Cat Dreams

I dreamed of Licorice again last night.

It was just a normal-seeming moment: as I watched my big, fluffy Misty pop in through the cat door, she was followed by her sleek black sister, Licorice. I exclaimed to Misty, "You brought your sister home for Christmas!" and they both just stared at me with silly, cheerful, kitty grins on their faces. It was one of those dreams that was so realistic, I believed it was true!

When I woke up this morning, I was painfully disappointed to find that it was just a dream - again. And Misty was too. She's sitting on my lap now, purring and reaching her paws out to my hands and wrists trying to get me to stop typing, and pet her! I wonder if she had the same dream. I wonder if she's still missing her sister too. Normally, she's very independent - content to sit beside me and snore while I'm sitting at my desk. But this morning as I retrieved the newspaper, got my cup of tea and settled down to relax a few minutes, she hasn't wanted to leave my side - or my lap!

Certainly cats dream - anyone can tell you silly stories of their cats' paws twitching as they dream of chasing mice or birds. And certainly cats are sympathetic - always the first to offer comfort when you're feeling sick or blue. But is it possible they can share their dreams with their people? She was so happy in my dream - it's been 6 months since her sweet sister, Licorice, disappeared (courtesy of the bald eagle that lives nearby) - is it possible she still dreams her sister will come home?

Maybe she's just getting old, and the cold outside made her seek out the warmth of my lap... maybe. Maybe I'm just getting old, and wanted to fill that empty spot in my heart with my silky black, beautiful Licorice.

But maybe, just maybe, our Licorice-ster little-sister visited us in our dreams to bring us a spot of Christmas joy!

First Monday Back to Work!

Well, it's been my first Monday back to work since August - my forced vacation lasted exactly 4 months. I've found a new position, and it seems to be working out great. Just today, I overheard two of the other employees chatting about how much work I was getting done. I think they had feared their newbie would need lots of training!

So, now I am working as Office Manager/Bookkeeper for a small CPA firm called Schram & Associates, located quite close to home in Covington. We have a handful of friendly employees, and a solid and growing client base. The firm handles personal and business income taxes as well as offering ongoing business accounting services - really a full service company! Do you know anyone looking for a new tax preparer? Give me a buzz and I will hook you up!

I was hoping that being back to work would be like a magic wand in lifting my melacholy... but then I remembered that I was feeling a bit despondent before the layoff! Today, it was back to the old pattern of coming home to a messy house (except the kitchen, which I suspect hadn't been used all day) with two lumps camped out on the couch and a toddler in yesterday's dirty clothes putting around in a pile of toys and books scattered about the living room floor. Add to that the stalled Christmas decorating, and it was overwhelming just coming through the door. Scotty says I just need to get over it... right.

So, I will continue in this new pattern and find a new rhythm to my days. I'm sure there's a light at the end of the tunnel - I just hope it isn't another oncoming train!

The brief snow we had last week was a peaceful reminder that God is in charge in all seasons of life. I just need to remember His blessings and focus on the bright side!