Grizzie
Time
spent with cats is never wasted - Sigmund
Freud
An
architect’s lot in life is inextricably tied to the boom and bust cycles of the
construction industry, and in turn those of the broader economy. There’s an overabundance
of work to be done right now—we’re definitely at the “boom” end of the busyness
spectrum. I sense that most every architectural firm in Oregon has their hands
full and more. My office is no exception; we’re as busy as we’ve ever been, and
shorthanded to boot. It all adds up: a seemingly endless series of deadlines, constant
pressure, and long hours. The toll paid, predictably, is an unhealthy level of
stress.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m unbelievably fortunate to do what I do for a living, and the problems I have are definitely of the First World variety. I’m especially privileged because I’m blessed with a variety of ways for managing the stress in my life. These include being part of Eugene Taiko, cheering on University of Oregon athletics teams, immersing myself in nature, reading, scheduling regular therapeutic massage sessions, blogging, and being happily married. Certainly, another significant and singularly pleasant stress-buster is enjoying the company of our three cats.
This really was the point of this blog post—I spent most of this weekend at the office, so I had far less time than usual to compose a thoughtful blog entry. What could I write about that wouldn’t tax too many of my brain cells, yet might still pass as topical? The answer was waiting for me at home. I stepped through the door and there they were: our feline companions—Jasper, Luna, and Grizzie—adorably furry, purring stress-busters, who genuinely enjoy (rather than merely tolerate) my company.
My wife and I don’t have kids, so the kitties are our “children.” They repay the comfort, food, and care we give them many times over with loyalty, unconditional love, and affection. They provide us with a sense of purpose and distract us from our day-to-day problems.
A significant and welcome byproduct is the health benefit of cat ownership. Medical researchers point to convincing evidence suggesting having cats reduces the risk of having a stroke or heart attack by as much as a third. Simply being around cats can alleviate depression, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. I know Jasper, Luna, and Grizzie help me cope with my job-related stress. I’m grateful for their companionship. Most importantly, I can always count on our cats to give me a reason to laugh and be happy.
The glass is either half empty or half full. This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving. I’m crazy busy at work right now, but I’m also appreciative of how meaningful my work is and everything else I have in my life. I wish all of you the best as well.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Don’t get me wrong. I’m unbelievably fortunate to do what I do for a living, and the problems I have are definitely of the First World variety. I’m especially privileged because I’m blessed with a variety of ways for managing the stress in my life. These include being part of Eugene Taiko, cheering on University of Oregon athletics teams, immersing myself in nature, reading, scheduling regular therapeutic massage sessions, blogging, and being happily married. Certainly, another significant and singularly pleasant stress-buster is enjoying the company of our three cats.
This really was the point of this blog post—I spent most of this weekend at the office, so I had far less time than usual to compose a thoughtful blog entry. What could I write about that wouldn’t tax too many of my brain cells, yet might still pass as topical? The answer was waiting for me at home. I stepped through the door and there they were: our feline companions—Jasper, Luna, and Grizzie—adorably furry, purring stress-busters, who genuinely enjoy (rather than merely tolerate) my company.
My wife and I don’t have kids, so the kitties are our “children.” They repay the comfort, food, and care we give them many times over with loyalty, unconditional love, and affection. They provide us with a sense of purpose and distract us from our day-to-day problems.
A significant and welcome byproduct is the health benefit of cat ownership. Medical researchers point to convincing evidence suggesting having cats reduces the risk of having a stroke or heart attack by as much as a third. Simply being around cats can alleviate depression, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. I know Jasper, Luna, and Grizzie help me cope with my job-related stress. I’m grateful for their companionship. Most importantly, I can always count on our cats to give me a reason to laugh and be happy.
The glass is either half empty or half full. This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving. I’m crazy busy at work right now, but I’m also appreciative of how meaningful my work is and everything else I have in my life. I wish all of you the best as well.
Happy Thanksgiving!
2 comments:
To be a unique place for Pookie to be is one of the most fulfilling and great purposes for me to be. Our family is a small community of places of visitation in our household and we hold sacred and dear that we each can be a place for our cat's complete trust. She has a very, very soft purr and it's as though it is an extraordinarily special voice she holds for the four of us. When she straddles my lap to the arm of my easy chair, it almost brings me to tears to feel so loved and to feel the vitality of her trembling happiness and livelihood. They are tears of joy that I can feel such love in being a place of love!
Happy Thanksgiving to you guys,Randy! Pet a kitty head or three for me!
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