Happy New Year and Outback Bowl

Happy, Happy New Year to all of our furriends and their humans.  Our mom is in Tampa, FL watching our South Carolina Gamecocks play the Michigan Wolverines in the Outback Bowl.  Grandpa Paul gave Mom Paula this trip to the Outback Bowl as a Christmas present or Mom Paula would never be able to afford it.  He knows how much she loves watching the Gamecocks play and it was the best gift he could give her this year.  That is, except still being on this earth for almost 80 years as a special father.  Grandma Faye is traveling with Mom Paula and we're sure you'll see pictures of them on FB.  Our pet sitter, DJ, promised Mom Paula she'd take pictures of us and send them to Mom Paula each day.

We've been with Mom Paula and the CB for a little over a year and we are so thankful for all of the furriends and their humans we've met and who've reached out to us.  Our blog started about 2 months after Sweet Praline left for the Bridge, so even though we're "newbies" in the blog world, Mom Paula has been blogging since June 2008.  We're going to let Mom Paula say a few words about 2012 before we start watching our Gamecocks play on TV today.

Some thoughts from Mom Paula about 2012:

• It's been a long time since I've raised a kitten (Muff in 1978 and Sweet Praline in 1995).  These two fur bundles of joy came into my life at the end of 2011, but I've had the privilege and stress (being a worry wart new mom) of seeing them grow into two beautiful ladycats this year.
• I've learned that each cat, just like the humans I work and play with, is a unique individual with special needs and personalities.  
• I've learned there is more to life than working long hours this year because of these two ladycats.  I find myself rushing to get home so I can be with them.
• I've learned to laugh again by watching their antics.
• I've learned that even though I may never meet the human behind the cat(s), they have become such an important part of my life that it hurts when we lose them.  We've lost a few special people this year, Poppy Vic, Judi-Bug, and Jan.  We've had others with health issues and other losses in their lives such as Auntie Deb and Mom ML.
• I've learned that life does go on after losing my soul kitty - Sweet Praline.  She was a part of my life for almost 16 years and helped me survive many losses, pains, and life situations that I couldn't have done without her.  
• I've learned that you can learn to love again.  At least as far as cats are concerned.  There are those who tell me that I need to open my heart again to humans.  There's just one difference: a  human intentionally broke my heart and it's going to take a lot to learn to trust and love again. I'll always love Sweet Praline, but I've learned there is plenty of room in my heart to love Truffle and Brulee (and others that may come into my life).
• I've learned what bullying is through personal experience and I now understand what it's like to be bullied - That feeling of not knowing what to do.  That feeling that it's out of your control.  That feeling of feeling inferior to another.  Hopefully, I'll become stronger because of this experience.  Having my sweet furchildren at home waiting for me with their calming purrs helped make this year a little easier.
• I've learned to hold my family a little closer each time I see them.  My dad will be 80 in March and my mom will be 77 in June.  My only sister lives about 1 1/2 hours away.  
• I've learned to value the friendships I have; even those that are a challenge to maintain.
• I've learned to appreciate my job; even though the stress can make it unbearable at times.  My job allows me to be challenged intellectually, professionally and personally.
• I'm thankful there were NO surgeries in 2012!  15 surgeries over a 5 year period is enough for anyone.  
• I'm looking forward to an exciting year in 2013.  I will be 4 years closer to retirement, meet new CB friends, face additional challenges at work, cope with aches and pains in an aging body, love my family and friends, avoid conflict and confrontation and bullying, and face each new day and live it to the fullest.
• Learn to relax from Truffle and Brulee and LOVE them bunches each and every day.

Mom Paula

Happy New Year from  Brulee, Mom Paula, and Truffle!