiding contact. Leaving notes with updates.

But we've come to realize what the other one needs. He was upset because he thought all of the kitty care would fall to him. Since I pitch in and do most of it, he's completely cool with having them. Actually, he really likes it. I also help out with cleaning around the house, which I don't mind, since I'm here with the cats anyways, and it takes me very little time. In return, I get cats, who calm me down when I'm stressed; and a quiet place to study.

I also realize I really like being around him. Even when I'm cranky. I don't like NOT being here...it feels lonely at home. We've become much better at communicating and much better at appreciating each other.

Anyways, I'm in a good place. Hoping you all are too!!