The Karma Cafe

The trouble with leaving things to Karma is that you MUST leave them. You cannot force the speed at which Karma will strike. You cannot dictate what Karma will do, when it will do it or - indeed - if Karma will have anything occur at all.

But. in order to not live with a constant need for revenge ... in order to not become worse than the evil one is fighting ... in order to not be consumed by hate, I believe that - at some point - one MUST leave things at Karma's door.

Some would say that revenge is too satisfying to leave to chance. Some say that revenge is a dish best served cold. (I know I've uttered that phrase more than twice in my life.) I dunno. I don't think that revenge ... payback ... retribution ... is mine (or yours) to distribute.

I realize that there are those that would say my way of thinking is too non-confrontational. That it's too easy or the cowards way out. This is not totally false. I am not a fan of being confrontational (or of being confronted). I don't like feeling backed into a corner - no matter if I'm the one backing up or walking forward.

But checking my gut reactions ... taking a deep breath and walking away ... it is not easy. It does not bring me peace. It does not satisfy me. However, if my choice is to allow my rage to control my actions or control my rage and allow Karma to act for me, I will be content at being unsatisfied.

I believe more in Karma than I do in hate. I trust more in Karma and will put more energy in it than I will give in to evil.

In short, Karma is a slow, distracted waitress and Payback is the chef. At some point, you will be served and you will be made to dine on the plate in front of you. The plate that you ordered. The plate you have earned.

Enjoy your meal.

Ten Reasons To Be The One

(10) Do ya' like seafood?
(9) Are birds fun to watch?
(8) Have you ever chilled out to the music of Dave Matthews? ... Lenny Kravatz?
(7) Do you enjoy the sound of the sea lapping onto the shore?
(6) Ever find yourself rooting for Drew Brees? ... Peyton Manning?
(5) Are you a fan of turtles? ... Pelicans? ... Dolphins?
(4) How do you feel about a relaxing day on the water and maybe doin' a little fishing?
(3) Ever learned anything while watching Emeril Lagasse? ... Giggled while seeing Harry Shearer in a role? ... Has John Goodman ever made ya' smile? ... Enjoyed the talents of Blake Lively?
(2) Do you support generationally-owned businesses?
(1) Do you respect the work - public and private - that Sandra Bullock has done?

I gave ya' ten questions. And now, if there's even one "yes" in there, I'm asking you to Be The One.

Tabby Is Ready For Her Stay-Cation

In less than a week, we'll be taking a driving vacation across many states. (The "many states" part is still new for me. I'm from a place where one can drive for 9 hours straight and still be in the same state.) There is MUCH to be done before we depart.

Packing, for one thing. I honestly don't know if I have enough summer items that aren't "garden" wear ... light summery tops that I could wear to a cafe, for instance. I have a single pair of shorts. As in ONE. I don't have sandals of any kind. (I'm not a fan of open-toed shoes so this isn't a new thing and, up until this vacation, it hasn't mattered. But if I don't have sandals, I'll need to wear my short-heeled black pumps for "dressing up" and they kinda require nylons and heck - YOU try wearing nylons in summer heat. It's not fun.)

Cleaning, for another. I'm not a fan of leaving home without cleaning it up first because (1) it means I'll return to home that hasn't been cleaned and (2) whomever cares for the home or pets or plants while I'm away will - of course - see (and judge) the uncleanliness.

(Sidenote: That "judge" thing above? That's crap and I know it's crap. Anyone who I trust enough to care for my home, pets or plants wouldn't pass judgement on the cleanliness or lack thereof of my home. Just like that cop who is pulled off on that side street isn't gonna start up his car and tail me for blocks on the off-chance I may speed. And yet, I still slow down and study the rear view mirror, questioning if the police car LOOKS like it's moving.)

Oh, and planning, for a third. The Awesome Boyfriend may be experienced in traveling to other states via car and stopping along the way and such, but this is a new thing for me and I want to be educated enough to say "I want to visit Town X to see the world's largest ball of used twine". Or, yanno, maybe something actually interesting.

So yes - we'll be leaving in (checks calendar) four days. Four short days. Three really, as we'll be departing early on that fourth. And two, honestly, because it's gonna take most of a day to pack, and sort, and recheck, and pack more, and unpack that stupid thing that I'll NEVER really wear, etc. And what, from the list of chores to be done both as stated above and still in my head, have I accomplished?

I've sorted out a weeks worth of cat treats and cat crunchies and written cute little cat instructions and set out the cat carrier (just in case she needs to be mobile) and restuffed her favorite toys with fresh cat nip and labeled what food happens on which day and in which bowl it gets served in.

In less than a week, the Awesome Boyfriend and I will be leaving on vacation and only one living being in our home is ready ... the cat, who actually is NOT going anywhere.