Part One:

Last Tuesday we lost our beloved 10 month old cat Lulu. She just disappeared. We have no idea where she went and I have been manic over since. I have had one other childhood pet, Garfield, also a cat who lived from 1989 to 2005. So this is new for me. Losing a pet with no closure, no real evidence of what happened. More importantly, she was the first animal that monchichi formed a bond with. Our non-verbal son with autism began using the limited language he has whenever he was around her….”mmummm” (lulu). “oft” (soft). “at” (cat). So of course, I have been mourning this loss and a great deep sadness has been looming over our household ever since.

Last night we went and adopted a new kitten, and will pick her up on Saturday. Yes. It is a fast turnaround. But I need an animal in this house and so do the kids. If Lulu is okay and is out getting pregnant or something, then when she comes home, and after I kill her, she will have a baby sister to play/fight with. “Nola” will be a great addition to the household and I can’t wait to have her tiny furry little body hopping and bopping around the house. It was strange when we went to the shelter. I tried to keep Lulu out of it, but I kept comparing all of the kittens to her and it was so depressing. You want to save ALL of the animals (except maybe “Bruce” and “Tina”, two cats which undoubtedly belong in the Zoo because they are way too big and scary looking to be regular house cats…..love you guys!) So we decided on “Nola” because she is tiny and sweet and scared and our hearts are broken and she looks like she might be able to fix that. So welcome Nola. We love you already.

Part 2

Happy Thanksgiving! I have so much to be grateful this year. I have the most amazing family, the greatest friends, a cool job that includes playing with glitter and paint and molding young minds into thinking I am the best teacher EVER!

Dear Lord: Thank you for being so patient because I am so slow. And thank you for not giving up on me. I know you are there, but sometimes I can’t hear you through the noise. So I will be still in my search for peace and answers and I will speak more openly and without fear.

I have parents that sacrificed their whole lives for their kids. Immigration, odd jobs, going without that perfect dress because the kids needed medicine. Traveling around Europe and America, forcing us to learn Polish, dragging us to church, Thanks Mama i Tata!

I have a husband that is manly but not macho. A true nurturer. Nothing sexier than a man who doesn’t drink coffee but gets up in the morning and brews a fresh pot for his wife who would inject the stuff straight into her veins if she could. You inspire me to be a better person each day and you tell me I am beautiful at 5:00 a.m, when even I am too scared to look at my reflection in the mirror. I love you baby. You had me at first pitcher.

I have two beautiful children who keep me on me toes and rarely on my back. I am exhausted and in love and they have given a whole new meaning to my life. I am a better person because of them and they have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. Rock on little dudes.

I have a beautiful, thin, funny, thin, sparkling, thin younger sister who despite her model-like looks is down to earth and who I can cry and laugh with all in the same sentence. I love our weekend shopping trips in search of the perfect tea cups with matching saucers. You have seen me through my worst and my best and you still want to hang out with me. I love you!

I have a best friend that I keep close because she knows too much. No, seriously. She would and does do anything for us as a family and has been a strong shoulder to lean and cry on for years. We met in the most unorthodox way, building a loving and trusting friendship that is priceless. We make our colleauges jealous and sick (Yep, we teach at the same school, our classrooms approximately 15 feet apart) to their stomachs with the authenticity of our love for one another. Every woman needs a wife and she is mine. Love you!!

The list is endless. I have a fridge filled with food. Clothes on my back. A mother-in-law that I actually love. And just because I haven’t named you specifically above, I am so grateful to all of the people in my life. Even those of you that have challenged me or brought out my ugly side. You are all important and meaningful and never forgotten.

Now go eat Turkey!