Well. Although I’ve been home from Ireland for over a month now, ya’ll have no idea what I’ve been up to eh? I wanted to knock out all the Ireland recaps (to keep them in order #OCD) before adjusting back to real life. Real life isn’t nearly as exciting, but I’ll do my best to conjure up a readable post.
- First and foremost, I said the most difficult goodbye of my entire life.
There are literally no words to describe the magnitude of pain that takes hold of your entire being when you loose a pet. My beautiful kidney disease fighting cat made it 20 long years. I miss him everyday. He is running free in the sky and his legacy lives on forever. Seriously…his hair will be sure of that.
- I‘ve gone on a handful of hikes. I made a summer goal to hike at least once a week. This isn’t usually too difficult for me.
- I worked. And made more changes in regards to work. Always changing.
- I spent alone time at the beach. Working on this whole processing emotions thing without using my drugs of choice (sugar and caffeine.)
- I spent the 3rd & 4th of July being extra social. It was good for my soul.
- I started running again. Sorta. I can only manage 2-3 miles and my pace is slow as molasses. But it’s a start.
- I solidified plans for my next adventure. September can’t come soon enough. Any guesses?
- I started school again. Nine more months people. Nine.More.Months.
Q: American friends, how’d you spend your 4th? Non American friends, who wants to let me crash on their couch so I can travel to your country? I’m a very tidy house guest and I’ll give you an excuse to tour your area. It’s a win win. Actually this goes for my American friends too. 😉
Blissfulbritt 
67 thoughts on “Playing Catch-up”
Roda
So sorry about kitty…😢
Brittany
Thank you. ❤❤🐾
rootchopper
Sorry about your cat. 20 years is a mighty long time for any pet so be grateful.
I spent the 4th watching baseball at Nationals Park with my daughter. Then I “read” (I.e. Fell sound asleep) on my deck before eating waaay too much.
You are hiking waaay more than me. 😦
Brittany
I’m grateful indeed. ❤🐾
You are biking more than me, so we each win.
egutman27gmailcom
So sorry to hear about your cat. It is SO HARD to say goodbye.
You should come to Finland when you get a chance! I’m American, but living in Helsinki for four years (9 months down, a lot to go!). I’d offer you a couch, but with a one year old, you might not get much sleep. I’m good for travel ideas though! 😊
Brittany
I still cry at the thought of him. 🐾🙈
Oh what fun Finland must be!! Good idea. 🙏🏻
Jessica
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear about your pet. Cats are amazing – I lost one of mine last year and I had had him since I was 9.
Brittany
I was 8 when we got this guy! I feel your pain. ❤❤🐾
Rachael @ Catch Me If You Can
you can crash on my couch anytime, Im in Houston though so not sure what you would visit for 🙂 goodbye sweet kitty, enjoy your endless mouse chases in the sky.
Brittany
I’d love to see Texas. 😝
🐾🐭❤
Amy
That totally looks like an Alaska cruise… Are you going on one???? Is it leaving from / stopping at Seward?? I went there a number of years ago, and it was so fun and quaint!! 🙂
Brittany
YOU ARE CORRECT! It’s leaving out of Seattle, not entirely sure where. My dad did the booking haha!
Amy
How fun!!! If you’re going to Seward, I highly recommend trying a restaurant near the water for their salmon chowder (if you’re still going with your vegan-with-benefits eating style on vacations, of course!). LOVED it!!
Brittany
I lied. We’re leaving out of BC. We will be going to Seward I think. I do eat salmon here and there, but no dairy in the states. Really I shouldn’t have dairy ever haha. The vegan with benefits really only comes into play in other countries. 😝 I’m sure I’ll have some fish though!
Josh dV
Sorry about your loss friend. It’s tough.
Your pictures look amazing and I’ sure the time outdoors did wonders for your pain and your soul.
Have fun in AK. I have a shipmate up there for now and he and his family love it. I was hoping to get up there before he moves but…not likely.
Good on you for running. 2-3 miles at whatever speed is 2-3 miles. Have you read Running With the Mind of Meditation? I think you’d dig it for running and life in general.
Brittany
I MUST find this book, what a fantastic recommendation. Meditation has been so helpful for me.
Josh dV
I don’t think you’ll have any trouble finding it. It’s a decently well known book. If you do though just let em know and I’ll happily send you mine.
Sharing is caring.
evolvewithmary
Long time see Brittany! I’ve missed you and wondered about what you are doing and where you are at, so I’m so excited to dive into this post. Wow, can’t believe you’ve been in Ireland for over a month, time FLYS. I’m so sorry about your cat. Losing pets is the worst, they wiggle there way into your life and you have no idea how to live without them. Happy to hear about your content hiking. I love hiking and I defiantly don’t go hiking enough. Sugar and caffeine are the drugs of my choice also. Whoop Whoop. So happy to hear you are doing well.
Brittany
I could go for some coffee and a muffin right about now. Hahah.
P
Aw, may your furry angel rest in peace ❤ I have to admit we unfortunately have this in common, since we are going to probably have to put our cat to sleep after almost 17 years. The poor thing developed a lung infection but her diagnosis is unknown. I hate I haven't seen her since last December 😦
I spent the fourth of July…in lab 😛
Brittany
Ohh I’m so sorry. Sending you and your family love. 🐾❤
Josie @ Literature Mistress
I’m sorry to hear about your fur child. I lost mine (a dog) two years ago. She’d been with me since I was eleven and then she was gone – suddenly as well, we didn’t see it coming for a long time and then it was too late. It took me ages to adjust and to stop expecting her in the morning / when I get home. Even now I sometimes get home late and my brain goes “The dog still needs to be let outside!”
…No, brain, the dog isn’t here any longer, but thanks for the reminder… 😦
Anyway, I feel you. And you’re right – their shedding means that they will never be completely gone. I still find dog hair on clothes that I don’t wear all that frequently. 🙂
Brittany
I know the feelings, my brain sometimes sees things and I think, “oh it’s him.” Nope. Brains man, weird things.
Amanda Afield
Sorry to hear about your cat 😞
I spent the Fourth of July with other American expats in England attempting to create the most American food we could think of! Lots of fun but no fireworks!
Brittany
No fireworks needed, that sounds awesome!
SHRADHA099
May fond memories of your beloved pet warm your heart always… ❤
Brittany
Always. ❤🐾
kathy @ more coffee, less talky
so sorry about your cat 😦
are you going on an alaskan cruise?
Brittany
Thank you. ❤🐾
YASSSSS! 🛳
Alicia
So sorry about your kitty!! I know that pain…it’s the actual worst.
Brittany
Thank you. ❤🐾
elliewick
You could to come to Swaziland!
Brittany
To be honest I’ve never thought much about South Africa, but it looks beautiful!
elliewick
There’s nice hiking in the Drakensberg on both the SA and Lesotho sides. And then all the wildlife!
Angie
My condolences for your loss, Brittany. I’m sure kitty misses you too!
Love your pics. Hiking is my love. You’re lucky you get the PNW!
Brittany
Thank you friend. I adore this state oh so much.
An Unrefined Vegan
My sincere condolences, dear. So hard. But I’m happy to see that you (apparently) have your next adventure scheduled!
Brittany
Thank you. ❤🐾
I do! Alaska cruise here I come. 🤗
An Unrefined Vegan
Woooohoooo!
darwinontherocks
The loss of a pet is always painful, what a gorgeous cat. Big virtual hugs, sorry for your loss.
I love the picture at the beach, with the drift wood, amazing composition 🙂
Brittany
Thank you friend. ❤❤🐾
Melissa Widmaier
So sorry your sweet kitty crossed Rainbow Bridge. They leave something with us when they go, don’t they (besides the fur 🙂 ). Hugs and healing to you.
Brittany
Thank you so much. I miss him everyday. ❤🐾
Becca
Running = great, free therapy. Even if it is slow as molasses, molasses is a special kinda sweet anyways ❤ I did an Alaska cruise for my honeymoon – try the Spruce Tip Ale at the Skagway Brewing Co!!
Brittany
Ohhh so excited!!!
Rach
Oh Britt, I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. I just hate that for you. Sending hugs your way!
Is that an Alaska cruise?? I’ve heard those are awesome!
Brittany
Thank you friend. ❤🐾
Yes!!! I am so excited.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
You can come crash on my couch anytime. In fact, I have a full on bedroom for you.
I hope the September trip is to Alaska or Iceland. Both are beautiful, I hear anyways.
I want to hear more about these work changes. Hit me up on the cellie (i.e. text me).
I’m so sorry about your kitty cat. I understand and my heart breaks for you. I’m here.
Brittany
I love your place, and the couch or bedroom either or works for me!
Yes Alaska!!! Iceland hopefully in the future, but for now Alaska.
Texting asap.
I miss him everyday. Thank you for your continued support. ❤🐾
stateeats
Britt – I am so sorry about your cat. Losing a pet is never easy. Any plans to visit Chicago. We have a nice guest room and are a short walk from the light rail that takes you right into the city. Are you taking an Alaskan cruise?? If so, jelly! One of the few states I haven’t hit yet. -Kat
Brittany
Thank you friend, he was such a great cat. ❤🐾 I’ve not been to Chicago! Aside from the airport, I hope to visit sometime!
Yassss Alaskan cruise! Can’t wait.
dave379
20 years is amazing….sorry to hear about the transition, I know how it can be. It was the beach and fireworks for me on the 4th, pretty nice. Good luck with school and the next adventure!
Brittany
Thank you friend! Beach and fireworks is always a great option.
Allie Zottola
I am so, so sorry about the loss of your cat. I look at my buddy who is in the same room as me right now and just want to cry thinking about ever losing him. Ugh. 20 years is such a long, wonderful lifespan for a cat, though!
I can’t wait to hear about your next adventure… maybe an Alaskan cruise?! Yay for only nine more months of school!!
Brittany
We were so lucky he lived so long! Such a trooper that boy was. ❤🐾
YASSSS ALASKAAA!
Sophie
So sorry to hear about your beloved companion, your lovely cat! 🙂 xxx Hugs!
Brittany
Thank you friend. ❤ ❤
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. It’s so hard to lose our pets when they’re like family. It sounds like he had a great, long life by your side.
Oooh exciting new travels coming up eh? I’m psyched for some travels that I have upcoming too! Actually, I’m coming up towards your neck of the woods, the PNW, in a few days… which reminds me that I’m going to check out some of your Portland-related posts in just a sec!
Brittany
So excited for your Portland adventures! Can’t wait to read about them.
The Thrifty Campers
Sorry for the loss of your kitten. Nothing heals the sould like getting in the outdoors and going on adventures. Great post!
Brittany
Thank you. ❤❤🐾
samstarbucks
I’m so feeling for you, Brittany. You may recall that I lost my cats spring 2015 and it was the hardest goodbyes I ever had to say. The pain is still very real but more so the joy of having had them in my life. This spring I felt I was getting ready to be a cat mom again and since a month I once again have two tigers at home 🐾 So even if it’s unimaginable at the time, the sorrow will pass and make space for sweet memories and a once again open heart.
On the couch-crashing: You’re welcome here in Switzerland anytime! I’m aware it’s an expensive place to visit but it’s certainly worth it!
Brittany
First of all, I WILL be visiting Switzerland. I do not care about cost, it’s at the top of my list!!!
Second, thank you for the kind kitty words. The pain has softened, but it’s still there. I definitely feel more joy than anything. ❤🐾
samstarbucks
Yay, that’s great to hear! I’d love to host you. And since you too love the greenery so much this is definitely a place for you to see – I’ve always loved it but since I’m back from Texas I cherish it even more and am out and about every opportunity I get! Would be great to have a companion for some of my favorite hikes 😊
danaelizabethx
SOOO SORRY to hear about your kitty!!! 😦 Oh man – mine just turned 18 and it makes me sad to think I don’t have much more time with her….she’s my baby!
I took a LOOONNNGGG break from blogging/ reading blogs – I am slowly getting back into it and catching up on what everyone has been doing!
GOOD LUCK WITH SCHOOL!! 🙂
Brittany
I miss my kitty ALLLL the time still. He is forever with me! ❤
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