Sometimes when Trader Joe’s is out of THE ONE THING I’m craving (I’m talking about you, Lightly Salted Frozen Edamame!), and the baby has been screaming and kicking doors for hours, and I’m feeling anxious because it’s 4 p.m. and I haven’t accomplished anything on my to-do list, and the tears are welling up in my eyes, but I don’t want to cry because I haven’t taken pictures of my eye makeup yet, and I’m spitting curses at my computer, even though I’m the one who accidentally clicked the little red dot thingy that closed Chrome, Tabs will hop up on my desk and head butt my face.
Just like that, I can breathe again…
Like a tabby doctor who knows exactly what his patient needs, he kicks his purr machine into high gear. I take a deep breath, then another, and bury my face in his fur. It’s like he’s telepathically telling me that everything’s gonna be alright. It’s OK, girl. Dr. Tabs will make it better. ?
This tee reminds me of Tabs, and if any cat could appreciate a feline who wears pink polka-dot glasses, he could. ❤️
Your friendly neighborhood tabby addict,
Karen
Ruchita says
April 4th, 2018 at 6:52 amI am convinced that kitty purrs have secret, healing properties! It’s impossible not to feel calm after have a snuggle session with my kitties. Tabs look fabulous in pink polka dot glasses. 🙂
Karen says
April 4th, 2018 at 7:50 amThey do. There’s something so calming and soothing about hearing those gentle rumbles. Do all of your kitties have distinct purrs?
Ruchita says
April 4th, 2018 at 7:56 amYes, they all have different types of purrs, which I love. Nina is just a little girl, but has the loudest purr. Louis is pretty loud too. Mingy is selective with his purrs so it’s special when he starts purring for you!
Karen says
April 4th, 2018 at 8:43 amOh, Mingy. He’s so fickle. Tabs’ fur is a low rumble. It’s deep, but powerful! You can pretty much hear it from across the room, which reminds, me, I need to record it so I can always listen to it whenever I need some comfort.
That may have been the most crazy cat lady thing I’ve ever written… LOL!
How’s your volunteer gig going?
Ruchita says
April 4th, 2018 at 9:41 amNot crazy at all! I have some videos of Nina where she is purring. I need to get some of the others.
Volunteering is going well! There was a bonded pair of adult cats that was recently adopted, which was really nice to see. Kitten season is starting so I’m sure there will be more cute faces when I go tomorrow!
Karen says
April 4th, 2018 at 1:53 pmOooh, fun! When is kitten season? For some reason I feel like it’s all year round.
Ruchita says
April 4th, 2018 at 2:42 pmIt’s usually around spring/summer and tapers off in the colder months. Unfortunately, not everyone spays/neuters their pets. This is kind of random, but I remember Bob Barker taking about this when he hosted the Price is Right. I didn’t understand it as a kid, but now I recognize the importance of it!
Karen says
April 4th, 2018 at 4:18 pmAhh, I just realized why I’m confused. At the local ASPCA they have a sign that says “It’s kitten season” and swear that thing is up all year long. Never realized it was during the warmer weather, but that makes sense as the animals are active for longer.
Jane says
April 4th, 2018 at 8:05 amYour photo makes me wish I wasn’t allergic to cats! Hope all is well.
Karen says
April 4th, 2018 at 8:46 amHi Jane!
Things are good. Mostly. Connor is starting to throw these intense tantrums and I know that’s part of being two and feisty, but it’s been challenging. I haven’t quite figured out how to handle them yet. I have a helpful baby/toddler book which helped me before, and today I’m going to re-read the chapter on tantrums. I just keep telling myself that I need to be patient with her and with myself…
Claudia says
April 5th, 2018 at 11:41 pmI ask my daughter to tell me what is wrong and if she refuses then I make her go to another room to cry it out. Before I send her off though I do tell her she may only return when she stops crying and tells me what she wants. She usually finishes in under a minute and can then vocalize what she wants, she is only a year and a half and VERY opinionated and so it can get hard. Sometimes they have to have a fit just like some adult women need a good cry now and then. Other times when she has multiple tantrums she just needs a nap even though she doesn’t look sleepy, as soon as I lay her down she is out.
bisbee says
April 4th, 2018 at 9:49 amThat’s why I will never live without a cat! I only have one now…his sisters and brother have all gone (sob). Jett Black is 18…he is frail but loves to eat and sleep, and he is doing well (except he can’t hear a thing)! We think he may be lonely, but I think bringing in another cat would stress him, so we will wait and then we’ll adopt 2 kittens.
Talk to me about the Trader Joe edamame! I need to go soon!
Karen says
April 4th, 2018 at 1:50 pmHey Bisbee,
Aww, Jett Black, the last one standing. *tears* We’ve thought about getting a cat to keep Tabs company but are 100% positive he would kick that cat’s butt with all his senior tabby might. LOL
Sooo… I have been finding some MAJORLY great snacks at TJ’s lately. Like change-your-life status good. The lightly salted edamame is in the frozen section near the veggies. There’s one that’s unsalted; don’t get that. It doesn’t taste good. Lightly salted is the way to go. I usually defrost a bowlful in my microwave at 50% power and then go to town on it. A bag is $2, I believe.
bisbee says
April 4th, 2018 at 2:06 pmThanks Karen…sounds like I will be going to Trader Joe’s in the morning! I am looking for new healthy snacks…I’m using the treadmill 5 days a week, and I’m eating better along with that. I retired at the end of the year, so my time is my own…trying to make good use of it!
Karen says
April 4th, 2018 at 4:22 pmI’m going to be doing a post on my new snacks soon but here are a few to look for when you go in the AM: whole wheat honey pretzel sticks (I think that’s the name), reduced fat kettle corn (the ones in the individual bags), unsweetened oolong tea (OMG SO GOOD), frozen Chicken Burrito Bown, Reduced Guilt Stuffed Shells, Bambio Pizza Formaggio.
Lisa says
April 4th, 2018 at 2:16 pmThis phase will pass, and remember you only have to make to bedtime! Hang in there!
Karen says
April 4th, 2018 at 4:20 pmThanks, Lisa. She’s been full on nuts lately! I know it will pass but it’s hard when you’re in the middle of it, ya know? I make myself take a time out sometimes.
Sarah Lowes says
April 4th, 2018 at 2:40 pmThat’s why I miss Odin so much. At those times, I would lie on the bed and he would climb into my arms and be so solid and comforting.
Karen says
April 4th, 2018 at 4:19 pmOh, Sarah. Sending you a big hug!
Chelsea says
April 4th, 2018 at 4:45 pmMina loves to just climb on me, snuggle up, and purr. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with her laying on my chest, LOL! She’s such a good girl.
Jessica says
April 5th, 2018 at 2:23 amThe new tee is super cute! Thanks for adding me to your Club Cat Lady board! I’ve added a few things as you probably saw!
Karen says
April 5th, 2018 at 2:43 pmYes, thanks Jessica!
Charlotte says
April 5th, 2018 at 12:50 pmKaren, I read the Connor Claire newsletter about Tabs, and I was aghast when you wrote that commenters had been rude to Tabs! I have only one thing to say, and that is, “May their cat-eye be forever wonky!” Hissss!
Karen says
April 5th, 2018 at 2:39 pmYeah. It used to hurt my feelings. Now when it happens I just thank the universe for sending Tabs in my life. 🙂
Charlotte says
April 5th, 2018 at 2:54 pmFor what it’s worth, I always read a post that has Tabs. I like the way you write about him and your relationship with him (the love and affection really shows), I like your depiction of his cat personality, and I like seeing his handsome mug and husky body on my screen 🙂 I know that I’m not alone in feeling this, either. Moar Tabs!1 Plus, pics of Tabs with Connor Claire is 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. ^^