Latest Skirmish in The Cat War

I've mentioned the cat we have who thinks she is a kitten and wants to nurse on whatever body part is closest (but only on me, not on anyone else in the house). Apparently I am not the only one who finds her annoying.

Our first cat has been being bothered by this cat, who I'll call Baby. Baby, despite her babyish habit, is a big cat. She dwarfs First cat. First cat has been unhappily trying to ignore Baby. Baby has attached herself to me to the point that she has to (according to her) accompany me to the bathroom.

Today First decided to make her move. She trotted into the bathroom (where I was), rubbed against my leg as if to claim me, and then trotted out before Baby could decide what to do about the intrusion. Hoo ya!

She's Gone

A friend of mine died. She was a beautiful person. She was sincere and a fighter who had overcome a lot in her life. It was such a senseless loss. (Is there a loss that isn't senseless?) I didn't and still don't see any great lesson to learned from it. Frankly, it pisses me off. It seems cruel. It is cruel.

No great lesson here, no epiphanies. I'm at a loss.

Your Pet's Strangest Activity

What is your pet's (or pets') strangest behavior?

We found a pitiful cat. We don't know her history but she has a rather irritating need to nurse. Obviously none of us can nurse her, but she does the kneading action with her paws and works her mouth on my skin. She seems to recognize that nursing is a mother thing because she doesn't do it to anyone in the house but me. (I know, how did I get so lucky?)

Does anyone else's pet(s) have an odd habit?

Unclaimed Baggage

I was thinking about unclaimed baggage and the owners. Does someone not miss their belongings? How do so many pieces of luggage get so irretrievably lost? But then I thought about how we might actually be relieved at our loads being lightened.

That bag there, it holds the guilt I felt over my abuse upsetting you.

That bag next to it, it holds the shame I felt for inspiring those acts in my abuser's mind. (Because, like most children, I thought it was my fault.)

The bag next to it, it holds the anger I felt at you making me continue to see him.

That bag, it holds the anger I felt at you for ignoring my pain.

The bag next to that one holds the anger I felt at you for not protecting me.

The next bag holds the anger I felt at you for allowing the emotional damage to continue long after the act stopped.

The gray bag next to it holds the pain I felt whenever I thought of how you must feel about your inadequacies as a mother. (Yeah, follow that!)

The yellow suitcase contains the guilt I felt for having a life of my own making, despite your example.

The burgandy suitcase next to it holds the guilt I felt for choosing a good partner who cares for me. Yes, I dared to expect to be treated well.

The blue bag holds the guilt you tried to feed me over my happiness, at my not being a victim.

The white suitcase holds the manipulation you tried to wield, to no avail. The manipulation was concealed under the guise of concern, but I saw it for what it was.

I claim none of it.