Crystal has her new kitten and has had a drink with Steve.
October 13th 2007 09:07
Tulips in my garden
I am just so excited, I have had such a big day. But let me start where I left off.
We went around for drinks as usual but this time Steve stayed close to me and after we'd had the first round of drinks, pulled up his chair besides me.
But let me describe what happens at these affairs.
Apparently the company gives a drink allowance for after work drinks for a staff get together on a Friday night. This did surprise me.
Rather than hassle and haggle all night about who is paying for what and how much money is left, they have decided that for the first round everyone's drink is paid for from the company's kitty.
So, for the first drink, everyone orders some expensive concoction and however much it costs comes out of the company purse. After that, you're on your own and everyone pays for their own drinks.
It was apparent to me that there were some seasoned drinkers there. I ordered a Champagne cocktail and paid no attention to what everyone else did, but I did notice they all ordered something expensive. Then the purse was closed and the kitty was kept by one of the junior accountants who was a regular at these outings.
Over a period of time they always broke even.
I could see the sense in this arrangement and I thought whoever thought of it had had a smart idea and would save staff squabbling over the period of the evening.
I sat sipping my drink leisurely, I was not really much of a drinker. I made some desultory conversation with those around me and very soon came to realise that it was not exactly my scene, but I must say I appreciated how everyone made some effort to ensure I felt welcome. I thought that was very nice of them.
So Crystal, what made you decide to come with us so suddenly?, began Steve. I was a little taken aback, and murmured some rather unimpressive explanation. Steve didn't make much comment and then asked me what I was doing over the weekend.
I told him about the cat and how excited I was, his face was bland and I had no way of judging his response, he seemed rather non-commital.
He offered to buy me a drink and I didn't like to refuse. We sat talking for a while until he announced that he was leaving. That gave me the opportunity to make my departure too.
I didn't really like the idea of the small walk in the dark to get my car but need not have been concerned as Steve continued to escort me there and once I was settled behind the wheel he made his departure. He made no mention of whether he was going home or elsewhere and I did not enquire. I just wanted to be off after making my second socialising effort.
So, once again I found myself alone for the evening watching a bit of late TV before turning in and sleeping soundly not worrying that I had to be at work in the morning. From that point of view I always regarded my weekends as bliss.
After doing a quick shop for the week ahead I simply dropped off everything at home, put my milk and other perishables in the frig and headed off for my appointment with the cat.
I was just so impressed with the welcoming atmosphere that met me. They really made me feel very special and checked out why I wanted a cat, what arrangements I had made for its care how much it would cost me and what was required in looking after an animal, nowadays.
We had had cats at home but I could never remember them being this much trouble. We had usually been given one or found one or asked to take on someone else's because they were moving and couldn't take the cat, all those sorts of things.
I felt vaguely uncomfortable with all of this but soon overcame the fear that was beginning to manifest itself when I was taken to meet the cat.
The lady I had gone to see brought a medium sized little cat into the room, stroking it for a wile before putting it on the floor. It looked up at her a little puzzled but she just ignored it and turned her face away. The cat intruded itself around her legs weaving its way in and out but still she made no response and after one more turn of this the cat started to come out into the room. She looked at me inquisitely and I didn't really know what was expected of me. I held my hand down at floor level turned my hand over to expose my palm and twiddled my fingers.
The cat sat looking at me and then began to wash herself, I just simply sat, feeling like a prize fool, and wondering if this was such a good idea after all.
I sat back in the chair and just waited while the cat continued her mid-day ablutions.
When she had finished she stretched herself and came towards me, then suddenly jumped into my lap turned in a circle and lay across my legs with her front paws dangling.
I began to stroke her and she began to purr, I felt just so loving but very much inhibited by the lady's presence.
Oh, I said, she is just so pretty and so sweet. It was a lovely feeling the feel of that little cat lying across my legs, I just didn't want to disturb her by getting up.
Do you like her, I was asked? OH, yes, I breathed delightedly.
Well, pick her up and we'll finalise the arrangements. We'd like to come and see you in a month's time to see how she's settled in and how you are coping with her.
Isn't she lovely?
I wondered if babies were as much trouble as this.
But it was with a light step and a happy heart that I left, with pussy carefully placed in a cat basket so she wouldn't worry me as I drove. In the cost they had included some cat food and I had taken the opportunity to buy a cat bed while I was there as I had not thought at all about these things.
Before I left we had discussed some cat care considerations and I had happily departed with the first addition to my little family, there were now two of us. Not one.
This afternoon I have played mother and the cat and I had played together happily and as I write this she is fast asleep in her new bed and I realize that I have responsibilities now.
The cat and I had the evening ahead of us and I felt happier than I had done in years.
She still doesn't have a name, and I don't really think "cat" is suitable. I told you what an unimaginative family I had when it came to naming animals, at least I wanted to try to get this one right.
I was going to tell you so much more, but I guess I've run out of time.
Please let me know if you enjoyed this and how I should go about choosing a name.
The search for happiness - but this is not me
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Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Michaelie
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I think just wait a few days to get a feel for her personality, then name her accordingly.
We named our cat David. If I had have waited I would have insisted on calling him Arrogant Little Beast.
Actually, I still call him that anyway. Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by Techno
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Love the pics and the puss, it's cute, names - sorry, not much good askin' me, no imugginishun.
I think that fellah at the crossroads there is me.
Techno. Luvs ya, babe.
Comment by AmyHuang
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Can choose a name based on colour, behaviour or simply just out of a hat. Lovely caramel swirls on your cat - perhaps base on that?
Comment by Louie
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cheers
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Comment by Krystal
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Crystal