Disco - Blog Off

In the last ten days my niece, who was visiting for a week, thought it would be a great idea to buy a hamster.

So, off we go to the local pet store for the big purchase. An hour later and about $50 afterwards we come out with a white rodent named Disco. Two days later and another $25 Disco was the proud owner of a pink exercise ball and a coconut house.

Apparently Disco is really cute.

I have not yet warmed up to the red eyes.

A white hamster with red eyes.

I had visions that in the middle of the night the beast would transform itself like the Incredible Hulk and escape from its cage running around the neighborhood terrorizing small animals and eating all the prize winning flowers. I did check, there was nothing reported in the newspaper about any strange occurances. Although I did consider trying to contact Wallace and Gromit, just incase.

Still he is always chewing at this cage. I am certain he is planning an escape.

The family dog Kia has not quite figured it out either. Other than her instincts to eat whatever is now hanging around.

May be we should test that theory? Just to be sure of course.

For fun we placed Disco in his exercise ball to let Kia and Disco have a little play. I think Kia enjoyed the experience more than Disco as he was spun around the kitchen like a top on fire. I was revealed that he survived the trip as the last thing I needed was a pet murder to end my niece’s holiday!

As kid I never desired a hamster. Just about every girl in my class had one and they all thought their pets were wonderful until they escaped and ended up in the walls of their parent’s home. The end result for their pets was never a happy story.

Personally, I equate hamsters with gophers and other rodents like mice and squirrels. Rodents, snakes, and lizards do not seem like overly fun pets to me. Why not keep a mosquito around just for fun? Whatever makes you happy, what do I know?

And, if Disco rocks my niece’s world all the more power to her that she has found something truly wonderful. The best part about the experience is how sweet and good natured my niece is towards her new pet inspite of his tiny red eyes. And, if she has found something beautiful and divine in her pet, then long may you dance Disco.

Speaking of dancing I went to the movies with my niece and this famous song of the disco era was played. So, while you are secretly hustling around your cubical to this post on YouTube why not check out what Busty has written about the picture I sent her and don't forget to leave a comment.

Discipline

According to Dictionary.com the word discipline has several meaning; mostly about order, to train or as a method of obedience. Normally we think of it as a means of punishment when we have not followed the rules of the societal influence we are presently experiencing.

The Catch

One other form of discipline is as an activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training. Used in this way, discipline is a kin to self kindness or rather responsibility to self.

The Contemplation

Life consists mostly, if we think about it a set of experiences. Through our understanding of those experiences we gain knowledge and with knowledge comes wisdom.

Academic Tips outlines some pretty great advice for college students on how to study for chemistry of all things. I laughed to myself as I read the site because the one high school teacher that taught me the most about life and what we were going to be facing as young adults was in fact our chemistry teacher Mr. Turner.

The idea of learning a new skill is not about the skill itself so much as it is about the experience of being kind to yourself, of making something happen that you are passionate about. Getting there requires self discipline, a set of practises to follow.

Larning new skill is about understanding something you do not know and repeating it until it becomes second nature.

People will say all the time, and yes I have been one of them, I cannot do it because of the kids, because of work, because of stress, because of whatever; already you have told yourself no before you have even communicated what it is you would like to do. That is being a blamer and letting fear rule your life. Yuck.

By stating your intentions to the people who you love and who love you will more than likely create the environment and support required to make your dream real, and along with that a group of enthusiastic cheerleaders. (If you do not have this type of environment or if anyone holds you back -  you need to rethink a few things.)

Discipline can be a loving action used to focus our minds towards leading a pretty interesting life. At least that is what I ThInQ About It. What are your thoughts? Let me know, post your comments below.

Welcome Kensleigh

Dear Kensleigh,

It occurred to me today you have just passed through your first month.

Normally, I would write a quick little poem about how excited I am with your arrival, but  no not for you. You seem to require a letter - a more formal state of affairs. It makes me wonder about what destiny lies within that tiny body. It must be one of great deeds!

On occassion I have had the opportunity to meet your dad. I don't know him well, but what I do he seems to be a good natured fellow who is gentle and fun. It seems at first glance you look a lot like him. No worries about that, he is handsome.

Your mother on the other hand, as she will tell you we know each others secrets. Well maybe not all of them, but a few. Your mum is quite determined. She does things in her own time and in her own way.  She is smart, so listen to her, even if you don't you want to. I have a feeling you are already a lot like her. She is funny and enthusiastic about life. Enjoy the ride!

It is a shame really that you were unable to see your mother when she was carrying you. I don't know if I have seen her more beautiful or more afraid - she tried to hide it - but like I said we know a few of each other secrets!

Well, Kensleigh what can I tell you to expect from your life?

• You will have your heart broken and you will break more hearts than you will ever know.
• You will survive, enough though you think your life is over as you know it.
• Busty has good advise that I am going to borrow from her: invest in experiences, not stuff.
• Always use your imagination, it is the key to innovation.
• Know your opinions, back yourself up, and Kensleigh always keep an ace.
• Be tolerant of others, everyone has value.
• Learn always.
• Know your own voice.
• You will hear this a lot and it is true: Live in the moment, draw upon the past as you need it but don't hold on to it - you can't change it, keep focused on what you would like to experience - but spend time exploring your options first but not too much otherwise you will just be wishing your life a way.
• Have fun, watch for deer, and keep your nose clean.
• And, the only person who will stay with you your entire life is yourself, so be kind to Kensleigh.

If you run in to problems eat chocolate, watch a movie that makes you laugh, sing, go to the park and walk barefoot in the grass.

May your life be full of blessings and welcome Miss Kensleigh it is going to be fun watching you grow.

Your friend,
Songbird