...the chewing.

I woke up this morning to find my iPod on the floor, still tethered to the computer. Okay, whatever. Things on the floor don't necessarily mean there's been feline intervention; last night I, personally, was responsible for my alarm clock, three pillows, a duvet, a stack of books, and three My Little Ponies hitting the floor. (Myopic author attempts to navigate to the bathroom in dark house without donning glasses, film at eleven.) So I didn't think much of it until I was walking to the bus stop, and discovered that I had no volume.

I smacked the iPod. I re-set my settings, which usually results in temporary deafness. I smacked the iPod again. And then, my sleep-addled brain finally reached the conclusion that maybe, just maybe, it would be a good idea to check the headphones. The just-bought-last-week headphones, which had no reason to be malfunctioning.

Well. No reason except for the part where they'd been chewed clean through in three different spots. Which is really a pretty good reason for them not to be transmitting sound, if you really think about it.

I muttered. I swore. I rode to San Francisco in silence, which was vexing, and proceeded straight into the nearest CVS, where twelve dollars united me with a brand-new pair of headphones that had not been eaten by a Maine Coon, and were thus happy to transmit sound if I wanted them to. I am now wrapped in the warm embrace of the new Christian Kane album, and thus less inclined to make mittens.

So let this be a reminder: Kittens chew on things. I always forget this in the long gaps between kittens, and then the kittens come into my life, and things get chewed all over again.

It's a damn good thing they're cute.

Dear shiyiya,

You entered a contest wherein the winner would be chosen by random number. Your number was 112, and guess what the random number generator decided to pick? Wow, you're a good guesser! Anyway, if you go to my website and use the "contact" link to send me an email with your mailing information, I'll mail you a copy of the "Wicked Girls" poster. Spiffy!

The usual administrative foo: If I have not received your mailing information in twenty-four hours, I will choose another winner. This offer void where prohibited. Do not expose Happy Fun Author to direct sunlight. Pregnant women should not go to the abandoned concrete factory with Happy Fun Author. When in doubt, run.

More giveaways to come, and hope you're all having a great December!

Love,
Seanan.