Happy 4th of July!

Ian and I aren't doing much today.  Last night we went over to Arienne and Tristan's apartment for a Canada Day (July 1) and 4th of July party.  We met some new people, drank some sangria and generally had a great time.  Their apartment is amazing.  It's still small by American standards, but it's one that I wouldn't mind living in stateside. The layout (it's much more open than most Korean apartments) is very desirable.

I don't really mind a low key 4th.  I do miss my family, as this holiday is one of the quintessential summer days spent at my grandmother's house on Mason Lake.  But, I'm not a fan of fireworks.  They make me anxious and I'm always worrying about animals on the 4th.

Speaking of animals, Mipa from Alien's Day Out linked a petition to help Moon Bears in Korea.  They are facing extinction, as only 19 bears live in the wild.  The real problem is that there are 1400 Moon Bears in captivity, kept and tortured for their digestive bile and other body parts in the name of Oriental Medicine.  Go to moonbears.org for more information and, if you're moved to, sign the petition.

I hope you all have a wonderful, fun, and safe holiday weekend.  Be sure to wish our native land happy birthday for us.

A Shelter in Need

I follow Laurie Cinotto's blog, The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee, very closely.  She gives a great deal of her self to animals in need through the fostering program at the Tacoma / Pierce County Humane Society.  Back in August, she helped a whole bunch of people donate money for new cat facilities there.  It's even named after her adult resident cat, Charlene Butterbean (it's called the Charlene Butterbean Quarantine).  She's also an artist, a crafter and all around cool lady.  I fostered for the PCHS while I was in university (that's how I met my wonderful Ava cat), but I never had the opportunity to meet Laurie.

She's brought a recent tragedy to my attention, and I thought I'd spread the word.  The Berkley East Bay Humane Society needs help. They've had an electrical fire that wiped out their entire cat sheltering are and 15 adoptable cats lost their lives.  If you're interested in helping out, visit their website for more information.