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Two years ago, when Danny was still in school, I asked him what he wanted to do the week I was off work between Christmas and New Years. His answer: stay home, eat candy and watch cartoons. This was the greatest idea ever. Not only was it fun in the third grade, but it’s fun as a working adult, especially if you can watch Futurama, the Simpsons, Cowboy Bebop, and the Family Guy instead of horrible Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle reruns (not that I ever saw those, mind you). I have next week off work, but Danny has to return to CA and go into the office. This sucks. I mean, I guess it’s normal but I’ve really gotten used to having a week of Christmas vacation and I’m sorry that he won’t get to participate this year.

Instead of returning with him, I’m staying in Austin with my brother who also has the week off. Our schedule will be a little more ambitious than the “cartoon-watching, candy-eating” party of past years. My plan is to do some after xmas shopping, see some matinees, and eat at all of my favorite Austin restaurants. I’d like to visit some of my friends too. I think my mom will take a day or two off to bum around with us. It will be nice to have a mini Austin vacation.

Cold update: I still have it but it’s not debilitating. I’m hoarse but I’m not coughing much and my head isn’t stuffy. This is a very important change since I have a three hour flight home tomorrow. I won’t be sorry to leave CA behind for a week. It has been raining almost non-stop since last Monday. I like the rain, but a week is enough for me. Plus, going to work in the rain when you’re sick is not fun at all.

One more random comment: For the last few years, I’ve been sending occasional donations to SARA: Southern Animal Rescue Association. It is a no-kill animal “ranch” near Seguin. The reason I found out about this is because one of my former neighbors got SARA to adopt two very sweet stray kitties that lived on our block. When I moved, I couldn’t take them with me. They were both outdoor cats and might not have adjusted to my new neighborhood. Still, I felt so guilty leaving them behind. My neighbor fed them, but the kitties were on their own on nights when it froze outside.

A month after I moved, I found out that the kitties had been taken to SARA and one of them, the big, fluffy white cat, had been adopted within a week. Ever since then, I’ve tried to support this organization. I don’t shower them with money, but I like the concept and it seems like a really good place for animals. I’ve never actually visited though. I thought about going with my brother when I’m in Austin next week, but I KNOW I would convince him to bring home a pet or two and I don’t think that’s a good idea right now. I dunno. Maybe he’s ready for another pet. My mom adopted his cat when he lived in Lubbock. The cat wasn’t happy “indoors.” Still, he’s an awesome pet but Daniel didn’t want to stick him in another one bedroom apt when he’s used to having playmates and five acres in the country in which to frolick.

Anyway, does anyone else have any favorite charities? Besides the redcross? Just curious.