Sophie's gone.

The vet said six months ago that she probably wouldn't last much longer. During those six months, Sophie was skinny and weak but still cuddly and playful and interested in things. Last night she was more wobbly than usual and this morning I found her lying awkwardly by the window breathing hard and drooling a lot. She was clearly in pain, so I took her to the vet. The vet examined her and said her body was shutting down and she was trying to go.

I expected that this would be her last vet trip, but it was still really hard to see her go. At least this time I know did everything right. I took good care of her and didn't let her live in pain. I already miss her lots, though. Usually when I'm sad I cuddle up with Sophie and she helps me feel better. :-(

Hair cut - rough draft

I have been feeling extremely bored with my hair lately and I'm also trying to grow out the black dye in my hair and see how I feel about going back to my natural haircolor (or something closer to it). I do not like going to have my hair done and I hate paying to have my hair done, so I figured the best way to take care of both of these problems at once was just to cut it off.

And that's what I did. I was a little nervous beforehand (and I deliberately waited until I was done teaching for the semester, just in case I really messed it up), but I got up this morning and chopped off several inches. It's pretty short again (but not as short as it once was). I'm considering this a first draft haircut. I'm going to style it today and maybe tomorrow, too, and see how I feel about it and then maybe take another run at it. If this is a rough draft, it may need some editing--especially in the back.

Overall, though, I think I'm pretty pleased with it. And after I cut it off I realized there's another major benefit: No hair on my neck during the summer. Hooray!