37 Seconds

Occasionally it hits me - "oh my God I am really going to the Seychelles!" and then I can't stop smiling for at least 37 seconds until an annoying thought about work pops into my brain. But those 37 seconds are usually the highlight of my day. I GET TO GO TO THE FREAKIN' SEYCHELLES!!!!!

Today, I went shopping for a few items for my trip. Nothing too fancy, just a shirt and a nerdy hat to protect my delicate skin from the burning rays at the equator. The hat is one of those hideous wide brim things, the kind I used to make fun of my mom for wearing. Now look at me....

....following in her terribly ugly head wear, yet highly practical footsteps. Laugh now, but when I'm 40, I will barely look a day over 39. If the hat and copious amounts of sunscreen fail and I do in fact damage my skin and end up with a few more wrinkles than I like, well, who cares - I GET TO GO TO THE FREAKIN' SEYCHELLES FOR 6 WHOLE ENTIRE MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Two Cute Cats, Seeking New Caretaker

Dear Potential New Caretaker,
I'd like to take a minute to introduce myself and my sister Clementine. My name is Nutmeg "Nut" Poss and I am a large, attractive brown tabby female Maine Coon of approximately 7.5 years old. My sister Clementine is a petite orange tabby Maine Coon mix of the same age. We are are currently looking for a new home, as our current caretaker, Kate, is leaving the country in June for at least six months, though we are not exactly sure if and when she is ever coming back. Have you seen the photos of this place called the Seychelles? Looks like paradise, I'd never come back either. Regardless of when she returns, she'd like to find us a new permanent home, as she believes it will be better for us all in the long run. I tend to agree, as I'd prefer to not have to move again and again and again until the crazy woman settles down.

We are looking for a safe, loving home where we can live out our remaining years in the company of a cat loving  person and/or family. We are indoor cats who prefer tuna over pretty much everything. We enjoy napping often, chasing string, furry things, sparkly fuzzy balls, and will most certainly maintain the moth and fly population inside your home. We loooooooove to be brushed and petted, there really is nothing like a good ear scratching. We will sit quietly by your side until you decide to pay attention to us, or we might just pull a cat and climb in your lap demanding attention over whatever it is that you are doing. We're fun and unpredictable like that.  We enjoy sitting in open windows, feeling the breeze ruffle our long fur and watching the squirrels and birds run amok outside. By the way, someone should really do something about those vermin, we are far too civilized for such murderous behavior. (Not to mention that we aren't allowed outside unsupervised.)

We have never lived with dogs, though I am sure we can get along with ones that don't view us as the enemy and/or dinner. As for other cats, I'm open to making new friends, but would like to get to know the other felines over time. Patience is key to feline friendships, you know.  We aren't fans of small children, with their sticky little hands and high pitched screams. Can you really trust someone who poops in their pants instead of a litter box? We don't mind older kids who know how to be calm and gentle with us. I mean, if we are getting brushed or petted, it doesn't really matter who it comes from, right? Beggars can't be choosers.

We'd prefer to be placed in a new home that our owner Kate feels comfortable with (a friend, a friend of a friend, a friend of a friend of a friend......you get the idea). The idea of handing us of to a total stranger is a bit much for her. She thought she could do it, but she keeps bursting into tears every time she looks at us. It's quite annoying really, I keep telling her we are going to be just fine.

Anyways, if you or anyone you know is in the market for a couple middle aged women to keep them company, please let Kate know. We are a package deal and don't want to be separated. We are really more like one and a half cats since my darling Clementine only weighs six pounds. We promise to entertain with our funny behaviors and cute tricks. We also promise to love you on our own terms, if and when we please (we are cats after all, unconditional love is for the dogs). As you can see in the photos below, we are cute and funny and can't wait to be a part of your family.

Sincerely,
Nutmeg "Nut" Poss

P.S. We will come with all our favorite toys, brushes, a litter box big enough for me, and even a cat tree.

-----

Meow,
Meow meow meow, tuna, meow, string, meow meow meow, window, meow meow meeeeeeoooooww, meow, tuna, tuna, brush, meow meow meow meow meow, love me, meow meow meow.

Meow,
Clementine "Pretty Kitty" Poss
----

What are you looking at, crazy lady? 

Ah, the annual Christmas card photo. What a silly little tradition. May I never, ever have to wear this silly hat again. 

Meeee-owwww. 

Ugh. Longest day ever. My claw has been stuck here since 9am. 

Face. 

Tail. 

Pet me, I'm cute! Pet me, I'm cute!

Inspiration

Here are a few of my favorite (and inspirational) travel videos I've come across over the years, some are ads (don't judge them too harshly), others are just people traveling and making awesome videos. Enjoy (and book a trip)!

Open Water

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharlal Nehru

Last weekend, I completed (and passed) my PADI Open Water scuba class, which is a good thing considering I'll be diving daily for six months starting at the end of June. We did our open water skills in Lake Travis, while the weather and conditions on the surface were perfect (see pics below), the conditions underwater left a little to be desired. The water temperature was about 62 degrees and the visibility was 4-6 feet, meaning I couldn't see the front half of my instructor's body when I was swimming behind him, only his fins that were kicking me in the face, and sometimes I could barely see those. Even with the frigid water and poor "viz" as the cool scuba kids call it, I loved every single minute of it. I love the thrill of breathing underwater, a place where we air breathing humans just aren't meant to be. I love sitting still on an underwater platform while perch swim back and forth in front of my mask, begging for treats like dogs. (People often feed them Vienna sausages, apparently). I love the complete silence, only hearing your breath and bubbles. I love the complete concentration required to scuba dive, staying calm under new and sometimes stressful situations, maintaining your buoyancy, checking your air, checking your depth, learning how to navigate in a foreign environment, exploring places you've never been before. There is no time for distractions or idle thoughts - keep breathing, swimming, checking your gauges and soaking in the underwater world around you. If I was this thrilled to be diving in murky waters, I can only imagine what it will be like to dive in the crystal clear Indian Ocean with bright tropical fish, coral and maybe even a whale shark or two.

Austin: Part Deux

Favorite spot #2 - Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail

I've been fortunate enough to live within running distance of this hike and bike trail on a few occasions and always tried to made great use of it. Now that I'm a bit further away, I try to squeeze in an evening run on my way home from work now and again when my schedule allows. It is always packed with a variety of Austinites, from professional runners and triathletes to people strolling around the lake with their dogs in tow,  wagging their tails and sniffing everyone that passes by  (the dogs, not the people). I love the trails, the bridges, the parks and the views, especially during that magical sunset hour...