This is Chris. This is not a new kitty for our household – just a visitor.

Of course I whipped out my camera (and cellphone) and snapped a few photos. Here’s one of Darcy.

My friend Caitlin came over with her mom the day before Christmas to swap gifts and chit chat. Caitlin is playing foster-mom to two cute little kittens, Chris and Darcy. They wanted to show us the kittens, specially the one that reminded them of Princess.

They were sneezing (shelter colds) and had a some watery eyes, similar symptons that Penny had when we got her from the Humane Society. But when they sneezed they sounded like little ducks quacking.

Too cute!

Some people in Modesto are horrible drivers. Yes, I might not drive very much myself, but that doesn’t mean I’m ignorant to how one is supposed to drive.

Sisk Road, the road that Modesto’s one and only mall, the Vintage Faire Mall is located on is notorious for horrible accidents. Multiple parking lot entrances coupled with a curved road and no stop signs/lights is a playground for stupid drivers. People coming from the nearest mall offramp zoom around the curve, making those waiting to pull out of or into the mall parking lot/mall roads wait and wait. Some take chances and zoom across the oncoming traffic, thinking maybe someone will slow down.

Yesterday, before our McHenry museum/Mansion mission (which was aborted/postponed btw) my mother, uncle and I decided to go to lunch at a restaurant located within the mall parking lot area. This meant we’d have to cross the oncoming traffic on the curvy road. So we waited in the suicide lane (such a lovely name right), and waited, and waited. The cars would not slow down nor was the traffic getting lighter. Some jackass behind us honked his horn and pulled out around and drove infront of us. He almost got rear-ended and he had to wait a little bit himself before zooming across the oncoming traffic. Sigh. He must not read.

:: Mall traffic backs up, stranding shoppers
:: Opinion: Stupidity, not road, caused accidents
:: Opinion: Mall has needed stoplights for years
:: Treacherous Exit

Then today, in two different parking lots, people driving in the wrong lanes, changing their minds at the last second, cutting corners… don’t get me started on all the stupid people walking around.

Why must people be crazy this time of year?

We’re just about ready to head out to check out the McHenry Mansion in Modesto. Dispite growing up in Modesto, I’d never been to the mansion. It’ll be interesting to see historic photos and read some nifty information about this quiet-yet growing city. (Yes the “Condit-Peterson-Lucas-Gallo” Modesto)

Until we leave, I’m playing little web games. Jason Kottke put up a great list – some games I’ve played before, and some are new faves.

Be sure to check out Line Rider (if you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t played this one yet), Falling Sand Game, 50 States (88%!), and Mission in Snowdriftland (very Mario, it’s a Nintendo game.)

Shock and saddness has yet to wear off (and if the past is any indication, 3+ years will still not be enough time) but we’re moving on and doing what is necessary. You can’t just sit around and be sad. Grandpa wouldn’t want that, right?

So the holidays are coming up and part of me is very bah-humbug but the other side says to be in as good spirits as possible, at least for the kiddies. So this weekend I went Christmas shopping. I did as best I could and didn’t plow down any of the annoying shoppers. I’d share what I got for some people – but as I found out this last week, several family members (beyond parents and all-caps UNCLE MIKE) read my blog from time to time.

I have to catch up at work the next three days, then I’m off again for the rest of the year. I really just want this year to be over with. Time to start a new one, with new hopes and goals.

Some fun things I’m looking forward to in the next few weeks:

- Playing with a new camera (!!)
- Redesigning and moving my website (I won’t be draining the space on my friend’s site for much longer.)
- Taking photos and teaching my cousin about photography
- Spending time with family

and about a million other things, here’s hoping I can cram it all into a few weeks.

John Souza, July 26, 1926 – December 9, 2006

Post condensed…

Grandpa, I’ll miss you.

I find comfort in remembering all those little details about you that made you the greatest Grandpa ever.

Your bushy eyebrows – maan almighty Grandpa! No amount of friendly teases would get to you and you’d just smile and make them arch – you’re such the sport!

Your endless supply of Members Only jackets. What sometimes is considered a silly joke about the 80s simply just says “Grandpa” to me. You rocked your Members Only jackets like one should.

Silly fishing jokes – I remember sitting on the kitchen bar stool at the old house and begging you to tell me more jokes. I think I was managing to get a new joke from you each time I saw you.

Not to mention your silly fishing song, “Horsey keep your tail up” that you promised when sung would make the fish bite, and it did – causing me to catch what was probably my first fish.

I won’t be angry. I am going to be strong. We all will. We know you are at rest and you are no longer suffering. You’ve surpassed many physical hurdles throughout your life and now is the time to rest. I love you Grandpa.

{via BoingBoing}

Moments from this weekend:

:: I laughed so hard I was crying because during a game of Trivial Pursuit Pop Culture Matt got excited when Steven yelled an answer out of turn therefore losing his pie piece. “YOU LOSE A PIE!! YOU LOSE A PIE!!” Lonny was thrilled that Matt didn’t care about getting the answer right himself – but only to get Steven’s goat about ignoring the rules.

:: Got pissed that our oven is apparently broken which is why we had to wait 2 EXTRA hours before eating our turkey. Thankfully our friends are very forgiving.

:: Al and Lonny got me hooked on yet ANOTHER game. At least this one doesn’t cost money per month or make me feel slightly ashamed. It makes my brain hurt, that’s all. (I’m still stuck on Level 6 – anyone wanna give me a better clue than they offer?)

:: Adam and I covered up Penny’s snacks (also known as “wires behind my desk”.) Now I just have to tell her “No-no!” half the amount of time.

:: I organized our office shelving and closet – omg, you have no idea how good it feels to see it stacked and orderly. Eat your heart out Martha.

And there you have it, my weekend was simple (and part of it was slept-through as I’m trying to get over a cold) but I accomplished many little tasks I’ve been aching to complete.