My 40th Year on Earth: The Plunge

A few weeks ago, I shared my plans to boldly enter my 40th year on Earth. I define "boldness" in this statement as those things that make me move outside of the comfort zone I've created for myself in my little life with my enormous cat. (I get it, Dr. Vet, he's fat. You try getting a shelter cat to love you without the aid of shrimp flavored snacks.) I've identified twelve things I plan to this year that range on a scale of terrifying to fun stuff that I've always wanted to do, but don't ever plan to do so I'm doing them. It's a great list. I encourage everyone to do something similar this year. I'll be your list cheerleader if you need one.

I listen to the JSS Morning Show on 98 Rock, a rock station out of Baltimore. The show is the right balance of comedy, news, music, sports, and weirdness to get my day going. Since my commute is much longer now, I get to listen from the six am hour sports through just after the seven am news, depending on traffic. Usually in December, the guys start talking about the upcoming Polar Bear Plunge event they're part of in Maryland. When they started talking about it this past December, I knew I was planning my list, but hadn't quite figured out what all the events/things were going to be. The guys talked about their experience at past plunges, and it clicked in my head. I should find a plunge event near me. It combines my love of participating in random things and giving back to my community/being a good citizen. It just so happens a new plunge event would be taking place this year in the Mosaic District in Fairfax, sponsored by Plunge Virginia. I had found my event.

Plunge Virginia sponsors multiple events in January and February to support Special Olympics Virginia. Money raised at the events helps the organization provide training and other support throughout the year, and helps support sending athletes to the World Games (this year in Abu Dhabi). Virginia has seven athletes going to the World Games this year. I've donated to Special Olympics before, but never done any fundraising for the group. I know a few people who work or volunteer for the organization, too.

The Mosaic event was sponsored by the Fairfax County Police Department, and has the distinction of being Plunge Virginia's first pool plunge. I'm glad I picked a pool plunge for my first event; I'm not sure I would have actually gone through with running in and out of open water. This was the perfect event for me because it was small enough that it didn't take forever to actually jump into the water, but there were enough other people plunging that I wasn't singled out in any way. Eighty people took part in the event, mostly from the Fairfax County Police and a few of the other sponsoring groups.

The pool was set up near some shops on the far end of Mosaic. It was one of those temporary above ground pools, smaller than the ones I remember from childhood, but big enough for an adult to jump into. I'm on the short side so the water came just to my waist as I was getting out of the pool. For the much taller people who jumped, it was barely at mid-thigh. County Fire and Rescue crews were on hand, including divers, who were in the water as we jumped. It was comforting to have them there. I jumped in the first group of 10-15 people; I made sure I was as close to the front of the line as I could be. The random DJ from a station I don't listened to called my name and I jumped in. It was cold, but not so cold that I couldn't get myself together to get out of the pool. I found Anita and Scott who had my towel and dry clothes, and raced over to the changing tent. By the time I jumped, got out, and changed, the event was over and the costume contest winners were being announced.

I'm the kind of person who enjoys roller coasters, but also says something like "this was a very poor life choice" right before the first drop. I feel the exact same way about doing the Polar Bear Plunge. The idea of it is appealing; it's for a good cause, it's over in about a minute, people are there to cheer me on. But like the roller coaster, I had a moment went I said to myself, right before I walked up the stairs, "this is a horrible idea, you shouldn't do this." But I did it, and I'd do it again. It was invigorating and fun, and helps a great organization. I plan to do it again next year, and maybe get a team together so it's not me plunging by myself. It's more fun if others make terrible/wonderful life choices with me!

Thanks to everyone who donated to my fundraising goal; I hit my $500 goal the day of the plunge. If you're interested in donating to Special Olympics Virginia, you can donate on my page or the main Special Olympics VA page. A special thanks to Scott and Anita, my photographers, cheerleaders, and towel/clothes holders - you're the best!

Next month: It's February, so it's the return of "Stuff I Love" month! This month we'll explore axe-throwing, being in a Mardi Gras parade, more on glitter, and the parts of Valentine's Day I can truly support (hint: it involves chocolate). We also get to celebrate the 400th Island post! It's going to be a great month!

Photos by me and Anita
Video by Scott

The Return of Answer Your Cat's Questions Day

I truly enjoy random holidays. Donut Day - I'll take one! Did you say it was Hug a Ginger Day? I'm a ginger; I'll take a hug. There's a fun Instagram account called "It's a Day Really" you can follow to keep up to date on your random holidays. My favorite of all random holidays is Groundhog Day. Who doesn't love a day that celebrates a weather forecasting rodent? Terrible people, that's who. My second favorite random holiday is "Answer Your Cat's Questions Day." Seven years ago, I stumbled upon this "holiday" because I follow Pee-Wee Herman on Twitter and he shared a post about it. My annual posts answering all of Pumpkin's questions are some of the most popular on the Island. Obviously, with Pumpkin's passing last year, I took a year off. I've been thinking about bringing the post back since I adopted Keely, and decided it's the right thing to do. Pumpkin would want her "brother" to get his questions answered too.

I've been Keely's human for seven months now. It hasn't been an easy seven months; we've gone through a "attack the human" phase, where my legs resembled tenderized meat. Then there was the "sleep on the human's legs" phase, where I developed minor hip issues because I couldn't move at night. Keely's a big dude, so moving him, especially when he's asleep, is a lot. Around month four, we finally hit the "I will cuddle with the human" phase. I don't know what made him decide my lap was his favorite place to nap, but he finds his way to me every evening after work and we cuddle on the couch until he decides he's had enough. More recently, he's moved up to sleep up by my chest rather than on my feet or legs. I think this means he likes me.

This week, Keely got sick for the first time since I adopted him. His left eye got all goopy and he threw up multiple times in one day. I took him to the emergency vet, and left with eye drops, bland cat food, and a cone of shame (which he didn't have to wear thankfully). Watching my big guy suffer and look miserable was stressful; I'm a worrier so I spent the week worrying about him. He used the week to become even more of a cuddle monster and being a very good boy when it came to letting me put his eye drops in (sort of). We need a little fun to end our stressful week, so let's get to Keely's questions.

1. Where did I come from? Do you mean this in a "where do kittens come from" way or a "how did I end up with you, human" way? Or are you being philosophical? I'd rather not have "the talk" with you (you don't really have boy parts anymore so we're good), so let's go with the second one. I can only tell you two things about your first family: they overfed you and had the good sense to take you to a shelter when they decided they didn't want to be your family anymore. Your destiny was not to be their cat, and that's where I came into your life. I visited the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria on a Friday in June and there you were. I stepped into your cage and you let me pet you and you fell asleep on my hand. Once that happened, I couldn't not take you home with me. So, that's where you came from.
   
2. Where do you go all day? Do you get to take naps while you're there? Naps are good, so I hope you get to take naps. I go to a magical place called Herndon. It's where my job is. I have a job so we can afford a place to leave, have health insurance, and you can have treats and toys. I spend my day helping people learn things so they can be the best them at work, going to meetings, and creating the document of the corporate world, the Power Point. No, no napping occurs. Napping at work is generally frowned upon, but I'll let me boss know your concern and see if we can't get some nap time added to the day. 
3. Why am I not allowed on the counters? You know you're not my real mom. Thank you for reminding me I'm not your real mom; that's cool, although not very polite of you. You're not allowed on the counters for one very important reason: the counter you can jump on is right next to the stove. Since my apartment complex thinks a glass top stove is a smart design choice, I don't want you on the counter because you could step on a hot stove if I've been cooking. I don't want you to burn yourself. Also, I prepare my food on those counters, and don't want your hair or your little face in my food. Not everything I own is yours.
4. What's all the shiny stuff on the floor and the table? Why is it here? Can I roll around in it? The shiny stuff not appearing throughout our apartment is called glitter. Glitter is a magical decorative tool, used to make ordinary things extraordinary. Some people don't like glitter. Those people have no souls. I'm a member of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx this year, and will be in a Mardi Gras parade next month (don't worry, no Mardi Gras tie for you this year). We make glitter purses to gently throw/hand to parade goers along the route. That's why there's so much glitter around. Normally, our house isn't so glitterific. It's probably best if you don't roll around in the glitter. You don't need to be sparkly. I do, however, appreciate how helpful you've been while I decorate my purses. 
5. Is everything I rub my face on mine? It really doesn't matter how I respond to this since that won't stop you from rubbing your face on everything I own, so I'll say yes. I would, however, like to ask if you can refrain from rubbing your face on work laptop when I work from home. You always seem to do it when I'm about to send something important, but aren't quite ready to do so. I'm paranoid you're going to hit send before I'm ready. No one will believe, "my cat sent that incomplete email" even if they know you. Related to this: people food is not cat food. I know the kabobs I ordered on Friday smelled delicious (they were), but they're not for you. You can get sick eating certain types of people food. I saw you try to swipe my pita bread; no bread for you!
6. Why do you keep putting squirty things in my eye? It makes me want to bite you. In your first few weeks with me, I feel like everything I did made you want to bite me, so why do you need to make such a big deal out of the eye drops? You have conjunctivitis in your left eye and these drops are supposed to make you feel better and keep away another infection. Can you bring back the good boy who let me put these drops in without injury? I'd really like it if he came back...at least until next Wednesday. (Spoiler: we're going back to the vet on Wednesday.)
7. Where did my treats go? I used to get treats. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you have to go on a diet. Apparently, I didn't reduce your food enough/have been buying your affection with treats. You weighed 14 pounds when I adopted you, and have gained two pounds. I'm pretty sure your vet is going to tell me to put you on a restricted diet. I promise we'll find a low calorie treat and you can have one or two on special occasions. 
8. Don't you get that my "biting" and "attacking" are just my way of showing you I like you? Please tell that to my poor legs. I get it, cats think humans are just big, dumb cats, but we're not. I don't have sharp teeth like you do, or murder mittens. (Sidenote: murder mittens is the greatest description of cat claws of all time.) I think you're only playing/showing me that you like about 75% of the time. The other 25% is just your being a viciously adorable animal. Let's agree that you'll keep the injuries to a minimum, and I'll try my best not to be so sad/angry with you when they occur.
9. Am I a good protector? Should I add to my patrol? Following in your sister's footsteps, you are quite the killer! I was impressed with your fly killing abilities this summer; you're a great jumper and swatter! I was even more impressed when you helped your Uncle Scott dispatch the mouse that snuck into the apartment back in October. Good job! Your patrols seem to be working. Keep in mind the birds and squirrels will be back soon so you'll have to extend your window patrol once they return. 
10. Are you my mom now? It would be a real honor if you thought of me as your mom. I feel like now that we've battled our first illness together and I'm about to be super interested in your weight, it's probably time for you to think of me as your mom, not just your human. But whatever, we don't need labels. I'll love you whether you think of me as your cat mom, human, or that dumb cat who feeds me. You can continue to show your affection however you want and keep the biting to a minimum. However, it is really fun to refer to you as my "cat son" to people who are a little on the judgy side because I don't have human children. It makes me gleeful to watch them not know how to respond when I talk about my cat son. 

For the first time in Answer Your Cat's Questions Day history, we're going to have Keely answer a question from one of his many adoring fans. He has the same affinity for IKEA bags as his sister, but has taken his bag love a step further by also "living" in a Target bag on occasion.

How do you choose between a Target bag and an IKEA bag for your vacation home? One of the best things about being a cat is that I really don't have to make choices. My human worships me because that is the way it's supposed to be. Since she makes both IKEA and Target bags available to me on a regular basis, I can enjoy them both. Cats have the best lives. Since you humans need definitive answers here's mine: IKEA bags are much better for long-term commitments. They're roomier, more crinkly, and are better for hiding. Target bags are more short-term, for a quick nap or a little hide and seek while your human finishes unpacking groceries. Now if you want a spa day experience, try a Vera Bradley quilted bag. I might look a little surprised in this picture, and I was, by how comfortable I was in this bag. You won't be disappointed. 

Next week: I recount my experience taking part in my first Polar Bear Plunge. It's going to be cold and exciting!

My 40th Year on Earth: A Beginning

Happy New Year! I hope you've had a wonderful first week of 2019, and have only had to correct yourself once or twice when writing the date. I know, I know, no one writes anything anymore, but I'm old so humor me.

As I said to someone at work this week, January is the longest month of the year, lasting about three months and feeling like seven. I was only at work three days this week and I already feel like I need a vacation. Maybe it has something to do with that phenomenon of not really knowing what day it is between Christmas and New Year's. Once I step back into the reality of actual life, I realize my vacation was but a moment of randomly scheduled events and sitting on my couch with Keely. It feels like a lifetime ago.

The start of January also means it's time for me to assess my goals for the year and reorganize something (probably the spice cabinet, but maybe the pantry). I've never been one to make resolutions, but a goal I can do. I mean, I've been working on a project at work about this exact thing for precisely ten years (I've only worked there for a year and a half), so I need to follow the advice I've been writing and put these goals out into the world. Usually, I try to make a list that includes both small, easy wins and lofty aspirations. I feel like I was too ambitious last year, as I didn't accomplish much of what I set out to do. However, while I didn't do all of the things, other things ended up being part of my life instead, so it all balances out. I accomplished a lot last year, so I'm satisfied with that. Since I didn't do all the things I listed last year, it also means I can move some forward to this year. Win-win in my book.

There's the added bonus this year of it being my 40th year on Earth. As I was thinking through my goals for the year, I thought of a conversation with a friend from work who told me how much I would love my forties. To her, it's a powerful decade of life, and I am 100% behind this. Because of this conversation, I got to thinking I should enter my 40th year on Earth boldly and with the same sense of purpose I entered into my thirties. Back then, I did 30 things I had never done before during the year; things like wearing lipstick everyday and wearing only skirts and dresses for a month. I credit my love skirts and my affinity to lipstick to this experiment. What will I keep doing after this year?

Now, being bold doesn't have to mean things like sky diving or walking across hot lava. I don't equate boldness and extreme sports, although feel free to do so if that works for you. Instead, I'm defining boldness as those things that make me move out of the comfort zone I've created for myself in my little apartment with my enormous cat. It's moving into a new decade of life knowing that I tried things that are terrifying to me (see March, July, November, and December), while also doing things I know I can accomplish but are completely outside of my norm (see January, April, May, and September). The rest of the list are things I've always wanted to do or are just fun, to balance out all the terrifying (see February, June, August, and October).

Without further ado, my list:

• January: Participate in a Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics VA.
• February: Ride in my first Mardi Gras parade. Hail Nyx!
• March: Actually sing at a karaoke night.  
• April: Mastering the Art of French Cooking - I'll make a four course meal from this iconic cookbook.
• May:  Take a welding/jewelry class. 
• June: Experience my 40th Birthday Extravaganza. I don't know what this means yet, but I'll figure it out.
• July: Launch my podcast, Don't Be a Jerk at Work.
• August: Enter the Arlington County Fair baking contest, probably in the holiday cookie category.
• September: Take drum lessons.
• October: Go to Hershey Spa because why wouldn't I want to go to a chocolate spa? (PS - I don't like strangers touching me, so this is both a fun goal and a little uncomfortable for me.)
• November: Put The Craftery plan on paper. 
• December: Send Transient Suburbia proposal to at least two publishers.

Now that I've shared these with you, I'm more likely to actually achieve most, if not all of these goals. Each month, I'll provide an update on how it went and what's coming next. You'll be my accountability buddies or something.

Here's to a fun and exciting 2019!