It's been an odd series of things that led to our decision to become the proud new owners of The Ugliest Cat in the World.
I wasn't, still am not really, ready to get another cat.
However, the other kitten we adopted when we got Lily has been pining quite badly. So Husband and I took deep breaths and with the offspring trotting behind us went back to the Cat Haven.
As an aside, can I just say I am amazed at the work they do. And in equal parts I was enraged at the number of people who came in and out during our time there, with boxloads of kittens they allegedly found at the side of the road.
I have to say this, I have been driving for a very long time and not once have I found kittens at the side of the road. Clearly I am either not driving in the right place, or people are terrible liars and YOU SHOULD BE STERILIZING YOUR CATS you utterly irresponsible, shameless excuse for human beings
Deep breath.
So we walked round the Haven looking at the kittens and cats. We'd decided in advance not to get a kitten. Partly because ours is nine months old and secondly cats find it harder to get placements and we wanted to give one a chance at a good life.
There was no cat that moved us. The offspring on the other hand wanted to take them all home. All I wanted to do was leave. Every time I cuddled a cat all I could think of was my poor, broken Lily.
So we asked the girl helping us if there was anything we'd missed.
She hesitated.
Then she took us to the infirmary.
It's where the cats with flue stay.
And we met The Ugliest Cat in the World.
She's eight months old, scrawny as all get out and has already had a litter of kittens.
But one lesson I have learned in 2010 is that "all that glisters is not gold." Just because something looks pretty or comes nicely packaged doesn't actually mean anything, other than it's easy on the eye. Creating a relationship or friendship means a great deal more than that. It's taken me 35 years to figure out. I'm a bit slow with life lessons sometimes.
So when she looked at me with her leaky eyes and nuzzled into my neck it was a done deal.
Taking her home and introducing her to Sparkles has been the equivalent of getting Taylor Swift and Amy Winehouse to do a duet, so we are taking that slowly.
And last night we hung out together on the couch and it was kind of nice. I hand fed her some food and she purred like a very contented cat should.
And we've named her Halo.
Because we're all beautiful aren't we?

We've only been there twice, but we refer to it as "our place."
On Saturday we spent the day clattering helter-skelter from one place to another. We had a divide and conquer policy going on.
I did the swimming lessons, the birthday party drop off and pick up, the two, yes TWO trips to the local fete. This was so that all the offspring got to experience the fun of lucky dips, rides and the sheer pleasure of the crowds wandering around in pursuit of a bargain, or just enjoying the pleasure of a family day out.
He did the renovation preparation for the start of Stage 2 of the works. Much messier, dustier and involving shifting innumerable items from one room to another.
Suffice to say we'd have both happily crawled into bed at 6pm for a dreamless sleep for 12 hours if we'd been able to.
But we'd booked the restaurant, the babysitter and my dress was hanging, freshly ironed in the cupboard begging to be taken out.
So amidst great yawns we dressed up and headed out.
To our place.
The little Italian restaurant that's tucked away just streets from the beach. And we enjoyed delicious food, wonderful wine and remembered.
We remembered how to laugh again. We reminisced, we planned and we dreamed together.
And I thought as I always do after a night out how exceptionally lucky I am.
And the week ahead seems filled with promise and happiness, instead of dust and delays.
That's what date night always does.
Well at "our place" anyway.

Now you all know me well enough by now to know that I am usually pleased when things go well for others. For instance, if you get a promotion at work, or a book deal, or even find the perfect outfit on sale, you can tell me and I'm going to be delighted for you.
Occasionally I might be tiny bit envious. But only a wee bit.
Mostly however, I'll be plain glad.
Now this past week has been a busy one. I've had deadlines, a house move, a certain offspring who is crying at the drop of a hat. Actually, the hat doesn't even have to drop for her to start crying, it's getting her to stop that's the problem. Trying to work out strategies for someone who won't stop crying is quite stressful.
Each night I have had nocturnal visitors at least 3 or 4 times and gravely listened to their woes and snuggled them back to sleep.
There have been swimming lessons, tutoring, sunburn and playdates.
In a word, it's been busy.
Now in all that time Husband has not been idle. He has been very busy too. I know that.
He has a job that demands long hours and occasional travel. That's fine. Well usually it's fine. He's an awesome father and great partner. We've worked really well on this renovation together and have loved the challenge of it all.
But yesterday, after a long and tiring day I recieved a text.
It did not say: "Darling, I know how hard you've been working. Tell you what, I'll book you into the local day spa and have whatever relaxation treatment you want."
Wouldn't that have been nice?
Instead it said he had been invited to a corporate golf day the next day and he wouldn't be home for dinner.
I immediately texted the reply tired and overwrought wives the world over will understand.
"Whatever."
Immediately the reply came through plaintively asking why I wasn't happy for him. After all it was the first time he'd been invited and he was very excited at the opportunity.
So I bit my tongue and tried to hide the fierce jealousy I had. Not very well as it happens. I sulked most of the evening and watched the news by myself.
Now this next bit may make you think I am a VERY BAD PERSON. But actually I am merely a very tired person who is not at her best right now.
In the end I persuaded him I was happy for him and to go play golf and have a great time.
I'd seen the weather forecast by then.
Yes.
Just as his group teed off today we had the first rain we've had here for months. And it was torrential.

PS I do love you honey. You just need to work on your texting skills.