FIRE Brings Life to a Screeching Hault... Update

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all having a lovely Holiday Season... can you believe it's about to be 2011!?!

I just wanted to provide a quick update on everything that's been going on with my new "Post Fire" existence.

I seem to be okay. Really... I've finally mentally put Sheri and Wyo (my cats) to rest in my mind. I no longer cry at the sight of them, even though I often see pictures of them every day and remind myself they won't be in my hotel room when I get there. I do miss them, but I understand fully that it is better that they didn't survive opposed to surviving and being maimed in some horrible way.

The love I have felt from everyone in my world has been nothing short of overwhelming. I continually am reminded of the wonderful people I have managed to surround myself with and I am so thankful and blessed that they are there!

I do seem to be exhibiting some Post Traumatic Stress of some kind. Where I never used to be so scatter brained as to leave my residence without my car keys, or forget to do what I set out to do moments after the decision was made... I seem to be doing that a lot lately. I also don't really have a concept of days of the week as of late either, although for that I suppose I can blame on the odd Holiday weeks.

I will tell you that I am also really surprised with how much I don't miss my "stuff" I lost EVERYTHING save my oak bedroom furniture which is out being specially cleaned. I don't have my clothes, photo albums, jewelry, coats, shoes, or any of the other trappings of normal American society. You know what? I'm actually kind of excited about it!

Being that I am virtually at peace with the tragedy of my cats... I am allowing myself the opportunity to look forward. How often does one get the opportunity for a "Do Over"? I have one! I don't want to squander it! I am being very cautious while in my temporary housing to only buy what I absolutely need. I have enough clothes to get by for just over a week, I have my toiletries and basic food needs taken care of, and a couple pairs of shoes for running around the hotel I'm now residing in.

I did make two purchases... I have a more substantial winter coat because the ski jacket I was wearing on the day of the fire is NOT warm enough for these bitter cold days, and I have a good pair of gym shoes being shipped so I can take advantage of the cardio facility here in the hotel. (I made sure two sets of workout gear were purchased a few weeks ago).

I hope to go with a "less is more" type philosophy with my home when I move back in. I want fewer things, but higher quality than before. I hope I can accomplish that on the insurance money that will be coming my way.

I also have some rather exciting news! I have been in contact with the Animal Welfare organization named Second Chance that I had adopted Sheri and Wyo from 5 years ago. They have a litter of three kittens that were born the week of the fire, and that will make them old enough to come home with me when I move back in. (Yes if they are all healthy and of good temperament I'll take all three!) Even more exciting than that is that in talking with this organization, they were so moved by my story and so generous of spirit that they told me they would waive all adoption fees for whichever kittens I choose to take home! This is only the latest in the amazing that is now my life.

I will absolutely be making a donation to them at the time I adopt, but if you too would like to honor their generosity please feel free to donate to them via their Donations Page. They have many ways to donate, from money to toys and blankets.

Thank you all for your support! I can't begin to tell you how loved I feel. I know I had written before about how I always seem to land on my feet.... I really seem to have this time around!

I'm not gonna lie though... I'm only on my second week in this hotel apartment and I already just want to be home... I am also SO READY for 2010 to be outta here! Between ankle and fire... It has NOT been my year!

This too shall pass, and that which doesn't kill me only serves to make me stronger.

Happy New Year!

Kat