Tuesday, September 30, 2008
My Kitties are Good to Go!
Bagheera was first in mastering the box - as I thought he would be. He is the smarter of the two of them. And Bambi has now finally come along. She did the hold it thing for awhile - but I think she realized mommy wasn't messing around. And of course my stubbornness that she WILL master the box - worked. It's just like kids. Sometimes it is so easy to want to just cater to what they want to do or what you think is easier for them - but in the end it is better if you don't. And I can honestly tell you how happy I am that I did NOT cave for her. And she has finally figured out how to NOT get her tail stuck in the flap as she exits.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Now This is Just Retarded
I swear I did not get this from The Onion.
PETA Urges Ben & Jerry's To Use Human Breast Milk
Sick, sick, sick
Don't they have better things to do?
PETA Urges Ben & Jerry's To Use Human Breast Milk
Sick, sick, sick
Don't they have better things to do?
Friday, September 19, 2008
And you thought I was kidding...
Here is the pet door we cut from the house to the garage...
Here is what the box looks like in the garage....
And here is the inside of the box....
Yes I know....... cat owners aroudn the world are jealous of my contraption. And I know it will be one of those "add ons" for when people build their homes - would you like a cat box in the garage with that?
Here is what the box looks like in the garage....
And here is the inside of the box....
Yes I know....... cat owners aroudn the world are jealous of my contraption. And I know it will be one of those "add ons" for when people build their homes - would you like a cat box in the garage with that?
I Spy.......
cat shit.........on my couch.
Yes, that would be my little spiteful Bambarelli that left that treat for mommy to find. Thanks Bambs. I love you too.
Yes, that would be my little spiteful Bambarelli that left that treat for mommy to find. Thanks Bambs. I love you too.
Follow Up Post
An excerpt from a blog entry by Jay Demerit - a back up central defender for our Mens National Team.
Guatemala was a true test for us, considering we hadn't won there in over 20 years. The Guatemalans tried everything to disrupt us. From messing up our training schedules, to the fans throwing beer bottles at the bus on the way to the stadium, and also not letting us through the entrance gate. Even two hours before the game, the stadium was packed with fans booing and whistling at us. When we checked the field to see what studs we would wear for game time, they even launched coins and other projectiles. They also had Gatorade girls positioned right next to our benches for distraction. I know I was distracted! They tried everything, but to be honest, no one was fazed and we weathered the storm as a team, seeing off a 1-0 win, and a great start to our bid for 2010.
Guatemala was a true test for us, considering we hadn't won there in over 20 years. The Guatemalans tried everything to disrupt us. From messing up our training schedules, to the fans throwing beer bottles at the bus on the way to the stadium, and also not letting us through the entrance gate. Even two hours before the game, the stadium was packed with fans booing and whistling at us. When we checked the field to see what studs we would wear for game time, they even launched coins and other projectiles. They also had Gatorade girls positioned right next to our benches for distraction. I know I was distracted! They tried everything, but to be honest, no one was fazed and we weathered the storm as a team, seeing off a 1-0 win, and a great start to our bid for 2010.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
US Beats T & T
Ok so this is a bit late in posting - but I have been a bit busy. US ended the first half of their CONCACAF qualifying run by beating Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in Chicago. My boy drew first blood in the 9th minute with a superb game winning goal indicative of his season with Heerenveen. He once again was outstanding in the match. The US look to take on the Guatemalans and Cuba on home soil and T&T at home in the second half of qualifying over the next couple of months so I will keep you posted of their success. The reality of it is though they currently sit atop the group with 9 points and really only need to win one more match to secure their spot to the semi final round of qualifying.
GO USA!
GO USA!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
My Boy Rocks!
As a typical fan would do - I troll through the internet reading stuff about how people felt about our MNT performances. And not surprisingly there is a lot of retards out there that spew a whole bunch of crap. For example: I don't know why Bob Bradley continues to put Michael out there as he sucks. His passing is awful and he isn't displaying any of the attacking abilities he did in Holland.
Oh yeah. How about this you haters -> from US Soccer
Not only did midfielder Michael Bradley attempt the most passes with 89 (not surprising for a center mid), he also completed 97% of them. Impressive stuff from the 21-year-old. Brian Ching also completed 97% of his 38 attempts.
And to see more data on the match and how our boys did from a stats perspective
US vs Cuba
So take that!
Oh yeah. How about this you haters -> from US Soccer
Not only did midfielder Michael Bradley attempt the most passes with 89 (not surprising for a center mid), he also completed 97% of them. Impressive stuff from the 21-year-old. Brian Ching also completed 97% of his 38 attempts.
And to see more data on the match and how our boys did from a stats perspective
US vs Cuba
So take that!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
On the Road
I have mentioned previously when our US MNT goes on the road that they don't exactly experience shangra-la. Here is an exerpt from US Soccer and former players that will help give you some perspective.
"There are a lot of issues that complicate World Cup qualifying,” said Arena. “From short preparation time, travel for players from different continents, the different levels of fitness in your group and the climate, all these factors add up. When you put that all together, it's never easy.”
Defender Marcelo Balboa, who played in 10 qualifiers during his career from 1989-1997, has plenty of experience with road games that often present a tougher match up on the field than they do on paper.
“You have to get on a plane, play in a hostile environment and deal with the fans,” said Balboa. “This is for the World Cup. It means a lot to the federations and to the players, and the bottom line is that they find energy and ways to make games hard.”
TRAVEL
Many different factors present a challenge to a road team, but add in the fact that a large portion of the U.S. National Team is based in Europe and therefore have to make the long journey back to the Western hemisphere and a difficult task becomes even more tough. Long-time U.S. defender Tony Sanneh, who has 16 qualifying caps to his name, realizes the difficulties of traveling across the globe.
“We have a much bigger European base now and a large portion of our team is flying all the way in from Europe while a lot of the teams we play are based domestically,” said Sanneh. “The standard of living isn’t what we’re used to, neither is the food or the quality of the fields. Adding all those things together can honestly be a recipe for failure.”
SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
Guatemala has long been considered one of the most difficult places in the region to play, and the U.S. has not fared well in the Central American country, holding a 1-4-3 record there leading into the August 20 matchup.
Sanneh was part of the squad that earned a 1-1 draw in Mazatenango, Guatemala on July 16, 2000 during the qualifying rounds leading up to the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He knows the challenges of playing there first hand.
“When we played in Guatemala, they put us very far away from Guatemala City in a smaller stadium, so it was in the mountains where it was very hot,” said Sanneh. “There were cars driving around at night making noise and keeping us awake throughout the night.”
“One time before a game, we got stuck in an elevator because they turned off the power, said Balboa. “Another time they had horns and radios blaring outside our hotel all night. Sometimes the fire alarm goes off at 3 a.m. and keeps going off all night.”
GAME DAY
When arriving at a visiting stadium, the Americans don’t always receive a warm welcome. Some adversity is environmental – unfamiliar weather, tiny locker rooms and bumpy fields.
“It was over 100 degrees,” said Sanneh, recalling his experience in Guatemala. “The game started off okay, but then we got a little overheated and they scored a goal on a rebound. We were probably a better team that day, but the conditions were very difficult.”
Other game-day factors include the fans, whether they’re loud, offensive, throwing objects onto the field or all of the above.
“It’s hard to describe what it’s like to step on that field,” said Balboa. “What you have to realize is that countries like Cuba have only one shot every four years to try to qualify, and if they do that just one time it would mean everything to their country and their people.”
With stadium renovations in Havana, Cuba, being completed as game day approached, the lights at Estadio Pedro Marrero went out completely during the teams’ warm up. Both teams also dealt with a less-than-ideal surface that took some time to adjust to, especially with heavy rains pouring down throughout the game.
“It was a tough game,” said forward Clint Dempsey. “Obviously both teams had to play with (the field conditions), but it wasn’t a flat surface. Even if you hit a good pass, the ball can bounce up on you and when it’s slick, too, that just adds on top of it. I thought in the first half neither team did too well with the conditions.”
“You can’t go somewhere and try to play pretty soccer when the ball doesn’t take a true bounce, or you’re playing in two feet of water,” said Sanneh. “Your job is to go there and win the game. It has to be workmanlike and businesslike. You have to be willing to walk away from these games at 1-0.”
"There are a lot of issues that complicate World Cup qualifying,” said Arena. “From short preparation time, travel for players from different continents, the different levels of fitness in your group and the climate, all these factors add up. When you put that all together, it's never easy.”
Defender Marcelo Balboa, who played in 10 qualifiers during his career from 1989-1997, has plenty of experience with road games that often present a tougher match up on the field than they do on paper.
“You have to get on a plane, play in a hostile environment and deal with the fans,” said Balboa. “This is for the World Cup. It means a lot to the federations and to the players, and the bottom line is that they find energy and ways to make games hard.”
TRAVEL
Many different factors present a challenge to a road team, but add in the fact that a large portion of the U.S. National Team is based in Europe and therefore have to make the long journey back to the Western hemisphere and a difficult task becomes even more tough. Long-time U.S. defender Tony Sanneh, who has 16 qualifying caps to his name, realizes the difficulties of traveling across the globe.
“We have a much bigger European base now and a large portion of our team is flying all the way in from Europe while a lot of the teams we play are based domestically,” said Sanneh. “The standard of living isn’t what we’re used to, neither is the food or the quality of the fields. Adding all those things together can honestly be a recipe for failure.”
SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
Guatemala has long been considered one of the most difficult places in the region to play, and the U.S. has not fared well in the Central American country, holding a 1-4-3 record there leading into the August 20 matchup.
Sanneh was part of the squad that earned a 1-1 draw in Mazatenango, Guatemala on July 16, 2000 during the qualifying rounds leading up to the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He knows the challenges of playing there first hand.
“When we played in Guatemala, they put us very far away from Guatemala City in a smaller stadium, so it was in the mountains where it was very hot,” said Sanneh. “There were cars driving around at night making noise and keeping us awake throughout the night.”
“One time before a game, we got stuck in an elevator because they turned off the power, said Balboa. “Another time they had horns and radios blaring outside our hotel all night. Sometimes the fire alarm goes off at 3 a.m. and keeps going off all night.”
GAME DAY
When arriving at a visiting stadium, the Americans don’t always receive a warm welcome. Some adversity is environmental – unfamiliar weather, tiny locker rooms and bumpy fields.
“It was over 100 degrees,” said Sanneh, recalling his experience in Guatemala. “The game started off okay, but then we got a little overheated and they scored a goal on a rebound. We were probably a better team that day, but the conditions were very difficult.”
Other game-day factors include the fans, whether they’re loud, offensive, throwing objects onto the field or all of the above.
“It’s hard to describe what it’s like to step on that field,” said Balboa. “What you have to realize is that countries like Cuba have only one shot every four years to try to qualify, and if they do that just one time it would mean everything to their country and their people.”
With stadium renovations in Havana, Cuba, being completed as game day approached, the lights at Estadio Pedro Marrero went out completely during the teams’ warm up. Both teams also dealt with a less-than-ideal surface that took some time to adjust to, especially with heavy rains pouring down throughout the game.
“It was a tough game,” said forward Clint Dempsey. “Obviously both teams had to play with (the field conditions), but it wasn’t a flat surface. Even if you hit a good pass, the ball can bounce up on you and when it’s slick, too, that just adds on top of it. I thought in the first half neither team did too well with the conditions.”
“You can’t go somewhere and try to play pretty soccer when the ball doesn’t take a true bounce, or you’re playing in two feet of water,” said Sanneh. “Your job is to go there and win the game. It has to be workmanlike and businesslike. You have to be willing to walk away from these games at 1-0.”
Kitty Box Update
SO I am sure you are wondering - how are the cats doing with their trendy new cat box eh? Well let's see, since I last informed you, it appears that Baggy has figured out how to escape the box without getting his tail slammed in it - which has helped him in going in the box. He originally was meowing to us (what a good boy) when he had to go - thereby leading us to stuffing him in the box. As of last night - we made the decision to have the door down full time and deal with whatever .....accidents....... might occur.
Then there is Bambi. My beautiful fluffy bunny who is a little shit. Bagheera is the older and smarter cat. He has no problem saying - HEY PEOPLE I need to GO and you have BLOCKED ME. He also is much more intuitive as to - I know that is where I need to go, now how do I go about doing it. Bambi on the other hand, well she is not the sharpest tool in the shed. SO Sunday morning as I was sitting on the couch doing some work, I hear my fluffball leap up on the black leather couch to the left of me. My first inclination is that she doesn't normally jump up there - but I shrugged it off and paid attention to my computer as it looked like she was just circling the seat to find a comfortable spot to sit. And then I heard an all too familiar sound after she found her spot........you know the one........the paw, paw, paw, pawing of a cat foot on something. As my ears perk up, knowing the signals, my rational brain is contradicting my inner voice. But I look anyway. As I am staring at her - once again my senses are contradicting themselves as I see her look at me, spread her short fat little legs, squat her but down and then comes the sound that overrides anything,
Psssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Like a flash I am up out of my chair and on that little furball. Grabbing her and running toward the cat box - meanwhile screaming at her like I have lost my mind. She of course is growling at me the whole time. Like I care at that point. So I stuff her in that box. She comes out. I stuff her in it again. She comes out again. I stuff her in that box again! She finally gives me her grumpy stare down from the other side of the door and turns and goes in one of the boxes.
I return to then be irked about the mess I have to clean up. The reality of it is - she was being spiteful. And in some ways - I was lucky she did it on the couch instead of the microfiber couch or the floor. It was easy to clean up and I made sure to add some pine sol to make her never want to go there again! But it still was frustrating - because she knows where she is supposed to go.
Needless to say - we are struggling a little bit with the door. They now both get out just fine. Getting them to go in on their own however is the tough part. So we have reverted to a familiar exercise we all learned in psych class in high school - a little Pavlov's Dog routine. So now - if they do their business in the box - even if we had to shove them through, they get the one thing they both crave.........the hair brush. And of course lots of positive reinforcement. Bambi still has not mastered the cat door not slamming her tail at the end when she comes out - but I think after it happens enough times - she will figure out what she needs to do. I can't baby her forever on this.
So we shall see if I have any fun surprises when I come home tonight. Here is to hoping they did what they are supposed to do.
Then there is Bambi. My beautiful fluffy bunny who is a little shit. Bagheera is the older and smarter cat. He has no problem saying - HEY PEOPLE I need to GO and you have BLOCKED ME. He also is much more intuitive as to - I know that is where I need to go, now how do I go about doing it. Bambi on the other hand, well she is not the sharpest tool in the shed. SO Sunday morning as I was sitting on the couch doing some work, I hear my fluffball leap up on the black leather couch to the left of me. My first inclination is that she doesn't normally jump up there - but I shrugged it off and paid attention to my computer as it looked like she was just circling the seat to find a comfortable spot to sit. And then I heard an all too familiar sound after she found her spot........you know the one........the paw, paw, paw, pawing of a cat foot on something. As my ears perk up, knowing the signals, my rational brain is contradicting my inner voice. But I look anyway. As I am staring at her - once again my senses are contradicting themselves as I see her look at me, spread her short fat little legs, squat her but down and then comes the sound that overrides anything,
Psssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Like a flash I am up out of my chair and on that little furball. Grabbing her and running toward the cat box - meanwhile screaming at her like I have lost my mind. She of course is growling at me the whole time. Like I care at that point. So I stuff her in that box. She comes out. I stuff her in it again. She comes out again. I stuff her in that box again! She finally gives me her grumpy stare down from the other side of the door and turns and goes in one of the boxes.
I return to then be irked about the mess I have to clean up. The reality of it is - she was being spiteful. And in some ways - I was lucky she did it on the couch instead of the microfiber couch or the floor. It was easy to clean up and I made sure to add some pine sol to make her never want to go there again! But it still was frustrating - because she knows where she is supposed to go.
Needless to say - we are struggling a little bit with the door. They now both get out just fine. Getting them to go in on their own however is the tough part. So we have reverted to a familiar exercise we all learned in psych class in high school - a little Pavlov's Dog routine. So now - if they do their business in the box - even if we had to shove them through, they get the one thing they both crave.........the hair brush. And of course lots of positive reinforcement. Bambi still has not mastered the cat door not slamming her tail at the end when she comes out - but I think after it happens enough times - she will figure out what she needs to do. I can't baby her forever on this.
So we shall see if I have any fun surprises when I come home tonight. Here is to hoping they did what they are supposed to do.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
FM squared
History Being Made Part 2
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have been seized.
The Government Takes over Two Pillars of Our Economy
Why is this history? Well, because this has not only never been done before, but these two companies were established so this would hopefully never have to happen. But as typical corporate America will play out, when you have people that get a little too money hungry and not acting in the public best interest - you have these things happen. If you don't remember, Fannie Mae had a massive accounting scandal about 5 years ago. And they have been a government sponsored (chartered) enterprise, yet they are also a public company. Get your head around that concept. I personally don't think a government chartered entity should also be allowed to be a public entity but that is my own personal opinion. However, this has major impacts to our economy and of course my industry.
As I sit back and watch my industry implode, it amazes me that I still have a job. I am thankful that I have my house and can still make my payments when so many people out there are losing their jobs and losing their homes. And when you lose your home, you lose any of the equity in it you had stored up, you lose the ability to step into a home for two years, and now in order to get into a home - we have reverted to pre 2000 when you had to bring some money to the table (thousands) in order to get into a home. In some ways it is a good thing - it helps ensure that people don't just walk away since they have some of their money they had to save tied into the house. But how is this for a circle of events (Staci - feel free to tell Bill if you are trying to Bush bash :) ).
When Bush took office - he stood up on a campaign of everyone gets a home. Now 8 years later with our industry that has spiraled out of control as a result of that mandate, now .................everyone loses their home (and their job).
Scary times ahead as this is not the end of it.
The Government Takes over Two Pillars of Our Economy
Why is this history? Well, because this has not only never been done before, but these two companies were established so this would hopefully never have to happen. But as typical corporate America will play out, when you have people that get a little too money hungry and not acting in the public best interest - you have these things happen. If you don't remember, Fannie Mae had a massive accounting scandal about 5 years ago. And they have been a government sponsored (chartered) enterprise, yet they are also a public company. Get your head around that concept. I personally don't think a government chartered entity should also be allowed to be a public entity but that is my own personal opinion. However, this has major impacts to our economy and of course my industry.
As I sit back and watch my industry implode, it amazes me that I still have a job. I am thankful that I have my house and can still make my payments when so many people out there are losing their jobs and losing their homes. And when you lose your home, you lose any of the equity in it you had stored up, you lose the ability to step into a home for two years, and now in order to get into a home - we have reverted to pre 2000 when you had to bring some money to the table (thousands) in order to get into a home. In some ways it is a good thing - it helps ensure that people don't just walk away since they have some of their money they had to save tied into the house. But how is this for a circle of events (Staci - feel free to tell Bill if you are trying to Bush bash :) ).
When Bush took office - he stood up on a campaign of everyone gets a home. Now 8 years later with our industry that has spiraled out of control as a result of that mandate, now .................everyone loses their home (and their job).
Scary times ahead as this is not the end of it.
History Being Made Part 1
In an Historic event - the US Beats Cuba 1-0 on Cuban soil in the semi final round of world cup qualifying. (My boy is # 12)
Why is this such a big deal? Because this is the first time the US MNT has been on Cuban soil in 60+ years. Only a U23 team played in Cuba back in 1991 (I think) for the Pan American games and then the Orioles played a couple games back in 1995 (I think). Other than that, it has been that long since ANY American sports team has played Cuba on Cuban soil due to trade embargoes and such.
Good job to the boys for enduring tough situations and getting the job done! In situations like this, one of the things that central American/Caribbean and south American fans will do is to camp outside the hotel of the opposing team and play music and make noise all night long - trying to ensure the boys don't get sleep in order to affect the match. They throw things at the bus the boys are transported to the hotel and the stadium among other things. How's that for sportsmanship! Apparently the stadium was in such disrepair that concrete pieces were falling down, a permanent residue of dust sits on the seats, the grass is super bumpy causing all sorts of fun possibilities to occur on the pitch, and lighting was only just recently added to the stadium per FIFA mandate when the match was scheduled to be at 8PM. Before the match and in the last 10 minutes of the match yesterday, about half of the lights went out in the stadium and it was raining cats and dogs. Quite the fun affair eh? Now the rain was because the tip of Hurricane Ike was just starting to hit the eastern edge of the island. But our boys got out of dodge before they could get marooned on the island due to weather.
You may say that that isn't quite fair - but the reality of it is this. That is fine you know why? Because when we play Cuba in another month on our soil - we are doing it in NY - making the Caribbean players play in the colder weather. And when we play those dirty Guats on our soil in mid November - welcome to Dicks! A mile high and in the cold. So we have our own advantages. On the other hand, one of the issues that was a bit underhanded was that the Cubans apparently train and live in rooms at the stadium when they go to compete. When our boys went to have their closed door practice the day before the game, apparently the Cubans decided they wanted to watch - causing some tension between the team.s Not only is this unsporting - but they aren't allowed to do so - however, there was no FIFA official around so therefore there was no way to enforce the Cubans to go away.
As is the US sit atop of our group with 6 points. They play again against T & T in Chicago on Wednesday. I'll keep you posted.
Why is this such a big deal? Because this is the first time the US MNT has been on Cuban soil in 60+ years. Only a U23 team played in Cuba back in 1991 (I think) for the Pan American games and then the Orioles played a couple games back in 1995 (I think). Other than that, it has been that long since ANY American sports team has played Cuba on Cuban soil due to trade embargoes and such.
Good job to the boys for enduring tough situations and getting the job done! In situations like this, one of the things that central American/Caribbean and south American fans will do is to camp outside the hotel of the opposing team and play music and make noise all night long - trying to ensure the boys don't get sleep in order to affect the match. They throw things at the bus the boys are transported to the hotel and the stadium among other things. How's that for sportsmanship! Apparently the stadium was in such disrepair that concrete pieces were falling down, a permanent residue of dust sits on the seats, the grass is super bumpy causing all sorts of fun possibilities to occur on the pitch, and lighting was only just recently added to the stadium per FIFA mandate when the match was scheduled to be at 8PM. Before the match and in the last 10 minutes of the match yesterday, about half of the lights went out in the stadium and it was raining cats and dogs. Quite the fun affair eh? Now the rain was because the tip of Hurricane Ike was just starting to hit the eastern edge of the island. But our boys got out of dodge before they could get marooned on the island due to weather.
You may say that that isn't quite fair - but the reality of it is this. That is fine you know why? Because when we play Cuba in another month on our soil - we are doing it in NY - making the Caribbean players play in the colder weather. And when we play those dirty Guats on our soil in mid November - welcome to Dicks! A mile high and in the cold. So we have our own advantages. On the other hand, one of the issues that was a bit underhanded was that the Cubans apparently train and live in rooms at the stadium when they go to compete. When our boys went to have their closed door practice the day before the game, apparently the Cubans decided they wanted to watch - causing some tension between the team.s Not only is this unsporting - but they aren't allowed to do so - however, there was no FIFA official around so therefore there was no way to enforce the Cubans to go away.
As is the US sit atop of our group with 6 points. They play again against T & T in Chicago on Wednesday. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
My Big Shit Box
So one of my more brilliant ideas was to create a big cat box in the garage of our house that our precious kitties could go into from the house - effectively keeping the litter boxes out of the house and instead contained in the garage. Yes I know it is brilliant. So it took me a loooong time to convince my husband this was a great idea (mainly because it entailed curbing our garage storage space as well as cutting a hole in our house), but he finally caved after a couple years and agreed with me once it became apparent that it was a pain with company to have the boxes in our house (especially company with children that might be staying), the thought of us having a baby and the extra room we need and also he got tired of smelling cat litter and the like.
So a friend of ours came out and did the work for us. Essentially we have a 3 and a half foot long by two feet deep by 2 and a half feet tall box with a lid that opens up so I can get to the litter boxes from inside the garage. Yes I know my cats are a little spoiled - but really, it is more out of sheer laziness by their momma. The kitties however enter through the house - right behind the front door via a pet door.
Getting the cats to go in and and of the new litter box I didn't think was going to be too hard as long as the pet door was open. But I was concerned about the cats understanding to use their head to go through the door. We originally thought that Bambi would be the slow to catch on one and Bagheera would get it figured out pretty quick since he likes to head butt us all the time to get attention and love. As it turns out - Bambi caught on much quicker than Baggy. Baggy I presume felt like he was in a big kennel and just kept staring at us from the other side of the see through pet door. We finally helped them both out a little and as soon as Bambi realized she could MOVE the door - she was on it and out. Now, I don't know that she is fully advanced on the door thing - but since Baggy can't figure it out, we rigged the pet door to stay open so they can at least get used to going in and out and that being the new place for them to poop.
Luckily for us - we had no surprises in the house during the first 24 hours of the new box and we had success with kitties going in the box. Step 2 however will be the door. I think we will wait until tomorrow to try the torture chamber routine again. However, the kitties better figure it out pretty quick cause my niece and nephew are coming in a few days and little Gavin doesn't need to be exploring and finding a new toy box and discoverng what kitty treats are. EWWWWW That is something I would like to avoid.
So a friend of ours came out and did the work for us. Essentially we have a 3 and a half foot long by two feet deep by 2 and a half feet tall box with a lid that opens up so I can get to the litter boxes from inside the garage. Yes I know my cats are a little spoiled - but really, it is more out of sheer laziness by their momma. The kitties however enter through the house - right behind the front door via a pet door.
Getting the cats to go in and and of the new litter box I didn't think was going to be too hard as long as the pet door was open. But I was concerned about the cats understanding to use their head to go through the door. We originally thought that Bambi would be the slow to catch on one and Bagheera would get it figured out pretty quick since he likes to head butt us all the time to get attention and love. As it turns out - Bambi caught on much quicker than Baggy. Baggy I presume felt like he was in a big kennel and just kept staring at us from the other side of the see through pet door. We finally helped them both out a little and as soon as Bambi realized she could MOVE the door - she was on it and out. Now, I don't know that she is fully advanced on the door thing - but since Baggy can't figure it out, we rigged the pet door to stay open so they can at least get used to going in and out and that being the new place for them to poop.
Luckily for us - we had no surprises in the house during the first 24 hours of the new box and we had success with kitties going in the box. Step 2 however will be the door. I think we will wait until tomorrow to try the torture chamber routine again. However, the kitties better figure it out pretty quick cause my niece and nephew are coming in a few days and little Gavin doesn't need to be exploring and finding a new toy box and discoverng what kitty treats are. EWWWWW That is something I would like to avoid.
Monday, September 01, 2008
My Boy Makes the Move
For months now I have endured the rumors of Michael moving to England and playing for an EPL team. How I wish that was true so I could see him every week. However, in the big picture of the game - it was best he didn't seeing he is so young and the EPL has a way of making or breaking careers - no matter if you are not ready or not. I once again doubt I will get to see anything more than highlights but here is to hoping!
Bradley Moves to Borrussia Moenchengladbach
And yes - that really is the name of the club. Luckily my husband knows how to say it so we had lessons earlier last night. LOL
Bradley Moves to Borrussia Moenchengladbach
And yes - that really is the name of the club. Luckily my husband knows how to say it so we had lessons earlier last night. LOL
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