It's Not Just A Name, It's A Tribute

Meet Seven. Seven is a 6-month old kitten and the newest member of our family. She's also our 7th cat (get it?). I can't really say that we adopted her since she was the one who showed up on our doorstep early one morning last week and refused to leave. She cried under our bedroom window at 5:45am until Eric went outside to feed her and was sitting in exactly the same spot when I returned home from work later that evening. Given that the forecast called for temperatures to hover around 11°F the following day, we couldn't just shrug our shoulders and hope that she'd go away.

So far, she's adjusting well. She's really friendly and doesn't have the social hang-ups that street cats normally have. The vet confirmed that she is disease-free and we had her spayed the same day. The cone she's wearing is not only a fashion accessory, but a means by which to keep her from tearing out her stitches. Plus, the other cats haven't killed her yet so I'm cautiously optimistic about her future in the Pacheco house.

The next time I complain about having too many cats, feel free to pick up the nearest blunt object and beat me with it. God, I have to have my fucking head examined.

I Wish I Shared Her Confidence

Portrait of the artist as a young woman. Drawn by my niece Katelyn, age 5.

2007

Eric and I drove into Brooklyn this morning so that Eric could take a swim with the Coney Island Polar Bear Club. I was hoping to join him (in fact, it was my idea), but woke up with the beginnings of a head cold and decided that a dip in the ocean on New Year's Day might not be wise. Despite feeling like crap, I had a blast taking pictures of some of the thousands of other people who had the same idea. Eric was completely in his element, even posing for pictures and finding his way into the shot of a Fox News cameraman. It was all a lot of fun and I would definitely go back next year as a swimmer, not as a photographer. Of course, it is easy for me to say that when it is 55 degrees with a light drizzle. I reserve the right to change my mind should the temperature on New Year's Day 2008 be in the 20s or should Mother Nature decide to blanket the beach with snow. Sorry, but that's just how I roll.

So Happy New Year, Internets. I hope 2007 brings you health, happiness, and lots of laughs.