Enough Already!

There is no questioning my deep love and affection for someone who's been my partner for the past eleven years.  He's incredibly special to me, and those who see us can tell that our bond is very strong.

I love the little furball.

Truth be told, he's not that little.  Recent weigh-ins have him at 18 pounds, and folks, he's lean.  Muscular.

Together, he and I have been through quite a lot.  He's patient with me (usually), comforts me when I'm down, has taught my kids to walk (no kidding), and no matter where we have lived - he's managed to demonstrate a level of abject sluttiness unrivaled in the biped community (it's tame, really... he learns the timetable of the neighborhood bus stops and will always be there to greet the children and ensure he receives plentiful tummy rubs.  A complete slut, is he.)

But.

(Y'all knew that was coming, didn't you?)

My kitty could be the picture for every month on the "Stop Furry Bulimia" fund-raising calendar.  For over five years, and a similar number of veterinarians, he's suffered from chronic vomiting.  Initially, we thought he was being selfish and hoarding food from his little sister (RIP).  But, she's gone, and he continues.

With such a lengthy history, patterns have even been discerned.  For example, he always vomits four times.  The first is always the most productive, but there will be four.  Never three, never five, and six is unheard of.  Four.

He also refuses to get up to vomit.  Wherever he may be when the urge overcomes him, that's where the fun shall begin.  Bed.  Bathroom bathmat.  Sofa.  Even Computer.

He must be in agony.  Surely, if I vomited a couple of times every day, I'd be miserable (I'd also be a lot thinner.)

Amazingly, he maintains weight.  How he does that, I don't know.  Neither do the learned vets.

We've tried dry food, wet food, mixed food, this brand, that brand, even prescription food.  You know what?  They all come up the same.

My cat suffers from Bulimia, and there are no known kitty shrinks who can help him.  And we're open to suggestions.

Really, cause this is annoying.  I now live in a house with minimal carpet because of my bulimic cat.  That's right, folks, a recent home-buying decision was heavily influenced by copious feline vomit.

I'm tired of the middle-of-the-night squishy ick.  I'm tired of furniture with stains.  I'm tired of him begging for food because the meal delivered a few minutes ago is now decorating the floors of three different rooms.

I love my cat.  I cannot imagine, nor do I desire to face, one day not having him in my life.  But... this has got to stop!

For his sake... for mine...

Ick!

What A Difference 150 (or so) Years Makes

A tad over 150 years ago, the States were arguing with the Federal government. Large among the debates were the concepts that the states are sovereign and they could nullify Federal laws (see: Nullification).

Now, we have the Federal government trying to nullify State laws because they encroach upon the sovereignty of the Federal government.

Back then, it was part of the path to tearing the Union apart. And as opposite as the scenario is now, it's quite likely the more things change...
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Idle Thought

Given the current administration's penchant for laying blame at others' feet...  if the war in Afghanistan ends up being a colossal failure, will we have leaks and statements from the White House about how the strategy was right, but poorly executed (for any multitude of reasons) by those in the theater (i.e. the troops)?

There's *Always* A Story...

I often, even now several years later, receive notes, comments, emails, and so forth from people who tell me that our story is "very sad", and "quite tragic".  I have long since learned not to argue, no matter how much I wish to demur, because I know one simple, horrifying truth.

 

There's always a story.  Today's local paper carried the story of SPC Clay McGarrah and his bride... widow, Emily.  It's heartbreaking, as all such tales of Love and Loss are. 

 

I'm glad, quite honestly, to see it carried above the fold on the front page of our paper here in NC.  The family is from a small town in Arkansas, and no doubt, it was the whole page of their local paper.  I say I'm glad because as those who are connected to the War(s) will tell you - to most, it doesn't fit into their daily thoughts at all.  Lebron, Oil, Mel, President Obama... our nation's media, in some part due to our public consciousness and consensus, has declared that the War isn't usually newsworthy.

 

It's newsworthy to those connected to it.  And in communities all across this country, that connection is very strong and is shared by the whole community.  And when Loss occurs, the community comes and helps the new widow, the family without a son or daughter, try to shoulder the burden.

 

And try to face a new day.

 

I was caught by the eyes looking out from the picture of the bride holding her folded American flag.  I've seen those eyes, too often, in the mirror.  I feel for her... knowing she'd do anything to hold her Love again instead of that folded piece of cloth.

 

I invite you to go and read...  http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2010/07/24/1015733?sac=Home.

 

57 days.  Seven years... a lifetime shared... a lifetime lost.

 

My thoughts go out to you Emily.  To you and Clay, "Thank you".  Thank you for all you've given to our country.  Your town is small, but in the end... you are part of something big...  you're a part of all of us.

#6

Today was... is... a special day on the calendar.  Six years ago, the above picture was taken.

To the beautiful lady with a really cute smile in that picture:  You're missed, Sweet. 

Hi. Do you accept guest posts? I would love the opportunity to submit an article to kafstorm.blogspot.com about traumatic brain injury as it pertains to the military. Brain injuries are common amongst military personnel. Unfortunately, the symptoms are n

I'm up for a guest post... one condition - I maintain editorial control. (I promise not to edit gratuitously, but anything inappropriate, OPSEC, etc...)

Ask me anything

Small Army

Everyone always thinks of the Army as big. Hundreds of thousands of Soldiers, HQ is called "Big Army", and so many times, you feel like just a small cog in the Big Green Machine.

And then, Life throws you a special treat.

This past weekend, a friend arrived and started house-hunting. He just finished a 1SG tour in Korea and is taking up with 82nd CAB. Haven't seen him since Germany/Afghanistan. Very cool and with an awesome sense of humor.

And as an added bonus, this am I'm walking through the DFAC, and I spot... another friend, last seen in VA, but also from my time in Germany & Afghanistan. It seems he's been here for awhile, except not, because he just redeployed back from his visit to the 'stan.

It's SO good to see familiar faces. Especially from my "past life." They are well and truly missed.

Today is a good day after all.
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Things to Do

4th of July - Party and Fireworks. 5th of July - Strip/Clean Weapons...