When will Kittens Take Over the Earth?

Okay, I know it's been well over a month since I last blogged. And I know, you all expected more from me. After all, Dad started his new job at The Home Depot (THD for those in the know), and Mom was still working twice a week at Ferrum and full-time at VT. I had the run of the room. But I discovered something wonderful while they were away at work, the perfect catnap! Sleeping during the day is so nice and relaxing. And by the time Auntie Erika got home I was ready to run adn play and explore. Then comes dinner! I know some might complain, but I am just so curious about what the family is doing and eating I just have to jump on the table; smell or taste everything. Then there is the water issue. I love water in drinking glasses. By the time that's all over, Mom and Dad have monopolized the computers and I'm left roaming the house, chasing the other cats. Maybe someday they'll actually play with me.

I'm sure there is much to say, but its all so boring to recount the last week, let alone the last month. I will say it was nice to see Auntie Luisa this week. And I want to wish Auntie Sara a Happy Birthday, I know her birthday is sometime soon but I'm a kitten I can't remember everything. As for Mom and Dad.... Mom is good, a little stressed about the week ahead (which only makes matters worse when she tries to comb me; it hurts!) but she had a nice five days off this last week and soon she'll be done at Ferrum and she'll be taking even more time off around Christmas (I'm looking forward to my first Christmas tree!); and Dad is doing okay. Work keeps him busy, he works hours close to Mom which is nice for them. His new work shirts are funny orange, but I know when he's home. I think he misses the bookstore for some silly reason.

Well, Dad is finishing some new comics, so I better wrap this up soon. Gotta watch Chuck and Heroes with the parents tonight. They got me hooked! Of course, I'm still waiting for kittens to take over TV but these shows aren't too bad for humans.

Fun in the Sun(room)

WoW!

So a friend of Mom and Dad's was trying to get me to start an account. Well, with the economy and Mom's concern about her job and the fact that Dad hasn't officially started his job, it's a little tough right now, but I did start a character. It was a tough call - what type do I go for: druid or hunter. Well, I finally decided I'd go for a hunter so look out WoW here I come.

Mom was doing better this morning, but they went to bed EARLY last night. I'd gotten used to a slightly later bedtime. I guess I'll have to adjust, a little bit. For now, it's back to playing, napping, and eating.

Staying close to family

So yeah, I got tired of blogging. I got tired of twittering. I needed a break. I don't have a good excuse. It's not like I was out saving the world (well, I was when Mom and Dad are away I log onto their WoW accounts. I'm not sure they know this yet, so please -- shhhhhh). Life is pretty much the same these days. I eat, I sleep, I play. The biggest change is I have a bigger playground!

Last week I finally found my way past the gate. And then I found my way upstairs. All by myself. let me tell you, I love this house. I love the chance to roam free. And I'm starting to get a hang of these other cats. Although, lately Butter has been pushing my buttons. But if there's one thing I've learned from watching Fudge, it's to be patient. So I'm just waiting to see what happens.

It was very nice to meet my other grandparents. I think Grandma Kansas... I mean Dorothy was disappointed I wasn't more cuddly. Can you blame me when you finally let me have full access to the house that I could possibly stay in one place for long? But I got toys! Lots and lots of fun toys from everyone. Grandma Dorothy and Grandpa Skip brought me some balls, Grandma Sue brought be a weird glove and one of Mom's friends gave me thiis fun scratching pad and something like a sleeping bag (that one I do not like, despite Dad's best and worst efforts).

The one thing I've learned though, is Mom and Dad are not ready for me to have full run of the house. So when they are around I try to stay close. You know, looking after your parents can be a full-time job sometimes. And with Mom getting sick the last couple days, well... staying close makes the most sense. Of course, if they would let me eat something besides the Science Diet... like human food.

Well, gotta go. A friend of Dad's is upset with him and he needs the computer back.

What is a Kitten to Do?

Life is settling into the same old same old. Mom gets up to shower, gets ready for work. Dad finally wakes and gets on computer. Sometimes he plays with me first but usually I get to run around and around and around. But I'm not going to complain. I have freedom, at least more freedom. My parents don't understand why I like to sit in the door to the bathroom.; what's not to like? I can see so much more. I can see other people and other cats wandering around. But I'm going to enjoy it while I can because I hear Dad starts work in two weeks and that means I'm back into the room, all-day, by myself.

The weather is nice outside, so Dad's been leaving the window open. I'm not a big fan of nature, but that window is lots of fun to play in. But Dad's desk, Mom's laptop back and Dad's government book are also fun places to play or nap.


I figure if I can't start school yet, I can learn through osmosis!

What's the Big Deal?

I'm a kitten. So what's so important about how long I am? Or how big my paws have gotten? I'm a growing cat, what do all these people expect? AND, although I love the attention why is my life like feast or famine. One day all I see is the usual parade of family, and the next I see and meet 3 or 4 new people?

Sure I'm cute, but right now all I want is some attention from my parents, a nice place to sleep (floor, chair, Mom's school bag, Dad's computer desk, Dad's government book, wherever), and some food (that isn't constantly being poached by Ms Queen of the Neighborhood). Dad always says I shouldn't complain too much; I have a good life.

Cats and Kittens

I know, I am a bad kitten. I am a blog-fader. I write and write everyday for a couple weeks, then something happens and I write less frequently. That may be true but I’m still blogging. And I’m still twittering so I defy someone to accuse me of giving it up. I can’t say my life has changed all that much lately. Dad is still around in the days and Mom is still gone. I’m sleeping better, probably because Mom and Dad have forced me onto their sleep cycle – sleep through the night (that is not to say I don’t nap during the day, nor do I always go to sleep right away or remain calm when I wake). I am still a kitten after all!

The major happening lately is Dad is leaving the door open. So I can come and go as I please. Now I would never admit it to him, but I really like this even though I seldom take advantage of this fact. I mean if I run out there and spend all my time in the bathroom or staring at the gate, then they might lock me out of the room entirely. So I have to keep my normal spots: under Mom’s chair, anywhere else on the floor that’s comfortable, running around Dad’s desk.

However, there is one aspect of this new open-door policy that has be concerned: Daphne. Well, she has Dad concerned. Me, I’m not sure what to make of her yet. She tends to come into the room and eat my food whenever she is let in from the outside (btw: she can stay outside for all I care, I have NO desire to go outdoors again). In fact, she’s down here eating my food as I type. She does not like me and I don’t understand why: I’m a cute kitten. Me, I just wanna spend some time figuring her out. Oh well, maybe some other time she’ll be nice and let me tag along. If I could ever figure a way over that fence.

With the new open door policy comes more visitors. I see Grandpa Jim all the time, of course he usually comes to see me when I’m really tired, but somehow I muster up some energy to come see him. Grandma Sue just came down for a visit and some playtime. She found this fun little toy – I think Dad said it was actually a key chain but it looks like a toy to me.

Well, I think that’s all for now. I know Mom will be around this weekend and I hear that my other grandparents are visiting soon so I have something to look forward to.

Twitter

So I did it! I started a twitter account: twitter.com/pamukkitten. I try to update it throughout the day so you can get the blow-by-blow account of my days. Enjoy.

No much else to report. Mom was sick this morning so stayed in bed for a couple hours. Weird but good to have her around. I think Dad got a little upset because it threw off his routine. And he lost the use of the Matrix for the day. Oh well, more time at home with me. Now if only I could get him to play with me more during the day, not just first thing in the morning and late at night. Or better yet, to get out of this room!

Well, I'll keep it short today.

Colds, computers and cars

I'm sorry it's been a few days since I've blogged. Life has been a little hectic in the Ogier Pedersen household mainly due to illness. Its nothing too serious, but a few weeks ago Grandma Sue was sick, and it spread to both Auntie Erika and Grandpa Jim, but Mom and Dad both seemed immune. Until Thursday afternoon when I watched as Dad became more tired and he started to drink lots and lots of water (something he does not do, shame on you). By Friday morning he had something approaching a full-blown sinus-cold. Let me tell you, with Mom gone, it was up to me to take care of him and it was a full-time job. Especially since he was not appreciating all my attempts at levity. The upside of it all was Dad was not able to use the computer, so he stayed in bed and napped most of the day. I really think I'm making a difference in his life.

By Saturday Mom was not feeling well, Dad was sort-of beyond the sinus part of his cold but still not feeling good. Unfortunately, they had planned to go to some wedding north of here somewhere. I'm kinda glad they didn't go because it gave me a chance to spend some time with them, especially Mom. I think Mom doesn't appreciate how much I love her - she always complains to Dad that I spend so much time with him, blah blah blah.... Sometimes, parents just do not understand.
The usual antics insued, spending some time upstairs in the sunroom. I did start climbing around their computer desks more and more. There are some interesting things to see and do behind Dad's computer monitor.
Sunday afternoon I finally got in to see the new car. I do not like it. Sure, its nice and shiney and I can tell Mom was happy with it but why would anyone want a new car when I'm around.
Well, Mom's off to work and Dad's looking pretty tired again so I better go cheer him up. Maybe we all need new phones, so we can better stay in touch. I keep hearing about this thing called Twitter...

At least I don't break things

I decided to take yesterday off. Afterall, it was Mom’s birthday. All and all she had a good day. I left her alone during the night so she got a decent night sleep – unfortunately for Dad this meant he had to entertain me (and often). Mom keeps telling me I’m not nocturnal, but I just don’t believe her.

Yesterday was mostly the same. Although, Dad did bring me up to the sun room and I got to run around and play. I think he was studying or something but it must not have kept his interest because he gave up and took a nap on the couch. Maybe he did learn something from my lessons the other day. Of course, Dad’s nap took some looking after so I had to nap near him.

Two things happened on Monday I should mention. Dad left for a bit – he usually leaves for about an hour or so on Mon-Wed-Fri (I’ve since learned it’s because that’s when he has the car but that’s not an issue now – more later). When he came back he setup some weird pillar near my bed. I was not at all interested in this thing. And to be honest had no idea if it was even for me to mess with or not. Well, today Dad perched Buddy on the top of this and well, I just had to check it out. The pillar is very ropey. Not sure of its purpose but it is kinda fun to climb up and around.

Also, the boxes in the hall, blocking me from the rest of the house are gone, but in its place is a gate. It’s almost cruel to be able to see through and know there is more to see and do but not be able to do anything about it. I do make a run for it every chance I can. The bathroom is really interesting I just wish they would give me more of a chance to explore.

Mom came home early yesterday. I think it was because of her birthday. She proceeded to nap, so I gotta nap with both parents on the same day. They abandoned me for a while and I have since learned they got a new car, like I thought. I’m hoping they will let me see it today. Maybe I’ll even get a chance to sit behind the steering wheel. It may make the vet visits more entertaining. I guess Mom was not happy with the Camry so they opted to get a new vehicle. I also hear that Dad finally has a job. He had to leave this morning for some errand for Home Depot. I have no idea what that is, but hey, it’s a job. And maybe I’ll get that iPod. Although I hear Mom wants a new phone and Dad wants an HDTV. Really, at this age you are supposed to spoil your child, not indulge on yourselves!

Looks like Dad just broke something. So I can finally see trees through the window. Now, if only I could climb up there…

That’s all for now. Oh, and Mom, Happy Belated Birthday. I hope you enjoy the book. I suppose I should have gotten you the audiobook. Maybe for Christmas.

What is the Matrix

I hope everyone has enjoyed the pictures! I added a couple more. Let me tell you, if you don't know how to nap properly you should learn. Dad still has a long way to go. Now Mom, she's a pro. She could teach me a thing or two about napping but here are the lessons I have to impart: 1) if you are tired, feel free to find the nearest available space and fall down (doesn't matter if it's by a pillow, on a bed, on the floor, or on a person as long as it's comfortable), which leads to 2) be comfortable, even if it doesn't look comfortable to anyone else as long as you are happy with your position and can nap that is what matters most, and 3) don't fight the nap (it is okay to fight off impending sleep but naps should never be put off until later).

Lots happened this weekend. I went to the vet. Sure, it was my second visit, but I could tell it was more important than the first - Auntie Erika was there (which may have explained why I was a little excited and ready to claw, search and play). The did some tests, but according to Dad I'm okay. I do have to go back in a few more weeks. I did not like the car ride over. And I am not at all happy with the bag that I'm thrown in, but not much I can do about it for now.

Mom decided she was too tired to go to some baby shower, which at first I was happy about because more time with Mom. But then she also decided she needed to get out for a bit. Something about a car. Now, they kept mentioning the word "matrix." While they were gone I Googled and either they were talking about:

OR....

I think it was the latter but I'm just a kitten, what do I know? (Mom just emailed me to tell me that we are getting a new car - I guess Dad can't seem to keep our current one running good enough for Mom).

The upside of Mom and Dad being gone so long was time with the grandparents upstairs. I spent a good portion of Saturday afternoon and again Sunday upstairs. There is lots to see and do up there. Definitely way more room up there to run and roam. I was not at all happy when Dad came up Sunday, stuck me on some round cushy, chair-thing and I was unable to get down. Took him a while before the crying got to him.

Well, as I said don't fight a nap, and I'm feeling one come on now so I better go. Plus, I think Dad wants his computer back. I still haven't figured out how to use Mom's. If only my parents would give me an iBook and iPod of my own (Thanks for the support Auntie Linda!).

Catnaps are the Best Part 3

Catnaps are the Best Part 2

Catnaps are the Best

Pictures speak louder than words

Dad's a softie

First of all, I would like everyone to notice the post before this. I have been hearing some people - Grandma Dorothy in particular - asking about my name. And well... I'm not really qualified to talk about that so I asked Dad to say a little something.

So... Monday night we were getting ready for bed. And by we I mean Mom and Dad, while I was doing everything in my power to stay awake. I mean, who has heard of a cat that actually has a bed time he follows? Mom opened the door, and I made a run for it. I've tried a couple times in the past to get away (unsupervised) but this was the first time I actually succeeded. Sure, I've been out in the living room before with Auntie Erika and Grandpa Jim, but this was fun (okay and a little scary). And boy was Mom MAD! I've never heard my name yelled louder than it was that night. Dad was no where to be seen but when he did arrive, I heard him just outside the door doing something. I've tried not to press my luck anymore so I have no idea what I'll face next time I make a run for it. But hey, it's only a matter of time.

Yesterday was a typical day around the room. I napped wherever I feel asleep and Dad was on the computer. A couple things were different with Dad though... normally he has a towel on the back of the chair. Let me tell you, if you've ever tried to jump from the bed to the back of the chair without a nice cloth surface to get your claws into, well, I don't recommend it because you'll start to slide. Although the fall is not too bad, it is not fun. Dad quickly fixed this, once again giving me access to his body as a climbing toy. Although Dad was at the computer, he had a large book in front of him and seemed rather annoyed anytime I walked over it. More annoyed in fact that the times I walked over his computer or knocked over his mouse or even when I accidentally scratch his neck. I overheard him talking later in the day, turns out he was studying for a test yesterday and Tuesday. That would explain the couple hours on Tuesday he was sitting on the bed reading. I get a little annoyed when his pattern changes. Especially since my world is so connected to his these days. I hear he may have a job soon. I do not support that at all. Who else will I have to climb on? The last thing about Dad and yesterday, was the amount of time he was wearing his headphones while at the computer. Let me tell you, when he does there are just so many tempting things to play with. There's a fun cord that hangs. And of course, when I get perched on his shoulder there is the mic. I just want people to pay attention to me sometimes. Is that too much to ask?
Mom squirted me with water last night. Still trying to figure that one out. They got this big bottle and while i was hanging out with Mom , scratching the walls for fun and swatting at some fun hanging cords, she squirted me with water. I wasn't too surprised. I half-expected it. Dad pointed the bottle at me a couple times but no water. He's a softie I think. I'll have to work on him some more if I'm ever going to get an iPod (did you see the ads for the new colors?).

Had lots of visitors: Auntie Erika, Grandma Sue and even Grandpa Jim. I think that's all for now. Dad will be around all day, which will be nice. I just hope Mom comes home soon. It's so much fun to have her around on the weekends.

Pamuk's name

So I've been asked by Pamuk to explain a little about the origin of his name.

Pamuk is named after the Turkish author Orhan Pamuk, the writer of the book Snow. If you'd like to learn more about Orhan Pamuk I suggest you check out his Wikipedia page, just click here.


Others may wanna know why I chose it or where I heard about Orhan Pamuk. The simple answer is: Borders. While working there I of course became very familiar with new and different authors and one popular author was Pamuk. After winning the Nobel Prize in 2006 he became even more popular. And his book, Snow, was constantly on sale somewhere in the store. Moreover, I had a colleague who was into all things Turkish and kept raving about him. So when Andi told me about a white kitten, I dunno how I put it together but I thought: white-snow-Pamuk. Thus, the genesis of his name.

Did I have a Birthday?

I know it's been a few days since I've blogged and I can't say that I have a good reason. After all, the main thing I've been doing lately has been sleeping. And playing. And eating. Well, I guess I've been busy after all.

So Friday, Dad abandoned me for a few hours. And I have to say, ever since then I've been worried that someone will forget all about me. I am trapped in one room, in a small corner of this house. Although I have Buddy, he's just not as much fun as Mom, Dad, Auntie Erika or anyone else who visits. When Dad got home Friday he had something new for me. It looked a little like my pillow I had used when Mom and Dad were putting me in a nice, albeit small, box. It's a cute, round bed, and although it is WAY more comfortable than my old one, well... sometimes I just get tired and it is too much trouble to find my way to the bed (sometimes its on my parent's bed and sometimes its on the floor - please, Mom and Dad, make up your mind!). It is just so much easier to fall down wherever I am (usually its near Dad's pillows or in his arms). But I have to wonder what did I do to deserve this present? I know Mom has a birthday coming up and I have NO idea what to get her. It's my first birthday, so what does a kitten give his mom?


Dad was talking on the phone with someone the other day and I heard him respond to the phone about me getting out more. So Sat morning I had the great fun of going upstairs and being let out to roam. The room up there is really interesting, with different books and bags and toys to play with. They must not mind me being there since I went back Sun and again last night (although I barely got to spent time there Monday).

Mom and Dad have been letting me sleep outside my box (although there was the one time Dad put me in there and dragged me to the bathroom; I still don't know why but he's been looking a little haggard lately). It's kinda fun to roam, and I have easier access to food, water and my litter box (but I admit I do get confused and turned around and need a little guidance). I just don't understand why they let me roam and when I come to visit they put me at the bottom of the bed or on the floor. If I'm up they should be up. Mom knows how to take naps, but I think Dad needs to work on it. We did nap together a little yesterday and today. So maybe you can teach an old human new tricks.

Oh, speaking of OLD, I was upstairs last night when I noticed someone staring at me. This must have been one of the other cats in the house (I think Mom called her Daphne). I'm not sure what to make of her yet, but she showed me her teeth so I think she likes me (that is what you do when you smile, right?).

Okay, well, I'm tired and the little bed looks inviting. I think Dad is busy with something right now. Maybe he'll buy me another new present. He was shopping online this weekend. I hear that's the new thing.

Can I have an iPod?

Dad went up to make himself lunch so I only have a minute to blog, so....

Sometimes, I think Auntie Erika is the only one who really gets me. I bite because I love! And Erika gets that.

The other night Mom and Dad were watching a TV show about vampires (I don't think they realized I was paying attention). Anyway... the show was based on the idea that vampires came out of their coffins, were drinking synthetic blood and wanted equal rights (hello, again, where are my kitten rights). Vampires bite for blood. I bite because I love. Dad definitely doesn't understand, he always covers his hands and face with his sweatshirt. Mom is better about it but I don't see her enough and I end up scratching her instead of biting. But Auntie Erika... well she's the fun one in the bunch. And she understand why I bite! She also lets me out of the room without being carried around.

Okay, I better go. Dad is hogging the book so I have to occupy my time with other things. Any suggestions for reading? Maybe I should get an iPod and try some new tunes while I run around.

Where are my Kitten Rights?

Sorry I didn't blog yesterday. Dad keeps telling me that you need to develop a routine, so I'd like to blog everyday. But yesterday, well... let's just say I did not get a chance to get on a computer atl all. Dad was so absorbed by something yesterday. To his credit it looked like he actually did something other than WoW. And well, Mom, she ended up waking up - which was great because I was so ready to get up and play anyway. But then she went back to bed. I decided why not join her.

More of the same in the afternoon. Dad did disappear for quite a while. I was expecting a treat of some sorts when he got back but he just had food for himself. I don't wanna complain too much, but I'd love to try some of their food for once. I got tired of formula and so far the food they are giving me is okay, but a little variety would be nice. Don't you think?

Auntie Erika came by for a visit again. Now, she is fun. She knows how to play. I think she misses Auntie Luisa, but we never talk about such things.

Mom and Dad watched TV last night and I noticed a lot of campaign ads. The one thing missing from all of these is Kitten Rights. Too bad I'm too young.

Today seems to be starting out okay. Although I keep hearing the word "vet" ,mentioned. Not sure if I should be worried or not.



Dad left a copy of Speaker for the Dead out. I think I'll give it a try. I did a Google search on Pamuk... I don't think I'm ready for that yet. Thank God he didn't name me Soren or something.

Welcome to the Land of Pamuk

Well, I heard blogging was the cool new thing to do - next to podcasting - so while my folks are playing WoW I thought I would join the "cool" kids and blog about my experiences.

Today has been a good day. I have a pretty good dad. He pays a lot of attention to me, but for some reason he gets tired of me and keeps trying to put me in the corner. This is an improvement. My folks used to lock me in my room (I eventually found a way out, windows are easy to escape through). Okay, okay, it was a box and I climbed over-the-top, but still....

Grandpa stopped by to visit. I hadn't seen him in a couple days. I like my grandparents. They are fun!

Mom and Dad were a little scared the other day when I chewed on something. Jeesh, they can be so overprotective sometimes. Right now I think I'll return to my little cave and wait for them to serve dinner. I miss my bottle but the new food is good.

Now, if I could just get out of this house (okay room) they have me trapped in.

Well, that's all for now. Maybe I'll get around to reading Snow one of these days. Dad has a strange sense of humor when it came to naming me. I may be scarred for life.