Tag, You're It.

I have a problem with blog writing which is: I always want to write about something deep. Something profound. I want to make a challenge to the world. I want to explore a topic until I've reached all its corners and divulged all its secrets.

So, the problem? Public blogs make that difficult. How can I provide a true, completely and totally heartfelt account of something without the fear of judgement on a blog so public? How can I broach any topic without people feeling as though it is somehow directed at them, or an attack of their character, beliefs, eating habits, exercise regimens, preferred types of cheeses?

I mean, let me be frank: I understand that I'm not so deep as to be able to write an earth shaking blog post every day, but I feel like I keep things 'shallow' because I'm afraid of letting everyone know what's really beneath this surface...this bubbly exterior that's truly boiling underneath.

A dear friend of mine recently asked me what my purpose of creating a blog was, and in talking to him I recognized that I'd abandoned the true purpose of this blog. Not that it's not fun to visit and write silly things in for people to read and all....I'm just a little sad that I've lost yet another 'outlet' to the public by way of full disclosure.

I truly believe that some things should remain anonymous (note that I said 'anonymous' and not 'private'). So, maybe I should take a hint from a flicker of a friend of mine and create a new place to write - a place without my name stuck to it. A place where I can have those free-flowing thoughts, in a space where I can share them, without fear of my character being judged for them.

So....
I know where I'll be.

All you have to do is find me.

The Hansen - Johnson Family Update

Well, Okay. We're not an official family.... yet! But, I have high hopes.

Anyway, Here's the news:

Nikki- That's me


I graduated college in December. I'm currently working for my dad's company part time, while also trying to find some part time work to supplement my income. I've been looking (unsuccessfully) for scholarships for my masters program. I've also been baking things, cleaning, reading new books (that aren't assigned readings, woohoo) and trying to make new friends.

Matt - The cute boyfriend


Matt has actually has a lot of exciting things going on. I'm slightly jealous. He recently attended a straight-razor shaving event. He uses a straight razor to shave, and is learning all there is to know (honing, stroping, restoring). He met a cool guy who makes knives and swords. He also got accepted into a fire-fighting (fire chasers... you know, the ones who help to put out the out of control forest/prairie fires in the summer) program. He'll be gone for 5 days to do that. He is very excited about it. He also is doing well at work.

Apollo - my serious cat

Apollo is doing well. He enjoyed a little vacation at Matt's apartment, eating plants...knocking things down, chasing toys. He spends his days laying on my heater or pestering my other cat. He won't eat his food unless I crumble dried seaweed on it, and he likes dog chews so much that he will attack anyone who gets within 1 foot of him while he eats it.

Iggy - my "special" cat

Iggy has been having a rough time. He was recently neutered (because he was spraying). The spraying has since stopped. Unfortunately, his hair eating habit has worsened. He licks and licks and scratches to the point where most of his body now looks like the image below. He has a vet appointment for wednesday, but I'm sure worried. Otherwise, he has a healthy appetite, likes to chase his toys and steal Apollo's food.


Cleo - the newest addition

Cleo is my new 6 week old panda hamster. They were trying to get rid of them quickly, because I got her for $15 (including everything I needed). I guess they don't do that often. It must have been meant to be :) She is super cute - although I don't think she knows how to use her water bottle...and that worries me. The cats are, of course, interested. They only like her when she's in her cage, though. I took her out this morning to show her to Iggy and he cried and ran away. Apollo just ignored her. She likes to run on her wheel, climb her cage, jump from her food platform, dig for food and sleep.



That's what we've got going on! I'll keep you posted on Iggy's condition (hopefully he's okay!) and anything else new or exciting that happens to come up!

Over and out. :)