Training a cat.

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Oh, not impossible at all. However, one must start with certain understandings. First, cats often know what you want them to do. They simply have no incentive to perform. Second, what works for this animal or that does not work with a cat. They are the union members of the animal family. Good pay AND benefits are required. Further, you have to request the acts and pay well. Sam simply is not interested in being trained. Sassy is only interested in food. Having been fixed before she ever went into heat, she is like the typical chemically fixed housewife. If she could manage the television I would find her watching Oprah I am sure.

When I started, and Sassy was very young, she would do small tricks for a single kibble. Not standard food, mind you, the treat stuff. As she ballooned, that one kibble simply isn't incentive enough. Finally, I decided to break down. For three kibbles she will slay people, I think. No need for that, thankfully. But she will now perform the tricks easily, happily, and immediately. Now, will she ever do the tricks for free? That is yet to be known. I have my doubts. She isn't, after all, a dog. :p

She still isn't sure if she likes me. At just over a year old, I am told she is about a seven year old. She has learned not to claw me, or use claws to jump on or off me like she does other things. She is being a lot more mellow, kind, and even affectionate compared to her needy 'early years'. But she is still very much a juvenile and still very much self-involved. Oh, I suppose Sam is too, mostly. But she has learned to share her self-involvement, to appreciate companionship, and to be much more mellow. Save when it comes to Sassy, and Sassy just brings to Sam what she brings to the world... In her words, she brings "ME!!!". Still, I enjoy watching her grow, learn, play, fight (Sam or me), and just live. Brat!

Hmm, I think it is about time to try and load up the bike and get it into town. The nice thing about ordering from a store that is open 24 hours a day is, I repeat myself somehow. It is quite nice to have this cool night tonight to work in. I may begin simply staying up later, going to sleep while it is still cool and sleeping off some of the heat (as I can), napping when I must, and just working through the oddities that entails. I have no serious need of a 9:00 to 5:00, I just... it was a goal. I suppose I can just set that aside for now and do what I must. Perhaps if I am not fighting sleep and heat and everything else all at once I might be able to get to other things. I will still have the afternoon to try and get what work needs doing done. And mornings should it be heavier work and I decide to stay up a bit longer. Just... thinking, planning, sorting.

Just imagine if there is no such thing as an air conditioner or a furnace or even a fan. No, not a comfy thought. Very possible, slightly unlikely long term, life changing if it came to pass. I don't think we could ever go back to stone age, or not for long. Too much information is cataloged. Too many people can read that information. People are inventive, and are equal parts construction and destruction. On the plus side, there would be no tax save sweat and tears. Be careful what you wish for.

Good night.