My Boxing Day: today, Ryan met live, active echidnas for the very first time. He was smiling, laughing and squealing with delight. A bunch of other stuff happened, but who cares? (Tonight: Penguin Parade! It's breeding season, there will be chicks.)

When we put him down for his nap, he told us that his favourite animal is the echidna. My boy.

I got Leifur very deliberately to fill an emotional need. My dad was dying, and I went into the local animal shelter and asked them for the most affectionate adult cat they had. After meeting a few who didn't click, I met Leifur and immediately knew he was the one I wanted to take home. He went with me to stay at Dad's apartment for the last days, and was there for me when I'd come back from the hospital every evening. Best decision I ever made.

My Boxing Day: today, Ryan met live, active echidnas for the very first time.

A banner day in the Walla-Tea household!

Mine have almost all been given to me. People moving mostly. Brandy was given to me by a guy who was having a baby and his wife didn't want a dog around. My dobe was from a girl who was moving in with a guy in a no pet apartment. The cat's mom was moving to a place where they have a lot of eagles and she feared the worst. It just happens. My dad worked on road construction projects and people dumped unwanted pets there because they knew some sucker (my dad) would bring them home. Pets find my siblings too. Family tradition.

Kittenish found me by running in front of my car. Her broken jaw reminded me of mine and there was no way I was letting her go unless I found the home she'd escaped that night. My ex told me very seriously I could never hit a jogger because I'd want to bring them home and fix them too.

Last night I was snuggling my aunt and uncle's gray kitty for a while and then I found out their bunny was friendly. Adorable soft white bunny with black emo eyeliner (smudged even!) and Bunny loved to be pet and licked my finger and hands for ages! I did not know bunnies licked or that their tongues are soft and velvety. Even bunny tongues are soft like bunny.

My Grinch today was strong and I didn't entirely hide it successfuly. But there were some nice moments too. The quiet right now is bliss though. Tomorrow is more parent time and that'll be nice.

I did not know bunnies licked or that their tongues are soft and velvety. Even bunny tongues are soft like bunny.

Aw, that is the sweetest. Thanks for that lovely image!

My Grinch today was strong and I didn't entirely hide it successfuly.

Oh, Jesus. I love Tim's family, and Christmas dinner was nice with them, but it got to be too much, especially when it came time to clean up. Some of us were in the (medium-size) kitchen trying to put leftovers away and wash dishes, and 2 nephews and an uncle (Tim's brother; i.e., old enough to know not to do this) came tear-assing into the kitchen with this tabletop pinball game thingy to play the game in the kitchen "because it's the only room with good lighting."

Tim's SiL (wife of the brother who was playing the damn game) came in the kitchen and saw them playing and asked them, "Are you helping clean up?" and I didn't even let them answer before I said, without turning around, "Actually, what they're doing is the EXACT OPPOSITE of helping clean."

They were cleaning within 90 seconds. I feel kind of bitchy in retrospect, mostly because it wasn't my own family. Had it been my family, I wouldn't have even bothered with snark; if anyone in my family came in the kitchen to play a game while I was trying to clean, they would have gotten punched in the neck and then told to cope with the pain while they cleaned.

I opted against actual assault on my boyfriend's family. At least this year.

Honestly, it was 99% a good time, although I am dog-ass tired. But the shenanigans were poorly timed.

On the awesome side: Tim gave me a bunny ears hat for Christmas. It is a direct reference to "Bob's Burgers." And oh HELL YES, do I love it.

t edit He also gave me a long slinky red nightie for Christmas, and I did in fact try it on with the bunny ears hat. Because I AM SEXY AND I KNOW IT.

I AM SEXY AND I KNOW IT.

Clap your hands!

My father-in-law died yesterday. He was in Israel with his family, including The Girl, and it had been looking very bad for a couple of weeks now. I really don't want hugs or anything - just wanted to let you know, as you've all been so supportive while he's been ill. I'm cutting short my visit to my family and attempting to get to Israel in the next couple of days. This will be a challenge, as travelling with The Girl's help is hard enough, never mind on my own, but I'm going to do my best to get there. Worried about my Girl (as much as I'm far more likely to create work for her than be support).

I'm so sorry, Seska. Love to your Girl and her family.