Last night’s earthquake was a bit scary because I wasn’t sure if things were going to fall out of the cupboards and off the shelves. Nothing did. The cats hid for over an hour under the bed. We just had another quake (3.7) around 4 pm. The cats hid again. The dog isn’t very happy about the ground shaking either. Last night I checked every room, every shelf, closet and cupboard. I pushed everything back in place. I spent about an hour las tnight afterwards feeling nauseous. A typical reaction for me. This is only my third earthquake (fourth if you count this afternoon’s).

I’m glad the weekend is over. The communications seminar was good on occasion and mostly weird and unsatifying. I had in mind what I wanted to get out of the course from the first one. There is a short list of things they say you will get out of the course. I haven’t gotten any of them. I did get really nauseous (as in nearly ran out of the room) at one point on Sunday. I would like to be able to say that what bothered me is really gone, but I’m not sure. I didn’t even want to go on Sunday. I have never felt that way about any of the courses yet. I did get a lot, but I really don’t like feeling ill. The last exercixe was amazing, but I don’t consider it to be communication. You get really connected with another person. No, not THAT kind of connected. The kind where you get related to a stranger and see no separation between you and them.

I came home last night and ran laundry. Washing machine broke. Very wet clothes. No spin. However, that got fixed this morning in less than a half hour. Now the washing machine is humming way–quieter than ever.

It was another late night going into a few more late nights at least until Monday. I think, anyway. Another date. It was probably the craziest fun I have had in a long time. He really likes video games, so I told him I would kick his butt boxing on the Wii. I did. And also in tennis and bowling. He then kicked mine in DOA2. Humiliating loss. He’s more fun than anyone should have. He likes my cats, and they like him–even the ones who hide whenever someone else is in the house.  My mind keeps reminding me of the night before…hmm.

Hamlet is gone. He was sick for quite some time and much worse lately. Yesterday he couldn’t walk far without falling over. I had been allowing him to go outside in the past month because it seemed to make him happy. This morning he wasn’t outside waiting. I suspect he hid somewhere to die. He was only seven years old. He was the oldest cat who was picked from the Humane Society in Missouri by my son. He traveled from Missouri to California by car in the back seat with Ana, my Great Dane, when I first moved out here. He howled most of the way. He always hated car rides.

The weekend provided a gigantic release of anger and pain. I was so caught up in getting everything done yesterday that I didn’t get to over the weekend that I forgot to post here. Lots of things have happened in my life–mostly a different view.  I can really be with people now, but sometimes that means that people are putting meaning on the interaction that isn’t there. If you’re interested in a different view of life (enthusiastic, fun, playful), check this out (this will begin a video). Let me know what you think. I would like to hear about it.

In other news…

My cat Hamlet looks very sick right now. He eats, but he’s nearly a skeleton. It’s sad to watch him waste away. He’s not the only pet either. My sister’s dog has liver problems, and he’s wasting away. He’s young too. My mother’s dog is having chemotherapy to prevent cancerous lumps from returning.

I’m a bit sleepy today after a lack of sleep last night. No, nothing exciting to report there. Just couldn’t sleep. I did have another date last night though. I have been feeling some slight trepidation. Ok, not so slight. It’s a bit disconcerting to be really open about who I am and who I have been since I wonder why anyone would want to be around all of it. There’s a feeling of running away and running toward. I’ll have to let you know which direction wins. Right now, toward is winning.

I know I like to be in control or at least feel like I have some control over a situation. I realized last night while talking about swing dancing that I have no problem giving up that control on the dance floor. Now why I can’t elsewhere, I have no idea.

I like my men on the naughty side. I already suspected my date was a bit naughty. What I really wanted to know is if he is deliciously naughty. I certainly got my answer.

It wasn’t just one, but there is one I want to talk about. I don’t know what he was thinking at the time, but that last kiss wasn’t only felt on the lips. How does that happen? Is there a direct line from lips to…? (You’ll have to fill in the blank here. This is a PG-13 blog.) Must be for me with this guy. I can’t remember a single, short kiss ever having that effect.

Since Mr. Fab asked for details, here is what I have to say about my date. It was lots of fun, and we will be seeing each other again within a week. It may turn out to be excellent. We seem to match quite well. Hard to really say after a first date, but I’m not beginning this one thinking it will end or how it will end. We spent just over 3 hours together–talking, eating and laughing.

I will have to be on my toes with this one though. I know it has been a long time since I have met someone so quick-witted and clever.

It’s a dreary morning here. I’m having a difficult time staying awake. I’m sitting here htinking about what I need to do this week. I have had lots to do, but I got a lot done ahead of time for my upcoming leadership weekend. I really want my sister to do the first course I did back in February. I have wanted her to do it since February. Even my mother, who hasn’t done the course but wants to, wants my sister to do it.

Anyway, I will be  more awake soon. At least I hope. I usually do. I have a few things to do today, and then I have a dinner date. At least that is what I am calling it. What else do you calll dinner with the opposite sex where the point is to get to know them better to see if they match up with what you’re looking for?