Day 57, Monday
Meetings all day.
Felt two lumps one my male cat. I hadn’t noticed these before, they’re in a spot that is hard to feel and I probably thought it was the edge of his elbow if I felt it before. I already had a visit set for Wednesday to update their shots, but now I have an added worry. I’m hoping it’s not cancer. I don’t want to go through that again.
Day 58, Tuesday
The best day for groceries is Tuesday. Shelves are stocked and if I stick to my preferred store, I don’t have to go through the stress of an over-crowded store (*cough* Aldi and Walmart) while trying to shop for two households.
My car is suffering from lack of attention. Tire pressure was down and my oil must be pitch by now…
Worried about my dad. My sister (same dad only) has been having some on-again-off-again boyfriend coming over. The kind that doesn’t believe covid is real and refuses to wear a mask. Real gem. She’s also 55 years old, so there’s no pass for youthful ignorance. She just doesn’t care about her parents, both of whom are chronically ill. I just hope they don’t bring contagion into the house, for my dad’s sake as well as her mom, who is a nice lady and doesn’t deserve to be put at risk after having heart surgery less than two months ago.
Day 59, Wednesday
Vet day. Did a contact-less drop-off (or as contact-less as you can get when handing off pets and signing forms outside the office. I got a call in the afternoon that they’re both going to need a dental cleaning (I knew this was coming — they stinky), and the mass on boy cat is going to need to be removed. I’m still praying for a benign lump and not a cancerous mass. Today would’ve been my old cat’s birthday and it’s a little too much to think about another loss.
Ironically, I got my stimulus check today. I planned to donate part of it and save the rest, but it’s looking like there won’t be any saving. I’m probably going to donate to Feeding America, but I’m also looking into animal charities.
Day 60, Thursday
Boy kitty had the smaller lump lanced yesterday. He wasn’t feeling great and spent the night hiding under my bed; I spent the night waking up to check on him. Everyone is deeply tired.
Sent a flurry of emails trying to convince my colleagues to run for open positions on the library and university committees. No one wants more meetings, but it’s part of the job, so someone’s gotta do it (I’m on the nominations committee, it’s not some random passion for committees on my part).
Day 61, Friday
Concerned about boy kitty. He keeps hiding under the bed and I haven’t seen him use the litter box since the previous night.
Worked on annual reviews for my department, lots of email, and scheduling meetings for next week.
Plastered the cracks I discovered on my bedroom wall. No paint, but I’m not really fussed about it at the moment.
Crossed some animals.
Day 62, Saturday
Boy kitty is in a better mood, though I’m worried about what his mood will be after the surgery. He’s been struggling with balance since the biopsy and not eating or drinking much.
More things I did not need: a giant nail in my tire.
Day 63, Sunday
Finished a solid chapter. Spent about 3 hours revising and made good progress. Still slow, but that’s just how it goes for now.
First round of laundry complete.
Frustrated with my weird hippie neighbors. The smell of their weed keeps filtering into my place and it 1) smells awful, 2) triggers my migraines and makes me insanely nauseous. Fun.
Most of Miami is coming out of lockdown tomorrow, but I will remain working from home, likely through the Fall semester. I’m definitely not complaining. I’m not eager to be out in public more than absolutely necessary. My body doesn’t need anything else to fight.
I keep meaning to record a video update, but for now, you can hear my dulcet tones on the podcast:
Episode 32: The Princess Bride
Minisode 32.5
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marginalia and such 
Wishing you all the best for you kitty. We’ve actually had to call our vet to find out their policy on having us come in with our oldest kitty in the event that he’s deteriorated enough to pass on. He’s still not gaining weight and we’re trying to figure out the line between prolonging a miserable life and letting him go too soon. It’s really tough, but we’re glad to know that if this becomes a need, we will both be allowed to be with him during that time.
Texas has pretty much opened everything except amusement parks now, but gatherings are still discouraged. I don’t think that’ll keep people home, though.
Sorry to hear about your neighbors. My friend Stephanie lives in an apartment complex that doesn’t prohibit smoking, and over the winter, a neighbor moved in who smokes. The smoke comes through her vents and triggers migraines as well, so it’s been really tough. She’s in the process of buying a house, though, so that’s good – she can’t continue to live in her current situation as it’s causing her to miss work and such.