Back in the Day

Grover and I had a wild first couple of years together. Our honeymoon phase, if you will. Looking back, I feel that this haze was mostly fueled by the fact that Grover and I were roughly the same size for that short period of time. This inspired me to make Grover my must-have household item. In turn, I was the only soul he could count on to share cat treats and feelings with. And so a friendship bound for greatness begun. Even though our sizes now differ greatly, Grover still sees me as his slightly-hands-on equal. He still gets really confused and nervous when I pick him up for a nightly jig, and often demands that I let him down.

Hydration

Grover likes to hydrate. He despises the central water bowl as it is 70% water and 30% dog drool, tolerates the smaller cats-only water dish, prefers my water glass, and absolutely fawns over the water in the bathtub after someone has showered. It is important for him to get enough fluids so that he remains strong enough to complete his daily tasks which include trying to stuff himself through holes and gaps, scanning the ground with a metal detector, and posing. Although he does occasionally enjoy a glass of whole milk, he likes water because it leaves no room for laziness.


As you can see, mugs are more cat-accessible than glasses.

Favorites

Grover has many favorites. In fact, playing favorites is his favorite hobby. I, being an observant bystander, have managed to record some of these elusive favorites:

Favorite Sentence: Grover!
Favorite Sound: Crunching
Favorite Water: Leftover after a shower
Favorite Dance: The slow waltz
Favorite Taste: Lightly seasoned salmon
Favorite Emotion: Expectant yet patient
Favorite Expression: Faint disdain
Favorite Quote: "There is no such thing as a good tax" -Winston Churchill
Favorite Book: Jane Eyre
Favorite Dress Code: Formal (tux)
Favorite Bedtime: 4 pm
Favorite Meal: Second midnight snack
Favorite Day of the Week: Monday
Favorite Human: Me, followed by the last person to serve him
Favorite Animal: Dog
Favorite Dessert: Cereal milk
Favorite Movie: The Terminal

Example of Favorite Expression:

Grover's Playlist, Part 6: Curiosity Killed all the Cats Except for Grover

Certain songs spark creativity and self-confidence, and since Grover has declared himself a life-long student, these tunes are just a day in the life.

Cut Copy - Pharaohs and Pyramids, a slice of electric energy that will leave you feeling upbeat and determined.

Buraka Som Sistema - Aqui Para Voces, a flurry of sounds meant to carry you to a higher place.

Hurts - Better Than Love, a push towards something "better", daring you to do more.

The Beatles - Good Day Sunshine, the right dosage of happiness and cheer to brighten any day.

Dear Memories

Back in surprisingly sunny Switzerland, I had a dream that me and Grover were together again. This long distance thing is hard, but at least I can drink my troubles away with coffee...

Dear Grover,

Remember when we held hands and watched How I Met Your Mother and Veronica Mars together? Or how I had to give you thyroid medicine by smearing ointment into your fuzzy little ear? How about when we waltzed around the kitchen while listening to Buraka Som Sistema? These are all memories I will cherish while I await our next reunion. I'm looking forward to doing new things with you, such as going on a road trip and splitting a milkshake. Or hitting Vegas with a pocket full of cash.


Until next time,
Jasmine

Farewell

Today, Grover and I parted ways. It was an undramatic goodbye, mostly because I got up at 3 am and opened my door, at which point Grover quickly curled up in the cat bed next to my shoes. Then he feigned disinterest for half an hour while I got ready and ate breakfast/a midnight snack. I said goodbye to him while his face was turned away in silent fury. A single tear slid down his cheek as I wheeled my suitcase to the car. I hope all the belly rubs and chin scratches he received will help him forgive me. 17 years old and still going strong!