Random thoughts and a new cat

I now share my apartment with Mr. Alexander Mignon Ladkahm the Great. He's 2 years old, and soo sweet. He goes by Mignon, which is French for cute. I will post a picture once I figure out how to get the flash on my digital camera turned on again.

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to interact with someone who's been more than a bit intimidating to me. I will not mention who, as anyone who knows this person would laugh at me. Anyway, I knew this was coming, and I was quite nervous. It's funny now, because in the short time I was around this person, I quickly saw why everyone I know speaks so highly of them. Am I still intimidated? A little, but not nearly as much so. :)

It's really nice having someone to come home to. Yes, he's a cat, but he actually likes me. He's currently asleep on the floor near my computer desk. He follows me everywhere and is sad when I have to leave. Awww. for those who don't know, here's his entire story:

I've wanted a cat for many years, but since first moving to NWA, I've never lived in a place that would realistically allow me to have one. Moving into my second apartment, my lease allowed pets, but a non-refundable deposit, plus an extra $50/mo was required. Not good. In moving to this apartment, the only stipulation is a $100 pet deposit, which may actually be refunded, depending on apartment condition. yay!

So, then it was a matter of saving for the pet deposit. I'd decided I would use my tax refund this year to get a cat. I figured I'd probably get back enough to pay for one, but that became unnecessary. One VERY wonderful person decided...or two? probably two...ok, thank you very much Mr. and Mrs. Merrifield!!! Anyway, I was very very surprised, but still wasn't sure how I'd actually pay for the cat, so I was still thinking tax refund. At that time, only a couple of weeks ago, I was also quite concerned about paying for my textbooks this semester. It was looking like at best they'd cost around $250 and at worst over $300. Well, two rather incredible somethings happened. First, as I've mentioned, was money for my books. Well, then I found 3 of my books for much cheaper than the used price...half or less, making my total for books around $125. That left just enough to get a cat.

So, this week I went to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter. Monday I found a sweet tan tabby named Tanner. I turned in my adoption application and went home to wait. Tuesday morning I received a phone call saying my adoption application was approved, they would give Tanner his shots and tests, and I could pick him up that afternoon. Excitedly, I bought stuff for him, leaving my phone in the car. I arrived at the animal shelter to learn that Tanner tested positive for Feline Leukemia, so I could not take him home. Sadly, I cried, but then went to find another cat. This time I found an orange tabby, also quite sweet, called Sam. I again said ok, and they began the same testing and vaccinations. Sam came back positive for Leukemia AND FIV. :(

Wednesday I received two phone calls from two different animal shelter workers about a third cat. Alex, as he was called, had knee surgery about 3 weeks prior for a luxating patella. Someone has applied to adopt him, but the adoption had fell through. Alex had already been tested and came back NEGATIVE, had been neutered, vaccinated, and was ready to go. I once again returned to the animal shelter Thursday to meet Alex. We went to their educational room and spent some time together. He explored the room a bit, then came up to me, jumped in my lap, and decided to go home. He looks a bit like Frankenkitty from his surgery, but the hair will grow back. He doesn't like riding in the car at all, and didn't even want to go outside with me this afternoon, but he's quite happy here, it seems. Anyone have a suggestion for a scratching post? I bought one with rope wrapped around it, but he won't use it. Also, he doesn't like having his paws messed with, but I need to trim his claws.

PTL

Wow, talk about answered prayer. My car is falling part, BUT today in orchestra, I was given money for textbooks. I'd been a little stressed because I knew I didn't have enough to pay for them, but someone gave me more than enough. I don't know who, whether one person or multiple. It was just an envelope with money in it and a note that said,
"For your books
From: Jesus"
Wow. What else can I say? I found one of my books online for $11, and another for $34 that would have been $78 if I'd bought it at the campus book store. I don't think I've ever felt so blessed.

Penance for the long silence

I really should post more. I did finish the cross stitch. Sadly, I did not get a good picture of it, so I can't post it here, but she did seem to like it. :)

Last Sunday, I quite fell apart. Acutally, it started that Saturday after reading an e-mail someone sent me. I've come to see my church orchestra as my family in NWA, but I was reminded by someone I care about that I'm not part of their family, and family will always come first. I accept that, but it came at a hard time to hear. The next day though, two other people in orchestra were a GREAT comfort. Two good hugs, and one who listened to me and then prayed over me. I'm very grateful God sent them.

I'm almost finished making rolled fondant roses for my final cake decorating course cake. It will be a two layer cake, the top 6" round by 4" thick, the bottom 10" round by 4" thick. It requires 38 roses, so I'm making 50 to be safe. I've finished 35 or so, but the rest I should finish in the next couple of days. Someone's taking a picture of it for me, as my digital isn't very good, as I've learned the hard way. They get the top half, then the bottom will go to my mom, "Evil" step-father, and their neighbors. After that, if anyone needs a cake made, I will be happy to make one for you at only the cost of supplies...at least until I get better at this.

Let's see...classes start next week, and I'm taking...guitar! Among other things, of course. I need a job. I have one, but I don't like it anymore. I've broken the 450 mark in cookie cutters thanks to KERRI!!!!! :) Still planning to par-tay at 500.

Please pray for a girl named Heather. She's early 20s, single, pregnant, and her parents want her to go in front of their church and repent. She's excited about the baby, of which I'm glad to hear, but plans to move in with her boyfriend. I wish I knew what to say to her, but that's the one subject with which I'm very uncomfortable.

Crazy Color Quiz

I took this color quiz a friend sent me the link for. Here's my results:

Your Existing Situation
Insecure. Seeks roots, stability, emotional security, and an environment providing greater ease and fewer problems, but is either unwilling or unable to exert the effort.

Your Stress Sources
Wants to overcome a feeling of emptiness and of separation from others. Believes that life still has far more to offer and that she may miss her share of experiences if she fails to make the best use of every opportunity. She therefore pursues her objectives with a fierce intensity and commits herself deeply and readily. Feels herself to be completely competent in any field in which she engages, and can sometimes be considered by others to be interfering or meddlesome.

Your Restrained Characteristics
Becomes distressed when her needs or desires are misunderstood and feels that she has no one to turn to or rely on. Egocentric and therefore quick to take offense.

Your Desired Objective
Needs a peaceful environment. Wants release from stress, and freedom from conflicts or disagreement. Takes pains to control the situation and its problems by proceeding cautiously. Has sensitivity of feeling and a fine eye for detail.

Your Actual Problem
Needs to achieve a stable and peaceful condition, enabling her to free herself of the worry that she may be prevented from achieving all the things she wants.

Your Actual Problem #2
Does not wish to be involved in differences of opinion, contention or argument, preferring to be left in peace.