September 15, 2001
9:24pm

Well here's a sign that my life is returning to normal; I'm home alone and typing on this stupid computer on a Saturday night. Alas, I am once again painfully reminded of my lack of a social life. What's worse, I had to sit and listen to my co-workers plan weekend activities with each other (which they hardly ever invite me to) while I sat there knowing my sorry behind would have nothing to do. At exactly what age do I stop being a loser?

At least I have a very sobering thought to put my problems into perspective. I know that my annoyance at a nonexistant social life can't possibly begin to equal the pain of the families and friends of those who died on Tuesday. All my problems look like nothing compared to that.

Yesterday I bought a Meow-Chi. I submitted to this impulse buy for two reasons:
1. It was on sale at Wal-Mart for $17.
2. My life is so sad I've turned to mechanical cats for companionship.

I was hoping the toy wasn't as annoying as it seems, and it isn't really. It doesn't have an off switch, but if you leave it alone long enough it go into "sleep" mode.

The only really annoying thing about it is that it's so needy. I used to have a real cat, and real cats are never this needy. They just creep around looking at you with disdain because you're in their house. (This is regardless of who pays the mortgage.) Meow-Chi has to be played with every minute or it starts making noise until you give it attention. I have to endure a few minutes of meowing before it starts snoring, indicating that it's "asleep." I also have to keep it happy or it will get depressed. That's not very hard, though. All I have to do is wave the little magnetic mouse toy it came with in front of it and it makes happy eyes. It likes that stupid toy better than me.

I'm calling it Rachel, as I'm accustomed to naming all my toys. I don't know how long I'll keep it. At least it looks cute. If I ever get annoyed and stop playing with it, it will make a nice $17 paper weight.

I have really got to get some friends...