Thanks Sing. You nailed it on the head though; pets are a big responsibility. To me; its like caring for young children. There are just massive ads for people giving up their pets and the top reason is that they simply don't have the time to care for the pets. Other reasons are of course because of allergies to young babies or their significant other. I have even read of pets jealous of a new born and we had one incident where a dog killed a new born baby because of jealousy. I really think people should have a trial period where they take the pet home and see what its like to care for a pet; rather than adopting it right away then months down the road just abandon it which seems to be another trend around here.

Great that you have so many close friends and a good support network. And activities that you enjoy...I tend to be more of a recluse or loner most of the time. I go out into the world and have experiences. Then I come home and think about what I "saw" and "learned" and usually write about all of it. Or just "store" what I've "learned" for something I might work on in the future...I enjoy studying human nature and "relationship dynamics" etc...I spend time with homeless people or the "nearly homeless" at times. And people from all "walks" of life...Guess I'm a "closet nerd!" Or an "armchair sociologist" or ?? So it's not just about the cats! (Although I "study" them too and their interactions with each other and me etc.)

Yes, it would be harder being a recluse. If you don't mind me asking; what made you a recluse? Or have you always been that way? If this is too personal; just tell me to mind my own business and I will respect your wishes. My friend describes me as a social butterfly. I am always out and about as I want to experience as much as I can before I die. I always think life is too short. I was doing some charity raising for our Homeless shelter called the Drop In center. It certainly was an eye opener but it gave me the chance to see the great work the center is doing and spread the word to others to donate to help keep up the great work these people are doing.

navygirl...I agree with you that life can be short. Right after I responded to your earlier post this morning (from my phone) my son ended-up taking a turn for the worst and died a short time later. (Peacefully.)...A friend came over to console me. (Which was nice.) And I've had to talk to staff people and make arrangements etc. (Yuk!)...I'm a "mess" and very "restless." Have so many layers of feelings to "work through."...Anyway I grew-up as an only child and just got used to doing my "own thing" at an early age I guess. (Writing. Trying to figure out solutions to world problems and ???)...Great that you do so much to help homeless people. I care about homeless people a lot too. (And learn "survival skills" from them and how to be happy no matter what etc.)...My son had a "big heart" and he cared about homeless people and anyone who was going through a "rough time" and always tried to help if he could...I don't think that it has totally "sunk-in" that my son is gone yet. It all happened so fast. I broke the news to the cats and they seem to be doing okay so far. (Better than me.) Sorry to go off-topic.

No apologies necessary. I am so sorry for your loss of your son. My heart goes out to you. If you need someone to talk to; I would gladly give you my phone number.

Thanks for caring. It means a lot!..I tried to make a post in another section but it was rough so I gave-up for now...I have to make calls (soon) and let others know that my son died...No one expected him to die right now or this soon. (Me neither!)...Anyway thanks for caring. I'll probably come back later. Thanks again!

No worries. Take care my friend. I let the others on Mingles know about your loss on the Well Wishes threads. Know that your mingles family is there for you.

Hey all. Is it really worth giving him bullets for his gun? It honestly seems better to just let the flames calm. You're just adding more fuel to his fire. It's obvious he wanted reactions. Just saying.

Yeah; I think you are right about his motives.

I really get what people are saying about pets.

When you have one they really do become an integral part of your life. I think that is fine if they give you comfort and improve the quality of your life.

Hopefully they don't become a barrier to human relationships. Something that is easy to slip into. Reason I am really debateing wheather now is the time for me to add a puppy. With a mate you both get to share the bonding process but solo that is kind of a different thing.

And yea I have dated people, even had friends, that I felt like a second class citizen to an out of control pet. And it distanced the relationship.

But a well cared for pet, or kid, or hobby, or job doesn't mean I can't be someone's friend or mate if things are kept in proportion. I figure how I treat the people in my personal life is directly related to how they are going to treat me. Balance and porportion isn't easy but it helps and I strive for it.

Navy Girl I am wishing you were local today. lol Got a project I am doing on the house and wishing you were around to save me from screwing it up or at least to share some BBQ and tea with the couple folks that are going to be joining in.

You have peaked my interest. What kind of project are you doing?

PacificStar48...I agree with you. It was easier to take care of my cats when my husband was alive and we shared in their "care" together...Now I feel "outnumbered" at times. (Especially since I have my son's cats now too.) ...Who knows? Maybe I'm known as the "cat lady" of the neighborhood! (And viewed as a bit eccentri!) Oh well..When I'm ready to date and get out more the "barriers" will come "down." (Cats or no cats!)...I still managed to do quite a bit as a single parent when my sons were small. I worked and put myself through college and still found time to date and pursue my hobbies and interests etc..I found a way to "juggle" it "all!" And I will again.

navygirl...Thanks for caring and starting the other thread...So you're a "social butterfly?"

You are quite welcome. Yeah; my friends think that. I am hardly ever home unless I am sleeping or sick. LOL Between all the meet up groups, playing in a band, teaching another band, and fixing stuff at my brother's place; my house stays pretty clean as I don't use it that much.

It sounds like you have an exciting life..I like to be spontaneous and get out and do different things. But I'm probably a homebody too. Both!

Me; I am always online and seeing what is happening around the city and surrounding area. There is always lots to do here and some interesting clubs. I joined a costume club, astronomy club, walking club, cycling club, law of attraction club, ladies club, and of course my two bands. I also like to take in all the community events that go on here. I found a medieval dinner online last October and went to that. Not only did I have a great time; I met some new friends. The month of October 2012 I have two weekends where I am going out of town for training/camping and the other two weekends I have a military dinner to attend on the two Saturday nights which are a real good laugh.

Wow! Good for you! Great that you have so many diverse interests and activities!...What is the "law of attraction" club like? I've used creative visualization techniques in the past for various reasons.. Should do it again soon when I decide what I want for myself in the future.

Really; the basic idea of law of attraction is the idea of staying positive; and visualizing it. It hasn't quite worked for me yet as right now I am desperately trying to find a better job. I like a lot of diversity in my life as I think it keeps me head clear and I have always been a curious person by nature. I quite like the challenge of learning new things. I just bought a 1973 Chalet Trailer that I am going to fix up over the winter. I have some good ideas of what I want to do and how to keep the costs low. It will be another great challenge and I am determined to have it on the road by next summer. I am also going to squeeze in a French course as I am sure that will open up some job opportunities here.

wooow...and i thought my fascination with boobs scared the ladies off

At my age; when a man looks at my boobs; its considered a compliment.