Wesley Wyndam-Pryce

Tea Break Post

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 15:07:05 GMT

Because it's the end of the week and the end of the month, the office isn't quite so busy today. We've gotten through most of the problems that the students seem to find themselves in at the start of the new semester. The introduction of a new meal plan system at the dining halls has been one of the bigger problems this year, as most students don't seem to realize that, yes, they will want to have more than one meal a day, even if they don't like the dining hall food. I have two loan counseling sessions this afternoon, both for students who need emergency loans. Those should go smoothly, though I suspect one of the students is bring their parents and that often leads to longer, more frustrating meetings. One of my work studies hasn't shown up yet, so I ought to call him and see if he plans on coming in or if I ought to start doing the photocopying myself.

At least the shop has been quiet for the past few weeks and I've had a chance to spend some time with Rupert during the day. We should be having lunch together today, unless something unexpected comes up. I'd like for my work study student to come, as if he does, I can have him do not just the photocopying, but also the few deliveries we have, and I might be able to leave around 2.30pm this afternoon. I've put in enough overtime this week to do so, but all the sundry jobs around the office need to be finished up before the weekend. But, yes, I'm hoping to see Rupert this afternoon, for a late lunch around 2.30. Maybe even earlier, but that depends on the counseling sessions. If so, I might just walk over to the store instead of making him pick me up. He's been such a love lately, bringing me lunch when we've been hideously busy, and even bringing some scones for the whole office one day. He's even been playing with Nigel a lot more, since I haven't been home as much as I'd like, and dear little Nigel has gotten quite talkative with his Daddy Rupert.

If Rupert's working tomorrow, I might go into the shop with him, at least for part of the day. I think he could use some more attention at home, which I very much look forward to providing, and maybe some help in the store. I also want to go to the pet store downtown, but I can do that on my own, between helping out at the shop or just keeping Rupert company there.

I'm thinking of getting some new things for Nigel's chinchilla habitat. (I let Rupert do the decorating for the rest of the flat...)

String of Apples chew toy - I think Nigel would love this. He usually gets carrot toys, and some holiday themed ones, so this is a bit different. I'll have to get him a few of his little carrot toys, too, so he doesn't get worried about missing his favorite.

An adorable multi-colored hidey box - the little wooden cabin Nigel has now has gotten rather chewed up. Plus, I like him to have fresh, clean things in his habitat as much as possible. He does like colorful things, too, and look at the little windows.

This hidey box is quite cute, too. But I'm not certain about getting something for Nigel with the word 'economy' in the title. I might get it and place it buy his pet bed on the desk.

The Hide and Seek Tunnel is very useful, though it's plain. Nigel already has one, but a new, clean one wouldn't be out of place in the habitat. He loves to poing around this in the habitat, or curl up in it to nibble on one of his treats or toys if there are other people in the flat. He also likes to poing atop it and talk to us if we're in the sitting room.

I really like this Hay Manger. Nigel's never had a manger for his little hay, and I think he might like this. Of course, he tends to like anything he can nibble on or that might also come with a treat.

He's very fond of these berry treats, so I'll get another bag of them, too. I'm not certain about baking my own biscuits for Nigel, though I have to admit I'm intrigued. I think I might need to let Rupert decide on this one, as he's the one who uses the kitchen the most for cooking, and he might have to be the one to make the biscuits. I'm not certain he's interested in preparing chinchilla cuisine, especially after the adventure of the new and different kibble a little while ago.

Well. I ought to get back to work. My work study still hasn't arrived, so I might be taking a walk over to the registrar's office.

[ november ]

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 03:43:11 GMT

It's always a bit disappointing to come home after being on holiday and California is always so different and disconcerting after being home. Still, it's nice to be back to our own flat and see out little Nigel again. Although disappointing, life hasn't been slow enough to be dull since Rupert and I got back - the office is always busy, though the prospect of winter break and the reduced hours that come with it make the work day more bearable. The shop's getting busy, though, with the holidays approaching and Rupert's been even more busy than usual with a basilisk demon on the loose in Sunnydale.

I've so many pictures from our holiday - it's so exciting. I promised my colleagues that I'd bring them in one day after I've put them all in an album. Scrapbooking them would take too long and I really want to show everyone how lovely Uffington and Oxford were. I'm not sure my co-workers will want to look at all the pictures I took of Rupert, though. (Though, well, really, why wouldn't they? There are so many very good ones of him. Of course, the ones were he looks especially good, or the few taken in the hotel room, are staying home and away from all other eyes. Those are mine.)

We got Nigel a little log cabin to put in his habitat that he seems to like quite a bit. It's not as colorful as a lot of his toys, but he seems to enjoy nibbling on it or hiding in it and making delighted little eeping sounds when he peers out of the little window. (Um. Yes. I've taken pictures of that, too...) It sounded like he was eeping at Rupert before rather happily, which is possibly one of the most adorable things. I think there was a raisin treat involved, too.

Sun, 06 Nov 2005 04:36:45 GMT

Well. Ah. Er...

Most of my conversation this evening has been comprised of small, monosyllabic sounds of surprise and pleasure, I think. (Which, no, have not been confined to the bedroom, thank you. Though, later, perhaps?)

Rupert, my wonderul, thoughtful, amazing partner, has booked us a holiday. A holiday. And not only that, but - we're going home! This month. I can hardly believe it... He had no reason to do this, but he did, and I... I can't believe how he came up with such a plan with such short notice and without me noticing. We'll probably spend most of our time between London and Oxford (and, um... Uffington? I haven't asked yet, as I don't think Rupert shares my affinity, but, if there's some free time, and he doesn't mind, the walk would be nice and... We don't have to stay long, really...), as we're only going for the Thanksgiving holiday, but I'm very excited. I'm almost certain I can get the Monday after Thanksgiving break off, as I've consistently been doing overtime whenever I could this term, usually in the mornings when Rupert gives me a lift to work.

And thank goodness there isn't any family to be dealt with on this visit. I'd need much more time to prepare for an extended visit with my parents, though I suppose my Mum would like to see me, and, all right, I suppose my Father, too. Though I can never figure out why he wants to see me and it makes me very anxious.

Oh, we've got plans to make and friends we can finally go visit and oh, this is just amazing.

Saturday thoughts, including boyfriend's cold...

Sat, 01 Oct 2005 20:27:14 GMT

Ah, Saturday, quite possibly the most restful day of the week. Actually, depending on how you look at it, the latter half of this week hasn't been so bad, really. Rupert managed to get through a day at work on Thursday, how, I'm really not certain, but it was best not to question him about it, as he was very tired and in need of sleep when he got home. Friday, however, he spent at home, most of the time in bed, with his cold, as well as most of today. I think he meandered downstairs for a bit this afternoon while I went and did some grocery shopping, but he was back in bed and looking sleepy when I came home. Poor lamb... I don't think he expected more than a touch of cold, but he's come down with quite a heavy head cold. He hasn't complained much, and Rupert got past the cranky, in-denial stage of his illness around Thursday, but he does look pretty miserable. I haven't checked, but I think he might be running a low-grade temperature. I'll bring him some Tylenol with his tea in a bit, in addition to the new box of tissues, as he's also managed to sneeze his way through the one I put upstairs the other night.

Sorry to go on about him so much... But, oh, well, I'm fussing about and can't really help it. Plus, he looks so ill and needy, what with the staying in his pajamas all day and snuffling into tissues or a handkerchief whenever he's awake. I suspect he's getting a bit embarrassed by all the sneezes and snuffles. (Or that might be me projecting; I felt like I was distracting everybody in the office when I had my cold...)

Perhaps Rupert will want to venture down to the sofa after I've made some dinner for the both of us. I've got some blankets and pillows there yet from Thursday evening so he can curl up and rest if he needs to. A change of sheets in the bedroom would be good - make it more comfortable for Rupert, especially if he needs to spend another day recuperating.

But, yes, having Rupert home with a cold means, at least, he's not getting stressed about the shop too much and that he doesn't need to go out at night on patrol with Buffy. I cleaned up the flat after work, played with Nigel and then cleaned up his habitat as he frolicked about in his little dust bath. We had a dinner of soup, salad, and sandwiches last night, watched some television together, and I let Rupert sleep on the sofa while I finished watching the evening news and then did some reading. Today I've done the shopping and a few more chores around the house and again spent some time with Nigel. He's been groomed today and he does enjoy having his fur brushed for a nice, long time. Little Nigel also got a new, brightly colored toy today, which he'd been happily poinging about his habitat and composing little eeping songs about. I think Rupert and I will have some pasta for dinner tonight - if he'd like that. I'll go upstairs with the tea soon and ask. Though, I think dinner can wait a bit, and I'll see if Rupert would like his shoulders massaged or his back or chest rubbed...

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 03:37:30 GMT

Autumn has yet to prove it's going to be a positive sort of season. Well. Let me qualify that a bit. Work hasn't been too bad for me this week - we haven't been too busy as the fall term business has calmed down a bit and the spring term hasn't yet become a priority. Actually, once I've gotten rid of all the remnants of my head cold, I think everything will seem quite pleasant at work. My work studies are quite helpful and bright this term, and the weather is cooling down a bit so the campus is pleasant enough to walk through between classes and at the start or end of the day.

But, yes. The supernatural, hellmouth based activity does seem to intensify with the end of summer. Rupert's been terribly busy with the shop and with his Watcher duties, which... really makes me wish my salary could support our small family. I suppose Rupert would get a bit bored having nothing to do but be Buffy's watcher and, well, I suppose a stay-at-home chinchilla-daddy. (Though, really, how adorable does that sound? And Nigel would be ever so pleased to always have his dear Daddy Rupert at home all the time for him to talk to and play with and watch telly with.) Still, it would be so nice to be able to tell Rupert to not have to worry about the rent, or food, or car insurance.

The poor thing's been having such a bad time of it lately. I don't think he's feeling very well, as he's been a bit more droopish than usual and has been in a, ah, how can I put it? Less agreeable mood of late. I think he fell asleep after coming home from working in the shop this morning and early afternoon, and was quite out of sorts and cranky after I got home from work to find him still in his work clothes, which were all wrinkled, and his hair mussed and looked rather slept-on. He sounded a bit croaky, too, and rather looks like he's trying very hard not to cough or sneeze at me. Poor Rupert. (I suppose I've given him my plague, which always makes me feel guilty, since I seem to manage to do this at least once a year to him, and I suppose it's inevitable, yet, I can't help but feel badly over it.)

Nigel's looking rather anxious lately, but petting him a lot and letting him snuggle on the sofa with us helps a lot. I'm going to give him some extra attention tonight, though we've already had a very nice game of carrot wrestling and poinging about the couch cushions earlier this evening. Right now he's trying to eep at Rupert, I believe, and give him some pettings.

Which is very needed, I think. Along with tea, which I'm making for Rupert, and I'll try and get him relax a bit and not look quite so frazzled. (It's probably asking too much to try and get him to take painkillers and juice along with the tea, isn't it?)

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 04:47:37 GMT

I reallly do need to update more.

Quick summary: Work. A very large amount of work. Also, still feeling ill, but have been trying to work through it, despite the lingering cold and sinus infection. More work. Rupert looking rather stressed. Nigel being adorably meepsome and also very patient when his Daddies don't have time to play for the many hours he'd like us to.

It seems like I've spent most of today sleeping - my favorite weekend activity of late. Though, I think, this time it's due to the medicine I've acquired along with the sinus infection. Between working and being terribly congested, I wasn't able to sleep very well during the week. Being able to stretch out on the sofa for a couple hours after lunch and nap came as such a relief. I don't seem to be waking up in the middle of the night for fits of coughing and sneezing anymore, either, which is wonderful, as last weekend I seemed to be doing more waking up for that than actually sleeping. Plus, I was keeping Rupert awake, as he wouldn't let me go sleep on the sofa.

It's also rather, er... embarrassing to be ill when I need to spend most of the day at work around other people who ... well. You know. They notice how you've been snuffling through presentations and trying not to sneeze whilst talking on the telephone.

All right. I've promised my wonderful lover some hot tea and time to curl up before we both fall asleep, so I'm off to do that. I'm hoping to go into the shop tomorrow to help Rupert, so hopefully I'll have something more interesting than my maladies to talk about.

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 03:41:40 GMT

Ugh. Feeling ill and tired tonight, but have made it through work day without terminally embarrassing myself due to the rather noticeable state of head cold-ness that I'm in the midst of right now. Giving the presentation on various types of unsubsidized loans was, er, interesting tonight. I'm suprised I didn't die of humiliation from the number of times I had to pause to cough, sneeze, blow my nose or take a drink of water. I would've rather had tea, but the meetings I had this afternoon ran over and the whole schedule got messed up and I didn't have time to make up new packets for the work study orientation this Thursday and Friday, forget going to make myself tea and the such. One of my co-workers did bring me a cup of weak, lukewarm stuff that was apparently tea. Not that I wasn't grateful, it just... wasn't very tea-like. (Plus it didn't have the lemon and honey like it does when Rupert makes it for me when I'm ill... Which might sound whiney, but by the end of the work day I was feeling quite whiney and tired and just wanting to go home.) The cold medicine had worn off by then, too, and I probably looked and sounded completely revolting.

Work was full of meetings, presentations, and my usual paperwork. Very exhausting. I came home, well, Rupert picked me up again, as he's being just lovely and wonderful to me this week, but yes, came home, fell asleep on the sofa, had a bowl of soup and toasted bread, fell asleep again after having a bath, and now I'm awake as my cold has decided to become violently annoying before bed time. At least only Rupert and Nigel have to deal with me shuffling about the flat, using all the tissues we own and trying not to be too noisy. Ugh...

Poor little Nigel has been eeping at me and trying to share both his kibbles and fluff with me this evening. He was being very adorable after exploring the sofa this evening (during one of the intervals when I was actually awake and mostly alert), for he just sort of cuddled up to be and eeped at me softly. I'm sure he just wanted to tell me about his day and what a nice time he had playing with his carrot toy.

A very long Monday.

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 02:35:19 GMT

I suppose Mondays always seem to last longer than other days, though, don't they? They loom heavily at the end of the weekend and the beginning of the week. Mine managed to loom from 8.00am up until after 9.00pm. I'd have been home a bit earlier, but the Q&A after the transfer student entrance loan sessions seemed to keep spawning more Q and very little A. I eventually had to send them on their way with the promise to answer any and all emails concerning their loans, etc. I think the staff at the student union was happy to see us finally gone so they could clean up and get the room back in order. At least there was tea. Our office is quite tea-less at the moment. And disorganized, as we have to keep going to the administrative services main office to send or receive faxes - it's isn't proving as easy to get all this communication done via email. I have no idea why and it was making me rather cranky by the end of the day.

Nevermind. I'm glad to be home where it is quiet and comfortable. Rupert's been hovering a bit and frowning at me anxiously, though, I suppose... That is, well, he did get me to admit I haven't been feeling very well today, though I didn't really want to bother him, but he was fussing about and looked worried, and... I think I'm getting ill, though, probably, just a cold. Not that the steadily worsening sore throat and runny nose haven't been annoying and uncomfortable already.

Perhaps the paperwork will have to wait until tomorrow morning. Yet, I have a feeling I might not be very eager about it then, either.

Oh... Oh god.

Sun, 11 Sep 2005 01:32:23 GMT

Oh, god. I think I slept most of today, or, at least, that's what it feels like. Rupert didn't wake me up when he got up this morning, so I overslept terribly. Yes, I know, it's Saturday, but I don't usually get up past eight o'clock or so, even on my days off. He finally brought me tea sometime after ten o'clock and apologized for not waking me up, though I doubt he was very sorry. We went for a walk and out to lunch, and I did some paperwork and reading for next week, and then dropped off for a while on the sofa this afternoon. This seemed to make Nigel happy, though, as he was snuggling with me on the sofa and took advantage of me being asleep to curl up not on his cushion, but on my t-shirt and take a little nap of his own.

Horrible, terrible, stressful time at work right now. The beginning of term is always very busy, especially during the fall semester when we have so many new freshman and transfer students. And parents, of course. Parents calling and asking about everything from registration to student loan refunds to the cost for meal plans. Not to mention the recently deceased coffee maker and broken fax machine in the office. Not that parents ask about those things, but they're causing undue anxiety in the office and it's all very exhausting. At least the information sessions and seminars will be over in about a week. I've given so many lectures and power point presentations this week I'm starting to think it was a wise decision not to go into the teaching aspect of the university community. Not that USC has a very big department for ancient and demon languages.

I've been drooping about today and possibly being snappish to Rupert. I... I can't tell. It's so embarrassing; he's being so lovely and affectionate, and I can't seem to reciprocate properly.

Sat, 27 Aug 2005 04:49:41 GMT

Mmm. Friday. Long week. Glad to be home. Love my family.

Now, the longer sentence version of my thoughts:

I'd like to go to the pet shop tomorrow and get a few things for Nigel's habitat. He could use some fresh, clean bedding and fluff. Also a new supply of his little hay to nibble on, which he just adores and I can't bear to let him go without it for very long. We have enough kibble and treats, but the habitat supplies are very, very important. I'm also hoping there might be some new toys in for the fall, as Nigel's done an exemplary job of chewing his current toys to tiny bits. Except for the latest carrot toys, as we seem to have an inordinately large supply of those.

Also. Er... I suppose this will sound foolish, but I was rather hoping to get Nigel's photograph taken by the pet photographer at the pet shop. My own pictures are decent enough and I do enjoy taking them. Nigel is so adorable - it's so hard to resist wanting to snap pictures as he plays on his cushion or poings about in the bathroom or his play area. Or when he's cuddled up in his little pet bed and looks so sleepy and quiet? It's impossible. I also do like taking pictures when he's snuggled with his Daddy Rupert in their scarf and they both looks sleepy and relaxed. Yet, I thought it would be nice to have a better picture of little Nigel. I'm a bit worried Rupert might laugh at me, but I'll ask him tonight. Perhaps when we go to the pet shop, I can inqire about the pictures and find out if it would be appropriate and not upsetting for Nigel.

Whilst on holiday, Rupert and I got a lovely, very large, and very soft fleece blanket. It got a bit chilly at night in the mountains and it was just so lovely to curl up very close together on the sofa with only the blanket covering us. We've enough blankets upstairs, including a few very nice fleece ones, so this new is going to stay downstairs on the sofa. I suspect Rupert is much more fond of the fall than of summer, so I think there might be more snuggling in my future. Not that any season in Sunnydale is very cold, but the nights are often cool enough for such closeness.

This is also adorable - Nigel's already pulled it about and ensured it's proper fluff and appropriate for the habitat.

Sun, 21 Aug 2005 02:51:41 GMT

Once again I've gone too many days without updating - but this time I have a decent excuse. Rupert and I have been on a short holiday for past few days. Before that, he and I spent a lot of time fixing some things up around the shop in order to get ready for the coming fall and then holiday season. There was also a lot of business that I'm not quite involved in - earnings statements, stock taking, etc. I don't mind helping, but I'd rather stick to organizing the bookshelves or helping a customer once in a while.

Nevertheless, after a lot of overtime and emergency research on a few demon cults, we were able to leave and spend a few days up north at a mountain resort. The weather was much nicer - cooler and more comfortable - though out outdoor activity was limited to long walks, lunch time picnics and some swimming in the evenings. There was, thankfully, a lot of quiet and peace and time to be spent reading, talking, and being alone with my Rupert. Lovely, long hours of private time and especially long mornings in bed. Rupert is most affectionate when he's happy and relaxed. Very nice to wake up to or to be nuzzled awake by...

We're home now, and I'm hoping to write a bit more about out holiday later on. I just wanted to remember a few of the details before settling in to being welcomed home by our little Nigel and getting to the unpacking.

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 03:32:24 GMT

Well, it's been a long day, but everything seems to have calmed down.

I got up this morning to find Nigel not only still awake, but meeping at me anxiously. He didn't seem to need water or kibble and he hadn't nibbled his little hay yet, so I got worried. I think he just wanted to be held and petted for a while as he calmed down when I cuddled him as I had my morning tea. Rupert got up shortly after and then he might as well have meeped at me, too. He was a bit frettish, though petting him didn't work as well as stroking Nigel's fur.

It's been very hot this summer, and the heat annoys Rupert, and I think he's a bit worried over the poor air conditioning in my office, though I tell him not to get so upset. I think the heat and fact that he has two exhausting jobs are just making him a bit more anxious than usual. Nevertheless, I'm going to take my summer vacation starting tomorrow at noon. I was going to take the last two weeks of August off, but I already have the long weekend for Labor Day and we'll need to get a lot of work done in Financial Aid the week before term starts. My supervisor said it was fine - I'm only moving it up a week and I put in quite a bit of overtime earlier this summer, so I could viably have asked for the rest of the week off if I needed it.

Rupert and I are thinking of going away for a few days, though we'll need somebody to take care of Nigel. He should be all right for a long weekend without us, so that might be all right. Dawn is very good at watching and playing with him so the poor baby doesn't get too lonely.

I think I might spend the rest of my time off cleaning up the flat, helping at the shop, and possibly going on patrol for Rupert for a few nights. He could use some holiday time, too.

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 17:59:10 GMT

I feel like Nigel today, drooping about because of the heat and not wanting to do anything, not even eat my lunch. The air conditioning unit for the building broke down this morning and even with most of the lights and other electronics shut off, the Fin.Aid offices are quite warm. Perhaps we'll get to leave early if it can't be fixed...

I walked to the canteen earlier to get a bottle of cold water and ended up feeling rather defeated by the walk in the hot sun. I might've been better off staying in the office and drinking the not so very cold water.

Rupert's been very busy lately and seems to get back after midnight after nearly every patrol. We were awake until at least 1.30am last night, talking, then playing with Nigel. Nigel wanted to cuddle his Daddy Rupert while I gave Rupert a back rub. Mmm... that was lovely. The back rub got continued upstairs, thus the very late night we had.

I begin to suspect that if I weren't at work I'd be electing to remove most of my clothing and declare it siesta time.

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 02:30:03 GMT

I think Nigel got a bit too excited about his dinner last night, as I found bits of kibble outside the kibble bowl and on the floor of both the chinchilla habitat and the flat this morning. It was only a few small bits and really, how can I blame Nigel for being so sweet and enthusiastic when his Daddy gives him his little kibble for dinner? He hardly every gets it out of the habitat; Nigel must have been especially poingy last night.

*cuddles my little Nigel*

He's sitting in my lap and snuggling up so nicely right now. Nigel and Daddy Rupert had a very intense game of carrot wrestling earlier and then the three of us played with a few bits of plastic tubing and the carrot toy. Nigel has also taken to poinging about and using his daddies as a jungle gym.

I just wanted to share some of the cuteness and write about our little Nigel-pet.

So grateful for the long week-end

Mon, 04 Jul 2005 21:18:09 GMT

Very grateful indeed. Oh, it's so nice to wake up in the morning and not have to get out of bed until it's absolutely necessary, i.e., to go make tea and toast, only to return to the warm, snuggly boyfriend and feed him bits of hot buttery toast and sips of tea. Mmm... Lovely morning, really. Perfect.

Especially after the past few weeks which have been just horrid. Not so much for me, as Fin.Aid is less busy and less frenetic during the summer months, even when there's summer session or the youth academic/athletic camps going on at the uni. But Rupert's been having a very busy time of it at the shop and as Buffy's Watcher. The demon activity has been positively hideous lately, though I suspect it might calm down at the heat index climbs. Except for the lizard demons, they don't mind the heat as long as the sun isn't out. And the vampires, but that's really to be expected.

Oh, the heat. It's also been a bit of a problem, as neither Rupert nor I are very fond of the air conditioning, but it's been so uncomfortable. When the flat gets stiflingly warm, it makes Nigel very fretful and uncomfortable, especially as we're nervous about leaving too many windows open during the day when our little chinchilla is home alone. Poor little Nigel! He looked so unhappy and over-heated when we got back yesterday afternoon from the café and book shops.

We're supposed to be researching some of the semi-aboriginal demons of the region that tends towards activity during the middle of summer this afternoon, but I think there's time for a few more hours of lazing about. We've already done our duty to out adopted home by having a lunch of hamburgers, crisps and beer with Buffy's family and friends. (Dawn drew us a beautiful rendering of Nigel sitting on his sofa cushions and offered to make me copies of her new favorite cds. She's such a clever and talented girl - she's also taken to speaking me in Spanish when she rings the flat. I suppose if I were still a Watcher, I'd rather like my Slayer to be like Dawn...)

Drinks on the patio now, I think, then some, ah... more intimate time with Rupert...

Monday again

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 18:12:07 GMT

I haven't decided if it's more difficult to come back to work after a lovely, relaxing weekend or after a stressful, active one. Either way, it was very hard to leave the warm, curled-up, eager for snuggling boyfriend this morning and come into the office.

(I think Rupert, along with wanting to be snuggled [might I add, he's near irresistible when he gets like that, especially in the mornings when I'm still half-asleep and he starts petting me], is just dreading this week, as there is not only the summer solstice and full moon, but also the sale at the shop. He's going to be very busy...)

Currently, I'm admiring the new mug I got for Father's Day from our Nigel and Rupert. It's a very nice-sized, sturdy mug with an adorable picture of Nigel on it. The mug is certainly one of the most lovely and thoughtful gifts I've ever received. (I keep thinking that if Nigel were still a tiny kit, he could fit in the mug and sing his little eeping song up at Rupert and me. While a rather small chinchilla, he's no longer small enough to fit in tea cups or mugs. Pockets, yes, thank goodness. He does love riding in pockets.) I also got a new neck tie, which I'll save for special events and occasions.

Nigel and I opted for this fleece pullover, in green, for Rupert. Nigel made sure it was properly snugglish after his Daddy Rupert opened the package and pulled the new fleece-fluff about a bit just to ensure it was appropriate for his dear Daddy Rupert.

We had such a nice Father's Day this year. There was breadfast in bed and we had an extended lie-in. Then, a nice, long walk downtown to look in the shops and out for a late lunch, followed by the walk home where we opened gifts and spent some time playing with our little chinchilla.

Well. I've done a lot of family blither today...

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 16:34:32 GMT

One can tell it's become almost unbearably hot when one's boyfriend and one's chinchilla both decide to spend the evening flooping next to you on the sofa, making little whimperish noises every once and a while. Though, to be fair, Nigel wasn't whimpering all that much. He'd brought one of his toys out of the habitat and was nibbling away on it quite happily.

Our trip to the seashore was very nice this past weekend. Rupert prepared most of the food for the event, so it was all lovely and delicious. I think I got too much sun, though, as I'm still an embarrassing shade of pink and have been fussed at very thoroughly with solarcaine, ice water and tylenol both after work yesterday and before work today. Rupert's so thoughtful, though, and really .. sweet. I can't bring myself to mind if he gets a little fussy.

Off to lunch for bit. I think I'll get some tea at the canteen and then get back quickly so I can ring Rupert at the shop and see when he can pick me up from work. It seems the boyfriend's fussiness extends to driving me to work at certain times. It's very nice...

Ah, Friday

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 20:34:52 GMT

Fridays are lovely. Mostly because the institution of summer hours at the university means I can leave early on Fridays - at 2.00pm., actually. I stopped on the way home to get some salmon and salad greens for dinner and have been spending the afternoon doing some cleaning up of the flat. Nigel woke up early when I got home and has been talking to me as I put some books back on the shelves closest to his habitat. He's had his little kibbles for breakfast, so I predict he'll be settling in for a nap pretty soon. Hm, unless I tempt him with a dust bath and fur grooming, in which case he might decide the nap can wait until he's snugged himself firmly in my lap.

We've a fan upstairs now and Rupert seems pleased with it. I think we might need to keep the air conditioning on at least a low setting or put another fan downstairs to make sure little Nigel doesn't get over-heated if the summer proves to be extra hot this year.

Speaking of summer, Rupert and I have had another invitaion to join Buffy et. al. at the beach this weekend. Maybe if it's not too hot and we can go in the lattr part of the afternoon or early evening. I'm not too keen on getting sunburn.

Oh, dear...

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 03:08:59 GMT

It's not quite summer yet and Rupert's in a fine snit about it being too hot outside, but too uncomfortable inside if the air conditioning is on. In addition, he was at work all day from eight o'clock until at least six o'clock, then came home and drooped about on the sofa while I finished up dinner, then pulled himself up to change after dinner and go out on patrol with Buffy. I tried to get him to take some water with himself, as it's still very warm outside, and he finally agreed to at least drink it on the way to patrol. Poor love, I think he needs to get some rest and relax for a little while before we go up to bed. He worked this weekend and has been on patrol with Buffy every night so far this week. I'm a bit worried... Of course, when am I not?

Oh. I'm probably fussing too much. Rupert can take care of himself.

But, see. He doesn't always take care of himself. He runs himself ragged and gets exhausted, and when he finally allows himself a rest, he isn't able to do anything but droop about even more and look fatigued.

Tomorrow, I think, I shall use my lunch hour to go by the shop and take Rupert out to eat. I could probably take a longer lunch, provided I stay a bit longer in the afternoon to finish up my work. That should be fine.

I wonder if Rupert will want tea after his bath? He looked a bit worse for wear when he got back, but I'll let him have some quiet time before I commence fussing again.

The holiday weekend

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 03:58:35 GMT

Rupert and I had a very nice long weekend, what with me having Monday off and Rupert deciding to close the shop for Memorial Day. I think there was some talk of having a special sale, but that was turned down in favor of some summer promotion Anya came up with and a possible midsummer festivity. I'm not really certain, even though I was at the shop for much of the discussion. Saturday and Sunday I went into work with Rupert for a few hours and helped go through the books. Saturday I went in for the afternoon and then out to dinner with Rupert, which was very much needed. I haven't taken him out on a date in a very long time and it was so good to spend some time with him, alone, in a quiet restaurant. We found a smallish, intimate place near the beach, where we had dinner, then took a walk along the beach and stopped at small cafe on the way home for dessert and coffee. It was all very lovely, expensive, delicious, luxurious, and led to even better things at home. Needless to say, Rupert and I both went into the shop not for Sunday morning, but afternoon. Sunday mornings should be spent in bed, with tea and newspapers and a couple hours of cuddling. We spent most of Monday at home, though we did go have lunch with Buffy and her friends on the beach. Well, by lunch I mean hamburgers, crisps and beer. Which was quite nice, really. It was also very nice to spend the rest of day at home, lazing about and not getting much of anything done.

I think we'll have another early night tonight as Rupert's already home from patrol. He's in the shower now, but I don't predict having much trouble getting him to come up to bed directly afterwards.

A chinchilla daddy post...

Fri, 20 May 2005 03:46:46 GMT

Our little Nigel adores his hammock. I've been beaming so much watching him snuggle in it with his carrot toy, peeping over the edge to eep at me whenever I walk by, or if he's not up in the hammock (which I've placed by one of the ledges on the upper level of the habitat, so he can get in and out of it on his own, though he seems especially pleased when I pick him up and let him poing from my hands into his new hammock), eeping at me and poinging about until I help him up there. Just when I think he's the most adorable little thing ever, he does something else that simply proves he's even cuter than we thought he was.

The new play centre has him excited, too. He was nuzzling at all the different, brightly colored toys today, though he only nibbled on an edge of the actual centre thus far. i'm certain he'll be gnawing and chewing on all the other bits like crazy soon, but I think he wanted to learn about all the toys first before playing with them. He was eeping so happily when Rupert went over the habitat, opened up the door, and played with Nigel and the new play centre for a few minutes.

Since all his new toys came today, Nigel had his habitat completely cleaned (during which time he assisted his Daddy Rupert in sorting out clean socks from the laundry pile, which must've been quite tiring, as it concluded with Nigel asleep on his Daddy Rupert's chest while Rupert reclined on the sofa, watching Jeopardy) and got a dustbath and short grooming session himself.

Oh, he was so especially cute tonight. I have so many new pictures for the scrapbook.

Wed, 11 May 2005 18:14:29 GMT

I post about my pet chinchilla a lot, don't I? And my boyfriend, too. Hm, well. I don't think that's a problem.

Rupert and I picked out a red hammock for Nigel that I think he'll like. Nigel was with me as I ordered it on the computer, though he was more interested in poinging from my lap to the desk and back again. He did help me pick out a few a jumpers and a nice, new fleece jacket for his Daddy Rupert. He's such a clever, affectionate little pet. Nigel had a very interesting little poll up in his journal a few days ago of which he was extremely proud.

I think I might get this dust bath for little Nigel. He does seem to like the large bowl we use now, but this might be good, too.

Spring term is almost over at the university. After this week, I'll be back to my normal, no possibility of overtime, 9.00am-5.00pm schedule, with half days most Fridays since we close early on Friday during the summer. Tonight I don't have any extra work to complete, so I'm going to go over to the shop after work and meet Rupert for dinner. He's closing the shop tonight, so he went in around noon and won't be done until nine or thereabouts.

Uffington, etc.

Fri, 06 May 2005 18:04:26 GMT

A few links as I take my lunch break. Rupert packed me a lunch last night so I only had to go get myself fresh tea, thus the time to post this afternoon.

Wiltshirewhitehorses.org

Mysterious Britain

Berkshire History

Oxford Archaeology

And, how brilliant! An Uffington font.

Conversation at breakfast this morning:

Me: Rupert, I think Nigel would like a hammock for his habitat.
Rupert: Mmm... really?
Me: Yes.
Nigel: eeep!!
Me: See? He's telling his Daddies how excited he is about it...
Rupert: Mm... is there tea?
Nigel: eep eep eep!!

It's always interesting to discuss things when Rupert has just gotten up and Nigel is pulling his fluff about to get ready to go to sleep. I am going to order one of these for Nigel, though. He's quite a little chinchilla, but he might enjoy having a large hammock to poing about it. I'm not sure if he'd like the plain sort or the one with the sheep pattern. Nigel is definitely getting the flip sort, though, with the fleece lining. He's very fond of snuggling in bits of fleece, especially if his Daddy Rupert is wearing the fleece and is offering snuggles and pettings.

Nigel is also very fond of these playcentres. I might have posted about them once before, as we've purchased quite a few. I'm going to order another one, as he hasn't had one in a few weeks and he gets very excited when we get him different and interesting toys.

Speaking of Rupert and fleece, I'm pondering getting this for him. It's getting warm enough not to need fleece right now, but the nights are sometimes rather chilly, and come fall and winter, he'll need something new to wear out on patrol at night. This jumper is also rather attractive, as is this one. I also like this jumper for Rupert... Hm, well. I'll see what he'd like, but he does need at least a couple new jumpers, especially if we decide to go on holiday to England this year sometime.

All right, back to lunch and then back to work.

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 17:57:29 GMT

Chores completed:

Laundry washed, folded put away.

Dry cleaning picked up and also put away.

Grocery shopping done, including trip to farmer's market and specialty shops.

Chinchilla habitat cleaned, with fresh fluff and bedding.

Nigel freshly dust bathed and groomed.

Linen changed in bedroom.

Flat hoovered, dusted, and generally organized, especially desk area and bookshelves.

I've been up for quite a long time today, thus the great number of chores completed. I've also had a lot of tea to drink and have read the Sunday newspapers. Perhaps I'll have a shower... I'm thinking of taking the morning off tomorrow, or at least part of the morning. I'll see what Rupert has to say when I pick him up at the airport.

A nice, slow evening & new icon.

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 03:44:26 GMT

It's thankfully quiet here tonight. I didn't go into work today and wasn't dragged out for slayer patrol either. In fact, all I've done since the errands this afternoon is read, clean up a few things in the flat, and spend some quality time with Nigel. I think I still have groceries to put away...

As I helped Nigel upload a new user icon to his journal, I thought I'd put a new one up for myself, too. It's an aerial shot of the White Horse of Uffington. I very much hope that Rupert and I can visit Oxford, Uffington, and the environs together someday.