When Pawly was still with us, you could say “Get the kitty!” and she knew exactly what to do. Whether outside or around the house, she’d find one and then move him with her nose or herd him back to where she started. There were many occasions when a found cat would shoot through the back door, Pawly strolling triumphantly behind. “Get the kitty!” was a handy command at dinner time or when somebody disappeared after a storm. Of course, she didn’t do it because she liked the cats particularly well. As far as she was concerned, those sneaky bags of bones and claws were scratching, meowing pains in her furry ass.

The above story doesn’t have a whole lot to do with the point of this post. I just felt a wave of nostalgia while looking through photos of Jeremy. When Jed and I move to the CyanPDX in May, Jeremy and I will be reunited (thanks, Mom!) after 5 years of living in different homes.

To prepare for him, I’ve been planning and shopping. And boy, have I found some awesome products!

Two examples:

1. Nobody likes cleaning cat litter. It smells. It’s dusty. Germy. The Roll’n Clean Litter Box by Omega Paw seems to take most of the pain out of the most hated of duties. It has great reviews and even comes in a larger size for the big boys.
2. We all know that cats freak out if you change their surroundings. Being territorial animals, they can start doing annoying things like marking or shredding furniture when introduced to a new place. Potential solution? Feliway comforting products for stressed felines. Worth a shot.

And finally, if you’re into all things Cat (which I totally am) then moderncat.net is to cat lovers like apartmenttherapy.com is to home decor lovers. Did you know that etsy.com is a great place to shop for cat stuff? I didn’t either!

Pawly would probably roll her doggy eyeballs if she knew I was fussing so much over Jeremy. Then again, she got her share.

Imagine a musical montage that goes a little something like this…

L to the U to the C to the KY peanut butter JELLY time Oh Me So Lucky, Me Me So Lucky! HEY hey hey, goo-ood Byeee Bye Miss American Pie in Yo’ Face Baby ME ME Lucky ME! Here I go, Here I go, Here I go again (DavidLeeRothScream) WAAAAAAAO!!! I ate some bugs, I ate some grass, I used my hand TO Legit, to Legit to Walk This WAY! Out, Way-ay Out the window and what did I see? There was this guy and a keyboard, And he went WEEEEE!

…and you’ll have the party that’s going on in my head.

As I look forward to my second week at my new job, I’m feeling like somebody’s got my number in the best possible of ways. Sweet location, sweet co-workers, sweet company, sweet prospects for growth–not to mention the fact that I got hired in a time when most small companies in Portland are bleeding talent…

And that’s when I get serious about it all. Folks, I recognize that I am INSANELY fortunate. Nobody knows it more than I do. I have friends who are beside themselves with frustration over the total lack of jobs in this city. I’ve driven down MLK and seen the crowds of day labor workers waiting patiently on the street corner for someone to point at them. The storefronts with freshly inked “Out of Business” signs, the lines at the shelters, the old ladies sitting on bus benches clutching floral suitcases… The walk to the office is opening my eyes to the plight my fellow Portlanders face in this economy. It sucks.

I’m not going to apologize for being employed, but I promise to take the money I’m earning and use it wisely: I’m searching for a home to buy, which will open up the inexpensive rental property I’m occupying. I will try harder to patronize local business. I’ll carry cash so I’ll have a buck for Street Roots. And? I’m going to feed my savings. Sure, money is a tool that we use to keep the economic machine running. But! I am going to make damned sure that I don’t become the next victim when the walls come crashing down again in 20 years.

But enough ranting. Here’s some food for thought:

(via Twitter) “baconbaconbacon @NycoHerzog I wish our economy used bacon as currency”

We can only wish, oh Sultan of Bacon…

The Think Geek catalog came in the mail the other day.

It only comes once a year.

You know what that means …!!!

That I’m going to review it, of course. Note: I do not want these things. This is not a Christmas list. Have you seen my apartment? It’s the size of your rich aunt’s master closet. Don’t give me toys, because I need room for useful things like a PlayStation 3 and cute shoes. But! Take what I have to say for what it’s worth and consider stuffing some lucky person’s stocking with these lay-up (as in “swishhhhhhh!”) gifts.

Nyco’s Think Geek Catalog Super Duper Awesome List:

Laser-guided Scissors – Finally.

Handpresso – I don’t know how well this works, but it looks cool!

Collapsible Chopsticks – So you don’t have to ask for ‘em anymore…

Ultra-thin Digital Voice Recorder – Genius on the go.

Pocket Microscope – For the exceptionally curious, or the exceptionally blind.

Animated Driving LED Emoticons – Advancing beyond the middle finger.

Tetris Puzzle Game Magnets – Yes!!!

Not a Paper Cup – Dude, so kitschy.

R2 Fish Training School Kit – For that person who thinks their fish is smart.

Deluxe Jedi Robe – Everyone knows someone who will love this.

R/C Animated Solar System Mobile – Because you wanted one when you were a kid.

Magnogrip – It’s like a tool belt for your wrist.

LED Umbrella – Meet people! Especially Blade Runner fans.

Okay, that’s it.

As other holiday special editions roll in, I’ll be sure to share the best bits. No, I’m not getting paid for this. If someone wanted to pay me for it I wouldn’t protest, though.

Happy holidays to all.