Saturday, December 15, 2012

shut out the noise



I'm glad there's not a bird in there.




Maybe because of yesterday, this decal jumped out at me as the perfect stocking stuffer. My definition of family is deep and wide. There's room for you in the teepee.

I tend to get stressed out before the holidays. Today I decided I'm having none of it--I'm shutting out the noise and expectations. Life is too short. So if I don't get the Christmas cards done or buy a tree until Christmas Eve, that's okay. (And if you have a good tip on keeping indoor cats happy, I'm listening. It's my first time.)

 I hope you are enjoying a lovely stress-free weekend.

xo,

Jen




25 comments:

  1. Good attitude Jen -- we can't let the shoulds take away from life. I have to always remind myself that the things I obsess on are virtually nothing in the whole scheme of things.

    Catnip, scratching post (although I think they're ugly), balls with bells in them. And lots of room for jumping and chasing shadows. :)

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    1. It's so liberating to give myself permission to not do something.

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  2. Beautiful. Good thoughts here. I need those today. Thanks Jen.

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    1. We all do. Let's keep spreading them around.

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  3. Rushing and stressing is not worth it Jen.
    Health and happiness is what this season is all about..
    Enjoy your days.
    enjoy your weekend ..no stress jen..
    best wishes
    val

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    1. Thank you, Val. Hope you have a great weekend.

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  4. I am a new follower of your lovely blog. I have my first indoor only cat - have had her 5 years now. She is Siamese. We have had many cats but this is the first inside only. It took my husband awhile to get used to it. Siamese cats crave human attention and touch so it makes it easy keeping her inside. I finally found the best kitty little system for me - sifting bags. SO easy to clean up. I started her on Science Diet dry food and she is the first cat I've ever had that eats it all. She hates soft food. My other cats were so picky - didn't even eat all their soft food which they wanted over dry every time. So even though Science Diet costs more, we have figured it is much cheaper in the long run because she eats it all. We have counted on her living to 18 to 20 years which is what Siamese usually do, however, she has a heart condition and takes Atenol every day for it. I get it in liqud form so we put it in her cheek with a little plastic syringe. Enjoy your new inside cat. They do require lots of loving but give it back double.

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting and for the kitty tips. Hope your Siamese stays healthy and has a long and happy life.

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  5. One more thing - she is the first cat I've owned that uses her scratching post and pads and not the furniture.

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    1. I am definitely encouraging that. :) I put catnip on the scratching post.

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  6. sounds good. I'm taking christmas easy, too.. and I'll brainstorm on the indoor cats. mine seem happy. not sure I'm doing anything for it, though :)

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    1. Thanks, Petra. So far we're doing okay. The mother cat is pretty mellow and my son plays with the kitten a lot to tire her out.

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  7. Not a shred of Christmas in my house!!! I'm not stressed about that, but I wish I had time to buy Christmas cards, send packages. A tree bought on Christmas Eve is the best!!!

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    1. New Years cards. That's the key. When I was a child we always put our tree up on Christmas Eve.

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  8. Sounds nice to hear no need for obligation but for love.
    Have a nice and peaceful Sunday, Jen.

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    1. Yes, love. And compassion.
      I have the odd juxtaposition of a desire for Sunday peace knowing I will be watching (American) football.

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  9. Definitely New Years cards, I agree. As for the cats, if you have an electric mattress pad on your bed instead of an electric blanket, you can keep it on all day for the cats. They just love heat and will sleep and sleep.

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    1. I don't have either, but what a great idea!

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  10. i know I want to send cards to all of you my internet friends. but time is running away from me/us.

    Keep indoor cats happy? let 'em out a little bit everyday, just don't tell Steve I said that:-)

    Kittens and Christmas trees = oil and water.
    xo jane

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  11. oh Jen! That was a lovely thing to say... we have the same sence of family
    I tent to get a bit sad before Christmas I really don't know what it is that makes me sad or why.
    But it does go away if I give my self some piece of mind, shutting the noise out as you say...

    lots of love xoxox

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  12. Putting the tree up today with a very heavy heart. Way behind on everything for the first time ever, I don't care. All I know is that I received the gifts I ordered for my 4 year old godsons who live in Connecticut and I can't wait to see their little faces, and thrilled that I can.

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  13. Good for you to take it easy Jen!!! I still have to send my cards too, but the tree is up :-)

    Happy new week!

    Madelief x

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  14. Hello Jen

    You are so right to take a break. It can all wait. I am also late this year but it will all get done too.

    Have a glorious week

    Helen xx

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  15. Dear Jen - Unfortunately no tips from my side... as you know no experience... with the rest I do absolutely agree - although - I am not yet there where you are... still stressed... working extra hour in the office etc. etc. but Christmas Eve will come anyway and it will be as it will be... nice and cozy even if not everything is done! Thanks for your intelligent words! Christa

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  16. That was a sweet thought. Catnip mice. Merry Christmas!

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