So much for timely posts. I've never been good at keeping a diary, even when I was younger and in theory had more time. Maybe I lead a boring life and figure people wouldn't be interested in what I had to say. But today I have something near and dear to my heart to write about.

On Thursday evening, we had to have our kitty, Mars, put to sleep. He was suffering from aortic thromboembolism, more commonly known as "saddle clot" or "saddle thrombus", a complication of heart disease. It is a blood clot in the far part of his aorta, at the base of his spine where the aorta splits to go to each rear leg, and causes lameness, nerve and muscle damage, and possibly paralysis.

Thursday Evening.
The newt and I went to the grocery store after dinner. The three of us (hubby included) were unpacking bags when I heard Mars mewing - not his regular mew. We went out into the living room, and Mars was trying to move towards us, but his butt was dragging. Hubby picked up Mars. A few minutes later, he yelled at me to call the vet, because his back legs were limp. This was 7:30PM. I called the vet while hubby got the cat carrier. We tried to distract newt by giving her a pack of diapers to open up, but she wanted nothing to do with it and watched the commotion from her bedroom door, the entire time asking, "what's wrong with Mars?". The regular vet was closed, so I called the emergency vet and hubby rushed Mars up there. After this, we loose track of time.

Hubby calls me and describes the vet's diagnosis. Mars' blood pressure in his rear legs was off the charts. As he was talking to me and describing the options (surgery, medication, etc.), Mars' blood pressure in his rear legs dropped to zero - he was getting NO blood flow to the lower part of his body. The vet said they could treat him overnight, and refer him to a cardiologist, but there was no guarantee that 1) the treatment would work (he could remain paralyzed, they even talked about a kitty wheelchair) and 2) that this wouldn't happen again (the next time the clot could go to his eyes, his lungs, or his brain).

We decided the best thing would be to have Mars put down. So I called my best friend for moral support, and we all packed into the car, including the newt. It was important to me to say goodbye, and was important to me for the newt to see Mars one last time, even though she didn't understand what was going on. We got there and said our goodbyes for a few minutes, then I opted to stay in the room while they did the injection. Hubby and friend took the newt out to the waiting room, while I stayed with Mars. I didn't want him to die alone. At approximately 9:30PM, Mars took his last breath.

The History of Mars
Mars was a seven year old orange tabby. He was a polydactyl cat, meaning he had extra toes, like the Hemingway cats. He was kinda neurotic, not sure if the polydactyl-ism had something to do with that. Mars loved strawberries and the dried peas from rice cracker mixes. He fetched paper balls. He's only cat I ever knew that fetched. He was a lovey cat, almost to an annoying extreme. He was always underfoot. I found him in the Pennysaver when he was a kitten. I told hubby (who was just boyfriend at the time), that I was just going to "check the kitty out". He knew I was coming home with a cat. When I laid my eyes on little kitten Mars, with his big pea head, it was love at first sight. His name was originally Marmalade, nicknamed Marmi, and he knew his name. We decided Marmi wasn't a manly enough name, so we changed it to Mars. We figured it was similar enough not to be confusing to him. Can't get much manlier than the Roman god of war. He was the start to our family, which grew to include another cat, Nyx, the newt and the bun in the oven. Mars at first tolerated, then grew to love the newt, as much as a cat can love a three-year old who squeals and overly squeezes a cat when she would see him.

Aortic Thromboembolism
Web searches of aortic thromboembolism indicate it is a complication of heart disease (which we had no clue Mars had!) in which blood clots are formed and can lodge throughout the body. Hubby sent an email to a friend who is a vet (he also tried to call her Thursday evening, but couldn't get ahold of her). Her professional response was: "You definitely made the right decision, there's no doubt about it. Not only is it extremely rare for a clot to clear without later detriment, a saddle thrombus can be very painful. Even if it had cleared (which again would've been unlikely), he probably would've thrown another clot soon due to the heart disease.". Estimates range between 35% and 40% of cats are able to walk again after an episode, and cats who have experienced an episode have a 90% chance of recurrence. It affects cats between five and seven years old, and affects male cats more often than female cats.

Thinking back, this may have actually been the second episode Mars had. About three months ago, hubby and I were awakened by Mars mewing and making a scratching noise at 2:30 in the morning. I thought Mars was chasing a toy under the bed, or got stuck under the bed (he wasn't the most agile cat), but turns out he was on the floor next to the bed. He was laying on his stomach and kinda moving/scrambling his legs back and forth. Then it stopped. He got up and walked away. One's perception in the middle of the night, in a dark room when half asleep isn't always accurate. Hindsight is 20/20.

The Last 48 Hours
On Thursday night we told the newt that Mars was really sick and had to stay at the doctors. On Friday when she asked about him, we said Mars wasn't coming home because he was really sick. I didn't want to say anything like Mars went to sleep and didn't wake up, because I remember hearing/reading a story about a kid whose parents told him that about their pet, and then the kid was afraid to go to sleep for fear that he wouldn't wake up. And a co-worker advised against saying Mars when to a farm to play with other kitties. She said that to her son (when her son was about the newt's age) about their dog, and her son then wanted to go play with the other doggies too. We've just left it as Mars isn't coming home. And so far that is working alright.

Nyx, the other cat, is your typical cat. Feed me when I want to be fed, pet me when I want to be petted, and play with me when I want to be played with. Though I've seen more of Nyx in the past 48 hours than I've seen in the past 48 days.

I miss Mars the most at bedtime. He loved to sit in the window above my side of the bed, and would walk across my face and hair to get there. Many a night I was awakened by a cat walking on my head to get to the window. I miss that. But I know he's now playing with Alice, Melody, Heidi, Max, Shire and Ruby. Probably asking for strawberries and paper balls.

RIP Mars - May 2002 - June 25, 2009.

Alright, we’re taking a new approach with this blog. For starters, we’re BOTH gonna make a conscience effort to make regular posts. The goal is to post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And each day will have a theme. Mondays are new stuff we’ve done, Wednesdays we’ll profile another artist, and Fridays are grab bag/miscellaneous.

So, off and running for NEW ITEM MONDAY.

I’ve started a new line of woven ribbon eyeglass cases. I got these two listed last night on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24555144 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24555407














These cases are made with grosgrain ribbon. If this design takes off, I’ll try it with other types of ribbon, such as satin. Personally, I think these cases are pretty wicked cool. Now I hope others do to.

In addition, I’m trying a new angle (literally) with my pictures. Using a textured cream background vs. gray background, and the first pic shows half the case with a set of glasses. I’d like to think they are more “front-page” worthy. Any feedback or comments are appreciated!

Because I suck.

That's why there haven't been any new blog entries.

We kick off our show schedule tomorrow, at Privateer's Day in Fell's Point. Which is one of my two favorite shows, not just because I tend to make the most money at them.

So, since I've nothing particularly interesting to say, here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Day Four of OFFICIAL UNEMPLOYMENT/Day T minus Two of NEW JOB

Yes, you read that title right! I GOT A JOB! But, first and foremost, I have to issue a correction to yesterday’s blog post. Danielle is not JUST my daycare provider, she is the most awesomest aunt who provides for my daughter as one of her own. And she makes a wicked crab quiche (or is that kishe? I’ll ask Doug). There, are you happy now?? ;)

Ok, so the unemployment is over. I was offered a job yesterday at my first former company as an ops manager/sales position. I start on Monday. And it’s right down the road, which is sweet, too. Now I’m almost embarrassed to have started these posts/hoopla, as I was technically unemployed for only three days *sheepish grin*

Short post today. No Outta the Mouths of Babes Segment, as the newt didn’t say anything witty. But, for your enjoyment, here is the final resting place of Indiana Jones.

This is a 100% true photo – not photoshopped or anything. It was taken at a church cemetery in Berlin, Maryland (Eastern Shore of MD). My husband and I were spending the night at a bed & breakfast, and were killing some time in town. Walking down the street, he was a good 10-20 paces in front of me. I saw the headstone, and screamed at him to come back. He just shook his head at me (I AM an Indiana Jones freak!). When we left town the next morning, I made him stop so I could get the picture.

Day Three of OFFICIAL UNEMPLOYMENT

I feel a bit like a bump on a log, as I haven’t contacted any potential employers the past two days. I fairly confident I will be offered a job from either or both of my former employers, which isn’t good. I need more of a safety net than that – I know I should be out pounding the pavement until I do find something. But a part of me treats this situation like a vacation (and that’s what I’ve been saying to the newt (kiddo), even though I know she wouldn’t understand “laid off”). Also, since I’m being paid my vacation time (which was two weeks worth) from the old job, my mind keeps thinking finding a job isn’t critical until the end of two weeks. Gotta remember the potential lapse between the last paycheck of the old job and the first paycheck of the new job (which I don’t have yet).

So, I’ve realized how my life has changed in the past couple days. Besides the whole, not getting a paycheck thing. Little things, both good and bad, like:

Coffee. I have to make my own coffee now. I used to get a cup o’ joe at the daycare provider’s house when I’d drop off the newt. Or get a cup at work. Now I’m on my own.

Sleeping in. This is a good and bad thing. Good because, well, it’s sleeping in. Bad because I’d stay in bed until 9 or 10 if I could. I need to stay in my old weekday routine, for myself and the newt. I will admit I’m sleeping in about ½ hour more than usual. That’s not bad.

Grocery store. Ok, I had a real nice Giant (grocery store) on my way home from the old job. I knew where everything was in that store, I’d often take my lunch hour to pick up something for dinner, or just run in and grab this or that. I don’t shop at my local supermarket, I have no idea where anything is! Something new to learn.

Lunch. I used to run to the deli right around the corner from the old job for lunch a couple days a week. They had an AWESOME chicken salad sandwich, with grapes and almonds in it in a honey wheat wrap. It was SO tasty. Now, not only do I need to make myself lunch, I’m responsible for making a balanced lunch for the newt, too. Today we had hot dogs with ketchup. That covers the meat and veggie food groups.

Heat in the house. We have a step-down thermostat that drops to 62 during the day. Yes, I can reprogram it, but since we’re a one-income house at the moment, I don’t want to waste a whole lot of energy heating the house. It’s a double-edged sword! I’m damned if I do, and I’m damned if I don’t!

Now for the Outta the Mouths of Babes Segment. The newt said today (after going #2 on the potty) – “We can’t eat poo-poo. It’s yucky”, as she flushes the toilet. For the record, I DON’T feed my child poop. For ANY meal. Granted, I’m not the best cook, and some of the stuff I do cook (that damned sun-dried tomato rice dish a few weeks ago comes to mind) may smell or taste like shit, but I repeat, I DON’T feed my child poop. Where she came up with that statement is beyond me……

Day Two of OFFICIAL UNEMPLOYMENT

Well, I got done yesterday what I REALLY wanted to get done, which was contact my former employers (two of them). From my phone conversations, it sounds like they are both hiring, so that’s a good thing. I sent my resume to both, and now it’s just playing the waiting game. I also applied to a third company, big thanks to Melissa for forwarding me the monster’s link.

Didn’t go to the post office, as they were closed. Fortunately, I realized that BEFORE I tried to go there. ‘Cause then I would have just felt like a dumbass. Got my frying pan though. Housewares are bloody expensive!

Got a little bit of cleaning done, and had fun with the offspring. She’s 2 and a half, and OBSESSED with Disney princesses, specifically Cinderella and Ariel the Mermaid. She has this thing where she’s Cinderella, and I’m Prince Charming, and I have to ask her to dance. The first time I said to her “Cinderella, may I have this dance?”. She corrected me and told me to say Please. Someone has to instill good manners in Prince Charming. Sometimes she accepts the dance, other times she runs off and gets me pretend ice cream. That’s the way to do it girl, make the guy sweat it out a bit, then bribe them with food.

Speaking of funny things kids say/do (and toddler years are a riot! Watching the little gerbil spin in it’s wheel, figuring out what to do with the situation!), the other day we went shopping (yes, BEFORE I got laid off) and there was Pez at the register. Kiddo asked politely, so I bought her Pez. The cashier put it in the bag, and as we were walking out to the car, she said “Mama (I love that she calls me Mama), where’s my Pez?”. I said, “It’s in the bag, we’ll put it in your dispenser when we get home.”. She shouts, “No, not in the dispenser, in ME!!”. Ahh, outta the mouths of babes.

So today starts the OFFICIAL Day One of UNEMPLOYMENT (wish the voice-over movie guy was still alive. Need him to say UNEMPLOYMENT for me).

Yep, you read that right. As of 8AM EST, I am officially unemployed. Laid off from my environmental consulting job. They laid off 3 folks (in an office of 26. Which is 10% of the staff. Yippee, I’m in the lucky 10%!).

Sooooo, what shall I do with all my free time? Well, I figure either the house is going to be REALLY clean and smell nice, or REALLY dirty and be covered in bon-bon boxes aka Peg Bundy style. In reality, I hope to get a bunch listed on Etsy (http://www.bitchenstitchen.etsy.com/), clean the house (really), and spend some quality time with my daughter. Not necessarily in that order.

So, speaking of quality time with my daughter, hmmm, what am I going to do? I mean, I’ve worked Monday thru Friday ever since she was 6 weeks old, and now she’s two and a half. Yeah, we’ve hung out together on weekends, but usually my husband was home too, so I could have a break if I needed one. Ya know, go to the bathroom by myself, etc. Don’t get me wrong – I would hope by two and half years, I would have figured out for the most part how to entertain and take care of a toddler. But every night before bed I have grand plans for the next day (for example, I’d say to myself, tomorrow I’m going to catalogue each vacation picture with date, time, place, persons and scan those into the computer and create folders and…oh, look, Judge Judy’s on. Hmm, I haven’t seen this episode….wait a minute, was I doing something important?). So, based on my short attention span and playing with kiddo, I doubt I’ll be able to get done what I want to get done today. Which includes going to the post office, searching online for a job, canceling EZ-Pass (that’s another entry), and going to Bed Bath and Beyond, since I have a gift card there and need a frying pan.

All I REALLY want to do today is call my former company (NOT the one that just laid me off. Because that would be just PATHETIC. Call the one I left about 4 years ago). And I’ll do that during kiddo’s nap. Try to do some sweet talking, and hope I don’t have to resort to begging and pleading. Day one of unemployment, I still have my pride. Ask me on Day 14, which is the day my incoming funds will cease (will be paid out my vacation time), and I may resort to begging and pleading.

Honestly, there’s a part of me that’s scared shitless: OMG, what if I can’t find a fucking job? How much do we have in resources? How long could we do this? and another part of me that thinks this is a vacation: oh, I can make stuff and list it on Etsy, and start writing a blog, and finally clean out kiddo’s toy bin and move all the boxes in the spare bedroom into the attic (which, BTW, we moved almost three years ago. Figure if I haven’t needed the shit in three years, moving the box out into the attic is probably alright). I guess both those reactions are normal. Right now, I still have my humor.