The Young and Informed 2

"Adventures in Cat Sitting"

(For a Neighbor with an Awesome Collection)

By

RICHARD VEGA

......so I'm in deep sleep one morning and my neighbor Mari, comes a knock'n at my door. No one was home except for me so I was forced to answer the door or put up with the ringing and knocking (very annoying). So I get up and answer my door all busted lookin' and half awake. "Buenos dias Richie" she says. Well, to get to the point, she woke me up to ask if I could take care of the cat and watch her house for an entire week while her and her housemate were in Puerto Rico for the holidays. "Claro que si", I responded without hesitation, for I knew the benefits that caring for the rat, I mean cat (I'm allergic to them) and watching the house would bring me. She said she would like to pay me a 'lil somethin' somethin' for my work. I refused! "No te preocupes!" were my words, again, knowing what was in store.

 

Well, the day to leave comes and she stops by and drops off the key and quickly shows me how to change the cat litter and the correct portion of food to give to the feline (achoo!). Twice a day, litter every three days. No problem. The first day that they are gone, I took the key and made my way into their home. Not bad. Fed the rat, gave him (or her, don't even really know, or care) water and I was off in search. For what? What do you think? HINT- it's what the website your looking at is about. SALSA BABY! Yes SALSA! I had spotted the collection months ago but never really had the nerve to ask to sample it! NOW was my chance. No one could stop me now! Not even the cat!

 

But now I notice the entire house had been freshly vacuumed and there was no way I could make my way into the living room without leaving behind and visible evidence of my curious feet. Hmmmm? Well, maybe I could vacuum when I was done. Nah, that could not work, couldn't find the vacuum. Well, what I did next is really hard to describe in words but lets just say, I looked like spider man! Maybe I left one footprint, but that could be easily brushed over with a broom to make it disappear.

 

Well, as I stared the collection in the face, my heart raced with excitement. Names like Colon, Pacheco, Maelo, Tony Vega, Celia, Sonora Poncena and a lot more were in the mix! One album that stood out that I always wanted to hear was" A Tribute to Roberto Clemente". That was the first one I snatched. Took it right home and blasted it and busted out a few new moves. Every day for a week, I would go back, feed the rat, which really sucked. Every night, as soon as the door opened, furball would try to escape, (successfully only once). I would turn in old CDs and check out three new ones. (Just like the library). I went through about 20. Yep, life was good.

 

Now, on the night of Noche Buena, I took my curiosity a small step further and decided to look for the instruments. La vecina mentioned she had some.   We were all gonna go parandiando. No luck. I couldn't find any without having to go into some real private areas at which point, my conscience said "basta ya!" So I said, "fine, your loss."

 

Well, we still went parandiando and had a blast. As for the hairball, I kicked it few times for good luck (JUST KIDDING!). Actually, once accidentally I did. At night, I would enter the house completely pitch black and the cat would come in front of my feet as I walked.  You would think it could see better in the dark than me but.......

 

Anyway, when Mari got back, she brought me a gift. Actually, two. A very nice shirt that said Puerto Rico on it with a picture of the coqui and a desk ornament with PR's scenery. Very nice. I also expressed to her that I could not help but notice what a nice collection she had. One day I would LOVE to maybe get together and listen to some tunes and trade up a few CDs here and there and she said "cool." Done deal. She really appreciated what I did for them while they were gone. And I appreciated more the opportunity her absence provided me for expanding my Salsa awareness. Well, I'm sure I can get through her collection in no time flat. Wonder if I can be of service to any other salsa-lovin' neighbors that may be vacationing soon?! 

Click here to read more about Richard Vega!