Taking a little break from the cruise picture posting.  This week's events have had me a little more serious.  I'm obviously still getting over the loss of my cat, so I haven't been able to divert much energy to organizing any more photos.  I'll finish that later, as I know you're on the edge of your seat.

Since Albus's passing, I've been trying really hard to give Aberforth as much attention as possible.  Although the two of them only had about a month and a half of bonding, Aberforth hasn't ever been without another kitty to play with.  Initially when I came home on Friday, I knew he was looking for Albus.  He seems ok now, but lonely.  Or maybe I'm telling myself out of guilt that he's lonely and he needs me.  But either way, he has been a real comfort to me.  He is as sweet as Albus always was, and for that I'm thankful.

Friday was really hard.  I mean really, really hard.  Grieving for an animal is difficult, because it's a very lonely grief.  I'm not saying the loss of an animal is of the same magnitude as a person.  But for someone who has no immediate family of their own (speaking as far as husband and children, not siblings and parents) the loss of a pet is a big deal.  And because that pet was only yours, no one shares in your grief in quite the same way you do.  However, people have been amazingly understanding and compassionate.

Things that have helped me: being with my family, watching Big Bang Theory and NCIS, snuggling with Aberforth, and listening to Disney music.  I am hoping to feel better soon.

Albus

It is with sadness that I tell you that yesterday, my sweet kitty Albus passed away.  It was all very fast and unexpected, and overall a very traumatic and awful experience I'd rather stop re-living again and again, so I won't talk about that.

Albus, you were the greatest friend in a cat I could have asked for in the past year and a half.  You came to me a short while after a really rough time, and helped me heal.  In times when I felt alone, you were there for me.  And even during the times that sometimes I felt like you got a little under my skin by having your night terrors running from one end of the apartment to another, jumping on the counters and dining table, and stealing all of my hair ties to play with them, you still loved me unconditionally.

I had envisioned having you for many many years.  You being my buddy through thick and thin, until I was well into my thirties.  And I know you would have if you could.

You were always so excited to see me when I got home.  You would be right there at the door to greet me.  I had often heard people say that dogs were just the more lovable and kind animal, I would smile to myself and think, "Not Albus."  You wanted to be everywhere I was.  And you loved everyone you met, also.  Even my dad, who has never liked cats, liked you.

I miss you, Albus.  When I came home to my apartment for the first time last night and you weren't there to greet me, I felt so lonely and heartbroken.  Though I've cried many tears over you and know I will cry more, I will always remember you and the joy you brought me for a year and a half.  It was too short.

He didn't enjoy taking pictures with me. 

 Always so sweet and loving.

The Most Interesting Cat in the World 

This was just a few months ago.  So playful. 

Getting used to a new brother.

Welcome Aberforth!

So now that you know I'm a Feminist, we can move on with things.

Since I am wanting to blog about more than just my boring old life, I felt like that was something I needed to get out there.  I want to be honest about the issues that I care about.

Now back to my life, since I believe I do owe somewhat of an update since I've been gone for most of the new year thus far.

I have added a new addition to my family: a kitten named Aberforth!

I have had him now for two weeks.  Aberforth has been an awesome little brother for Albus.  At first it was difficult, and I honestly thought it might not work out for me to keep him.  They hissed and fought, and Aberforth would hide under my dresser and not let me come near him for the first couple of days.  Of all the cats I've had over the years, I've never had one that was afraid of me.  But finally, things settled down and they are best friends.  I am glad that Albus does not have to sit at my apartment all alone while I work.  He now has a buddy to play with when I'm not around.  Aberforth is a sweet kitty.

And yes, my cats are named Albus and Aberforth.  What of it?  I like Harry Potter and now my cats do too.

Go ahead and call me the crazy cat lady.  I don't care!

Lovely Sunday morning with the Olympics on TV (women's cycling) and a cup of coffee in hand.  I do wish we could watch the games live, because I feel like I have to be so careful not to find out who wins anything ahead of time.  Mostly with my favorite sports does it really matter.  But even then, it's still no fun to already know the results.  It's raining in London... I feel like that is not surprising at all.  I always imagine a lot of rain when I think of England.  Which probably means there are dementors everywhere... right?

Ahhh my cat is driving me insane!!  I bought this spray called Ssscat to keep on the counter.  It has a sensor which detects when the cat jumps up and sprays him.  It worked wonders while I had it.  When I went back to get a refill, PetsMart was all out.  Now my cat is out of control and I can't figure out how to keep him off tables and counters.  I don't like being harsh with him, which might be the reason I can't get him under control.  I need ideas... because it is getting old.  And it's just gross having a cat jumping on your counters and tables.  Nobody wants that.

I never did get called into work last night... hallelujah!!  I had picked up all this overtime, and was kind of regretting it.  I have two more OT days in the next two weeks and I hope I get canceled one.  I do want to work OT, just not as much as I signed up for.  Got some cool things coming up I need to save for.  Announcements will be coming soon... but not until I've got some stuff set in stone!

One cool thing I can announce (because I know you're all just on the edge of your seats!) is that in October I'm going to Cleveland to visit Lindsey!  I went a couple of years ago and it was a blast!  But there was a TON of snow, which was awesome, but kept us from doing quite as much as we might otherwise.  I figured a fall trip might be perfect.  Not hot, but hopefully a little cold (I do enjoy colder weather-- colder not FREEZING) and fall.  Did I mention fall?  I love fall!!

If you are anywhere in the northeast Florida or southeast Georgia regions, you are probably well aware of the wildfires and thick smoke in the air.  Today was almost unbearable.  I don't know if the pictures above do it justice, but the air is thick with smoke.  Even for someone like me who doesn't generally have issues when it get smoky, it has been miserable and difficult to breathe even indoors.

And for good measure I added a picture of me and my kitty Albus.  Isn't he cute?!

In looking at the picture below, I realized I look quite domestic with a cook book on the shelf. But that's where it stays, on the shelf. I never, ever cook. It's sad. I just don't enjoy cooking, I'd rather bake but then everything you bake is way unhealthy. So I don't do any of it.

Albus is sooo sweet, has been so much fun (if a bit of a pill at times). Things he likes: perching on my shoulder, chasing around the laser pointer, having his ears scratched, and snuggling. Things he hates: when I shower, when I make him sleep in the bathroom because he won't stop attacking my feet at night (don't worry, he has a litter box and plenty of food and water in there and room to play), and when I have to do my hair or put on make up (because he can't be right in my face at all times).

This week at work: I experienced my first full-blown CODE and patient death, though it wasn't actually my patient. It was a nightmare of a code, the worst I could have imagined (it happened on the floor), but I was glad I got to help in any way I could. When it was over I felt like I was going to vomit from the adrenaline rush, it was so bad, and I had a headache half the night (all I can say is, I believe God gives us supernatural strength in times like that). It was an emotionless thing, however, which surprised me. There's a wall between you and your patients most of the time, and I intend to keep that wall there. Otherwise I couldn't cope with work.

The count-down to Lauren's wedding has begun, and I'm getting things ready for the bachelorette party. No, no craziness like drunken binges or strippers kind of bachelorette party, it will be very tame and wholesome with lots of fun involved! I can't wait, and I'm so excited and happy for Lauren and Brennan. When they got engaged almost a year ago, the wedding seemed so far away, and yet here we are now.

Life has found a new rhythm, and I'm happy with it. God is showing Himself to me as my source of comfort and provision, and though I'm not always happy, I can trust Him and His goodness. It's enough, especially when nothing else is.

My new little buddy, Albus.

Yesterday Albus joined me in my little town house. Four roommates, two cats, and one dog. A full house, I'd say. He's a sweetie and really cuddly. So far, he's a good fit in the house.

I used to blog almost every day, and here I am with barely weekly updates and half the time I don't even talk about my life anymore. Maybe every day was overkill, but I have gotten lazy about this. And maybe my life just isn't exciting/cute/fun/interesting enough to talk about on a blog. Work. Sleep. Eat. Then do it again.

Ok, I do more than that (sometimes it doesn't feel like it though!). I applied to get a male kitten over the weekend. I'm so hoping I find out today if I get him! He is two months old, and when I held him he curled right up in my lap. If they tell me no I will be so upset. I'm hoping by this evening I will be the proud new owner of a kitten, but I have my doubts. I might start looking on Craigslist or something but I really want this one. Unfortunately I made the mistake of marking "I don't know" when it came to de-clawing, even though I don't plan on doing it unless absolutely necessary. So when they saw that they grilled me on it, and then I find out they will deny people kittens if someone plans to de-claw. Stupid, stupid! Shouldn't that be up to the owner, anyway?

It's been nice having another few days off of work. I went home yesterday after church, then hung out with Tricia and Alex which is always fun. I need to be productive today and get some cleaning done as I've neglected that a lot since I've been gone so much this summer.