Hug your Kitty!

Sometimes I take the good things in my life for granted. We all do. It's just human nature. Not a particularly appealing aspect of human nature - but a very real one, nonetheless.

I live alone with two cats. They are interesting individuals - totally different from one another. And yet, both are devoted to me, in their own unique ways. Every day when I leave for work, they walk me to the door. Every day when I come home, they greet me in the entryway with welcoming meows and long, approving stretches. When I'm working at the computer, Max takes up his post at or on my feet. Nicky finds a place near the monitor and waits patiently for me to finish. Whatever room I'm in...they're with me. When I'm watching TV, they both have a special place on the sofa where they join me. At night, Nicky lies quietly next to me, while Max curls up between my legs or at my feet. Even though cats are supposed to be nocturnal, they stick right by my side during each and every night. During the day, we have frequent conversations and sometimes it actually feels as if they are understanding me - and that I'm understanding them. I would be a lonely old broad indeed without my kitties.

I don't miss a day without reading Wil Wheaton's blog. Over the course of the last few weeks, he has lost both of his much-loved kitties. It's the pain every pet owner knows they must face eventually. As much as we rationalize and know the day will come...nothing can quite prepare us for the reality of the separation and grief.

My little Nicky came to me as a stray adult. I have no idea how old she is, but I've had her 11 years. I used to think she was just coming into adulthood when I adopted her, but now I know she is merely a tiny cat, and could have been several years old at the time. We have been through so much together. Surgeries (for both of us), vandalism (targeted at both of us), accidents and moving halfway across the country (it took her months to forgive me for THAT!). She is by far the sweetest creature God ever gave breath to. She is just one big, loving purr-ball. I hate to think about life without her. But, I know the day will come.

Wil's separation from his beloved cats has made me stop and feel the love even more from my two. I know they have no concept of "life" or death or anything other than their immediate needs. The best I can do for them - and for me - is to make their "now" as happy as I possibly can. In exchange, they bring immeasurable happiness to me. Just by being themselves. What more could we ask?

So, go hug your kitties. And your kids. And your Grumpy Old Significant Other. And anybody/anything else that makes your life rich and worthwhile. It'll make you less grumpy. I guarantee it.

General Observations While Bouncing Around the Room

It is decidedly low-class to continue to use television commercials featuring your now-deceased founder (Johnnie Cochran) to hype business for your lawfirm. (I guess I'm still twitching over lawfirms advertising in the first place.) The guy is DEAD! Put him to rest!

Concerning matters a little closer to home....

I am probably the only human being on the planet who can spend the better part of two weeks in bed (alone) and come out of it with a sprained knee. I have NO idea how that happened, but at some point during my flu convalescence I twisted the damn thing! It's only getting worse with the ice/heat/ibuprofen treatment. I'm going to prednisone now. And, of course, that's just loads of fun when it's time to taper off. Getting old is not for sissies!

I've got too much stuff. Not much of it is worth a damn. It...just...IS. Everywhere. I've made a pact with myself to get rid of two bags of it per week - either via the trash or through thrift store donations. I've met this week's quota. It was easy. I didn't even cringe when I threw away the souvenir Eskimo doll from Anchorage. I think all the toys I'm saving for my phantom "grandchildren" (HAH!) are next. Let the little buggars get their own stuff!

Anybody want some nice, crocheted luncheon mats? How about a set of ceramic cheese spreaders shaped like bears?

Blogger Hall of Shame

I should be drummed out of the Blogger Corps. I just haven't been moved to post anything in so long! I have excuses.

On April 2, I went on a real, sure-nuff vacation to the Texas Hill Country where I joined thousands of other tourists wading through stunning roadside displays of bluebonnets and other wildflowers. It was gorgeous! I mixed this trek with a little family schmoozing and spent 9 days away.

The night before I was to come home, I got sick. Wouldn't you know! At least it didn't ruin my vacation. But, it pretty much ruined the next 10 days! Where has April gone? I'm still recovering...weak as a kitten. But at least I am able to hold up my head and pretend to be doing something constructive.

In the meantime, countless situations that needed my attention have just slipped by, seemingly unnoticed. We have a new Pope, for crying out loud!

It may be weeks before I'm my old self. But, for now, I'm too sick and weak to do much more than whimper. Although, I think I may deck the next person who tells me I need to go see a doctor.