Life, work and the pursuit of reality

Today was an interesting day and it just began!  I embrace each day as a learning experience and today was no different - here's a bit more into my world.

By birth, I must have been destined to be in sales or in a position where my interaction with people either on the phone or in person is a must.  My father was in sales and by watching him, I learned that relationships are so important.  He said, "your word is all you have when you don't have money in your pocket."  This has remained a constant throughout my life....anyway - 

Fundamentally, we work so that we can earn a living to eventually be able to have fun in life and enjoy the fruits of labor, right? So how to we live and not just exist?  That's the million dollar question.  When I started working, it was the best time of my life.  The freedom I associated with money was a drug and I needed more.  I was a workhorse and 20 plus years later, so much has changed..everything costs more, my needs have changed and there are times I feel like I've been on a treadmill doing the same robotical functions daily.

With the luxury of working from home, I [finally] embrace taking time for myself, while making a living.  I've finally achieved the ability to live and not just exist.  After all these years, I realize having good health is the most important gift.  Since I realized smoking isn't cool, cursing isn't lady like and friends are only true went in times of trouble, they embrace you and are concerned with your well being - I'm loving life!

I Skype-ed with my family last night and what I learned from that conversation is not to beat yourself up, recognize your gifts in life and embrace them.  Everything happens for a reason and just for today, there are no such thing as coincidences.

Peace, love and patience - Georgia 

Tippy's Progress - A furball's journey

I start my first blog with a bit of a heavy heart. As anyone who finds this blog to read and comprehend the pain, denial and reluctant acceptance of a pet who was diagnosed with cancer, it no easier than a cousin, sister, parent, aunt or friend.  Before I introduce you to Tippy, allow me to introduce myself to you.

I am a happily married lady, living in Northern NJ with a loving husband and Tippy [DINK = Double Income, No Kids].  Our Tippy came to us through an adoption and she's been phenomenal - turning many from "I can't stand cats, except Tippy's different!"

Tippy is a 13 year old orange long haired tabby - who, if we didn't take her home, couldn't imagine what her destiny could have been.  She was in the back of a cage, looking at me with huge green eyes and I said, "OK, I'll take her home."  No sooner did I do that, did she latch onto my neck like a necklace and I've been in love and we've been inseparable since.

As time progressed, her demeanor and love for life was evident.  Extremely happy, welcoming and purring with sheer happiness.  She knows when I'm preparing to leave on a business trip - those who have pets understand.  It still amazes me how as many times as I open the closet with the luggage, she intuitively knows when it's "that time."

One trip made me take another look at her as she was so gaunt - still purring, but gaunt as can be.  She began eating plastic - specific grades.  They had to have a considerable scent, tons of toxins due to the pretty colors [like the Viva plastic around the paper towels] that she enjoyed so much only to expel later on.

Have I been so neglectful that I became complacent of Tippy's everyday mannerisms?  After speaking to my husband, we decided to take her to the VET to help find out what happened and what we could do to help her out.  Surely there was a medicine/shot/ointment we could give her to make her be "normal" again.  We got a second opinion through another VET as we couldn't believe the first one's prognosis.  After a sonogram, blood work and a biopsy - she could either have blockage or lymphoma - the reason for could is merely due to the biopsy not yielding accurate results.  Opting for quality of life, we are giving her pills in lieu of chemotherapy.

It's been four months since her prognosis.  She's got her good days and bad ones - just like all of us.  We know nothing is forever, but allowing her to have a good quality of life, while feeding her the worst possible smelling food available to society, makes us that much better until it's time.

It's not easy.  I cry at times, but know in my heart that this was the best choice for her.  I welcome those who want to share their stories.  Thanks for reading this blog!  Check back for more parts of my life that I want to share just to prove that I'm not alone!

Love, peace and patience!  Georgia