Some thoughts... (and "special bond" pics)

[Kirsten]

Maybe you have noticed that I wasn't around much lately. One reason was that I had to work a lot, but I also have to admit that I'm not feeling well these days. It's my job situation that's depressing me; there's a bad atmosphere in the office lately, a lot of pressure, and I don't know how to interpret the entire situation, and I fear I may lose my job sooner or later. If that's the case, I'm ruined.

I fear the future very much because I have no one to back me up, I'm all alone here with my girls. Could be that I'm just burned out at the moment, I really need a break and hope I can take the next week off.

When I lose my job, I would lose my apartment, too, and I wouldn't know if I could keep the girls in such a case. New jobs are hard to find in Germany these years. I think it would be easy to rehome Lily, but what would become of Luna? Nobody would adopt a cat with constant bladder problems, that's peeing and pooping outside the litter box and that needs permanent medical treatment. However, it would break my heart to give my girls up, they are the most important thing in my life.

Six years to the day, I brought Luna home, and I often wonder what would have become of her if somebody else but me would have adopted her. Would she get a proper treatment, or would she have been abandoned or dropped at the shelter when her peeing problems began? I know that not everyone would have the patience I have, people tell me that all the time. But I love her very very much and would never give her up.

Luna and I really have a special bond. Today, at her Gotcha Day, I took some pictures of us. I hope they show how much we love each other:

http://www.catmom.de/pix/luna89.jpg

http://www.catmom.de/pix/luna90.jpg

http://www.catmom.de/pix/luna91.jpg

http://www.catmom.de/pix/luna92.jpg

http://www.catmom.de/pix/luna93.jpg


Now I apoligize for this more or less pointless post, but I'm just so depressed and burned out these days, and mentally and physically exhausted....

Kirsten

[catlover4ever]

(((HUGS))) Kirsten, I hope all will turn out OK for you. Sounds like the office is really burning you out and getting to you.....I know that feeling all to well with the office I work in.

I love the pictures that you posted of you and Luna....how very, very special. I especially love the last one of Luna.....looks like she has the biggest smile on her face...such contentment. :) :)

Cheer up, take some time off and just let your two wonderful girls give you all the love and attention that you deserve. (((HUGS))) Meg

[Kirsten]

Thank you! I'm sorry that you experience the same in your office! :(

I used to love my job, but things there have changed so much lately.

Kirsten

[jenluckenbach]

I feel very badly that your work situation is so terrible. A person spends a good deal of time at their job and to feel nothing but displeasure IS depressing. You will constantly be in my prayers for a brighter future.

The photos are fabulous!!!

[catnapper]

Kirsten, I am sorry to hear that things haven't picked up since last you spoke of work :( I know there's something better out there for you and wish you all the best luck in finding it soon!

On a postive note, I can really see just how much Lady Luna loves her meowmie. She's a gorgeous little girl and yes, she deserves all the love and care you give her.

[Kirsten]

Thank you, Jen and Kim!

It's true, Luna and Lily are a huge comfort. I wouldn't know what to do without these little fur kids. :)

Kirsten

[Barbara]

Kirsten, just try to take it one day at a time. Things are bad- but you remember you have got out of it already one time and whatever happens can be better again. Things in life are up and down. First it is not sure you will lose your job and if you lose it there may be another - the situation with jobs all over is not as bad now as it was one year ago.

I love these pictures of you and Lily :)

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Aw Kirsten, those pics are sooooo precious! You two are made for each other; just look at that content face of Luna on this pic
http://www.catmom.de/pix/luna93.jpg
Don't give up to soon, Kirsten..... ! You just activated the "PT-prayers-selfhelp-club --> meaning: contact any of us, we are ALL ready to help you!!

Keep up the good spirits, okay! http://users.pandora.be/bernardgabriels/images/smilies1048.gif

[caseysmom]

Isn't it hard to love our pets so much and instead of worrying about yourself if you lose a job, bless you, your first worry is for your babies. Do you have unemployement in Germany? Also where would you live? Surely your babies could live there too.

[orangemm]

Kirsten, I can sympathize with you; it's horrible to work in an environment where things are unsettle and uncertain, esp. if you don't know what the outcome will be.

I've been in that boat, too, and hated the stress and anxiety it brought.

Don't ever give up hope. When things happen they happen for a reason and in the end it usually turns out for the best (although now you cannot even imagine that).

Your pictures (as always) are superb. You know how to capture those sweet furry faces! Maybe you are in the wrong line of work...ever think about photography?

(hugs) to you.......

[catmandu]

Thank God That I Am Retired, And Was Able To Have Enough Money To Keep My Cats And Home.
I Pray That You Can Keep Your Job Until You Can Find Something Better.
I Know This Is Hard To Do, But Please Dont Worry As That Just Makes Everything Worse.
And Adds More Stress.
The Found Cats And I Are Praying For You, Lily And Luna.

[rg_girlca]

First off, I just want to say that this is NOT a pointless thread Kirsten.
Who else could you turn too in your hour of need? No one, but your sure can turn to your friends here on PT. I pray that your girls will be able to help you through this difficult time that you are having right now and that everything will turn out for you in the end.

You look so lovely in these pictures with your pretty Luna.

Try and keep the faith Kirsten, think positive thoughts and take one day at a time.

This tough time will end. Just know in your heart that you don't need to go it alone. We will always be here for you.

((((((HUGS))))))

[Kirsten]

Thank you very much for your support! It means a lot to me that there are people out there who understand what I'm going through...

And yes, there is a lot of unemployment here in Germany; it may get a little bit better compared to the last year, but my area is badly affected, and there are no full time jobs here. I may have to move away from here in case that I lose my job. This fear of existence is always hanging over me like a dark cloud, especially when things get hard at work.

I really hope I can take the next week off, I need some time to recover. I'm feeling very tired and exhausted.

Kirsten

[Sonia59]

I am very sorry to hear that you don't feel well, Kirsten. OK it's easy to say, but as long as you still have your job, please remain positive, you never know what will happen or will not happen ;)
Take that week off if you can and have some rest, it will help :)

Your pictures are very beautiful as usual! You two look beautiful!

[catmandu]

I had the same problem Kirsten, and My Dear Mother told me not to worry until it happens.
Worrying about what may happen is pointless , Son.
Just go in there and do your best, in the end thats all you can do.
My Mother, I miss her words of advice.

[Donnaj4962]

Many, many (((hugs))) coming your way from me, Tabitha, and Sasha! We hope that all works out for you. Work can be so overwhelming at times! And I understand what you are saying about being concerned about what woudl happen if you lost your job, as I am alone myslef and have no one to help with expenses should something happen.

But the power of PT prayers is strong and amazing! I am sending up soem prayers and to you well wishes and good thoughts!

Keep the faith, and love on those girls! The pictures of you and Luna and adorable!

[Kirsten]

Thanks everyone, but it looks like there's no happy ending here. Things have gone from bad to worse today; the way I've been treated was so humiliating, and now I'm sitting here at home and I think I'm going mad. I cannot breathe anymore, I'm totally paralized.

Kirsten

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Kirsten, I'm so sorry you're going through such a rough time. :( Have you looked around for another job....even if it's part time to start? I know it's hard to be positive when things are looking so bleak, but I know that hard times are always followed by the proverbial rainbow....if we can just make it through those hard times to see it. {{{hugs}}}

[catmandu]

iF YOU CAN GET SOMEONE TO TESTIFY ON YOUR BEHALF, THEN MAYBE YOU COULD LEAVE AND COLLECT DAMAGES.
THERES NO WAY THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE THAT NONSESNSE.
THE CATS AND I ARE PRAYING FOR YOU KIRSTEN, TO FIND A PLACE WHERE THEY WILL SHOW YOU SOME RESPECT.

[Kirsten]

Thanks! :)

Gary, your mother must have been a wise and wonderful person!

Kirsten

[Catsnclay]

Oh Kristen! I'm so sorry that things at work are not going well for you, hopefully it will pass quickly.

I know I'm late, but Happy Gotcha Day to Luna!! :D

Very nice pictures of you and Luna. You need to post more pictures!! I just love looking at all the PT - fluffy ones!

[Sonia59]

Hi Kirsten,
You have many friends here being with you ;)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/Sonia59/IMG_2036.jpg

(((((Hugs)))))

[Cataholic]

I can only offer you long distance hugs, and tell you that I have always found you to be such a strong, positive, and caring person. I **need** to believe that somehow, you will come through this. You have so much talent, so much love to share, and it has got to shine through. Kirsten, I am holding you tight in my prayers. If there is ANYTHING I can do, as lame as that sounds, please let me know.

Fondly,
Johanna

[Beauty55]

So sorry you are feeling so depressed. I know so well how having a bad job can make life miserable - I am stuck in one. I cannot afford to quit because I have to be able to pay household bills. I love the pictures of Luna with her eyes closed in what looks like bliss or total love.

[Kirsten]

Thank you for your support everyone!

Sonia, this little furry gang is so cute, they look like wonderful friends! :)

Beauty55, I'm sorry that you're going through the same. Looks like this is many people's fate these days. :(

Johanna, thank you for your kinds words. Right now, I'm feeling so useless and numb, and it's not easy to keep in mind that there are things I may be good at.

I may not post very often here, but this place means a lot to me and can be such a tremendous source of comfort and support!

Thanks,
Kirsten

[orangemm]

Remember Kirsten, it is always darkest before the dawn. I know it's small comfort to you, but sometimes it really is true.

It's hard, but stand up for yourself, be strong, and never forget we are here for you. PLEASE don't let others bring you down. You are worth far more than that.

And, listen to Gary...he, along with others here, have been through it, too.

[catfamily]

I'm so very sorry for all the troubles in your life right now.Do you have family?Any family worth going to for help?Do you know anyone here in the USA to stay with?You could bring the cats with you to a friend or family member outside Germany?Quarentine is 6 months indoors to whereever you go outside of Germany.
You must have a friend to help you in Germany.I hope.
I only say outside Germany because you wrote how hard it is to find work there,so I was hoping you had family or friends elsewhere to start.Or it would be much better to just really ask around town if there's ANYthing for work until you can get something your happy with.I feel so bad.Loosing your apartment is bad enough...but the thought of loosing your cats is devistating I'm sure.I hope things look up soon Kirsten.
Anytime you need me you can call on me.
PM me anytime.

[momcat]

I'm so very sorry to hear that things just aren't going in your favor right now especially at work. I've lost track of how many times people have said to leave work problems at the office and don't bring them home. Right... when our daily lives depend on our jobs that's easier said than done. I'm a child support specialist for the State of New Jersey going on 24 years now. For several years I was stuck in a job that I absolutely detested beyond any description. I became convinced that I'd be stuck in that unit forever with no chance of ever getting out. One morning my supervisor called me in to her office, we've been friends for years. Our attorney was told she was getting a position for a paralegal, went to the assistant director and specifically said she wanted me for the position. At first the assistant director said no but Amy (attorney) and Helene (supervisor) met with her about it. So now I'm in the job of my dreams! Good things do happen though sometimes it feels like we have to wait much too long. I believe in you, Kirsten. You're a very intelligent and talented woman. Something good is out there for you and I pray that your dream job will come along just as mine did. Meanwhile you have Luna & Lily to help you stay glued together. Your post is far from pointless, we can't help you if we don't know you need us. That's what your PT friends are for! Try to hang tough and count on your friends!!! I'm here for you.....

[Kirsten]

Again, thanks for your support! I took this week off because I really need a break, and I try to relax a bit, even though it's hard to ignore all the worries and doubts.

catfamily, actually I don't have anyone to support me, at least not financially, or in helping me to find a new job. So I'm playing the lottery every week and hope for a miracle.

I think migrating to another country would be difficult, even though many Germans consider to do so these days. The job situation is really bad here now. It's a bit better in the south of Germany, and I may have to get used to the thought to move there. My sister is already living there, and two friends of mine (in the area of Stuttgart/Black Forest). But it would be a tough decision.

momcat, I'm happy for you that things turned out so well for you in the end. :)

Kirsten

[Sonia59]

this little furry gang is so cute, they look like wonderful friends! :)

Yes they are! Last week I posted some movies about them. I don't know if you have seen them. Here they are: http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=105923 They are so cute and funny, they will bring a big smile on your face, for sure ;)



I think migrating to another country would be difficult, even though many Germans consider to do so these days. The job situation is really bad here now. It's a bit better in the south of Germany, and I may have to get used to the thought to move there. My sister is already living there, and two friends of mine (in the area of Stuttgart/Black Forest). But it would be a tough decision.

It's not easy but more and more frequent. Sometimes you have to do it. I have been working in The Netherlands for more than 3 years now, and I can't find a good job to come back to France! I am traveling back home every week-end. At the beginning I had a two-year contractin the Netherlands, and now it turned to a permanent contract. It's very nice of course, but it makes it even more difficult to find something equivalent in my country. Up to now, I did not find :( It's a pity that other countries can offer you what your country cannot.

[Russian Blue]

So sorry to hear your troubles Kristen. Have you thought about going back to school to upgrade your training or start your own business? It seems you enjoy website design and photography. Does your country offer assistance for home based business? Or how about going to a career counsellor to see what options you may have?

I can imagine how hard this must be because you are the sole provider. There's always something better waiting for you...you just have to find an alternative path to get there. :) Remember, positive thoughts bring positive actions.

I quit my job because of a very harsh work environment. Right now I'm working part-time until something better comes along and also I'm thinking of going back to school. Who knows, I may even start a side business since I've had some offers recently.