Under this is my essay, which is supposed to be posted. Should have posted it a while ago, which grouches me out cause I probably did it earlier than anyone else. But, I posted mine later!
I am not the best blogger, but hey.
Enjoy the essay, be kind.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Mario v. Zelda
Video games are becoming a more and more integral part of childhoods. Over the years, several video game franchises have made their mark on the industry. Few, however, have attained the level of greatness that The Legend of Zelda and Mario Brothers have. If you look at any Top-10 list of video games, you are likely to see at least one appearance of each franchise (oftentimes, more than one). Suffice it to say, both of these video game moguls have altered history. While their profound impact on the world of video games is shared, there seems to be few other similarities, at least until one looks beyond the surface.
The first Mario Bros. game, if “Donkey Kong” (which only features Mario, in a primitive form) isn’t taken into account, appeared in 1983. This predates the release of the first Legend of Zelda game by three years. The first Mario Bros. game, simply titled “Mario Bros.”, was a stand-up arcade game, whereas The Legend of Zelda was made for the Nintendo Entertainment System, a home console (although Mario Bros. has been re-released multiple times, and is now available on the NES as well.) The general mode of game play is also very different. The Legend of Zelda is a complex and unique game (even in 2D), utilizing puzzle solving, action, adventure, and role-playing. While Mario Bros. was a relatively simple platform game, its descendents (while still maintaining the genre of ‘platform game’) evolved the game play in many ways.
The Mario Bros. franchise is unique, as it features two protagonists: Mario and his brother Luigi. For most of the 2D games, in one-player mode, you may play as either brother; in two-player mode you and a friend each play as one (although you never truly play ‘together’, you simply take over when they complete a level or die.) Mario tends to play a much larger role than that of his brother, though Luigi is definitely considered a protagonist of the series. The Legend of Zelda only has one leading man: Link. This character has gone through more complicated development than those of Mario and Luigi, evolving into a complicated story that spans centuries. Mario and Luigi are short and pudgy stereotype Italian-Americans, whereas Link is a lanky, elf-eared Hylian (one of many fictional races that appear in the Zelda series). Despite the characters’ vast differences, they share a common goal: save the princess.
The princesses, unlike their heroes, are actually vastly similar. Princess Peach of the Mario Bros. series and the titular princess Zelda are both blondes (usually), and both typically are seen wearing pink or other pastels. Both characters have a generally kind and dignified nature, and are fairly smart (despite their helpless roles). In most plotlines, they have both been captured by the main boss, and both rely on their respective saviors for rescue. This formula is not always used, but has been a major and oft-repeated theme throughout both series. The princesses are each featured in games in which the roles are reversed: Princess Peach saves Mario in Super Princess Peach on the Nintendo DS. Zelda sets off on her own adventure to return the favor in The Legend of Zelda: Zelda’s Adventure, and The Legend of Zelda: Wand of Gamelon on the Phillips CD-i, though it is important to note that these games were poorly-received and also not considered canon.
Both games require you to attack enemies, although the enemies are definitely not the same. Enemies from both series, however, tend to be fantasy rooted in reality. The enemies, while different, seem to share a common factor: they do not exist in our reality, but things like them do. Even the manner of attack itself is radically different; Mario and Luigi typically attack using a jumping mechanism, whereas Link uses a sword for most of his attacks (slingshots also play an integral role in his arsenal). A defining difference, though, is that Link has a shield, whereas Mario and Luigi are not able to block attacks in most games (they must simply get out of harm’s way in time.) Both games feature mini-bosses, and one main boss (Bowser in the Mario Bros series, Ganon in The Legend of Zelda), although the smaller bosses in The Legend of Zelda are admittedly a little harder to get rid of.
The system of being attacked is even different. In Mario Bros, when you are attacked, that is it. You start the level over, or from a checkpoint you came across earlier in the level. This is true in all instances without power-ups; if you have a power-up, you lose your power-up but remain playing until you are out of power-ups, and only then must you start the level over. The Legend of Zelda features a heart system; you begin with three hearts and toward the end of your game Link can have upwards of fifteen hearts (depending on the game and your skill level). When attacked, you lose a heart (or a fraction of one, if your enemy is weaker). When all hearts are lost, you begin at the beginning of the level again (usually further back than Mario Bros would send you). Albeit infuriating, both systems work well for their respective games.
Each game has its own unique fantasy world, with its own creatures and surroundings. The fictional world of Mario Bros consists of mushrooms, feathers, stars, and fire-flowers for power-ups, coins to be collected (100 coins usually gives you an extra life), and bricks that are jumped underneath and smashed with the player’s head. The enemies vary, but the most recognizable are the koopas (which resemble turtles) and goombas (which seem to be little mushrooms with angry eyebrows and pointed teeth.) Link’s world is more medieval, featuring many fantasy races of creatures such as Fairies, Gerudo, Gorons, Hylia, Koriki, Sheikah, and Zora. Link is faced with battling an array of opponents as well, usually fantastical renderings of bats (Keese) and spiders (Skulltula), or other imaginative fictional monsters. Both games feature one similar reoccurring enemy: a story bound incarnation of a Venus Fly-Trap plant (Mario Bros.’ Piranha Plant and the Deku Baba of the Zelda series).
These worlds are both elaborated upon and expanded throughout the span of each series, evolving immensely but still remaining familiar. This is perhaps one reason the games are so popular; the fantasy world you go into is the same (or very similar) each time you visit, be it in 2D on the NES or in sophisticated 3D on your Wii. It’s refreshing to know that although imaginary, the world seems finite and true to itself. The fact that these games have been around for so long, but are able to retain such a strong sense of acquaintance is nothing less than astounding, and is exactly what makes these games so great.
The fact that both games are able to attain this level of familiarity could be attributed to perhaps the most important similarity of all: they are from the same creator. Shigeru Miyamoto is responsible for the existence of both empires. Of course, he didn’t do it all alone, but the creative mind behind both games is the same. This creativity and ingenuity is precisely the reason he has come to be called the “Walt Disney of the video game world” and the “father of modern gaming”. This common factor explains the thorough development of the fictional worlds the games take place in, the attention to detail paid to the characters and enemies, and the captivating nature of these games. Almost every similarity these game empires share can be traced right back to Shigeru Miyamoto.
Of course, the defining similarity in these games is not their creator. The most crucial likeness of these franchises is simply their impact upon the world of video games. It is hard for most people, myself included, to imagine the world of video games as they are today without Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda. Often imitated, these games have become not only a great experience to the player, but they have become a mold for games to come. These games are not only a source of nostalgia; they are part of the strong and sturdy foundation that is laid for the future of gaming.
The first Mario Bros. game, if “Donkey Kong” (which only features Mario, in a primitive form) isn’t taken into account, appeared in 1983. This predates the release of the first Legend of Zelda game by three years. The first Mario Bros. game, simply titled “Mario Bros.”, was a stand-up arcade game, whereas The Legend of Zelda was made for the Nintendo Entertainment System, a home console (although Mario Bros. has been re-released multiple times, and is now available on the NES as well.) The general mode of game play is also very different. The Legend of Zelda is a complex and unique game (even in 2D), utilizing puzzle solving, action, adventure, and role-playing. While Mario Bros. was a relatively simple platform game, its descendents (while still maintaining the genre of ‘platform game’) evolved the game play in many ways.
The Mario Bros. franchise is unique, as it features two protagonists: Mario and his brother Luigi. For most of the 2D games, in one-player mode, you may play as either brother; in two-player mode you and a friend each play as one (although you never truly play ‘together’, you simply take over when they complete a level or die.) Mario tends to play a much larger role than that of his brother, though Luigi is definitely considered a protagonist of the series. The Legend of Zelda only has one leading man: Link. This character has gone through more complicated development than those of Mario and Luigi, evolving into a complicated story that spans centuries. Mario and Luigi are short and pudgy stereotype Italian-Americans, whereas Link is a lanky, elf-eared Hylian (one of many fictional races that appear in the Zelda series). Despite the characters’ vast differences, they share a common goal: save the princess.
The princesses, unlike their heroes, are actually vastly similar. Princess Peach of the Mario Bros. series and the titular princess Zelda are both blondes (usually), and both typically are seen wearing pink or other pastels. Both characters have a generally kind and dignified nature, and are fairly smart (despite their helpless roles). In most plotlines, they have both been captured by the main boss, and both rely on their respective saviors for rescue. This formula is not always used, but has been a major and oft-repeated theme throughout both series. The princesses are each featured in games in which the roles are reversed: Princess Peach saves Mario in Super Princess Peach on the Nintendo DS. Zelda sets off on her own adventure to return the favor in The Legend of Zelda: Zelda’s Adventure, and The Legend of Zelda: Wand of Gamelon on the Phillips CD-i, though it is important to note that these games were poorly-received and also not considered canon.
Both games require you to attack enemies, although the enemies are definitely not the same. Enemies from both series, however, tend to be fantasy rooted in reality. The enemies, while different, seem to share a common factor: they do not exist in our reality, but things like them do. Even the manner of attack itself is radically different; Mario and Luigi typically attack using a jumping mechanism, whereas Link uses a sword for most of his attacks (slingshots also play an integral role in his arsenal). A defining difference, though, is that Link has a shield, whereas Mario and Luigi are not able to block attacks in most games (they must simply get out of harm’s way in time.) Both games feature mini-bosses, and one main boss (Bowser in the Mario Bros series, Ganon in The Legend of Zelda), although the smaller bosses in The Legend of Zelda are admittedly a little harder to get rid of.
The system of being attacked is even different. In Mario Bros, when you are attacked, that is it. You start the level over, or from a checkpoint you came across earlier in the level. This is true in all instances without power-ups; if you have a power-up, you lose your power-up but remain playing until you are out of power-ups, and only then must you start the level over. The Legend of Zelda features a heart system; you begin with three hearts and toward the end of your game Link can have upwards of fifteen hearts (depending on the game and your skill level). When attacked, you lose a heart (or a fraction of one, if your enemy is weaker). When all hearts are lost, you begin at the beginning of the level again (usually further back than Mario Bros would send you). Albeit infuriating, both systems work well for their respective games.
Each game has its own unique fantasy world, with its own creatures and surroundings. The fictional world of Mario Bros consists of mushrooms, feathers, stars, and fire-flowers for power-ups, coins to be collected (100 coins usually gives you an extra life), and bricks that are jumped underneath and smashed with the player’s head. The enemies vary, but the most recognizable are the koopas (which resemble turtles) and goombas (which seem to be little mushrooms with angry eyebrows and pointed teeth.) Link’s world is more medieval, featuring many fantasy races of creatures such as Fairies, Gerudo, Gorons, Hylia, Koriki, Sheikah, and Zora. Link is faced with battling an array of opponents as well, usually fantastical renderings of bats (Keese) and spiders (Skulltula), or other imaginative fictional monsters. Both games feature one similar reoccurring enemy: a story bound incarnation of a Venus Fly-Trap plant (Mario Bros.’ Piranha Plant and the Deku Baba of the Zelda series).
These worlds are both elaborated upon and expanded throughout the span of each series, evolving immensely but still remaining familiar. This is perhaps one reason the games are so popular; the fantasy world you go into is the same (or very similar) each time you visit, be it in 2D on the NES or in sophisticated 3D on your Wii. It’s refreshing to know that although imaginary, the world seems finite and true to itself. The fact that these games have been around for so long, but are able to retain such a strong sense of acquaintance is nothing less than astounding, and is exactly what makes these games so great.
The fact that both games are able to attain this level of familiarity could be attributed to perhaps the most important similarity of all: they are from the same creator. Shigeru Miyamoto is responsible for the existence of both empires. Of course, he didn’t do it all alone, but the creative mind behind both games is the same. This creativity and ingenuity is precisely the reason he has come to be called the “Walt Disney of the video game world” and the “father of modern gaming”. This common factor explains the thorough development of the fictional worlds the games take place in, the attention to detail paid to the characters and enemies, and the captivating nature of these games. Almost every similarity these game empires share can be traced right back to Shigeru Miyamoto.
Of course, the defining similarity in these games is not their creator. The most crucial likeness of these franchises is simply their impact upon the world of video games. It is hard for most people, myself included, to imagine the world of video games as they are today without Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda. Often imitated, these games have become not only a great experience to the player, but they have become a mold for games to come. These games are not only a source of nostalgia; they are part of the strong and sturdy foundation that is laid for the future of gaming.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
compare, contrast
I'm not exactly sure about what to do with this compare and contrast essay. I'm a little partial toward doing something about video games, since I have been playing a lot lately and I've been known to make a pretty good presentation about my knowledge of video games. (For instance, I did a 25 minute slideshow on the history of home consoles). So, I would like to do something in that vein. The only problem, now, is ... WHAT?
In other news, I rocked a Psychology exam today, I believe. I am pretty sure an A in that class is going to happen. I don't want to be cocky, but I am feeling pretty optimistic. :]
In other news, I rocked a Psychology exam today, I believe. I am pretty sure an A in that class is going to happen. I don't want to be cocky, but I am feeling pretty optimistic. :]
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Book Reviews!!!
I just finished two books, called Tricks and Pygmy. Both were enjoyable, but coming from my favorite authors, that's expected. I really do enjoy anything written by Ellen Hopkins or Chuck Palahniuk. They are just both so incredible.
Pygmy is unique, as it is an epistolary novel, and in very very broken English. It's about a young male (on the lower end of his teen years) coming to America, under the guise of an exchange student. His actual objective, however, is some unexplained (until deep into the novel, but I would just ruin it if I said what it was) act of unspeakable horror. The members of the group rarely speak in America, and call one-another 'comrade'. The country they come from isn't explicitly discussed, but is a fictional mashup of most communist countries. Pygmy's name is never revealed, as Pygmy is a nickname derived from his smallness; he simply refers to himself as "Operative Me". He is referred to by his communist counterparts as 'Operative 67'; everyone in America calls him Pygmy.
Pygmy is a gripping novel, taking you through Pygmy's journey to the capitalist greedy pig-dog nation of America. Hate softens, people grow, and things are learned. This is not the hero's journey... this is the anti-hero's journey. And I could barely put the book down along all the turns of this journey.
I would go into more depth about the plot, but this isn't SparkNotes. It isn't even an important book review, it is a cop-out so I don't have to discuss my boring life
Alright, so Tricks was a pretty good book, too. It's written in Ellen Hopkins' signature prose style, visually appealing and almost lyrical. It has five separate narrators, which seems a little tricky (no pun intended, please) but is very easy to adjust to. This could be me, as I am used to her other novels (most of which have multiple narrators). It takes a while to get to really 'know' the characters, but once you do you really FEEL for them. Sensitive people may be drawn to tears by this book. It is very gripping and emotional, tinged with a bit of dry humor, and a whole lot of genuinely good writing.
The plot, as the name implies, shows how each of the five characters found their way into prostitution. The characters (by the way, two males and three females) are all quite separate in the beginning of the novel, but all end up in the same place and a similar situation. They interact together, although minimally, but in a brilliant and intricate way. It makes them just seem all the more real.
Anyway, both those books were successes, and I am now reading 'The ABORTION Myth: Feminism, Morality, and the Hard Choices Women Make' by Leslie Cannold. I suppose I should get into a nonfiction book or two before I go on to read some Hunter S. Thompson or other fiction. It only seems fair.
Pygmy is unique, as it is an epistolary novel, and in very very broken English. It's about a young male (on the lower end of his teen years) coming to America, under the guise of an exchange student. His actual objective, however, is some unexplained (until deep into the novel, but I would just ruin it if I said what it was) act of unspeakable horror. The members of the group rarely speak in America, and call one-another 'comrade'. The country they come from isn't explicitly discussed, but is a fictional mashup of most communist countries. Pygmy's name is never revealed, as Pygmy is a nickname derived from his smallness; he simply refers to himself as "Operative Me". He is referred to by his communist counterparts as 'Operative 67'; everyone in America calls him Pygmy.Pygmy is a gripping novel, taking you through Pygmy's journey to the capitalist greedy pig-dog nation of America. Hate softens, people grow, and things are learned. This is not the hero's journey... this is the anti-hero's journey. And I could barely put the book down along all the turns of this journey.
I would go into more depth about the plot, but this isn't SparkNotes. It isn't even an important book review, it is a cop-out so I don't have to discuss my boring life
Alright, so Tricks was a pretty good book, too. It's written in Ellen Hopkins' signature prose style, visually appealing and almost lyrical. It has five separate narrators, which seems a little tricky (no pun intended, please) but is very easy to adjust to. This could be me, as I am used to her other novels (most of which have multiple narrators). It takes a while to get to really 'know' the characters, but once you do you really FEEL for them. Sensitive people may be drawn to tears by this book. It is very gripping and emotional, tinged with a bit of dry humor, and a whole lot of genuinely good writing.
The plot, as the name implies, shows how each of the five characters found their way into prostitution. The characters (by the way, two males and three females) are all quite separate in the beginning of the novel, but all end up in the same place and a similar situation. They interact together, although minimally, but in a brilliant and intricate way. It makes them just seem all the more real.
Anyway, both those books were successes, and I am now reading 'The ABORTION Myth: Feminism, Morality, and the Hard Choices Women Make' by Leslie Cannold. I suppose I should get into a nonfiction book or two before I go on to read some Hunter S. Thompson or other fiction. It only seems fair.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
How do I feel about my essay?
Personally, I am kind of bummed out about my essay. It is nothing specific that happened to it, it is not that I don't know about my subject enough, it just didn't turn out like I wanted. I couldn't quite get things to come out specifically just how I wanted them. As a writer, that is really a big problem for me.
Things I've changed about my essay based on my comments? I guess the prevailing opinion is that my essay singles out cat-haters and doesn't appeal to them. I've tried to fix it around to where it was more widely appealing, but there is just no more I can do. I am so disappointed about it, believe me, but I just can't make it work for you guys that hate cats.
It is impossible for ME to make MY essay appeal to cat-haters (emphasis on the 'ME' and 'MY' because I won't say it is impossible to do, it is just impossible for me to do). It is an essay about cats, and unless I wrote about how much I hate them it wouldn't appeal to a cat-hater. If I toned down the love for my cats and tried to make it more 'middle of the road', it would make my essay less effective, because you wouldn't see how much they have changed me as far as my capacity for love. It is just so difficult to please everyone, and I've been stressed out about this stupid essay since it was assigned, so I am just glad it's over.
Hopefully next time will be better, and I will make at least a B. :[
Things I've changed about my essay based on my comments? I guess the prevailing opinion is that my essay singles out cat-haters and doesn't appeal to them. I've tried to fix it around to where it was more widely appealing, but there is just no more I can do. I am so disappointed about it, believe me, but I just can't make it work for you guys that hate cats.
It is impossible for ME to make MY essay appeal to cat-haters (emphasis on the 'ME' and 'MY' because I won't say it is impossible to do, it is just impossible for me to do). It is an essay about cats, and unless I wrote about how much I hate them it wouldn't appeal to a cat-hater. If I toned down the love for my cats and tried to make it more 'middle of the road', it would make my essay less effective, because you wouldn't see how much they have changed me as far as my capacity for love. It is just so difficult to please everyone, and I've been stressed out about this stupid essay since it was assigned, so I am just glad it's over.
Hopefully next time will be better, and I will make at least a B. :[
Cold Weather: Win
I know this is the subject of everyone's thoughts as well, but I am just going to go and say this: I love Fall. I like Winter more, but I like Fall a lot as well. I don't like Summer, and Spring isn't my favorite (I have horrible seasonal allergies), but overall I am more happy during this time of year because it is just generally much more enjoyable. I don't break out in sweat just walking to the car, and I don't spend $300 a month keeping my house cold enough to live in.
I am so thrilled with it being cold, despite the mild sore throat and the fact that I am going to have to maybe put socks on sometime this winter. (I haven't worn socks in almost two years.)
In other news, here is something for you to look at. It is from here.
I don't have very much to say, I am reading Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk right now, and it is pretty good so far. Nothing else to really say.
I am so thrilled with it being cold, despite the mild sore throat and the fact that I am going to have to maybe put socks on sometime this winter. (I haven't worn socks in almost two years.)
In other news, here is something for you to look at. It is from here.
I don't have very much to say, I am reading Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk right now, and it is pretty good so far. Nothing else to really say.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
second draft, still a work in progress i think.
Nichole Jackson
September 29, 2009
Mrs. Aiken – English 1101
Cats: Love, Laziness, and Learning
Having cats has been an enriching experience for me. It seems as though people either love cats or hate them; there is not much in between. I am definitely on the ‘love’ side of the argument, as many know I have three cats and adore them. The experience of having cats is a unique one that many have not experienced, and teaches one a lot about responsibility and love. Karen Brademeyer once said: “Who among us hasn't envied a cat's ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?” This is very true, and I feel that having cats has definitely taught me to take a break and enjoy just lying around and doing what they do sometimes: a whole lot of nothing.
My personal experience with cats has been a good one. Sure, they have their downfalls every now and again. I know I’ve had my share of frustrations stemming from my furry friends lying across my laptop and schoolbooks while I’m trying to finish important homework. I’ve had the lovely surprise of waking up to spot cat vomit on the newly vacuumed carpet. I have also been perpetually adorned with cat scratches fairly consistently for the past few years. Still, my cats are a great source of joy in my life and I would not trade their company for anything… even a clean carpet and finished homework.
Each cat has their own personality, much like humans. All of my three cats are definitely very different. I love each of them dearly, for all of their different personalities. Each cat has their own reactions to daily life, to one another, and to me. In fact, I find that it is the things that make them so different are the things that make them so special to me. I appreciate their different personalities, and could barely imagine my life without them. The interactions between two different cats are priceless, thus there is never a dull moment (at least, when everyone’s awake!)
Rummy Cat is definitely our little buddy. He is the first one to run to the door when I come home, and he is the cat most often cuddled up in my bed. He is my faithful escort through my morning routine: he follows me into the bathroom, eats breakfast with me, and as I leave he stands by the door as if to say “Mom, do you really have to go to school today?” He is a shorthair, but his fur is thick and dense and soft. His eyes are bright and green and full of expression; he is definitely the most charismatic of all my cats. When someone comes to visit, he immediately runs to them and tries to impress them with his sweetness and playfulness, forcing his head under their hand and purring. He is only a year old, but big for his age and very rotund and stocky.
Bollie is his twin sister, but you wouldn’t know it simply by looking at them. They share the same grey fur and green eyes, but the similarities end there. She is tiny, smaller than any cat I’ve ever had, and just as shy as her brother is friendly. She’s very vocal, but rarely uses the typical ‘meow’, instead making a strange little “brrrrt” noise that sounds a lot like a pigeon. She eats as much as any other cat, but in a much different way. She dips her paw into the top of the auto-feeder, and scoops out a few kibbles to eat on the counter. She is a good eater, but remains lanky and has a certain awkward cuteness that grows on you. Although she is quite shy, she is sweeter even than her brother and she loves attention from those she is comfortable with. Bollie loves being held, and has an affinity for curling up on your chest with her head on your shoulder.
Last is China, who we more often affectionately refer to as “Chi” or “Chi-bear”. She is the only longhair in the house; her fluffy white fur seems to be her defining feature. When people first see her, their reaction is usually “Wow… that’s a beautiful cat.” Her feet are large and although she is not a polydactyl, they remind me of snowshoes. Her legs, face, ears, and tail are all grayish and striped, and in her age her fur has taken on a brownish tint. She was adopted from Petsmart, and because of this she seems to have an appreciative personality. I can sometimes see the gratitude for being rescued in her big blue eyes when she looks up at me.
I took the time to describe my cats to accurately show exactly how I feel about them. They are not simply furry live ornaments in my home. They are very special to me, and they brighten my life in a multitude of ways. They are a source of humor; I can recall many a good laugh over them chasing one another through the house, galloping like furry little horses. They are also a great comfort, coming to my rescue when they see I am sad to curl up with me and make me smile. I couldn’t imagine going without the company of my cats, as they have become such a fixture in my life.
The funny stories about my cats are endless. If I had the time, I would have a twenty-page paper about just how silly they can be. Chi-bear gets embarrassed easily, and I remember once she lost her footing and slipped right into the mop bucket full of soapy water. In her shock and horror, she tore through the house with her head low, soaked and embarrassed. I also remember putting Bollie in a little shirt meant for a tiny dog. She responded by slouching down, awkwardly (and with a strange speed for how low she was) propelling herself backwards, and making my best friend and I hyperventilate and cry tears of laughter. There are so many more stories, but I believe I have made my point. Cats are, in short, the best comedic relief one could hope for in a home.
Cats are definitely a learning experience. Having cats teaches you forgiveness, and to show love despite anger. A cat is a huge responsibility, as you have to change their litter and feed/water then consistently. They make messes and knock things over quite a lot, so there is a lot of cleaning up after them to be done. A cat depends on you for its quality of life, and as a pet-owner you learn to be determined to make that life the best you can. It is akin to being a parent in many ways (although quite different I am sure), as you have a duty to care for them and a joy from raising them.
I know I personally have learned a lot from having cats. I feel that I have become a better, more responsible, more loving person, and I have my fur-babies to thank for it. I know that not everyone loves cats (and many, in fact, hate them), but I know I love mine and that I want them to remain as happy as possible for as long as possible. They have shaped me so much, and changed my life in a positive way. I am, in conclusion, very thankful for the experience that is being a cat owner.
September 29, 2009
Mrs. Aiken – English 1101
Cats: Love, Laziness, and Learning
Having cats has been an enriching experience for me. It seems as though people either love cats or hate them; there is not much in between. I am definitely on the ‘love’ side of the argument, as many know I have three cats and adore them. The experience of having cats is a unique one that many have not experienced, and teaches one a lot about responsibility and love. Karen Brademeyer once said: “Who among us hasn't envied a cat's ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?” This is very true, and I feel that having cats has definitely taught me to take a break and enjoy just lying around and doing what they do sometimes: a whole lot of nothing.
My personal experience with cats has been a good one. Sure, they have their downfalls every now and again. I know I’ve had my share of frustrations stemming from my furry friends lying across my laptop and schoolbooks while I’m trying to finish important homework. I’ve had the lovely surprise of waking up to spot cat vomit on the newly vacuumed carpet. I have also been perpetually adorned with cat scratches fairly consistently for the past few years. Still, my cats are a great source of joy in my life and I would not trade their company for anything… even a clean carpet and finished homework.
Each cat has their own personality, much like humans. All of my three cats are definitely very different. I love each of them dearly, for all of their different personalities. Each cat has their own reactions to daily life, to one another, and to me. In fact, I find that it is the things that make them so different are the things that make them so special to me. I appreciate their different personalities, and could barely imagine my life without them. The interactions between two different cats are priceless, thus there is never a dull moment (at least, when everyone’s awake!)
Rummy Cat is definitely our little buddy. He is the first one to run to the door when I come home, and he is the cat most often cuddled up in my bed. He is my faithful escort through my morning routine: he follows me into the bathroom, eats breakfast with me, and as I leave he stands by the door as if to say “Mom, do you really have to go to school today?” He is a shorthair, but his fur is thick and dense and soft. His eyes are bright and green and full of expression; he is definitely the most charismatic of all my cats. When someone comes to visit, he immediately runs to them and tries to impress them with his sweetness and playfulness, forcing his head under their hand and purring. He is only a year old, but big for his age and very rotund and stocky.
Bollie is his twin sister, but you wouldn’t know it simply by looking at them. They share the same grey fur and green eyes, but the similarities end there. She is tiny, smaller than any cat I’ve ever had, and just as shy as her brother is friendly. She’s very vocal, but rarely uses the typical ‘meow’, instead making a strange little “brrrrt” noise that sounds a lot like a pigeon. She eats as much as any other cat, but in a much different way. She dips her paw into the top of the auto-feeder, and scoops out a few kibbles to eat on the counter. She is a good eater, but remains lanky and has a certain awkward cuteness that grows on you. Although she is quite shy, she is sweeter even than her brother and she loves attention from those she is comfortable with. Bollie loves being held, and has an affinity for curling up on your chest with her head on your shoulder.
Last is China, who we more often affectionately refer to as “Chi” or “Chi-bear”. She is the only longhair in the house; her fluffy white fur seems to be her defining feature. When people first see her, their reaction is usually “Wow… that’s a beautiful cat.” Her feet are large and although she is not a polydactyl, they remind me of snowshoes. Her legs, face, ears, and tail are all grayish and striped, and in her age her fur has taken on a brownish tint. She was adopted from Petsmart, and because of this she seems to have an appreciative personality. I can sometimes see the gratitude for being rescued in her big blue eyes when she looks up at me.
I took the time to describe my cats to accurately show exactly how I feel about them. They are not simply furry live ornaments in my home. They are very special to me, and they brighten my life in a multitude of ways. They are a source of humor; I can recall many a good laugh over them chasing one another through the house, galloping like furry little horses. They are also a great comfort, coming to my rescue when they see I am sad to curl up with me and make me smile. I couldn’t imagine going without the company of my cats, as they have become such a fixture in my life.
The funny stories about my cats are endless. If I had the time, I would have a twenty-page paper about just how silly they can be. Chi-bear gets embarrassed easily, and I remember once she lost her footing and slipped right into the mop bucket full of soapy water. In her shock and horror, she tore through the house with her head low, soaked and embarrassed. I also remember putting Bollie in a little shirt meant for a tiny dog. She responded by slouching down, awkwardly (and with a strange speed for how low she was) propelling herself backwards, and making my best friend and I hyperventilate and cry tears of laughter. There are so many more stories, but I believe I have made my point. Cats are, in short, the best comedic relief one could hope for in a home.
Cats are definitely a learning experience. Having cats teaches you forgiveness, and to show love despite anger. A cat is a huge responsibility, as you have to change their litter and feed/water then consistently. They make messes and knock things over quite a lot, so there is a lot of cleaning up after them to be done. A cat depends on you for its quality of life, and as a pet-owner you learn to be determined to make that life the best you can. It is akin to being a parent in many ways (although quite different I am sure), as you have a duty to care for them and a joy from raising them.
I know I personally have learned a lot from having cats. I feel that I have become a better, more responsible, more loving person, and I have my fur-babies to thank for it. I know that not everyone loves cats (and many, in fact, hate them), but I know I love mine and that I want them to remain as happy as possible for as long as possible. They have shaped me so much, and changed my life in a positive way. I am, in conclusion, very thankful for the experience that is being a cat owner.
Thursday is like Friday, except it's not Friday.
I always see Thursday as being 'like Friday' since it's my last day of class for the week, but it isn't Friday at all. But there is no TGITH, so I guess I have to explain myself every time I express how happy I am about it being Thursday.
I am inexplicably tired today, maybe since I woke up at 6:25 am? But I am usually not quite as exhausted as I am today, maybe it's the culmination of a week's worth of waking up too early and staying up too late.
I have to fix up my essay completely, and I think the most difficult thing about it is trying to make it appeal to non cat-lovers. I have trouble relating to that, since I have always been a cat person and I don't know how non-cat-people think. I guess that is my goal for the day, because I need an A in this class, and having a crappy essay is just something that eats away at me.
High point of my day so far: Getting to sit outside and read Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk for almost an hour, waiting on class to start. ...AWESOME.
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