Coffee with the Cats

My Friend, Nostalgia

December 29th, 2023

Daily writing prompt
What makes you feel nostalgic?
View all responses

Proud 90s kid coming in hot! I am fortunate to say there are many things I find nostalgic from my childhood and early adulthood. First of all, playing Power Rangers and kickball with the neighbor kids never got old! The smell of peppermint tea still triggers my nostalgia from when mom always made it when my sister and I were sick. The song “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor set to the 90’s animated alien video that dad found so entertaining still gets me singing! We were also big The Wild Thornberries fans. I can’t forget about the long hours my cousins and I spent in the woods building forts or putting on plays for the adults at family gatherings (we were a creative bunch!). And not that I’ve had one since I was about ten years old, but Dad’s steak-umm sandwiches always hit the spot.

Certain items stood out from those times, but most of my nostalgia comes from feelings and memories from the past when life was simpler and less stressful. I rather enjoy the feeling of nostalgia and the wave of joyful sensation it brings. Even my Spotify Wrapped from 2022 categorized my listening habits as nostalgic! And reflecting on the past year is when I find these feelings surfacing more than normal. Happy New Year everyone!
Great, not Good

December 7th, 2023

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

I’m a realist, and my outlook gets jaded sometimes for various reasons, but life is good.

Made it to three countries for leisure travel, elected to have corrective eye surgery which has become one of the best decision I have ever made (thanks Dr. Z!), and grew a %#@& ton of tomatoes in my garden!
The Fox and the Elk

December 6th, 2023

Do you ever see wild animals?

We are surrounded by deer daily. Lots of insects, including butterflies hovering over our flowering bushes, and the occasional bat at sunset.

On rare instances we see a red fox in our path…but only after we bring up the idea of a fox minutes before in conversation. In all seriousness, this has happened on three separate occasions throughout the past year! Coincidence? Manifestation?? Always a beautiful sight regardless.

And then there’s the most memorable animal encounter when I was hiking in Colorado and rounded a corner to a huge open field filled with hundereds of elk, the nearest being no more 50 meters away! That was a sight I will never forget.
Petting the Peeves

November 28th, 2023

Name your top three pet peeves.

Short and sweet…

1. Popping/smacking/chewing gum with an open mouth

2. Whistling noses

3. Squeaky chairs

I’ve got others, but the sounds get to me!
Misty Mountain Orophile

November 26th, 2023

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

For living or vacationing, the mountains are calling.

Peacefully serene, the mountains offer a welcoming contrast to the monotony and craziness of daily life. The satisfaction of escaping to the pure air, the whispering brooks, the breath taking views, and the grandness of the mountains cannot be beaten. I enjoy standing engulfed by the size of these geographical features and letting my mind wander to the daunting and fascinating fact of how small we are compared to the world we live in and the galaxy we exist in.

We often prefer exploration vacations and the mountains meet our needs perfectly – the ability to get out and do, explore, and heal from the outside in.

And for longer-term living, the mountains are still victorious if able to offer the same serenity and healing nature right outside the back door. I am a realist at heart and know that mountain life may often be more asking than beach life (depending on the location of the beach), but I would willingly adopt the hardiness needed to live year round in the mountains. But…near a body of water would be perfect. Switzerland or northern Italy doesn’t sound too bad!!
Month #10

November 21st, 2023

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

Having been born in the Fall, there is some partiality to this season, but I enjoy all things October has to offer. The changing of leaves and the alluring smell of decay. The slow down after Summer and the calm before the holiday season. October offers a time for reminiscing and reflecting and drinking hot tea on the back patio before we lose the daylight.
Existential Spiraling

November 19th, 2023

I’m sure I’m not the only one. Worn down from work, questioning why I chose this path, wanting something to change, but being mentally trapped in the present. It doesn’t help when the security of a good paycheck and benefits dangles above your head. Is the risk of losing that worth the shift brewing in your day dreams?

Not to say every day is misery. There are days of pride and fulfillment for the work done. But these days make up the minority. Can I imagine myself living out my thirty five year career here? Changing roles too early has always gone against my loyal principles, but maybe I’ve been more concerned about loyalty to the company than loyalty to myself. There has to be something off if these feelings are surfacing only 2.5 years since beginning my “adult” life after graduation.

I can’t be too hard on twenty-year-old me because she had no frame of reference nor the knowledge back then. But given the current knowledge and experience makes it easier to recognize that now is the time for something to change. What that is exactly, I don’t know. That’s why I’m here writing to share with you and discover my skill or lack there of. And spending countless hours researching (a favorite pasttime of a curious wannabe-intellect) – articles, Youtube, finding courses to take, dabbling here and there. Identifying those interests of mine that I never made appropriate and healthy time for earlier in life.

Burnout is the buzz word for this downtrodden, unmotivated outlook on your reaponsibilities. Could it be because we feel used and abused by our corporate undertakers or because this isn’t how we were meant to live?

Change is coming.
…Carmen San Diego

November 17th, 2023

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

While a nomad at heart, I’ll admit I’m growing into more of a homebody as I get older. And if I had the chance to sit at home and truely enjoy more often, I’d choose Lausanne, Switzerland or somewhere on the western half of New Zealand’s South Island. These are the two most beautiful locations I have been fortunate enough to visit. And money, politics, and local culture aside, something tells me being surrounded by such beauty on the daily would have a positive impact on one’s overall outlook.
Cool is Relative

November 16th, 2023

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever found (and kept)?

Encountering cool things on the daily is not uncommon. Cool skies, cars, dogs, ideas, encounters, …I could go on and on. But the coolest I’ve found? My husband! The coolest person in my eyes and whom I chose to keep!
My Pride Rock

October 23rd, 2023

What are you most proud of in your life?

After having a falling out with another blog of mine, I’m proud (and excited and refreshed!) to be picking up writing again. For the public eye, sure, but my drive is on improving my skill, offering myself a creative outlet, and having some fun.

Okay, and just a few more…

*My relationship with my husband

*Family and friends, for themselves, their accomplishments, and being associated with these wonderful people

*My degree & job

*The home we have built