Fleas for Free

Poor fur babies have been exposed to a nasty flea infestation and thus we begin the eradication of the tricksy buggers... They certainly are a pain in the butt!

Mr. Theo has been quite a trooper over his mini vacation with us and Loki has been a dear looking after him and comforting the shy little guy whenever I have company - he's still a bit skiddish around anyone but me.

Baths galore and plenty of flea-combing has been had....and of course, lots of treats for the cooperating doll babies. Miss Athena is also heading to her forever-home and we're already missing her dearly....

Netflix is helping to curb the sting of missing Miss Athena and to cope with the annoyance of the flea termination process... While I know I'll be seeing the little warrior princess quite often, I still can't help but miss waking up to her sweet snuggles in the morning.

xxxx

Job Hunting for the Work Fanatics

September has proven another busy month with the continuation of my MBA degree in term II. Managerial Accounting and Business Analytics are not as terrifying and intimidating as I had first thought, especially after taking the prerequisite module for Business Analytics {I barely passed, which is embarrassing to say}.

Working full-time plus part-time while studying and actively seeking new employment is mentally draining, but you have to be willing to put in the time and effort in order to reap the rewards. Stagnation is not an option for career development and goal-seekers.

Crazy times have meant time for a new 'do to change things up just a tad.

Through my experience in the interviewing and hiring process at work, as well as personal experience with current job-hunting and browsing for tips become evident how crucial one's résumé is for simply getting through the door - it's often the first presentation of who you are and what you can do.

• Résumé Etiquette: Do's and Don't's
• The Perfect Résumé: What You Need to Know to Have One
• Résumé Etiquette: Do's & Don't's for a Modern Résumé

And don't forget to ask questions back - the interview is just about seeing if you are a good fit for that particular employee as you are as a potential employee for that company.

• 10 Interview Questions You Should Ask

Or, you could be like this guy to stand out among the ranks. Everyone needs their own Key Strategic Differentiator {KSD}; it seems like a 4-year degree won't cut it anymore, and so, it's up to the individual to figure out how to shine {and continue to do so once they've been offered, and accepted, the position}.

It can be a bit daunting at times, no joke...

Amidst the chaos of finding my KSD, luckily I have the sweet chickadees at home to provide plenty of snuggles and stress relief. There have been scientific studies granting evidence to lower stress levels and elevated happiness for pet owners. Kittens are certainly gifted at sharing the love.

xxxx

Makeup 101

At 23, I'm finally beginning to move beyond the basics of makeup.

Walking amide the aisles at Sephora the other day, seeking my favorite mascara {they're real! lengthening mascara by Benefit Cosmetics}, and I simply felt overwhelmed, having never explored much further than mascara, liquid and pencil eyeliner, foundation for spot coverage, cover-up stick for same, and lipstick.

Today I made a big girl purchase of BB Cream, an egg-shaped blending sponge, eyebrow mascara, eyebrow pencil, and some darker highlighting pencil thing {I'll have to check the stick}. Oh, and replenished my liquid eyeliner - wet n wild's black Megaliner as it's super cheap and I go through it so quickly.

Initial thoughts:

• what is so wonderful about this stuff that sounds like Star Wars-themed boo-boo ointment? {BB cream}
• what is all of this stuff?
• I just want to know how to contour
• {multiple educated google searches}
• why do women draw on extra eyebrow hairs? why am I?

Got home, attempted...wasn't terrible.

Future pictures may reveal the slow process of learning how to use them...in lieu of that: kitty pictures. Naturally.

xxxx

Support Squad

Taking on the tribulations of the world alone is something not even Batman can do - he has the help of cheeky Alfred to keep him grounded and the Batmobile well maintained.

I'm thankful for the love and support of friends and family by my side who are there to celebrate the moments that need celebrated, grieve in times of mourning, offer a listening ear and wise words, and kick my a$$ when they suspect my path turning dark.

Mummy sent some goodies to feed my belly, Thank You notes for future interviews, goodies for Superman, and of course, it was all packed neatly into Loki and Athena's new jungle gym.

After being in a fog, mind befuddled by the effort of tryiing not to drown in the inept feelings I had of myself and the seemingly impossibly large bite of life I was attempting to chew and swallow, being challenged by a person in authority was potentially the shock I needed to shake me to my senses.

Depression hurts. Mentally, physically, emotionally. The one depressed is not the only one affected, but the ones surrounding the afflicted can be the catalysts of change, offering their kind hearts to help build the ladder out of the hole. Granted, it will take time, but it's time I'm willing to invest for happiness.

The BBL {Big Boss Lady} is back. For my fellow BBL's, enjoy a few laughs from this "advice" comic for women leadership then continue to do what you do best: kicking butt and paving the way for the next wave of women leaders.

While we can't remove all of the negativity from our lives, little changes will quickly add up. Looking at the bigger picture is opening my eyes again. I can do this.

• 8/18 - bought my last Monster and it's been in the fridge ever since
• 8/24 - back on the LoseIt! App to hold myself accountable
• Ordered my first regimen of Rodan + Fields unblemish

New hair always ensures a mood boost and this darker, Merlot-colored mop is signifying a new beginning for my psyche.

While I'm not completely depriving myself of the "bad" stuff, aka the finer things in life, everything in moderation is going to be a new mantra, something with which I've had issues before. Finding ways to enjoy yummy beer while regaining that happy little 6-pack I used to have and of which I have only been able to maintain about a 1/3...

Cheers to the little happies in the world and the small changes to continuous improvement {business terms applying themselves to life}. And here's to completing my first term of MBA courses! 10 courses to go!

And, as always, my sidekicks keep me company while I try to figure out the puzzle of life.

xxxx

Dating 101: Trust Essentials

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, whether that be with family, friends, significant other, and especially one's hairdresser.

With the drop of a few words or hidden pictures found through unkind ways with pure intentions, or unspoken plans later revealed, feelings can get hurt and emotions run rampart. When you love someone, it does not have to be unconditionally. There can be boundaries, there can be common courtesy rules, and one can have expectations.

Relationships should be a mixture of independence and co-dependence in the sense that each party should feel they are their own, unique individual capable of tackling the world one day at a time on their own terms, but having the love and support from the other for those moments of weakness or when a little reassurance that everything will be okay is needed. Each should complement the other half, not overbear or attempt to cage a free spirit.

Self-love, a difficult and taboo subject for me, is just as important as loving another. Without that ingredient, it's difficult to establish the mutual respect required between two parties. Fully appreciating oneself is just as crucial as appreciating the lovely people in one's life. Standing up for your heart is not the same as being combative or overbearing, but something that can strengthen the ties and help ensure both sides are happy, giving and receiving the love they deserve and crave.

Bottling it up won't help the situation even if it seems the easy way out.

Cats' love is pretty simple: they frolic about and alternate between grooming and kicking one another in the face, sometimes simultaneously. At the end of the day, the biting stops and they're love bugs and sometimes my sweethearts let me in on the snugs.

Understandably, human relationships are more complex, but I feel we make them unnecessarily so in comparison to fur babies. Case in point: I give Loki noms, and he gives me cuddles, win-win and I only receive the occasional bite to the face to remind me who's really in charge. I'm digging that kind of simplistic love because it works and doesn't leave a tear nor doubt.

When all else fails, coming home to kitty snuggles is never sad nor lonely.

A smile and new septum ring arriving in time for a good night with friends sure isn't sad nor lonely either :)

xxxx

Funktown

Two beautiful kittens, Loki and Athena, and Mr. Theo safe in the loving hands of my kitty whispurrrer Gramps...these snuggle bugs are what keep me going lately and also provide the snuggling distraction from life's more unpleasant aspects {or from doing homework for a few minutes}.

Tonight I completed my first MBA course, the Legal Environment of Business, which was a particularly fascinating class to me having enjoyed Business Law so much and find the legalities of business, both domestic and foreign, rather interesting. Despite this feeling of accomplishment, the excitement seemed to be diminished as my motivation continues to deteriorate.

School has provided a positive stressor as I strive to do my best, knowing the classes will be enjoyable and applicable, and that it's a major stepping stone in my career. With multiple job applications in the pot on the chance of a happier work environment, even if it comes with a smaller paycheck, I'm pushing myself to believe that it will work out, that I won't be stuck due to circumstances.

Trust me, if financially feasible, I'd love to drop it all after using up my PTO and simply disappear, traveling the US with Loki bear in my front seat and the majority of my stuff either sold or in storage. C'est la vie, non?

I want to find that inner wild child again...I have not seen that carefree, gung-ho girl in a while or she remains dormant for the majority of the time, only coming out on special occasions. I find I hardly know myself anymore and it makes me want to crawl deeper inside the cocoon of inner sanctuary I've begun to build up again to keep the bad {and some good, too} out.

With so many happy things going well in my life, it's still difficult to fully appreciate these beautiful moving parts as I should because I'm sucked down in the mud by my own inhibitions and worrisome thoughts. Depression often does not allow one to put things into perspective as the average cognitive mind may...instead, the depressed are all too acute to the surroundings and negative cues of what is going and may go wrong.

However, while depression may come in phases, more prominent in certain moments and weakened demons depending on who is around, it is not something that cannot be overcome again and again. On that same token, the taboo of depression is not so readily discussed nor understood.

The will to happiness can be a strong one.

As Albus Dumbledore {J.K. Rowling, mind you} said:

Happiness can be found, if only it remembers to turn on the light.

xxx 

Self-Love & Kitten Snuggles

A blank canvas.

This is how every blog post begins as I sometimes struggle to put thought to fingers to Blogger.

Self-love has been a prevalent topic for me lately as I struggle to find that balance, among other juggling acts I'm holding down. It's easy to get down in the dumps when sh*t starts to hit the fan or life's responsibilities are bottle-necking for priority to be tackled.

The mirror still holds its status as arch-nemesis with my own mind standing firm as enemy #1 - the saying goes that we're our own worst critic and I agree this rings pretty true, yet we can also be our own cheerleader and motivator to push through the hardships and overwhelming times.

Tackling one problem at a time seems to be a dogmatic way to address the issues of today and show up the demons of the past that you is kind, you is smart, you is important.

Fred + Far is a company taking hold of the niche market of those needing a little pick-me-up in the self-love department by offering a pinky ring, a self-engagement aaaaand I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued. With a price tag of $150-325 {free shipping with purchases of $300 or more!}, it's a reasonable price for some major bling.

Realizing I'm constantly tired {and after reading this lovely article} has made me more aware of how important it is to maintain that self-love and continuous improvement to find and retain that internal happiness.

The fur sweethearts definitely help in that department as well. Kitty snuggles are the best part of coming home!!

More importantly, in the end:

Fred + Far

xxxx

I'll never be like [blank]

{and that's okay}

In speaking, on separate occasions, to friends and coworkers, I am guilty of the comparison-trap, the measuring-up against others to gauge my own self-worth. As a young teenager and now, as a young woman, I still find myself prey to these silly notions of being worthwhile.

All too often our perceptions of how others see us is distorted by our own self perceptions and current mood/state of mind.

Looking into the mirror {on the rare occasion I'm not simply applying makeup or making sure my shirt isn't on inside-out}, it's a rarity I don't find something to scrutinize, something I tell myself I should fix ASAP - it's a pitfall of mine, one I make an effort to adjust every single day.

Lately, I've been half-wishing I could be someone else for a day or have someone else take over my body while I doggie-paddle in my own negativity pool, zombie-walking through life, but during brief glimpse of light, have begun to ask myself why? Why do you want to be like someone else? Why change everything about you that makes you you?

The way we see and value ourselves can be a dangerous plight, one extreme {self-worthlessness} to the other {narcissism and selfishness} both damaging to the individual and those surrounding.

In this crazy life, I know I'll never be as skinny nor as pretty as the skinniest or prettiest girl, but I have worth - something I'm having to remind myself when I'm feeling caught on this hamster wheel of burnout, stress, and isolation in my self-doubt and feelings...

While comparing oneself is typically not healthy, healthy/positive attribute comparisons are certainly not a bad thing.

I want to strive to be as kind as my friend Heidi, as caring as my Mummy, as passionate about my career as Tree, as hardworking as Superman, as strong as my Nana.

One day, I'll get there. One baby step at a time with some buffalo wings thrown in there... Luckily, I have a broken record of kind words from loving and supportive friends and family.

And when all else fails, kitty snuggles never disappoint.

xxxx

Academia, furries, and black holes

Looking at little Theo, it's hard to believe it's been nearly 2 weeks since the little velociraptor first hissed at me....and now likes to be my best bud, still a little apprehensive of others, but a changed kitten since our first encounter.

The little cuppy-cake is fitting in quite well with this little chocolate muffin - they're taken quite a liking to one another and I'm just hoping when the time comes to give him up for a good home, the parting won't be too difficult, albeit Theo has already stolen my heart.

Even more so than traveling, I believe I have found my calling: giving love and care to sweet kitties and giving them a second chance like Theo. He's certainly a sweet little fur baby who needed special attention to bring out his lovable side.

Loki remains the baby of the group with his jealous tendencies and need for "Mumma time." This little boo was giving some lovey before I went off to start my first class of the first term of this MBA program, the Legal Environment of Business. Ironically enough, Internet Marketing is an online course {which was great, considering I'm just getting back into the swing of things with school}.

Class is going well - 2 weeks in and I'm staying on top of my assignments much better than I thought I would while juggling a job that often demands 50hrs/week in order to meet the needs of our customer aka have enough people on the shift who know the job and know it well in order to accomplish everything needed to be done.

In lieu of the enjoyment I'm having being a student again {oh, how I've missed being in the classroom!!} and receiving so much kitten love and snuggles, too frequently I've found myself ambling along the path of helplessness and feeling lost. Loosely planning a trip for my birthday in October seems to significantly boost my mood, but only temporarily as I look ahead at the possibility of still being in a position in which I dread even going to work.

Depression is not a light matter and should not be taken as such.

I feel as though I'm stuck in this career rut, yet perhaps many others my age feel the same way after accepting a job that offered decent pay for what they thought would be a way to earn experience to post on paper in the hopes of eventually reaching the end goal of a fulfilling and satisfying career path.

Feelings of stagnation are ever present, looming like a dark cloud as I lose hope in the chances I'll stumble upon another great opportunity {for this one was great, merely not what I wanted to do}. Knowing that I dread my job and the various tasks associated with it has only drained my psyche and that drive sometimes feels all but shriveled up inside....

Where is that girl with fire? ...passion? ...a sense of pride in what she does?

I'm slowly dying inside with every wasted minute - wasted in the sense that I am not enthusiastic nor believe in what I am doing anymore. Career stagnation and feeling the strain of the sacrifices made for a job I've slowly begun to refer to as "hell" are only continuing to mentally and psychologically drain me...

Perhaps there is an end is sight with recent job application submissions... For now, I'll be rotting toiling my life away, making feverish attempts at staying afloat in the drowning of swirling thoughts and emotions, constantly reminding myself there is an end in sight.

xxxx

Flowers and shell-shocked kittens

Temporary halt on production....

Anticipation is mounting with the start of classes starting this week {have I mentioned how excited I am??} and also a bit sleep-deprived from all of the excitement of the past few days off. Hello, Breaking Benjamin & Disturbed!

Returning home from the long trek up to Niagara Falls, a little nap was needed, plus some snuggles with the babies before I went in for work on Monday.

It's always so tough to go back to reality after such a lovely time away...how do you combat these reluctance to come back from cloud 9 of wanderlust?

Coming home to a bouquet of flowers and a note after running errands certainly helped! {perhaps less, or even in-, significant to some, but as I had never received flowers from a boy before.....}

Combined with these lovely roses, to tackle the onset of wanderlust blues, I've taken on a new warden: Superman and his grandfather found a kitty mumma and her kittens. This particular one made the mistake {or perhaps fortune} of being captured. Newly Christened "Theo" received a nice, long bath to rid him of dirt and debris and yucky fleas and then promptly took a nap all snug like a bug in a warm, cozy rug.

....this was after he screeched like a velociraptor and hissed so emphatically that he >popped< at the end like a big bubble. Poor thing sure was frightened and quite confused about everything and anything near him.

>what the hell is you doing to meh?<

<what is that thing in front of my face, large object restraining me?<

Eventually, he stopped hissing at me and making me jump....

>what are you doing, hooman? why are your lips on me?<

Theo is like many men: the key to their heart is food.

Little tiger was hungry and wouldn't eat from Athena and Loki's bowls so I hand-fed him to win his little heart over. Loki and Athena play so hard together that they didn't spend much time on whom they viewed as a little foreigner to them.

Hidden, fed, and {thank goodness} a quick learner at using the litter box, Theo was A-okay while I continued my time off with a crazy night of music in Virginia with some fun peeps.

Blurred lines of chaos and pure bliss - oh, how I've missed the rush of a brilliant rock show! Truthfully, I was a little bummed I missed one of Small Town Titans local shows whilst I was out of town as they seem to be occurring so infrequently as of late since they returned from tour....

...however, Breaking Benjamin and Disturbed {and a PokemonGo-entertained car ride to Virginia with some kickass people} was a fantastic show and I was quite thrilled to have been invited along ^_^

Here's to more adventures, rock shows, and kitty tales {tails}!

xxxx

Two is Better than One

I'm well on my way of becoming a crazy cat lady....kitty #2 is already well-adjusted to my little one-bedroom apartment.

My jealous Loki bear did not seem to appreciate me bringing home a friend, especially after being so spoiled in my care. Poor baby had to be locked out of my bedroom so little Athena and I could sleep....

This little nugget left a nice present on my bed right after this picture... Kitties aren't without their surprises.

I'm hoping these two muffins will become the best of kitty friends...after the sniffing and hissing is all finished...

For now, nap time is about the only thing they can agree upon, but at least it provides a bit of solace while I spend time snuggling these two babies and making them play nice.

Miss Athena is all about snuggles and giving kisses!

xxxx

Love & Other Drugs

Happy pills would be much appreciated.

Nugget of joy

Knowing one's self is an intricate part of development and a skill that can profoundly enhance a better sense of awareness, further ensuring a more fulfilling life as one can prepare to offset the negative aspects.

As I continue my career with blah-blah-blah, I'm continuously finding my happiness in jeopardy as I slowly lose my gourd, one idiotic incident at a time.

Those who know me, know of my dissatisfaction in my present position, that awful feeling of stagnation in which I feel entrapped, enticed to stay by current salary and title name, yet dread simply going into the office. My coworkers keep me sane....and I'd do anything for my direct reports, yet feel ensnared by the lure of the current finances as I look ahead at the loans I'm presently taking out to cover the costs of my impending graduate school courses.

I believe having Loki here is what is keeping me grounded - I have more of a purpose. Taking care of him and giving him so much love and attention fulfills oh-so-many of my needs....

Have you ever looked at someone and thought how much you truly love them with all of your heart? I'm head over heels for my sweet, and mischievous, little feline and know I'd take out anyone and anything to keep my little booby safe and content.

We all have our little routines and Loki, or Bubbie, or Boob, or Sweet Face {depending on what comes out of my mouth when I'm excited to see his darling kitten entity} fits perfectly into mine. He's integrated himself quite nicely and is so entangled in my heart, I can't imagine being without.

The little things in life - those are the things for which we live. A pleasant, rewarding and satisfying job career should be one of them, but for now, I need isthat paycheck to pay for his kibble and cat litter {and General Tsao's for this kitty Mummy}.

As June flies past us and July swiftly approaching, I can't help but wish for a more exciting job which will allow for more traveling opportunities and more snuggle time with my kitty.

xxxx

Crazy Cat Lady Starter Pack

On 30 May, one wild kitty joined the Jacobs clan. Loki took the car ride to my apartment in stride and made himself right at home. By now, the little temper tantrums when I leave for work have boiled down to a minimum and he's nestled deep down in my heart.

Quickly had his collar put on while he was still slightly dazed and confused with the change of surroundings.

Many kisses and snuggles ensued in order to make the little lovebug feel at ease in his new home.

Loki loves: naps, cuddling, toilet paper, Cowboy Crunch chicken, and ice cubes.

Work hard, play hard, then crash. I love getting to know this furry bundle of joy {and wild antics} as we figure out each day one by one. Little guy gets tuckered out after he spends much time being a little terror around the apartment and playing with his hoooman.

All of the scratches and bites and hours of sleep lost have been worth it.

His favorite spot to be: inside the crook of my arm.

Little Loki has me wrapped tight around his tail. When he's acting up, I'll scoop him up and hold him like a baby as I walk around the apartment, get ready for work, or go fetch the mail from outside. He's much like a toddler in that sense...going limp and chill the moment he's picked up.

I've become that cat lady who takes innumerous pictures of her cat...

Daily snuggles are a must and exactly what I'll be looking forward to for the duration of the day.

xxxx