The Little Cinder Boy

I came home yesterday evening to this:















Jasper stuck his nose where it DEFINITELY did not belong. The Palace has a fireplace. Jamie and I have never used this fireplace, but it has old ash and soot from a previous tenant. Not a lot, mind you, just enough to show that the fireplace has indeed been used in the past. Anyway, Jasper decided to investigate said fireplace, getting soot and ash all over the "hearth" area, his face [as pictured above], the carpet, and THE COUCH. Mad does not describe how I felt. I was beyond grumpy. I wanted to cry. I couldn't punish him. The deed had been done, and he probably wouldn't know why he was in trouble. He didn't know he had a mask of black on his face. I can tell you, he didn't get any attention. I don't remember even talking to him for a while after I got home. I may have, but I don't remember....

Anyway, a little while later, I changed my clothes and tackled the mess in the living room. Part one complete. Part two was cleaning Jasper. Jasper does not enjoy bath time. He especially does not enjoy having his face washed. Well, too bad for Jasper. I think he thought he was going to suffocate or drown or both. I had to put his face under the faucet to wet him down, then really went to town scrubbing his eyes, nose, mouth, and chin. I thought I was pretty nice to him--I used his tearless puppy formula shampoo. I do not think Jasper would have agreed....

After the whole ordeal, I was mentally and physically fatigued. I went to bed shortly after eight, not even worrying about doing my normal bedtime routine. I did not even wash my face. I was beyond caring. Those of you who really know me know how big a deal that is. For those of you who don't know: I N.E.V.E.R. go to bed without first washing my face. And yes, I used the "N" word. I do NOT go to bed without first washing off my make-up. I am pretty rigid about my skin care routine. Even if I am not wearing make-up, I must wash my face. But I did last night. WOW. First time ever. I'll probably pay for it...

I slept a good 10 hours. It. Felt. Great.