Mihow » murray

Tuesdays With Murray: Chapter 144 (A Photo)

mihow — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:47:07 +0000

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 143) Micro-TransCations!

mihow — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:01:07 +0000

There’s something sneaky being built into many iPhone and iPad apps. It’s called “micro-transactions”. Some parents have discovered micro-transactions the hard way. Their child was playing with a free app and suddenly they’re charged $60 dollars for a bucket of “Smurfberries”. Yeah, not cool.

There’s a game Em likes to play featuring a talking cat named Tom who repeats everything Em says. He doesn’t play it all that often because it’s annoying as hell for mom and dad, but when he does, we have to keep a very watchful eye on him due to those pesky micro-transactions.

Now, before all you kidless, fur-parents get all high and mighty, micro-transactions are being built into games made for cats, too.

Exhibit A:

I know, right? Murray almost done broke the bank!

Beware, fur-parents and human-parents alike! Those sneaky iPad/iPhone developers are out to get us!

NaBloPoMo: Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 142). His Feline Friends.

mihow — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:23:05 +0000

It was brought to my attention recently that some people believe we have only one cat. And that made me sad. I do realize that I don’t talk about our other 27 cats very much, but they are all loved equally.

OK, that last bit was a lie, they aren’t all loved equally. OK, that’s not true either. We don’t really have 27 other cats. But if I had the space and my husband wouldn’t divorce me for it, I’d totally have 28 cats.

But, no. We have three cats total. And I should probably give them some Internet face-time.

So today instead of going on and on about Murray yet again, I thought it’d be nice to introduce you to his friends.

Pookum

This is Pookum. She’s 15, maybe 16. I am unsure of her exact age as I adopted her from Paws when I was 21. But she was young at the time, so I’m guessing she can’t be much older than 16.

Pookum is a grumpy old lady now. She’s always been a bit on the grumpy side, but now she’s even more grumpy. I think it’s because the boys annoy her. She’s what, like, 90 in human years? All she really wants is to be left alone to sleep and eat and sometimes poop and the boys usually have other plans for her. But she copes, more so with Murray than Tucker. She and Tucker haven’t ever really gotten along. They tolerate one another, but I wouldn’t ever refer to them as friends.

Pookum is now deaf which means she’s loud whenever she meows. And she likes to meow!

Pookum loves drinking out of our water glasses and always has. If you leave a glass of water out and she can reach it, it’s going to be pawed at and licked over within minutes.

Pookum has some medical issues (skin problems around the chin), but we seem to have that under control. She also has some problems around her eyes sometimes. We’re working on that as well.

Pookum’s real name was Meecha. But early on one of my college roommates named her Miss Kitty Pookums. That was shortened to Pookum or Pook. It stuck.

She was Schmitty’s wife until we adopted Tucker. Then Schmitty decided he was gay and divorced her for Tucker. That was rough. But I think she’s over it now. I also think this is why she doesn’t particularly like Tucker. I mean, who would?

She seems relatively healthy. She eats and sleeps and drinks and meows and loves attention. I’m hoping we have a few more years with her.

Tucker

This is Tucker, aka The Orangemani Terrorist we have living with us. He is also gay.

Tucker is 8. We actually rescued him from a State College pet store. I know that people frown on this type of animal adoption, but he was going to be put down if he wasn’t adopted and he was one among a sea of dozens, three of which were orange just like him. Why were we in a pet store in State College? Well, I stupidly drove by and decided I had to pay a visit. And there were just so many kittens and dogs! It was rough. Anyway, as we were leaving, Tucker literally velcroed himself to Toby Joe’s ass.

We didn’t expect to adopt a cat that day, but he gave us no other option. We left with an orange cat.

Tucker is kind of sneaky. He’s a sweet cat to humans and unbelievably snuggly, but to other cats he can be sneaky. He loves Murray, but isn’t too keen on Pookum. He’s got the softest coat of fur I have ever had the pleasure of touching. He likes to spoon and purr. Tucker wasn’t always like this, however. He used to be a real stinker. But in his older age he’s mellowed out into a softy.

He sleeps between Toby Joe and my head at night and purrs so loudly, he could wait the feline and canine neighbors.

Tucker cries when he’s upset (like, actually cries). When Schmitty died, he cried on and off for a week. And whenever we brought home Murray (three weeks after Schmitty passed), he cried again. I very nearly returned Murray because of it. Thankfully, I didn’t! Because now they are in love and Tucker is happily remarried to Murray, although Murray definitely goes both ways. He’s kind of a slut.

Tucker got his name because on our ride back to NYC from State College he was tuckered out.

These are my fuzzy friends, the folks that greet me at the end of my days. They are all very kind animals and I trusted all three of them next to my newborn (now 3-year-old).

I love my cats—all three of them.

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 141)

mihow — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:48:08 +0000

We were away all last week, so we had a friend look in on our cats. Midway through the week, I started missing them something fierce. I missed having something fuzzy greet me at the door. I missed the snuggles that come with having a pet. I just missed them. So I decided to broadcast it.

I swear it wasn’t bait, but it just so happens that our friends and cat sitters are also Twitter pals.

E. replied a few minutes later.

Below is the email I got from E.

Tucker got scritches first.

Pookum got scritches in her favorite place.

and Murray was outraged that I wasn’t dishing out food faster.

This email had me laughing out loud in a fancy restaurant all the way down in Florida. My brother, who witnessed my amusement firsthand, asked, “What are you laughing about?”

“Look at my cats!” I boasted, tears welling up in my eyes.

To which he replied, “You do realize you have a son now, right?”

And I wasn’t even drinking, people! I’m just a crazy, emotional, pregnant cat-lady.

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 140) A Question About My Boy.

mihow — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:06:50 +0000

My boy is starting to look like a grownup!

I have a question for all you cat lovers out there. Murray seems to have flare-ups of ringworm. He had ringworm as a kitten and I figured it was gone for good. But it’s come back three times since. And it’s always in the same place—above his right shoulder blade. (At least I think that’s what it is. The bumps and scabs are the same as they were when he was a kitten.)

What can be done? The topical ointment isn’t an option because it gave him ick-mouth. (He foamed at the mouth. It was terribly sad. We discontinued use immediately.) When he was a wee one, we finally got rid of it using sulphur baths. Do I need to do that? More importantly, does anyone know WHY this is happening to him still? What brings it on? No other cat in our house has it. It just flares up and then goes away. But this bout doesn’t seem to be going away. Any ideas?

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 139) Mom It Down! Roasted Myrtle

mihow — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:19:49 +0000

Today we’re going to explore a very rare delicacy called Roasted Myrtle.

What you will need

Roasting pan

Ingredients

One strange cat
Kisses

Mom it Down!

Leave roasting pan out for optimal “new stuff” opportunity. Walk away. Wait. Find cat in pan.

Yell to toddler. Ask him or her if they want “Roasted Myrtle” for dinner. Laughter ensues. Kisses follow. You’re done!

Please note: no cats were harmed, cooked or consumed in the creation of this post. Just kissed and laughed at.

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 138) After Eating.

mihow — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:59:33 +0000

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 137) This Sums It Up.

mihow — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:08:48 +0000

This picture captures a great deal about Murray and my relationship. (It also captures my double chin.) This happens at least twice each day and he almost always drools on me.

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 136) Paw on Leg

mihow — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:37:49 +0000

Is he a handsome devil or what? This cat brings me so much joy. He’s a happy beast. I wish I could share his snugs with everyone. But Emory might not give him up. Mama definitely won’t.

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 135) ATTACK!

mihow — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:22:41 +0000

Murray loves corn (video). And I know it’s bad for him so we don’t let him have it anymore. But he tries. Oh boy does he ever try. Yesterday we were all sitting around eating some corn on the cob when I was accosted. Can you make out the blurry paw? Yeah, that’s him smacking my corn. Freak.

Toby tried getting a shot of us (briefly!) sharing it—you know, Lady and the Tramp style—but it’s way, way too blurry. So, this is all I got.

P.S. I am ready to come back, people! More this week for sure. I hope there are still people out there. :]

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 134)

mihow — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:46:49 +0000

I simply had to start my blog vacation on a Murray (and Tucker!) note. Awwwwww

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 133)

mihow — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:44:20 +0000

Murray enjoys sleeping on top of the cable box because it’s warm. And while I realize that he’s probably going to eventually burn the thing out, I just don’t have the heart half the time to disturb him. I mean, check this out?

Oh yes, he is actually sound asleep. Here’s a closer view.

I have no idea how this is considered comfortable, but who am I to judge?

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 132) A Video.

mihow — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:35:14 +0000

(Warning: Music and a whole lotta awesome.)

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 130) Stop SINGING WOMAN!

mihow — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:17:48 +0000

Or: why I couldn’t update yesterday…

(Sorry this is a day late. But it’s better late than never!)

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 129) Murray Scares Emory. A Video.

mihow — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:08:58 +0000

Emory and Murray have become even closer, something I didn’t think was possible. Yet. Here we are. I am often too late at filming their interactions because I’m usually too busy enjoying them to run for the camera—I don’t want to miss anything! But I’m trying to have it more handy. We’ll see!

Anyway, here’s a short video that might give you an idea of how much Murray actually plays with Emory—toys with him. I hope you enjoy it!

I love how nonchalant Murray is at first. And then he hides as if he’s scared and then BAM! It’s an all out run! Every time Emory watches this back he cackles.

Kids + animals = world of awesome.

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 128) A New Diet.

mihow — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:12:26 +0000

We got a new Kodak HD Zi8 so I decided to give it a try today. In typical Michele fashion, I haven’t read the directions and probably won’t. But I reckon I’ll figure out how to use it eventually. Anyway, here’s a short (uneventful) video of how Emory often feeds Murray (and others) at dinner time. Bon appetite!

In other news, forgive me for not updating YET AGAIN I got bitten by the inspiration bee recently and have been busying myself to try and get this new adventure up and running. Rest assured, once it’s complete (any day now!) mihow.com will be the first to know. Yay, projects! Yay, inspiration! Boo, lack of updates. Boo, me. More soon! I promise!

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 127) Hello, Ladies.

mihow — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:19:29 +0000

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 126) Busted

mihow — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:28:51 +0000

Someone ate Emory’s broccoli when Emory and mama were off finishing the rest of his meal. And someone just could NOT stop licking his chops. Totally guilty.

Worst Blogger Ever.

mihow — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:44:25 +0000

It’s no wonder I’m never nominated for any blog awards or why I’m never asked to do any talks or invited to any big conferences. I can’t even keep up with my own blog let alone what’s going on out there. If it weren’t for Murray, I probably wouldn’t even realize how much time goes by between posts. But you skip one Murray post and the emails start flooding in.

You shall not miss a Murray post, Michele. HOW DARE YOU!

I skipped Mom It Down, too. But my baking friends don’t care. It’s you crazy cat lovers, you’re the ones that remind me of what I started here. And I do so love you all.

Let’s see, though… where have I been?

ATLANTIC CITY

We had a long weekend, so we went to Atlantic City for a night while my folks watched Emory. You might be asking, “Why Atlantic City?” We asked ourselves that too. Because neither one of us are gamblers. I gamble once a decade. And since I’ve only been above the age of 21 for two decades, I’ve been twice. OK, that’s a lie. Three times. I’ve been gambling three times.

But on Saturday we played Craps. We played Craps for five hours. We played Craps for five hours on 30 bucks. I know! That’s apparently pretty damn good. I haven’t the slightest idea if that’s true or not. Considering at one point we were up about 500 bucks, it doesn’t feel all that good. We should have walked away at that point. But we were having so much fun!

At 1 AM we finally left the table with the money we started with minus 30 bucks and headed out for some late night grilled cheese. So, I got gambling out of my system. I’ll see a casino again sometime in my 40s.

THE DOOCE COMMUNITY

Also! A couple of months ago, I was given the role of Community Manager over on the Dooce Community. It’s been great, but it is time-consuming. I write over there a great deal. So, if you miss me here for some inexplicable reason, you should stop by there. I tend to have a big mouth over there.

VISITING A FRIEND

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing S. She’s now in rehab and almost completely… complete. :] I’m amazed and inspired by her strength and recovery. Originally, I found myself asking, How did this happen to her? She’s so healthy! And then I realized something: if it happened to anyone else? They probably wouldn’t be here to tell me about it.

Naturally, if I could, I would undo her having to go through this at all, but she is so strong and I’m just so pleased that she’s going to be OK.

Thanks to you all again for the stories and kind words.

WATCHING THE OLYMPICS

The saving grace this February has been the Olympics. And y’all know how I feel about February. Oh my sweet Jesus, I do so love the Olympics. We’ve been glued to the TV and my son is now obsessed with snowboarding and skiing; we’ll likely be visiting a mountain or two in our future. Snowboarding has damn near knocked gymnastics out entirely.

Then Curling showed up and I publicly ridiculed it on Twitter:

That started a Twitter conversation between a couple of other women I follow.

Then, finally:

I know. Not very nice. What did Curling ever do to me? Nothing. It’s just weird. But! Get this! Three hours later? I fell in love with it. Like, I’m TOTALLY into this sport now and simply must play—drunk or not.

The Olympics are awesome even if they’re taking place in Canada*. And the emotions I’m experiencing have me totally psyched for this year’s World Cup. Go World!

Anyway. That’s it in a nutshell. Again: I’m sorry I missed yet another Murray post. I will make sure to have one next week. And I’m sorry I didn’t post this week’s Mom It Down. It’s a good one! I think. Super healthy. I will post it next week.

Curing, dudes. Curling.

____________________________________________

*I’m kidding**.

**OR AM I?

Tuesdays With Murray: OOPS!

mihow — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:29:26 +0000

I missed yesterday’s Murray post because I was buried in work.

SMOOSHY FURRY AWESOME BELLY WORK!

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 124) His Neuticals.

mihow — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:32:13 +0000

A photographic exploration of Murray, how he relaxes and his neuticals.

P.S. I took a post down because the tone was all wrong. It will return later.

Now! Commence with the fussy balls!

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 123) He Really Will Eat Anything.

mihow — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:02:49 +0000

We bought a bunch of probiotics and vitamins for our eldest cat, Pookum. She’s having some health issues and they’re making her do weird things. We’re not really sure what’s going on, but in the meantime, we’re trying to help her by giving her probiotics and vitamins, as well as some ear ointment. It’s a long story.

The thing is, getting her to actually consume the stuff is impossible. She won’t eat wet food, so we can’t mix it up in that. And she won’t just eat it—no way. So, we’re basically left with having to sprinkle it over the dry food, which means ALL three cats get a dose. But I was told by our vet that this was fine, healthy even.

Anyway, I figured that since Murray is obviously after something given all the strange, inedible crap he consumes, the vitamins might curb whatever it is he’s craving. And while we’re at it, I might as well throw in some good ol’ probiotics for his ever-expanding belly. But really it came down to ease. Because this cat? This cat turns into a ravenous freak at the mere sight of the bottles. He’s insane for it, desperation equivalent to a crackhead in withdrawal. Murray eats every last bit of it straight up, no chaser.

Check out the yellow remnants on his chin.

I’m hoping this won’t hurt him, right? Certainly it can’t be worse than the plethora of rubber products he’s tried to kill himself on, right? (Please don’t turn me into animal protective services.)

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 122) Murray’s Quest

mihow — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:38:19 +0000

I think I have finally figured out why Murray is doing what he does. He’s trying to run the grown human man out of my life forever. This face? This face is not to be trusted, ladies. It’s the face of a cat on a mission.

One of the gifts I got Toby Joe for christmas was an espresso machine. At first, we thought about returning it because we went a little overboard this year. But then one morning we found ourselves without regular coffee. So, we opened the box. The rest is history. I’ve woken up to homemade lattes ever since.

It’s not the best there is on the market, but it’s not too shabby either. It will keep us content until we have a home of our own and buy some fancy Italian version that costs more than a used car. Until then, we’re happy.

So, today. Readying myself for another weekly Murray post, I decided to make an afternoon latte and wouldn’t you know? Check out the rubber (once) circular bit on the steamer.

All I can say is this: Thank goodness I married a man who loves animals (specifically cats) as much as I do. Any other man would have divorced my ass by now, left me for a life of less fur, vomit and poop. Because this cat? This cat is trying so very hard to turn me into Crazy Cat Lady.

I can already hear Toby Joe’s response to this one.

It’s probably best I have an adult beverage waiting for him when he gets home.

P.S. Do you think this too shall pass?

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 121) A Photo

mihow — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:17:47 +0000

Taken at the same time today, same minute, same everything. Two of the boys I share my days with.

The runny nose should explain why I don’t have more to offer you in the way of Murray today.

I’m so tired. Plus, I’ve been puked on four times.

Tuesdays With Murray (Chapter 120) Tunnels, Toddlers and Cats

mihow — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:14:54 +0000

We celebrated Christmas at grandma and grandpa’s house this year. It was sort of a last minute decision so my brother emailed Santa personally letting him know that Emory would be in New Jersey instead of Brooklyn. It’s true. My brother Ryan told Emory this two days before xmas. He said, “Don’t worry, Emory. I emailed Santa and let him know how urgent this is.”

Having been a blogger since the beginning of the decade, I am an expert where urgent and corrective emails are concerned. I reckon my brother’s email looked something like this:

DEAR SANTA,

EMORY IS IN NEW JERSEY!!!!! NOT BROOKLYN. PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF IT, YOU IDIOT MORON. EMORY IS NOT IN NEW YORK CITY BUT IS IN NEW JERSEY, YOU TWAT. MAKE SURE THE PRESENTS GO TO NEW JERSEY!!!! I REPEAT: NEW JERSEY!!!! DON’T MAKE ME BLOG ABOUT HOW YOU F*CKED THIS ONE UP, SANTA.!!!!?!

love,

someone who THINKS U R FAKE!!!!!

And it worked! Santa knew to deliver the presents to New Jersey instead of Brooklyn and Emory was happy.

One of the items Emory received for Christmas was a tunnel. (Incidentally, I’m pretty sure that’s how Santa got into the house seeing that my parents ain’t got no fireplace and all.) Emory loves tunnels. He loves choo-choo tunnels, tunnels that take place beneath a cat’s belly, human leg tunnels, couch cushion tunnels and now he loves his plastic play tunnel. He played with the entire time we were at G-Pa’s and G-Ma’s house.

Then we returned home. And, wouldn’t you know? There’s another member of our household that finds the tunnel pretty rad.

Mom It Down: A recipe for laughter.

What you will need:

1 toy tunnel
1 toddler
1 curious cat

I will it make it my goal to get this on video if it’s the last video I ever take because it’s awesome.

Tuesdays With Murray: Chapter 119 (A Video)

mihow — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:19:50 +0000

I watched this video today and realized that from an outsider’s point of view, it’s a little sad. Hell, it even makes me a little sad and I know the truth, which is that 9 times out of 10, Emory wants Murray to do something and Murray does it and everyone is happy.

But then I started to imagine a grown up (and slightly sarcastic) Emory watching this and saying, “Oh, great. The only friend I had when I was little was a cat and even he wouldn’t play with me. Thanks, guys.” But I picture my younger brother’s voice in this imaginary conversation because my brother Ryan is the king of sarcasm and would totally say something like that to my mother. This is the same brother who recently taught my 2-year-old to say, “Oh my. Life is so hard.” And my son says this so full of lament, you’d have guessed him to be an old man who has spent his entire life working in a coal mine, supporting a family of five living in a Brooklyn, three-floor walk-up right near the sewage treatment plant. (There are coal mines in Brooklyn, right?)

Actually, that’s what he’s going to say to us whenever he’s older and watches this video: “Oh my. Life is so hard.”

Life can be hard sometimes, Emory. But it’s so worth it.

Also: Don’t believe anything Uncle Ryan tells you.

Tuesdays With Murray: Chapter 118 (Oreo’s Law.)

mihow — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:24:55 +0000

I had a pretty great video to post today, but I really need to use today’s Murray post to talk about something else. I do hope you’ll forgive me, my fellow animal lovers.

You may already know this, but Murray was a feral kitten. Which means he had two options: he could have ended up the way that he is, which is to say loving and awesome; or he could have ended up becoming a feral cat, which is to say distrusting of humans and unfriendly. Thankfully, some kind and patient humans gave Murray a second chance.

Please note: THIS IS NOT ABOUT MONEY. :]

The Story

In June of this year, Oreo, a one-year-old pit bull was thrown off a six-story Brooklyn apartment building. Oreo suffered broken ribs and several broken bones, but miraculously survived the fall. She was rescued by the ASPCA and nursed back to health. Happy ending, right? Nope.

A few weeks ago the ASPCA deemed her too violent and beyond emotional repair. They ended her life. The dog that healed physically and still had a great deal of trouble trusting humans, was not given the chance to heal emotionally. This pains me beyond words. The thing that gets me the most about this story is that several smaller organizations begged the ASPCA for a chance at rehabilitating Oreo. Pets Alive, a reputable organization from New York state, offered to take Oreo and give her a second chance at life. The ASPCA refused and instead chose to end her life.

The Proposition

Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner and Senator Thomas K. Duane have come up with “Oreo’s Law“. This law would give animals the second chance they deserve.

From Mr. Kellner’s Web site:

The bill, modeled on an existing law in California, is named Oreo’s Law in memory of the pit bull mix who became well-known after she survived abuse at the hands of her former owner, including a fall from a six-story building, but was eventually euthanized after the ASPCA determined that she was untreatably aggressive. Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, specializing in the rehabilitation and care of abused animals, offered to take Oreo, but the ASPCA refused the request.

As a dog owner and a foster parent for an animal rescue group, I was heartbroken to learn that Oreo was euthanized. When humane organizations volunteer their expertise in difficult cases, shelters should work with them to the fullest extent possible. This legislation will give tragically abused animals like Oreo another chance at life.

The Call To Action

That’s where we come in, my friends.

Please contact Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner and State Senator Thomas K. Duane and thank them for giving a voice to those without one. You can leave a comment. Or you can contact Micah Kellner one of the ways listed below:

315 East 65 Street
New York, NY 10065
Tel 212-860-4906
Fax 917-432-2983
Email KellnerM@assembly.state.ny.us

If you’re a New York State resident, please take a few minutes out of your day and write to your Assembly Member and/or State Senator and ask them to support Oreo’s Law. If you know any New Yorkers, please let them know about this law and have them speak up about it. Even if you are one of those folks wary of pit bulls, this is about every animal out there—every last one.

This law will make it so other organizations are given the chance to give abused animals a second one.

If you have a blog, please write about the law and help get the word out. The biggest concern right now is getting some voice behind this. They need to know that we care. This law needs to come to life, in the absence of Oreo’s. If you need some more information or a link, Empty Cages Collective wrote a great post.

Other Ideas?

If you can think of other ideas, please post them. If you think of anything I missed, please let me know. I am new to this. And believe me, I know how hard it is to find time to reach out to people, so if there is anything I can do to make it easier, let me know. We need to get the word out there about this law.

Because really, who doesn’t deserve a second chance?

———————-

P.S. The video scheduled for today, will be published next week. I promise.

Tuesdays With Murray: Chapter 117 (A Video)

mihow — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:40:50 +0000

I have no idea if these videos mean as much to anyone else. But I can’t help but share them. Perhaps I’m bragging a little. And I think it’s due time I explain why.

I must have been about 5 months pregnant. I had just seen an episode of Mythbusters where Jamie said something I found very offensive. I decided that it shouldn’t be on future airings of the show; it needed to be edited out. (I know! Pregnancy hormones. OMG!) I wrote a big letter and sent it to everyone behind the show I could find. (Not easy!) I even posted it on their messageboard. Basically, the letter stated that kids watch their show and that many of those kids look up to them. Flippantly admitting that you once shot and killed cats as a boy is not something that should have been put into the program. It seemed pretty simple to me. I stated I was pregnant with a son and that it bugged me a great deal.

As one might imagine, that was a huge mistake. I got attacked by some of their readers. (Wow, was I ever attacked.) After they insulted my intelligence, some told me that this is what boys do and that I am going to have a rude awakening when I realize that ALL boys at some point act violently toward animals. Including my son. Someone went on to suggest that this is just a boy’s nature. Others suggested that I was overreacting, it was just a joke! I didn’t find it funny at all.

This information devastated me. I grew up with brothers, so I fired off emails asking them (almost accusitory), “DID YOU HURT ANIMALS? DID YOU, BROTHERS?”

Neither of my brothers have ever intentionally harmed or tortured an animal for some sick amusement or game. I began to feel a little better about raising a boy. I decided that I would do my very best to teach my son to be compassionate toward animals. I can’t change the rest of the world, but I can change my own.

These interactions may not mean much to others, but they warm my heart in ways you can’t imagine. I know he’s young, but the love he seems to have toward animals makes me feel very hopeful. (You should see him with the neighbor’s dog!)

Abuse is a learned behavior. Compassion can be taught. The majority of children aren’t innately hurtful toward animals. And I’m realizing this now in the light of motherhood.

Tuesdays With Murray: Chapter 116 (A Video)

mihow — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:19:05 +0000

We tried to stop him but he wanted to eat his carrots on the floor next to the cat. I especially like whenever he grabs the food from underneath the other bowl and places is into Murray’s. And, yes, he does try and give Murray a new hat.

Bon Appetite!

P.S. Music by Nico and The Velvet Underground.

Tuesdays With Murray: Chapter 115 (A Video)

mihow — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:27:26 +0000

Emory loves to be chased. Whenever we’re out and he sees someone he knows, instead of saying hello, he shrieks and then runs in the opposite direction. It’s both adorable and weird. Nine times out of ten, the other child has no clue why this kid is running away from them. They just stand there dumbfounded. This is one of the best parts about raising a toddler. I enjoy picturing myself acting the same way toddlers do. I picture myself, a 35-year-old woman, gleefully screaming at a friend and then running away, or throwing myself on the ground after being told I can’t eat leaves. The life I’ve been living in my head has been awesome. I’m hoping Henry Selick will direct this life. I love this life.

Cats like to chase things. And if there’s one cat that should be chasing things, it’s my chubby teenage Murray. On Saturday, as Toby Joe dangled some twine from his chest while tying up some cardboard and coming this close to losing a very special body part, he had a brainstorm: cat toy, meet string; string, meet cat toy.

That was Saturday. And this is how our house has looked and sounded ever since.

No joke; he’s doing it right now. Pantless. (Not wise, on my behalf, but still.)

Toddlers and animals together are awesome.

Mihow » murray

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