Knee Deep

Take it from a soon to be empty nester, knee deep is awesome.

Ali, for George, you could try the spray bottle- it's cheep and it works when you're there, but you could also try a product called Scat Mat or something like that- especially for if you are gone. It is a thin mat (like the thickness of a self-healing cutting mat). There is a battery or it's plugged in to the wall- I can't remember. When the cat goes on the mat (which you put on the counter), it either emits a sound or a vibration. Look for it at Drs Foster & Smith (pet catalogue with a website). Good luck!

Ali,
I've been thinking about your comment on telling the harder (read deeper) stories while you are in the midst of them. I read this blog http://www.papercoterie.com/blog/to-thine-own-self/ and thought what a missed opportunity this was---if she'd written about her situation while she was in it two things might have occurred: clarity for her, and a kindred spirit for another.
I have a dear friend who struggles with infertility and she takes comfort in those women who will share and come-along-side her in her troubles. I try to be supportive, but I have 2 kids (that she dearly loves, but also desperately wants for herself). Other women who are going through a similar thing have a clearer perspective and can help in very real ways.
It isn't about the easy answer, or even always having one. Sometimes it's about the journey.

Ditto! Trying to keep from overwhelm in this little corner! :) Happy Days, Ali.

The cat is NOT supposed to be on the counter?? Our cats are always on the counter...will have to have a talk with them. Only place we can put the food so the dog doesn't eat it!!

Knee deep...good way to put it!! We have all been there...remember to Consider it All Joy!!

Ah yes. the stuff of life. I'm chin deep and worrying that life will be over my head before I know it. sigh. Yes, this is MY life.

Sounds like George's word for 2012 is up, too! ;)

Try putting tin foil on the counters. Cats tend to hate the sound feel of it and it works when you aren't around as well. :)

Knee deep? Good thing you are so tall! Your knee deep probably WOULD drown me!
New paragraph: when you figure out how to do the crappy stuff while you are in it, DO IT! It will be great to look back and see what you have survived! Believe me, I know! :) I remember when I feared my daughter would be a wild child -- and that was when she was Anna's age! Now she's my hero! A mere 20 years later. Love.

Life stuff. Ya I know about that....had taxes done today, yuck! But getting info on your new class for BPC would be good, real good.

Those knee-deep days make my on top of the mountain ones all that much sweeter. Keep slugging forward.

It's funny. I sometimes feel like working full time and trying to manage my life is a losing battle. Then, I realize without all of it, I'd be bored out of my mind. One step at a time...

Those darn cats! But they love you don't they? And we continue to keep you in our prayers...your rough patch will get easier as time goes on.

For keeping George off the counters try putting some pieces of low tack masking tape that you make into little rolls with a folded over piece (so the bottom isn't sticky) all over them. After about a week our cats stopped getting on the counter. My sister-in-law had good luck squirting her cat with a water gun every time he got on her counters or table.

Hang in there sister!