Big world, small paws!

B now decided that she would like to go to Germany to spend Christmas with Mama and Papa Schellenberg.  She scoured the Internet yesterday for flights and actually found one for around $660.00.  She was all excited, as she has not been to Germany for Christmas in a long time.  I, of course, was upset.  I have only seen her for like 4 days in the last two weeks due to travel to California and Florida.  That means she traveled, not me.  (I get sick on planes.)  I would not have been happy to see her leave her responsibilities, i.e. "me", behind.

Her lawyer, however, told her that she CANNOT travel until she gets her "advance parole".  Funny word for a travel document.  Apparently, while changing status, the immigrant is not allowed to leave the country unless they have a travel document.  It’s funny that the INS does not want the immigrant to leave, when they try so hard to not have them come here beforehand.  But, oh well.  B is certainly sad, especially since Kip will be traveling for the holidays.  I told her, though, that I will make a good salmon dish for her and invite our friend Eric over for a proper holiday dinner.  And then we can all sing Christmas carols together.  Yippeee!

The NOID is void.  Yes, can you believe it.  After all this heartache,
the pain and the nervousness, B’s I-140 was approved.  The response and
the education evaluation was sent to the INS a week ago.  They sent a
receipt to her that night and Tuesday night she got the approval.  So
amazing!  I know feel more confident in this organization again.  It
seems that in the end, logic won.  I am so happy that I can continue to
get my paws warmed while sitting in B’s lap.

Here, by the way, is a little pic I took of B’s new employment authorization.  Doesn’t she look like she is 17 in the pic? 

This posting is dedicated to my first friend Max.  He was a lovely tabby with a chunky belly and warm nose.  He loved to roam the streets and snuggle in bed.  He waited for his human Renee every morning and he hated it when she had parties at her house (he was moved to the basement). 

Throughout his Life, Max always had an urge for independence.  Once time, he even ran about 20 miles away from home and was only found a couple months after he got lost.  He had big white paws that would kill any mouse with one strike.  His lovely smile revealed some strong teeth and he was never one to run away from a barking dog. 

Max has left us and I know for sure that he is in a better place.  He has free snacks now and no one to tell him that he has to go on a diet.  He does not have to worry about fast cars anymore and he certainly will have things to chase.  I, Kip and B are offering our condolences to Ms Renee and we hope that we can provide her with support, free snuggle time and lots of hugs through these hard times.

Alright, I have been blogging way too much about the B.  I just want everyone to know that while the B is cool and she has some issues to deal with, this blog should be and must be about MOI (yes, i know French).

So, a while back B bought me this silly pink collar with a "S" in fake diamonds.  It is really a silly looking thing.  B thinks that I am girly like she is and thus, I get toys that are either pink or purple.  I have been trying to say something, but since I cannot speak, my actions must show her.  Thus, I decided that pulling the stupid thing off my neck would get the message across.  I did it once and nothing happened.  The necklace was just put back on.  Then I tried again and the same thing happened.  I figured, I try one more time and then I just give up.  (I just want to mention here that it is not easy to get a collar off your neck when you do not have a real thumb.) 

So, I got it off a third time and left it in the middle of the kitchen.  B came home and saw it immediately.  She tried to put it back on, but I moved my head from side to side.  Then I ran away.  She followed me, picked me up and brought me back to that stupid collar  In all seriousness she asked if I did not like it.  I thought to myself how much more clear do I have to make my dislike for the collar.  I gave a little sound and she put me down. 

Since then I have not  asked to put the collar back on.  In fact, Kip sorta took to it and wears it religiously when he is over to visit.  I think he just likes to show off how much he cares for the "S".  Funny human boy!

B was crying last night and Kip and I tried to comfort her.  The stress about the NOID is really getting to her.  I am happy that she can at least sleep at night, as she also has a bunch of stress at work. 

Her lawyer, Robin, reviewed the letter that her Prof wrote and asked for a couple changes.  So, B had to email the Prof again and ask for changes.  I know she hates having to ask people to do favors for her.  She always feels like she is begging and she rather do these things herself.  Very German!  Unfortunately, she has to rely on the help of others to get this NOID situation resolved.

After writing her Prof, she asked Robin about 12/5.  That is the date on which her current visa will expire.  Robin has been very quiet about that date, but B really pushed her this time.  So, Robin replied and stated that the I-140 (the form that has the NOID on it) has to be APPROVED no later than 12/4 for her to extend her work visa.  Otherwise, she will be out of status and that is not a good thing.

The good thing is that there WILL be a decision on the I-140 before 12/4 because B opted for premium processing and as I complained in another blog about, that means that for $1,000 the INS officer has to give a decision within two weeks.  So, based on my small kitten brains (I have more brawn than brain), the reply to the INS will have to leave Boston sometime next week.  The whole thing is a bit nerve wrecking, even for a small thing like me that usually just cares about Greenies and sleep.

B said that if her Prof is not going to agree to the changes, Robin wants to get an evaluation from another professor.  So, if you know someone with a Ph.D degree, preferably in the arts who would be willing to go through B’s educational credentials and then write an evaluation for her, let me know. 

B woke up with a  big smile on her face today.  I was still sleepy and under the covers, but she pulled me out and gave me a big hug.  Apparently, today will be a good day.  Looks like the letter that was being written by her old advisor at Clark University is finally ready.  B is going out to Worcester today to pick it up and then bring it directly to her lawyer.  She is hoping that the package will go to the INS today and be received there tomorrow.  Then, the INS has two weeks to respond.  They will either deny or approve it.  I told B that I am crossing my paws and my tail for good luck. 

The Philadelphia zoo is giving away it’s elephants.  I have trying to tell B to adopt one for us, but she says that the floor in our old Victorian will not hold an elephant.  She also says that I would be scared, but I don’t think so.  How fun would it be to swing on the elephant trunks?  B thinks I am crazy just thinking that, but her and Kip are planning on going to Philly soon to say good-bye to those big beasts.  Unfortunately, the Philly zoo like many others does not allow foreign animals to come in unless they are blind dogs.  Sigh, I will have to wait at home for the pics.

My feel good story for the weekend!

Yes, that is my current weight.  It means that I lost 0.4 lbs since my last annual.  It also means that B should get me some meat products.  Yum!  I am sick of my fish and veggie diet.  Well, unfortunately, the doc last night told her that I am at a healthy weight and thus, all my pleading is worthless.

But let me tell you about my visit to the BIG doc last night.  I was really not emotionally prepared for this visit and thus, started to cry quite a bit once I was put on the examination table.  They ladies were all very nice to me and one even took a picture for my file.  (I still looked smashing despite the fact that I was upset.  And that, my friends, is the sign of a true lady.) 

The first part of the exam was easy.  The BIG doc looked at my teeth, my eyes, took my temperature and asked B about my habits.  All pretty standard stuff and I passed with flying colors.  (Of course, B thinks it is because of this fish and veggie diet.  I think it is because I practice Yoga stretches and jumping every afternoon when I am home alone.)

The second part was hard.  The BIG doc told B that I am coming to my high twenties in human years and that it is time to check all the functions of my inner organs.  For that test I needed to give blood.  They tried one leg first.  A small spot was shaved and then the needle was inserted.  I was a little scared and thus wiggled.  The lady said that I wiggled too much and thus, would have to have the other leg pricked.  Unbelievable!  I think it was her incompetency to find my vein.

Anyway, we move to the other leg and the doctor poked and pricked and moved the needle around and no blood came out.  No blood!  It hurt like kitten hell and I was crying out so loud.  B looked at me all sad and just about to cry.  So, I figured that I have to be a big feline trooper and take the pain.  What use is a crying human?  I took the pain for about 10 min and finally the blood came.  Sigh!

Afterward, I felt exhausted and tired.  But before I could get to sleep, I needed to lick both of my legs and get them cleaned up and in usual kitten order.  One of my legs looks a little funny with the shave spot.  Plus, I have a little bruise there.  But otherwise, I am well.  I am so proud of myself for being such a strong feline.  And I think, B is too.  She stroked my back for an hour after we got home and then she whispered into my ear "See sweetie, I must love you, because I just spent over $200 on your health exam."  Tsk, I thought.  No one ever asked her to bring me there.

Better than kitten kisses?