When my boyfriend and I decided to adopt two Maine Coon mix kittens, we had no idea what we were getting into. My cousins had had a Maine Coon and we both had significant cat experience, but since Maine Coons are one of the largest breed of cats they come with a unique set of needs.
Feeding:
Buy your Maine Coon a normal dish, no matter how many. Feeding is completely normal, with the only exception being the problem with the water dish. I don't know how common this is with Maine Coons (or if this is just some weird thing that happens in my house), but they love water. Which means they will dip their tales and paws in their water dish to drink. So clean the water bowl often.
Litter:
One of the most challenging aspects of owning a Maine Coon is finding a litterbox big enough. It sounds ridiculous for me to say "buy a huge litterbox" but I kid you not. My six month old Maine Coon kittens were too big to use a normal size litterbox, making do by scrunching up. You will feel crazy but your cat will thank you.
Grooming:
Brush often. As long haired cats, obviously they shed. I never had a problem with my allergies with them, as I do with my two other cats, but so help me god do they shed. If you don't regularly brush them and dust, your home will quickly be coated in cat hair. Again, I don't know if this water fascination is a problem with my cats or if its a Maine Coon thing but it is possible to eventually bathe a Maine Coon. If you see they have an interest in their water bowl (playing in it and stuff) and if they try to play with you while you're in the bath, gradually introduce them to flowing water and eventually a bath. They just need a rinse, no soap, and its more for the adorable wet cat look, and to brag to your friends that you can bathe your cat. It does come in handy if an accident occurs though.
Claws:
Maine Coons have enormous claws, in my experience with my kittens, and they must be regulary trimmed to keep under control. This wasn't observed by the shelter we got our kittens from so my kitten wasn't able to walk properly. His claws would stick to everything. Once, I opened the door to the apartment and scared him. He took all the bedclothes with him when he fled. Plus, trimming claws lessons the damage to furniture and carpets. Beware leather, though, and that goes for any cat. My poor leather chair...
Traveling:
Maine Coons are super smart. You can train them to walk on a leash; both my Maine Coon mixes are capable of it. Unlike a dog, you don't lead the cat but the cat leads you. This helps transport issues, as long as the harness is firmly affixed to the cat. They will be much calmer in the car if they're not caged, and that's a general cat note too. My cats actually liked going to the vet, after we leash trained them (well, they liked the waiting room with the other animals. the actual seeing-the-doctor bit is equally as bad). You should start gradually, first putting the harness on (and leaving it on) and eventually putting on the leash. I was forced to put my cats in a harness in the pet store parking lot. Bad idea. My kitten (its always my kitten that misbehaves, never my boyfriend's lol) tried to run into traffic (four times) before we wrangled him into the car.
As far as long distance travel, take heart for it can be done! A few weeks after adopting our kittens, my boyfriend and I had to drive across the US. We set the litterbox up in the trunk, with the backseat folded down so they had access. Put the food and water dishes in the cupholders. Put their leashes on, and set out. They only protested for the first 30 minutes and the last 30 minutes, which was quite impressive considering we were driving for about 16-18 hrs a day. They really enjoyed having a litterbox in the trunk and it made them much calmer, even when we went to the vet. Beware, though, and bring air freshner.
Questions?
Post!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
There's Frosting on My Scone!
I can tell you why America is fat, I found the reason this morning. It was 6:30 am and I needed to find something to eat for breakfast that wasn't a granola bar. Which means going to Starbucks, unfortunately, since nothing is open at that time. Starving, I ordered a cheese bagel and scone. Cranberry scones are usually delicious, having the right amount of sweet and tart. After I ordered it, I realized it had icing. Icing! Its not even 7 in the morning, why would I want sugar like that? Besides, who needs the extra calories? Its delicious as is, leave it alone.
This fascination that Americans have with adding sugar to everything is probably at least part of the reason people here are fat. There is just no need for it, sugar just adds calories. At 7 am, something that sweet is completely gratuitous. It doesn't make it taste better except that people are used to having something that sweet and can't eat anything less. We should be weaned off sugar, or so, because it is a completely unhealthy habit.
This fascination that Americans have with adding sugar to everything is probably at least part of the reason people here are fat. There is just no need for it, sugar just adds calories. At 7 am, something that sweet is completely gratuitous. It doesn't make it taste better except that people are used to having something that sweet and can't eat anything less. We should be weaned off sugar, or so, because it is a completely unhealthy habit.
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Song on My Mind
The original purpose of this blog was to theorize on topics, much like my friend's journal that she keeps to better her writing. I can't think of too many interesting topics because they mostly come to me through random conversation (although, I did just think of one. What makes a person gay? My boyfriend and I were talking about that last night). I do have one thing that I'd like to say. I have a story in my heart and a song on my mind and they're just not coming out! I've been sitting in this coffee house for HOURS these past few days but I just can't think of anything to write. My boyfriend offered to do characters for me if I did the plot. Come to think of it, I may make him do the characters and the plot and I'll put it together. I'm good at that. And the plot will change :D My problem is that I suck at characters. I have something to say and I want to just SAY it, not have to pussy-foot around. Its frustrating. WRITERS BLOCK.
What I am considering is writing some short stories on here, even though this is a philosophy blog. Since no one follows it yet, it really doesn't matter. The only thing I'm scared of is people ripping my stuff. It might be a good idea, just so when my computer crashes, I don't lose ALL my work.
I do have to say, though, that I just made the most wonderful shifter druid for Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition. Longtooth shifter, in case anyone is interested. PM me if you wanna see the character sheet :) (feel free to rip that). The character's name is Oak, and name is Ash. Totally not intentional. I wanted to name the character Ash but that's my name so :( second best. I think I'll go come up with a long, complicated wolf name for her. Ciaoooo!
What I am considering is writing some short stories on here, even though this is a philosophy blog. Since no one follows it yet, it really doesn't matter. The only thing I'm scared of is people ripping my stuff. It might be a good idea, just so when my computer crashes, I don't lose ALL my work.
I do have to say, though, that I just made the most wonderful shifter druid for Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition. Longtooth shifter, in case anyone is interested. PM me if you wanna see the character sheet :) (feel free to rip that). The character's name is Oak, and name is Ash. Totally not intentional. I wanted to name the character Ash but that's my name so :( second best. I think I'll go come up with a long, complicated wolf name for her. Ciaoooo!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Stupidest Women say
that rape is the girl's fault. I was shocked, to find out that some girls believe that rape and abuse is the girl's fault. According to a classmate of mine, "the girl should know better and back out of the situation." Excuse me. Really? That classmate of mine (a girl, I might add) believed that because a girl didn't back out of the relationship, she incurred whatever she got. Sadly, a girl who was most likely abused was in the class. She almost started crying. It was terribly sad.
Let's talk about how rape and sexual abuse is NOT the girl's fault. Men are generally stronger, that is the most terrifyingly real fact. It is so easy to overpower someone, especially when the person is so much stronger than their victim. Its also extremely easy to overpower someone with words. Take a girl looking for love. If a guy convinces her that he loves her, he has complete power over her. I've heard horrifying stories of that happening; of the girl being desperate, the guy sweet talking her, and the physically and sexually abusing her after kidnapping her. How is that her fault? Is it her fault because she trusted him? That's crazy. That would mean that no one should trust another person because everyone has the potential to be crazy horrible.
Ways to avoid such things happening, beyond not trusting someone, well there aren't any. That is why its so scary. There is virtually no way to predict what could happen. That case I mentioned earlier about the abducted girl? They were dating for several years before he abducted her. I think the best advice I can give anyone, dating wise, is to sincerely listen to people's warnings. If the guy's friends are saying to get out of the relationship, gtfo (more than likely). They know him, they have known him for longer than you. They can give you a fairly good warning. I know that from experience. Obviously, there are exceptions but I'd give a fair ear. Also along those lines, don't date someone because you're flattered that the guy asked you out. Don't live in awe and have respect for yourself. Obviously, again, this is advice is occasionally not accurate. People told me to break up with one of my boyfriend's and he was one of the sweetest guys I know (but shhh, he doesn't want anyone to know haha). That's dating advice on how to possibly avoid a bad guy. In my opinion, from my experience. Oh, one last thing. Don't always listen to your parents. They have your best interests at heart and most of the time they get it right but sometimes they're very wrong. They don't always know the specifics of the relationship. I was in a bad relationship and my parents didn't want me to break up with the guy. They thought he was nice and didn't believe me when I told them he was bad to me. Guys can be real suave sometimes. I guess what I'm trying to get down to is to always listen to everyone but the choice is ultimately up to you.
Don't EVER blame someone for them being hurt, though. Including yourself. The victim doesn't "ask" for it or whatever the excuse might be. They could be so careful, the guy could appear so sweet, but there might be something else.
Let's talk about how rape and sexual abuse is NOT the girl's fault. Men are generally stronger, that is the most terrifyingly real fact. It is so easy to overpower someone, especially when the person is so much stronger than their victim. Its also extremely easy to overpower someone with words. Take a girl looking for love. If a guy convinces her that he loves her, he has complete power over her. I've heard horrifying stories of that happening; of the girl being desperate, the guy sweet talking her, and the physically and sexually abusing her after kidnapping her. How is that her fault? Is it her fault because she trusted him? That's crazy. That would mean that no one should trust another person because everyone has the potential to be crazy horrible.
Ways to avoid such things happening, beyond not trusting someone, well there aren't any. That is why its so scary. There is virtually no way to predict what could happen. That case I mentioned earlier about the abducted girl? They were dating for several years before he abducted her. I think the best advice I can give anyone, dating wise, is to sincerely listen to people's warnings. If the guy's friends are saying to get out of the relationship, gtfo (more than likely). They know him, they have known him for longer than you. They can give you a fairly good warning. I know that from experience. Obviously, there are exceptions but I'd give a fair ear. Also along those lines, don't date someone because you're flattered that the guy asked you out. Don't live in awe and have respect for yourself. Obviously, again, this is advice is occasionally not accurate. People told me to break up with one of my boyfriend's and he was one of the sweetest guys I know (but shhh, he doesn't want anyone to know haha). That's dating advice on how to possibly avoid a bad guy. In my opinion, from my experience. Oh, one last thing. Don't always listen to your parents. They have your best interests at heart and most of the time they get it right but sometimes they're very wrong. They don't always know the specifics of the relationship. I was in a bad relationship and my parents didn't want me to break up with the guy. They thought he was nice and didn't believe me when I told them he was bad to me. Guys can be real suave sometimes. I guess what I'm trying to get down to is to always listen to everyone but the choice is ultimately up to you.
Don't EVER blame someone for them being hurt, though. Including yourself. The victim doesn't "ask" for it or whatever the excuse might be. They could be so careful, the guy could appear so sweet, but there might be something else.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Creativity and Self-Improvement
The most incredible feat is to work to better oneself. If something is difficult for you, work on it. Make it part of your life until it is no longer difficult. If you're bad at writing, write until your writing improves. If you're bad at math, work the problems until your mind is numb. I have a friend who (falsely) thought she was bad at writing. So she started writing in a diary, every day. Not only did it help her work on her arguments for papers but she also discovered things about herself. Not only is it admirable to do so, but it really does make you a better person.
Knowing this, why would anyone not try to work on themselves? I honestly can hardly think of it. Is it because the person is afraid of the unknown? Or is it because they want to be special and tell everyone what they can't do? That last seems plausible to me. It would be kind of like a badge "I can't do something that you can do. Isn't that hilarious? Its so easy!" If its so easy, then why not try it?
Knowing this, why would anyone not try to work on themselves? I honestly can hardly think of it. Is it because the person is afraid of the unknown? Or is it because they want to be special and tell everyone what they can't do? That last seems plausible to me. It would be kind of like a badge "I can't do something that you can do. Isn't that hilarious? Its so easy!" If its so easy, then why not try it?
Saturday, May 30, 2009
A Mother's Life is Hard
Obviously, I have no child and that's not an option right now (I mean really.). I figured I should start out with that disclaimer cuz of the title. I was just on PI and reading this letter that a woman wrote to her baby that died early in the pregnancy. It made me tear up because I never realized how hard it must be. My mom lost 6 babies that way. 6! This woman is tore up over the one and she's getting help and my mom lost 6 and my dad wasn't even there to support her.
Objectively, a child is nothing more than a parasite. A parasite is something that... takes nutrients from a host. A child lives inside the mother and, let's be realistic, very few women say "yes, I would like to have a child from this session of sex" or even want one when they get pregnant. Something happens, there's some sort of hormone though that changes that idea. Something that changes the "ehh. crap. not right now" feeling to "*love!!!*" That's weird to me. Natural but weird. I can't imagine such a change of heart that's not made by choice.
I'm trying to figure out how much my mom would have loved me. I was born after four miscarriages (she had another when I was a year old or so and another when I was four or five). So I really was her "miracle baby," as she always called me. And she was a stay-at home mom. She helped out in my pre-school, pre-K, and she cooked at my school cafeteria. I think I get it now. She was scared that something would happen to me and I was her only chance of a baby, as well as a gift after all the miscarriages. When my dad took me away from her, that was what she was trying to avoid all along. That really is what destroyed her... Or maybe what killed her more is the fact that she had already begun to lose it
Objectively, a child is nothing more than a parasite. A parasite is something that... takes nutrients from a host. A child lives inside the mother and, let's be realistic, very few women say "yes, I would like to have a child from this session of sex" or even want one when they get pregnant. Something happens, there's some sort of hormone though that changes that idea. Something that changes the "ehh. crap. not right now" feeling to "*love!!!*" That's weird to me. Natural but weird. I can't imagine such a change of heart that's not made by choice.
I'm trying to figure out how much my mom would have loved me. I was born after four miscarriages (she had another when I was a year old or so and another when I was four or five). So I really was her "miracle baby," as she always called me. And she was a stay-at home mom. She helped out in my pre-school, pre-K, and she cooked at my school cafeteria. I think I get it now. She was scared that something would happen to me and I was her only chance of a baby, as well as a gift after all the miscarriages. When my dad took me away from her, that was what she was trying to avoid all along. That really is what destroyed her... Or maybe what killed her more is the fact that she had already begun to lose it
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Celticism
Yes, I'm pagan. No, I'm not any form of pagan you've ever met (more than likely). I'm Celtic, I don't know a better term for it. I believe in Celticism.
What is Celticism?
ehehe. Its actually very simple. Its merely a...way of life and beliefs that was used by ancient Scottish and Irish peoples. The Pagan flavor of Druidism is based on Celticism but, as we will discuss in a later blog, is a bastardization of the laws and beliefs. The core beliefs, however, are shared. From the Druidery website, I got this description of the laws:
"1. Every action has a consequence that must be observed and you must be prepared to compensate for your actions if required.
2. All life is sacred and all are responsible for seeing that this standard is upheld.
3. You do still live in society and are bound by its rules.
4. Work with high standards.
5. Make an honest living. [be honest in all things]
6. Be a good host as well as a good guest.
7. Take care of yourself. (Health was held in high esteem amongst the Celts, so much that a person could be fined for being grossly overweight due to lack of care.) [be properly groomed and bathed]
8. Serve your community.
9. Maintain a healthy balance of the spiritual and mundane.
10. Uphold the Truth, starting with yourself.
11. Be sure in your convictions, particularly when judging or accusing someone, but also when debating. Ask yourself: are you really sure? Do you really know that this the case? "
Right. That makes sense. Its not necesarily easy to follow but if everyone did, to some extent, some version, I'm convinced the world would be a better place. I bolded what I feel is most important. As you can see, I find it almost all important but really. These things are just so essential to life and creating a good community, a good life. Notice, that some aspect of these are in all religions. Oh, before we move on, lemme explain what the Truth is. Its not that magic exists or anything. No, the Truth is those laws. They are the Truth because they are irrefutable.
As for the beliefs, that is where Druidism and Celticism diverge. Druidism believes in magic and all that blah blah wicca stuff. Celticism believes in the possibility of magic and holds the idea of certain ritual magic. When I say "ritual magic" I'm not talking about making someone well. I mean, literally, magic used in religious rituals. Divination, etc. Making an ill person well was called "healing magic" or some derivative of the term but it was clearly understood that this was just medicine and not mystical. The important fact to note is that not much is known about the Druids, the original practicioners of Celticism. Therefore, we cannot exactly know what they believed. We know that they believed there were Gods and Goddesses that were in all things (which is not much different from the Christian belief that the Holy Spirit is in all things) and in the holiness of the three elements (fire, water, earth). Beyond that, there is very little evidence of anything. The beauty of Celticism is that all beliefs that fall within the parameters of the laws and few known beliefs are okay because it is the journey to the knowing that is important.
Personally, I believe that all Gods are one god and just different variations. I do believe (obviously) that gods are in all things, all natural things. Every plant, every clod of dirt, and every litre of water is holy. Natural things are holy because it is from them that humans exist. I do not exactly worship every tree I see but Nature as a whole is an entity that must be cared for and caring for something is a manner of worship. I believe thats a fairly common idea in Celticism although I wouldn't say absolutely. I also believe that there are beings that are not quite human and not quite god (known more simply as demi-gods). Whether or not they walk among us mortals, I really cannot say.
And...I know I left something out. Damn. I got distracted. Start the questions!
What is Celticism?
ehehe. Its actually very simple. Its merely a...way of life and beliefs that was used by ancient Scottish and Irish peoples. The Pagan flavor of Druidism is based on Celticism but, as we will discuss in a later blog, is a bastardization of the laws and beliefs. The core beliefs, however, are shared. From the Druidery website, I got this description of the laws:
"1. Every action has a consequence that must be observed and you must be prepared to compensate for your actions if required.
2. All life is sacred and all are responsible for seeing that this standard is upheld.
3. You do still live in society and are bound by its rules.
4. Work with high standards.
5. Make an honest living. [be honest in all things]
6. Be a good host as well as a good guest.
7. Take care of yourself. (Health was held in high esteem amongst the Celts, so much that a person could be fined for being grossly overweight due to lack of care.) [be properly groomed and bathed]
8. Serve your community.
9. Maintain a healthy balance of the spiritual and mundane.
10. Uphold the Truth, starting with yourself.
11. Be sure in your convictions, particularly when judging or accusing someone, but also when debating. Ask yourself: are you really sure? Do you really know that this the case? "
Right. That makes sense. Its not necesarily easy to follow but if everyone did, to some extent, some version, I'm convinced the world would be a better place. I bolded what I feel is most important. As you can see, I find it almost all important but really. These things are just so essential to life and creating a good community, a good life. Notice, that some aspect of these are in all religions. Oh, before we move on, lemme explain what the Truth is. Its not that magic exists or anything. No, the Truth is those laws. They are the Truth because they are irrefutable.
As for the beliefs, that is where Druidism and Celticism diverge. Druidism believes in magic and all that blah blah wicca stuff. Celticism believes in the possibility of magic and holds the idea of certain ritual magic. When I say "ritual magic" I'm not talking about making someone well. I mean, literally, magic used in religious rituals. Divination, etc. Making an ill person well was called "healing magic" or some derivative of the term but it was clearly understood that this was just medicine and not mystical. The important fact to note is that not much is known about the Druids, the original practicioners of Celticism. Therefore, we cannot exactly know what they believed. We know that they believed there were Gods and Goddesses that were in all things (which is not much different from the Christian belief that the Holy Spirit is in all things) and in the holiness of the three elements (fire, water, earth). Beyond that, there is very little evidence of anything. The beauty of Celticism is that all beliefs that fall within the parameters of the laws and few known beliefs are okay because it is the journey to the knowing that is important.
Personally, I believe that all Gods are one god and just different variations. I do believe (obviously) that gods are in all things, all natural things. Every plant, every clod of dirt, and every litre of water is holy. Natural things are holy because it is from them that humans exist. I do not exactly worship every tree I see but Nature as a whole is an entity that must be cared for and caring for something is a manner of worship. I believe thats a fairly common idea in Celticism although I wouldn't say absolutely. I also believe that there are beings that are not quite human and not quite god (known more simply as demi-gods). Whether or not they walk among us mortals, I really cannot say.
And...I know I left something out. Damn. I got distracted. Start the questions!
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