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May 12, 2005
Disaster
Look at what the fats did.
They broke my cup.
This may seem like a small thing. But it is not.
I bought this cup in the Salvation Army store twelve years ago for about a dollar. It's a replica of a CE 1200 Anasazi black-and-white pottery mug, originally sold as a souvenir. It holds about 25% more than an average coffee mug. Its base is fatter than its rim, giving it a jaunty air, and its handle is thick and sturdy, with plenty of room for all four fingers. And it has this amazing zigzag design. This cup saw me through years of caffeine addiction, and since Peter and I gave up coffee in December of 2003 it's held several cups a day of Irish Breakfast tea instead. I am unhealthily attached to this cup, so much so that I've actually spent time worrying about whether I should take it to Athens with me or leave it here so I'll have it when I come home to visit (because I couldn't imagine drinking my tea from a different mug here in my house). I even dream about my cup sometimes, that's how much I love it.
I know it's just a thing, but I cried bitterly when I came home and found it smashed on the floor this afternoon, and briefly considered tossing the culprits into the path of an oncoming bus. I cried way more than anyone should cry over a thing. The fats, of course, were trying to get at some knitting I'd left next to the computer, and in pulling it down off the desk they knocked the cup onto the floor. Yes, I left my mug out on the desk, and yes I left knitting out too. I am a little piggy in a pigsty. But there must have been at least ten different knitting projects scattered about the room, plus umpteen more balls of yarn kicking around, and they always go for the stuff on the table, never the computer desk. And I always leave my mug next to the computer.
Peter says that cats are an engine of destruction, and they will work methodically through everything you own until finally they reach the things you love. I would rather they had broken every dish in the kitchen and leave this cup intact.
Look, the handle is indestructible.
I think I might be able to replace it. From Mesa Verde National Park you can get replica mugs, and you can even order them by mail. But while the website says there are eight designs available, only one is pictured. So I am going to phone them tomorrow, with the product number, to see if they still make my cup. Because I care that much. I wish I could just get all eight, but I'm a poor student, so that's not happening.
I'm feeling miserable about the loss of my beautiful, beloved tea cup, and annoyed with myself for being such a baby about a thing. And I really don't want to go to bloody Leamington tonight.
Posted by jodi at May 12, 2005 06:08 PM | categories: assholes : crazy cat lady
Comments
I had a glass ring that I bought in Venice when I was a junior in college. I loved it so--it was green (my fave color) and sparkly and wondrous to behold. I worried all the time that it would crack and break, but it was STURDY-I could bang it against things at it never gave in. Then, last year, during Anatomy lab, it leapt to its death from the top of my locker, where I had carelessly placed it because I was late. I was heartbroken, and I only had it for 4 year, not 12 like your cup. I still have the pieces, I can't bear to throw them away, but they are hidden because I can't stand to look at them. I understand. Things can matter a lot, and its ok.
Posted by: Mia at May 12, 2005 07:17 PM
I would of reacted the same way. My destructive little friend seems to think that I leave things around the house just so she can destroy them. Pets - you love but man they someitmes so need a timeout Good luck in the mug search.
Posted by: justine at May 12, 2005 07:18 PM
We call mine a Fat as well. Cats are definitely a love-hate relationship thing. That's how they survive after peeing on your duvet or breaking your mug or biting your yarn. Because they are so damned cute. My favourite mug was this crazy purple mug with polar bears having sex that I got in Cambridge years ago. (Wonder what that will do to your search engine stats!) I can't remember now which of us broke it, the Fat or me, but I do remember that heartbroken feeling. Good luck replacing it.
Posted by: Rebecca at May 12, 2005 09:45 PM
The things we use in our rituals ARE important.
Posted by: sarah irene at May 13, 2005 12:12 AM
I'm so sorry. Do glue the cup together, though, in case you can't buy a replica from the original vendor. Someone on ebay will have one, if you can show the pattern.
I wouldn't throw the fats under the bus, but I would definitely rub kitty repellent on everything they love. At least for a few days.
Posted by: Marie at May 13, 2005 03:04 AM
I hope you find a replacement, it's hard when you don't have the familiar things you need around you. If I were you, as you're having to buy another one anyway, I'd get 2, then you can take one with you and have the other at home, or else you know you'll end up travelling with a mug in your pack worrying you'll break it on the journey between bases!
I love my mugs, but I'm not a one mug woman, I like to open the cupboard and pick from my very large selection which one I want to use depending on how I feel and what I'm drinking!
Take care
Anna
Posted by: Anna at May 13, 2005 03:37 AM
Oh no! Sorry about your loss, Jodi... hopefully a good replacement can be found with the Mesa Verde store. Have you been to Mesa Verde? I was there when I was a kid--I think I would appreciate a lot more now...
Take care :)
Posted by: Lolly at May 13, 2005 07:05 AM
Sometimes Things really, really do matter. Sorry for your loss.....
Posted by: Rachael at May 13, 2005 07:32 AM
My condolences on the sad demise of the cup.
Posted by: claudia at May 13, 2005 08:23 AM
You love what you love, and it always hurt to lose something that you love. Don't feel bad about your feelings.
Sorry about your cup. Darned cats (shakes fist at them).
W. :)
Posted by: Wendy at May 13, 2005 10:09 AM
Coming out of hiding to say that sucks! My fats (well, one of them anyway) make good blog fodder with the daily struggle to keep my possesions in one piece. I feel for you :( And don't be annoyed with yourself - like Wendy says, it hurts to lose something you love. Love your blog, BTW!
Posted by: Brenda in Toronto at May 13, 2005 10:52 AM
I have several mugs from Mesa Verde. It's a really great National Park. Did you get it there? If they don't have your mug, let me know and I'll poke around here for one like it. Colorado is rife with Anasazi lookalikes, if you know where to hunt.
Posted by: Snow at May 13, 2005 01:35 PM
Wah!!! I'm so sorry! Sucks to lose something seemingly irreplaceable... Fat Bastards! ;)
Posted by: korin at May 13, 2005 04:29 PM
If it helps, Dru broke my fav. tea mug a few months ago -- the brown-and-green celtic swirl "Irish Coffee" shape (narrow base, wide lip, oerfect hand-shape handle) from Dancing Pig Pottery -- and I cried and raged too. Even though I know I just have to wait until Pennsic to get a replacement, I don't want a replacement -- I want _my_ mug. So anyways, I feel your pain, but if I can go without throwing Dru into traffic, your cats should be allowed some grace too.
Posted by: Emer at May 15, 2005 10:39 AM
Those cats look like they'd make a couple of really nice pairs of mittens. That's how I threaten my little jackasses when they piss me off. I either tell them that I'll turn them into mittens or that it's time for them to Take The Big Nap (you know, the one they won't wake up from). They're brains are peanuts and they're dumb as dirt so they don't know I'm threatening their lives, but it makes me feel much better anyway.
Posted by: Heide at May 17, 2005 12:53 PM