Wahoowa... and we're back!

Teddy has presumably given up on blogging in favor of playing with his new friend. Boxer (yes, named after the junior Senator from California, and yes, Kate and I are fully aware that we are huge nerds) came to live with us in April. He's an orange tiger cat, and a spunky one at that, and about four months Teddy's junior. They seem to get along quite well, and we feel much better about leaving the kitties home alone when they have each other to play with. That said, I think I'll take over blogging for a while, with Teddy's permission of course.


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So classes started at UVA today. It's hard to believe this is the third such day since I graduated. Two years ago, I began my first job on the same day that classes began. I was heartbroken. I would have given anything to trade in my morning commute for a leisurely stroll across campus. I yearned for the first day of school excitement and clean notebooks, pens that work, and new syllabi.

This year, my emotions are mixed. I miss college. I miss my friends, going to the gym in the middle of the day, late nights at Alderman, and waking up to an expanse of green and brick, and I miss the luxury of dreaming about what I wanted to do after college rather than actually doing it. At the same time, I wouldn't trade places with the Class of 2010 for anything. I love my job, my apartment, my roommate and the kitties, the new friends I've made and those with whom I've become closer since college, and having complete control over my decisions and my lifestyle.

I guess what I miss most about college is the sense of direction I had during those four years. There was a clear path: pick a major, take required classes, get best possible grades in those classes, load up on extracurriculars and research experience, and you're considered a successful student. After college, the path becomes a little less clear. There's no prescription for what one needs to do to be successful. There's not even a prescribed formula for what one is supposed to do period. Just two years post-college, many of my friends are starting (or finishing) graduate school, getting married, buying homes, and other various grown-up things. My path is less defined. At the same time, I wouldn't give back these last two years for anything, not even for some extended time at my alma mater.

Wahoowa, and thanks for the memories UVA.

Immigrant Nation

As the descendant of Egyptian immigrants, immigrant rights are of great concern to me. That's why I'm against HR 4437, which would criminalize immigrants and anyone who assists them with basic social services. Yesterday, there was a huge rally on the Mall. Not exactly cat-friendly, so I sent the Mommy to rally. Some of our favorite slogans:

"Butterstick is the child of immigrants."

"GPA: 4.13
Class Rank: 14 out of 386
President of the National Honor Society
(list of other accomplishments)....
Am I a criminal?"

"George W. Bush- You are a child of immigrants."

"Immigration works... Just ask the Native Americans."

"Q. Why does everyone want to come to our country?
A. Have you seen what we've done to their countries?"

"Send Tancredo back to Italy."

"People are not illegal."

Now I'm not sure that Butterstick should be the poster child for this issue. After all, he has to go back to China when he turns 2. Other highlights:

-As CNN prepares to go on the air, a man with a CNN badge positions signs so they will be in focus on camera.

-Five (Mommy counted twice) counter protesters.

-A yelling Rabbi who told the crowd that Moses said "Si, se puede" during his convo with Farrah (really?!?).

Teddy, Outdoor Cat

So I went outside today. I've actually been out twice before, but I was embarassingly coy and refused to go much beyond the front stoop. Not today. The best thing about outside: ants. I ate three. I chased a number of other bugs, but ants are the only things slow enough for me to actually eat. The worst thing about outside: dogs. Those beasts are scary.

Here's me, ready to conquer the world (or at least mommy's patio):

Timid at first, yes, but here's me looking more confident:

Down to business, time to hunt for ants:

Uh-oh, it's a dog. Mommy doesn't see it yet but I do.

Kittens Get New Mommy

When I was rescued from the shelter, I got human mommies. These kittens got a pitbull mommy. Pretty cool, but I'll take the humans. They have opposable thumbs that let them do things like feed me. Check out the story at http://www.thebostonchannel.com/asseenon5/8479377/detail.html

The Best and Worst of Springdale, Arkansas

I apologize for not blogging lately. My mommy has been preoccupied and unable to help me post. She has been doing some work related to Arkansas and shared with me. So today, I bring you the best and worst of Springdale, Arkansas.

Many of you may have seen the tv documentaries on the family in Arkansas that seems to think God wants them to overpopulate the earth. In fact, my link to the modest swimwear came from this family. Check out their craziness at www.duggarfamily.com.

Now to the best of Springdale... his name is Papa Rap. He's a rapper, DJ, and advocate for children. Check him out at www.paparap.net. I particularly like the rap that encourages parents to find out if their children qualify for subsidized health care.

In other news, Grandma visited this week. She's allergic to me, but still plays fishing pole and rubs my belly. Thanks Grandma, come back soon!

Modest Swimwear

I may be a cat, but I know ridiculous humans when I see them. This is the funniest thing I've seen in a while.

http://www.wholesomewear.com/page-4.html

Spring is here!

Spring is here! It's a gorgeous 65 degrees here on Capitol Hill. A wonderful thing happened today... my mommy opened the windows. There are screens, of course, so I can't get out, but this has opened up a whole new world to me. I've been sitting in the window sill for the past three hours, watching cars, motorcycles, squirrels. There are people walking by having interesting conversations. There's even a nice breeze. My mommy said if I would wear a collar and a leash I could go outside, but I haven't decided if I want to venture out yet. Seems kind of dangerous out there. I also hate wearing anything, especially a collar. My mommies got me this lame collar with a silly bow tie. With my white chest, it looks like I'm wearing a tuxedo. While the mommies find this hilarious, I think it's completely humiliating.

That's all readers. I'm back to the window sill. I'll let you know if I decide to go out.