Grief

Now that my trip to Las Vegas is ending I am filled with grief. I escaped it for a week by taking a spontaneous vacation.

When I arrive home, there will be an empty apartment. I will never get over the loss of both Hamlet and Lucy in the same year.

Grief is not just about death. Ending my recent relationship for good is leaving an empty feeling inside. One that I will fill with friends and just as I don’t want another cat, I also don’t want another serious relationship.

Finally and unfortunately, my trip to Las Vegas caused an estrangement from my father.

When I think about it I realize that I am very strong. It’s pretty brave to spend 5 days and nights in Las Vegas by yourself. I made the best of it. I am however very much looking forward to going back to NYC.

2015 was a tough year. I’m really wishing 2016 will bring more joy into my life.

#KonmariMethod and how it’s changed my life

After reading Marie Kondo’s bestseller I have been applying the Konmari method to cleaning up the clutter in my home. It really is as simple as asking yourself: Does this item spark joy for me. If yes, keep it and place it in the proper location. If not, thank it for it’s service to you and eliminate it.
I can’t begin to tell you how therapeutic this has been for me, especially since I am grieving two cats who passed away this year.

Here are some pictures of my inspiration and ways I have transformed my home:

These are my favorite DVDs and below are Hamlet and Lucy and a Thank You photo from Clinton/Gore for support. (I volunteered in 1992 at the NYC campaign office prior to the election.)

My favorite cards that are sentimental on display on top of my dresser drawers.

I cleaned out my foyer closet. I put my best shoes on the bookshelf and placed accessories (hats, gloves, umbrellas, etc.) in an over-the-door clear plastic shoe organizer.

What did not spark joy from my closet and on its way out.

My bedroom sans clutter.

Good luck to anyone who’s trying the Konmari Method! If you have, please share what it was like for you.

R.I.P. Lucy 2000-2015

There are thousands of cute cat videos online. Today’s motivational post and video are dedicated to my beloved cat Lucy, who passed February 28, 2015. I took this video of Hamlet, Lucy’s best friend, grooming her quite recently. Lucy had pancreatic cancer and I was given just moments to make a decision to put her to sleep. I didn’t know she was sick and she and I hugged goodbye. I kissed her sweet head and it was over quickly. I cry every day I miss her so much.
Within the same week, Hamlet, my feisty and sweet 15 year old, was diagnosed with small cell gastrointenstinal lymphoma. Hamlet began to get sick on Christmas Eve 2014. He saw 2 vets and is under the care of an oncologist. He has a very good prognosis and began chemotherapy pills last night. In addition, he takes chicken flavored prednisolone. He is a fighter and we’re praying he will enter remission.