Achoo!

This last weekend I went home to visit my family and friends over Thanksgiving.

Wednesday night Michelle and I picked up a variety six-pack of microbrews (BTW, try Breckenridge Amber Ale. Amazing.) and headed over to our friend, Amanda's, apartment to catch up and watch the Obama interview with Barbara Wa-wa.

Amanda takes care of two cats: Milly and Marty. Both are adorable, and have their own unique personalities. I knew my boundaries though -- because I had a cat in high school. After going away to college, every time I'd come home to visit, my eyes started watering and my head would get congested. The onset of becoming allergic to cats.

So at Amanda's, I kept my distance. I played with Marty for a little while, but gave up because after about a half hour, I noticed a tickle in the back of my throat and my eyes started itching. Enough of that.

Another hour went by and my immune system was in full-fledged attack mode. I started sneezing. My nose ran. My eyes watered. Part of it must've been the fact that there were two felines.

I hate taking medication, so I declined when Amanda offered.

Then on Friday, we headed back over to the apartment before going out to the bar. We ended up staying there about two hours waiting for some friends, and the itching, watering, sneezing started again. AGGH.

It's crossed my mind to find a pet for my apartment. Because I travel so much for work, I initially thought a cat would make the most sense. They're generally more independent and seem to be able to take care of themselves. Plus, I don't have to take them out to use the bathroom, or feed them as much.

But, I'm a dog person.

Number one: The thought of having a box full of festering crap in my house doesn't really appeal to me.
Number two: Cats can be bitchy and mean.
Number three? Cats make me SICK.

Animal farm

I have inadvertently become the cat (and dog) lady. The good news is, the pets don't have to stay in my house.

At the beginning of the week, I agreed to cat-sit for my neighbor, Lisa, while she's traveling to Louisville for work. Really, it involves going into her apartment, feeding and giving water to Maybelline and petting her for approximately three minutes.

I've helped out before, and it's not tough.


But then my friend Em asked if I could let out their pug, Lil Dutchie, today. I've never met the dog, and she's just a puppy. Plus, dogs are usually a little more work -- with a wider range of potential disasters (e.g. it running away). Apparently, she's pretty well-behaved, and Em left out a leash in case.

The biggest issue? Remembering that I actually have to take care of them. So, I've put the tasks on my to-do list, added it to my Outlook calendar, and my phone. I should be good.

It reminds me that I've wanted my own dog for awhile (like a chocolate lab or a beagle.)

My family always had pets growing up, so I've been around them my whole life.

But for all practical purposes, that's not possible right now. I don't have much space, I live upstairs, and I'm at my apartment maybe an hour a day, usually after 8 PM... plus, I'm usually gone on weekends. Plus, I travel about once a month for work.