Hey friends! What’s new?
It’s been so long since I’ve given you an update on real life over here… But the longer I wait, the harder it gets to pick up my routine again, so here’s everything that’s been going on in the last month or so.
New Job
For starters, about one month ago I started a brand new full-time job with AdThrive, an ad optimization and management company for bloggers! I’m part of their communications team and I am loving every second of it so far! I get to work from home and spend time helping bloggers make as much money as possible from their sites – it’s my dream job in every sense of the phrase!
I even posed for a new headshot for the occasion:
Needless to say, learning how to re-shape my life around a full-time job has been (to quote The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt theme song) a fascinating transition. I tend to throw myself into each new project 110%, so I’m learning to give myself time to find a new normal.
So far, that’s translated to fewer blog and social media posts as I work out what balance looks like, as a not-very-balanced individual 😉
Farewell to Abby
Oh you guys. How to even transition to this one?
This past weekend, I had to say goodbye to Abby, my sweet black Halloween kitty that I’ve had for the past seventeen years… since I was eleven years old.
It’s so strange to look up and see her chair empty.
It was a heart-wrenching decision, but I know it was time for her to finally be free. Over the last several years, she deteriorated quickly, but I had such a hard time accepting what was actually happening to her until this year brought some heart-breaking realizations about her quality of life and what she was going through. I have peace about the fact that she’s no longer in any more pain or confusion or suffering, but I’m sure you can understand how rough it was to come to that place.
Growing up, I always referred to her as my closest friend, because she walked with me through all the dramatic emotions of my teenage years and was always there with soothing snuggles. She instantly appeared at the sound of sniffles, just in case I needed comforting! (Even when it just turned out to be allergies, she would run in the room with a concerned look on expressive face.)
She was so fond of “holding hands” – and would slip a paw or two under my hands when she napped to keep them warm.
She will always hold an irreplaceable part in my heart… Truthfully, I haven’t even begun to come to terms with this loss yet, and I know it will continue to be a slow process and hole in my heart for some time to come. I can’t imagine a better friend or companion than this gentle girl. Abby Chrysanthemum, I will love you always!
A New Addition
I know it’s absolutely nuts, but this past weekend we also opened our hearts and homes to another adopted kitty. After knowing for so long that Abby’s days were drawing to an end and finally making that painful call, all I wanted to do was throw myself into giving a good home to another rescue.
I honestly went to the animal shelter hoping to meet another Abby soul-sister (or brother). There was a huge, chubby black cat that wouldn’t stop engaging with me through the glass and I was totally sold by his sweet face, but we learned that he had come back to the shelter from a foster home with a second cat because he absolutely freaked out around other animals, so sadly I couldn’t bring him home!
I knew that I definitely didn’t want a kitten – so much energy! So demanding!
And yet, that’s exactly who we ended up bringing home because this little guy stole our hearts with his attention-seeking antics and outrageously loud purring.
We haven’t quite settled on the perfect name yet, but he doesn’t seem to mind! He’s happy as long as he can have plenty of face time 🙂
Abby would absolutely despise his rambunctious energy and that makes me smile.
Because of course, she could never EVER be replaced, and I couldn’t even try. But a little guy full of energy is a wonderful way to distract my heart while it slowly heals!
In other news, the bedroom is finally finished!
I photographed it over a week ago and I’ll be sharing it with you as soon as I find time to pull the post together!
Stay tuned!
Thank you for following along on this journey with me, friends!
i am crying as i read this because i relate to everything you said about your decision. we need to pick a day this week with jake, and i need chris with me. it’s the right thing, too, but it makes my heart hurt so much. thinking of you and congrats on the new kitty- he’s adorable! maybe you could name him downton… get it… abby, downton abbey. 😉 or a song off abbey road… here comes the sun, which seems like an appropriate feeling…. sunny?
Aww so sorry about sweet Abby. That’s so tough. Hope I get to meet that new pumpkin this summer!
I am so very sorry about Abby, but happy that you had so many happy years together. It’s such a terribly hard thing to lose them.
I’m so sorry about Abby.
No-name is super cute, btw! I often wonder if my dog would like a kitty friend.
Nothing left to be said about Abby. She was one unique cat, and very much a one person-cat. She had affection for no one else other than you. You can be comforted in fact that not only was she great friend to you, but you were best for her.
It has been quite a roller coaster month for you. Congratulations on the new job!
Gosh hun, I can totally relate with your dear Abby (my Ky bears still gets me misty-eyed). Abby had a wonderful life with your family and a lot of time with you! It’s never an easy decision.
Such a sweet little kitty you have, purring, cuddles, and sweet kisses can help fill that void for sure! I’m so excited for you and your wonderful new job- it’s so you! Cannot wait to see the rest of the room!
I’m so sorry for your loss! Abby grew up with you.
All the best on your new job and new addition to the family! We have a new puppy. Those youngsters can really bring joy and smiles.
I’m so sorry about Abby and totally understand that you felt the need to adopt right away again. Same thing for us. He’s so so cute
I teared up a little bit, lost my kitty recently after long years together as well. They’re just so loving animals <3 But you're new one is so cute!! And it's nice to know you're working in your dream job, congratulations for that, best of luck!