That's a great article Java. I, the doggy lama, often get asked why cats 'act out' by not using the box and I generally tall them the same thing, but that article says it better.. Great to have a link to send folks to.

I'm sorry for your loss Nora. I'm around if you need DC support.

We had a very small, very private memorial service for StE, only four of us, family. And we clung and supported each other, and didn't have to endure and help other people through their easy, social "sympathy."

Bless you, Beverly. That was a great plan and, in the end, far more meaningful.

Easy, social sympathy is a perfect way to put it. I just don't get it. I think people most often sincerly mean well, but the delivery can be so, SO wrong.

My problem is often that people look to me to carry their emotional water...at some pretty inappropriate times. But because I'm a therapist, I'm supposed to deal with other people first right? It's like living next door to a firefighter and expecting him/her to put out your first first, even if their house is more engulfed.

Example: When I returned to Lockerbie in 1995...long story...an older man offered to take me to one of the local memorials. As I was struggling with my pent up feelings, he suddenly broke down and had to tell me all about losing his wife 20 years before.

At a time when I really needed to just be human, I had to rationalize for someone else...he's old, he's insensitive, etc. I had this sense of myself, folding up my 'stuff', tucking it back in my chest. That has happened a lot.

I subscribe to the notion that we train people how to treat us and I'm still scratching my head as to what I put out (when I'm not working) that makes it okay to not consider my feelings. Perhaps it is that people are so into their own thing...all the time...they just don't notice.

Wow. That comes off as a bit whiney.

I guess I'm mad at myself for venturing back into the clutches of the emotionlly unstable hairdresser again this after noon and I'm in a monumental temper. Hear me and heed me: NEVER again.

Does leaving the year with aggro in my heart mean I can be all peaceful in the new year? Jeebus. I hope so.

Thanks, bonny. I stumbled onto it on The Stanford (Univ.) Cat Network website. It has an excellent collection of linky cat info under "resources." [link]

Maybe it just means you'll be a woman warrior in the new year and be better armed to get what you want.

Maybe it just means you'll be a woman warrior in the new year and be better armed to get what you want.

This. THIS. Yes, please, this!

Thanks for that lovely benediction. From your lips to whomsoever is the boss of my life's ears.

man I wanted a Big Mac so bad but now that I have it... I'm sitting here staring at it as it continues to fail to live up to my expectations. I can't decide which is a worse sin- eating it or throwing it out.

The fries are good.

You know, since it is not good for you, nutritionally is is wasted whether you eat it or not. The only point of it was to give you pleasure. If eating it won't give you pleasure than throw it away and avoid the health consequences. Replace it with something else you will enjoy eating. It is a "little of what you fancy does you good". Not a little of what you thought you fancied, but dreally don't want.

Oh but I meant to say- about the cat litter... I was scooping daily as soon as I got home from work but then the cat started running to use the litter box as soon as I got home so I thought maybe she was trying to say I clean it too often. That article says twice a day so is daily not enough? I only have the one cat who could do her business outside if she wanted. Don't know why she insists on using the litter box.

I can't decide which is a worse sin- eating it or throwing it out.

Eating it.

Junk food may make your life shorter if you have too much, but one thing is for sure - life is too short to eat bad junk food. Also, because life is so long, make sure when you do indulge that you really enjoy it. The last thing you want flashing before your eyes is years wasted on crappy tasting junk food.

I put the big mac in the fridge. If D doesn't want it, I'll toss it. I could wash the patty off and give the dog a little piece and the cat an even littler one.

Is anybody else staying home? I got some grapes for midnight but that's about it. No champagne even. Last year I went to the gay bar and Elvis gave me a monkey.

{{Nora}}

and i agree with Typoboy - toss the food that isn't tasty or good for you

I am staying home. I had a nummy dinner and far too much wine. I am wearing comfy clothes and sitting propped up on lots of pillows.

Life is good.