Hugs

This evening I have been reflecting on the phenomenon of hugs, and I don't mean drops of chocolate love in a tin foil wrapping.  Indeed I have a small handful of raspberry chocolate kisses in my bag.  But despite the literary genius of J K Rowling, these little morsels are incapable of warming my heart (although I have often used this as an excuse for excessive consumption).  

The current state of my heart (i.e., tepid) is not a result of lack of hugging today, but rather the kind of hugs that I have given.  I say given because, indeed, they were anything but received.  It seems that there are three kinds of emotional hugs (these being a subset of the greater category "hugs"): hugs that give emotional support, hugs that receive emotional support, or hugs that both give and receive emotional support (this is sounding remarkably similar to a chemistry lecture I heard this morning on chemical reactions).

I have given several hugs this evening that were my way of showing how I care for someone else.  I love this kind of hug, and I love the fact that I can provide that service when needed.  But I am not in a position (right now) to receive a hug which says "Katie, you're loved too."  That is mostly because it's 2:30 in the morning and I'm at work.  I'm desperately counting down the hours until a coworker gets here to give me a much needed  hug.  

Tonight has brought a new revelation for me.  I had never thought that I could give so many warm embraces and yet so badly want to receive one.

Cops, Doctors and Mitosis

DOCTORS - as most of you probably know, my older cousin Jon had a nasty encounter with gravity two weeks ago, and now has a fused spine as evidence of the ordeal.  Although this is not the preferred motivation for a family reunion, it is one method.  Several days in the hospital waiting room proved ample opportunities for our family to bond by rallying together in support of Jon.

MITOSIS - one of my summer activities is taking biology and chemistry at the community college. This experience proves challenging to self discipline and motivation skills.  I'm trying to see the relevance of knowing all about mitosis and DNA replication to my dreams of becoming a therapist.  I'm still waiting for an epiphany.  

COPS - much to my annoyance, my motorcycle was stolen last sunday.  As I walked out my front door to hop on and drive to church, I could feel that something was wrong, and I was right!  Luckily the culprit got tired of driving it around after a couple of hours and left it, get this, with my neighbor!  It was literally 200 yards away across the street.  The police called me and I brought it home.  Although I need to fix some wiring, there is no permanent damage that I can tell.  The good news is that this experience has sped up my search for a car, meaning that soon I won't need to drive a motorcycle and endanger my life and my progeny.  

of cats and the government

I had an interesting experience this week. I have my own ideas on the government's involvement in my life, and I would love to hear yours' as well.

A couple of weeks ago I got a notice on my door. It was from the Lane County Animal something or another, and they were citing my basically for abusing my cat. She had gotten out a couple of times, and one of the neighbors reported that she was "underfed, sick, and has fleas." It is true that I have been fighting the flea battle with her, she's on meds. But I was surprised to discover (by way of government involvement) that I was basically abusing her. The citation said that I had to take her to the vet or I would basically be taken to court for animal abuse and fined $1500.

Like a good little citizen I took Mina to the vet. She looked over my cat and concluded that she's very healthy for her age. Her weight is totally normal for her size, her heart and lungs are strong, and she's doing great for a 13 year old. I got her vaccinated and dewormed (just to be on the safe side) and my total bill was $150. I could have gotten her vaccinations at PetsMart for $30.

So here's the question. Does the government have the right to tell me that I'm abusing my cat and then force me to spend $120 to avoid a lawsuit? I'm glad that they're looking out for the cats and dogs in the world, and people definitely should take care of their pets, but still, I'm $120 out because one of my neighbors decided to be a jerk.

Well, at least my mind is at peace. I was a little freaked out to have the government inform me that I was abusing my cat.

Fantasies en pointe

Today marks a momentous occasion in my life.  It is the culmination of years of dreaming and training.  I'm not talking about my midmorning nap (9-11 am, a new skill taught to me by my own dear Sonora) or seeing several different kinds of cells under a 400x microscope.  No, this joyous event happened this evening, when I engaged in my first ballet class en pointe.  This landmark is a dream for any ballerina, and probably just about any little girl.  

Although the class was challenging, my muscles are strong and my technique is solid, so with a little more time and practice I'll be on a roll.  I'm in class with a bunch of 11-13 year olds, a very humbling experience.  It just goes to show that it's never too late to try something new.

Let's Start At The Very Beginning

As I have watched my siblings develop a keen taste for blogging, I have often wished that I had the style, finesse, and time to cultivate my own blogging skills.  And now, at last, it is the time. 

Just over a week ago I graduated from college, and by all my calculations that makes this the perfect time to start a blog.  The next year, for me, is an adventure in the making.  Thus far my future is idealistic, ill thought out, and not necessarily healthy.  I'm still in the process of working out the bugs.  If nothing else this blog is an easy way for my friends and family to keep tabs on my craziness.  

Right now the plan is primarily to dance, work, and start on prerequisites for the next phase of my education.  I'm still trying to figure out how to dedicate myself completely to all three of these areas of my life.  Stay posted, and I'll keep posting.