The State of the Sheeb Report, 2012 Edition

Friends and Kitties!

I have to go to bed early tonight (Saturday) as I have to get up at 0230 to go in to work; so I thought that today I'd just catch you up on me, in 2012.  I like retrospectives better than resolutions.  

 Early in the year I was troubled for the first time ever by persistent lower back pain.  It's better, but I found out I'll probably always be plagued thusly because my lower lumbar vertebra is fused to my pelvis.  So far regular stretching and exercise is doing the trick.  

I kept off the ten pounds I lost, and I've been eating healthier than ever.  I sort of got out of the habit of eating meat and truly, I don't miss it (much).  I do admit to scarfing down a smoked pork chop last month--I woke up hungry and after three breakfasts (by 9 AM) I decided I needed a traditional "dinner", with a salad and veggies and mashed potatoes at one of our favorite eateries.  It was delicious, although it took me two more dinners to get through it all. 

The so-called shingles by my eye turned out to be a rash which responded to hydrocortisone lotion--it's aggravated when my eye waters.  Weird.  No wonder I broke out when I was stressed, I'm a cryer.  It also breaks out if my eye waters when I ride.  Like I said, weird.

My non-cracked elbow is lots better.  I still can set it down wrong and get a searing bolt up my arm but it's certainly improved.

The cat bite is almost healed, too.  It itches like crazy, but the swelling is gone and so's the discoloration.  Johnny is totally unrepentant.  Brat.

My Mom and Dad's kitty Shadow now completely rules their house--I called them one afternoon and they normally put me on speakerphone to talk, but this instance they both had a handset because Shadow goes a little bananas when she hears my voice and they didn't want to wake her up!  They are the perfect humans for her and she has blossomed into a fun and mischievous family member.

My mental health has been really good this year.  I had a depressive episode, but it was short-lived and I weathered it pretty well, for which I credit all of you.  Your validation and friendship really means a lot to a person who shudders at the thought of being "social".  Another factor contributing to my equanimity is undoubtedly the lack of estrogen in my life.  My mind feels fine and fun, like I'm a kid again and the world is full of possibilities.  It's glorious not being ruled by monthly mood swings.  Poor Scott still suffers though; because now I'm a hottie and I want the heat at 68F and he's all Mister Skinny and freezing without his fat!  He'd prefer the thermostat set at 75.  Oh well, if that's all we have to complain about...

Miss KonaKitty is still here.  Scott and I had our doubts that she would see another winter but she's a tough little pusskin.  She's not that old but she's certainly gotten frailer; all her labs check out so there's not much we can do except cater to her finicky palate and love her lots.  She's a sofa cuddler and we have our time together every evening.  The Whizz wars are over but we still have a Persistent Puddler, whom we're working with.  We unsuccessfully tried weaning Maui off Clomicalm, and after ten weeks the poor guy was pinging, couldn't sleep, spraying, and, most alarmingly, lost weight.  He was simply too agitated to settle down to a bowl of food.  He's back on a low daily dosage and the difference in his demeanor is amazing.  Better living through chemistry, I say.

In general, I liken my life to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, but this year has stayed within the speed limits for the most part.  Not bad--bring on 2013!  I'm ready for more.  But right now, it's time for bed.

Happy Sunday!

Have a Great Week, and Happy New Year!

XX  Sheebie  XX