A new member of the Manson Lucchese Gotti Sardi family came aboard yesterday morning at 7:30 AM. He's a kitten that I won't name just yet because he doesn't want Google to 'pick him up'. He prefers the underground thing. Actually, that's my request and not his. Yet, he is so very friendly and seems to want to write his own little post because he was all over the keyboard the minute I sat down. Plus, he's a purring madman. I'll keep him underground for now, though I don't think that will last too long.
This little guy reminded me of a few things that my 'experience' and 'wisdom' helped me to forget. This pertains to life and Real Estate as I know it:
- He is curious as hell and has no pre-conceived notions.
- He has no fear. He is willing to explore this new territory and find his place. Even if that means confronting a somewhat hostile 'Orange Dude' named Baxter that isn't particularly happy about the new guy's existence.
- All he is looking around for are friends. He's wide-eyed and destined to make them.
- He's willing to love everybody, even if they don't love him back.
- He just wants to be important to somebody... it doesn't have to be everybody.
- The guy looks out the window to the outside world and wants to be a part of it, though he doesn't realize the dangers. He wants to exist because he exists.
- He is counting on someone to help him out and he doesn't even know it. (opppppppppppppppppppppppppppp) that was his first attempt at typing. Seriously, the guy could be a player. He types faster than I do and makes more sense.
- All he seems to want to do is learn. He's new and wants to fit in even if it means fading out.
- There are no boundaries or limitations. The young guy doesn't know any rules other than not hurting someone else.
- Folks will comment on how adorable he is and he will take advantage of such by sitting on their laps and purring away. Innocence is just as frighting as getting along with those who share your existence.
I don't know about you, but 'growing up' sucks and the 'Real World' can kiss my pasty white posterior. Brilliant notions are nothing but simplicity. Look your newborn in their eyes, you will find the truth.
I suppose you can learn a lot from a kitten, even if you don't know its name.
Baxter & Baby Sardi
Put his picture up sweetie! Btw... beautiful observations:)
Jason- Everyone is going to protest outside your door until you get a cutie photo of you new kitten up here! I love cats. Miss them alot since we did not get one after last year when our Cleo was put to sleep, it is one year ago from this week. He was 15 years old. Have fun with your kitty.
What no kitty pics? I'm disappointed. I had a stray hanging around the house for the past week. Nicest cat, grey with the softest fur. Son came over and fell in love, so he took the cat home. Appears to be adjusting nicely to it's new home. Good luck with the new kitty -
btw - how is Baxter taking the new addition? Usually they don't like it when another cat comes into there home
Hey Sweatie,
Please put his picture up:)))) What will Baxter say?
Man - how cute - I just love black cats, they are good luck you know. : )
My Sandra... I agree! My cat Sirius is a black cat too. Poor Baxter will need a new black jacket so he won't feel left out :)
@ Neal... smartypants!
Awwww.... he's adorable! Great typer, too!
Jason,
But it's only a cat...it's not even reasonable!!! :) Thanks, Fran
Jason..... name him Google... lol You should have put a mask on him just like Harlan, so he can't be recognized....
Guess I got here in time cuz I see a pic of your new "no named" kitty :) Now I do want to know as Neal said how Baxter is handling all this, cuz after all he doesn't care about the wisdom this kitty is enlisting from you :) You're a softie......
Yes, he's a cutie & you knew that we'd all say so. Good thing you put a pic up. Yes, if we all looked at the world and our business like cats & dogs, we'd have a much different perspective & probably be happier to boot. Go freakin' figure!!
Jennifer - Thank you... from the both of us:)
Katerina- I love cats as well. As to avoid my door being ripped off its very hinges, the pic is up. You can thank the lovely Jennifer 'soon to be' Sardi for that. Unfortunately, the young chap is as photogenic as me... which means he's not photogenic at all.
Sandra - Baxter doesn't like it one bit. Give me your surprised look. One day he may thank the skies for a new friend that can partner with him to annoy the snot out me.
Neal - Hey my little love machine! It's done and Baxter has been hissing his little soul away.
Sandra - Good luck? Let's hope. I could of swore that I heard a lawn mower in the wee hours of morning just next door:) They must not like cats...
Jennifer - Once you go black, you still like orange too. Baxter will be fine;)
Jeannie - I left that one as it was, his paws on the keyboard. Perhaps the little black furball will blog one day...
Fran - True. Though I'm not sure we as humans have shown that we are all that reasonable either.
Jeff Belonger- Actually, I like the name "Google".
Kathy- Baxter isn't pleased, I'll put it like that. If he had the capacity, he probably would of given me the bird by now. As far as me being a softie, you're right... for the most part.
Grossman - I think he takes bad pictures, like me. Then again, maybe we are really this homely;)
Time to watch Brock Lesnar vs. Randy Couture for the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Yup, I'm a softie;)
Jason, I'm glad you are a proud papa. We can learn a lot from our kids. The unconditional love thing is what I admire, at least from the canine world.
I'm allergic to cats... unless they are in a butter sauce. Ok, not true about the butter sauce. I do like their outlook though. However, I find that they are willing to injure if they feel the desire. Those claws come out. But I kind of like the FU attitude that cats have (can I say that on your blog?).
Gary - Unconditional seems to be a quality we 'conditionally' understand.
Lane - "But I kind of like the FU attitude that cats have (can I say that on your blog?)." Not that I have any scope of power around here, but there is no blog better suited to say FU than mine. At least around here. So, FU Bailey! I only say that to people I like or admire;) And I thought the 'butter sauce' comment was pretty funny. Ordering out tonight?
Jason, he sounds like a newbie to AR. Maybe you should name him Newbie. Ninja Newbie.
Hi Jason-That is too funny. I have 9 kitties but it's my pup Bub that likes to lay in my lap when I type. They are precious. Thanks for this wickedly funny post.
Jason, every loveable thing needs a name other than "here kitty kitty"
I think you and Active Rain should team up and have a name your kitty contest.....
I hate cats. But for some odd reason, I really like kittens. Alas, I digress. I like your parallels. Very nice indeed. The only problem for me is that kittens become cats. If you could drop their growth hormones and keep em as kittens, I'd be all in. But b/c they seem to grow to the state of an "I don't give SHI_ cat, we'll.....I just hope that most people stay in their kitten phase. Good stuff.
You said it all right here, my friend: Look your newborn in their eyes, you will find the truth.
My cat's name is Scooter Stanely, only because Peter Parker was taken by the dog.
We ARE born innocent aren't we? It's the growing up with the beliefs of others that shapes us...until we figure it all out and change them around ....significantly to shape who we are today.
Wow...where'd that come from?
I'm sure you are going to teach him well...as you have taught yourself well...in life and real estate :)
Hi Jenn!!!!!
Hi Jason, I think you got this Kitty's perspective down pretty good. I am sure he appreciates the post in his name. Walter comes to mind as a good name. ??
Hi Jason, I think you got this Kitty's perspective down pretty good. I am sure he appreciates the post in his name. Walter comes to mind as a good name. ??
Sherry - Not a bad idea but I don't think he will be around these parts very long.
Hello Pat - I'll stick with two cats. Nine doesn't work with/for me. I'd love them to death, though.
Nancy 'Freaking' Larson - The contest is already over. He has a name and google will never find it.
Jesus Loves Me, Whoa... okay, I can be something of a responder to comments....
Larry - Just say, "Shit".
Chris - Come on, you're biased because of my political stance. I'll turn every one of you into pure transparency.
JL - I've never had a dog but always wanted one.
Sis - You are wiser than most give you credit for.
JL - If this 'Group' turns out anything like the far left or far right sites I've seen... I'll bite somebody's head off. Until then, thanks.
William - Long time, no read. I will never forget you... I will leave it at that.
I learn so many things from watching my cats. I have a three legged cat that I found as a kitten outside. She's now about 8 months. Sometimes people are repulsed by her lack of leg. It makes me sad, because she knows no better, and my other cats don't either. She runs and plays and keeps up with the most energetic of my cats, and she's perfectly happy.
Having a three legged cat is fun. But imagine if you had a child that was missing a leg. The heartache that you would go through because people would turn their backs...
It breaks my heart.
I think you should name the guy HUD, after Paul Newman, of course.
Freakin' Sardi - Yup, that's all I have to say!
Oh... Just thought of something.... If you're looking for names I think CupCake's got a P word that would work....
Hmm... maybe i need to make a list of all the cats on active rain... or maybe i need sleep...
Is he going to be your new virtual assistant?
Jason-cats are my FAV! Love the independeance and arrogance-I was like that, once upon a time! Can we have a Name That Kitty contest?
I agree with Lisa - we need a contest to name the kitty! Great post, Jason! You have brilliantly summed up what we all at one time were!
Wonderful inspiration here Jason! What a muse the kitty is for you...I was transported with the music video...really elevated your point...made me paws for quite some time :-) There really is some power in the UN-announcement of a name here, because it sends us to the fields of imagination and curiosity...which seemed to be your whole point...how clever! And now you have all these purring comments...I am giggling over this :-)...really fun and poignant!
congrats on the new addition -- with four kids i can't imagine anymore responsibility -- plus my kids would be fighting over the poor cat -- JE
Jason.. He looks like a curious George to me..My son saw the picture and comment definitely a "Bucky".. we have Orange cats have you noticed they get huge. The god of thunder "THOR" is a 16 pounder..
Pat the cat to be named later for us. Steve
Jason - what a great post! And that little "mystery man" kitten is beautiful.
You are wise beyond your years. But I'd be more interested in what instilled all that wisdom. We'll talk about that one day ...
How about calling him ............. Jake? Mojo? Gizmo? Lucky (as in Luciano)?
Doesn't matter what you call him - just enjoy him. :)
Hey you better be careful or Jen might get jealous...she pokes me on facebook:) What happened? Lesnar beat Couture? It was fixed!
Jason, wonderful post.
Jason, we have four dogs, but my daughter brought home a kitten. I did not want a kitten, enough is enough. But, the kitten has stayed and now I love her. She is so sweet and affectionate it has dispelled all my pre-conceived notions about cats. She and my own dog just love each other. They hug, frollick, and play together. Buddy is so sweet he would never hurt her. The other 3 dogs are just fascinated by her but are confused.
Jason, Only you dude. I like the idea of naming it google though. I wonder if it would lead to naming a child google can you imagine what people would be saying 30 years from now. I've been meaning to tell you that I like your picture, you are always on the go.. Good luck with Google or whatever and I 'll be checking back to see the real name.
Jason, Congratulations on your latest addition! It's amazing what our animals teach us about life and you put it SO well! No, they don't have a mean bone in their bodies and wouldn't hurt a fly--makes you wish all humans were like that!
Awesome, just awesome !!! The purity of a puppy, kitten and even a baby are beautiful and put a lot of things in perspective. On a rough day, I love just chilling with our 2 cats ! Congrats to the addition of your family - is very cool ! ~ Chris
Great post! I love animals too and they make my life so much better!
Joslyn - Beautiful story and some of what you wrote breaks my heart too. My best friend to this day had a dog with three legs. They named him Chipper and his personality embodied his name. And how.
Fred - Innovative thinking, my friend. Now explain to me the Newman reference... hey, I don't 'get' everything.
Dan - Sometimes, that's all you have to say.
Dan Again - Too late, but I will keep that in mind;)
Castellum Realty - Get some sleep. And though I could use a virtual assistant, I don't think this dude will fit the bill.
Lisa - Not a bad idea for a contest:) Innocence and Aggorance are a peculiar combo, for sure. I don't think I've ever been both at the same time. Then again, maybe I forgot the days in which I was.
Leesa - Perhaps I should of waited to name him. Thank you for your kind words.
Mara - Now that just may be the best comment I've seen in quite sometime. Seriously, thank you!
Jason - Wow, four kids!?! Sounds like you have your hands full over there. You're right, a brand new kitten would be the proverbial wishbone amongst your kids.
Steve - That looks eerily similar to Baxter. Something about the orange seems to translate into big-boned. Baxter was huge at one year old, that's when I got him.
Carol - Why thank you. And we will talk one day. You also pointed out some pretty good names, though none of which this little guy has been referenced to.
Bloom - It was fixed? I ask that many times about many professional sports. Maybe, just maybe, Lesnar's the Real Deal;)
Tim - Thanks man.
Missy - It sounds like you have a pretty wonderful household going on over there. And Buddy sounds like a charmer.
Charles - I took that picture before I got my bathroom re-done. I need to change it. Ugh, I hate pictures...
Carole - Thank you, my dear. You can learn a lot from pretty much everything. A young kitten whose claws are protruding into my thighs at this very moment... is no different.
Chris - Purity is something that intrigues me, especially considering I'm far from it. If I ever run for Political Office, I'm going to have a lot of explaining to do;)
Emily - I just hope I make their life better as well. Thanks!
Cute kitty - "He just wants to be important to somebody... it doesn't have to be everybody." Very important thing to remember - about our clients, our kids, our spouse, our pets. Everyone needs to be special in someone's eyes. Another 'Sardism' to remember - you are so special. :)
Virginia - I'm not completely sure on this, but I think you coined the term 'Sardism'. None the less, there has been some very wise and some very foolish 'Sardisms' ... stay tuned for more:-)
Sardi - It looks like your kitten has the same expression that you do on your profile picture. :) Probably a nice match. We have a kitten, too, along with our two giant cats. Believe it or not, the kitten has fast established itself as the "alpha cat".
Sardi is a cat person? The world is divided into Dog People and Cat People. I had a black lab (in between labs right now) and still have a black cat. Frisky is very happy to be the only animal in the house right now. Come spring when we get a new lab, he'll be demoted again.
I'd call him Rainer.
You read all these so-called Blogging Tips that say, "Don't post pictures of your kids or your pets."
WRONG. I will look at any blog that mentions the word "cat or kitten". Now babies don't excite me, but I love cat stuff!
Great post, Jason. And thanks for rescuing and protecting another new feline life. I wish I were rich so I could open a rescue ranch...:-)
Jan
Hey Jason, Terrific post for a Sunday afternoon. Just had an open house ( Located on the Gulf of Mexico yet ! ) and picked up a very well qualified buyer. Life is as good as we make it !!
Hi Jason - a new little kitty, huh? I like the name Google, you could call him Blackie. Or you could call him something profound that you could think up that might go along with the way you write. Or maybe I should have said 'profane' instead of 'profound'..... hmmmmmm
Ann
Seems to me there is a book "every I need to know I learned from my dog" or something like that. Surely there would be a market for a book like that about your kitten! Take lots of photos, (baby animals of almost any species are cute), make notes on cute, dumb, wise things he does, and you can be a published writer! Just in case you decide you want out of your current career!!
Crouch - Nice observation:) I believe it, in regards to your kitten. This little guy already has Baxter perplexed, to put it nicely.
Erica - I like dogs as well, though I never had one as a pet. Across the hall from our office, the owner of a Mobile Home Financing operation has an adorable young dog named "Sport". You should see that guy, perhaps one of the cutest things I've ever seen (the dog, not the owner;).
Jan - While I admire those who try to teach the "Art" of blogging, I stick to writing and informing the best I know how. When I make my mint, a rescue ranch may be something I'll do as well.
Bill - Good for you, man! Sounds like your Sunday is shaping up quite nicely. I truly hope your buyer finds the abode they are looking for, sooner rather than later.
Ann - Profane... Profound... I've been accused of both. I'll admit to both. By the way, MWA!
Carol Lee - There's plenty of books just waiting to be written. As far as being a published writer, I used to want that to an extent. Now, I'm not so sure.
Jason - Any title with Kitten in the post will sell me... Can't wait to hear what you name him, he's a cutie...
Jason:
After reading bad news after more bad news, it is refreshing to read such a wonderful post. It brought back a needed smile. What a sweet post. The thing is that it is not only sweet; it is very well thought and analyzed. Great writing talents.
What a cutie! We can learn so much from animals and children if we just stop long enough to pay attention. Good luck keeping your new little one "underground" :)
Debbie - Yes he is. This will probably be a one time only deal, but who knows? The guy seems to have an affinity for the keyboard.
Isaac- Thank you. Bringing about a smile on another's face is quite an honor. Frankly, I thought this was one of my questionable efforts. It's subjective, I suppose.
Jim & Maria - He became above ground as soon as I published this post. It's the Catch 22 on another lesson in this life.
I'm reminded of a song....
Time to watch the Steelers kick San Diego's behinds. Sorry, William:)
Sorry Jason, no special hidden meeting about Paul Newman except I like his microwave popcorn. It has less sodium than most of them. Not everything I write is profound, I guess.
Jason,
This is the most wisdom filled and touching post I've read in a number of days.....just warms the heart. Innocence is so refreshing....and I'm glad he's found a home with you.
((-:
Jo
Jason, I loved your saying "Look your newborn in their eyes, you will find the truth." SO very true. So, you are a new daddy? I agree with everyone else..have a name your kitty contest.
I am bottle feeding two kittens that were orphaned. They just opened their eyes last week. You'd love them. So innocent....I love watching them grow. Sleep deprived, but worth giving them life for, no doubt!
BTW: I think you are a brilliant writer. Gifted. You've "got it going on". Keep it up. You are meant to write. Few are. You're one of them.
I kind of thought I could get away with the comment here... And same to you. Only because your are the coolest cat on A|R...
Sardi..... I tried reading half of the comments... you told someone that it already has a name. What's the name? Or is it a gov't secret? lol
Fred - Okay, got ya. Sorry, my brain doesn't always function at full capacity:-)
Jo-Anne - Thank you so much. So far, the little guy is feeling right at home... because he is.
Elizabeth - Wow, that is very kind of you to say. So, thank you. You just made my Monday;)
Lane - I'm up there:)
Belonger - It's a secret, for now;)
Jason, I would use a google friendly name. Maybe you can have a contest on AR for a good name.
Gita - If I ever get another cat (two is enough for me at one time) that might not be a bad idea.
Jason pets add so much to our lives. I grew up with persians but have not personally had a cat in about 10 years now. I only got Ginger this Spring and whew "what was I in for with her?" She loves to take long walks which is getting a bit tougher with the earlier sunsets and the colder weather.
Jason, why did you have to mention a pasty white posterior? I mean, they do make a cream for that.
Growing up does suck!!!! Next thing you know that cat will be cussing and clawing just like the rest of the Grown Ups.
Eric - My cats are strictly indoors. However, I do have a neighbor that has around seven cats who are outdoor/indoor cats. I have a feeling if I let the the two out of my house, there will be a rumble on my street akin to the scene in the movie The Outsiders.
Danny - I didn't know that and am concerned why you do;)
Cameron - Speaking of cussing, the kitten was being awfully bad last night.
Jason - Just remember how cute that kitten is when he really ticks you off! Seriously, we can learn so much from innocence, can't we?
So--what's the name????
Did you decide yet? Sorry if it's buried up there in the 70+ replies.
Jason - Kathy McGraw was right - you are good read. So I was wondering. When that cute little kitten gets on your keyboard and coughs up a hair ball, what then . . . . . I'm sorry just messin with ya!!
April - Yes we can. As far as his cuteness, that makes him even MORE dangerous:)
Erica - Coo-E. Or, lovingly referred to as Curious Coo-E.
Tami - Kathy has her moments;) As far as the hair ball, I match him:-)
I like some of your articles on activerain and I'm going to put a national referral group together at www.realestateloans.com within the next few weeks with some contacts accross the country.. I'd like you to consider joining my group. REL has just opened up their domain and I think its going to be great for us.
Mike Rogers http://mikerogers.realestateloans.com/
Spammer Mike - I'll join, but only if you send a care basket for the new kitten.
Damn--that cat does look like you!
Erica - Yes. Homely runs in the family:)
Jason, you gotta love a man who likes cats. I loved the analogy. And I agree, it is tough growing up.. which is why I refuse to do so. I also find it tough living day to day at times. But, it's worth it. xxoo
Oh! My! God! He is so cute! It's amazing that these adorable creatures are responsible for litter boxes!