fringeelements:

First guy:
Run up huge deficits (leave it to the next guy to deal with)

Next guy:
1. Blame the current debt on the last guy
2. Run up huge deficits (leave it to the next guy to deal with)

Next guy:
1. Blame the current debt on the last guy
2. Run up huge deficits (leave it to the next guy to deal with)

…

Last guy:
1. Blame the current debt on the last guy
2. Default on the debt
3. Get assasinated and / or hide in a bunker during the revolution

?

Hey, we’re getting there!

In January, however, I accidentally acquired a cat—or, more specifically, a kitten. I have almost adjusted to living with the strange creature (this is the first of its species ever in my possession). The cat, now four months old, is unlike any other animal I’ve had (oh, and I’ve had lots: dogs, horses, goats, cows, various rodents, birds of all varieties, snakes, lizards, turtles, and fish to name a few). Having mostly adjusted to living with it, I agreed to take my dog from my parents for a week. My dog, a lab, is an outside dog. He roams more or less free on my parents five acres, romping and running and chasing anything that will move. The two of them together, dog and cat, in my apartment, has made for the most hilarious and horrible, stressful of days (the week isn’t over yet). The first night I really might’ve killed them both (I’m still not sure why I didn’t). I needn’t describe this part, I’m sure you can imagine—the dog chased, the cat hissed, things flew, nobody slept. By the second morning things were beginning to calm down, and today one might mistake them for friends…almost. I think of them now as my fan club, as they follow me around my small apartment vying for attention and treats. They play games with each other too: the cat taunts and the dog gives chase, only in humor now. The cat playfully swats my dog’s snout and he snaps back gameishly. I no longer feel the urge to throw something or take both to the pound when they go at it (in fact, it has made for more than a few good laughs). As I reflect on the two I realize the things I love and hate about one are the things which I hate and love about the other. My dog begs for constant affection and food. He is in constant need of occupation (and has recently taken to marking his territory on my vacuum cleaner). My cat, by contrast, is absolutely indifferent most of the time. He ignores me until I take out the milk and is completely unsympathetic when I’ve had a bad day. The cat requires less patience, but for it isn’t necessarily a more rewarding pet.

I am a dog person. My cat is well cared for, loved even. He will remain when my dog goes home at the end of the week—but he will always play second fiddle.

1. Lunch with my mother.
2. Listen to my grandmother talk about her grandmother.
3. Fry my stomach in an attempt to make french fries.