Reader Request : A Day in the Life

Though the others might have complained that our dear matriarch took the time to write her own post on our fledgling little blog, I think it was delightful. Even more so, is the fruit that has come from it. We've already had three suggestions - this one (A Day in the Life), our feelings about an impending snowstorm, and one in which we star in our own live video chat. (I rather like the last one. Don't worry, kind sir - your suggestion has been taken to heart!)

At any rate - I'd love to share with you all what a typical day in my life is like.

I generally awaken around the same time as the man does - 6:30 a.m. I used to be ready to take on the world at such an early hour. However, the more years I add to my life, the more hours of sleep I seem to require. So, most days, I have a quick stretch and return to a sound sleep until 9:00 or 9:30. Invariably, during the night and early morning hours, you will find me near the pillow on the woman's side of the bed. I do so adore their new memory foam mattress, and feel I've earned the right for the spot of honor in the master bedroom.

When I arise in the mid-morning, I head downstairs for  the feline equivalent to a hot shower and a cup of Joe - a quick bath on the living room floor and a bite of kitty kibble with a side of fresh water. For the next several hours I repose on the living room couch or in a square of sunshine on the floor and listen to the lady of the house instructing the children. I think she does a pretty good job, though I would place more emphasis on grammar and classical literature. But, those are my areas of particular interest.

After the people have lunch (during which I enjoy another morsel or two of food, myself), I typically retire to the comfort of the master bed once again for my afternoon nap. Sometimes I choose to snooze in one of the children's rooms, instead, during their delightful afternoon institution called quiet time. Wherever the location, I greatly enjoy the rest, and typically don't awaken again until late afternoon, when the man arrives home.

Our evenings in this house are quiet. After supper, the family generally retires to the comfort of the couch. This is prime snuggling time, and I am almost always assured of a warm lap and willing hand to pet me. Having everyone in the same place, at the same time, is really the best that life has to offer. I savor such moments every chance I get!

When it is time for the children to go to bed, I make my rounds, checking in on each one. More often than not, I finally settle with the oldest, where I sleep tucked under her right arm, with the blankets pulled up to my chin. (I wouldn't want to disappoint her by letting her know this, but after she is sound asleep, I retire for the rest of the night to the woman's side of the bed. I have spent almost 14 years sleeping next to her heart, and it is still my favorite place to be.)

When I was younger, I spent my nights roaming the house, getting into mischief, and hunting for any rodents who dared to cross our threshold. These days, though, the only time I get up is for a trip to the litter box. There are times when I wish I still had the energy and vigor of my youth. But, I wouldn't trade them for the wisdom and dignity I've gained it their place.

When morning comes, the whole process repeats itself. Our days may not be fancy or fun-filled, but they are peaceful and every moment is saturated by love. What more could a cat want than that?

Yours,
Charles

p.s. - I am finding it increasingly difficult to catch a solitary cat nap on the master bed these days. It seems that everyone else (with the exception of Shane, who rarely makes it upstairs due to his lazy tendencies and enormous girth) has come to love the  Tempur-Pedic bed as much as I have!