Christmas 2009

Well, it's been a shitty year. Flying from Heathrow with a hangover on New Years Day is not recommended. Especially when Vancouver is embroiled in a three week long snow storm. I was stopped by Customs and questioned. Not interrogated or searched, but questioned. C'mon, can't you see I have a hangover, just spend $200 on a cab, $100 for overweight luggage and a took a trans-Atlantic flight?

Arriving home, my very much missed and beloved cats ignored me. On purpose. For about 60 minutes.

Then I got a job. The worst boss ever. I could tell you stories. Oh my god. If you need a veterinarian in your neighbourhood, please call me. I have inside information. And working in this clinic gave me a new and interesting (read: horrific) insight into the neuroses, greed and ego of professionals. And to think I worked for lawyers before this!!

Luckily, I went old school and sent my resumes in the mail and ended up with a job I'm liking. Not loving, but liking very much. With the clinic comes two cats, and a Labrador retriever. I especially love when I can have a special dog friend but not have to be the primary caregiver. Perfect.

Sad news in August.. My beloved and much talked about cat, Phillip, aka the Pirate,was diagnosed with renal lymphoma. He died a month later despite all our efforts. Oh god that hurt.

My oldest cat (and less talked about) Henry, was diagnosed with nasal lymphoma the same week (by way of endoscope, which was pretty cool) and I was trying to prepare myself to lose two cats at the same time. However, Henry seems to be a bionic cat. Let me list his issues: Cancer, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart murmur. He also suffers from FAD - flea allergy dermatitis and has had pemphigus foliaceous (an auto-immune disease). Count those: 7 things. Yet here he is, fast asleep at my side. BIONIC!

I hope for the best in the coming year. More prosperous would make Sue happy. And if anyone wants to know what I want for my birthday (Jan 14) I would like an IPod or new shoes, or dinner at a fancy restaurant or anything you care to give me.

I enjoyed writing that. Merry Christmas.

xo sue