Couch 228--The Wellness Couch

hugs, WFS. It is hard. We're in similar place with diabetic cat, he forgets where he is sometimes (it looks like, his face just looks confused), and he's starting to have trouble jumping up on the couch so has stopped trying. He can still get on the ottoman, so that's good. And he's still able to walk up his ramp to our bed, but doesn't do it as often as he had been. he'll be 15 in august. I feel bad for him because like you said i can't tell how much pain he is in.

Old man cat is as much of a Couch fashion icon as Info is. He sure can rock a plaid shirt.

I hope you enjoy your camping trip, Chihiro.

We have been going for about 6 months now. Wearing masks, and the usual temp check and questions at the door. The lack of massage and gym has been very detrimental to my health all the way around. Getting the massage back has been hit or miss as I had to switch massage people too.

We do - it's a cheaper bundle with internet and TV. It's the number we give out to any form stuff. We get emails of the voicemails, that's good enough for us. I also have to mute my cell when I was in the office and would often forget to unmute it so having a home line was like a back up way to reach me.

I don't like massages, they just really hurt because I unconsciously tense up and can't relax. One day I'll look into someone who won't make stupid comments like I don't know I'm incredibly tense. I can see how they help, had some really interesting conversations on Instagram on bodywork.

Here people can go to massages and various skincare things. Masks until on the table.

Some frontline staff have to wear N95s but surgical mask or cloth mask with 2 fabric layers for everyone else.

Woke up early (there are some very ardent bullfrogs here) and was greeted by this lovely view.

That's gorgeous, Chihiro!

Ugh, a comment about how tense you are would really bother me, too. Hope you can eventually find a good place for them.

I've gotten exactly one massage. I had a panic attack (feeling trapped) partway through. I lied and said I had to use the bathroom so I had a reason to step out for a minute. Then I was incredibly achy all over for days after (and this was just a regular Swedish massage, not like deep-tissue or anything).

So I haven't felt the desire to get another. I've heard the soreness gets better, or I could just ask them to go really gently, but eh... I suppose I should try again at some point, as I tend to have neck and shoulder tension/soreness--maybe I could just get one for those areas.

Scheduled to see Dr. T in person (outside) today in about an hour and a half. Feeling nervous, but also excited. It will be the first time seeing him in person in about 15 months... And I've never met with him in person outside the office before. So just don't know how it's going to go or how I'm going to feel seeing him in 3D again. I fully expect to start crying when I see him, but hope I can keep it to a minimum... (Right, I need to put tissues in my purse.)

Hope your appointment went well, LT.

R has just replied to my email about Steve. I'm not convinced she understands, but I will make sure that she does on Thursday. She did acknowledge that she is 'sure this feels like a continuum of one horrendous event to another.'

I did go in the end.

I just had to show my old covid test results and leave my contact details. Masks just until the front of the counter, not during.

I went for the traditional Thai and randomly began crying.

I've had the massage lady before and gave a her a tip for putting up with me.

I've just Googled Thai massage, and it sounds very painful - I'm not surprised you cried.

(I don't mean to be flippant.)

Swedish ones are supposed to get in the nitty gritty. Maybe try an oil or aromatherapy one.

I might sound like a weirdo, but I feel like it wasn't because of the pain, but because of the fact that she was so comforting.Stuff like stroking my hands or moving my ponytail, massaging my head. Covering my eyes with a towel, asking if I was okay.

It 100% wasn't sexual, but there was more contact with her body too. I felt like a pretzel near the end but it was nice.

When I was super depressed sometimes I used to go weekly. It was always the same women. One I met outside on the high street even gave me a hug when she saw me.

I can understand that. I finally managed to watch the documentary I posted about this morning, and there was a scene between Maté and his client that reminded me of the 'intimacy' (again, not in that way) I used to feel from and with R. Very moving, especially at this time where I feel gypped by sheer crappy circumstances.

Ooooh it sounds interesting-h ow much did you pay to view the film?

The suggested donation was $25, but nobody would be turned away for lack of funds. Today is the last day of the eight-day premiere event.

You may still be able to sign up

The Wisdom of Trauma – Gabor Mate Film

There are a few things that you might want to be careful with.

tweaky dog is having digestive issues. I have been up all night with him for the past two nights - he goes out but I have to go get him and carry him back up the stairs to get him back in. I may have to hire my dog a night nurse

Lemon, I get the crying during a massage. I've cried a few times during yoga classes, too. I think they can just dredge stuff up and sort of unlock emotions that were maybe trapped in some way?

I have had similar experiences in that regard with reflexology treatments.

Hi Couchmates!


I went to the Animal Shelter on Saturday. I was a little overwhelmed with the sheer number of cats they had. First I was shown the kittens which threw me because I wanted a cat. They sure were cute though. But I said, "Oh, no, I was looking for a cat." So they switched workers and another worker started showing me all the cats and pointing out a couple that she thought would be a good fit.


I met two of the cats. Coral and Vivian. Coral was cute, sort of fawn colored and she did eventually come to me but she was more curious about the room. Vivian is a black and white cat, short hair, about 2 years old. I ended up picking her. She kept going around the room in big circles and came circling by me for pets. I needed to pick her up to let the Animal Shelter lady back in the room and she immediately started purring. She seemed really comfortable with me. The Animal Shelter lady said I could change her name it was just one they gave her when she was found.


I wasn't able to take her home on Saturday because she needed to get fixed and I paid for her to get microchipped as well. She is supposed to have surgery today (I'm a nervous Mama!) But I am supposed to get a call today from the animal hospital to come pick her up when she is done and then she will be mine. So I brought my cat crate to work (and into the office). I didn't want it to get hot in the car. (It's supposed to be 102 today). And I brought the folder from the Animal Shelter because they said I would need that as proof she is my cat when I go to the animal hospital to pick her up.


I talked names over with my Mom and we decided on Helen Rose. Helen after my great grandmother who my Mom loved very much and Rose was Esther's middle name. I'll mostly just call her Helen, the Rose part is if she is in trouble. But it is sort of a tribute to both of those.


I will post a picture when I get a decent one. The time that I had with Helen when she was in the room there was a big husky dog on the other side of the glass and she was a bit put off by that and I couldn't get a good picture of her face, though I got some great action shots.


I feel bad for the other cat that I didn't take. So I went to my city's website (It's a city run shelter) and there is a way to sponsor an animal to help make them more adoptable, you pay the spay/neuter fees and the adoption fees and stuff. So I emailed them to ask how I can do that for Coral, the cat I didn't take. That way hopefully she ends up in a good home.

I am stressed waiting for the call from the vet telling me I can come get my baby. Though I imagine it will be in the afternoon. I am hoping her surgery goes well and that she doesn't have to wear one of those cones. I went to my vet (the same one that Amelia has) and I set up an appointment for her on the 24th for shots, a check up and whatever else she needs. I can get her on pet insurance then. I picked up a cat tree for her too because Amelia has one and I don't want them fighting over one. So at least if I have two they will be okay. Esther never much cared for the cat tree so it wasn't a problem. But Amelia and Helen will be closer together in age so I think they will each like a cat tree. I have her room ready for when I get to bring her home and I put her bed and her cat tree in it. I'm going to start feeding Amelia and Helen on either side of the door so they can get used to each other's scents and experience something pleasurable (eating) while being in the presence of each other (except the door will be closed). The lady at the shelter said I had a good plan for introducing Helen to the rest of my pets....Amelia and Emma. So I am hopeful this will work out.


I can't wait to get some decent photos of Helen so I can introduce her around the couch. I hope she is a very affectionate cat. It's hard to tell from a 10 minute visit but it seems like she will be.


Hugs to anyone who wants one,

Kit

In-person, outdoor session with Dr. T went well. I was a bit panicked at first, because I got there early, and the two outdoor tables on the side of the building he said he's used before were occupied. I got an iced tea at the coffee place (their tables) then took one out front. Before, he'd said he'd have moved his chair to be 6 feet apart, but because we were in front of the building and near other tables, he said was OK to sit a bit closer, so we wouldnt' have to shout over other people (and the drone of the cicadas).

I teared up a little shortly after he sat down, but then didn't cry the rest of the session (we kept it a bit lighter). He was in a short-sleeve button-down shirt and shorts. I'd figured I'd be able to sort of block out the shorts thing, except he had his legs crossed in a way that his (bare) knee was resting against the table. It was OK though.

I was very anxious at the start (I mentioned it, and he said he could tell), but calmed down fairly quickly. It was a more relaxed and informal session than usual, some more chit chat, some disclosures from him (like, apparently we have similar car-driving styles, in terms of not exactly following the speed limit, plus other things). But we did talk about some therapy topics, and it was helpful, both in terms of those and sort of reconnecting in a way.

It's funny, I said near the beginning how I thought maybe meeting outside would make an easier transition between virtual and in-person inside his office. He said he'd actually been concerned that it would be weird for me, because we'd never met outside the office before. How it could have felt more like two friends meeting for coffee, how it was more informal. I was like, "Well, I mean, it wasn't in person, but I've met with you from my bedroom, and you've been in your house some of the times, so..." As in, it wasn't only in his office then trying to meet outside at a coffee shop. He seemed to get it.

I think this will just be an occasional thing until he's back in person inside his office. Like maybe once a month? Once every few weeks? Will depend on weather, too. As he mentioned, we lucked out today, as it wasn't too hot, was mostly cloudy, slight breeze.

I admit I found it difficult to say goodbye, and it was probably good that it was outside, so he could stand up and, after scheduling and a few words about the session, tell me "Bye now" (kindly) and head into the building. As opposed to my having to walk out of his office while he stayed there.

oh how beautiful!!!!!