I’ve had these two beastly cats for ten years now so I know their moods, behavior and movements as much as they know mine.

I have owned that they are both a part of me even though cats refused to be “owned” by anyone.  Sam, being the male, is outgoing and outpouring creature whose capacity for affection is limitless; until he tells you.  Sylvia, being female is coyer, the quiet type and hides her self the moment a moment becomes a moment for her.  (My cats hear and sense things far sooner than us underdeveloped types.)

A cordial evening meal with friends and my personality becomes Sam with my Sylvia always available inside me.  Gregarious and engaging, Sam charms those gathered while all the way Sylvia silently beckons me to quiet down and sometimes to retreat before dessert.

I’m Sylvia at home and Sam at work.  I guess it works because it has to.  To reverse the roles would make me a teenager again and not a good employee.  (Sam at night in my 20’s was enough for me!)  Driving home from work Sam slowly drifts away and Sylvia reemerges.  (I can actually feel the Jekyll/Hyde switch about 2/3 into my drive.)  They are both great cats, low maintenance compared to me but the mixture of their lives within me life intrigues me.

People are great but they often get in my way (Sylvia).  I have friends and I enjoy their company (Sam) but their stories take forever to be told with needless details (Sylvia) which finally makes a point (a relieved Sylvia) but my attention was already lost at the story’s third tangent (Sylvia).

The cleaning lady arrives when I’m gone.  Sam greets her and Sylvia skirts for closet’s corner.  Believe me, Sylvia’s bladder can outlast any Thanksgiving dinner at my house.  I’ve witnessed it when my family decides on one more round before rounding themselves home.  Sylvia’s relief must be what we aging guys sometimes feel.  Sam, however, has been a part of the entire evening weaving in between legs and rubbing around whomever and whatever is stationary.

I’ve known people who are purely Sam and I don’t know how they do it.  After a few minutes, I’d be exhausted.  I’ve also known Sylvias’ and feel sorry for them for their quiet intensity at privacy.

I like the mix and I think I’ll keep it.  Sam at work with a hint of Sylvia in my mind; and at home it’s totally quiet Sylvia with an eager Sam waiting for tomorrow.