My poor little Sugar had a rough day today. One of the necessary procedures for getting her into Japan is a FAVN test, which requires a large sample of blood drawn directly from the jugular. They wisely left me in a different room so they could tie her down and draw the blood without upsetting me, but I could still hear her cry 😦

She ultimately got through it ok, but I am grateful she still loves me now that it’s all said and done! #traumatizedkitty #traumatizedmama #cat

This was the most classy, low key, and expensive New Years’ Eves I’ve ever had, but it was also one of the most magnificently fun. My dear Roomie (with whom I lived for 3 years when I was in Arlington), recently bought her first home with her husband, right outside of Atlanta. They opened their beautiful doors for us, and we headed into the city for dinner and drinks at the Sun Dial Restaurant & Bar – a rotating establishment perched on the 74th floor of the Westin, featuring stunning panoramic views of the city below! We were even too high up for the fireworks that went off at midnight šŸ™‚

I’m not sure it was the type of thing I’d ever do again (it was so overpriced!), but I am still glad we did it. I’d say everyone should do it once, if you are ever in Atlanta! It’s probably somewhat cheaper when it’s not NYE.

I am generally not a fan of cold weather, but I could see myself *occasionally* missing evenings like this once I move to subtropical Japan. Chilling rain outside… hot cocoa, snoozy kitties, fuzzy blankets, and glowing candles inside…

Seriously, it can’t get much better than that (sometimes!)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!! I hope you are celebrating a very joyous season with your loved ones šŸ™‚

Annie’s definitely got the spirit of something… That’s for sure.