Me, Myself, And Loki, One dude, one cat Options

[leejaye]

Hi Chris, I thought you might know about the research going on at UNSW - if you think about studying there in future, let me know!! Although, could you leave Loki? My nephew is sort of an adopted nephew, his dad is actually about the same age as my parents...! Your apartment surrounds sound beautiful, very conducive to study...I always feel a bit gloomy when i realise summer is over - but you have so much to look forward to right now, I'm guessing gloom is nowhere on your radar!! Enjoy the garden time and the articles, and give those lovely cats a pat for me, again, I am so pleased things are finally heading in the right direction for you, Leejaye

[moon_beam]

Hi, Chris, just stopping by to say hello and to let you know that you and Loki are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your move this week into your new digs went smoothly, and that you know your beloved Dzambala is with you wherever you go and whatever you do.

I also imagine you are busy with your pre-semester reading and preparations for on-campus classes. I hope this semester goes well for you, and look forward to sharing your news whenever possible. Out of sheer dumb curiosity, how many courses do you need to complete your Masters?

I hope you and your precious Loki are having a good day and weekend. Please know you and your precious little boy are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to sharing your news.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[ChrisL]

Hi leejaye and moon_beam,

leejaye -- I hadn't thought about the issues with bringing a pet into another country. I looked up the info for Australia and it's pretty heavy - would probably run close to $3000 for all the expenses, not to mention putting them through the stress of 30 days quarantine. So suffice it to say, I would only do that if I was confident I wouldn't have to put Loki through that more than once in his life and the opportunity was just too good to pass up. It's a fairly remote possibility, although I really do have a desire to spend some time unchained from this landmass of North America. If nothing else, I will definitely get to travel professionally as a scientist.

moon_beam, I think I only have to do four formal, 4-5 unit courses, but a total of at least 45 units is required. Most of that will be research and thesis credits. I'm actually applying into the PhD program, which is how it usually works in the natural sciences, with the MS as the fallback. So I'm basically going to complete my required courses, start on research, then see how promising the research looks versus prospects for jobs in either industry or government with the MS to decide whether to stick it out for the full dissertation and PhD.

So, I've got about 95% of my stuff moved in, with a car-trunk full still at my mom's place. I took a walk in my neighborhood on Sunday. About 500 feet and I'm in a forest of maple, fir, and hemlock. There were a few things that I didn't like at first about this apartment compared to the first one I viewed, but after thinking outside the box a little, I've come up with a nice arrangement of my furniture for a good flow between my three main stations: bed, kitchen, and study area. There is a vacant lot overgrown with grass and brush - including some wild blackberries - that I get to look at out my kitchen window. And riding the tram - I've taken to calling it the "flying silver egg" - can hardly be beat as a method of commuting.

Loki was freaked out the first couple days and would start howling as soon as I stepped outside, but he got a lot happier after his stuff (you know, everything of mine, which I'm actually only borrowing from him) came out of storage. The first morning I woke up and stepped outside, just as I was about to go in, a cat that looks a lot like Dzambala walked from directly across the street and came right up to me on my porch. I took that as a signal from the collective cat consciousness that this is the right place for me right now.

Peace,
Chris

[moon_beam]

Hi, Chris, thank you so very much for sharing with us how you and your precious Loki are doing, and for sharing the process of getting your MS and PhD. Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you, and that you have a plan to put it into motion. Good for you!!!!

I'm chuckling at Loki's initial reaction "YIKES!! Are you SURE this is where we're supposed to live, dad?" I remember when my furkids at the time (dog and cat) and I moved back to Virginia several years ago. My poor kitty found the darkest places in the house to hide because she was so frightened for awhile. But she finally realized that it was okay for awhile. She REALLY loved it when we moved to a more "country" setting. Am so glad Loki is feeling more "at home" in his new digs.

How so very special you had a visit from Dzambala's "ambassador" to greet you - - welcome you to the neighborhood, and to let you know he's there with you. This is truly very, very special.

I hope you and Loki will be able to settle down for a peaceful and blissful evening. Please know you both are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you and your precious Loki are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[leejaye]

Hi Chris, Great to hear from you and Loki! I know whenever I moved with Mischief she was always happiest once surrounded with familiar smells and belongings (yes, also hers, not mine!). And definitely a welcome from the cat mind with the first morning visit you had... have you found a window for your Dzamba glass work yet? I thought Australian quarantine conditions were fairly restrictive, but had no idea that much cash was involved! As you say, perhaps work, or a holiday, one day? For now, I hope you get that last 5% unpacked and settle into this new bit of life with Loki, give him his favourite pat for me, Leejaye

[ChrisL]

Thanks moon beam and leejaye

I am going to try to get some good pictures of the views from my new neighborhood in the next few days.

In the meantime, I wanted to share these shots from the second to last day at my mom's house. This is the closest Violet allowed Loki. In between these two shots, Loki pawed her, getting a well-earned hiss and swat. He bounded off that table so fast, and then came back to a wiser distance.





She may be little more than half his weight, but she's about twice as tough...

Peace,
Chris

[moon_beam]

Hi, Chris, thank you so much for sharing these wonderful pictures of your precious Loki and your mom's precious Violet with us. Your description of Violet reminds me very much of my beloved Abbygayle. Although she and her brother, Noah, were inseparable, there were times when Noah would solicit interaction and she was not in the mood - - and she let him know about it in no uncertain terms. It made me a little sad for Noah, but invariably within minutes I would find them curled around one another in loving affection. Perhaps someday Violet will accept your precious Loki's attention - -and affection. I hope so.

I hope today is being kind to you and your precious Loki, and that the both of you are beginning to feel more at home in your new digs. It takes awhile for a new place to feel like "home sweet home". I hope you and your precious Loki will have a very peaceful and pleasant evening, and that I always look forward to sharing how you both are doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[leejaye]

Hi Chris, Thanks for the fantastic photos! Poor Loki - he's just trying to be friendly (he looks kinda hopeful in that 1st photo - "aww come on, you know we can be friends..."), and Violet sounds quite similar to Mischief in the personality field, I really feel for him!!! Hope you guys have a great day, Leejaye

[ChrisL]

So yesterday on my way home I stopped off on the tram platform to capture this image of the gorgeous day. In it you can see my "ride" pulling up, the with the fancy condo highrises on the waterfront, the Willamette River in the middle and Mt. Hood on the horizon. On days like this, I know exactly why I came here. Today's even nicer, so maybe I'll get some more photos.



Things are going to be getting really busy, so I won't be on as often but will stop in from time to time to update on life with Loki.

Peace,
Chris

[moon_beam]

Hi, Chris, thank you so very much for the wonderful picture of your and your precius Loki's new surroundings. Whenever you need to rest your mind from the intensity of your studies, just look out your window - - and if possible - - hold Loki in your arms and I guarantee you all will be right with your world again.

Please know you and your precious Loki are in my thoughts and prayers, Chris, and will look forward to sharing how things are going with you both whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[leejaye]

Dear Chris, That's a beautiful view - ditto moon_beam, a moment of peace is seconds away with those surroundings and Loki by your side and Dzamba in your heart...stop by whenever you have time - I look forward to it my friend, Leejaye PS Best of luck with your studies, but I don't think you need it!

[ChrisL]

Hi,

So my laptop went into a coma. I wisely bought an insurance plan when I got it, so I will have a computer whether they are able to fix it or not, without having to pay anything else. Only I have to adapt my routine to use campus computers while it's in the shop.

Loki is being really demanding. Yesterday he was pulling back on the door with his paw wrapped around as I tried to close it. He is losing his fear of feet and just shoving around and over to get outside when I come in or out. Then he has decided that my new work table is his personal lounging spot - specifically the very center of it and especially when I need to work. Being home all alone, with neither me nor Dzamba there, is still new to him. I am pretty sure his adaptation has been to sleep most of the time storing up energy to raise the devil when I get home.

I am getting started in the lab working on theoretical/simulation stuff. It is kind of disorienting to be in a position where my "boss" actually wants my input and expects me to decide what I should do rather than just issuing orders from on high. Exciting and a little scary at the same time.

Anyway, hopefully my lines of communication will soon be back to normal. In the meantime, you all take care.

Peace,
Chris

[moon_beam]

Hi, Chris, thank you so very much for sharing with us how you and your precious Loki are doing. Our techno wiz gadgets are great when they are working, but when they don't it can be a royal headache - - and cause of panic. So glad you're being able to "connect" with a campus computer, and hope your computer is back up and running quickly.

I am soo o o o o chuckling about your precious Loki's assertiveness for attention. He misses you, daddy. He's used to having your undivided attention, and to giving you HIS undivided attention. So o o o o - - - welcome to the world of feline persistence.

Sounds like your studies are very interesting - - and will be helping you to develop the creative "try and try again" side of developing new technologies. This is so exciting - - and look forward to sharing your discoveries as you wish to share them with us.

I hope you and your precious Loki are having a very peaceful evening, and that your little Loki will be your "creative assistant" in your studies. Plesae know you both are in my thoughts and prayers, Chris, and always look forward to sharing your news.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[leejaye]

Hey Chris, Ain't technology grand?! At least you have the coma covered with your insurance...I have to admit Mischief sat in the middle of my work all the way through uni - no matter where I set up my work space she found her way to sitting in the middle of it. Purszi has the same habit with newspapers and the laptop keyboard, definitely an attention thing, but how you cure them of it?? I've just been removing Purszival to a furry blanket (I bought it for myself, but I'll reference the furniture you are borrowing from Loki - you know how it is...), trying to convince him this is his spot - maybe you could make a spot for Loki near your work space? Your studies sound great, especially the opportunity to utilise some initiative, isn't this what good science and relevant discoveries come down to? Have a game with Loki for me, or give him his favourite pat (depending on how much energy he has saved up til you get home) - looking forward to hearing from you when you get a chance, Leejaye

[ChrisL]

Looks like its been more than a month since I was last on here.

Studies and research have been so busy. For once I am feeling, with the research, that I have found my "niche", somewhere where I can do the kinds of work that suit a wide cross section of my interests and inclinations. I still hate taking tests though - some things never change!

Loki is settling into his life as THE Cat. He continues to reveal more dimensions of what a big furry ball of love he is. I've had a few restless nights stressing out over projects and plans - and he is there by my side in bed purring and radiating warmth easing me back to sleep.

I still get twinges of pain - mainly impressions of the sorrowful atmosphere I was immersed in in Dzamba's last month. I still feel there is some bit of unfinished business there - not that I expect it ever to be totally complete. But something that I need to attend to that won't quite reveal itself...

Well, I don't have as much time as I'd like. Hopefully there will be some stretches, especially around thanksgiving, that I might get a chance to get up to date here. Meanwhile, thanks again to everyone who either responded or silently read my responses - words can't explain how much knowing there was a place to share helped keep me from going into a dark spiral.

Peace,
Chris L

[moon_beam]

Hi, Chris, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Loki are doing. I have been thinking about the both of you recently and wondering how you're getting along with your studies. I'm so glad to know that you are finding fulfillment in your studies, Chris, and am so very glad that Loki is there by your side to help you and inspire you in your studies and projects.

I hope you and Loki are continuing to enjoy your new digs. You have been through many major adjustments over the months of your beloved Dzambala's illness and the ongoing adjustment to his physical absence, and now the HUGE adjustment of a new home and studies, deadlines, exams, etc.. No wonder you are feeling like there may be some "unfinished business". If / when you find yourself finding it hard to breathe, just take Loki in your arms and take slow deep breaths, and exhale slowly. And please remember we are here for you as well, Chris.

I look forward to knowing how your studies are going, and how you do on your exams, Chris. Your beloved Dzambala is very proud of you, Chris, and is cheering you on, as I'm sure you already know. Please know you and your precious Loki are in my thoughts and prayers, Chris, and that I always look forward to knowing you and your precious Loki are doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[ChrisL]

So, it has been a looooong time, and so busy a time at that.

Just finished that chemistry major, and now off to a doctoral program at Washington State in a month. It's gonna be a big change, and I'm excited that I feel I'm finally rejoining the main path in my life after some detours, moving toward a real, meaningful career. In other good news, I'm finally getting paid something for my work this summer as a research assistant, and there is a good chance my work here will be published - perhaps even as first author.

Loki continues to be a constant source of affection, steadfast company, and comic relief. The poor guy came down with a flea infestation. I always cringe when I put that poison on - I keep swearing I will try a milder alternative next time. Anyhow, doing summer weekend yardwork at Mom's house, and just chugging along one day at a time.

Friday the peachy orange cat hasn't shown in a while. Hopefully he just moved away with his human. Right around the time I stopped seeing him, a flaming red cat - with a tag announcing his name as Fireball - showed up. He likes to roll on the ground a lot - so along with the color that's an apt name.

Anyway thought I'd check in after posting my latest remembrance of Dzamba. Peace all,

Chris

[moon_beam]

Hi, Chris, thank you so very much for sharing with us how you and your precious Loki are doing. Congratulations on your doctoral program at Washington State!! And I am so happy that you are getting paid for your work this summer as a research assistant, and that there is a good chance your work will be published - perhaps even as first author. I am sooo oo o happy for you and Loki, Chris.

I know what you mean about the "poison" treatment for fleas and ticks. It's a necessary "evil" when our companions visit the outside realm. It does not surprise me that your precious Loki's behaviors also reflect your beloved Dzambala's. I know your beloved Dzambala is there guidng your precious Loki "this is the way it's done, - - this is the way dad likes it", and so forth - - all the while your precious Loki's sweet precious nature is shining forth in his own way.

Thank you again so much for stopping by and sharing with us how things are going for you and your precious Loki. You and your precious Loki are frequently in my thoughts and prayers hoping that life is treating you both kindly. Good luck on your continuing endeavors in your career path, and please let us know how you and your precious Loki are doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam