The cats pretending to like humans

The cats are usually antisocial, so when I saw Ritz sitting on top of a sleeping Jay, I snapped a picture. A little while later I was taking a nap when Bugle curled up on me. I was going to stay there until Bugle finished her nap as well, but then she repositioned herself with her back paws on my neck. I knew she had an ulterior motive. She was going to claw me in the jugular. That was the end of nap time.

My lovelies

The first schnee

Snow and snowmen and big Christmas trees and baby Jesus and boots and hugs and friends and walking down the middle of the street and snow plows.

Best Artist Ever

Thankful

You know that dreaded question at the Thanksgiving table? The one where you're not allowed to eat until you answer it. I forget about it nearly every year. It seems silly, after all, the day is called Thanksgiving, I shouldn't forget about it. Every single time I end up freezing and I can't think of a less cliche answer than 'family'. But the truth is that I am so thankful for them. They have made me who I am. The good. The bad. And the ugly. I'm thankful for it all.

Hope

A weekend adventure to Michigan with some of my favorite people.

He puts up with all my crap

*pun intended

For Noel

The president came to campus today. Unfortunately, I didn't have the patience to wait in line to see him. However, I did get to see him on my computer screen. And now every time Noel checks my blog she gets to see his beautiful face as well.
p.s. I hope this doesn't backfire and you annoy me twice as much as you already do to update the blog.
p.p.s. I'm leaving this post up twice as long as usual.

Happy Birthday Patrick!!

You turn 22. You go to the zoo.

You see polar bear butts, chubby prairie dogs, grouchy penguins, and pictures of red pandas. 

You smoosh some pennies while you're there too.

And the whole time you make me so happy.

Caught

The conversation between my parents usually consists of asking how many steps the other has on their pedometer and whether or not they have caught another chipmunk.