We arrived in Seattle about 2 PM and quickly discovered that the airlines had
misplaced Eriko's luggage. This was a bit of a downer and after the shuttle
ride and a little house tour, we headed off to Fred Meyer to buy some clothes,
supplies, and food. Eriko made dinner, which was pretty exciting for me. It was
quite different from my normal tastes, but good. The shock of being together,
without romance to fill the silence, made for a long night. Bailey came into
the house (I opened the window because I was hot) and Eriko was quite unhappy.
We survived, though. In the morning, things were very cool until Melissa &
company arrived and we could focus on someone else (Matthew) besides each
other. Eriko's luggage arrived, Aaron agreed to take Bailey (although the
transfer has yet to take place), and we all spent a relaxing day around the
house. Trader Joe stuff for lunch, Red Robin for dinner. The evening was long
again, but shorter than the previous. We both had trouble sleeping and didn't
get out of bed until late. Eriko had a list of items to be retrieved -- towels,
bath mat, cleaning supplies, conditioner, and more. We went to the bank and
then to Target; we were able to procure almost everything on her list. A short
visit to home so I could eat (more Trader Joe stuff) and then we were off to
the Japanese bookstore so Eriko could pick up a romance novel she had seen
advertised in the Seattle monthly Japanese magazine. Back home, Eriko made
dinner while I entered receipts into the computer. Then we took the bus
downtown so Eriko could find a keychain wallet. After about 30 minutes at
Macy's, we had to call off the search so we could watch the annual Seafair
parade. We found a decent spot and Eriko really enjoyed the bands and other
musical floats. After about a 100 vehicles, we were tired and ready for home. A
short wait for the bus, a short ride, and we were back in a warm (but not too
warm) condo. I was hungry again (TJ's) and then we read our respective books
and I played on the computer. Sleep was difficult for Eriko, but much more so
for me. I never really seemed to fall asleep, just drifted from minute to
minute until it was time to wake up. Eriko made breakfast and then checked her
email/wrote in her diary while I watched 'Meet the Press'. Now she cleans the
house. Soon, we will go looking for a new bed (or mattress, at least) as the
current one is no good for two people. I'd also like to purchase a laptop, but
I haven't decided whether to go Apple or Linux. If Bailey is around this
evening, then I'm hoping Aaron and I can get together. Bailey has actually
adjusted very quickly to not being allowed inside the house, although she is
less comfortable with me -- I have been bit and scratched more in the last
two days than I was in the previous six months. Eriko is biting less, though.
July 2005 Archives
I have known her for five years. It was love at first sight and so I brought
her a hostile home (two allergic roommates). After a year and a half
apart, we were finally reunited. She let me know immediately that she was mine
-- the first time I was absent (for three days) she bared her throat to me
(upon my return). It took her a long time to trust me on a day to day basis,
and she would often correct me with both teeth and claws. As our time together
went on, she began to trust me more and more: remaining in the same room as I
made loud noises, sleeping with her head on my arm, and allowing me to hold her for longer and longer durations. I knew she loved me for me, not just for my
food; I would leave the window open and the food bowl full and she would still
come around just to see me. She would follow me from room to room when I was
home, always wanting to curl up in my vicinity. She helped me through a lot of
really tough times: overcoming my substance abuse, finding myself, moving to a
new city, and many, many lonely, solitary nights. Now, we must part. Whether
our separation is permanent or just prolonged, she will again be a different
cat when I see her next. I hope that she remembers my love and I remember hers.
at least one more round of mud/sand is needed on the closet. i have to pick up
Eriko's ring from the jeweler, pack, and... clean!
It appears that Eriko and I have some signs of passive-aggressive behavior
towards each other. I assume this is mainly due to the distance and wedding
stress, as I don't think I exhibit PA behavior in my daily interactions. I
intend on keeping a closer eye on myself, just in case.
if
only i had a camera to take pictures, i could tell this story much
better. as part of the reconstruction efforts, i was able to fit
two 2x4's so that i can mount the drywall on the side wall.
unfortunately, i have the wrong size drywall, so i couldn't make
any more progress. on the ceiling, the wood which Aaron helped me
cut didn't leave enough play. i just realized, however, that
perhaps it will be fine... if i use the thinner drywall that could
give me the 1/8" or so that i need to make it flush...
i'm selecting pictures which might be shown at the wedding and i'm having trouble ... there are SO many good ones! those pictures sure do the job that words
can't quite -- i'm part of a great family.