Oct
1
Life has really been coming fast lately and I feel like there are too many things to catch up on but I’ll tell you about two big changes: new car, new kitten.
First – the new ride. I had been hoping to drive my 2004 Touareg until it simply crumbled to dust; I don’t really know why I was so doggedly loyal to that car. It just always felt like Too Much to consider something new, even as the repair bills piled up.
I had a really obnoxious experience with the local VW place several months back involving $5K in labor/parts and a full MONTH of them keeping the car, it was more than the car was actually worth but I was so hopeful that would be it for a long time. But right after I moved out and was in the midst of full-scale Separation Logistics/Woes, the engine light came on. Very et tu I must say. The same frustrating service department told me it was going to be another $3K and at that point I just walked my ass to the nearest dealership (literally, my house is less than a mile from like 4 car sales places) and the first thing I laid eyes on was a Ford Bronco. No research, no plans, just going on VIBES, this is surely the worst way on earth to buy a car but I can’t tell you how incapable I felt of anything else. I had a really decent sales guy, a little goofy but not pushy or slimy, and I drove a couple different models and I settled on this one:
I mean. Isn’t she GORGEOUS???? This is a 2025 Bronco Sport Heritage edition in Ruby Red and I love her. Looks great, feels great, gets better gas mileage, has fancy CarPlay so my phone just automagically connects, all the things. I don’t know that I got the best deal ever but I got through it without the discomfort of too much haggling and that feels worth it. It is such an insane upgrade I kind of can’t believe I waited so long, but I have it now. Now is a real good time for big and small delights, so it was perfect timing. I traded in my old car for peanuts, I could have sold it myself for a bit more money but it was also worth it just to bless that Touareg for the good years and walk away.
The other new addition to my life is Billy. LOOK AT THIS GUY:
I have always loved Maine Coons and never thought I would own one, but I discovered a good breeder here in Oregon and just went for it. There was a whole process of viewing different kittens and the instant I laid eyes on him I knew I wanted him. He cost an arm and a leg and a six-hour drive and the eventual destruction of everything I own and he is worth all of that and more. He is one hundred percent priceless honestly and again came into my life at the exact right time. I received the tough news that John is dating someone while Billy the kitten was sitting directly on my heart, purring, and that was a very helpful way to begin to process that.
Billy is the sweetest most affectionate baby guy, he wants to be on me at all times. He is also an actual madman and the entire effort of sprucing up the house has ground to a halt because what’s a cat toy, EVERYTHING IS A CAT TOY. Every piece of furniture, everything I touch (he’s briefly locked away so I can type this), everything is something to be attacked and explored and it is adorable and mildly exhausting and all-consuming and I think that’s exactly what I need right now.
The big house stuff is done — painting, roof replacement, electrical upgrades, new fence, washer and dryer install — and now that I have a little breathing room it’s nice to focus on Billy and not get too mired in my feelings. The weather has changed and I can feel The Darkness looming (I need so many lamps holy shit) and some big kitten energy is a wonderful balm. I love him enormously and already can’t imagine life without him, even as I am covered head to toe in tiny claw marks. He is even better than the Bronco and that’s saying something.
This is a real challenging season with so many ups and downs but I think I’m doing okay, I’m doing my best to keep my head above water and I have so many good things going on. And now my house truly does feel like a home, like my home, mine and Billy’s. We may not always agree on how exactly fabric couches should be enjoyed but we sure do enjoy each other’s company.
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BILLY. He is darling, and what a light in a complicated time! (I got a kitten this summer as well, and he also ascribes to the “everything is a cat toy” way of life.) I love the old man ear hair so very much (my kitten has it too).
Oh that kitty is just the best. My husband is allergic and if he dies first I am immediately getting a cat. I do think it is very unfair that when a hetero marriage ends, men get to go out and date women while we have to….date men. Honestly, what I wouldn’t give to be attracted to women.
New Things That Are Just-Yours From the Beginning. Very pleasing.