Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Life Happens...

...blink and you'll miss it.

Life has thrown me for a loop lately. Actually several loops if you want to get down to it.

I've been keeping track as they come, just getting down bits and pieces in blog posts, to come back to later when life calms down a bit.

I like a journal for many reasons. It's theraputic for me to write out life's ups and downs, to get them out of my head so my mind can rest a bit. My mind is constantly going, there are always many "somethings" I'm thinking about. More importantly, when I become inclined to feel sorry for myself, I can look back at past struggles and know that I have endured and come through.

Life has been interesting lately. We've added a new member to our household. Had multiple trips to the emergency room. (Not for me, thank the Lord) Multiple trips to the vet. Weighty decisions concerning my health and our future. A flooded home. Finding lost treasure. And more little things.

Like I said, interesting. I'm just trying to take things as they come.

And to catch up and finally take a breath.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

We All Have Scars

"Scars are not here to remind us how much pain we have experienced but to remind us about how much we have overcome."

Something I really needed to hear today.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Sick Cat

Our new little one has a cold. Poor thing, she looks and sounds so miserable.

I took her in last Wednesday for her free follow up at a local vet after her spaying surgery. She was doing well. They treated her for tapeworms, (ick) gave me some flea medication to prevent future worms, and sent us on our merry way.

Thursday she started sneezing a bit. On Friday night she was looking pretty miserable so we decided to call for an appointment the next morning.

I took her in this afternoon, its a respiratory infection and all I can do for her is give her kitty decongestant, keep her happy and warm, wait for the cold to run it's course, and keep her away from Chu. They told me to return if she started having discharge from her eyes.

They also found her ears clogged with ear mites and ear mite dirt. (Again, ick) They were shocked that the other vet clinic didn't find them. That's because they never even bothered to look. I guess you get what you pay for, but in their partnership with the SPCA I would think the animal clinic would take it as an opportunity to attract new customers by providing great service. Mildly annoying to say the least.

I'm still glad we could rescue and provide her a home even though she is costing more than first anticipated. I'm sure she will get well and be a happy, healthy cat in no time.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

New Edition

Last night we welcomed a new little one into our home. And by little, I mean 6 lbs, 4 oz. Tiny! We named her Midna.

It's been a long time coming. I asked a couple of years ago to adopt another cat, Brandon said yes. We agreed to adopt from a shelter or other adoption program. We decided on another female, male cats are fine but you have to get them young and have them altered before they start spraying, we can't have a cat spraying up inside our apartment and we refuse to just let a cat roam free in the city. We decided on a kitten or young cat so she would not be too set in her ways and would be more accepting of the cat we already have.

Every time we would find a cat meeting our agreed upon requirements, Brandon would grow indecisive.

While volunteering at the SPCA on Friday I found a little cat in one of the back rooms where they don't get a lot of attention. Brandon came down and we agreed to adopt her. She is a Tortie-point Siamese/domestic short hair mix, blue eyes, brown points, with light yellow patches here and there and some crazy speckled whiskers. She's 1 1/2 years old, has a sweet, affectionate temperament, and a purr that is ridiculously loud for her small size. Maybe that's why the shelter called her Sweet Pea.

We currently have her closed up in our huge bathroom because we need to have her health checked before we expose her to Chu. Cats can pick up highly contagious, respiratory infections in shelters and her paperwork says she was brought in as a stray so she could have worms. She was given medication for both as a precaution but I would rather be safe then sorry. Also it isn't good to just shove 2 strange cats in each others faces right away. We will use a number of techniques to introduce their smells to each other before they actually get to meet in a week or so.

Chu is a bit nervous, she knows some strange beast has entered her territory. Midna is somewhat curious but doesn't seem put out by Chu. I'm anxious to get them together. I'm pretty sure they will be friends before long.

The poor thing looks so ragged but with a proper bath in a couple of weeks and some good food she will become a good looking little girl. We are happy to give her a home and affection.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Flabbergasted!

I woke up Saturday feeling like I had a hangover which is quite a feat for someone who doesn't drink.  Needless to say I skipped Brandon's company barbeque and instead curled up to finish what has to be one of the most depressing books ever written. (1984)  My older brother called at 10:45 am which I briefly thought  strange since they are now 2 hours behind in Arizona and he doesn't usually call me that early.  We chatted for a bit and then he mentioned seeing us at church the next morning.  Huh?  He chuckled and told me they were in town because Jessica's grandmother had finally passed away after months of poor health.  He wanted information on what mom was up to for Mother's day.  He decided since they had to come he would surprise her.  Brandon and I coordinated with Jeff and kept it a secret from everyone. 

Sunday afternoon there was a knock on the door at my grandmother's home where we were gathered.  I contained my smile as my grandma opened the door to find Jeff and Jessica standing there with flowers.  She did a double take then fell against the wall she was so surprised.  By that time I was bouncing up and down on the couch, clapping like a small child and grinning from ear to ear.  My mom got up at my grandma's exclamations and her jaw dropped.  Everyone was so surprised.  Then my mom wanted to know who knew, only Brandon and me, and called us sneaky. 

It was a good surprise for my mom and grandma.  I'm sure they'll remember it for years.