Today, I would like to share a lesson on attitude from two dogs and one cat.  On one memorable morning, the “line-up” was in the kitchen waiting to be fed at 8:30 a.m.  The poodle sat quietly while I put on the water for tea and started coffee for John.  Translation from the poodle: “Oh good.  You’re up. I know you have lots to do this morning and I’ll wait patiently by your side until you have time to feed me.”  The cat, however, had a completely different attitude.  He managed to wrap himself around my feet with every move, demanding attention by “meowing” loudly. Translation from Merlin the cat: “What do you mean you slept until 8:30 a.m. Really!  Humans are so unreliable.  Feed me now or I’ll trip you. And while I am at it, I’ll make sure you land in my empty food bowl.”   As for dog Ratso, she was still asleep. Smartest one of the bunch, I’d say, although the cat would never agree.

I would like to think that I am more like Oscar was on this particular morning – giving, forgiving, patient, easygoing and unassuming.  Alas, I find myself many times to be an inconsistent and mixed bag of emotion with responses too often dependent on internal and external influences, including the close proximity of a favored glass of iced tea.  It is not that I do not know the value of a stable attitude, but rather the sheer fact that imperfection requires that I live as a work in progress.  At sixty, I am still learning how to do life better and this alone is reason for hope and celebration.

Even Oscar is inconsistent as evidenced by growls of discontent when he is forced to move from a favorite position in a chair or forced to relinquish a favorite toy.  The most consistent one has always been the cat who is always superior in every way.  Just ask any cat.

Perhaps, the unpredictability of life is truly part of its charm and includes our reactions during the journey.  Life may be a motley boat to sail, but it is certainly not boring and without the element of surprise.  Just maybe, a few tossed waves are needed to keep us engaged, to keep us alert and perhaps, even inspired.

Now, where is the glass of iced tea?