It's almost a year since we first met Happy.
We met at the Cat Protection Society. He sat next to Matt. His brother was a bit of a bully to him. And then he climbed up Matt's arm and sat on his shoulder.
Since then I have undergone a rapid transformation back into a crazy cat lady.
I say back because I had the love of my life, Yoko, aka Boozie for 14 beautiful years, and my goodness, you've seriously never met a better cat. When he died, I was 21. I still think about that beautiful boy.
Happy is a crazy, slinky, minxie, moody cat. As only cats are.
I am desperate for him to love me. So instead he snubs me.
Please. Send help.
So lately I have been doing small things to add some happy into my day. To get myself out of the Groundhog and onto the good foot. They're not big things. They're not groundbreaking. But they have made me happier.
Want some tips on getting yourself happier?
1. Get outside. I know I love social media. But sometimes it makes me not so happy. Putting down technology and going outside is SO good for the soul. I spent a happy afternoon last week pulling weeds. And pulling weeds. And pulling weeds. There are a lot of weeds in our garden, and passersby may think we're busy cultivating them.
We're not. Weeds intimidate me. Plus I don't want to find any creepy creatures in the garden. But that afternoon of weeding not only got me outside, it let me feel the sunshine on my back, gave me the feeling and satisfaction of having done something with my hands, and made my garden look slightly better.
2. Do something for someone else. When I was feeling a bit blue a couple of months ago, I donated some red. Blood that is. When you do something for someone else - you feel good. It's not just me that thinks this. It's got the psychologists talking too.
Doing something without the expectation of receiving something in return can have a major influence on happiness. It provides more positive social interactions and opportunities to make friends; it relieves distress about other people's misfortunes; bottom line = it feels good.
Try donating blood! And if you can't donate blood, there are SO many charities that will happily host volunteers. Give some time to someone who needs it. You'll get the buzz benefit.
3. Make something with your hands. It goes back to that thing of doing something with your hands. I have a fairly sedentary life, so gardening is good for me - physically and mentally. But if you're not into gardening, stitching, painting, even joining a drawing club can have that positive effect. Being purposeful can mean you can quite literally take your own happiness into your hands.
4. Cook something. I don't get much time these days to cook, unless it's my day off or on the weekend. But nothing beats the feeling of making something for your friends and family to enjoy. Last week it was risotto. The week before brownies and peanut butter and choc chip biscuits. This week? The world is my oyster. But it won't be oysters.
5. Catch up with a friend. Dr PottyMouth prescribes you a restorative catch up with friends. Or family. In my own experience, there's nothing better than spending time with people you love. Meet a girlfriend for coffee or a big walk, chat. Catch up. Laugh. It is truly the best medicine, and you can't beat that high.
Case in point. The above photo.
So he pretends he doesn't like me, yet he follows me from room to room. And sits on the couch right next to my head. Because he doesn't like me much.
He lets me carry him around the house, and then bites me.
But he only lets me pat him once. And then slinks away.
I may have to roll in catnip and see how he likes those apples.
Quite frankly, the cat is a bit of a poo.
We have had our Happy cat for four weeks now.
We couldn't be happier. He has brought so much to our little household, and despite him going through some crazy psycho teenage years (didn't we all) and teething like a maniac, he is so super duper fluffy. And cute.
This morning I had to take him to the vet for his vaccination. In my mind I had the whole family clambering to come with me.
In reality - no one wanted to come with me.
Can you believe it?
I was pretty outraged. I packed the cat up. Got his papers. And left.
I am like the Little Red Hen.
No one wants to feed him. No one wants to accompany him on vet visits. They're his good time friends. Ready to play - but not there when the chips are down.
Basically the news release I'll be issuing to my family is - the cat is mine.
And I'm not good at sharing.
