Indoor Girl

Rockaway Beach

unholypassion — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 21:39:45 GMT

Just returned from a road trip down the Oregon Coast, where I spent the last several days relaxing, and taking (way too many) pictures at Rockaway Beach. We had a room right on the beach, which Teddy enjoyed watching from. We took him down to the beach too, but he was a little uneasy about going out too far with nothing but sand and water in view, which of course, cats aren't especially fond of. We also took a tour of the Tillamook Cheese factory, which was something I had been wanting to do for ages. Oh, and I found a kitten while photographing an old vacant train; or rather, he found me, and decided to follow me around. haha! I was thiiiiis close to keeping him too, when someone finally came forward about his whereabouts.

Heading back we thought it would be fun to swing by Portland and grab a dozen VooDoo Doughnuts. The GPS made it look easy enough, but swung about us 80 miles off course; we knew we were in trouble when we saw "Welcome to Washington" signs. The doughnuts were well worth it though.

What's happening to the neighborhood?

unholypassion — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 01:59:07 GMT

Yesteray, another guy tried breaking into our home while Holly & I were home. It was around 5:30 PM, so at first I thought Joel had an early day at work and was home already. The guy tried turning the door handle back & forth, then started pushing with his shoulder... clearly, he was trying to get in. When that didn't work, he gave up and quietly knocked, probably to see if anyone was home and/or to not look so obvious to the neighbors. I got a good look at him when he left, he was your typical Everett thug, but not in a "gangster" kind of way - a little heavyset, black windbreaker jacket, black baseball cap, overgrown scraggly hair.

Joel and I were out of town last week, and Holly stayed home because her boyfriend was in town on spring break; I am so glad this didn't happen then. She would have been so freaked out if she had been home alone. I'm a little freaked out myself right now. What if he returns?

Teddy's Story

unholypassion — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 20:28:12 GMT

Next week will be our 1 year anniversary with this sweet guy!

We felt a huge void in our lives after losing Jasper last March. I started thinking about a cat we met at Petco about 6 months prior, his name was "Teddy", because he was like a big teddy bear; coincidentally, we used to call Jasper "Bear", because we was like a big, roly-poly Pooh bear. Similar to Jasper's story, someone had dumped him off too, and he also found a porch to call home until it got too cold outside.

He's a Mackerel tabby like Jasper, but with a slightly smaller build, however people were still remarking on how big he was at the store, so maybe our definition of "big" was slightly askew after having a 20+ lb. cat. Joel and I both felt compelled to get him as a brother for Jasper, but knew Jasper wouldn't have anything to do with that; this was a single cat household, as far as he was concerned.

I would think about him from time to time, wondering how he was doing and if he ever found a home. Then I thought - we weren't able to save Jasper, but we could save this little guy. Holly tracked him down to the rescue that he was at, and I immediately contacted the owner. She was surprised, shocked even, that anyone could have bonded with him at Petco. Evidentally, he really hated going to Petco, and only spent one day there because he hissed at everyone, and had too many complaints; however, we didn't see that side of him at all. He was a little aloof, but enjoyed the attention from us, even rubbed his face against my fingers. Was it meant to be?

When we picked him up, he seemed a lot smaller than I remembered. Memory is subjective though, so maybe I was just remembering him bigger like Jasper. He wasn't eating well, his paw pads were swollen and rough, he paced around anxiously, and was missing a canine tooth. The vet took x-rays, and found two more broken teeth. What happened to this guy? We got the teeth fixed, and over time his paws healed, but suffers from seizures due to feline hyperesthesia; which actually explains a lot. Maybe this was why someone dumped him off? He's estimated to be about 10 years old, but the vet is starting to think he may be younger, which would really be in his favor. When he's not having an attack though, he's fine, we just have to be careful about how we handle him. He's been started on antibiotics and steroids, and goes back to the vet next week to get on something to help maintain. It won't cure him, but should help control it.

I'm really glad we met him that day at Petco back in 2012. He helped us during a hard time, and now we're helping him.

has it really been a year already

unholypassion — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:50:27 GMT

It's been close to a year since I had last logged in here, and I couldn't remember my password for the life of me; that in itself made me a little sad. Just as I was about to change it again, I suddenly remembered it. Whew.

It just seems like so many people, things, and events associated with this place are gone, and it kind of brought me down. I do prefer hanging out here over other social networking sites though, so maybe I should try and get back into the swing of things again.

The Higgs - Gen 2.9 (it's been awhile)

unholypassion — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:37:35 GMT

( Relax )

Previous chapters:
Ch.1 | Ch.2 | Ch.3 | Ch.4 | Ch.5
Ch.6 | Ch.7 | Ch.8 | Ch.9 | Ch.10

Generation 2:
2.1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 2.5 |
2.6 | 2.7 | 2.8

RIP dearest Jasper

unholypassion — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 06:15:30 GMT

Thurday night Jasper took a turn for the worse and we had to rush him to the ER. As long as he was fighting, we were willing to stick it out with him, it only seemed fair, but clearly he couldn't hold on much longer. I knew it was time.

The cancer had taken over his system and it was shutting down, he wasn't excpected to make it through the night. It was the toughest decision I've ever had to make, but I wanted his last moments to be peaceful and happy, so we decided to let him go. He passed away in my arms, as I held his paw and nuzzled his head, singing his favorite song. He had a smile on his face. I continued to hold him awhile after and that smile never faded.

He was the sweetest, kindest, most appreciative cat I have ever known. We all loved him very, very much, and he had nothing but love in return. I am so thankful he picked us for his forever home. We'll never forget him. The house seems a little colder now, he was such a huge part of our lives. My heart is aching badly.

some bad news

unholypassion — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:19:26 GMT

Jasper had a tissue biopsy last week for the abnormal growth that was found on the MRI, most everything came back negative, but he has been diagnosed with a carcinoma tumor. We took him to the oncologist this morning to discuss treatments, but it's progressed too far and has metastasized to his brain and skull. I can't even bear to think about this. He's such a sweetie, and he tries so hard, it's just not fair... NOT FAIR AT ALL!!!

our 19th anniversary!!!

unholypassion — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:30:03 GMT

Thursday Joel surprised me with a bag of old-fashioned candybars from the candy store! Yesterday was our 19th anniversary. I can't even believe it myself?! We couldn't really get away with Jasper being so sick, but we discovered a couple of new restaurants right in the Riverside area, which is practically walking distance from us. The food at the Asian bistro was great, and the ambiance felt like we were in another city altogether. I'm happy to see some new life breathed into that area. Bellies full, we returned home and watched "Interview with the Vampire", which came out the year we got married.

P.S. I don't know if it was the food, but I've been sick all night.

What a day!

unholypassion — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:20:12 GMT

This was the longest that Jasper had ever ridden in a car before. First was the visit with the neurologist, then we were referred to an ophthalmologist for his eyes immediately afterwards. The neurologist talked in such a rythmic pattern, that it was hard not to fall into a trance while listening. Jasper fell asleep every time she spoke, even while confined in his carrier. She thought a lot of his symptoms might be a viral infection, rather than neurological, and that he probably just doesn't feel good. She also suggested some frightening possibilities such as Lymphoma, Auto Immune Disorder, and lastly, a brain tumor, if he doesn't improve. She also discussed the seriousness of him having an MRI with his heart condition, and that it could quite possibly mean "goodbye". So that is a very last resort.

The ophthalmologist was very upbeat. Jasper even purred thoughout his eye exam. However, he still put up a good fight, taking two assistants to hold him still. With as sick as he is, he's still managed to retain his strength. There's a cataract in his bad eye, possibly early signs of glaucoma in both, and corneal ulcers due to the viral infection; which is what he was originally being treated for when this all began. She thinks there might be something else going on, but not necessarily the scary stuff brought up by the neurologist. She's not saying that it's not possible, just that it doesn't look likely. There's also still hope that he may regain his eyesight yet.

He now has six prescriptions, three of which are eye drops, so we'll wait and see how that goes before investigating further. After a single dosing, he's already started drinking on his own again. He still needs coaxing as we run through the "stations", but it's a tremendous improvement over the medicine dropper. What a relief!

worried sick

unholypassion — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:20:05 GMT

Jasper is going to see the neurologist in a few hours, and I think they might be giving him an MRI. That alone worries me, because they'll have to put him under, and he does have a heart condition. He's quit eating, drinking, and using the litterbox on his own. I've been having to assist him by spoon feeding him, giving him water with a medicine dropper, and then taking him to the box every so often. I can see his hesitation, so I don't know if he's too weak, or if he's fogotten how.

I'm extremely worried what today may bring.

Photo call!

unholypassion — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:59:18 GMT

Glazer's Camera is looking for Canon & Nikon pictures to use as product examples, credited of course. When I shoot digital, I use a Canon, so I submitted a few photos. I don't know if they'll be needing anything from a 2008 PowerShot, but who knows. After missing out on the Plastic Camera contest, I promised myself not to pass up another photo opportunity - sort of a New Year's resolution.

I just wish I knew what to do?

unholypassion — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 06:23:49 GMT

Jasper's tests came back negative, ruling out a fungal infection. He's now started drooling and running in circles, and last weekend one eye had clouded over. He had the eye checked on Monday though, and they put some drops in when they found the inflamation. I made an appointment with a neurologist for next week. My heart is breaking more and more each day.

Another day...

unholypassion — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:26:51 GMT

Another day at the vet's office. Jasper's x-rays came out good, but he does have an enlarged heart and a murmur, however his BP is sustaining at a normal rate. He's still sneezing though and his eyes have become irritated, further indicating a fungal infection; possibly due to a storm that blew through a few months ago. Several more tests were conducted, and he'll be needing a CAT scan, so we've been referred to a specialist for further treatment. I just wish there was more I could do. I feel so helpless.

This is a good sign!

unholypassion — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:08:29 GMT

Jasper responded to light! We tried to look at a cut in his ear and he jerked away from the flashlight. When the vet shined the light in his eyes, almost two weeks ago, he didn't respond. This is definitely an improvement.

Vet time again

unholypassion — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:42:35 GMT

We took Jasper back to the vet today. This time we saw the new vet, and he said Jasper's abdomen was distended, and took some body x-rays to see what the blockage is. This could be why he has lost his appetite. He also gave him a shot of antibiotics for the original problems that never cleared up. His blood pressure has gone down considerably with the new meds, which is very good news. Poor little guy though, having to go through so much.

vet followup

unholypassion — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:19:58 GMT

Jasper went back to the vet yesterday morning. The vet looked so sad when he saw him. You could really see his concern grow as he presented each of his tools, which two weeks ago Jasper eagerly inspected, and now sat unresponsive.

He has detached retinas due to high blood pressure, and is blind. More tests were conducted to look for any underlying problems, all of which came out good. We still don't know for sure what all has caused this, but many things have been ruled out. I also checked the UCP codes on the bags of food, and the ones we have weren't listed for this recall; but they were for 2010 (didn't know that). So, it looks like it's his blood pressure, possibly brought on by his antibiotics. This is all so heartbreaking. I just want him to get better.

I think he's going blind

unholypassion — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:43:52 GMT

About a week into his antibiotics, Jasper's eyes started to look oddly dilated. I thought it was a temporary side effect of the medication, it's now become apparent that he's lost his eyesight. He was seeing just fine a week ago, actively watching out the window, the vet even checked his eyes at the office visit. Now, he's getting lost in the hall, and feeling for his water dish. It hurts so much to see him like this.

He's not eating or drinking much without coaxing, sometimes he'll contemplate it and walk away. I've been continuing to spoon feed him, and the last two nights I've gotten him to eat half a can, as opposed to a few bites, it's isn't easy though. He even led me into the kitchen, right up to the fridge, so I think he likes it.

I'm very worried.

Sick kitty :(

unholypassion — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 06:28:13 GMT

Jasper's health has been declining since October. He's become lethargic, has been sneezing, sticking his tongue out, and the third eyelid has become visible, he's also dropped a dramatic amount of weight in this time. Now weighing 15 lbs, and once topping out at over 21 lbs, the last thing I ever thought I'd have to worry about is putting weight on this big guy.

We took him to the vet last week and had a complete senior exam done, all his lab tests came back fine. The vet prescribed an antibiotic and Lysine supplements for possible infection, but doesn't really know what's wrong with him. I discovered that the last two bags of food we fed him, were both on the recall list from last October. It kills me to think that we may have unknowingly poisoned him with his food. Within 24 hours after switching brands, and hand feeding him a few bites of canned food here and there to stimulate his appetite, he's slowly starting to eat more and move around. It's a start.

The Higgs: Generation 2 - Chapter 8

unholypassion — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 16:22:06 GMT

( Feels Like Forever )

WARNING - Scantily clad sims, profanity

Previous chapters:
Ch.1 | Ch.2 | Ch.3 | Ch.4 | Ch.5
Ch.6 | Ch.7 | Ch.8 | Ch.9 | Ch.10

Generation 2:
2.1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 2.5 |
2.6 | 2.7 | 2.8

eBay 101

unholypassion — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:21:33 GMT

If you’re selling on eBay, set your price for the amount that you want to get! It’s a gamble, so if you start your price ridiculously low, it’s your own damn fault. By any means, don’t shill bid to bump it up, it’s obvious and… just low.

Why doesn’t eBay have a button to report fraudulent bidders? It’s not like the seller is going to report themselves for shilling. At this point, I can only hope to be outbid by a legitimate bidder. It’s not even that much, but I sure as hell don’t want to give them any money now.

Scenario: I get outbid by a brand new, zero feedback bidder, who instantly retracts their bid saying they ”bid too high”. The next day, as the auction nears it’s end, they bid again, staying just below my proxy, but bumping my bid up to the maximum amount. Why else would anyone do that?

[ETA] I figured out how to report them. Now, we wait.

Seattle Great Wheel - Opening Day

unholypassion — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 23:36:38 GMT

I went to the grand opening of the Seattle Great Wheel yesterday. I had a migraine and felt like I was going blind in one eye, but I really wanted to be there and ride it on opening day... I waited so long for this, I don't think anything could have stopped me. Surprisingly enough, the line wasn't bad. I frequent Disneyland quite often, so I'm used to waiting in long lines, and this was nothing compared to some of those waits. They even had a band playing out front for the celebration, which was entertaining to watch while we waited.

I brought two cameras along and took a ridiculous amount of pictures. One camera was new to me and took a bit of getting used to. It has a focus lock on the shutter, and that shutter is pretty touchy; which is probably good for someone like me, who is trying to overcome camera shake. Some of my clearest shots are misfires, if that tells you something. Haha!

I must say, the ride was beautiful - comfortable, smooth, quiet, and climate controlled. The bird's eye view of downtown Seattle and the waterfront, was absolutely stunning, and can't be beat. I was amazed!!!

Scissor Sisters

unholypassion — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:50:48 GMT

I'll be seeing Scissor Sisters at the Paramount Theater with rocketjava tonight; looks like they really put on a show too, should be fun. I haven't seen her in almost two years, so I'm really excited to hang out again. Too excited to sleep apparently, haha. Actually, I slept for about an hour, then Holly woke me up, and it was all over after that. Hopefully, I'll manage to get a small nap in before we leave. ;o)

I wonder if cameras are allowed in the venue? The theater is gorgeous, and I'd really like to get a few shots of the marquee sign out front. Maybe I'll bring it and stow it away before the show.

Busy Weekend

unholypassion — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 22:09:27 GMT

Meeting up with the camera club tonight, Then, tomorrow, I'll be attending a workshop with another girl from my area; and possibly the next day too, if I feel up to it. I've been a member of this group for over a year, but have only made it out to one event so far. It will be nice to get out and meet some new people.

I will really miss you - R.I.P dear Andrea

unholypassion — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:11:48 GMT

Andrea petquality|twindowlicker was in a fatal car this accident last Saturday. She was moving to her new home, embarking on a new life with her daughter. Miraculously, aside froma broken pelvis, her daughter is physically alright. I can't even fathom what she must be going through though, my heart goes out to her. I talked with Andrea briefly the day before, and was eagerly awaiting to hear all about the move. I was so happy she was moving back to LA. That's where her heart was, and I knew she would be much happier, as it was a real tough year for her; but, this also meant a greater possibility of seeing her again. I thought about her first thing when I woke up yesterday, wondering how the move went, reliving old memories. I didn't know about the accident at that time though, and when I logged on, I was hit with the bad news. I am in complete shock and diselief at the moment.

This picture is one of my favorite memories of us, taken when I spent a week with her. She always wanted me to come back and visit again, I had every intention of doing so, and thought about it quite often. We drifted a little over time, but still talked frequently on FB; nothing like we used to though, when we would talk for hours on the phone as part of our weekend ritual. One of the reasons Joel & I chose to do the roadtrip to Cali last year, was so I could swing by for a visit, but the drive turned out to be a lot longer than anticipated. How I wish I could turn back the hands of time and make that pitstop now, or buy a train ticket and go myself, or just pick up the phone. I can't believe I'll never see another funny post from her, or random phonecall out of the blue.

She was such a vibrant person; funny, great taste in music, and incedibly talented too. Even when she was down, she could always find humor in things, and I really admired that about her. She was one of my best friends, but I don't think she realized just how much she meant to me, or how many people's lives she'd touched in general. I already miss her terribly.

10 years

unholypassion — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:20:29 GMT

I thought I'd dust this journal off today, lo & behold... tomorrow is my 10 year LJ anniversary!!!

A big thank you goes out to everyone here for making it special, and for sticking with me for so long. Laughter & tears, it's amazing how much we've shared throughout the years here together. :oD