Maternal Threats
I'm sure almost every child has heard at some point the warning/wish that they will have kids just like themselves. Usually, this little phrase occurs during a particularly acativity on the child's part which the parent (typically the mother) finds exasperating. "I hope you have a kid just like you." "Just wait 'til it's your turn." "Your face will freeze like that." Wait. Scratch that last one. Wrong warning.
Well, my own dear mother will no doubt be thrilled to know that I now have not one "child" who replays my own childhood behaviors, but two of them. Charlotte, whom you all know and (if you're anything like me) love, is one of those cats who really doesn't mind being alone. She's actually doing very well curled up on the futon, thank you, and your attention is unwanted. That's all right, she's perfectly satisfied staring out the window, and your cat toy is an irritating distraction.
I was like this at times. I would spend whole afternoons reading a book or even just staring into the distance making up elaborate story arcs for imaginary play or for my own amusement. I was that kid all alone on the playground who actually liked it that way. I don't recall very many instances where I was lonely, though I'm sure they took place.
Now meet Charlotte's new brother Festus. I was hesitant to speak much about him here until he settled in and was going to stay for sure. Now that he's a fixture, you'll be hearing more about my adorable social butterfly. Already, you can see where this is going. Festus is content to do this own thing, as long as that thing is sleeping. As soon as he's not sleeping any longer, he'd like very much to be in the center of your activities. He isn't fond of being alone, unless there really is no one else around. Then, I'm sure he deals with it.
My brother exibited similar behavior. When I wanted to spend the whole day reading, he spent the whole day pestering me. (or at least, that's what my young, annoyed mind figured) When I wanted to be alone, he wanted to play. Etc.
Eventually, there would come times when we two had ... difficulties due to conflicting ideas about space.
And there you have the dynamic between Festus and Charlotte, spelled out for you. Sometimes, Charlotte wants to play. So they play. Sometimes, Charlotte does not want to play. So Festus attempts to initiate play, only to be slapped silly and sent scurrying under the bed for a minute. Then, determined/clueless idiot that he is, he'll come back for more. And more. And more. He doesn't know when she's had enough, and so he keeps trying to pounce her, or bat her tail, or follow her under the futon. And she growls, and hisses, and occassionally spits at him. Then she slaps him silly for a moment of peace until the cycle starts again. After maybe a few hours of this, off and on, they'll get to the point where they each curl up about four feet from each other and just stare.
And then Festus will inch toward her, and begin the thing anew.
So Mom, I guess in some ways, you can consider your curse fulfilled. I mean, they do get along most of the time, and they've got the nose-to-nose apology rub down already. But they also do the other stuff. The fighting, bickering, etc. over privacy.
On other notes, my brother is coming to see me this weekend. It'll be a fun weekend, even if all we do is sit and talk. Then he's off to see the folks at Schnuck's and become a pastor.
Classes start too soon, and I was starting to really enjoy my work days. This next semester, I'll have morning classes T and R, then night classes W and R. In short, Thursday's going to be one hellish long day. Ugh. But the courses are fun-sounding and the professors have good reps.
Okay. I'm off to play with the cats. Festus is bothering his sister, and some timely intervention is called for.
Love and Peace
Well, my own dear mother will no doubt be thrilled to know that I now have not one "child" who replays my own childhood behaviors, but two of them. Charlotte, whom you all know and (if you're anything like me) love, is one of those cats who really doesn't mind being alone. She's actually doing very well curled up on the futon, thank you, and your attention is unwanted. That's all right, she's perfectly satisfied staring out the window, and your cat toy is an irritating distraction.
I was like this at times. I would spend whole afternoons reading a book or even just staring into the distance making up elaborate story arcs for imaginary play or for my own amusement. I was that kid all alone on the playground who actually liked it that way. I don't recall very many instances where I was lonely, though I'm sure they took place.
Now meet Charlotte's new brother Festus. I was hesitant to speak much about him here until he settled in and was going to stay for sure. Now that he's a fixture, you'll be hearing more about my adorable social butterfly. Already, you can see where this is going. Festus is content to do this own thing, as long as that thing is sleeping. As soon as he's not sleeping any longer, he'd like very much to be in the center of your activities. He isn't fond of being alone, unless there really is no one else around. Then, I'm sure he deals with it.
My brother exibited similar behavior. When I wanted to spend the whole day reading, he spent the whole day pestering me. (or at least, that's what my young, annoyed mind figured) When I wanted to be alone, he wanted to play. Etc.
Eventually, there would come times when we two had ... difficulties due to conflicting ideas about space.
And there you have the dynamic between Festus and Charlotte, spelled out for you. Sometimes, Charlotte wants to play. So they play. Sometimes, Charlotte does not want to play. So Festus attempts to initiate play, only to be slapped silly and sent scurrying under the bed for a minute. Then, determined/clueless idiot that he is, he'll come back for more. And more. And more. He doesn't know when she's had enough, and so he keeps trying to pounce her, or bat her tail, or follow her under the futon. And she growls, and hisses, and occassionally spits at him. Then she slaps him silly for a moment of peace until the cycle starts again. After maybe a few hours of this, off and on, they'll get to the point where they each curl up about four feet from each other and just stare.
And then Festus will inch toward her, and begin the thing anew.
So Mom, I guess in some ways, you can consider your curse fulfilled. I mean, they do get along most of the time, and they've got the nose-to-nose apology rub down already. But they also do the other stuff. The fighting, bickering, etc. over privacy.
On other notes, my brother is coming to see me this weekend. It'll be a fun weekend, even if all we do is sit and talk. Then he's off to see the folks at Schnuck's and become a pastor.
Classes start too soon, and I was starting to really enjoy my work days. This next semester, I'll have morning classes T and R, then night classes W and R. In short, Thursday's going to be one hellish long day. Ugh. But the courses are fun-sounding and the professors have good reps.
Okay. I'm off to play with the cats. Festus is bothering his sister, and some timely intervention is called for.
Love and Peace
posted by Rehkmira @ 20:06
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