Toilet Training the Cats #5

Sunni investigating the small opening

About 9 days ago I opened up the first hole in the CitiKitty tray to introduce the cats to the “toilet” world. That did not go well at all (see the intro here). After about 40 hours, the cats were not using the tray at all and someone (not providing a name to protect the innocent), peed and pooped on the bath rug in the upstairs bathroom.

I was a bit concerned about them not accepting this change and also I was not all that interested in cleaning up, so I decided to replace the cutout. I cleaned up everything and used duct tape to close up the opening. Within 1 minute, MeiMei was up on the toilet and producing a river! After a quick clean up, Sunni did the same thing. Whew, the opening created the problem, and maybe we could get over it.

It took several days before Sunni was convinced that using the toilet again would be OK. After both of them were doing all business in the toilet as desired, I would then consider having a small opening again.

Today was that day. I removed the taped cover for the first hole and taped it back down with just a small opening instead of the original larger opening. Someone has used it a couple of times already this evening. Not sure if Sunni (the cautious one) is involved yet.

Yard sale left-overs

The weekend yard sale was OK; between the two of us, we made a few $$. It was hot (94 F.) and hotter. I guess I’m not a true yard sale person, because I could not understand why people came early (can’t they read the signage that says 9 to 1 ?) and showed up way after 1:00.  But the best was that we both got rid of stuff we didn’t want. Teen girl clothes that did not sell will be taken to the Teen Closet, a local organization to provide clothing to foster children. In the past, I had 3 foster kids, so even today, I recognize this enormous need. The rest of the left-overs will go to another organization.

And to end the day, I must share this photo of my daughter (who did not want her picture taken, thus the cover up. I had forgotten the purchase of the t-shirt shortly after Hurricane Andrew. Apparently my daughter found it and wears it. And she was a survivor, so it’s OK.

Surviving Andrew

Fickle Friday #4

Things are crazeeee this week, thus this post will be short.  So here’s what’s happening and why it’s the wacko week.

Yard Sale Am having a yard sale this weekend with a friend. We were going to have it at my house because I have a better location. But she had stuff that would be a pain to move, so I took all my stuff to her house. And then we had to strategically place signage so buyers could find us. Of course, advertised in newspaper, online, and Craigslist. Because I had to work today, my daughter represented me at the sale. They did quite well today, consider it was a Friday. And many buyers (lookers) came by because they saw the signage. Ha – in your face Susan! She was given me a bad time because I didn’t make the signs until late Thursday night. I work better under pressure. Hoping to sell a lot of stuff, mainly because I don’t want to cart it back home. Any $$ will go to my daughter to help with her college education. (Don’t get me started on those financial woes!)

CaTT Update  The cat’s are having some issues with a little hole in their CitiKitty tray. Unfortunately had to revert to no hole. But they are sort of back on track. Heavy on the sort of. Will have to explain more later.

Hurricane Irene  I’ve been blogging about my experience with Hurricane Andrew 19 years ago.  I am obsessed with hurricanes this week and am trying not to watch the news 24 hours a day. Although Irene is currently a Category 2, the potential for surge is looking bad. I am pleasantly surprised at the serious response by the government. Maybe lessons have been learned (dare we hope?). My deepest thoughts and good wishes are going out to those in Irene’s path.  The Red Cross is going to need help with this one.

Karaoke  I just happened to come across Karaoke Battle USA on television while writing this. Hope I have corrected all my typos due to laughing so hard while watching this show. A 49-year-old woman came out with tan tan, bleached blond, hot pink (with sparkles), and — wait for it — black leather pants! She was a pretty good singer, but I just couldn’t take her seriously.  She came close to winning the evening, but was beaten by a stronger voice (thank goodness), who also had a sparkly top.  Then this gorgeous dude comes out and made me “happy.” He is an ex-body builder competitor, though could still compete. Smile that lights up the room. He is currently a massage therapist; said he is excited to be massage therapist. Geez, I’d be excited it he was my massage therapist!  And he is a sexy sensational singer too. He won the night and is going to the semi-finals. I now have to backtrack my laughter; it is not the show, because many of the singers have excellent singing voices. Apparently it is only a few that cracked me up. Hmm… may have to watch this show a few more times.

Beanie Baby Blues

There is progress in the house with regards to “pitch and woo.”  You know, pitch it in the garbage and yell, “woo.”  Although Daughter is doing all the work in her room, I am going to take some credit because:

• I told her to clean up.
• I already bought her bribery “clean your room” gift.

Many of the things Daughter is tossing for yard sale have sentimental value. Beanie Babies!!  Who can forget those little bundles of softness. Daughter collected them for a few years. One Xmas, I gave her a new one every day for Advent. Favorites were the flat-face bears, not the ones with a snout.  Geez - can you imagine being picky about your Beanie Baby? Yes, I can. After all, she is the child of a person who for many years would only put mouse-themed ornaments on the Xmas tree.

I think the ” I (heart) Beanie Babies” display stand will be a hit at the yard sale. If you don’t collect Beanie Babies, just repaint the top part to say whatever you want. Such as “I hate house work” and then place all that stuff that you don’t know what to do with on the display stand. Or how about “I luv chocolate” and fill the display stand with all kinds of chocolate bars.  A perfect solution — maybe I will keep it!

Only a few more days before Daughter goes back to summer school and her room should be clean. Then I have 1 day to finish up packing all those extras from her room before I have company stay for a few days. It’s gonna be a busy weekend!!!!!