I knew this was coming

Class was pretty good on Thursday. Stacey's trying to kill me. Jack's training her hard, and she's taking it out on me, holding focus mitts and calling out combinations. I think she's going to force me to go into a sauna with her, too, when it's time to cut weight.

I took Baby and Rufus to the vet on Friday. Rufus for yearly shots, Baby for a 6 month wellness check. She's lost weight (almost a pound since June), as we already knew. But we're pretty sure she'd lost more, but has gained a little back since we started feeding her whenever she wants. They couldn't get urine, so I'll have to take her back the week after xmas when I take the Coltranes in.

I got a massage after that. We had been talking about working out, and the kickboxing class she's started taking. She got to my legs and said, "How often are you going to the gym?" Six days, if nothing comes up. "Well, you're solid." Sweet. Makes me feel better, since I made the mistake of stepping on the scale at the vet. Building muscle, fully clothed, and a day from starting my period = bad idea.

On Saturday, I'd decided to skip my classes so I could vacuum and straighten up before the cable dudes were scheduled to be here (between 12 and 2). A guy knocked on the door around 10:30 to let me know he was doing some work outside before the inside guys got here. I had to unplug the DSL, and the phones were out for a while.

At around 1:30, he knocked again to say he was leaving, and asked if the other guy had called yet. He had not. He said he'd hook the phones back up, and try to find out where he was. Then I didn't see anyone. At 2:30, I called customer service. All they could tell me is that the guy had not left his morning appointment. Great. I saw a couple trucks out there around 3:30 or so, and one pull up and look around like, where is everyone? He didn't get here until around 4:15, and didn't leave until around 7:30. I didn't make a scene, though. I told them as they were leaving (when they apologized again for being so late) that I'd missed a memorial for my friend's mom. Jeff wasn't here most of that time, and even if he was, I'm the one who needed to be here to see what was going on, and get the tutorial, and do initial setup, etc. He said they'd had a major installation with 5 TVs before mine. So, if they had to replace wiring and cable jacks, and install coax into rooms, I'm sure it took a while.

And there will be no service for Anne. I feel like a tool. Beth said it was ok, though. I just wish I could have been there.

But the system has been awesome so far. Haven't watched anything recorded yet, but I've set up to record the shows that aren't yet done for the year. Should be cool. I can even access my DVR online to schedule, delete or cancel programs. There's even a Headbnanger's Ball music channel! And the picture is soooo clear. And the internet and phones are just fine, plus we get unlimited long distance on the phones now, like we do on the cell phones.

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I never did send a strongly worded email to the gun shop, but Jeff found a rebate from the manufacturer of the rifle. I had to call the store and have them fax me a copy of the federal form I had to fill out, and send a copy of it and the receipt in. I think it's for $125, so bonus!

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So now Jack wants me to help train Clint and Stacey. He knows I'm nearby, and off the week after xmas. I may have to hold focus mitts, pads, or even spar with her. Since he's literally training them both at the same time, he needs another person to help. They're both fighting on 1/24. I'll definitely be there. Maybe I can talk Jeff into going with me.

He mentioned the week after xmas. I don't have much going on that week, besides taking the Coltranes to the vet, getting allergy shots, and hanging out with Leigh one day. I was told there's no need for Baby to go back in. Her renal failure has continued, and is getting worse. She's also slightly anemic. There's a low protein food she can eat, but she may not like it, as cats sometimes don't. She also can't stand to lose more weight. There's also a daily medication I could give her to help, but I'm undecided. I think I could manage it, and it might not stress her too much, but would I be prolonging the inevitable? I may get it when I go there in a couple weeks, but I'm not sure. They told me to just feed her often with whatever she loves, and keep her comfortable. She will die of kidney failure, it's just a matter of when. I'm ok with it for the moment. She's 17. She's still alert and mobile. I've had this in the back of my mind for a couple years now, since she first showed signs of this. If she starts to lose mobility, etc., I hope I can make that decision. As it is, I check her to make sure she's breathing when she's sleeping if she doesn't stir when I walk in or speak to her. She's kind of a hard sleeper, though.

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