Compostable Kate

This is Moet, the dog I lost for three days. He was found safe and well, but I will never forget how distressing it was, or ever stop feeling guilty about it. It was supposed to be a simple thing, puppy-sitting little Moet for a few days. I've been looking after other people's dogs and puppies for years, and apart from having to clean up some messes I've never had a mishap. Moet had been to visit before he came to stay, and had a good look and sniff around the unit and the back yard. My yard isn't big, just a patio and a scrubby garden bed, imbued with years and years of dog wee, with shrubs to wee on, and the occasional possum or neighbourhood cat to sniff out. I did have one escape artist previously, but Donny (cocker spaniel) only managed to squeeze himself into the neighbour's yard, through the little gap where the water mains taps are. He couldn't get back again, but he couldn't get out, either, so it was easy enough to retrieve him, and he neve...

I've lost friend s over my personal views about “not doing” Christma s, but it's just as well that I'm not into Christmas in a big way, as I am totally skint at the moment, and can't even afford postage for Christmas cards. I'm hanging onto my home internet connection by the skin of my teeth, so may be able to send out a few virtual seasonal greetings, although I'll probably just tweet something (it shows up on facebook, too, you see). If I submitted to the social pressure of Christmas I would be feeling even worse than I already do about being so poor, and so far away from my family. I can't afford cards, or gifts, or festive food, or any kind of party or gathering*, and can really appreciate why this is such a difficult time of year for many people. Of course, I miss my family at this time of year, and if I had the money I would definitely travel to go and see them. If I had the money I would probably also send them gifts, because I love them a...

I have up to three cats on my lap/desk/laptop and/or printer, with Miss Pepper the kitten or King Fred attacking anything that comes out of it! The dogs can't decide whether they want to be inside or out! I have foxtel (with extra channels I don't have at home), an extensive DVD collection and Wii for my entertainment. I have twitter and facebook in front of me on the laptop... I can curl up on the very comfy couch for a nap with up to 6 warm furkids. I am a world class procrastinator.... I need to go back to my place (I'm currently house-sitting for most of the aforementioned cats and dogs) to pick up paper and a book I left behind. I'm finding the avalanche of new information overwhelming, not to mention having all three of my first assignments due next week (one on Monday, two on Friday). Oh, and I'm in excrutiating pain from my right hip (the left is also painful as usual, but my right side has been extraordinarily painful for the past week or ...