Pity Party

I spent yesterday and today working my way through a pint of chocolate, chocolate chip Haagen-Daz. When I was pregnant with my first child I frequently ate a pint a day which equaled huge weight gain with that pregnancy. I have gotten away from it now, and when I do eat it - it takes me 4 to 5 days to get through a pint. I probably do it about 4 times a year now.

Friday was my favorite boss's last day. We are working remotely and there isn't a really good way for a fabulous sendoff for someone when you can't be with them in person, not to mention the fact that she lives in Wisconsin and I am in Illinois. Still. I wanted to be able to do something.

Feeling sorry for myself is not something I like to indulge in (unless it is about discontinued favorite foods - cough) and even if I do - I generally don't drown myself in high dollar, high fat content ice cream. But when I do - it's always chocolate, chocolate chip Haagen-Daz. 

My constitution has changed since I was young and pregnant, though. Because now when I eat a pint of ice cream over the course of 2 days - it goes right through me and I actually lose a few pounds. 

Win, win, if you ask me. I get to have a pity party AND lose weight! 

Still, I'm going to miss you Heidi. I hope your new job brings you no reasons to binge on ice cream and many new and lovely coworkers! 

.. and then there were two.

Riley lived a good, long life.  But with the recent diagnosis of bladder cancer and the discomfort it was causing, it was time to say goodbye.

Riley was 20 years old and I will miss him every. single. day.

I love you old man.

My pretty green-eyed girl

Today we had to make the decision to let Jakie go.  She seemed ill last night and since she has diabetes I took her to the vet this morning where we learned she was in end stage renal failure.  There were other things happening as well, and with all of it combined there would have been no quality of life for her if I had tried to bring her home to care for her and prolong her life.

My daughter said you can't pick favorites and I told her - with cats you can.  Jakie was everyone's favorite.  She was the one I could tell anyone - she's the friendly one, you can pet her, no worries.  She would go to anyone and happily accept their affection and settle comfortably in their laps.  She was a sweetheart for sure.

18 years old - she lived a good, long life.

My daughter Dani and son-in-law Dan were with me and we were all a mess of tears and tissues, struggling to say goodbye, knowing it was the right thing to do - yet not wanting to do it.  It was so very difficult for us but for Jakie?   Her passing was quiet and gentle and she went with the dignity she deserved.  There will be no more discomfort for my pretty green-eyed girl.

Rest well my little Jakie, we love you still and will miss you always.