The space is like a magnet, Laurie--when it's big enough, the person who will fit into it, will fall into it.

I love a nice long post of randomness on a Monday!

The comments said zero when I started and how many are there going to be by the time I post? Not zero, I'm sure. Congrats on the litter solution and the book solution, and what is the weird smell in the back yard??

Oh Lord . . . what is the smell? Not something you planted I hope!

Sadly, my little basil will not make it until August this year. It was SNOWED on this weekend. Snow. In Texas. In April. My son said, "Mom, this is just not right. There is something wrong. This just isn't supposed to happen."

one question. is it scoopable?? i have three feline housemates and i'll tell you, an acceptable litter is HARD to find!

I want love in my life. I want to keep a space open for it.

Let me tell you from experience...recent experience...that yes, once you make room in your life for it, it will come. Kinda like building a baseball field, ya know? 2 months ago I finally accepted and became happy with my life and in walked the most amazing man. 6 months ago I wouldn't have been ready for him. A year ago I would have run away. But now, now that there is space in my life for him, he's here and it's like nothing I've ever felt before.

Keep plugging on, honey, I'm rooting for you!

"I want love in my life. I want to keep a space open for it."

Let me tell you from experience...recent experience...that yes, once you make room in your life for it, it will come. Kinda like building a baseball field, ya know? 2 months ago I finally accepted and became happy with my life and in walked the most amazing man. 6 months ago I wouldn't have been ready for him. A year ago I would have run away. But now, now that there is space in my life for him, he's here and it's like nothing I've ever felt before.

Keep plugging on, honey, I'm rooting for you!

Lisa -- it is scoopable! And it clumps really well. The only downside I can see right now is that the damn bags are HEAVY. I only got the 20-lb bag but I needed a sherpa.

Also, it is pricey.

But I have had not-great-luck with Soba and her "habits" so this cat litter is nothing short of a miracle.

I will tell you about the weird smell another day ;)

Sounds like you had a perfect Easter weekend. So glad. I hear ya on the surrounding-oneself-with-clutter-comfort thing. I've got that, and bad. Wish I were motivated to de-clutter, but I'm not.

Congratulations on all the successes mentioned above. Separately, they may not impress a random passerby, but together, and especially your attitude about making space for love, they speak volumes regarding your strength and recent growth.

The weird smell in the backyard worries me a little, however....

The Magic Eraser Rules!!!!

I'm so happy you found your book... I had a cactus dream the other night... I was at a party and the host was a cactus [a big saguaro] and he had canapes stuck all over the spiny things, and he was lumbering around the rooms saying, "Care for a bite to eat? Care for a bite to eat?"

He was cute, but kind of a prick.

hmm...magic eraser, had to go read about that. it's melamine foam.

you sound very content. i'm happy for you.
and the magic eraser is indeed magical.

I went to Compatto for their eggstravaganza yesterday. So much for de-cluttering. . .

I love this list, your joyous decluttering, litter finding and Roy's continued poopability. There will indeed be love in your life, coming soon to a street near you :-)

Those magic erasers freaking rock. I have 5 kids and as of yet, not one has come up with a concoction that my lil Mr Clean Eraser of Goodness can not obliterate. Even the dog has been challenged by it muhuwahahahahahaaa

Good to hear about Roy.What a romantic fuzzball hanging in there to be with his Laurie. Warms me right up to read that.

Wait, weird smell in the back yard?

Crackhead Bob cooking up or burying up a lil sumpin sumpin?

Eep

oh man! i just discovered your blog and i love love love it. i'm starting at the beginning and reading through the archives. can't wait to catch up to what you are doing in '07. you are bringing a stifled laugh to my otherwise boring workday.

But isn't the 20 pound bag of litter the same weight as the old 20 pound bags??

Have you tried your Magic Eraser on carpet yet? I have spots. And no cats to blame them on!

Pshaw!! I was first but I'm probably not now -- daughter had a car-scrape accident, nurse called back with information about my shingles (SHINGLES?? for petessakes!) However! You're an inspiration, I really need to declutter. Congrats on the new kitty litter, and TBL is straight-on! I had two divorces (sometime I'll tell you about them over tea, you'll laugh a lot) and eventually I got The One I shoulda had at first (but you know, we probably woudln't have clicked back then). TBL, I'm going to write down your note to save, it's brilliant. Laurie, you've brightened my day - again - and don't worry, shingles aren't catching. Mostly. Over the innernet. (Honest, not catching at all - but the nurse said "clothing will irritate it" so I can't wear my 34-Long for a few days. Oy.)

Congrats on finding a new litter! I say anything that isn't scoopable is just wrong.

Amy: NO.

You see, it weighs more because it is mentally so deceptive! The bag is so small, smaller than my lunch bag! So why on earth is it so dang heavy??? Small things that weigh so much seem heavier somehow.

It is logical in my mind, at least ;)

Yeehaw! I am SO relieved to discover that I wasn't the only teenager who mistook stalking for true love when she read Rage of Angels! Um, let's just say that I will be monitoring my OWN daughter's reading materials a little more closely than my mother monitored mine.

A site I read had a recent poll on TV Mothers - who you would have liked to have had as your mother? I answered Ma Ingalls, although it was based more on my love for the books than the TV show itself.

I do the same thing with paper bags destined for Good Will! It really does work.

I have not thought of the Plant People in ages, but I read it too. Good memories of all that schlock-y stuff that I loved reading as a kid. Do you remember "The Day The World Ended," some kind of apocalyptic story set in a high school? That was another "great one."

I agree with ThirdBaseLine. If you're life is full, it can't be too full, btw, someone only wonderful enough to join you will fit right in. Yea!!! I lurv it when you's is happy. And I think we can all agree that we lurv it when the kitties are pooping in appropriate places. YEA !!!!

Aw, Dale Harriet!! I hope your daughter is okay! And shingles! That sounds awfully painful. Hope you are feeling better soon :)

Every time I read you, Laurie, I want to tell you how proud I am of how far you've come in your journey into being a real, healthy, whole, grown up person, capable of loving and being loved (and how completely your insane cat posse captivates me). As usual, you've made my day - blessing on you!

VMC!! I do remember the Day The World Ended and I have searched for it over and over again and all I keep getting is the sci-fi movie which isn't high school at all. Very sad, really. My need to have all the cheesy scholastic paperback books of my childhood. I will have to get rid of other stuff to make room. I'm thinking the phone books and my tax files, LOL.

PS if that IS the book, I'm going to get it too (and Oprah thinks SHE has a book club); hooray for Ray (is that "hoo-RAY"?) And to second those ahead of me, when I was entirely content with my life was when the wonderhub came along. Those who love themselves are lovable. Just sayin'.

Yesssssssssssssssssssss Magic Erasers! I have been vocally extolling the virtues of the Magic Eraser (much to the dismay of my friends and family) since they first came out and I saw an ad in a magazine with a coupon to get a free one in the mail. Mr. Clear sure is smart, 'cause I've been lovin' them ever since.

What a hoot! I followed the link to the cat litter at Amazon - and saw this: "2 used & new available from $18.89" I want to buy the USED!!! LOL

Another CAP giggle :)

I suppose I'll be the only one ridiculously amused at the fact that Amazon has 2 bags of Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter available under "Used and New."

*giggle*

Laurie, Speaking of cheesy reads from childhood, did you ever read Daddy Longlegs? I re- read it all the time. I don't know why.

Ooops... "hooo-ROY". Thanks, Laurie, daughter's fine and the shingles don't hurt at all (although the PA gave me a rx for vicodan-oid saying "it can get terribly painful; if these don't do it for you call back, we'll give you something stronger." OY! Love you, Miss Laurie.

I'm the one in my circle who finds new things and then insists that it's the new thing that is better than sliced bread and everyone must have it. I love the magic eraser too, but I also love OxiClean!

PS, Glad you found a litter that is acceptable!

Laurie, have you ever hear of "decorator crabs"? Google it.... That's what Cancer's like you and I are...

This is completely unrelated to this post, but I have to share this book I found called "Dirty Wow Wow and Other Love Stories: A Tribute to the Threadbare Companions of Childhood" by Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz. It's photographs and little stories about the blankets, stuffed animals, etc. that we carried around as kids. It's great :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Wow-Other-Love-Stories/dp/1580088325/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7043529-3949455?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1176146113&sr=1-1

Ok, now I feel vindicated... a couple of the reviewers on amazon.com also mentioned how this litter seems heavier than other litters. hehehehehe.

You know that Roy is my favorite don't you? So glad to hear he's doing well. And that you are doing well. I was a reading weirdo too, much to the dismay of my mother...but I suppose that's for another day.

Also? Reading this post reminded me that LORD almighty I need to clean my house. Pig. Sty.

You keep on keeping on. And if you should ever find a cat sitter, the GingerNinja and I would love to buy you drinks in Philadelphia. ;)

I am with you on the Magic Erasers - absolutely love them - and there is something kinda sexy about a bald, CLEAN guy dressed in white... I think, anyhow -

You have almost inspired me enough to start my own decluttering - must see if I can procrastinate just a little longer...

I totally agree that Dr. Elsey's litter is incredible, but you're right; it's completely amazing how a 20-pound bag of this stuff can weigh more than a 20-pound bag of something else. Fortunately there's an alternative. If you found another litter that was ok in the clumping and non-sneeze-inducing and non-hernia-causing departments but was just not as beloved by the fabulous four, Dr. Elsey sells a powder that has the same cat-attracting magic -- and they even sell it on Amazon! It's called Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Litter Attractant, and it WORKS. Keep the container somewhere up high if you buy it, because I swear to you they'll pee on the container itself if you don't. This stuff seriously has incredibly powerful magical cat-pee-attracting powers.

Hooray for you, your felines and the new litter! Listen, nothing is too good for your furballs - cats are better than most people I've met, so why shouldn't they have the best. Says the woman with an ELECTRIC DRINKING FOUNTAIN (Drinkwell) for her three cats!

I am so with you on the paper bags. I am in the process of moving in with Frank, and moving the contents of a one-bedroom with three cats into a one-bedroom-condo with a loft thingy means at least 50 percent of both our stuff has got to go. We got the dishes moved over and my winter clothes, and generated more than a dozen shopping bags of stuff for Goodwill.

This is going to take a while.

But on the way out to throw out some stuff that was too awful for Goodwill, we saw that someone had put a brand-new, still-in-its-box CRYSTAL basket-shaped ...bowl thingy next to the dumpster. You know, one of those decorative things people give you when you get married? We were appalled - they threw it away? They couldn't shlep it to Goodwill or the Jewish Women's Charity or Out of the Closet or the million other charities we have in LA? Well. I took it, and right now it looks very pretty in my office.

I'm not putting candy in it, though. Maybe pretty glass pebbles.

First things - the magic eraser thingy is amazing, it is the ONLY THING that will clean the textured floor of the shower. Seriously magic. Preach away. Other people should know the gloriousness of being able to clean things that were previously uncleanable.

Secondly - my personal opinion re space & love, for what it's worth, is that you don't need to make space - when you meet the Man the space will suddenly be there where there was no space before. Be a whole person (ie you are not lacking completion), be who you want to be, be everything you want to ever achieve in life, that Man will come to you because of that, and if he's right, he will fit right in.

More product placement - Eharmony helped me do that - but only b/c I was in the right mental 'place' in life.

I'm pretty sure there's always room for the love, no matter how full your life is otherwise.

I read Rage of Angels and was not impressed. More like depressed. Doesn't she basically sell her soul to the devil and lose her son anyway?

However, your bag-in-every-room idea is totally brilliant. I am going to implement it as soon as I get rid of the BOXES in every room, except for the ones containing yarn, of course.

Yay Roy! Ed says hi. Ed is not picky about his litter, but, having been a pretty low-maintenance cat all his life, he is now on two pricey meds plus subq fluids, when he'll hold still long enough for us to do it.

The magic eraser doesn't work on back yard smells??

What's up with Roy? You said he has a brain tumor? I didn't see you post anything about him being sick...what happened? Poor Roy

Wierd smell in the backyard? Noticed you haven't had much to say about White Men In Ties, Inc. lately.

Roy has a brain tumour?? poor little guy. What's the prognosis?

Tell him I'll be right round to feed him chicken broth. And Bacon. And Catnip. And cuddle him until he begs me to stop.

I don't know. I've met people in my life who somehow, somewhere became closed to love. Almost like they closed in on themselves, didn't have any space in their hearts for it. Not the way I was when I was going through my divorce and couldn't even fathom loving again, more like having a life that closes out even the possibility of newness.

Like you can get very set in your ways, and being alone is no different. So I'm just thinking about that. Make sense?

Roy has a brain tumor. It's not growing right now though, just holding steady so he's doing really good! He is an expensive devil. But worth it.

And you'll never likely see me writing a manifesto about WGIT, Inc. I love my job, no need to get fired LOL.

While we're talking about us supposed grown-ups reading kids' books, I'd like to put in a plug for "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane," which came out last year. It's an 8-hanky book, but an instant classic as far as I'm concerned.

Holy crap! I read so much Sidney Sheldon when I was in the 10-12 range. The one about the woman is framed and goes to prison and becomes a master thief when she gets out was my favorite, I think.

The smell isn't the onion, is it? Mine's good so far.

I so look forward to your postings! And a few weeks ago when you mentioned your mail lady "Stella", I thought it was possibly too much to hope that we have the same mail lady! BUT WE DO! as a matter of fact, we are neighbors -- I'm that overstuffed mailbox next to yours -- # 207!!
Yeah! I could go on and on about how happy that makes me, but lest I scare you, I'll leave it at that...very, very happy.

That is the brand I use for my fussy cat and was going to suggest it but you had so many others suggesting things I figured you had enough choices. My boy is box phobic and the cat attrack it the one that works for him. I believe it is the chlorophyll in it that attracks the cats. As much as I hate big box stores, Petsmart in WA state carries it.

hee heee - you said "poop" four times....

In French, Mr. Clean is Monsieur Propre, which sounds so much sexier than in English. The question really is who wouldn't want to have sex with Monsieur Propre?!!

Oh, and to totally name drop ... I write for a website that focuses on getting clutter out of your life ... so if you're interested, feel welcome to check out http://www.unclutterer.com ... name drop over ... :)

I love the magic eraser. If only i could use it on myslef, to get rid of wrinkles, cellulite & freckles.
glad the harmonious pooping surface has been restored.

Beautiful! And I adore Magic Erasers. There's very little they can't do that I want them to.

I'm into massive decluttering and redecorating right now too. I am not sure if I have space for Mr. Right in my heart right now but at least I now have room for him to sit on the sofa.

The Plant People! Oh, I soooo wanted to win that contest, hoping you'd send me a prize of a framed photo of you and the cats. I was close. I searched on Google and Amazon for "The Cactus People," "The Cactii People," "The Saguaro People," "The Town that Turned Into Joshua Trees," "The Mysterious Town of Cactii," "The Boy Who Saved Cactus, Arizona," and "Nightmare Visions of a Drunk Crazy Aunt Purl," but found NOTHING!

I have adopted the policy that if I bring something into the house, something of equal or larger mass has to be taken out. Unfortunately, I started that about 15 years too late. As for the clothing and fit, I heard one time that the pattern maker is the most highly paid person in the fashion industry (I guess short of super models), so the companies have the design made in a size 8 or 10, and then they enlarge it or make it smaller. (Sorry, couldn't find the word other than shrink.) Anyway, when they enlarge or shrink a pattern, they do it to the whole thing, and we all know that a size 18 is not that much wider through the shoulders than a size 10. So, the fit suffers for it.

As for the advertising, I was not the least bit offended by the horoscopes this month, although I do adore yours. Hang in there, girl. LIfe has something good for you. And my best to Roy.

I've been sort of suspicious of the Magic Eraser, but perhaps I should give it a try ...

and the paper bags for Goodwill is a brilliant idea! I'm bad about clutter, but I live with four other people who are just as bad, so you can just imagine!

Thank you, Thank you Smokey Joe for your comment above. Call me paranoid, but I have refused to touch a Magic Eraser for years because no ingredients were listed on the package. (Maybe it's the Chemistry major in me - or the fact that I have ultra-sensitive skin).
Now that I know what it is, I can finally use it. Because, y'all - it really is Magic!

I am so going to put a paper bag in every room of my house so I can get rid of extra junk! I would have never thought of doing that myself. Thanks for such a great idea!

You have led me to Dyson vacuum cleaners and Magic Erasers. I just might have to check out this cat litter as well. Princess Emma has the same diva-esque box habits as your Soba.

As to the weird smell in the backyard, my first thought was "shallow grave." I read too much true crime and forensics stuff...

Holy Clutter Batman! You have it to? That whole surrounding yourself with STUFF. OMG does it have a name? I am terribly afflicted with what ever it is called. And don't think my family doesn't give me mess about it either!

Oooh! Thanks for the kitty litter tip. We're so going to try that here. We've got one who's decided the entire front bedroom is her domain. This despite the fact that litterboxes are in that room, and are cleaned at least twice a day. That, and get some magic erasers...

My local library is supposed to have a copy of that book. I think I'm gonna have to check it out :) And speaking of books, I'll second Jill of the 7 Cats--"The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" is a fabulous book, with gorgeous illustrations.

Laurie, how in God's name did you keep the cats out of the paper bags? Because I have 4 cats and every one of them has this insane desire to kill every paper bag that comes into this house.

Boxes fare no better. I have picture proof.

laurie...

I LOVE you {{{{Cyber hug}}}} I want to be your BFF. I love Magic Eraser I SWEAR by it all the time!!!!!

I too am making space for love in my life...although the wound is just 1 week old since my husband just packed his things after 7 YEARS and left because he don't love me the same way he did the day we got married...2 kids 2 dogs 2 cars and a FREAKING house later....but Stupid me I'm hoping he's going thru a phase so I am keeping the OPEN space for love to come back into my house casue it never left my heart!!!

Sorry I used your happy space to comment on my sad self.....

I like the paper bag idea too and may give it a try and it is nice to hear you had a good time with yourself after finishing your chores.
I spent today alone at home and it rained all morning, it was perfect, then I had a roadrunner visit me for a few hours, he just sat in the rain up on the wall in the backyard and let me take his picture. Later when the rain stopped I chased him around for another picture. beep! beep!

What?!?!? I knew Roy was a delicate soul, but sick to boot? What is wrong with Roy? Did I miss a day or four? Please keep us in the know.

Laurie...

Reading your blog is the highlight of my day..I think I have CAP addiction...I read each and every comment...Am I suffering from something?? LOL

Hey Purl,
Have you seen the Sobokawa pillow?
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_pgc_r_4_0_4174291/602-4983505-3823022?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000K6DBHI

Geesh - you prolific bloggers are putting the rest of us out of business. (you rock)

{{{{Hug4Yonancy}}}}

the bastard!

I love the Magic Eraser too. Of course, because it is magic, and what's not to love about something Magic?

In fact, I hear JKRowling is considering an eighth Harry Potter book. Harry Potter and the Magic Eraser. How else do you clean a pesky Cauldon of Fire?

Thanks Laurie and Erin for the decluttering tips. I am a clutter addict, I keep everything. My roommate is worse, we are going to drown in clutter very soon.

Thank you for the Sweet Valley High reference--that made my day! I still have, somewhere in the recesses of the basement, many many months worth of the original series...I swear I never tried drugs because of the book when Regina was at a party (maybe at Bruce's house?) and tried cocaine and DIED because she had some heart defect she didn't know about!! Forget "Just Say No"--give me a character I care about and KILL her the first time she tries somethin' and that'll do it for me!

Congrats of successful decluttering, I'm such a holder and would have to face the same thing one day. Sucks I don't even have a yard, so no yard sale.
Anyway, I was reading Sydney Sheldon, John Grisham and Agatha Christie when I was 11, still love 'em.

Laurie --
Don't have time to read all the comments, so maybe someone else already covered this... but it appears that Dr. Elsie also makes a cat litter ADDITIVE that you can add to other brands of litter to give it that same... attractiveness to kitties.
Maybe this would be more cost effective?
Here's the link:
http://www.preciouscat.com/attract-litter-additive-p-7.html

Regardless -- I'm going to give this a shot! Thanks!

Since you are also a fan of Target and you like to be frugal, I have to tell you that Target makes its own brand of magic erasers. They are cheaper than Mr. Clean! But no studly bald guy on the package encouraging you to erase away.

I found your site when looking for instructions on how to knit a hat. (Your instructions were a lifesaver - I couldn't even imagine how DPN's were used before I read your explanation.) I digress... Anyway, I love reading your blog. I sometimes laugh out loud which causes my three kids to come running in to see why their mom is crazy. Thanks for making my day fun!
BTW - I too love the magic eraser. Do not use on childrens' faces though. A strange rash will develop and may cause them to whine more than usual. However, it will get the permanent marker off.

Laurie,
I love this dim sum diary Monday. It makes me so happy to know I'm not the only one who lives on so many different levels at the same time.

Good "space" question though. I think that the trick is to fill your life with what you love, just don't pack it in. Maybe the 20 lb litter is a metaphor? Aim for a "light" 20 lb life rather than a heavy one?

Dunno. probably the cold medicine writing. Anyway, you were just the friendly voice my poor sick self needed to read today.

Give Roy and the gang an hug from me.

This is probably a dumb question, but what are Jaycees? Come Early Morning was filmed here in town and I've been surprised to hear it was actually a good movie. Everyone in these parts wanted to see it just to see their Uncle Bubba as an extra.

I also loved the SVH reference! My mom and I were just talking the other day about how obsessed I was over those books. I think I read them all at least 10 times! I started collecting them again recently too. My other favorites were Anne of Green Gables, All of a Kind Family, any Judy Blume, etc. Thanks for bringing back some great memories! :)

Laurie,

I love the idea of a bag in each room to gather the give-aways. I'm starting that t o n i g h t! !
So much easier than clearing out a whole closet ("oh, that idea makes me so tired...)
many thanks!

I too use a Dr. Elsey's litter, but I use the Ultra Precious Scoopable, no perfumes or dyes. I have tried many many litters, my cat can attest to his mom's crazy need to try out new stuff, but this is the best for us. The least dusty and smelly. Books, yay! Rebecca has to be my favorite, but there are so many! And the last time my mom visited, I got her hooked on the Magic Eraser. Good stuff.

I know I'm going to get a boo hiis but I was under the impression that Magic Erasers had formaldehyde in them and were, therefore, carcinogenic.
Also there was this story http://kerflop.com/2006/11/02/chemical-burn-original/

Congrats on finding an acceptable litter! Since it's so pricey, perhaps you could mix it with Dr. Elsey's regular scoopable litter. I use his regular litter and swear by it. The clumps do not break up when you scoop it and it doesn't leave a layer of dust on everything.

BTW, when I lived in Denver, I worked for Dr. Elsey (yes, he's a real vet) and he's a very nice man.

Lala, I have used my magic erasers for months and I have the most sensitive skin on the planet... no problems. Of course, I also don't wash my face with them ;)

And according to Procter & Gamble, formaldehyde is not in the product and never has been:
http://www.homemadesimple.com/sites/en_US/mrclean/ME_Truth/index.shtml

What they say is,
"Formaldehyde is not and has never been an ingredient in Magic Eraser. One ingredient in Magic Eraser (formaldehyde-melamine- sodium bisulfite copolymer) contains the word "formaldehyde" in its chemical name. However, this ingredient is not formaldehyde and poses no health or safety risks. Think of this name like "sodium chloride", which is table salt. Sodium by itself can be dangerous, but sodium chloride - salt - is safe."

But then again I grew up out on the bayou and lived in DEET land, so maybe I am immune to such things as magic-magic eraser ingredients :)

I do not actually have any idea what a Jaycee is, just that they were out at the Little Brown Jug drankin' and buying us rounds of darts and pitchers and we decided we wanted to sign right up.

I know they are some sort of civic organization. Who can play some mean darts!

I just wanted to say that I love make that LOVE your blog. It's fun, interesting, quirky and hits home one so many levels. Thanks for all your sharing :o)

And I agree, Magic Erasers are the greatest miracle of the 21st century.

Oh! And I need to add that I don’t knit but I do crochet so I understand the physical/spiritual need for yarn and thread.

That amazon.com page for the cat litter cracks me up. I wonder if it's infused with catnip or something. I can just picture your cats lined up thinking, "I simply MUST poop in this stuff. It's drawing me in, demanding my offering!"

OK, I've got a copy of "The Plant People" sitting next to me. Looks like the library's had it since 1977. I'm curious to find out how often it's gone out. Looking forward to reading it!

Oh no, Mish, if it's horrible will you wait and tell me next week after I have mine, too? LOL

I have a feeling my nostalgia for it is greater than its literary value!!!

No prob:) Some of the photos are hysterical! (I have to say that I was surprised they used pics instead of drawings.)

Amen to #3. I waiver between the 4 and 6 category, but I am definitely not stick-thin. All of the women in my family are short with curves and you can't find anything that fits properly. Luckily, I have a great tailor just down the block who works wonders. Still, it would be nice to go out and buy something and be able to wear it that day.

Do your cats ever need to have different diets? And how do you feed them when some need one thing and some need another?

(Wilbur's fat and eats anything, so we're switching to meal feeding. Orville's thin and needs fiber, but he noshes and won't eat anything suspicious, even if it's just a little unflavored metamucil on his food oh for pete's sake. So he's eaten nothing all day and I still need to take away his food dish.)

my neighbor called me just to gush about that eraser sponge thingie...she had an extra she insisted i try...i used it on crayoned walls...i used it on everything to see what it would do...and then...the best thing: the windows in the kitchen are low...my dog and cat stare out these windows all the time, snorggling wetness on them which buiilds up...this is not just water. this is some strong stuff! i cant get it off with windex and papertowels when i wash the windows...so...i used the scrubby side of the magic thingie, then flipped and wiped it off, then followed with a rinse of windex...perfection! no scrubbing, no scratches even though i know theres a fine grit embedded there in the sponge...i mean thats what wears off to nothing...the white side right? its a very kewl cleaning tool...i need to get more...better add to that shopping list...

I'm glad to hear that Roy is hanging in there. I knew that he had health problems but somehow missed that he has a brain tumor. I understand what you're going through, my dog has an inoperable brain tumor. When we found it , they gave him 3 to 5 months without treatment. To gain him some time, although we knew it wouldn't be a cure, we did radiation treatment with him. Luckily there are no adverse affects like sickness or loss of hair with dogs. The only unhandy thing was the 8 hour days to take him to Sherman Oaks 3 days a week for 5 weeks but we were glad to have something to do for him. One year extra time is the average with his type of tumor but we've been really lucky and next month is his 4 year anniversery. The tumor is coming back now but at this time he's still pain free and happy. He can't walk now, he got degenerative myelopathy a year ago, but there's no pain with that and we got him a doggy wheelchair so that he can still go for his walks. He's been a joy to be with and, hopefully, we'll still have some time left.

"I want love in my life. I want to keep a space open for it."

I can't fathom you not finding someone soon. You seem so witty and adorable from your writing that it's bound to happen sooner or later.

i remember that book! the plant people!

oops, wasn't quite f inished, but an email got in the way, and apparently i hit post, lol. i was 11 in 77,and ido remember that book in jr. high. scary, huh?

and if you think magic erasers are cool (and they are!), try the ones with the thin sponge. helps sop up the water/soap/etc, then you can scrub more!

Wow! I've been reading for bout a month and love your blog!

I too read way above my age as a young teen. I did find the love of my life, but he has yet to pick me up and carry off to the barn to lay in the hay. One: we don't have a barn and Two: hay is itchy!

You sounded very content about your weekend to me that is a blessing. Love will come to you!

I've got some extra heirloom tomato seedlings if you want them.

Just let me know before I disperse them!

Magic Eraser is the bomb! Be aware though that it is a form of very very fine sandpaper, so don't go too crazy on any shiny surface. Also, they make microfiber cloths, which work well too.

I have to say... the Jaycees are a lot of fun. They're a young person (21-41) non-profit organization that build leadership skills and fun stuff like that, my parents have been in it for I think 8 years now. I'm still a junior Jaycee being only 19. But yeah, they have some pretty cool projects, at least here in Ann Arbor. Oh and Jaycees are the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Clean is awesome by the way, just had to throw that in there.

I will have to get some Cat Attract! Also,... did Mr. Clean ever stop by for an... impromptu? ;)

The Plant People!!!! That's IT!!! See, I KNEW it was a short story in a book of short stories! I just couldn't remember the name of it! That one annoyed me for three reasons - one, it was a STUPID name (Plant People? Why not Cactus People?), two, I seem to remember it really NOT fitting with the rest of the stories in the book (no clue why now) and three - the darned thing stuck with me! (which of course is what made it a GOOD story in the end!)

Yay the Feline Pooping Encouragment Litter!

CAP! The salty air of Chincoteague - I hear ya there, babe. I also knew that smell from books alone, and knew it deep down in my heart. And last year, I finally went to Chincoteague, and smelled that air in person, saw the ponies, sailed the waters, felt the salt grass, watched the ocean waves crash on the beach in the cold spring air... it was spectacular. A true fulfillment of a dream.

Always love to read the web site! Keep on fighting Roy, there is much love to be recieved at your house yet! Love the tips on the paper bags in each room! I also need to go through and "de-clutter" my home. I think the toughest part for me is the emotional attachment, other then that I could get rid of it with no problem.

The majic eraser is all and good but, there are other things out there that are just as wonderful. White wizard got ink out of the hubby's pants and there is no sign of the that ink. If you are in or around Houston, Texas there is a liquid in a white bottle, with red and blue lettering that says Incredible! This is the most wonderful stuff in the world. It will get red wine out of white carpet, dog and cat barf out of carpet. Poo stains out of carpet, etc etc....
It even gets dried wax off of clothing, table cloths,you get the idea.

I am a dressmaker - used to do a lot of weddings back in the day, before I had kids - and the weirdest body I ever had to fit, requiring by far the most alterations to my original pattern, including a SIX INCH extension to the body length, was a tiny little size 4 chick. Talk about having figure problems - when she tried on her final dress she burst into tears of joy because she had never had any piece of clothing that fit her so well. And here I thought my being a size 14 in a size 8 world was a problem - it turns out I was much more normally-shaped than her. Whaddya know.

It is great to hear how different and confident with your own company since last year. Well done you on all that!

Sex with Mr. Clean...sounds like an episode of Monk!

Our two cats have three litter boxes and we are still on the hunt for a litter that does not track through the house, must clump, and with any luck trap in the odors. So far the outdoor litter box works the best, but the drawbacks include ticks, foxes, and the dog chasing them mid-pooping.

Here is a challenge for you...knit a pair of mittens with no pattern or size in mind. Once finished, tuck them away. When you think you have found mister right (now) take them out and see if they fit him!

Wow. I haven't checked in for quite some time. I remember when cat poop would not result in hundreds of comments here. I loved Betsy Tacy and Tib when I was a kid. Imagine my disappointment in high school dances in the 80's compared to dancing slippers in a bag and handsome Tony putting his name on Betsy's card too many times to be proper. I still try to figure out which hill is the big hill when I'm in Mankato.

OMG - I love Magic Erasers so much I had my mom ship me one here to Australia!!! I hope you do leave room in your life for love - You need help carrying all of that damn litter!!! Hugs to Roy!

thank you for telling us that you collect the books of your childhood!

i have purchased and read and reread the entire Little House collection and felt like the biggest dork for it. but i love them!

i also had a very deep burning love for "The Bridge to Tarabithia" and now that i see that thing they call a movie for it, it makes me sick!

Hi Laurie ~

Another inspiring post! You sound so thriving and *green* and happy - and if that was you in the photo a couple of posts back, you are SO CUTE!

Also, I have another book-from-childhood challenge for you and your intrepid readers, if you feel up for it.

It was a book I read as a little kid from the library, natch. The plot was (and the illustrations were all for the most part black, grey, and white sketches) about people in the future, who go everywhere in small cars - and when they want to go longer distances, they all drive up onto trains. There is a girl in this book who, somehow or other, discovers that there is a part of the city no-one goes to (I think) - anyways, she goes there, and discovers a tree, which she has never seen before. She tries to get to the tree, but her car won't take her there, so she climbs out of the car and pulls herself with her arms - since everyone's legs have stopped working because they drive all the time. She pulls herself over to the tree and there is an apple hanging there, and she eats it. And she gets stronger and healthy and her legs start working again - all to the dismay of the 3 big machine/cars who are the bosses of the city, and are telling her not to.

I was so intrigued by this book! Does ANYONE know the title and/or author??? Help!!

p.s. for pet stains, Nature's Miracle (or Nature's Miracle with OxyClean) is fabulous.

I love your paper bag idea! I'm going to try it. I've had a de-clutter desire for months and just keep doing nothing about it. Maybe this will get me started!

That dog poo is bad. Dunno who you should talk to about it though.
Apparently I am a size 10 in the US. Magically, when I come home, I am a size 12-14. I never knew a 14.5 hour plane flight could take 4-8 inches off your dress size, and then magically put it back on again when you fly back but there you go....

Oh. My. God. You brought back memories! I read "Rage of Angels" when I was about 13 or so, snuck it in from a garage sale and read it in bed, under the covers, with a small flashlight. Wow! You know, I still have my copy somewhere - maybe I need to re-read it. Of course, my parents had no problem with me reading Stephen King at 11 (no, seriously, IT at 11? Freaked the ever-lovin' CRAP outta me - slept with a light on for a WEEK!) but I think Sidney Sheldon would've freaked them a bit! Thanks for the memories!

I've been decluttering here and there for months now. I used to make a half-hearted effort every few years but I've been making great progress recently.

Your contentedness on Easter made me sigh with content! For you but also for me whenever I get a nice day like that.

I'm lucky with my little poop machine, he'll use anything I try so what he uses is what's good for ME, heh.

As for #8 - I love YOU for loving books, too!

And I love Roy - please pet him for me! :)

With regards to the idea that properly-fitting AND dead sexy clothing is non-existent even for those with perfect bodies...I've known this for years. I'm six feet tall, pretty slim, but I require an inseam of no less than 35 inches. 37 is preferable. I bellyache all the time about how I found the perfect pair of pants that made everything look smaller and tighter and would no doubt have an army of Hugh Jackmans trying to get said pants OFF of me...except THEY WERE FOUR INCHES TOO SHORT on me. Well, all my 5'2" friends bellyache right back that even 30 inch inseams drag on the ground, and they can't find a pair of pants that doesn't make them look like they're playing dress-up.

Weirdest part? The Gap stocks their size 8 long jeans on the bottom shelf. Right around Amazon's ankles. Their size 2 short? Top shelf. Where ONLY Amazon can reach.

Of course, you short people can just hem the stupid things. ;-)

Is it weird of me to pick one teensy-tiny little thing out of this wealth of ideas and comment on it? No? Good! Because I just have to say that OMG I loved Betsy-Tacy books too! I still own them and re-read them every once in a while, and nobody I know in real-life seems to have even heard of them. Yay!

Thrift stores and used book stores are sometimes great sources for books from our childhood. We did that with the whole entire Dr Seuss series (younger than the genre you're talking about I know) so we could have a whole set for the kids and keem them for our future grandkids.

I was a Nancy Drew / Hardy Boys girl myself!

Hey Laurie,
Sorry - catching up on this week & I wanted to comment on #3... First off my disclaimer is that I am a 5'8" 150ish pound size 8/10.... and I have completely stopped buying pants at any sort of mall store - they just don't fit - EVER.... when I was smaller, when I was larger - and I worked hard to lose weight, so I really don't want to go up to a 12 or 14 or larger (the last time I was at the g@p I had to pull on a 16 to get it over my thighs - and then it pulled out from my waist at least 5 inches!)

My solution - not glamourous, but it works - buy Levi's & Lees. They haven't "adjusted" their sizing so their pants FIT. And seriously - the Lee "One True Fit" - is truly kind of awesome. With the Levis I do occasionally have to go through different styles, but I will find one that fits - and I'm sure you can too!

I love your blog - and I hope this helps you out! And I know what it's like to quit smoking - my first smoke free day was Christmas Eve!

Re: Number 3

I think you might like the rant that Joy Nash does on her body vs. the fashion industry, available on YouTube, via CoolBeans:

http://coolbeanscool.blogspot.com/2007/03/fat-rant.html

I'll never forget that time when every woman in your backyard confessed that we'd never done cocaine because of what happened to Regina in Sweet Valley High. :) Yay books!