Live from the Katnip Lounge, The Kat Pack!

Starring: The Baby *Tiny Johnson * Felix * Rupert * Scouty * CC * Sweet Pea * Maui * May Ling * Salem

and...*Angels Grayce, KonaKitty, and Sylvester* always loved, never forgotten




Sunday, December 30, 2012

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

52 comments:

  1. How great to do a wrap up like this at the end of the year. May 2013 be an excellent year for you both humans and all kitties!

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  2. I've had a spinal fusion too. Not fun! I still have residual pain, but doing much better than before surgery. I am to going to have facet joint injections for the residual pain. Hope 2013 brings you good things!

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  3. Take a lesson from us kitties and keep on exercising and stretching! Clearly it is making a positive difference in your back.

    I hope 2013 is even better than 2012! BTW, where can I get my paws on some of that Clomicalm? Not for Binga, for my human! She is sort of crazy and has a lot of the same symptoms as Maui (excepting the spraying part... I least I haven't caught her doing that)!

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  4. Great year. Our Mom says everyday above ground is a good one. HA! Hang in there and keep on keeping on!

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  5. So much to do, so little time - at least it didn't all end on 12-21-12 - the Mayans are laughing on that one. May 2013 treat you and yours kindly. XOX T.

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  6. May 2013 be an even better year for you.

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  7. I hope your next year will be filled with good tidings.

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  8. I am glad that it is ending with relative calm.

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  9. We purr lots for you that 2013 will be much much better! Happy New Year!

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  10. On balance, it seems like 2012 should go in the plus column, eh? I mean, especially since the world didn't end last week and all. XOXOXO to the Beauteous KonaKitty, may she live long and prosper!

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  11. You have to get up at 2:30? Good heavens, that's when I GO to bed! I know there's a time difference, but as it's 2:30 here now, I'll say Good Morning! I'm glad you got through the year so well and I wish you an even better 2013!

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  12. We hope next year will be a good one and great cheers for Konakitty.

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  13. Karin here.
    What a great way to review the year - maybe I'll do a think through mine later. Perspective is always good!

    Thank you also for your support to me and the clan this year - it has really helped. And I hope your hand heals - it took 6 months until I got the feeling back in my thumb after Tuomo chomped it.

    Here's to 2013 - lots of health and happiness. And long live Miss Kona, and of course all the others.

    Thank you so much for your blog.

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  14. I like your review of 2012! I might get Austin to do his, but won't inflict mine on the general public!! Here's to an amazing 2013. x

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  15. I used to do end-of-year reviews, but have given up--I couldn't write anything of interest anymore. LOL.

    I do hope 2013 is a wonder-full and joy-full year for us all. I'm starting to think that perhaps instead of expecting nothing and hoping for everything, I ought to hope for nothing, but expect everything (good). :-)

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  16. I wish you a wonderful year 2013. Thank you for blogging every single day of the year, every morning, when I wake up, I have something to look for... : gorgeous and cute kitties! Haha, Shadow is the queen of the house! I am not surprised... :-)

    Have a nice day and smoochies to the kitties,
    looloo

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  17. Me and Mom think 2013 will be good year for you, Mom Trish.
    My parents , both of them get to stage of pain, aching this year, feel so drained from work. Because both of my parents do the physical work. At the end of the day. Both of them always collapse on the couch before making the dinner and go to bed really early. That's why this year, mom didn't help me much to do blogging at all. And I'm a naughty boy. Always get into the fight. So much is going on happens in 2012. And thank you to this post..because me and mom miss a lots of things.
    We both hope Mom Trish and Daddy Scott and all kitties have a great year 2013.
    Happy New Year And Happy Holiday Season.
    Lots of love
    xoxo
    Puddy and Mom Boom

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  18. MOL at Sparkle's comment. Too funny. That was a good wrap up of your life. Hope 2013 treats you as well. A very happy New Year to all of you. Hang in the Konakitty.

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  19. We wish you all have a good year in 2013 with harmony and good health.
    Happy New Year
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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  20. You guys have had a really bad run of it through 2012... We hope 2013 brings a better year :) and perhaps not so many accidents :) xx00xx

    Mollie and Alfie

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  21. Well, it sounds like 2012 was pretty good for you, Sheebie...and we hope 2013 is even better. :)

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  22. Hope that 2013 will even be a better one. Can't wait to see more photos of all those lovely kitty cats. My Skipper will have her own blog come the 1st January. Happy New Year to you all.

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  23. All in all, not a bad year. Have you ever tried yoga for your back pain? I have issues with my lower back, but it's muscular so I don't know if yoga would be as helpful to you as it is to me. ANyway, just a thought.

    Hope 2012 is a GREAT year for you all! I love that your parents can't let the cat hear your voice over the phone...

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  24. Good thoughts for KonaKitty too. xoxoxo

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  25. If you didn't have to get up at 2:30 maybe some of the aches and pains would go away... :-). Little bugger Johnny...

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  26. Here's looking forward to great things in 2013 for you and the whole family!

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  27. I agree with you about the estrogen! I feel better than I have in years....decades!

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  28. Thank you for sharing this retrospctive, Sheebie! All in all, 2012 seems like it was a pretty good year, no?

    Here's wishing you all a wonderful 2013. Thank you for your friendship, which we cherish!

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  29. Well 2012 was sure a busy year and we wish you all a Happy 2013!

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  30. Good to hear that 2012 was a good year, we all hope 2013 is an even better one!

    Sasha, Sami, Saku & Mom Eileen

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  31. What a lovely post. You wrapped everything up and ready for the new year.. Wishing you all the best for 2013.. HUgs GJ xx

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  32. GREAT to do a wrap up like this at the end of the year instead of resolustions you never make any way :)
    Wish you all a
    HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

    P.S Yes I did get moore X-mas cards than my hoomans :)

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  33. Sounds like things are definitely on the upswing for you... I hope 2013 is your best year, ever!

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  34. a great wrap up - while our lives may never be "perfect" we all can learn to accept things and move forward. :) We are glad to be your friends and send warm wishes for a wonderful 2013!!

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  35. What a great round up!
    We are so glad you had a good 2012, and we hope 2013 is just as rewarding!

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  36. Now that was a very well organized and informative 2012 letter! You might be water girl but we think you should be writer girl.

    Mom is scratching her head over your question what is up with all the dead cats? Of course mom is slow on the uptake sometimes.
    Hugs Madi

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  37. Wishing you a Healthier and a Happy 2013!
    Many Hugs & Purrs from our Family!

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  38. Purrs to you all and we wish we could have visited more this year. Mom has had probably the worst year of her life however, so we hope 2013 will be great for all!
    ~JB

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  39. That was a great wrap up to what's happened in 2012 and we're wishing you an even better 2013! So happy that KonaKitty is still here and no doubt it's because of the love and care she receives from you and Scott!

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  40. What a great wrap-up! I love the story about your parents and Shadow and I'm so glad that KonaKitty is hanging in there. Poor Maui but I'm glad he does well on the Clomicalm.

    Happy New Year!! I hope 2013 is just as good or even better for you, Scott & the kitties!

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  41. Happy New Year, Sheebie!
    We have you and your glorious kitties to thank for bringing us so many smiles and laughs. Your photos, hilarious captions and storytelling are highlights in our days.

    Here's to many more giggles and lots of rolling eyes.
    xo,
    the girl

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  42. "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"

    TBT says thank you so much. It means (he cIaims) he isn't as far gone with us cats as he feared.

    WE think he hasnt gone far ENOUGH, but thats a whoIe nother story...

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  43. You've had an interesting year.

    We hope that 2013 brings you a lot of laughter.

    We enjoy visiting you and the kitties.

    Mr. Black and the lady.

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  44. Glad you're feeling well and happy my pal.

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  45. Very proud to hear this and very glad to have 'the lounge' as pals.

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  46. I've really enjoyed following your blog over the last year. Here's wishing you a great 2013. We hope you find nothing but joy around every corner.
    Mistletoe, Hitch & Dorothy

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  47. Add some regular naps in 2013 and I bet it will help make the year even better ;-)

    Wishing you a great New Year d sending you lots of purrs

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  48. All in all a pretty good year... and I hope this year is even better for you and Mr. Skinny Pants. Me? I'm hoping to find myself as a Ms. Skinny Pants by the end of 2013!

    Have a YAYful New Years Eve, my friend!!

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  49. In the synchronicity department, I just finished David Maraniss's outstanding book on President Obama -- "Barack Obama : The Story." There Obama's father was likened to Mr. Toad, due to his driving habits -- and a cause for mourning was that, UNlike Mr. Toad, Obama Sr. had no caring friends to get him to stop driving like a maniac. Result: Obama Sr. died in one of his numerous repetitive DUI incidents. SO SO glad to hear that all of us your friends have helped you survive your little episode -- because speaking for myself, I need my daily dose of the mobsters and staff over at your place. Many kindest best wishes for a cheerful new year. --Nadbugs, Bugs, & Barney over at catself.

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  50. GREAT recap of your year...which of course we all shared with you! Lucky us! I did not know tho' that precious Kona was having health issues...sending her some deserved late Savvy paw hugs and purrrrss...We are hoping that 2013 will be MY year to break further out of my shell..paw pats, Savvy

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  51. I think that is a requirement of a man and woman living together. Never agreeing on the right temperature. ;)

    Wishing you much Peace, Health and Joy for 2013 my friend!

    xo Catherine

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  52. Wow - what a year. So well described, too! I love the new year because I can truly believe I will get my act together. I do hope there will come a calmness for so many of us and happiness and pure joy. Happy new new year to all of you!

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Oh Boy...this is gonna be GREAT!