Earlier today, I felt like recording a few random thoughts, and they all came out as “ing” words. So here goes:
BUYING
Today at lunch I went to the pet store to get some cat kibble. We will be trying a new brand, as Boogins continues to have digestive problems. 
This new cat food is Nature’s Valley Instinct Grain-Free Duck Meal and Turkey Meal. It’s high in protein, and supposedly is good for cats who have “food allergies.” Could it be that Boogins has a food allergy? Will this new food be the “magic pill”? Personally, I think he must have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, though the vet has never called it that. He has good days and bad days. I want my little buddy to feel better.
EATING
Now, on the way back from the pet store, I passed a little shopping area that has a new restaurant! Well, not really so new, because when I looked it up online, apparently it’s been around since last August. 
But I just discovered it, so that makes it “new.” It’s a TURKISH restaurant called Yakamoz. I think it is probably the only Turkish restaurant in the city. I’ve never eaten at a Turkish restaurant, but the menu looks good. I’m wondering about the spices. Earlier this year Russ said he was making a resolution to try new foods…so I guess we’ve got to give this place a whirl!
READING
Right now I am reading two books. I’m finishing up a Star Trek/Here Come the Brides mash-up called Ishmael, by Barbara Hambly. Spock gets sent back in time to the Here Come the Brides storyline, but he doesn’t remember who he is. Since I happen to enjoy both these shows, I’m finding this book unique and interesting.
I’ve also started reading Cat Daddy, by Jackson Galaxy, the cat behaviorist. This book has a few tips about cats, but mostly it’s about his life, how messed up he was, and how cats helped him find his purpose. His writing style is a 
bit unorganized for me, but he’s gut-wrenchingly sincere and passionate in everything he talks about. We meet on the issue of loving cats, but other than that, I would have to say that Mr. Galaxy (and yes, I think that is his real name) is probably one of the writers most unlike me that I’ve ever read. This book is serving as a reminder to me that “it takes all kinds.” I’m just glad Jackson Galaxy is the kind who loves cats.
WATCHING
Russ and I continue our re-watching of both the Buffy and Angel series. These shows are so good, you really never get tired of them. We recently tried a couple of other shows at Mary’s suggestion, but after several episodes said, “Well….nah…never mind.” I think if a show doesn’t hook you in the first episode or two, don’t waste your time. Time is too valuable to waste it watching something you’re not REALLY enjoying.
Case in point: on a whim, Russ recently purchased the first season of Todd and the Book of Pure Evil. (He made the decision based on the fact that reviewers were pegging it as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Jay & Silent Bob.” We like both of those, so he thought we should try it.) WELL! About two minutes into the first episode, I knew we had a winner! We’ve gone through the first season, and now are eagerly waiting for the second season to come out on DVD for the United States. (Todd is a Canadian show, so here in the states we have a wait a bit for the next installment.)
WORKING ON
Evenings I continue to stay busy with work on the podcast, as well as my Marvel blog. I’m really enjoying doing both of these, I just wish I had more time to devote to these activities. Russ has encouraged
me by saying that he thinks perhaps someday we might be able to gather all my Marvel posts together in a self-published book, Adventures in the Marvelous Zone. I think that would be cool! But I have a lot more work to do on the blog before we are anywhere near that!
We also have an idea for another Dark Shadows project, but that one is still in the works, and for the moment I’m going to keep it hush-hush. If we do this, it will be a long time coming. And it will be a lot of work! But this is how we like to keep ourselves busy, doing our “projects” in the evening, rather than wasting away in front of the TV. Yes, we watch our one show each evening while watching dinner, but after that, the tube goes off, and we get to work! No more Nancy Grace for me! No more Dr. Phil! It feels good to shut off the boob tube and actively create something. Keeps the mind young.
PLANNING
Looking forward to my trip to Florida in a few weeks. To economize, I’ll be confining myself to the Fort Lauderdale area for this trip. (Next year, Russ and I are hoping to make another “road trip” that can include more stops.) I’m looking forward to seeing everyone, and getting to see Mary’s new apartment, which is really a townhouse/condo. Also hoping to visit a few of the really excellent thrift stores in the South Florida area. I always come back with some nice things.
John and Karin and the twins are coming down for the weekend, and we’re planning a big family Thanksgiving type dinner! It will be just before James’ birthday, so in addition to being “Thanksgiving,” it will also be a birthday celebration! That should be fun. I won’t be eating any stuffing, but I’m planning to make sweet potatoes. (And I think I might treat myself to a slice of birthday cake!)
Well, that’s a quick wrap-up of what’s been going on. But before I go, enjoy this:
