Hi All!
Hubby has a fish tank. He originally got it because of me. As part of the fifth grade curriculum, the students worked with various "live materials" provided by the district live materials lab. The material included plants, snails, pill bugs, and . . . gold fish. The live materials lab delivered the appropriate number of gold fish to your school and the students did the experiments (nothing inhumane - more along the lines of observation). After the experiments were complete, the lab would NOT take the fish back, the idea was to give the fish away to students.
This worked for most of the years that I had to run the fish experiments. In fact, it worked for all except one year. The year of the inexplicable dying goldfish who wouldn't die.
Confused? So was I!
Here is the deal. This particular year, I got the goldfish and had them in a little tank in my room. Everything was great. Except that the next morning over half of them were floaters. Not a pretty site to see when you first enter your classroom. I took care of the floaters and made an emergency call to the live materials guy to get some more fish so I would have enough for the experiment.
The new fish came, and about two-thirds of them died by the next day. Now, you should know that before the arrival of the darn fish I very carefully prepared the water according to directions from the live materials guy. I put in drops to rid the water of excess chlorine. I allowed the water to sit for about 48 hours to ensure the drops had enough time to work. I ran PH tests on the water to ensure that it was suitable for fish life. The live materials guy even checked the water before handing over the fish (the second time - he assumed I screwed up the first time so this time he was WAY more cautious before handing over the fish!). Everything was PERFECT!
And the fish still died. In droves. The second time, they managed to hold on until about noon so they could die in the presence of about 26 fifth graders. Nice. The students were NOT too happy about so many floating fish. I mean, it looked like a fish massacre in that darn tank!
The students began calling me "the fish killer" even though I did nothing to the little things! Then the class began to theorize about just why the fish would die after I had taken all the proper precautions - which they had seen me do with their own little, fifth grade eyes. The things these kids came up with!
By the end of the day, they had basically come to the conclusion that the fish had to have some kind of a virus and that the ones who had managed to hold on for the day were also doomed to be floating soon.
We did the experiment on the few live fish we had left and then . . . I tried to get rid of them. No one from my class would take any! They were convinced there was something wrong with the fish and didn't want to take them just to watch them die. So - the fish remained in the tank on a table by my desk.
There were about 18 fish who survived and those things just kept surviving. For about three weeks! I would clean the water and feed them and prepare chlorine-free water for them. It was a pain! All this time I was trying to find ANYONE to take the fish!
The end of the school year drew nearer and I still had 18 goldfish swimming in the tank and NO takers. I was begging! I even began asking slight acquaintances and strangers in the Wal Mart fish aisle if they would like some free gold fish. Nothing!
At this time, Hubby and I didn't own a fish tank. As the prospect for the dispersal of the fish grew dimmer and dimmer I began talking to Hubby about what I was going to do. I could NOT just flush perfectly healthy (maybe) fish because no one wanted them so the only other option . . . to buy a fish tank and bring the things home!
On the last day of school one of my students did agree to take about 6 of the fish so only 12 made the journey to my house and to the new fish tank Hubby and purchased and put together for them. It was lovely - it had nice blue rocks, air filters, and fake plants. A big upgrade from the plain tank they were living in at school. Over the weekend, a friend from church agreed to take another 6 from me for his fish tanks. Yeah! I was down to six.
Six goldfish who WOULD NOT DIE. That is right. These darn fish just kept living and pooping (an incredible amount if you ask me!) and living and living and pooping and living. Oh - they also grew. One of the darn things grew to about five inches long! He was a beast!
These goldfish - who the students wouldn't take because they would surely die quickly - lived for a good two or three years in our fish tank. Hubby began grumbling about having to clean the tank so often (did you know that goldfish are dirty fish compared to other fish? Me either! I learned quickly.). We continued to ask people if they would like goldfish. No takers.
Finally, Hubby had had enough. He said that the gold fish HAD to go. But, just where would we take them? I refused to flush them (and I didn't think the 5 inch one would flush anyway!). I got in touch with the live materials guy from school (who, by the way, continued to refuse to take the fish back!) and asked about options. After many days of back and forth, we decided that releasing them in a pond at the district's "land lab" would be a good option. The pond was deep enough that the fish might survive the winter (which, in Texas isn't really too cold) and they could spend the rest of their lives in fishy freedom.
Well, Hubby and I took the little buggers to the pond and set them free. It was a little unnerving to see the Heron waiting on the distant shore for a nice snack but . . . I knew we had to get rid of the fish.
That was a couple of years ago and since then Hubby has had different tropical fish. I am not allowed to get attached to the fish (I named the goldfish and was really sad when we had to "free" them!). However, I still don't like to see them die.
This morning - right before I wrote this - I had to perform a fish funeral. Yes, one of Hubby's fish 320.... (the 320 is a note from Skor who just tried to jump on the desk!) was dead when I walked in the room and I had to scoop him out and send him to the great toilet in the sky.
Poor fishy!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still doing good. I have been doing my new exercises pretty faithfully. I have one set down and can now do them in the car - which must look interesting to people driving by! I need to do a massage session here in a bit and I want to get out my "thumper" massager to try to loosed up some of my neck muscles which are telling me I slept funny.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Speech and Stuff
Hi All!
Speech yesterday went well. My neck wasn't nearly as tight as I thought it would be despite my patchy massage efforts. My voice was deemed good and I was given some tongue placement exercises to try to make voicing those darn unvoiced consonants a bit easier since they still trip me up at times. I guess I will be spending some time in front of the mirror (to make sure my tongue is doing what it is supposed to do) over the next few weeks. Lovely.
I guess the big problem is that my tongue pulls back and partially blocks my airway when I am trying to say unvoiced consonants. The therapist says it is due to the fact that I try so hard to say the sounds. Sort of like when I was straining my neck muscles trying to talk when I first was losing my voice. Isn't it interesting how the body compensates even when it "hurts itself" in doing so?
Okay - moving on. Thank you for all of the great comments about Story Time yesterday. I told that story for the expressive part of my sign language midterm on Tuesday and the class was laughing out loud as they watched. And yes, Mental P Mamma, I am glad he didn't steal any personal hygiene items so my name would be something like Tampax woman!
The temperature in Texas has finally decided to cool off. We had a half an inch of rain yesterday (yeah!!!) and now it is a nice, cool day. When I walked with C this morning, I actually had to wear a sweatshirt to stay warm. The wind was whipping around pretty heartily and it was very cool. I am thrilled!
We had a guy from our house builder come out yesterday to take a look at our foundation. We have a nice crack right along the middle of our house that has manifested itself in a nice crack along the tile in the kitchen which is widening every day (okay - maybe not every day but sometimes it seem like that!).
The guy said that we needed to contact the foundation warranty people and gave us a phone number. From what he said, all we had to do was call and make an appointment. Wrong!
We have to send a request for warranty service by certified mail including pictures and all kinds of information. Hubby and I are working on that and will probably get it all together to send on Saturday.
Nothing is ever as easy as you think it should be, is it?
oh - iPod update. Remember my new iPod which works perfectly? Well, I almost had an aneurysm on Monday when I walked. I had set the thing to shuffle songs - which I always do - and . . . it did. Sort of! The iPod was shuffling through the songs and displaying the titles on the screen - it just wasn't actually PLAYING the songs. Weird, huh? AND none of the games could be played. I felt my frustration level rising a bit.
I synced the iPod with the computer and . . . still issues. Then I decided to begin the steps which Apple recommends to fix problems. Luckily, the very first step (a soft reset of the iPod) worked and once more all is wonderful in iPod land! Yeah! Hubby is really relieved because the moment I told him my iPod was not working right he went and hid. Now he can come out!
For those of you following Skor's adjustment to our household, last night he slept on the bed with us (and Miss Cleo) and didn't bother me at all until about 6:00. He is getting better!
Of course, I try to make sure I totally exhaust him by playing with him before bedtime!
Trisha
Voice Update: See beginning of blog! That says it all!
Speech yesterday went well. My neck wasn't nearly as tight as I thought it would be despite my patchy massage efforts. My voice was deemed good and I was given some tongue placement exercises to try to make voicing those darn unvoiced consonants a bit easier since they still trip me up at times. I guess I will be spending some time in front of the mirror (to make sure my tongue is doing what it is supposed to do) over the next few weeks. Lovely.
I guess the big problem is that my tongue pulls back and partially blocks my airway when I am trying to say unvoiced consonants. The therapist says it is due to the fact that I try so hard to say the sounds. Sort of like when I was straining my neck muscles trying to talk when I first was losing my voice. Isn't it interesting how the body compensates even when it "hurts itself" in doing so?
Okay - moving on. Thank you for all of the great comments about Story Time yesterday. I told that story for the expressive part of my sign language midterm on Tuesday and the class was laughing out loud as they watched. And yes, Mental P Mamma, I am glad he didn't steal any personal hygiene items so my name would be something like Tampax woman!
The temperature in Texas has finally decided to cool off. We had a half an inch of rain yesterday (yeah!!!) and now it is a nice, cool day. When I walked with C this morning, I actually had to wear a sweatshirt to stay warm. The wind was whipping around pretty heartily and it was very cool. I am thrilled!
We had a guy from our house builder come out yesterday to take a look at our foundation. We have a nice crack right along the middle of our house that has manifested itself in a nice crack along the tile in the kitchen which is widening every day (okay - maybe not every day but sometimes it seem like that!).
The guy said that we needed to contact the foundation warranty people and gave us a phone number. From what he said, all we had to do was call and make an appointment. Wrong!
We have to send a request for warranty service by certified mail including pictures and all kinds of information. Hubby and I are working on that and will probably get it all together to send on Saturday.
Nothing is ever as easy as you think it should be, is it?
oh - iPod update. Remember my new iPod which works perfectly? Well, I almost had an aneurysm on Monday when I walked. I had set the thing to shuffle songs - which I always do - and . . . it did. Sort of! The iPod was shuffling through the songs and displaying the titles on the screen - it just wasn't actually PLAYING the songs. Weird, huh? AND none of the games could be played. I felt my frustration level rising a bit.
I synced the iPod with the computer and . . . still issues. Then I decided to begin the steps which Apple recommends to fix problems. Luckily, the very first step (a soft reset of the iPod) worked and once more all is wonderful in iPod land! Yeah! Hubby is really relieved because the moment I told him my iPod was not working right he went and hid. Now he can come out!
For those of you following Skor's adjustment to our household, last night he slept on the bed with us (and Miss Cleo) and didn't bother me at all until about 6:00. He is getting better!
Of course, I try to make sure I totally exhaust him by playing with him before bedtime!
Trisha
Voice Update: See beginning of blog! That says it all!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Storytime
Hi All!
Welcome to "In My Dreams . . ." Story time! Come on in and make yourself comfortable. There is plenty of room. There are some spots down front. Don't be shy! Okay! Is that everyone? All comfortable? Good! Let's start today's story.
Today's story is called "The Toilet Paper Caper."
When I first graduated from college and began my teaching career, I could only find jobs substituting in different districts so I was really, really hurting for money. Luckily, my parents allowed me to move back in with them while I went through this stage of my career. It worked out pretty well.
However, after about a year, my parents moved . . . to Saudi Arabia! That is right, they left the country! My dad told everyone he could prior to the move that they were going because I wouldn't leave their house. In actuality, they went to Saudi to teach at the Saudia Airlines School in Jeddah. Mom taught music to elementary kiddos and Dad was the Principal of the upper school. They had been wanting to teach overseas for several years and finally got the opportunity so they took it.
They left me in their house, rent free! Great, huh? All I had to do was take care of the house and yard and pay the bills (with their money if they were their bills). Simple. Well, factor in the acre of land and the large amount of trees which have MILLIONS of leave. Also consider that Mom is a avid gardener and had several flowerbeds. That makes things a bit more complicated.
Still, it was a good deal for me - and for them.
During this time I enjoyed shopping at odd hours, usually later in the evening, when there were few customers and I could finish quickly and get out of there.
Well, one evening, probably between 10:00 and 11:00 P.M. I went to the grocery store. There was only one other customer in the store, a man who looked well dressed and seemed nice. We were on the opposite side of the store most of the time so we never interacted too much. I think I said "hi" when we passed once. That was about it.
Anyway, I had pretty much finished my shopping when I remembered that I needed toilet paper. I headed to the toilet paper aisle and debated over which size to get - the four pack or the huge, honkin' twelve pack. Knowing that I hated running out of toilet paper, I chose the huge pack of twelve. Into my cart the enormous pack went and I headed off to check out.
The cashier, bag boy, and I chatted while I was checked out. They were bored almost stiff because there wasn't much to do at that time of night. Little did we all know but, the evening was about to get much more interesting!
As I walked away from the cashier, I noticed that the other customer, the man, was also finished paying for his items and was headed to the door too. This was a slight problem because two people, one with a cart full of goodies (me) and one carrying two bags (him) couldn't fit through the door at the same time. I decided to wait until he went out so I stopped my cart and motioned him on. He smiled his thanks and headed out the door. His path took him right past my cart with my big pack of toilet paper stuck right on top of everything.
Imagine my shock when this man suddenly grabbed my toilet paper and took off out the door!
The bag boy, after a moment's hesitation (probably due to disbelief) ran out after the man but couldn't catch up with him. The manager, who had witnessed the entire event, came up and asked if the man had really stolen my toilet paper. Soon, all of the workers in the place were gathered around me talking about my stolen toilet paper. How embarrassing!
After a little bit, the store manager sent the bag boy to get me a new pack of toilet paper and I went home, still a bit dazed. I couldn't figure out why the man had stolen my toilet paper when he could have just gotten his own! Weird!
From that time on, for several months, each time I went grocery shopping, cashiers asked me if I was the "toilet paper woman." Charming name, isn't it? Even people who hadn't been there that night had heard the bizarre tale of the stolen toilet paper. I could literally hear the buzz of whispers whenever I entered the store. So good for the self esteem, don't you think?
Many people, upon hearing this story doubt its authenticity but, I ask you - how could someone make this stuff up?
Yes, this is a totally true story. It is only one example of why I honestly believe that Murphy from Murphy's Law has to be in my family tree!
Okay! That is it for story time today! I hope you enjoyed it and will come back for our next story time. Feel free to browse around the blog before leaving.
Trisha
Voice Update: Speech today! I will let you know how it went tomorrow!
Welcome to "In My Dreams . . ." Story time! Come on in and make yourself comfortable. There is plenty of room. There are some spots down front. Don't be shy! Okay! Is that everyone? All comfortable? Good! Let's start today's story.
Today's story is called "The Toilet Paper Caper."
When I first graduated from college and began my teaching career, I could only find jobs substituting in different districts so I was really, really hurting for money. Luckily, my parents allowed me to move back in with them while I went through this stage of my career. It worked out pretty well.
However, after about a year, my parents moved . . . to Saudi Arabia! That is right, they left the country! My dad told everyone he could prior to the move that they were going because I wouldn't leave their house. In actuality, they went to Saudi to teach at the Saudia Airlines School in Jeddah. Mom taught music to elementary kiddos and Dad was the Principal of the upper school. They had been wanting to teach overseas for several years and finally got the opportunity so they took it.
They left me in their house, rent free! Great, huh? All I had to do was take care of the house and yard and pay the bills (with their money if they were their bills). Simple. Well, factor in the acre of land and the large amount of trees which have MILLIONS of leave. Also consider that Mom is a avid gardener and had several flowerbeds. That makes things a bit more complicated.
Still, it was a good deal for me - and for them.
During this time I enjoyed shopping at odd hours, usually later in the evening, when there were few customers and I could finish quickly and get out of there.
Well, one evening, probably between 10:00 and 11:00 P.M. I went to the grocery store. There was only one other customer in the store, a man who looked well dressed and seemed nice. We were on the opposite side of the store most of the time so we never interacted too much. I think I said "hi" when we passed once. That was about it.
Anyway, I had pretty much finished my shopping when I remembered that I needed toilet paper. I headed to the toilet paper aisle and debated over which size to get - the four pack or the huge, honkin' twelve pack. Knowing that I hated running out of toilet paper, I chose the huge pack of twelve. Into my cart the enormous pack went and I headed off to check out.
The cashier, bag boy, and I chatted while I was checked out. They were bored almost stiff because there wasn't much to do at that time of night. Little did we all know but, the evening was about to get much more interesting!
As I walked away from the cashier, I noticed that the other customer, the man, was also finished paying for his items and was headed to the door too. This was a slight problem because two people, one with a cart full of goodies (me) and one carrying two bags (him) couldn't fit through the door at the same time. I decided to wait until he went out so I stopped my cart and motioned him on. He smiled his thanks and headed out the door. His path took him right past my cart with my big pack of toilet paper stuck right on top of everything.
Imagine my shock when this man suddenly grabbed my toilet paper and took off out the door!
The bag boy, after a moment's hesitation (probably due to disbelief) ran out after the man but couldn't catch up with him. The manager, who had witnessed the entire event, came up and asked if the man had really stolen my toilet paper. Soon, all of the workers in the place were gathered around me talking about my stolen toilet paper. How embarrassing!
After a little bit, the store manager sent the bag boy to get me a new pack of toilet paper and I went home, still a bit dazed. I couldn't figure out why the man had stolen my toilet paper when he could have just gotten his own! Weird!
From that time on, for several months, each time I went grocery shopping, cashiers asked me if I was the "toilet paper woman." Charming name, isn't it? Even people who hadn't been there that night had heard the bizarre tale of the stolen toilet paper. I could literally hear the buzz of whispers whenever I entered the store. So good for the self esteem, don't you think?
Many people, upon hearing this story doubt its authenticity but, I ask you - how could someone make this stuff up?
Yes, this is a totally true story. It is only one example of why I honestly believe that Murphy from Murphy's Law has to be in my family tree!
Okay! That is it for story time today! I hope you enjoyed it and will come back for our next story time. Feel free to browse around the blog before leaving.
Trisha
Voice Update: Speech today! I will let you know how it went tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Fall? In Texas??
Hi all!
I just got in from walking with C. Like you know, I do this every morning and we generally walk about three miles. Doesn't that sound like fun?
When we first started walking together, it was summer and so it was HOT. When it is summer down here you expect to be drenched in sweat when you finish a three mile walk. It is just a given. You don't question the sweat dripping down your nose, it is natural. Texas in summer is Hot!
However, it is now officially Fall (or Autumn if you prefer!). I know this because the calendar informed me of the first day of Fall. The weatherman on tv told me when the first day of Fall was. IT. IS. FALL.
Anyone ready to dispute this fact? Anyone? No? Good! Point proven!
So - why hasn't Texas figured out this Fall thing? The weather here apparently still believes it is SUMMER! That is right, SUMMER! I came in from my walk and literally had to peel my clothes off because they were stuck to me with sweat! My hair is wet - not damp, mind you - wet with all the sweat! What is going on?
It is Fall! I want some Fall temperatures. I want lower humidity (even though rain would be heartily welcomed!). I want a REAL Fall!
Texas - are you listening???
Trisha
Voice Update: I have speech tomorrow and I am sure that my throat will be tight and not as good as it should be due to my less-than-enthusiastic exercising lately. Get out those wet noodles!
I just got in from walking with C. Like you know, I do this every morning and we generally walk about three miles. Doesn't that sound like fun?
When we first started walking together, it was summer and so it was HOT. When it is summer down here you expect to be drenched in sweat when you finish a three mile walk. It is just a given. You don't question the sweat dripping down your nose, it is natural. Texas in summer is Hot!
However, it is now officially Fall (or Autumn if you prefer!). I know this because the calendar informed me of the first day of Fall. The weatherman on tv told me when the first day of Fall was. IT. IS. FALL.
Anyone ready to dispute this fact? Anyone? No? Good! Point proven!
So - why hasn't Texas figured out this Fall thing? The weather here apparently still believes it is SUMMER! That is right, SUMMER! I came in from my walk and literally had to peel my clothes off because they were stuck to me with sweat! My hair is wet - not damp, mind you - wet with all the sweat! What is going on?
It is Fall! I want some Fall temperatures. I want lower humidity (even though rain would be heartily welcomed!). I want a REAL Fall!
Texas - are you listening???
Trisha
Voice Update: I have speech tomorrow and I am sure that my throat will be tight and not as good as it should be due to my less-than-enthusiastic exercising lately. Get out those wet noodles!
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Color Purple and the State Fair
Hi All!
Whew! Sorry I didn't get anything posted this weekend but I was a bit busy! Actually, it was a busy Saturday and then a Sunday spent recovering!
On Saturday, Hubby and I went to the Great State Fair of Texas!
That is right - we went to the State Fair. It is always a fun (and totally exhausting) day. While Hubby and I don't go in for the rides (too expensive) or the games (no real chance of winning for us!) we do like to walk around, look at all the booths, test drive a few Chevy cars, and people watch.
The other thing we (well, mainly me) like to do is to sample some of the "fair food." This is a place and a time where eating fried food is not only acceptable, it is encouraged! I had Tornado Fries, a hamburger, and a funnel cake. Hubby had a fried Twinkie, part of my hamburger, and some of my funnel cake. We also had free ice cream from the food and fiber pavilion which is always giving out something free!
Doesn't that sound good to you?
The REAL reason we were at the fair was to see the musical "the Color Purple."
One musical each season is always during the State Fair and if you have a ticket to the musical, you can get into the fair for free. That, of course, is a good thing because the theater is inside the fairgrounds!
Somehow I missed reading the book The Color Purple and also missed seeing the movie. I didn't know what I was missing. This musical, based on the book with some elements from the movie thrown in, was wonderful. The music ran the gamut from soul to blues to gospel to African inspired tunes. The singers were very powerful and the storyline compelling.
From what other members of the audience told me during intermission (much to Hubby's dismay - he hates it when I start talking to total strangers), the musical was VERY condensed compared to the book and the musical but it stayed true to the whole story.
In case you are like me an never read the book - the story centers around a woman named Celie. She first appears as a pregnant 14 year old and throughout the story ages into a middle aged to elderly woman. Her life is full of hardships ranging from being raped by her "Pa" (who, it turns out is her STEP father) to being married to "Mister" who beats her and treats her more like a slave than a woman.
*****Spoiler alert! If you don't want to know how things turn out . . . quit reading now!
Celie gradually learns her self-worth through meeting several strong women (Sophia and Shug Avery) and eventually made decisions which change her life for the better and which allow her to understand her self-worth and her internal beauty.
The musical was very uplifting and moving. The scenery was spare but evoked the appropriate setting for the story and the costumes were delightful as they showed the passage of time through fashion.
I highly recommend this musical to anyone who is a musical fan, a fan of the book or movie, or just anyone who wants to see some good theater.
On a side note - the group of ladies who generally sit beside us at the musicals was not there this weekend because they though the musical would be too sad. True, there were sad parts but overall, the musical exuded hope and love and joy.
They don't know what they missed.
Trisha
Voice Update: Still doing well. Still not doing all the exercises I should but hanging in and doing some. I have speech this week. That should be interesting!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Skor's A Lucky Kitty!
Hi All!
First, let me tell you that Skor is one lucky kitty. He must have figured out that I wasn't too happy with the early morning play call. Last night he slept on his night stand (it is no longer mine!) and didn't move until about 6:00 A.M. this morning. Okay - he might have moved all night long but - he didn't bother me so, that is good!
Since he didn't bother me last night and left me sleep, he gets to survive another day! Lucky kitty!
Mental Mamma wanted to know why we got Skor. Here is the scoop. When Hubby and I first discussed getting a cat I had no prior experience with cats except for the ones that scratch and bite. Hubby convinced me to try cats by agreeing to find a cat that was very docile. To ensure that trait, he did some searching online and found the Ragamuffin breed. Ragamuffins are bred to be big fluffy wimps. They are docile and have great personalities. So - we decided to get one.
After some more searching online, Hubby came across a Ragamuffin breeder who had an ADORABLE little kitty for sale named Q-Tip. This little guy was so darn cute that we just had to get him. From Florida. He flew cargo to Texas and Hubby picked him up at the airport.
We later found out that Q-Tip wasn't pure Ragamuffin. He was part Maine Coon also. Q-Tip was a great cat. He had a wonderful personality and was very fluffy and generally docile. However, Q-Tip was lacking some of the Ragamuffin traits like loving to cuddle and to be held. Hubby and I loved Q-Tip but always wondered what a "real" Ragamuffin would be like.
After Q-Tip's very untimely death and our period of grieving, we decided to start looking at Ragamuffins again. After several weeks of searching (pretty much by Hubby) we found Skor. The rest - as they say - is history (well, history in the making!).
Now if only he gets past this phase of waking me up at all hours Skor will survive and be a great part of our family!
Trisha
Voice Update: My voice is pretty good. I still need to work on the massage and exercises a bit more. I did massage a lot during class last night. It kept my mind off of my headache (which blessedly didn't become a migraine!).
First, let me tell you that Skor is one lucky kitty. He must have figured out that I wasn't too happy with the early morning play call. Last night he slept on his night stand (it is no longer mine!) and didn't move until about 6:00 A.M. this morning. Okay - he might have moved all night long but - he didn't bother me so, that is good!
Since he didn't bother me last night and left me sleep, he gets to survive another day! Lucky kitty!
Mental Mamma wanted to know why we got Skor. Here is the scoop. When Hubby and I first discussed getting a cat I had no prior experience with cats except for the ones that scratch and bite. Hubby convinced me to try cats by agreeing to find a cat that was very docile. To ensure that trait, he did some searching online and found the Ragamuffin breed. Ragamuffins are bred to be big fluffy wimps. They are docile and have great personalities. So - we decided to get one.
After some more searching online, Hubby came across a Ragamuffin breeder who had an ADORABLE little kitty for sale named Q-Tip. This little guy was so darn cute that we just had to get him. From Florida. He flew cargo to Texas and Hubby picked him up at the airport.
We later found out that Q-Tip wasn't pure Ragamuffin. He was part Maine Coon also. Q-Tip was a great cat. He had a wonderful personality and was very fluffy and generally docile. However, Q-Tip was lacking some of the Ragamuffin traits like loving to cuddle and to be held. Hubby and I loved Q-Tip but always wondered what a "real" Ragamuffin would be like.
After Q-Tip's very untimely death and our period of grieving, we decided to start looking at Ragamuffins again. After several weeks of searching (pretty much by Hubby) we found Skor. The rest - as they say - is history (well, history in the making!).
Now if only he gets past this phase of waking me up at all hours Skor will survive and be a great part of our family!
Trisha
Voice Update: My voice is pretty good. I still need to work on the massage and exercises a bit more. I did massage a lot during class last night. It kept my mind off of my headache (which blessedly didn't become a migraine!).
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Why Did We Want a New Kitten?
Hi All!
I am tired. No - exhausted. Wait . . . is there anything more tired than exhausted? If so - I am that. Why, you may ask? Well, let me tell you.
SKOR!
Now, don't get me wrong, Skor is a wonderful little guy. He is soft and likes to cuddle and only tried to bite my toes in a loving, gentle manner if I mistakenly leave them out of my shoes (which I do ALL the time!). Skor is a kitten - the cat equivalent to a toddler - so he acts appropriately. I guess.
Most nights Skor settles down to sleep about 15 minutes after we do. He likes to explore us as we lie in bed and then likes to be petted for a bit before toddling off to his night stand. Yes, he has adopted my night stand as his night time sleeping place. I have never seen him on it any other time of the day but that is where he sleeps at night. Probably not ALL night but . . . for a while anyway. The fact that I have now had to remove pretty much everything from said stand so he doesn't knock it onto the ground in the middle of the night is a whole different story.
Skor has gotten used to our routine - sort of. He sleeps pretty well and doesn't normally jump on us during the night. However, if one of us has to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom (hey - we are getting older!) it is all over. That nocturnal trip means play time to Skor. He immediately jumps on the bed and bothers me (notice I didn't say he bothered Hubby!). Sometimes he simply nestles up next to my head and purrs himself (and me) back to sleep. Other times . . . .
Last night was one of those "other times." Skor decided that 2:00 A.M. was a great time to wake me up. He started with the nestle and purr. When that didn't' result in play time he moved on to the "stick my cold, wet nose in Momma's face several times." Still no play time. Skor moved on to the "stick my butt in Momma's nose" and the "drape my body directly over Momma's nose and mouth cutting off her supply of oxygen" maneuvers. Neither worked. It was 2:00 in the morning and I was resisting.
Unfortunately, Skor brought out the big guns next. He burrowed under the covers and licked the back of my knees (quite a sensation, let me tell you!), he wedged himself beside me with his favorite string and then rabbit kicked the string and my side, and finally, he chased poor, long suffering Miss Cleo up and down the length of the bed.
That got me. I couldn't play possum any longer. Unfortunately, I found myself having to go to the bathroom. Rats!!!
Skor was delighted! He immediately took up his position under my feet for the short walk to the bathroom. He even circled the toilet purring loudly while I took care of business (talk about a weird feeling!). Then, he hopped up on the bathroom counter as I washed my hands. After winding through my sleep clumsy feet on the return trip to the bed, Skor popped up on the bed and began licking my nose. Again - a very strange sensation to have sandpaper rasping on your nose so early in the morning.
I think I managed to doze a few times for the rest of the "night" until Hubby's alarm went off and distracted Skor. When Hubby gets up, Skor trots into the bathroom to supervise Hubby's morning routine. I got about 15 minutes of sleep during that whole time period and then it was time to get up and feed the cats.
This, while it sounds simple, is an interesting problem in logic. Both cats would rather eat the other's food them their own food which means that Hubby and/or I need to play interference to keep them at the appropriate bowls. If we weren't worried that Miss Cleo would gain too much weight from eating kitten food and that Skor would set new records with "adult cat food farts" we wouldn't mind too much but . . .
Today, surprisingly, Skor and Miss Cleo ate pretty calmly as I stood guard between the two bowls and Hubby ate his breakfast. After they were done eating I plopped down at the kitchen table and read the police blotter in our free copy of the local newspaper. This totally blew my normal routine and I forgot to make Hubby's lunch (which I normally do each and every morning). Poor man! He had to go lunchless today. I am sure he will go to Wendy's or Whataburger but still . . . I feel horrible that I forgot. I was tired.
C didn't walk today and I contemplated going back to bed until it was time to IM with Mom. However, I didn't. I walked and then came home to IM only to find that Mom won't be on IM this fine morning! I could have slept for another hour or two at least!
Darn Skor and his nocturnal urges to play! Darn my inability to ignore kitty claws rabbit kicking my side. Darn my tendency to sleep lightly which allows Skor to keep me up all night! Darn Hubby's tendency to sleep like a rock which Skor has figured out means "Don't bother trying to wake up Daddy - concentrate on Momma!" Darn, darn, darn!
Who wanted a new kitten anyway?
Trisha
Voice Update: I am doing a bang up job on the inhale part of my exercises. Unfortunately, the whole massage section is getting slighted. I will concentrate on getting that worked out - after I get in a nap!
I am tired. No - exhausted. Wait . . . is there anything more tired than exhausted? If so - I am that. Why, you may ask? Well, let me tell you.
SKOR!
Now, don't get me wrong, Skor is a wonderful little guy. He is soft and likes to cuddle and only tried to bite my toes in a loving, gentle manner if I mistakenly leave them out of my shoes (which I do ALL the time!). Skor is a kitten - the cat equivalent to a toddler - so he acts appropriately. I guess.
Most nights Skor settles down to sleep about 15 minutes after we do. He likes to explore us as we lie in bed and then likes to be petted for a bit before toddling off to his night stand. Yes, he has adopted my night stand as his night time sleeping place. I have never seen him on it any other time of the day but that is where he sleeps at night. Probably not ALL night but . . . for a while anyway. The fact that I have now had to remove pretty much everything from said stand so he doesn't knock it onto the ground in the middle of the night is a whole different story.
Skor has gotten used to our routine - sort of. He sleeps pretty well and doesn't normally jump on us during the night. However, if one of us has to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom (hey - we are getting older!) it is all over. That nocturnal trip means play time to Skor. He immediately jumps on the bed and bothers me (notice I didn't say he bothered Hubby!). Sometimes he simply nestles up next to my head and purrs himself (and me) back to sleep. Other times . . . .
Last night was one of those "other times." Skor decided that 2:00 A.M. was a great time to wake me up. He started with the nestle and purr. When that didn't' result in play time he moved on to the "stick my cold, wet nose in Momma's face several times." Still no play time. Skor moved on to the "stick my butt in Momma's nose" and the "drape my body directly over Momma's nose and mouth cutting off her supply of oxygen" maneuvers. Neither worked. It was 2:00 in the morning and I was resisting.
Unfortunately, Skor brought out the big guns next. He burrowed under the covers and licked the back of my knees (quite a sensation, let me tell you!), he wedged himself beside me with his favorite string and then rabbit kicked the string and my side, and finally, he chased poor, long suffering Miss Cleo up and down the length of the bed.
That got me. I couldn't play possum any longer. Unfortunately, I found myself having to go to the bathroom. Rats!!!
Skor was delighted! He immediately took up his position under my feet for the short walk to the bathroom. He even circled the toilet purring loudly while I took care of business (talk about a weird feeling!). Then, he hopped up on the bathroom counter as I washed my hands. After winding through my sleep clumsy feet on the return trip to the bed, Skor popped up on the bed and began licking my nose. Again - a very strange sensation to have sandpaper rasping on your nose so early in the morning.
I think I managed to doze a few times for the rest of the "night" until Hubby's alarm went off and distracted Skor. When Hubby gets up, Skor trots into the bathroom to supervise Hubby's morning routine. I got about 15 minutes of sleep during that whole time period and then it was time to get up and feed the cats.
This, while it sounds simple, is an interesting problem in logic. Both cats would rather eat the other's food them their own food which means that Hubby and/or I need to play interference to keep them at the appropriate bowls. If we weren't worried that Miss Cleo would gain too much weight from eating kitten food and that Skor would set new records with "adult cat food farts" we wouldn't mind too much but . . .
Today, surprisingly, Skor and Miss Cleo ate pretty calmly as I stood guard between the two bowls and Hubby ate his breakfast. After they were done eating I plopped down at the kitchen table and read the police blotter in our free copy of the local newspaper. This totally blew my normal routine and I forgot to make Hubby's lunch (which I normally do each and every morning). Poor man! He had to go lunchless today. I am sure he will go to Wendy's or Whataburger but still . . . I feel horrible that I forgot. I was tired.
C didn't walk today and I contemplated going back to bed until it was time to IM with Mom. However, I didn't. I walked and then came home to IM only to find that Mom won't be on IM this fine morning! I could have slept for another hour or two at least!
Darn Skor and his nocturnal urges to play! Darn my inability to ignore kitty claws rabbit kicking my side. Darn my tendency to sleep lightly which allows Skor to keep me up all night! Darn Hubby's tendency to sleep like a rock which Skor has figured out means "Don't bother trying to wake up Daddy - concentrate on Momma!" Darn, darn, darn!
Who wanted a new kitten anyway?
Trisha
Voice Update: I am doing a bang up job on the inhale part of my exercises. Unfortunately, the whole massage section is getting slighted. I will concentrate on getting that worked out - after I get in a nap!
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