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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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