The blogathon for the Secular Student Alliance has reached $60,600! Woo-hoo! So, as promised, here is Comet on my lap resting her cheek on my hand.

When we first got the kittens, we wondered if we would have favorites — or more accurately, if the kittens would have favorites. In particular, we wondered how this would work with three cats and only two people. Would two kittens each get a favorite mama, and one be left out? (We are worriers, and we tend to overthink.)

This seems to have sorted itself out. Of course we both love all three to pieces. But special relationships have definitely formed. Houdini is very much both of ours. We’re both kind of in awe of her: she’s such a mysterious little Mona Lisa, off in her own little world, and when she deigns to honor one of us with her presence, we pretty much drop everything. Talisker has picked Ingrid — and Comet has picked me.

There are times when this makes me roll my eyes and wonder: How did I end up with the bitey one? How did I end up with the trouble child? How did I end up with the high-energy, high-maintenance sensation junkie, who is way too adventurous for her own good, who demands huge amounts of attention, who literally flings herself at you when she’s bored, who wants to either play or snuggle pretty much all the time?

And when I ask it that way, the answer seems obvious. I totally got the cat that I deserve. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Claw marks on my ankles and all. My heart melts into a stupid puddle when I look at her. Or even when I look at a picture of her. Awwwwwwww.

When we hit the $60,700 mark, I’ll post a photo of Houdini lounging on our pillow like the Queen of Sheba.

I’ve posted some quotes talking about why the Secular Student Alliance is so awesome, and why they deserve your support. If you have a story or a comment about why the Secular Student Alliance is so awesome — post it in the comments, and I’ll post it in the blog! Along with kitten photos, of course. Support the SSA!