Crowded House

[thepnutgallery]

Julian decided not to take my car after all, which is fine. I was vaguely grumpy and I considered stopping in front of someone standing there to hold the parking space for a future friend. I calmed down when I saw all the people walking their pups as I drove. And I found stellar parking anyway, so it would have been a completely pointless flex. Carl let me in and I realized as I started working that I forgot to bring the leftovers for lunch. And then I discovered my tea and everything else in the cabinets was moved somewhere. Bother. I had a much more productive day, even though I had to spend far too much time on the phone hacking my way through prerecorded messages designed to bore people to death, then finally with various customer service agents. We'll see how things go.

Around 11, Julian texted me to let me know Taka had thrown a fit and the cats out, so he had them in my living room. He said Lady Miss Friday was just chilling on her bed, had just walked over to use the litter box no problem. He'd constructed a patchwork barrier for them. I very calmly finished my work day. I even successfully finished everything I possibly could for my digits for the day. I kept wondering what to do when I got home, since it would feel pretty terrible to run to booze at the first sign of trouble. What do sober people do? (https://vertavahealth.com/blog/staying-sober-through-a-bad-day/, and https://www.recoveryplace.com/blog/handling-the-bad-days-sober/) Still need to take my car to Discount Tire to have the tires checked, but I don't think they're going to pop before Saturday. I can't really tell where Julian's sudden disdain for traveling anywhere beyond the block is coming from but like...that's kind of my thing. Only replace "block" with "bedroom door." Everything seemed fine when I got home, although Julian had overslept again and thought I was home early. Nah, IDGAF if he fucks someone while I'm at work, as long as he's taking care of all of his responsibilities, so I'd never surprise him. He repeatedly asked if I was mad at him and I eventually waxed eloquent about the proximate cause of the cats currently living with us. I eventually learned it was really Chuck who'd had a fight with Terry and then complained to try to get them thrown out. Management bassically gave them a choice. I was angry at the time, but I'm glad I wasn't home for it. I have no idea what I would have done. As soon as I walked into Lady Miss Friday's room she ran out from under the bed. We spent some time together until she fell asleep. Outside with Julian, I reassured him a few more times that I was not mad at him. Kujo refused to use the litter box Julian had out for them and darted in to use Lady Miss Friday's instead. I cleaned it immediately and asked Julian why that just happened. Lots of defensiveness, and we'll have to figure out a solution soon.

The makeshift barrier didn't keep Gizmo out, so we drove down to Target to buy a baby gate. Alas, they were out. Very friendly, but out. While there, I checked their prices on various veg foods but couldn't find anything inexpensive enough. Julian asked for more beer so we checked Target's prices then stopped at Ralph's for his usual. I think he's drinking less now that I'm avoiding booze, but tonight was not one of those nights. I advised him to stay in the car at Ralph's and defused him when I got back later than expected due to an unexpected line. We talked more at home about what this does. Realistically, just kicks integrating him & Lady Miss Friday down the line, because now she needs to socialize with these cool cats. GET HIP!