I Hope PETA Doesn't See This.

Well, first of all (this is a lengthy story about my morning, while funny it's also lengthy. Feel free to skip ahead to the MUST SEE photos of JD and Scarlet.). Bijtwo escaped her cage this morning. Typically I get to school at 7:00 - I just like to get there 30 minutes before the kiddos start showing up, but since we've had TCAP's and I've had 5 extra in my room I overslept this morning and didn't get there until about 7:25. I came in, sat my stuff down, turned on my computer and my lights and turned around to see the top of her cage sitting on the floor. I quickly ran to see if maybe she was still in there, and of course, no luck. So I ran next door to get my kindergarten neighbor to help me find her (she also has a hamster in her room, and I helped her rescue it when it escaped a few months back, so I know she could handle the job). My only concern was that we only had about 3 minutes to find the hamster, capture her, and safely return her to her home. Well, her cage sits about 3 to 4 feet up from the floor on top of our tub toys, right beside our Tattle Bag (more on that little piece of magical genious later). I knew that she had to have fallen (or leapt) off the tub toys. So, I thought she'd probably hit the ground and in shock scurried behind the tub toys to hide. I moved the tub toys and she was not there. Luckily, I had a large cardboard Christmas tree box right beside the tubs wedged next to the wall. When I went to move this box I noticed A LOT of cardboard shreddings in the corner. Sure enough, when I opened the box she was cowered down inside it hoping not to be found. I told Mrs. A that I was afraid to reach down in there cause she bites (not as friendly as Bijou the original), but she said she'd reach in there and get here. Well, when she reached down in there, I swear, y'all, that hamster jumped about 2 feet out of that box! We both jumped and screamed and Bijtwo took off running towards the door. We both scrambled after her and after about 2 intense minutes of running around on our hands and knees with bowls in hand, we finally cornered her in the bathroom and safely returned her to her cage. All about 10 seconds before my first student showed up. I am SO relieved that we found her. I have no idea what I would have told the kiddos, just knowing that she was hiding out in the room somewhere. I honestly wish I had the whole incident recorded because it would be great fun to watch now. I'm also thankful the principal didn't come by. I don't know how I would explain to Mr. Lewis why we were running around swearing at a rodent!

On another note, JD informed me that he was going to WalMart for a "surprise" for when I got home. We all know what these "surprises" can turn out to be (case in point, Bijou the original). I was excited but a little concerned at the same time.

He had recently watched an epidose of Cats 101 on the Animal Planet (he's gonna kill me for this) and saw this breed of cat called the Bombay that likes to go on walks. He has already decided that Scarlet is a munchkin breed, so now I guess he figures she's also a Bombay?

You're guessing it. He bought her a harness and leash. I had to get photographic evidence of this. And, believe me, it was hard to capture a good picture since I was in tears and basically peeing on myself the entire time!

Scarlet actually didn't mind the harness being put on.



Something about the addition of the leash really made her uneasy.



Ultimate stare down!



I will NOT budge!



Exhausted and defeated. I love how Goo's fat arse is just chillin' in the background in these pics.



JD swears this isn't the end and that they'll be going on walks around the neighborhood before summer, I just can't wait until she tries to suffocate him in his sleep! HA! We'd never do a thing like this to Julius for fear he'd go into cardiac arrest. But in all seriousness, we love our pets and they are WAY beyond pampered. No need to get the ASPCA involved.

After that experience we headed over to the pool to grill out some chicken and pork chops! It was nice to be out in the warmth and grilling out. Makes me really look forward to next weekend in Knoxville!





JD and I are walking in Knoxville for Lillian Kate Luttrell and Cecilia Hope Luttrell. Donate when and where you can to the March of Dimes!!