Happy New (food) Year

This picture says it all.
I like my new food.

It's to help me w/hairballs. If you've never had a cat...you probably don't want to know what those are. I hope this food helps! Speaking of food, here's your next book to check out.

Belial's Best Book: Fast Food Nation, by Eric Schlosser. Many of my human's students say that American food is unhealthy. They're right; on the whole it is. Read this book for an interesting exposé on how it got that way. (ISBN#: 0060838582)

Weather: A mild storm just passed.
Looks like clear (but cold!) skies
for the New Year celebrations tonight.

A Cat's Life...in Japan

Check this out!

Can't say that I'm pampered as much on this side of the Pacific, BUT! I did get some tuna in my bowl for Christmas.

Weather: More of the same. Chilly at night. Warm in the day.

Congratulations

I heard from my human Cindy that her students graduated yesterday. What does THAT mean? She seems conflicted: both happy and sad. Maybe I should graduate, too?

Nah, I'll just take a nap as is par for the course.

Also, she told me a student requested that I start a book club. I think it's a great idea because I know I'll be doing lots of reading w/Cindy during her winter break. So, here's the first of "Belial's Best Book of the Week."

Belial's Best Book: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss. This is a classic holiday tale about a Scrooge-like character who messes up "the big day" for all the Whos in Whoville. DON'T BOTHER w/the Jim Carrey movie version; the book is true magic. (ISBN: 9780394800790)

Weather: Cold, cold, cold at night.
I seek refuge under the bed covers most nights
to soak up my humans' warmth.

Trip or Treat

I just overheard my male human talking on the phone to my lady human: she's going to Target.

I hope she buys me something good. I DON'T want a stupid Santa cat hat like she bought me last year.

Please bring me something of the tuna variety!

Weather: Nice and cool. My winter coat is working out just fine.

NOT cats and dogs

This week we've had two storms come through. Right now it's sprinkling outside. I hope it clears up because I want some sun!

I was thinking of buying my human Cindy this umbrella for Christmas 'cause it's really cute. When it rains and she carries it, she can always remember my thoughtfulness. Guess I need to go check amazon.com!

Weather: Rain. Not cats and dogs, but just drizzly.

Why all the turkey?

Yesterday's holiday left me high and dry. NO TUNA anywhere. Too much turkey for my tastes.

I'm not really a meat eater; I prefer my meals straight from the ocean. Hence, I didn't flinch at all yesterday as my humans roasted a turkey at my house. Fish always smells better than meat.

I heard that for the next big holiday, Christmas, ham is the usual main dish. WHEN IS IT TIME FOR TUNA?!

I think I'll boycott all holidays until 2010 and submit my tuna proposal to Obama to have this country change its backward ways. Fish is much healthier than other animal flesh, don't you think?

Weather: The only sign of winter is the temps drop a bit at night.
The days have been fairly warm, though.
Sunshine: 1, Winter: 0

A NEWER Place!

Hey, check this out. I recently discovered the guest bathroom. It's a lot of fun! Whenever my human Cindy is getting ready in the morning, I go and hang out to keep her company.

I especially like when this towel is on the floor for me to sit on. It's like my own personal place mat. Maybe I can ask Santa Claus for a towel embroidered with my name?

Weather: What is up with it these days? It's totally cold at night.
Then it's kind of hot in the day. I don't get it.

My New Favorite Place

Lately, whenever my humans open a closet, I'm right there. I instantly run inside and explore. It's funny when they can't find me and I hear them walking around the house calling my name.

Why do I like the closets these days? I've taken an interest in spelunking. Yes, you should click on that word to find out what it means!

So, my closet exploration is in preparation of this new-found interest. I also burrow under covers now that it's getting colder at night in order to practice for my first attempt as a spelunker.

Of course I'll be looking for tuna.

Weather: They said it's supposed to rain today. Really?

My Mysterious Neighbor

On Halloween, did you watch the 1978 movie, "Halloween"? That's one of my male human's most favorite flicks of all time. Really, you should watch it. Plenty suspenseful!

Anywho...we named this kitty who lives across the street Michael Myers after the villain in that movie. Why? He always pops up out of nowhere and then disappears as quickly as he came.


Watch the movie, you'll see what I mean! This photo is a rare glimpse of MM not hiding behind a bush or lurking about car tires. He's super sneaky like that.

Weather: Warmer than normal for this time of year.
It's all good: more sun!

New Kid...er...Cat on the Block

About a month ago, a new kitty moved into the neighborhood. He's orange with white feet. He always bothers me at the back window. I don't like this.

Norman, who also has a twin named Mother, wears a bell on his collar. When he comes to stare at me through the backdoor, I can hear him tinkle with every step.

He just seems curious, like most of us felines are, but really...I wish he would leave me alone. In this picture, it's about 4 a.m., and he interrupted my beauty sleep. How dare he!

Weather: Quite nice, actually. Correct ratio of sun to chilly.

Good Luck TESOLers!

This is a very important day for many of my human Cindy's friends who still study their TESOL master's at CSUF. It's (drumroll please...)
"The Comps."

Just what are "The Comps," you might ask? It's a term short for "comprehensive exam." If you study a master's degree, there's usually one of two things you do before graduating: write a thesis, or have a comprehensive exam.

The Comps cover EVERYTHING studied in all classes. It takes all day, and it's very stressful. My human took it last spring, and I cheered her on a lot.

I hope everyone who takes The Comps today passes. Then they can finally sleep and relax, just like I do all day!

Weather: Was a bit warm earlier this week, but back to cooler temps.

She's All Mine

My human Cindy seems sad because she can't go trick-0r-treating w/her nephews on account of being sick...well, her cloud is my silver lining. We're going to spend the night on the couch watching scary movies.


My other human hasn't chosen the movie yet, but he's a fanatic of all things Hollywood horror. You should see his DVD collection! So many gory, bloody titles. They're all in good fun, though!

Hope YOU all had a nice Halloween!
Next up: Thanksgiving!

Weather: I can't really decide. Is it cold? Is it warm?
Weird weather patterns these days.

What's With the Wind?

I really hope the wind that's been blasting us lately dies down for Halloween. Can you imagine all those pint-sized trick-or-treaters out there with their masks and capes being blown off?!

What would I be for Halloween? Well, I've got my eye on this duck costume. It's pretty cute, right? The only problem is, I don't really like wearing things on my head...

Take a look at my face on this post, and you'll see what I mean!

Weather: Hold on to your hats.
The authorities predict another windy one today.

Psychoanalysis

Sometimes I imagine I'm a dog. Even though it's great being a cat, I often display characteristics of being an animal that says "Woof" instead of "Meow."

• I come when my name is called
• I play fetch with my toys
• I beg for food
• I run to the door when my humans come home

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't give up my feline ways if you paid me. But, still...some days it would be great to look like this:

Then I'd be able to go out for a walk
and get pet by even more people.

Weather: Kinda warm lately,
but I don't mind as long as the sun shines.

Sick Human = Nap Time

I feel really terrible that one of my humans has a cold. I swear I do. But, this means I have someone to nap with during the day. Hooray!

Sorry if this is being self-centered, but it's much better to nap next to a warm human than on the computer chair like I normally do during the long hours my humans are at work.

Why the computer chair? Well, I'm waiting for someone to turn it on so I can blog, of course.

Weather: Very fall-ish. Not too hot, but not too cold.

SLUMBER PARTY!!

Tonight is gonna be the cat's pajamas.

My humans are taking an overnight trip, and so I am. They are going to San Diego, but I'm going to grandma & grandpa's house.

I love going to their house. It has two stories, so I get to run up and down the stairs for some excellent exercise. Also, there's more rooms for me to hide in. Which one will it be this visit?!

I can't wait. The only part I don't like about taking an overnight trip is having to go into the cat carrier. Boooooooooooo.

I hate the cat carrier; it usually means a trip to the doctor.

Weather: Warm and sunny. A perfect day to sit in the window.

I don't get it.

Such a study in contrasts...the weather this week, that is.

I started out on Tuesday having to utilize my rain gear like my friend to the left, and now the temps are back up into the 80s. What gives?
I don't get it.

Is it global warming that's
messing with our weather patterns?
I hope not.

Weather: Up, down & all around.
We've had a little bit of everything in the past few days.

Waaaay too Early

On Friday, my humans went shopping at Costco. Of course, they brought me back food & the all-important litter. But I digress.

They told me they saw Christmas decorations...already. Now just wait a minute. My calendar tells me that Halloween hasn't even passed yet.

Then, we've got to get through Thanksgiving...why the rush people?! I think we need to enjoy each day as it passes instead of the hurry-up-and-wait mentality that surrounds holiday celebrations.

Last Xmas, my humans took a small trip to avoid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I wonder if they'll do it again? As long as somebody babysits me while they're away, I don't care!

Weather: Gorgeous, crisp fall mornings and evenings.
Don't forget your sweaters!

Warm Laps, Long Naps

Ahhhhh. It's early (5:39 a.m.-ish), and I'm blogging from the comfort of my human's lap. She says she has to get up and go do school work, but I think she needs to stay right here so I can enjoy her warmth.

Lately, it's been growing chillier, so I've been searching out as many warm places as possible. Laps are always the best. Another one of my favorites includes window sills. Well, it looks like she's gonna get up and go do that "work" she's talking about, so I'll pick up later.

Weather: Yes! Chilly mornings help me appreciate the sun.

Beauty Sleep

This weekend, my Taiwanese girlfriend is coming to visit. When she comes, I know I'll get a good brushing, plus plenty of play time.

Therefore, I must rest to prepare for entertaining her tomorrow night. See me over there in the bed? I look tired, right? I know, I know. Cats already sleep enough. Still, I want to look my best for her visit.

In this picture, I'm on my human Cindy's side of the bed. That's my favorite place to sleep at night: right next to her on her pillow. Sometimes she complains because then she wakes up with a mouth full of cat fur, but I think that's a small price to pay for the cuddling company of someone as wonderful as moi.

Weather: Mornings and evenings definitely a bit chillier.
Here comes fall!

My Favorite Month

Many people associate October with the fall harvest, or even Halloween on the final day of the month.

Not me! October is the month when we celebrate and honor black cats the world over. Black cats often get a bad rap because of many superstitions, but they're actually quite cute! There's nothing "bad luck-ish" about them.

Does your country have a negative superstition about black cats? America sure does...so that's why it's confusing to me that Halloween decorations are covered with these guys. Talk about a mixed message.

Anyway, welcome to October, the best month of the year, for the best reason: Black Cats!

Weather: Santa Anas in true form yesterday.
It was soooo dry, so I drank a lot of water. You should, too!

It's a Girl!

Finally. I got another color of food besides green. Yesterday was pink. Pink means salmon. Salmon is my favorite! I also heard that it's my human Cindy's favorite type of fish. Hmmm, great minds think (and taste) alike!

This picture is from an interesting art project by JeongMee Yoon. That's right, she's a conceptual artist from Korea. You can see other examples of her work by clicking on her name above.

This pink picture is a series she did about boys and girls; hence, the pink and also blue theme. Oh, blue! I like the blue food, too...maybe that will be breakfast.

Weather: Still. Hot. More. Water. PLEASE.

Green, AGAIN?!

Now, I don't like to complain, buuuuuut...

I've gotten the green one three days in a row for BOTH breakfast in dinner. What "green one," you might ask?

Well, I'm pretty picky about my food and only will eat Fancy Feast. And I'll only eat the fishy flavors.

The colors I have to choose from are green, pink, and blue. I try to tell my humans to rotate my "feasts," but sometimes they're so busy and they forget.

I'm not gonna take it anymore. NO MORE GREEN...

...pretty please

Weather: Seriously, it's pretty hot. I just sit and sweat all day.
You would, too, if you had all this fur.

Taiwanese Tabby

Everyone, please meet Oliver.

His owner is the landlord of one of my human's dear friends. This landlord is from Taiwan. I guess that makes Oliver a Taiwanese kitty. I wonder how he says "meow"? Probably just like the rest of us felines the world over: very loudly when we're hungry or want attention!

Weather: Temps are climbing again these days.
I guess summer's just not giving up.

I'm Bored, Soooo Bored

Do you feel bored in your classes sometimes? What about at home? Lately, I've been EXTREMELY bored cooped up in my house all day.

Why am I bored?
Let me count the ways...

1) No one is home: My humans work insanely long hours.
No one to play with or rub my belly during the day.

2) No new toys: I'm stuck with my mousie and my feather-thingie. Soooo BO-RING. Get me something with batteries.

3) No new food: I've been eating the same stuff for about 4 years now... salmon, tuna, whitefish. Really, can't I get some halibut or shrimp?! Come on!!

Well, at least my humans will be home this weekend. They can entertain me then.

Weather: Hints of fall.
It's getting darker a bit earlier, and the mornings are a tad chilly.
Love it!

Pool Party

I find it hard to believe that swimming is good for you. It's definitely not good for cats. Check out that pic on the right. What is that guy doing? Is he crazy?!

On Friday afternoon, my human Cindy joined a Pool Party with some of her friends. She said it was a lot of fun, but I don't believe her. Getting your whole body/skin/fur soaked is not my idea of fun.

Before the party, Cindy said she ate really good Taiwanese-style Chinese food w/her four other TESOL friends. She looks a little fatter. I heard they didn't eat any fish, so I'm not interested in going to that restaurant...ask Cindy if you want to know about the place.

Weather: Been cooling off a bit. Thank goodness!

Time to Relax

Did lots of this earlier today with my human Cindy. In fact, we took TWO naps together. I wonder if she's gonna go for a record of three.

We don't get to nap w/each other that often because she's always doing something she calls "teaching." I don't know what that is, but it sure keeps her busy.

Weather: Cooling down a bit after those insanely high temps.

Alien Observer

Sometimes, while I'm waiting for my turn to use the computer, I just sit and watch my humans do their work.

This is the computer room. It's kind of messy, but there's lots of places for me to hide. When I want attention, I always sit right in front of the screen while my humans are doing something important.

Don't you think I look like an alien with my mesmerizing, glowing eyes? I'm not from Mars, though. I was born in Newport Beach!

Weather: Muggy + hot.

Please Meet...Francesca

Everybody, this is
Francesca,
and she's my latest
feline friend.

Do you remember Snowy? She belonged to my human Cindy's good friend from Saudi Arabia. Snowy unfortunately ran away, but now this friend has a new kitty! I'm going to call her Frannie. (BTW, that's a nickname for Francesca)

Frannie looks so peaceful all curled up on her pretty red furniture, I wish I could join her for a nap. Welcome to a new home, Frannie. I know this Saudi Arabian friend will treat you like a queen!

Weather: Let's not talk about it. More shade. More water.
Less sun and heat, please!

A Feast

Tonight my human Cindy is having friends over for a shabu shabu party.
You don't know shabu shabu?

It's a Japanese one-pot meal where everyone can add their own ingredients (veggies, tofu, thinly sliced beef or pork) into a boiling pot to cook them. It's very delicious, and I wish I could join them.
I'll just have to be content to watch from the sidelines.

Weather: OH...MY...Soooo hot.
Glad we have the A/C cranked up high at my place.

Peek-a-Boo!

My first girlfriend, Emi from Japan, got a new kitty a few months ago. I haven't met しっちゃん (Shicchan) yet, but she sure does look cute.

Emi said Shicchan has grown to a healthy five pounds lately. She's very active and likes to play with all of her toys. Here she is playing "peek-a-boo" with the camera.

Weather: Yesssss...it's too hot these days.
Yesterday, it was over 100 degrees in my neck of the woods.
Gonna stay in the shade for sure.

I am Royalty

I've heard that in ancient Egypt, cats were revered. I wish I could travel back in time so that people would honor me and bow at the very mention of my name.

Oh wait, my humans do that already. When I meow, they come instantly to see what I need. When I'm hungry, they always replenish my bowl. I am royalty, indeed.

How do you like my Sphinx impression on those boxes? That's one of my favorite places to relax. It's in the computer room where I write this blog.

Weather: Dunno, it's still dark right now. Just a wild guess: HOT.

Summer Alert

Well, it looks like that summer that's been hiding for the last month is ready to come out.

The back to school season in So Cal always brings higher temps. Today is no exception. I'm gonna go sit under the fan.

Weather: Yep, you guessed it: hot. And it's only 10:41 a.m.

Back to School

Instead of being at school, don't you wish you were home like me? Just imagine all the fun things you could do at home instead of studying English like you are now...

• Take long naps
• Eat delicious fish
• Sit in the sunlight
• Chase furry toys

I hope that your new semester goes well because, well, I'm gonna be at home, doing what I do best...

...as per the list above!

Good luck with your studies.
I'm going to go study the backs of my eyelids.
ZzzzzZz...

Weather: This summer is weird. Not too hot, so I can't complain.
Back to school in So Cal is usually MUCH hotter.
Maybe in September it will heat up?

Movie Hits & Misses

Another one of my favorite Hollywood films, "The Cat from Outer Space" (1978), has been in constant rotation lately on my DVD player. My human Cindy said she saw it in a movie theater when she was a little girl and instantly fell in love with cats. I can't blame her.

Although the flick mentioned above is one of the finer movies about animals, I do have a problem with "G-Force," which was released last month. Come on, people! A movie about little undercover hamster/guinea pig thingies who save the world?

I really think the story line of a cat from another galaxy is more feasible, don't you?

Weather: Still a little cool in the mornings,
then burning off to plain 'ol hotness.

A Day in the Sun

I've really been enjoying summer these days. How about you?

Usually it's much hotter at this time of year, but for me, it's perfect window-sitting temps.

Here I am in my humans' bedroom window, playing tag with the vertical blinds.

Weather: It was a gorgeous sunrise.
Lots of red, orange, and yellow reflected in the fluffy clouds.
Did you see it?

しっちゃん: Neighborhood Watch Kitty

A couple weeks ago, my human Cindy went to meet her best friend's new kitty, しっちゃん, for the first time. Shicchan was quite 元気, she's only about 5-6 months old.

Here she is protecting her owners from any harm.
I think she's doing great patrolling the window sills.

Weather: Lately been less hot than usual for this time of year.
It's definitely been a mild summer.

In the shadows

Lately I've felt like this guy. Left alone, hung out to dry, totally ignored.

My human Cindy has a friend visiting from Japan right now. She pays attention 24/7 to this friend, and I'm getting no love.

I'm lonely. I heard this friend is gonna leave for a coupla days for something called "The California Bar." I hope I get my human back for a little bit.

Weather: Whooooooo. I'm happy to be inside.
The sun is searing these days.

Up, up, and away!

What's wrong with this picture?
That blue bowl to the left is my food dish.
It's empty.

Here I am leaping gracefully to the counter above so that I can alert my human Cindy in the kitchen about her duty to feed me.

Weather: Thank goodness for the AC.

My Favorite Movie

Do you know the movie, "Tonari no Totoro"? It's the best movie ever.
The first time I saw it, I cheered when the Neko bus appeared.

How cool is that? Satsuki and Mei got to ride in a huge cat-bus. I'm so jealous. I wonder if I could ride for free because I'm a neko, too.

Weather: Oh my, so hot.
I spend my days sleeping in the coolest parts of the house.
That means my humans' pillows.

I like Sushi

When my humans returned from their road trip, they brought home a new addition to the family.

Her name is Sushi, and she was born in Morro Bay. Sushi is a sea lion (not to be confused with seal), and she's a little sad to be away from her fellow sea lions that live along the CA central coast.

Although I love to eat fish, I realize that this Sushi is not fish. I'll do my best to make her feel at home.

Weather: I guess it's just gonna be hot from now on.

Another Rough Weekend

Although I'm depicted here in the warm lap of my human Cindy, there was no such respite for me this past weekend.

Both of my humans took what they called a "road trip." Doesn't sound very fun to me.

I had to spend the weekend @ grandma & grandpa's house. They have stairs. I got tired.

Finally, though, my humans returned to pick me up. So, now I'm back to blog about the trauma. Whew, I'm glad the weekend's over.

Weather: Hot. Just plain hot.

こんにちは！

My human's friend Emi just sent this new picture of しっちゃん。 Oh my goodness, she is growing so quickly.
I want to eat what she's eating!

Weather: Everyone says it's really hot, but I know it's just gonna get hotter.

A Fashionable Fourth

One of my Siamese cousins (I'm a Burmese, remember?) decided to celebrate today in a special way. Doesn't he look spiffy? Still, that bow tie must be a little uncomfortable...

Weather: A typical 4th of July: sunny + HOT

Total Admiration

Look at this guy over there. Wow, what admiration I have for him. He can operate a computer just like me!

I guess dogs are just as smart as cats. But, not toooo smart. He is working on a Mac, after all.

Weather: June Gloom is gone. July hot is here.