Outreach to my Red Sox brethren

I watched the end of today's game while doing my cardio at the health club because I miss baseball. I didn't expect to see the Angels come from behind and sweep in Fenway. I know there is no joy in Red Sox Nation right now, and this Cub fan feels your pain. (Boy, do I ever!)

You will thank me.

Take my advice and go see The Informant. It's a terrific little movie. Loved the performances (especially Matt Damon's deadpan geek). Loved the story. Loved the music and the graphics. It was a most pleasurable way to spend an afternoon. Go, go, go see it!

By the way, this little gem was produced by George Clooney and directed by Steven Soderberg. That Ocean's 11 crew is truly becoming The Rat Pack for The New Millennium.

Important to remember

I'm watching Marley & Me again, and I'm crying again because I know. Reynaldo was particularly naughty all day today, scattering papers, chewing holes in my umbrella and knocking down photographs. Joey has been successfully emptying the contents of his stomach up and down the hall. Charlotte has a sore on the inside of her hind leg, undoubtedly the result of one of the boys playing a bit too rough with her and reaching for her as she scurried away. It doesn't seem to bother her too much, but it bothers me. It could open up again and get infected next time I leave them alone and they play with her.

Yes, these three cats are a lot of work and they so frustrating at times. And yet, I love them so. I know they will slow down as their time slips away. And I will have to deal with losing them. It will break my heart. For as the movie ends, Owen Wilson reads lines that are just as true of cats as they are of dogs: "They have no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. They don't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give them your heart and they'll give you theirs."

So on days like today, when I bemoan their maintenance, moods and mischief, it's important to remember that they won't be in my life anywhere near as long as I need them to be or want them to be, and someday I'll wish I had them for a few more days, a few more hours of meowing and hairballs and catfights.