Monday 11/1, Stayed late at work to make up for Thursday. I wanted to do my video for a workout but Eric wanted to do the finances first. We sat down with all our stuff and he went over his first then me. We talked about where we’re going, together and separately. Felt better about everything, but also, still worry about everything as a whole. We didn’t do the video, no surprise. It was rainy and nasty outside which kept me inside. Leftovers for dinner, which there was an abundance of: pasta, soup and casserole. Watched our shows then I watched GG and to bed.
Sunday 10/31, I woke up around 9 and the sun was out, Eric had gotten up with the dogs and had started cooking. The house was filled with the smell of herbs and spices and roasting chicken in the oven. He was at the store when I got up so I had some cereal and he asked me what was wrong and I told him I was just tired, and that's all I felt like it was. I had plans to return some spider webs but found out you can't return that stuff that close to Halloween. I put on my workout wear and took a nice leisurely walk around the block with the dogs. Nyxie found a piece of gum, ish. I balanced my checkbook and figured out where my bonus was going to go and all of it will go to pumping my savings back up and paying off Castor's surgery. Eric and I talked about it for a few minutes. I decided it was time for lunch and had a nice big bowl of tater tot casserole. Ate too much, felt sick. Climbed into bed and looked at stuff online while Eric continued to cook and do stuff around the house. I closed my eyes for a little bit and felt better. Eric carved the pumpkin with all power tools. Cut the top off with a saw and made a polka dot design with the drill. I painted my toenails then showered and after Mom called and we talked for a long time about how I've been feeling and anxiety and relationships, and I don't know that I came to any conclusions, but talking is always good. Told Eric and we talked more about how I'm feeling. I got dressed and we watched the Seahawks game and Eric was upset all Seattle teams suck. Soup smelled really good and I tried it, delicious! C&S arrived and the house was aflutter! Eric and I decided to put one of the speakers outside the front window for the spooky sounds and Chrystol and Eric figured out how to hook C&S' mac to the tv so we could watch the streaming Sounders game on the big screen. They figured it out. I read through my Martha Stewart weddings mag and we did lots of talking and eating. After the game I showed them the Mr. T. Fashion Show and we had a good laugh. We had quite a few groups of trick or treaters, I think 12 or 13 in all. Much better than at the old house where I never got any. We put Elvira on and the laughing started. I haven't seen it in years and we were all really laughing and couldn't believe I used to watch it as a little kid. A little after 10 it was over and we all cleaned up a little and they took off. It started raining so we brought in the speaker and candles. I was feeling a lot better and think all the laughing helped. I was getting ready for bed when I realized it so I went out and told Eric. Climbed in bed, finished my voting and lights out. Eric must have come to bed later.
Saturday 10/30, Woke up around 8 I think and it was not very nice outside. I ate my breakfast and though I knew I shouldn't, I climbed back into bed. Eric had his rain gear on and went out to start on the yard. He was out there for hours weeding and getting all the edges cleaned up. I watched Modern Family and Office on my computer. I finally got up and felt really guilty for having stayed in bed for most of the morning. I started some laundry and worked on putting things away. I watched Eric a lot in the backyard and heard him singing along with whatever he had playing in his earbuds. I put on some music and started my chores. I was feeling really blah. Made the bed, got some laundry put away, cleaned the bathroom sinks and the shower. It wasn't a ton, but it was something. I hopped in the shower and Eric joined me after finishing up outside. We decided to get dressed and go to Super Supplements so I could get some toothpaste and soap. Eric suggested we go up to Crossroads and poke around. We went to the french bakery and each got a Halloween cookie then over to BB&B so I could return something for P. There was an Ecuadorian or Peruvian band playing and I talked Eric into sitting down and listening for a while. I really liked it because it was so happy. The last one was a Paul Simon tune (Sound of Silence). We looked through Silver Platters for a few minutes and saw the Moondoggies have a new album, which I refrained from buying. We headed home and put the Halloween decorations outside. I worked on the spider webs and Eric did the headstones, made graves and put the bones out. It was drizzling so we were both wet by the time we were done but it looked pretty good for last minute. I was freezing in the house so I turned on the heating blanket in bed, put on Mr. and Mrs. Smith and half watched it as I looked at things on the net. Eric started on dinner (tater tot casserole) and I watched tv in the bedroom since he had football on in the living room. We called C&S and said we'd go over there after dinner. I got all gussied up since I didn't know if we were going to go to Sam's party. We headed into Seattle and we talked about how I feel so ehhhhh all the time. We talked about our relationship and how I want to make out with other guys and he was very understanding and has experience in this area anyway. We sat in front of C&S' place continuing talking. It was good. Went in and hung out in the living room and talked. We looked at dogs for a little while and C showed me all the dogs she wants and I showed her the bearded collies. Most of them are in WY except there's one in Tacoma that really looks like he's lived a rough life up until now. We talked a lot of politics which isn't my cup of tea but everyone else was into it. We were there until midnight then went home. Eric wanted to watch Chuckie so I hid the tv with my computer screen. Went to bed by 1.
Friday 10/29, Stayed a little late at work and when I got home Eric was excited to get going. We went down to Goodwill but they were pretty cleaned out of decorations. We decided to have pho at the place in the same complex and it was good and made my nose red. I was very full. We went up to Crossroads to the party store and found everything we needed there. We got a couple tombstones, spider webs, spooky sounds cd and a bag of bones to scatter throughout the flower beds and by the "graves". It was pretty busy but fun. We went home and I couldn't decide if I wanted DQ and since I was still full I decided no and we went home. Watched some Dateline programs and got Eric sucked in. One about a girl who went missing in Reno and the hunt to find the guy, which they did. The next one was about a love triangle and the husband was killed. I think we went to bed afterward.
Thursday 10/28, Jess and I woke up and laid in bed and talked for a while then up and got ready. She has some things to figure out but I know she'll be ok. She needs to be by herself for a while. We said our goodbyes and took off. I stopped to get gas and tried to call RH Eric but his phone wasn't working so I went on facebook and he'd sent me a message saying to just come over. I called Eric and told him what I was doing and that I'd see him after. Traffic sucked starting at Alderwood. Made it there and C (his kid) was so cute, watching Elmo. She shook my hand and was just really cute. We decided to get breakfast since we hadn't eaten anything. He got her ready and dressed and she looked very cute and soon we were out the door. We went to the Pancake House and that was fine. He made a picture of the three of us which was hilarious and I took a picture of. We chatted and it sounds like things aren't great for them and he's still sleeping on the couch. It was after 11 so we headed back and said goodbye and I took off for home, calling Eric. At home he had some lunch ready for me but since I'd already eaten I just ate the apples and put the rest in the fridge. I took off not too much later after looking at all his progress on the electrical and getting the den put back together. After work I came home to Eric cooking and he made pasta with kielbasa and lots of veggies. It was good and I had seconds. Dad called and I called him back to wish him a happy birthday (day late). He was railing about elections and other voting issues and while I agreed on some things, I certainly didn't on all. We talked about finances and taking the next step and I know I need to. We chatted for over an hour and it was good. Eric came in and we started talking about what Dad had to say then Eric started going off about my voting choices and raising his voice and that was it, I was done. He left the room and slept on the couch which I thought was a little dramatic, but it turns out he wanted to give me space.
Wednesday 10/27, I asked P if I could take part of the next day off and at the end of the day she said it was fine. I called Jess to let her know. At home I showered and packed and ate some leftovers. She called to say she was done so I took off and made it up there by a little after 8. She was on her way and we talked on the phone until she got there. We went inside and it was so hot. We put our suits on and she filled me in on the happenings of the last couple months. We climbed into the hot tub and lots of talking continued. Bora, Wael, Billy and the odd myspace messages, Eric, Eric (RH), obsessing after a relationship, etc. We stayed in there forever, like 2 hours. Showered off and talked in the living room with Day for a long time. Jess fell asleep so we got ready for bed and pretty much crashed. It was midnight maybe.
Tuesday 10/26, Dreamt about Eric, wrote it out. He cut my bangs but too short. Jess texted me at work that she’s home for a couple days, told her I’d call her later. Eric called while I was on my lunch that he got a couple job interviews scheduled so that’s good. I stayed late and got great news from P regarding a bonus. Unfortunately one of our clients is in limbo. Got home after 6 and Eric had the den painted but the outlets and switches weren’t in, but that’s ok. He made his delicious salad while I snacked on the pasta from Sunday. We watched Cash Cab and I heated up manicotti. Called Mom and we talked about a catering job, Kass and dress shopping in SF, P and Eric’s job prospects. Called Jess but she was sleeping so Day and I talked and she wants me to come up Wednesday night and spend the night. I’ll have to check with P. Hopped in the shower and Eric talked to me while I was in there and we talked more about his job interview and he’s really excited, which is good. Hopped in bed to watch BL, Jess called and we chatted for a little bit, went to bed.
Monday 10/25, Went into work a little early and stayed a little late to get in some overtime. Called JH at lunch to figure out my homeowner’s insurance and raised the deductible. Eric had been out all day turning in applications and taking proficiency tests. The vet called and said Castor’s remains had arrived. I stopped on my way home and was fine until I was carrying him to the car and I was surprised by how heavy he was and that was all that was physically left of him. I started crying. I put him in the backseat since that’s where he always rode. At home Eric was making dinner and I showed him what I had picked up. He unwrapped the box and asked me where I wanted to put him, and I hesitantly answered that I didn’t know. He could sense my hesitation and suggested the living room. He thought the table above the toy basket was a good spot since that’s where Castor spent so much time and I just started bawling. I’m still so sad and Eric was being so sweet. I just cried on his shoulder for a few minutes and he got me some tissues. He told me it’s ok to still be sad and to not bottle it up. I tried to pep up and he went back to making manicottis for dinner and I wanted them NOW, but I had to wait an hour or so. Worth it! I talked to Mom and filled her in on the weekend and how I was feeling, especially about Castor. Paid some bills and balanced my checkbook then dinner was ready, yay! Very good. Watched GG in bed and fell asleep watched Seinfeld. Eric didn’t come in until later and I was asleep.
Sunday 10/24, Eric was up early but I slept in until almost 9. He went to the store and started getting everything ready for Schuyler and Chrystol to come over. I ate breakfast then asked him if he wanted to go to an estate sale in Kent (mid-century modern dresser I had my eye on) and he was up for it so we dressed and plugged the address into the GPS and set out. It didn’t take long and there weren’t many people when we got there. There were lots of yard goodies Eric was interested in but ultimately he didn’t go for any. The dresser had sold for hundreds over what it was marked at after the auction portion. Saw some cute little pieces of framed art and lots of beautiful oriental and Pakistani rugs but they were over my budget. We headed home and on the way into the house I was nagging Eric about the paint brushes and that sparked an argument and ended with me crying on the bed. I think I’m going to get my period. I didn’t know why I was crying, I felt bad, told him he didn’t need to be sorry, I just feel shitty. I’m still sad about Castor and still don’t feel completely out of my funk. He got me some tissues and water and left me to rest. I felt exhausted. I almost fell asleep (with little dogs cuddling) but eventually got up and went to see what he was up to. I finally got all my cds organized, FINALLY. Took forever. Threw away a bunch of old cds I never listen to and don’t intend to listen to. It wasn’t long before Schuyler and Chrystol arrived and we sat on the couch talking about estate sales. Lunch was ready and I ate a delicious turkey burger and some pasta salad. We watched the game, but mostly I thumbed through old mags and looked online. After the game I cleaned up the dishes and they took off. I put on James Bond and did some work. I went to bed not too long after.
Saturday 10/23, I was up at like 6:30 because the little dogs jumped up onto the bed to wake us up. Eric got up with them and I stayed in for a few more minutes. Got dressed, went to Costco for gas then to the post office and on the way home Albertsons where I picked up milk and a donut and kleenex. At home Eric had started painting the kitchen. Called Chrystol who wanted to know if I was going to hit any estate sales and told her I’d call her when I was done at the condo. I began on cd organizing again, after not touching it for months. I got through a few letters then took off with a stack of mags for the condo. The association was having the dryer vents cleaned and K couldn’t be there until 2 so I went over and waited. Flipped through magazines and Toby kept me company (her cat). They arrived by 1:10 and were done in minutes. I headed out and K called to say she was just getting off the exit. The sun was out and it was beautiful. At home I made a sandwich and watched like 10 minutes of tv. I felt sleepy so I took a nap and didn’t call C. Slept for a couple hours and saw that Eric was pretty much done. He painted the kitchen, replaced all the outlets and light switches with new white ones (the old ones were so dingy) and put in a new light. It looks so much better in there. We talked about kitchen remodel plans and we agree on some things but not all. We got ready to go to Michelle’s party and I showered and we took off. It was pouring. We found it fine and mostly sat and talked to her Dad downstairs and watched multiple sporting events. I snacked and had some dinner then cookies from Hofmann’s bakery (!). Reminded me of Grandma Lou. We were there until after 10 then headed home. I got distracted watching something and missed most of SNL, but turned it on around midnight. I didn’t last long and fell asleep not long after.
Friday 10/22, A week since Castor died. It made me sad and I kept reliving it in my head all night thinking about what was happening a week ago at that exact moment. Called and got some new checks ordered. Susan stopped by to drop off my deodorant and we chatted for a few minutes and she took off. I cozy-d up on the couch and Eric took off to see Jackass and I finished Project Runway then watched GG. Eric came home and I was in bed; I think I went to bed not much later. I was tired and felt sad.
Thursday 10/21, Eric finished up at 1, we watched my house shows at lunch and he left. Home and feeling tired. We took a shower and got dressed to go to the store to make the lemon, artichoke, roasted pepper ravioli dish. I relaxed and checked email and called Mom. Eric brought in my dinner. I watched tv, talked to Sos and updated this. Watched Office and went to bed.
Wednesday 10/20, Stayed at work until 5:45, Eric until 6. I beat him home and got the dogs settled and cleaned up the kitchen. Eric painted the medicine cabinet and I sat down to relax. Had leftovers for dinner, watched Modern Family, talked to Mom and Kass. Went to bed after 10.
Tuesday 10/19, Eric dropped me off at work in my car so he could detail it. He picked me up and P asked him if he wanted to paint the new bathroom and he agreed and would be there the next day. The car looked great, washed, inside completely detailed and windshield rain-x-d. At home Eric got started on dinner and I was chowing on guac and decided to call C&S to see if they wanted to come over and they did, yay! I got out the vacuum and went through the house, threw more of Castor’s stuff in the washer to put away and tidied the house. When they arrived C said how good it looked. We stood in the kitchen and talked and ate. The enchiladas were done and we sat around the coffee table and watched Office and ate. When BL came on the boys went in the rec room and we stayed and watched. I showed her the new print in the office and she liked the placement. We had some treats and they stayed until 11. Got ready for bed and watched a little tv.
Monday 10/18, Eric woke up with the little dogs and fed them and let me sleep in a little. I got up, dressed then we went to Lil’ Jon’s for breakfast, which I ate almost all of. It was very good. Back home I got my coat and we took the dogs out. Down to O’Reilly’s and Eric fixed my headlight (twist). We headed into Seattle and up to Cap Hill. Stopped by Volunteer Park Café but closed, up to the park, walked up the tower where I started crying looking out the window. It was a gorgeous day and anything sets it off. The sun was pouring in and the view was so beautiful. A perfect day if he was here. Kass called and left a message, finally heard about Castor. We continued walking and back to the car. Stopped on 15th for some water then down toward Ballard. We called C to see if she wanted some ice cream and she did so we killed some time by driving around and going to Goodwill to check out furniture. Nothing good. Went to their house. Sat and talked for a while until S came home from work and continued talking. Eric vented about some things. Eventually we headed up to Molly Moon’s for ice cream and I got the salted caramel in a cone and Eric treated. We sat forever talking and laughing and it felt really nice. Soon we were headed back to their house where we hung for a few more hours talking. Mom called to say they’d landed. C asked if she should start dinner but we really needed to get home so we took off for home. Stopped at QFC on the way and picked up items for the week and supplies so Eric could make gnocchi. He started dinner when we got home and I fed the dogs. He made it with pesto, apple and gouda turkey sausage and mozzarella and it was very good. I ate a donut for dessert. Watched some tv, updated some manuals and prepared for work the next day. May have gone to bed early.
Sunday 10/17, Woke up to a chilly, foggy morning. Took the little dogs around the block then fed them. Mom called from Asia I told her about it and cried and she put Dad on and he told me to get out of the house and to remember the good times. They were leaving that day and wouldn’t be home until Monday at 5. Lounged around and called Susan around 10ish then hopped in the shower. P texted that she heard about Castor and to take Monday off. I started crying as I got in the shower but pulled it together. Eric called so we talked while I was in the shower then Mom and we talked too. Eric had just left to come home. He was going to leave the dogs since he still hadn’t heard from K&S but I talked him into calling Alissa. Got ready and went to Susan’s. Haven’t been there forever, it looked good and much more open. Said hi to D and soon we were on our way to Franz where I got a bunch of bread and some donuts. Next we went to the Goodwill Outlet, but I didn’t buy anything, then over to Moe’s and looked at furniture. Didn’t buy anything but couldn’t believe how cheap everything was. We went up to the GO after and I got some things but didn’t go crazy. We went back to hers and I took off after we said goodbye. At home I put everything away and called Eric for an update. I started cleaning, hung the new picture, loaded up the yard waste then felt tired and laid down. Talked with Sos and Mom (in Asia, they were about to take off). I tried to go to sleep but couldn’t. Mom invited me to dinner so I went over there with the little dogs at 6. We had pasta and watched a show about the eugenics of dog breeding. It was interesting. I headed home after that and waited for Eric. Watched tv, and got updates from him. He arrived home at 10:30 and we hugged for a long time and he held Brizo and couldn’t believe how small they were. We laid in bed and talked and I was tired. We cuddled a little but Eric wasn’t tired so I went to sleep (in like 4 seconds) and he watched tv in the den.
Saturday 10/16, Awake at 7:30, listened for the sound of Castor’s collar jangle as he stirs in the morning but no jangle. I remembered and felt instantly like shit. I took the little dogs out and climbed back into bed to go back to sleep. Started crying and realized I wouldn’t be able to so I called Eric and we talked for over an hour and a half as I told him everything that happened and we cried together. He didn’t even get to say goodbye to him. I can’t believe this. I’m so sad. 24 hours ago he was fine. He got bad so fast there’s nothing I could have even done even if I’d known he was hemorrhaging. I feel so bad. I keep telling him I’m sorry and miss him and love him. The morning was beautiful and Eric said he knows I don’t believe in this kind of stuff but he thinks it’s a sign that Castor’s ok and he’s made it. It’s such a beautiful morning; just the kind that is perfect for a run at the park. This fucking sucks. I’m so sad. After I got off the phone with him I tried to sleep and laid in the sun on my bed with the little dogs. Court called and I started crying all over again. I told her and she told me about Abby Lynne and her health scare a few weeks back. It sounds like she’s doing ok but maybe a little overwhelmed. Eric kept beeping in and when I hung up with her I called him back and talked with him again for a while and it sounds like he’s coming home in the next couple days. He’s done I think. I want him here but he has to make that choice himself. When we hung up I took Nyxie out and called Mom and we cried on the phone some more and I filled her in on everything. We talked for a long time. I laid down again just wanting to fall asleep but again knew I wouldn’t so I called Chrystol and we talked for a bit and she said she would come over so we could check out an estate sale. I hopped in the shower and got dressed, otherwise I totally would have stayed in my robe all day. Updated this with everything that happened Friday as well as up to this point on Saturday. We took off right away for Somerset / Newport Hills for the estate sales when C arrived. The first one had lots of interesting things from the 40s and 50s like jukeboxes and pinball machines but it was super picked over and I’m not in the market for any of those items. I was having a hard time seeing because I’d been crying all day. Apparently your eyes produce mucus or something. My vision was blurred. We took off for the next one and had better luck, I bought a large framed Matisse print (like 4.5’ tall) and C bought several books and almost an alligator bank. I loved the large wool Peruvian piece of artwork, but $375 was too much. She picked up a book and was going to make a joke but then said never mind and put the book down and I told her it was ok and what her joke was. The book was “What to say to someone who is dying” or something like that and prefaced that it was in bad taste. I picked up a book that was titled “Sincere Condolences” or something and we both laughed. We drove back and we took the dogs out and she laughed at how Nyx poops. We looked at where to hang the Matisse print and it goes perfect in the office especially since I have the Matisse chair Missy made me at the desk. All ties together! She took off quickly and I took out my contacts and laid down to watch Bridget Jones’s Diary and wanted to fall asleep (completely exhausted) but Mom showed up just as I was dozing off. She wanted to take me to dinner so I turned the movie off and we went to get Thai. We had a nice long dinner and lots of talking about Eric and Kassie and Castor just a little. It was good. Back home and she dropped me off. I finished my movie, watched Cops and tried to stay up until 10 but fell asleep. Talked to Eric on and off all day and he was just waiting for Kass and Sky to get home to leave to come home. They were still not back and were supposed to be back the night before.
Friday 10/15, RIP Castor. We had our morning walk like usual and nothing out of the ordinary. If you had told me he was going to die today I wouldn’t have believed you. He was eating, drinking, walking, running, licking, everything fine. I came home and took the dogs out and Castor walked past me to go into the house. I said “Come here baby” and he turned around for a pet. His snaggle tooth was out and he was doing his huff and puff as we looked into the yard together and our faces were inches from each other. We went inside, I called Chrystol to discuss plans for the evening and since they were going to come over I decided to take the dogs for a walk. It was about 5:45. I went to the front closet to get everything out for the dogs and Castor didn’t come running like usual. I called him and asked him if he wanted to go on a walk; with a little coaxing he came over and I put on his leash. He wasn’t as enthusiastic as usual and was pretty slow but we made it around and I took a picture of Cherry’s house to send to Eric. At home Castor immediately laid down in the living room on the carpet so I fed the little dogs. I knew he must not be feeling good and didn’t bother making his dinner. I laid down on the floor with him and pet his head and asked him what was wrong. He had this weird saliva and he was barely responding to me so I called Eric. It was 6:20. He said not to freak out and wait until the next day; he was probably just not feeling good and needed to rest. After we hung up I went to get a pizza for dinner and dropped off some dry cleaning. When I got home he was standing in the hallway but his head was down and he was barely wagging his tail. No toy to show me and didn’t run up to me. I coaxed him onto the couch and got him to drink some water. I watched tv and he moved onto the floor. After a few minutes he threw up the water. I cleaned it up and tried to get him onto his blanket so he’d be more comfortable. He laid there until Schuyler and Chrystol arrived which was about 7:50. I told them he hadn’t moved and wasn’t really responding to me and we all sat on the floor with him and they thought I should call the emergency room so I did and they told me to bring him right in. By this point when I said his name his eyes didn’t even move. Absolutely no response. We moved him onto his blanket and carried him out to the car like a stretcher. He was completely limp. I asked them, is he going to die tonight? Oh my god, is he going to die? Feeling frantic but tried to stay calm. We drove to the vet with Schuyler following and Castor was still breathing. They took him straight into the back and came in and out to ask us questions. The doctor came in and told me he was blind and that something was happening in his brain; most likely a hemorrhage. I was like “He’s blind?! What do you mean he’s blind?” She gave me all sorts of useless options like moving him to SVS and waiting until Monday to see a neurologist, but then she was called out suddenly. The doctor came right back in and said he was about to go. I rushed into the back room and he was just laying there on the table. I was bawling by this point and put my head on his neck and just cried. I told him how sorry I was and how much I love him he just laid there. I said if he was in any pain I wanted him to be put down so they got the euthanasia ready and I tried to call Eric but no answer. I moved to the other side of him while they administered it and just cried with my head on his and just kept telling him I loved him as his breathing slowed and he died. I called Eric right as he died and sobbed to him that he was gone. It happened so fast. They gave me his blanket and collar and took him away. He’ll be cremated. I paid ($518, fuck) and we went outside. Schuyler gave me a big hug. We went home. It was 8:45. We got to the vet at 8:05. What the fuck just happened? Came home and there was poop on the floor from where he’d been laying. He was basically almost dead as he laid on the floor. I cleaned it up and S&C told me they’d get dinner going and to just go in my room and cry if I needed to and make any phone calls that I needed to make. I called Mom and sobbed that Castor just died and she couldn’t believe it and asked me what happened. I told her and we cried on the phone together. I got off and checked on C&S. Eric called and I told him a little more and put him on speakerphone so we could all talk to him. I told him I’d call him after they left. We stood in the kitchen and talked for a long time and I busied myself by putting some of his things out of my sight because they’re everywhere: toys, blankets, empty food bowl, his bed at the foot of mine. I started crying every time I’d see one. We finally sat down and ate in the living room and watched Dateline and got Chrystol hooked. Eric called and said he was falling asleep and that he’d call me in the morning. The show ended at 11 and they took off not too long after. I immediately started crying. Sobbing. Wailing. I could barely get my fingers into my eyes to get my contacts out. I just bawled. I climbed into bed and tried calling Mom but I’m guessing her phone can’t receive calls in Vietnam. I sent Dad an email and Mom texted from reading that. I watched tv and tried to fall asleep but couldn’t. I couldn’t stop crying and thinking about him. I can’t believe it; he’s gone. Kristel called at 12:30 and said she was coming over but I told her it was ok and that I was already in bed and just wanted to fall asleep. Too bad I couldn’t. I don’t think I did until around 2.
Thursday 10/14, I left work early to go downtown to Virginia Mason to get my ganglion cyst drained. I was out of there by 4:30 but almost passed out just as she was finishing up. Embarrassing. I rushed home to let the dogs out and since my wrist was hurting more than before, as she had warned it might for a while, I decided against a walk. Plus it was raining and I didn’t want to be outside in that. Eric called around 6 and was really frustrated and said he might be coming home in a couple weeks and he wanted to know if I was ok with that and I was. I told him about my wrist and we said we’d talk later that evening. I relaxed and ate dinner then watched some shows and called him after Office. He had changed his mind and said he’d try to stick it out until Thanksgiving but I told him I thought it was a bad idea. He’s not sure and is going to see what happens. After we hung up I started going through old myspace messages and was dying laughing at all the hilarious ones between me, Susan, Kristel and Jessica. I started copying and pasting into comments on fb. Finally lights out by 11:30 but couldn’t fall asleep before midnight.
Wednesday 10/13, Took the dogs for a walk after work and fed them. Made macaroni for dinner, showered, watched Modern Family and talked to Eric after. Went to bed around midnight because I wasn’t really tired; knew I would be in the morning.
Tuesday 10/12, Big meeting at work, up early, but also off a little early as well. Went home and let the dogs out, sent a picture to Eric of the front yard, brought the yard waste to the backyard and picked up all the downed pears as well as the dog crap. Got the mower going and went over the whole thing twice on different settings. It was so long it was ridiculous. Talked to Cherry for a few minutes about her Halloween décor. Put everything away and cleaned up and headed back inside. It was 6, fed the dogs, made the bed, washed the windows on my car, unloaded the dishwasher and reloaded and finally made myself dinner (last of the leftovers). Watched Office then BL and Eric called right at 9. We talked for about 45 minutes. He’s got all sorts of frustrations and I told him to channel it into sexual energy. Hung up, got ready for bed, took the dogs out for one final hurrah and updated this.
Monday 10/11, Eric called a couple times during the day since he was in the car and texted some racy things about my buns and other things for when he gets back. Walked the dogs and brought in the trash cans, mowed the front and side lawn, fed the dogs, ate dinner (still trying to finish all that damn Chinese), watched Office, updated this and listened to music, showered, Eric called at 9 and we talked for an hour and a half. Updated this again and went to bed at 11.
Sunday 10/10, Up at 7:30, took the dogs for a walk, cleaned the bathrooms, took Nyx to the vet and they put her on meds for a bladder infection. I also had to renew her wellness plan so that the procedures would be covered. Didn’t want to renew for a couple weeks to save $$ but had to. I was going to see a movie but couldn’t justify the cost after Nyx’s visit. At home ate lunch, then went outside and filled up the yard waste with all the shit in the back; putting a dent in it but it’s not even close to being gone. Went inside and showered, got ready, went to Crate and Barrel to use my gift certificate but didn’t find anything that caught my eye so I headed home with a stop at the store for lettuce and bananas. At home I lay down and tried to nap but not sure if I did. I was really tired and Eric called so I talked to him for a little bit but I was out of it. Fed the dogs since it was after 5. Put on Shipping News and ate dinner in the bedroom. Talked to Eric again and filled him in. Did tons of laundry, washed pillows, sheets, pillow covers, shams and blankets. The pillows are very fluffy again. Watched EHM while doing laundry rotations then showered and into bed. Watched Seinfeld until I fell asleep.
Saturday 10/9, Went into work, back home, ate lunch, up to Crossroads for my lottery ticket, picked up some yogurt, made a deposit, got a donut, picked up some deodorant, back home to watch Project Runway and Office, took a nap, woe up, watched Holiday, fed the dogs, ate dinner, finished my movie, watched Cops, tried calling Eric, played on the computer, relaxed, picked up a bit, organized, around 11 I was back into bed to update this.
Friday 10/8, I took the dogs for a walk around the block and skipped mowing the lawn even though it was nice and forecasted to rain all weekend. Kristel said she’d be there around 6 or so. I was just finished feeding the dogs when she arrived. We sat and talked in the dining room then it was off to the store so she could get a drink (cherry seltzer or something). Back at the house we put on the first episode of Tudors Season 3. We called in Chinese and took off to pick it up 20 minutes later. We ordered broccoli beef, veggie chow mein with hand shaven noodles and the garlic green beans. The beans might have been my favorite. We finished our episode with several pauses. Good food, company and entertainment. It was almost 11 so she took off and I climbed into bed and watched a little Frasier before going to sleep.
Thursday 10/7, I talked to Chrystol on the way home and we decided to meet downtown at 7 for the Art Walk which would give me time to walk and feed the dogs and shower since I hadn’t in the last couple days. I rushed home and went around the block and it’s Brizo’s like new favorite thing. She loves it! I put on her pink coat and she runs around really excited. Showered and got ready and hit the road at 6:30 and made pretty good time. Talked to Eric as I was looking for parking and he was driving back from Napa and said it was really beautiful. I called C&S to tell them I was running late and couldn’t find parking and they were in the same boat so I didn’t feel so bad. I found parking, saw J*hnny Wow’s Cadillac and continued to talk to Eric. I wandered over to the art building and they were already upstairs so I hung up and headed up. Chrystol was taking pictures to document the evening and we headed into the first room. I told them about Eric’s day. We made our way through the rooms and I only saw a few things that impressed me, otherwise pretty ehhh. Dr. Wow’s made me laugh, with dogs with tits and a beaver with red pointy fingernails having sex with a car or something. He gave me some reading material and I told him I’d been in there many times before and he was like “I thought you looked familiar” which made me laugh. I told him I saw his car outside and he told me how he buys nice cars from widows. We continued through and the guy Chrystol likes has taken over most of the floor on that level. We headed out and I followed them back to their house for dinner and chatting. It was after 8 and dinner was ready fairly quickly: homemade mac and cheese and a salad. We talked in the kitchen and at the table, mostly about Eric and I gave Schuy his card. Chrystol made cookies for dessert and they were superb. When I finally looked at my watch it was after 11. Shit. I told them I had to go and Chrystol gave me some homemade crackers and a treatment for my wood utensils and cutting board. I’m going to get Eric’s favorite kitchen tools ready for him. I busted home and made it in like 20 minutes. I took the dogs out and got ready for bed. Watched the end of Frasier and went to sleep.
Wednesday 10/6, I had plans to hang with Michelle since T is traveling around Europe and she’s alone like me. At home I fed the dogs and took them for a walk around the block. I prepped dinner and tidied up with a little tv-watching peppered in there. I kept finding the mystery puddles again and finally caught Nyxie in the act and realized she must be having bladder issues again so I decided to watch for more indications and probably would be taking her to the vet over the weekend. I talked to Chrystol about the next night then Eric and he told me to say hi to Michelle. She arrived a little before 8 bearing gifts (bread) and I got started on dinner. Steamed broccoli and cauliflower and made the raviolis. Easy. We ate dinner in the living room and watched Modern Family and half watched Cougartown. She’s never seen the place in the daytime. We looked at the backyard when the dogs went out. We sat and talked on the couch for a long time then she showed me how to go online and see the history of your house, complete with purchase price, old pictures (mine has one from when there was still a tree in the courtyard and address numbers on the garage!) and tax appeals (mine is pending). I looked up all my neighbors and I’m shocked at what they paid for their houses. In the mid $500k. Ouch. I’ve got a bigger lot and in some cases more square footage. Thanks shitty economy! She left at 11 and I hopped into bed and started unwinding. I watched tv until midnight. Too late to be up.
Tuesday 10/5, I headed straight home and Susan was waiting for me. She hadn’t been to the house in a looong time. She hadn’t even seen the new front doors! We were there long enough for me to give the dogs a snack then we took off for Factoria. She filled me in on derby stuff. At the Rack we perused the unmentionables and laughed at the hideous leggings / jeggings. OE She is for sure gone which is sad. I was hungry and it sounded super good. Next up was Target. I picked up way too much candy but otherwise behaved myself. She filled me in on how she got her fireplace out: D. He’s baa-ack! (not Damon) I shared my concerns and she listened and seems to be happy and that’s all that really matters. We continued talking on our way out to the car then headed back to my house with a stop at the store so I could pick up veggies and also a pizza because I was not going to cook anything more complicated than that. Susan and I chatted in the kitchen and when the pizza was done we went and watched tv and continued talking. She stayed until 8ish? I talked to Eric and watched BL. Went to bed afterward.
Monday 10/4, Work went by quickly, thank goodness. I talked to Susan on the way home. I walked the dogs around the block and Brizo did ok again until she heard kids’ voices. I fed the dogs then went out and cut a ton of fresh flowers and put them in Grandma’s teapot and sent pictures to Eric and AL. I ate dinner and watched a little tv until Eric called. He had a better day and was feeling ok. Showered, finished laundry, heard two weird noises in the kitchen but couldn’t find anything out of place. Uploaded some pictures online then into bed and updated this.
Sunday 10/3, I was up at 6:45 unfortunately. I stayed in bed for a little bit then got up, fed Brizo and set out with all the dogs for a walk around the block and Brizo did fine (off leash) until we were almost home and two kids came out of their house across the street and she bolted. Luckily I caught up to her before she got too far. She hates kids. We made it home and I fed the other dogs then went out to mow the lawn. The mower was leaving clumps everywhere so I called Eric and thankfully he answered. It was 8:30 so I knew he would be up but the others were asleep. He told me to raise the deck, so I did and it was better. Finished the front, rinsed off the mower and headed to the back to pick up the pears. I filled the yard waste with shit from the backyard and went back inside to get ready to leave. I went to Costco and got there before they opened, got what I needed, went to the store for supplies then home. I ate some lunch and started laundry. Fell asleep watching some home shopping channel selling tvs. I slept for 2.5 hours and dreamed about being in HI and AL selling Tahitian pearls and other jewelry. She said Tahitians love my complexion. When I woke up the women on tv were selling pearls. I took the dogs out and Eric called and had just woken up too (wasn’t feeling good) and I told him about my nap and we talked a little more but not much because everyone was there. I cleaned three of the fridge shelves and continued with the laundry. I vacuumed and measured the windowsill in the last bedroom so Dale can cut my tile. Dad called after I took all the garbage and shit out to the curb. We talked for a while and told him about Eric, what’s going on with me, the new lawn furniture and about their trip to Asia on Wednesday. Eric called back again and we talked more because everyone was gone and I told him Dad asked how he was doing. I made an omelet for dinner and it went ok, it’s been at least a year since the last one. I went out to get a brace and AL called while I was on the way. We chatted for a long time and she sounds good, has a new bf which is good since it’s been like 9 years. She’s in Kona and back to Kauai tomorrow. She said we’ll be skiing this year and that we should plan a trip to HI. I told her about my dream and she said I was psychic because literally that afternoon she was helping her friend sell pearls from Bali and that she told a woman her complexion was perfect for them and that she’s never sold pearls in her life. Weird. I told her about everything here and we hung up. I watched EHM then showered, updated this thing and watched SNL online. More updating this thing (very behind), watched Seinfeld and off to bed.
Saturday 10/2, Got up early and took Castor to the park for a walk. At home I showered and got ready to hit some garage sales. I left around 9:30. First I went over to Clyde Hill but didn’t find anything except for some interesting houses for sale. Next over to Newport for a neighborhood sale where I hit 5 or 6 places and found some great mid century Eames style chairs but I couldn’t pull the trigger and didn’t want to pay $150 so I left. On the way home I stopped by an estate sale by the house, but almost didn’t, thank goodness I did. It was a huge house with crazy amounts of furniture and beautiful things. The one thing I found that I loved was an entire patio set; mid-century style, looked like it’d never been used and yellow, my favorite! I loved it but at noon everything would go 50% off so I called Mom and told her to meet at my house at noon to go over and to bring Dad’s car. Too bad we didn’t have the truck anymore. I went home, ate lunch and Eric sent me a text that he would have to call later, then when Mom showed up we took off, found good parking and headed down. They had moved everyone out of the house to do an auction style for anything priced over $100. My patio table and four chairs came up and we stuck our hands up, she said they found it in the basement and it had probably never been used, just like I thought. $60. We all had to line up and Mom and I were toward the end and they let us all back in and gave us the rules, no pushing, fighting, running, all that, and let us in. I went right out the back and grabbed all the tags off all the remaining pieces of furniture which included two more chairs, two footstools and two lounges chairs. I was so excited, they were mine and all for $70. Couldn’t believe it. Mom and I wandered around and she picked up some planter boxes, a lamp, a beautiful hand-forged iron fireplace set and four Limoges pieces. I grabbed a framed art print on the way out that I thought was cute / interesting and when I got it home I turned it over and it’s a Klee print from a private collection. Cute. We checked out and they brought all the furniture up and people were asking if it was for sale and I was like “Nope!” We had to wait to bring the car down, found out from one of the women that it is a foreclosure; the husband was 83, the wife 53 and apparently they couldn’t keep up. There was a $32k dining room table and chairs selling for $3k. Insanity! We loaded up and knew we’d have to make several trips. Luckily the house is like a half mile away. At home we got my car and went back and we managed to get three chairs and one of Mom’s planters in, along with another car full of stuff in her’s. Eric called while I was on my way home and I told him about my finds and told him I’d call him in a half hour or so since he was in town and would be able to talk uninhibited. We went back in her car for the last trip and we were out of there. We sat in the new furniture and thank god it was comfortable, I hadn’t even sat in any of it. We brought the little dogs out and they sat with us for a few minutes then Mom took off. I called Eric back and he filled me in on everything. I feel bad that he’s disappointed but hopefully he sticks it out and makes the best of it. I texted Chrystol to see if we were still on for 1st Thursday and she called back that they were and then I filled her in on some of Eric’s stuff and she said Schuyler would call him when they got home. When we got off I tried to nap and think I did for a little bit but got up, fed the dogs and made myself a grilled cheese and turkey sandwich for dinner. I couldn’t find the butter dish so I called Eric and he was at a bar with Kass and Leslie watching a game and I was like “Speaking of big jugs, say hi to Kassie” referring to jugs above the fridge. He verbally rolled his eyes when I told him what I was making for dinner. I watched Cops then got into bed and watched Sarah Marshall. I fell asleep by 11.
Sunday 10/31, I woke up around 9 and the sun was out, Eric had gotten up with the dogs and had started cooking. The house was filled with the smell of herbs and spices and roasting chicken in the oven. He was at the store when I got up so I had some cereal and he asked me what was wrong and I told him I was just tired, and that's all I felt like it was. I had plans to return some spider webs but found out you can't return that stuff that close to Halloween. I put on my workout wear and took a nice leisurely walk around the block with the dogs. Nyxie found a piece of gum, ish. I balanced my checkbook and figured out where my bonus was going to go and all of it will go to pumping my savings back up and paying off Castor's surgery. Eric and I talked about it for a few minutes. I decided it was time for lunch and had a nice big bowl of tater tot casserole. Ate too much, felt sick. Climbed into bed and looked at stuff online while Eric continued to cook and do stuff around the house. I closed my eyes for a little bit and felt better. Eric carved the pumpkin with all power tools. Cut the top off with a saw and made a polka dot design with the drill. I painted my toenails then showered and after Mom called and we talked for a long time about how I've been feeling and anxiety and relationships, and I don't know that I came to any conclusions, but talking is always good. Told Eric and we talked more about how I'm feeling. I got dressed and we watched the Seahawks game and Eric was upset all Seattle teams suck. Soup smelled really good and I tried it, delicious! C&S arrived and the house was aflutter! Eric and I decided to put one of the speakers outside the front window for the spooky sounds and Chrystol and Eric figured out how to hook C&S' mac to the tv so we could watch the streaming Sounders game on the big screen. They figured it out. I read through my Martha Stewart weddings mag and we did lots of talking and eating. After the game I showed them the Mr. T. Fashion Show and we had a good laugh. We had quite a few groups of trick or treaters, I think 12 or 13 in all. Much better than at the old house where I never got any. We put Elvira on and the laughing started. I haven't seen it in years and we were all really laughing and couldn't believe I used to watch it as a little kid. A little after 10 it was over and we all cleaned up a little and they took off. It started raining so we brought in the speaker and candles. I was feeling a lot better and think all the laughing helped. I was getting ready for bed when I realized it so I went out and told Eric. Climbed in bed, finished my voting and lights out. Eric must have come to bed later.
Saturday 10/30, Woke up around 8 I think and it was not very nice outside. I ate my breakfast and though I knew I shouldn't, I climbed back into bed. Eric had his rain gear on and went out to start on the yard. He was out there for hours weeding and getting all the edges cleaned up. I watched Modern Family and Office on my computer. I finally got up and felt really guilty for having stayed in bed for most of the morning. I started some laundry and worked on putting things away. I watched Eric a lot in the backyard and heard him singing along with whatever he had playing in his earbuds. I put on some music and started my chores. I was feeling really blah. Made the bed, got some laundry put away, cleaned the bathroom sinks and the shower. It wasn't a ton, but it was something. I hopped in the shower and Eric joined me after finishing up outside. We decided to get dressed and go to Super Supplements so I could get some toothpaste and soap. Eric suggested we go up to Crossroads and poke around. We went to the french bakery and each got a Halloween cookie then over to BB&B so I could return something for P. There was an Ecuadorian or Peruvian band playing and I talked Eric into sitting down and listening for a while. I really liked it because it was so happy. The last one was a Paul Simon tune (Sound of Silence). We looked through Silver Platters for a few minutes and saw the Moondoggies have a new album, which I refrained from buying. We headed home and put the Halloween decorations outside. I worked on the spider webs and Eric did the headstones, made graves and put the bones out. It was drizzling so we were both wet by the time we were done but it looked pretty good for last minute. I was freezing in the house so I turned on the heating blanket in bed, put on Mr. and Mrs. Smith and half watched it as I looked at things on the net. Eric started on dinner (tater tot casserole) and I watched tv in the bedroom since he had football on in the living room. We called C&S and said we'd go over there after dinner. I got all gussied up since I didn't know if we were going to go to Sam's party. We headed into Seattle and we talked about how I feel so ehhhhh all the time. We talked about our relationship and how I want to make out with other guys and he was very understanding and has experience in this area anyway. We sat in front of C&S' place continuing talking. It was good. Went in and hung out in the living room and talked. We looked at dogs for a little while and C showed me all the dogs she wants and I showed her the bearded collies. Most of them are in WY except there's one in Tacoma that really looks like he's lived a rough life up until now. We talked a lot of politics which isn't my cup of tea but everyone else was into it. We were there until midnight then went home. Eric wanted to watch Chuckie so I hid the tv with my computer screen. Went to bed by 1.
Friday 10/29, Stayed a little late at work and when I got home Eric was excited to get going. We went down to Goodwill but they were pretty cleaned out of decorations. We decided to have pho at the place in the same complex and it was good and made my nose red. I was very full. We went up to Crossroads to the party store and found everything we needed there. We got a couple tombstones, spider webs, spooky sounds cd and a bag of bones to scatter throughout the flower beds and by the "graves". It was pretty busy but fun. We went home and I couldn't decide if I wanted DQ and since I was still full I decided no and we went home. Watched some Dateline programs and got Eric sucked in. One about a girl who went missing in Reno and the hunt to find the guy, which they did. The next one was about a love triangle and the husband was killed. I think we went to bed afterward.
Thursday 10/28, Jess and I woke up and laid in bed and talked for a while then up and got ready. She has some things to figure out but I know she'll be ok. She needs to be by herself for a while. We said our goodbyes and took off. I stopped to get gas and tried to call RH Eric but his phone wasn't working so I went on facebook and he'd sent me a message saying to just come over. I called Eric and told him what I was doing and that I'd see him after. Traffic sucked starting at Alderwood. Made it there and C (his kid) was so cute, watching Elmo. She shook my hand and was just really cute. We decided to get breakfast since we hadn't eaten anything. He got her ready and dressed and she looked very cute and soon we were out the door. We went to the Pancake House and that was fine. He made a picture of the three of us which was hilarious and I took a picture of. We chatted and it sounds like things aren't great for them and he's still sleeping on the couch. It was after 11 so we headed back and said goodbye and I took off for home, calling Eric. At home he had some lunch ready for me but since I'd already eaten I just ate the apples and put the rest in the fridge. I took off not too much later after looking at all his progress on the electrical and getting the den put back together. After work I came home to Eric cooking and he made pasta with kielbasa and lots of veggies. It was good and I had seconds. Dad called and I called him back to wish him a happy birthday (day late). He was railing about elections and other voting issues and while I agreed on some things, I certainly didn't on all. We talked about finances and taking the next step and I know I need to. We chatted for over an hour and it was good. Eric came in and we started talking about what Dad had to say then Eric started going off about my voting choices and raising his voice and that was it, I was done. He left the room and slept on the couch which I thought was a little dramatic, but it turns out he wanted to give me space.
Wednesday 10/27, I asked P if I could take part of the next day off and at the end of the day she said it was fine. I called Jess to let her know. At home I showered and packed and ate some leftovers. She called to say she was done so I took off and made it up there by a little after 8. She was on her way and we talked on the phone until she got there. We went inside and it was so hot. We put our suits on and she filled me in on the happenings of the last couple months. We climbed into the hot tub and lots of talking continued. Bora, Wael, Billy and the odd myspace messages, Eric, Eric (RH), obsessing after a relationship, etc. We stayed in there forever, like 2 hours. Showered off and talked in the living room with Day for a long time. Jess fell asleep so we got ready for bed and pretty much crashed. It was midnight maybe.
Tuesday 10/26, Dreamt about Eric, wrote it out. He cut my bangs but too short. Jess texted me at work that she’s home for a couple days, told her I’d call her later. Eric called while I was on my lunch that he got a couple job interviews scheduled so that’s good. I stayed late and got great news from P regarding a bonus. Unfortunately one of our clients is in limbo. Got home after 6 and Eric had the den painted but the outlets and switches weren’t in, but that’s ok. He made his delicious salad while I snacked on the pasta from Sunday. We watched Cash Cab and I heated up manicotti. Called Mom and we talked about a catering job, Kass and dress shopping in SF, P and Eric’s job prospects. Called Jess but she was sleeping so Day and I talked and she wants me to come up Wednesday night and spend the night. I’ll have to check with P. Hopped in the shower and Eric talked to me while I was in there and we talked more about his job interview and he’s really excited, which is good. Hopped in bed to watch BL, Jess called and we chatted for a little bit, went to bed.
Monday 10/25, Went into work a little early and stayed a little late to get in some overtime. Called JH at lunch to figure out my homeowner’s insurance and raised the deductible. Eric had been out all day turning in applications and taking proficiency tests. The vet called and said Castor’s remains had arrived. I stopped on my way home and was fine until I was carrying him to the car and I was surprised by how heavy he was and that was all that was physically left of him. I started crying. I put him in the backseat since that’s where he always rode. At home Eric was making dinner and I showed him what I had picked up. He unwrapped the box and asked me where I wanted to put him, and I hesitantly answered that I didn’t know. He could sense my hesitation and suggested the living room. He thought the table above the toy basket was a good spot since that’s where Castor spent so much time and I just started bawling. I’m still so sad and Eric was being so sweet. I just cried on his shoulder for a few minutes and he got me some tissues. He told me it’s ok to still be sad and to not bottle it up. I tried to pep up and he went back to making manicottis for dinner and I wanted them NOW, but I had to wait an hour or so. Worth it! I talked to Mom and filled her in on the weekend and how I was feeling, especially about Castor. Paid some bills and balanced my checkbook then dinner was ready, yay! Very good. Watched GG in bed and fell asleep watched Seinfeld. Eric didn’t come in until later and I was asleep.
Sunday 10/24, Eric was up early but I slept in until almost 9. He went to the store and started getting everything ready for Schuyler and Chrystol to come over. I ate breakfast then asked him if he wanted to go to an estate sale in Kent (mid-century modern dresser I had my eye on) and he was up for it so we dressed and plugged the address into the GPS and set out. It didn’t take long and there weren’t many people when we got there. There were lots of yard goodies Eric was interested in but ultimately he didn’t go for any. The dresser had sold for hundreds over what it was marked at after the auction portion. Saw some cute little pieces of framed art and lots of beautiful oriental and Pakistani rugs but they were over my budget. We headed home and on the way into the house I was nagging Eric about the paint brushes and that sparked an argument and ended with me crying on the bed. I think I’m going to get my period. I didn’t know why I was crying, I felt bad, told him he didn’t need to be sorry, I just feel shitty. I’m still sad about Castor and still don’t feel completely out of my funk. He got me some tissues and water and left me to rest. I felt exhausted. I almost fell asleep (with little dogs cuddling) but eventually got up and went to see what he was up to. I finally got all my cds organized, FINALLY. Took forever. Threw away a bunch of old cds I never listen to and don’t intend to listen to. It wasn’t long before Schuyler and Chrystol arrived and we sat on the couch talking about estate sales. Lunch was ready and I ate a delicious turkey burger and some pasta salad. We watched the game, but mostly I thumbed through old mags and looked online. After the game I cleaned up the dishes and they took off. I put on James Bond and did some work. I went to bed not too long after.
Saturday 10/23, I was up at like 6:30 because the little dogs jumped up onto the bed to wake us up. Eric got up with them and I stayed in for a few more minutes. Got dressed, went to Costco for gas then to the post office and on the way home Albertsons where I picked up milk and a donut and kleenex. At home Eric had started painting the kitchen. Called Chrystol who wanted to know if I was going to hit any estate sales and told her I’d call her when I was done at the condo. I began on cd organizing again, after not touching it for months. I got through a few letters then took off with a stack of mags for the condo. The association was having the dryer vents cleaned and K couldn’t be there until 2 so I went over and waited. Flipped through magazines and Toby kept me company (her cat). They arrived by 1:10 and were done in minutes. I headed out and K called to say she was just getting off the exit. The sun was out and it was beautiful. At home I made a sandwich and watched like 10 minutes of tv. I felt sleepy so I took a nap and didn’t call C. Slept for a couple hours and saw that Eric was pretty much done. He painted the kitchen, replaced all the outlets and light switches with new white ones (the old ones were so dingy) and put in a new light. It looks so much better in there. We talked about kitchen remodel plans and we agree on some things but not all. We got ready to go to Michelle’s party and I showered and we took off. It was pouring. We found it fine and mostly sat and talked to her Dad downstairs and watched multiple sporting events. I snacked and had some dinner then cookies from Hofmann’s bakery (!). Reminded me of Grandma Lou. We were there until after 10 then headed home. I got distracted watching something and missed most of SNL, but turned it on around midnight. I didn’t last long and fell asleep not long after.
Friday 10/22, A week since Castor died. It made me sad and I kept reliving it in my head all night thinking about what was happening a week ago at that exact moment. Called and got some new checks ordered. Susan stopped by to drop off my deodorant and we chatted for a few minutes and she took off. I cozy-d up on the couch and Eric took off to see Jackass and I finished Project Runway then watched GG. Eric came home and I was in bed; I think I went to bed not much later. I was tired and felt sad.
Thursday 10/21, Eric finished up at 1, we watched my house shows at lunch and he left. Home and feeling tired. We took a shower and got dressed to go to the store to make the lemon, artichoke, roasted pepper ravioli dish. I relaxed and checked email and called Mom. Eric brought in my dinner. I watched tv, talked to Sos and updated this. Watched Office and went to bed.
Wednesday 10/20, Stayed at work until 5:45, Eric until 6. I beat him home and got the dogs settled and cleaned up the kitchen. Eric painted the medicine cabinet and I sat down to relax. Had leftovers for dinner, watched Modern Family, talked to Mom and Kass. Went to bed after 10.
Tuesday 10/19, Eric dropped me off at work in my car so he could detail it. He picked me up and P asked him if he wanted to paint the new bathroom and he agreed and would be there the next day. The car looked great, washed, inside completely detailed and windshield rain-x-d. At home Eric got started on dinner and I was chowing on guac and decided to call C&S to see if they wanted to come over and they did, yay! I got out the vacuum and went through the house, threw more of Castor’s stuff in the washer to put away and tidied the house. When they arrived C said how good it looked. We stood in the kitchen and talked and ate. The enchiladas were done and we sat around the coffee table and watched Office and ate. When BL came on the boys went in the rec room and we stayed and watched. I showed her the new print in the office and she liked the placement. We had some treats and they stayed until 11. Got ready for bed and watched a little tv.
Monday 10/18, Eric woke up with the little dogs and fed them and let me sleep in a little. I got up, dressed then we went to Lil’ Jon’s for breakfast, which I ate almost all of. It was very good. Back home I got my coat and we took the dogs out. Down to O’Reilly’s and Eric fixed my headlight (twist). We headed into Seattle and up to Cap Hill. Stopped by Volunteer Park Café but closed, up to the park, walked up the tower where I started crying looking out the window. It was a gorgeous day and anything sets it off. The sun was pouring in and the view was so beautiful. A perfect day if he was here. Kass called and left a message, finally heard about Castor. We continued walking and back to the car. Stopped on 15th for some water then down toward Ballard. We called C to see if she wanted some ice cream and she did so we killed some time by driving around and going to Goodwill to check out furniture. Nothing good. Went to their house. Sat and talked for a while until S came home from work and continued talking. Eric vented about some things. Eventually we headed up to Molly Moon’s for ice cream and I got the salted caramel in a cone and Eric treated. We sat forever talking and laughing and it felt really nice. Soon we were headed back to their house where we hung for a few more hours talking. Mom called to say they’d landed. C asked if she should start dinner but we really needed to get home so we took off for home. Stopped at QFC on the way and picked up items for the week and supplies so Eric could make gnocchi. He started dinner when we got home and I fed the dogs. He made it with pesto, apple and gouda turkey sausage and mozzarella and it was very good. I ate a donut for dessert. Watched some tv, updated some manuals and prepared for work the next day. May have gone to bed early.
Sunday 10/17, Woke up to a chilly, foggy morning. Took the little dogs around the block then fed them. Mom called from Asia I told her about it and cried and she put Dad on and he told me to get out of the house and to remember the good times. They were leaving that day and wouldn’t be home until Monday at 5. Lounged around and called Susan around 10ish then hopped in the shower. P texted that she heard about Castor and to take Monday off. I started crying as I got in the shower but pulled it together. Eric called so we talked while I was in the shower then Mom and we talked too. Eric had just left to come home. He was going to leave the dogs since he still hadn’t heard from K&S but I talked him into calling Alissa. Got ready and went to Susan’s. Haven’t been there forever, it looked good and much more open. Said hi to D and soon we were on our way to Franz where I got a bunch of bread and some donuts. Next we went to the Goodwill Outlet, but I didn’t buy anything, then over to Moe’s and looked at furniture. Didn’t buy anything but couldn’t believe how cheap everything was. We went up to the GO after and I got some things but didn’t go crazy. We went back to hers and I took off after we said goodbye. At home I put everything away and called Eric for an update. I started cleaning, hung the new picture, loaded up the yard waste then felt tired and laid down. Talked with Sos and Mom (in Asia, they were about to take off). I tried to go to sleep but couldn’t. Mom invited me to dinner so I went over there with the little dogs at 6. We had pasta and watched a show about the eugenics of dog breeding. It was interesting. I headed home after that and waited for Eric. Watched tv, and got updates from him. He arrived home at 10:30 and we hugged for a long time and he held Brizo and couldn’t believe how small they were. We laid in bed and talked and I was tired. We cuddled a little but Eric wasn’t tired so I went to sleep (in like 4 seconds) and he watched tv in the den.
Saturday 10/16, Awake at 7:30, listened for the sound of Castor’s collar jangle as he stirs in the morning but no jangle. I remembered and felt instantly like shit. I took the little dogs out and climbed back into bed to go back to sleep. Started crying and realized I wouldn’t be able to so I called Eric and we talked for over an hour and a half as I told him everything that happened and we cried together. He didn’t even get to say goodbye to him. I can’t believe this. I’m so sad. 24 hours ago he was fine. He got bad so fast there’s nothing I could have even done even if I’d known he was hemorrhaging. I feel so bad. I keep telling him I’m sorry and miss him and love him. The morning was beautiful and Eric said he knows I don’t believe in this kind of stuff but he thinks it’s a sign that Castor’s ok and he’s made it. It’s such a beautiful morning; just the kind that is perfect for a run at the park. This fucking sucks. I’m so sad. After I got off the phone with him I tried to sleep and laid in the sun on my bed with the little dogs. Court called and I started crying all over again. I told her and she told me about Abby Lynne and her health scare a few weeks back. It sounds like she’s doing ok but maybe a little overwhelmed. Eric kept beeping in and when I hung up with her I called him back and talked with him again for a while and it sounds like he’s coming home in the next couple days. He’s done I think. I want him here but he has to make that choice himself. When we hung up I took Nyxie out and called Mom and we cried on the phone some more and I filled her in on everything. We talked for a long time. I laid down again just wanting to fall asleep but again knew I wouldn’t so I called Chrystol and we talked for a bit and she said she would come over so we could check out an estate sale. I hopped in the shower and got dressed, otherwise I totally would have stayed in my robe all day. Updated this with everything that happened Friday as well as up to this point on Saturday. We took off right away for Somerset / Newport Hills for the estate sales when C arrived. The first one had lots of interesting things from the 40s and 50s like jukeboxes and pinball machines but it was super picked over and I’m not in the market for any of those items. I was having a hard time seeing because I’d been crying all day. Apparently your eyes produce mucus or something. My vision was blurred. We took off for the next one and had better luck, I bought a large framed Matisse print (like 4.5’ tall) and C bought several books and almost an alligator bank. I loved the large wool Peruvian piece of artwork, but $375 was too much. She picked up a book and was going to make a joke but then said never mind and put the book down and I told her it was ok and what her joke was. The book was “What to say to someone who is dying” or something like that and prefaced that it was in bad taste. I picked up a book that was titled “Sincere Condolences” or something and we both laughed. We drove back and we took the dogs out and she laughed at how Nyx poops. We looked at where to hang the Matisse print and it goes perfect in the office especially since I have the Matisse chair Missy made me at the desk. All ties together! She took off quickly and I took out my contacts and laid down to watch Bridget Jones’s Diary and wanted to fall asleep (completely exhausted) but Mom showed up just as I was dozing off. She wanted to take me to dinner so I turned the movie off and we went to get Thai. We had a nice long dinner and lots of talking about Eric and Kassie and Castor just a little. It was good. Back home and she dropped me off. I finished my movie, watched Cops and tried to stay up until 10 but fell asleep. Talked to Eric on and off all day and he was just waiting for Kass and Sky to get home to leave to come home. They were still not back and were supposed to be back the night before.
Friday 10/15, RIP Castor. We had our morning walk like usual and nothing out of the ordinary. If you had told me he was going to die today I wouldn’t have believed you. He was eating, drinking, walking, running, licking, everything fine. I came home and took the dogs out and Castor walked past me to go into the house. I said “Come here baby” and he turned around for a pet. His snaggle tooth was out and he was doing his huff and puff as we looked into the yard together and our faces were inches from each other. We went inside, I called Chrystol to discuss plans for the evening and since they were going to come over I decided to take the dogs for a walk. It was about 5:45. I went to the front closet to get everything out for the dogs and Castor didn’t come running like usual. I called him and asked him if he wanted to go on a walk; with a little coaxing he came over and I put on his leash. He wasn’t as enthusiastic as usual and was pretty slow but we made it around and I took a picture of Cherry’s house to send to Eric. At home Castor immediately laid down in the living room on the carpet so I fed the little dogs. I knew he must not be feeling good and didn’t bother making his dinner. I laid down on the floor with him and pet his head and asked him what was wrong. He had this weird saliva and he was barely responding to me so I called Eric. It was 6:20. He said not to freak out and wait until the next day; he was probably just not feeling good and needed to rest. After we hung up I went to get a pizza for dinner and dropped off some dry cleaning. When I got home he was standing in the hallway but his head was down and he was barely wagging his tail. No toy to show me and didn’t run up to me. I coaxed him onto the couch and got him to drink some water. I watched tv and he moved onto the floor. After a few minutes he threw up the water. I cleaned it up and tried to get him onto his blanket so he’d be more comfortable. He laid there until Schuyler and Chrystol arrived which was about 7:50. I told them he hadn’t moved and wasn’t really responding to me and we all sat on the floor with him and they thought I should call the emergency room so I did and they told me to bring him right in. By this point when I said his name his eyes didn’t even move. Absolutely no response. We moved him onto his blanket and carried him out to the car like a stretcher. He was completely limp. I asked them, is he going to die tonight? Oh my god, is he going to die? Feeling frantic but tried to stay calm. We drove to the vet with Schuyler following and Castor was still breathing. They took him straight into the back and came in and out to ask us questions. The doctor came in and told me he was blind and that something was happening in his brain; most likely a hemorrhage. I was like “He’s blind?! What do you mean he’s blind?” She gave me all sorts of useless options like moving him to SVS and waiting until Monday to see a neurologist, but then she was called out suddenly. The doctor came right back in and said he was about to go. I rushed into the back room and he was just laying there on the table. I was bawling by this point and put my head on his neck and just cried. I told him how sorry I was and how much I love him he just laid there. I said if he was in any pain I wanted him to be put down so they got the euthanasia ready and I tried to call Eric but no answer. I moved to the other side of him while they administered it and just cried with my head on his and just kept telling him I loved him as his breathing slowed and he died. I called Eric right as he died and sobbed to him that he was gone. It happened so fast. They gave me his blanket and collar and took him away. He’ll be cremated. I paid ($518, fuck) and we went outside. Schuyler gave me a big hug. We went home. It was 8:45. We got to the vet at 8:05. What the fuck just happened? Came home and there was poop on the floor from where he’d been laying. He was basically almost dead as he laid on the floor. I cleaned it up and S&C told me they’d get dinner going and to just go in my room and cry if I needed to and make any phone calls that I needed to make. I called Mom and sobbed that Castor just died and she couldn’t believe it and asked me what happened. I told her and we cried on the phone together. I got off and checked on C&S. Eric called and I told him a little more and put him on speakerphone so we could all talk to him. I told him I’d call him after they left. We stood in the kitchen and talked for a long time and I busied myself by putting some of his things out of my sight because they’re everywhere: toys, blankets, empty food bowl, his bed at the foot of mine. I started crying every time I’d see one. We finally sat down and ate in the living room and watched Dateline and got Chrystol hooked. Eric called and said he was falling asleep and that he’d call me in the morning. The show ended at 11 and they took off not too long after. I immediately started crying. Sobbing. Wailing. I could barely get my fingers into my eyes to get my contacts out. I just bawled. I climbed into bed and tried calling Mom but I’m guessing her phone can’t receive calls in Vietnam. I sent Dad an email and Mom texted from reading that. I watched tv and tried to fall asleep but couldn’t. I couldn’t stop crying and thinking about him. I can’t believe it; he’s gone. Kristel called at 12:30 and said she was coming over but I told her it was ok and that I was already in bed and just wanted to fall asleep. Too bad I couldn’t. I don’t think I did until around 2.
Thursday 10/14, I left work early to go downtown to Virginia Mason to get my ganglion cyst drained. I was out of there by 4:30 but almost passed out just as she was finishing up. Embarrassing. I rushed home to let the dogs out and since my wrist was hurting more than before, as she had warned it might for a while, I decided against a walk. Plus it was raining and I didn’t want to be outside in that. Eric called around 6 and was really frustrated and said he might be coming home in a couple weeks and he wanted to know if I was ok with that and I was. I told him about my wrist and we said we’d talk later that evening. I relaxed and ate dinner then watched some shows and called him after Office. He had changed his mind and said he’d try to stick it out until Thanksgiving but I told him I thought it was a bad idea. He’s not sure and is going to see what happens. After we hung up I started going through old myspace messages and was dying laughing at all the hilarious ones between me, Susan, Kristel and Jessica. I started copying and pasting into comments on fb. Finally lights out by 11:30 but couldn’t fall asleep before midnight.
Wednesday 10/13, Took the dogs for a walk after work and fed them. Made macaroni for dinner, showered, watched Modern Family and talked to Eric after. Went to bed around midnight because I wasn’t really tired; knew I would be in the morning.
Tuesday 10/12, Big meeting at work, up early, but also off a little early as well. Went home and let the dogs out, sent a picture to Eric of the front yard, brought the yard waste to the backyard and picked up all the downed pears as well as the dog crap. Got the mower going and went over the whole thing twice on different settings. It was so long it was ridiculous. Talked to Cherry for a few minutes about her Halloween décor. Put everything away and cleaned up and headed back inside. It was 6, fed the dogs, made the bed, washed the windows on my car, unloaded the dishwasher and reloaded and finally made myself dinner (last of the leftovers). Watched Office then BL and Eric called right at 9. We talked for about 45 minutes. He’s got all sorts of frustrations and I told him to channel it into sexual energy. Hung up, got ready for bed, took the dogs out for one final hurrah and updated this.
Monday 10/11, Eric called a couple times during the day since he was in the car and texted some racy things about my buns and other things for when he gets back. Walked the dogs and brought in the trash cans, mowed the front and side lawn, fed the dogs, ate dinner (still trying to finish all that damn Chinese), watched Office, updated this and listened to music, showered, Eric called at 9 and we talked for an hour and a half. Updated this again and went to bed at 11.
Sunday 10/10, Up at 7:30, took the dogs for a walk, cleaned the bathrooms, took Nyx to the vet and they put her on meds for a bladder infection. I also had to renew her wellness plan so that the procedures would be covered. Didn’t want to renew for a couple weeks to save $$ but had to. I was going to see a movie but couldn’t justify the cost after Nyx’s visit. At home ate lunch, then went outside and filled up the yard waste with all the shit in the back; putting a dent in it but it’s not even close to being gone. Went inside and showered, got ready, went to Crate and Barrel to use my gift certificate but didn’t find anything that caught my eye so I headed home with a stop at the store for lettuce and bananas. At home I lay down and tried to nap but not sure if I did. I was really tired and Eric called so I talked to him for a little bit but I was out of it. Fed the dogs since it was after 5. Put on Shipping News and ate dinner in the bedroom. Talked to Eric again and filled him in. Did tons of laundry, washed pillows, sheets, pillow covers, shams and blankets. The pillows are very fluffy again. Watched EHM while doing laundry rotations then showered and into bed. Watched Seinfeld until I fell asleep.
Saturday 10/9, Went into work, back home, ate lunch, up to Crossroads for my lottery ticket, picked up some yogurt, made a deposit, got a donut, picked up some deodorant, back home to watch Project Runway and Office, took a nap, woe up, watched Holiday, fed the dogs, ate dinner, finished my movie, watched Cops, tried calling Eric, played on the computer, relaxed, picked up a bit, organized, around 11 I was back into bed to update this.
Friday 10/8, I took the dogs for a walk around the block and skipped mowing the lawn even though it was nice and forecasted to rain all weekend. Kristel said she’d be there around 6 or so. I was just finished feeding the dogs when she arrived. We sat and talked in the dining room then it was off to the store so she could get a drink (cherry seltzer or something). Back at the house we put on the first episode of Tudors Season 3. We called in Chinese and took off to pick it up 20 minutes later. We ordered broccoli beef, veggie chow mein with hand shaven noodles and the garlic green beans. The beans might have been my favorite. We finished our episode with several pauses. Good food, company and entertainment. It was almost 11 so she took off and I climbed into bed and watched a little Frasier before going to sleep.
Thursday 10/7, I talked to Chrystol on the way home and we decided to meet downtown at 7 for the Art Walk which would give me time to walk and feed the dogs and shower since I hadn’t in the last couple days. I rushed home and went around the block and it’s Brizo’s like new favorite thing. She loves it! I put on her pink coat and she runs around really excited. Showered and got ready and hit the road at 6:30 and made pretty good time. Talked to Eric as I was looking for parking and he was driving back from Napa and said it was really beautiful. I called C&S to tell them I was running late and couldn’t find parking and they were in the same boat so I didn’t feel so bad. I found parking, saw J*hnny Wow’s Cadillac and continued to talk to Eric. I wandered over to the art building and they were already upstairs so I hung up and headed up. Chrystol was taking pictures to document the evening and we headed into the first room. I told them about Eric’s day. We made our way through the rooms and I only saw a few things that impressed me, otherwise pretty ehhh. Dr. Wow’s made me laugh, with dogs with tits and a beaver with red pointy fingernails having sex with a car or something. He gave me some reading material and I told him I’d been in there many times before and he was like “I thought you looked familiar” which made me laugh. I told him I saw his car outside and he told me how he buys nice cars from widows. We continued through and the guy Chrystol likes has taken over most of the floor on that level. We headed out and I followed them back to their house for dinner and chatting. It was after 8 and dinner was ready fairly quickly: homemade mac and cheese and a salad. We talked in the kitchen and at the table, mostly about Eric and I gave Schuy his card. Chrystol made cookies for dessert and they were superb. When I finally looked at my watch it was after 11. Shit. I told them I had to go and Chrystol gave me some homemade crackers and a treatment for my wood utensils and cutting board. I’m going to get Eric’s favorite kitchen tools ready for him. I busted home and made it in like 20 minutes. I took the dogs out and got ready for bed. Watched the end of Frasier and went to sleep.
Wednesday 10/6, I had plans to hang with Michelle since T is traveling around Europe and she’s alone like me. At home I fed the dogs and took them for a walk around the block. I prepped dinner and tidied up with a little tv-watching peppered in there. I kept finding the mystery puddles again and finally caught Nyxie in the act and realized she must be having bladder issues again so I decided to watch for more indications and probably would be taking her to the vet over the weekend. I talked to Chrystol about the next night then Eric and he told me to say hi to Michelle. She arrived a little before 8 bearing gifts (bread) and I got started on dinner. Steamed broccoli and cauliflower and made the raviolis. Easy. We ate dinner in the living room and watched Modern Family and half watched Cougartown. She’s never seen the place in the daytime. We looked at the backyard when the dogs went out. We sat and talked on the couch for a long time then she showed me how to go online and see the history of your house, complete with purchase price, old pictures (mine has one from when there was still a tree in the courtyard and address numbers on the garage!) and tax appeals (mine is pending). I looked up all my neighbors and I’m shocked at what they paid for their houses. In the mid $500k. Ouch. I’ve got a bigger lot and in some cases more square footage. Thanks shitty economy! She left at 11 and I hopped into bed and started unwinding. I watched tv until midnight. Too late to be up.
Tuesday 10/5, I headed straight home and Susan was waiting for me. She hadn’t been to the house in a looong time. She hadn’t even seen the new front doors! We were there long enough for me to give the dogs a snack then we took off for Factoria. She filled me in on derby stuff. At the Rack we perused the unmentionables and laughed at the hideous leggings / jeggings. OE She is for sure gone which is sad. I was hungry and it sounded super good. Next up was Target. I picked up way too much candy but otherwise behaved myself. She filled me in on how she got her fireplace out: D. He’s baa-ack! (not Damon) I shared my concerns and she listened and seems to be happy and that’s all that really matters. We continued talking on our way out to the car then headed back to my house with a stop at the store so I could pick up veggies and also a pizza because I was not going to cook anything more complicated than that. Susan and I chatted in the kitchen and when the pizza was done we went and watched tv and continued talking. She stayed until 8ish? I talked to Eric and watched BL. Went to bed afterward.
Monday 10/4, Work went by quickly, thank goodness. I talked to Susan on the way home. I walked the dogs around the block and Brizo did ok again until she heard kids’ voices. I fed the dogs then went out and cut a ton of fresh flowers and put them in Grandma’s teapot and sent pictures to Eric and AL. I ate dinner and watched a little tv until Eric called. He had a better day and was feeling ok. Showered, finished laundry, heard two weird noises in the kitchen but couldn’t find anything out of place. Uploaded some pictures online then into bed and updated this.
Sunday 10/3, I was up at 6:45 unfortunately. I stayed in bed for a little bit then got up, fed Brizo and set out with all the dogs for a walk around the block and Brizo did fine (off leash) until we were almost home and two kids came out of their house across the street and she bolted. Luckily I caught up to her before she got too far. She hates kids. We made it home and I fed the other dogs then went out to mow the lawn. The mower was leaving clumps everywhere so I called Eric and thankfully he answered. It was 8:30 so I knew he would be up but the others were asleep. He told me to raise the deck, so I did and it was better. Finished the front, rinsed off the mower and headed to the back to pick up the pears. I filled the yard waste with shit from the backyard and went back inside to get ready to leave. I went to Costco and got there before they opened, got what I needed, went to the store for supplies then home. I ate some lunch and started laundry. Fell asleep watching some home shopping channel selling tvs. I slept for 2.5 hours and dreamed about being in HI and AL selling Tahitian pearls and other jewelry. She said Tahitians love my complexion. When I woke up the women on tv were selling pearls. I took the dogs out and Eric called and had just woken up too (wasn’t feeling good) and I told him about my nap and we talked a little more but not much because everyone was there. I cleaned three of the fridge shelves and continued with the laundry. I vacuumed and measured the windowsill in the last bedroom so Dale can cut my tile. Dad called after I took all the garbage and shit out to the curb. We talked for a while and told him about Eric, what’s going on with me, the new lawn furniture and about their trip to Asia on Wednesday. Eric called back again and we talked more because everyone was gone and I told him Dad asked how he was doing. I made an omelet for dinner and it went ok, it’s been at least a year since the last one. I went out to get a brace and AL called while I was on the way. We chatted for a long time and she sounds good, has a new bf which is good since it’s been like 9 years. She’s in Kona and back to Kauai tomorrow. She said we’ll be skiing this year and that we should plan a trip to HI. I told her about my dream and she said I was psychic because literally that afternoon she was helping her friend sell pearls from Bali and that she told a woman her complexion was perfect for them and that she’s never sold pearls in her life. Weird. I told her about everything here and we hung up. I watched EHM then showered, updated this thing and watched SNL online. More updating this thing (very behind), watched Seinfeld and off to bed.
Saturday 10/2, Got up early and took Castor to the park for a walk. At home I showered and got ready to hit some garage sales. I left around 9:30. First I went over to Clyde Hill but didn’t find anything except for some interesting houses for sale. Next over to Newport for a neighborhood sale where I hit 5 or 6 places and found some great mid century Eames style chairs but I couldn’t pull the trigger and didn’t want to pay $150 so I left. On the way home I stopped by an estate sale by the house, but almost didn’t, thank goodness I did. It was a huge house with crazy amounts of furniture and beautiful things. The one thing I found that I loved was an entire patio set; mid-century style, looked like it’d never been used and yellow, my favorite! I loved it but at noon everything would go 50% off so I called Mom and told her to meet at my house at noon to go over and to bring Dad’s car. Too bad we didn’t have the truck anymore. I went home, ate lunch and Eric sent me a text that he would have to call later, then when Mom showed up we took off, found good parking and headed down. They had moved everyone out of the house to do an auction style for anything priced over $100. My patio table and four chairs came up and we stuck our hands up, she said they found it in the basement and it had probably never been used, just like I thought. $60. We all had to line up and Mom and I were toward the end and they let us all back in and gave us the rules, no pushing, fighting, running, all that, and let us in. I went right out the back and grabbed all the tags off all the remaining pieces of furniture which included two more chairs, two footstools and two lounges chairs. I was so excited, they were mine and all for $70. Couldn’t believe it. Mom and I wandered around and she picked up some planter boxes, a lamp, a beautiful hand-forged iron fireplace set and four Limoges pieces. I grabbed a framed art print on the way out that I thought was cute / interesting and when I got it home I turned it over and it’s a Klee print from a private collection. Cute. We checked out and they brought all the furniture up and people were asking if it was for sale and I was like “Nope!” We had to wait to bring the car down, found out from one of the women that it is a foreclosure; the husband was 83, the wife 53 and apparently they couldn’t keep up. There was a $32k dining room table and chairs selling for $3k. Insanity! We loaded up and knew we’d have to make several trips. Luckily the house is like a half mile away. At home we got my car and went back and we managed to get three chairs and one of Mom’s planters in, along with another car full of stuff in her’s. Eric called while I was on my way home and I told him about my finds and told him I’d call him in a half hour or so since he was in town and would be able to talk uninhibited. We went back in her car for the last trip and we were out of there. We sat in the new furniture and thank god it was comfortable, I hadn’t even sat in any of it. We brought the little dogs out and they sat with us for a few minutes then Mom took off. I called Eric back and he filled me in on everything. I feel bad that he’s disappointed but hopefully he sticks it out and makes the best of it. I texted Chrystol to see if we were still on for 1st Thursday and she called back that they were and then I filled her in on some of Eric’s stuff and she said Schuyler would call him when they got home. When we got off I tried to nap and think I did for a little bit but got up, fed the dogs and made myself a grilled cheese and turkey sandwich for dinner. I couldn’t find the butter dish so I called Eric and he was at a bar with Kass and Leslie watching a game and I was like “Speaking of big jugs, say hi to Kassie” referring to jugs above the fridge. He verbally rolled his eyes when I told him what I was making for dinner. I watched Cops then got into bed and watched Sarah Marshall. I fell asleep by 11.
posted by Karrah at 10:33 PM
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