As many of you already know, I'm making a triumphant return trip to New York at the end of June for Pride and, hopefully, some job interviews.

In my zealous rush to book my flights before JetBlue jacked up the prices AGAIN, I forgot about Leif. With Hillary in Europe and Brandon in New York, I'm without one of my regular catsitters.

If there are any faithful readers who live or work around the east side (Pima/Wilmot area), and are willing to come over every day for a week to give Leif some food and attention, please e-mail me.

He really is a darling man-pussy, and I'd be happy to make a modest but reasonable contribution to your gas fund. He doesn't generally bite the hand that feeds him, though some initial hissing may be in order. He'll get over that quick when he's starved for affection.

Leif would need a caretaker from Friday, June 27 through Wednesday, July 2. Please and thank you!

Labels: Leif, New York

As I really started getting down into the nitty-gritty of planning this NYC trip, I started having some anxiety around money, which I think is understandable given that my employment after the end of this calendar year is not certain.

So rather than giving in to the anxiety altogether, I started loosening my criteria for this trip to find cheaper airfare and hotel combinations. Right now, I'm looking at flying JetBlue on December 19 (a red eye arriving December 20) and staying at the W Hotel Times Square until December 25. I really love flying on Christmas Day because it's the only day of the year when there is actually elbow room on the planes. That's right, goyim, give me that one day where I don't have to deal with all of you in travel hell! Ha!

I think five nights is plenty. Now I just need to find someone who will actually still be in Tucson to take care of Leif while I'm gone...

Labels: birthday, Leif, New York

My lease expires at the end of March and after three years in this apartment, I'm ready to move on. The neighbors have become progressively ruder as the years have worn on, and it often feels like the guy who lives right above me has opened a bowling alley in his apartment.

So I'd prefer to move to a house that's in central Tucson or even downtown. I'd like a two bedroom or a one bedroom with a den/office space. I've been browsing the listings on craigslist but haven't found much that fits my criteria so far. I've also posted a "housing wanted" ad on there that I thought was crystal clear, but apparently some people were still confused.

I am NOT looking to live with another person. I make a bad roommate. I am NOT looking to live in a trailer, even if the park is gated.

I am looking to pay about $800 or less a month. Preferably less. Preferably much less.

I am looking for a place that is unfurnished.

I am looking for a place that will welcome my grumpy, fat, but otherwise affectionate (and non-declawed) four-year-old cat.

So if you have any leads or know of an available place that would suit me, please get in touch with me ASAP. I'm looking for a move in date on or before April 1. Preferably a little before, as I like to have a little leeway with moving and cleaning time.

E-mail me at michael -at- m2powered -dot- com or leave a comment below. I appreciate any help you can provide!

Labels: housing, Leif, moving, personal, rent

I should probably stay home and rest until I kick this nascent cold for good, but I'm so close to the end of the maha challenge I can smell it. Maybe I should do laundry more than once a week.

Tonight's class was nice and small, but I didn't feel like I got much more personal attention than when the class is packed with 40 or more students. I don't know if that means that my alignment is good and I don't need much help or if they think I'm just a lost cause or somewhere in between. Regardless, I'd like a little more feedback. I guess that's what private lessons are for.

We were all about the shoulders tonight. Shoulder stands were the pose of the night. I've always, since I was very young, been able to come into a shoulder stand with ease. I was surprised to find myself at the end of class a little disappointed that we didn't do more hip openers. I guess I've become spoiled by how loose my hips generally are at the end of a practice. That wasn't the case tonight and I missed the feeling.

I feel like I'm pushing this sore throat out as fast as possible. My hope is that it'll be gone for good by morning.

In completely unrelated news, I won a $25 Target gift card today in a door prize raffle at our all-staff half day meeting this morning. They are totally enabling my unhealthy Target habits.

Maybe I'll finally get that scratching post for Leif that I've had my eye on.

Labels: Leif, personal, Target, yoga