Thankful Thursday: The Blogger Recognition Award

Through the years Cody and I have been blessed to receive a number of blogging awards from our peers, we are also blessed that some of them we have received numerous times. As a result, (and due to my laziness), I had pretty much stopped blogging about many of them, but have ALWAYS thanked whomever was kind enough to think of us.

That being said, back on August 9th, we received an award from our friends at Eastside Cats that we hadn't received. It is the:

Cody and I are DEEPLY HONORED and are touched to have received this and we thank our friends at Eastside Cats, from the bottom of our furry and non-furry hearts.

As is the case with all of the blogger awards there are certain "rules" that are listed:

-Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.---Check!
-Write a post to show your award.---Check!!
-Give a brief story of how your blog started---see below and sorry, since we have new readers over the years it isn't "brief!!"
-Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers----see below -Select 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to--I decided long ago that I would NOT do that. Why? Inevitably someone's feelings will be hurt. Let me put it this way, if we are commenting on your blogs (even just once a month), we LOVE YOU. If we didn't we wouldn't follow, that's how we roll. Sometimes due to life "happening", we can't comment as often as we would like to, but if you hear from us AT ALL, we LOVE YOU. ALL OF YOU are worthy of this award and by all means GRAB IT!!
-Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide the link to the post that you created.--since we aren't nominating 15 specific blogs we are passing on this.

HOW OUR BLOG STARTED

(I used excerpts from a post I did on January 9th, 2014 where I was celebrating our 1000th post.)

Flashback to 2001: I resigned from an advertising position I had with The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio for 21 and a half years to take a leap of faith. I moved to Michigan to be with my now husband.

NINE JOBS LATER I lost my last job in 2007 due to downsizing. Four months after that, I lost my 18 yr old "Soul Kitty" Bobo, (who this blog is dedicated to, along with my precious Cody).

"Bobo" Portrait done by Becky Sorrentino Studio

I am not a person who is normally prone to depression, but believe me when I say that from 2007 until Fall of 2009, the entire world seemed dark. I felt as if I had no purpose, it would be an understatement to say that I felt that life was bleak.

Enter Glenn Gilbert. Long story short, after I attended a meeting where one of our local newspapers,  The Oakland Press was seeking Citizen Journalists,(thanks to my husband for seeing the original ad), Glenn contacted me to come in and meet with him.

Glenn Gilbert, executive editor of The Oakland Press in Pontiac, Mich., and group editor for 21st Century Media’s Michigan Cluster, is retired Jan. 3, 2014, after 45 years in journalism. (Photo by Tim Thompson/Oakland Press)

What I didn't know until my meeting with Glenn, was that he had   lived in Ohio for 14 years and knew of the stellar reputation that my former newspaper had, (at that time they were the 14th largest in the country), he also was familiar with my father's editorial cartoons.

We discussed the Citizen Journalist position and I told him that while I would be happy to do it, I just didn't feel that I was a good fit. I'm loud, quirky, creative, nuts, and sitting in boring City Council meetings just wasn't my cup of catnip tea.

I mean seriously,
THIS WOMAN
as a CITIZEN JOURNALIST????
NOOOOO WAY!!!!!

 I had recently seen the movie "Julie and Julia" and after having heard that The Oakland Press had recently begun featuring blogs on their website, I asked "How about a blog?" Glenn told me to go home and email him some ideas. I sent three, Cat Chat With Caren and Cody was the first on the list. (At that time the name of the blog was "Cat Chat", until Martha Stewart grabbed the name and copyrighted it!) He agreed, I started the blog in October of 2009 knowing NOTHING (and I mean NOTHING) about uploading anything, let alone writing a blog. The Oakland Press paid for my link at the time (long time readers know my old link was http://opcatchat.blogspot.com or something like that, can't remember the rest! I didn't purchase my own link until a few years ago.)

Soon after I began blogging I found BlogPaws where I feasted on a banquet of information designed to help me learn how to become, and BE a better blogger. Had I never found BlogPaws in 2009, (ironically I found them virtually at the same time THEY STARTED),  I would never have learned how to blog and all that goes with it. Also, I have been blessed to have been afforded various opportunities, from sponsorships, to various events requiring travel, (many of you probably do not know that I am the original founder/creator, along with Barbara Strunin, of the BlogPaws Conference Newbies Group, which I ran for approx. 4 years, that still exists today), and other opportunities. Had it not been for BlogPaws none of the experiences I had and some of the opportunities that I have been blessed with, would ever have taken place. I will forever be grateful to BlogPaws for that.

Ultimately, without Glenn Gilbert, I wouldn't have met all of you.  . I wouldn't be writing about a subject and animal that I CHERISH: CATS, and doing something, that is incredibly time consuming, (much more so than my normal 8 to 5 job EVER was, AND INFINITELY MORE REWARDING IN MY SOUL, than  any of those jobs EVER were),  that I love, and have a fierce dedication to.

Glenn Gilbert gave me purpose, he brought back my belief in myself, he gave me a reason to wake up every day, he introduced me to the world of electronic media, he made it possible for me to grow, to teach myself things that I never would have dreamed I ever would have been learning, let alone doing.  He opened my World, he BELIEVED in me.

 We thank YOU our faithful readers, for joining us, we thank Glenn Gilbert for opening a cat door, the likes of which we never even knew existed.

I TOLD YOU IT WASN'T BRIEF!!!!

Visit Stunning Keisha

GIVE TWO PIECES OF ADVICE TO NEW BLOGGERS:

The advice I am going to share came from a fellow recipient of this award, our good friend CK over at Stunning Keisha .  CK and CK's human, "TW" are one of the first people (and cats) that I met when I began blogging in 2009. What I have always loved about CK and "TW" are that they "tell it like it is" and they "keep it real." Anyone who knows ME well, and knows "TW", will agree that in that regard, we are quite similar. I believe in "telling it like it is" and "keeping it real." That can be polarizing. So be it. I would rather be honest and LIKE the person looking back at me when I look in the mirror. My theory has always been, if someone can't handle honesty, they can move on. Period.  So, I am going to share excerpts of "advice" given by "TW" that I completely agree with:

"Humans and pets these days get me hissing mad cos they want instant gratification. They cry when their first posts gets only a couple of hunnert views. They want to monetize right away. I guess this will be one of my tips to new bloggers. Take the time to find your voice and your audience before you panic about not becoming a millionaire with a million followers. No one believes in paying their dues."  Like CK and "TW" we haven't stopped paying our dues. There is nothing that we have obtained by blogging that has come easily. NOTHING.

"Comment on tons of blogs every day. If you don't visit them, they won't visit you. That stinks cos it takes time away when you should be creating but it's a necessary evil." I could NOT agree with this more. We all get busy but I feel if someone is kind enough to comment here, even if I can only read/comment sporadically, I should read/visit someone's blog that took the time to visit mine. You would be AMAZED by the number of people who do NOT do this. I WILL tell you, that after a number of months, if someone doesn't reciprocate, I "unfollow." Plain and simple. "You get as good as you give." For more tips from CK you can click here

If you read this far down the page, I THANK YOU. There are tons of other tips that I could offer but those you can learn from reading some of the other blogs where they shared their own tips. Cody and I THANK YOU for being a part of our journey. I have said it many, many times,  "without YOU, there would be no US."

Much love and gratitude

from Caren and Cody

Our 6th Blogoversary and a FroliCat™ RoloRat Give-Away!!!

Today is a special day for us! Well, frankly YESTERDAY was a special day for Cody and I because six years ago yesterday we published our FIRST blog post!  To say we had no clue as to what we were doing is an understatement of epic proportions!  Sometimes we STILL have no clue as to what we are doing, but here we are approximately 1474 posts later, with friends all over the world. Who'd a thunk it? Certainly not us!

The past six years have flown by, and  have given us laughs, learning, lovely new friends, many new experiences, lessons learned and valued partnerships both past and present.  Yes, for a bevy of reasons there were even  sometimes tears, and heartache,  but we wouldn't trade any of it, or any of YOU for the world!

Cody and I DEEPLY THANK YOU for taking  the time to visit our blog! It is an honor that we do not take for granted. We wouldn't be able to do whatever it is we do, without YOU! THANK YOU!

Oh My Cat we would be remiss if we didn't thank The Oakland Press!, and particularly Glenn Gilbert. This blog came about as a result of attending one of their Citizen Journalist workshops, I knew I wasn't cut out to be a Citizen Journalist, but I asked them if they needed any bloggers and they told me to shoot them some ideas....Cat Chat (the name of this blog at that time), was one of three ideas that I submitted and they accepted it. They provided a link for the first few years, then I moved off on my own. Today, I am  one of  100s of Oakland Press bloggers, but at that time there were less than 50 of us! A HUGE thank you to The Oakland Press!

In honor of our Blogoversary our dear elf friend is allowing us to have a give-away for one of their newest cat toys,  The FroliCat™ RoloRat  !

Only available at Bed, Bath & Beyond,  (it retails for $19.99).  The FroliCat™ RoloRat is an exciting, rolling toy that encourages your cat to hunt and stalk.

The  RoloRat has crazy red eyes and a long tail that whips around to entice your cat to chase and pounce. This crazy rat even makes fun sounds that will let cats know he’s on the move.

 The unit automatically turns off after 10-15 minutes,  it even has a  "Play While You Are Away" mode that allows cats to play even when you¹re not there. We haven't tried that yet, because I think that Dakota would lose his mind!

Cody's Opinion?

Cody is STILL trying to figure out what he thinks of this one! This rat is HUGE...it measures 4-1/2" L x 3" W x 3" H.  Cody is a pretty fearless cat, but this guy DID give him a run for his kibble!!!  Cody DID attempt to bat it, but ONLY when it was idle and when the possessed-looking red eyes stopped flashing.  See for yourself in this short video: (Please forgive the poor video quality, I had to use my zoom and when I do this, the video doesn't record quite as clearly). 






My Opinion?
I am a little mixed about this one as well. Don't get me wrong, I think it is HILARIOUS, but the sound almost sounds like a dentist's drill.  At  first I thought it would be better if the RoloRat moved in a straight line, but the more I think about it, I think it is even funnier that it wobbles around the way that it does. I also love how it has a mind of its own!!! It covers a large area and it seems to know just exactly where the cat is so that it can annoy the cat even more! I also loved the feel of the rubber tail...I picked it up and swung it around by the tail which gave ME great amusement! Cody and I are huge fans of the FroliCat line, (we have reviewed a number of their toys), and while this one might be a little daunting to Cody, I feel he will get used to it! I think that it would be hilarious to see this rat in action with those of you who have more than one cat. I think the actions/reactions would be extra hilarious!

You can find out for yourself just how entertaining this would be, because we are having a:

GIVE-AWAY!!!
 THREE lucky readers who are 18 and over and reside in the U.S., (our apologies to our International readers, BUT...if a U.S. reader wants to enter and ship their prize if they win to someone else outside of the U.S., that's totally up to them!),
  will each win The FroliCat™ RoloRat !!!! Entering is easy,  just enter on the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway






In full disclosure:we were not compensated for this review/give-away. We were sent a RoloRat and were offered a give-away  in exchange for our honest review.

Our 1000th+ Post:A World of Thanks to ALL OF YOU and Glenn Gilbert of The Oakland Press

Today is not only a milestone day for this blog, but a day in which I would like to express the utmost gratitude to Glenn Gilbert, the former Editor of our local newspaper, The Oakland Press, who retired on January 3rd, 2014 after 45 years of service. FOR AN AMAZING SYNOPSIS OF GLENN'S CAREER, BELIEFS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS ETC., which was written by Michelle Rogers, of The Oakland Press, CLICK HERE

Flashback to 2001: I resigned from an advertising position I had with The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio for 21 and a half years to take a leap of faith. I moved to Michigan to be with my now husband.

NINE JOBS LATER I lost my last job in 2007 due to downsizing. Four months after that, I lost my 18 yr old "Soul Kitty" Bobo, (who this blog is dedicated to, along with my precious Cody).

"Bobo" Portrait done by Becky Sorrentino Studio

I am not a person who is normally prone to depression, but believe me when I say that from 2007 until Fall of 2009, the entire world seemed dark. I felt as if I had no purpose, it would be an understatement to say that I felt that life was bleak.

Glenn Gilbert, executive editor of The Oakland Press in Pontiac, Mich., and group editor for 21st Century Media’s Michigan Cluster, is retiring Jan. 3, 2014, after 45 years in journalism. (Photo by Tim Thompson/Oakland Press)

Enter Glenn Gilbert. Long story short, after I attended a meeting where The Oakland Press was seeking Citizen Journalists,(thanks to my husband for seeing the original ad), Glenn contacted me to come in and meet with him.

What I didn't know until my meeting with Glenn, was that he had   lived in Ohio for 14 years and knew of the stellar reputation that my former newspaper had, (at that time they were the 14th largest in the country), he also was familiar with my father's editorial cartoons.

We discussed the Citizen Journalist position and I told him that while I would be happy to do it, I just didn't feel that I was a good fit. I'm loud, quirky, creative, nuts, and sitting in boring City Council meetings just wasn't my cup of catnip tea.

I mean seriously,
THIS WOMAN
as a CITIZEN JOURNALIST????
NOOOOO WAY!!!!!

 I had recently seen the movie "Julie and Julia" and after having heard that The Oakland Press had recently begun featuring blogs on their website, I asked "How about a blog?" Glenn told me to go home and email him some ideas. I sent three, Cat Chat With Caren and Cody was the first on the list. (At that time the name of the blog was "Cat Chat", until Martha Stewart grabbed the name and copyrighted it!) He agreed, I started the blog in October of 2009 knowing NOTHING (and I mean NOTHING) about uploading anything, let alone writing a blog. The Oakland Press paid for my link at the time (long time readers know my old link was http://opcatchat.blogspot.com or something like that, can't remember the rest! I didn't purchase my own link until last summer.)

Soon after I began blogging I found BlogPaws where I feasted on a banquet of information designed to help me learn how to become, and BE a better blogger.

MAKE THAT 1003 AS OF TODAY!!!

Without Glenn Gilbert, I wouldn't have met all of you.  Dakota wouldn't have a blog. I wouldn't be a BlogPaws or Nutrish Ambassador, I wouldn't have had the incredible experiences with Purina that I was blessed to enjoy, along with many other opportunities. I wouldn't be writing about a subject and animal that I CHERISH: CATS, and doing something, that is incredibly time consuming, (much more so than my normal 8 to 5 job EVER was, AND INFINITELY MORE REWARDING IN MY SOUL, than  any of those jobs EVER were),  that I love, and have a fierce dedication to.

Glenn Gilbert gave me purpose, he brought back my belief in myself, he gave me a reason to wake up every day, he introduced me to the world of electronic media, he made it possible for me to grow, to teach myself things that I never would have dreamed I ever would have been learning, let alone doing.  He opened my World, he BELIEVED in me.

Cody and I recently published our 1000th post (took us longer than it takes some because we don/t and NEVER will blog every day), and we have Glenn Gilbert and ALL OF YOU to thank for it. We thank YOU our faithful readers, for joining us, we thank Glenn Gilbert for opening a cat door, the likes of which we never even knew existed.


Glenn was a true pioneer, bringing electronic media to newspapers in Michigan as evidenced below. 


Cody and I can't begin to THANK ALL OF YOU enough.....but Glenn, ESPECIALLY YOU because if we hadn't met YOU, WE WOULDN'T BE HERE!!


With much love,
and "Cratitude" and "CATITUDE!!"

Caren and Cody

Cat Chat With Caren and Cody:You know our name, now you can FIND us!!

Hi all! Mom and I took the day off yesterday to work on some impawtant things, so we are a little behind in our blog posts, but we WILL catch up!

Today we have some impawtant news!

Mom and I first started Cat Chat in 2009 after our local newspaper, The Oakland Press, offered to sponsor our link. We will be furever grateful for the oppawtunity, because without them, we wouldn't have met and become furiends with,  ALL OF YOU!!

Notice I said, "Cat Chat?" Well, when we picked that name in 2009 it wasn't taken, (or so we thought), but then we noticed that Martha Stewart was using Cat Chat on her website and that was NOT a "good thing." Mom and I added "With Caren and Cody" to Cat Chat, and that has been our name for quite some time.

The problem that kept nagging at us was our blog link. It was goofy! Since our blog is listed on the Oakland Press website our address was http://opcatchat.blogspot.com Who in the world could find us with "op" as the beginning of our blog address? For the past 3 years we thought we couldn't change that, but we recently found out that we COULD! So now.....we are proud to announce:

No worries if you still use the old address, you will continue to be re-directed to the NEW address which is www.catchatwithcarenandcody.com

We are still a part of the Oakland Press blog roll (when we began, there were about 20 or so blogs, there are now approximately 100), and we are proud to be there! But now, we OWN our link! We are also proud that with our FOURTH BLOG-O-VERSARY rapidly approaching, (at the end of October), we HAVE THE HIGHEST PAGE VIEWS on the Oakland Press website (among blogs that are written by  NON-EMPLOYEES of the newspaper!!) Last month for the first time we passed 22,000 page views just for one month! For you "big boys" out there, that's chump change, to us, that's a BIG DEAL! Considering we started off with just 2 readers for the LONGEST time, we are beaming with pride!

Along with our blog-o-versary sneaking up on us, our 1000th post should happen before the end of the year, (depending on whether or not Mom slacks off which in turn, makes ME slack off).

We have some fun things that are on the horizon, and it is our fondest hope that you will come along with us! Each and every one of you that makes time for us in your busy schedule means the world to Mom and I!!

If there are things that you would like to see more of (or less of), feel free to let us know in the comments....this is YOUR blog too!

Much Love,
Cody and Caren

Important Update! Chairman Waffles and Mr. Burns Find Their New Home!!

This is just the BEST NEWS! Remember the blog post that Monica Drake of The Oakland Press did about the kitty whose mouth was burned by chemicals and how he and his friend needed a home? Well..........check this out!




This just made our Monday the BEST ever!!
Thank you Monica for letting us know!
We couldn't be happier!

Kitten’s mouth burned off after drinking chemical is healing and seeking his forever home: Guest Blog by By Monica Drake Of The Oakland Press

A 5-month-old mewing kitten was found living on the street with chemical burns on his face and tongue, hardly able to breathe.

"Chairman Waffles"

It’s likely the cat tried to drink a toxic liquid before he was found in Detroit, said Kevin Hatman of the Michigan Humane Society in Bingham Farms. Hatman said if the cat continued to live outside, he probably wouldn’t have survived.

“He was obviously in a tremendous amount of pain,” said Hatman, a resident of Ferndale.

Humane Society veterinarians performed three surgeries on the tiny kitten after he was found in September — one to remove the necrotic skin around his mouth and nose, the second to remove the hard palate in his mouth that had been damaged, and the third to perform reconstructive surgery.

“The mouth is constantly exposed. You can see his tongue. And there are potential medical issues, but our veterinarians are pretty confident that, because (issues) haven't developed yet, there's a very low risk for future severe medical problems,” said Hatman.

Staff named the now 10-month-old domestic short-haired kitten Chairman Waffles, and, although his injuries are still healing, he is now ready for adoption.

“We're looking for a really special adopter. This is a condition that will have to be managed his entire life,” said Hatman. “He is going to need regular observation and to be looked at by a vet every year at least.”

  Chairman Waffles is currently living in Oakland County with his foster mom Dr. Amy Koppenhoefer, a veterinarian at the Humane Society, and another cat named Mr. Burns. Hatman said Chairman Waffles and Mr. Burns have become friends. He’s hoping, if possible, that the two cats could find a home together.

Koppenhoefer said, “I always end up fostering the special needs guys who come in here. He just happened to be exceptionally special.”

Hatman said now, Chairman Waffles is a “typical cat.”

“He's happy, always on the go, jumps around and likes to explore. He likes to cuddle and purrs a lot. If you didn't look at him, you wouldn't know that he's been through what he's been through,” said Hatman. “His recovery, both physically and emotionally, has been incredible.”

Hatman said the surgeries and antibiotics for Chairman Waffles cost the nonprofit thousands of dollars — money which all came from donations.

He said, “A lot of people don't know that we're a private, independent nonprofit. We're not the city pound. We exist solely because of our supporters. We don't get any money from the government. What we do is entirely possible because people support us. ... The need is very great.”

For more information about adopting Chairman Waffles call 313-872-3400. To donate to Michigan Humane Society, call 1-866-MHUMANE, visit www.michiganhumane.org or go to the administration building at 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220 in Bingham Farms.

MONICA DRAKE is the Community Engagement/Suburban Life Editor Reporter at The Oakland Press.

Avoid a pet emergency this Valentine’s Day; Veterinary hospital suggests PET-SAFE alternatives to traditional gifts and treats

Every Valentine’s Day veterinary emergency hospitals are busy treating pets that have eaten their owner’s Valentine chocolate or bouquet of flowers, both of which can be fatal to pets.  Caring for a seriously ill and beloved pet is not only scary, but costly, and can be avoided with some simple precautions, says veterinary nurse Tabitha Owens of The Cat Practice veterinary hospital in Birmingham, Michigan.

Owens says that many common Valentine's traditions – like chocolate and most flowers -- can be fatal to cats, dogs and other pets.  Pets that have eaten chocolate – and that have come into contact with some flowers -- can show signs of poisoning within a few hours.  If left untreated, they can die.  

The best way to avoid a Valentine tragedy involving your pet is to look for safe alternatives to some popular Valentine treats and gifts, Owens says.  So if you have pets – or if you are looking for the perfect Valentine gift for a pet owner -- Owens offers these suggestions:

Candy

• ·         Both dark and milk chocolate can be fatal to pets, especially baker’s chocolate.  Instead of dark or milk chocolate consider white chocolate, which is much less likely to cause a problem.
• ·         If you MUST have chocolate in the house make sure it’s kept out of reach. And don’t assume plastic wrap is enough to keep a curious kitty or pup from taking a nibble!
• ·         Sugar-free candies contain xylitol, which is dangerous if ingested.  If your Valentine cannot have candy for health reasons, consider lovely  baskets of dried fruits fresh fruits or nuts.                                         

Flowers

·         Lilies, tulips, carnations and baby’s breath are all toxic for pets. For cats, even brushing up against a lily flower can be fatal.  Instead of fresh flowers, consider a silk bouquet (which also lasts longer!).

·         If fresh flowers are a must, ask the florist for a pet-friendly bouquet by substituting baby’s breath with greenery such as ferns, and using non-toxic blooms like roses, orchids, snapdragons, African violets, African daisies, or begonias.

Silk flowers, white chocolate, flameless candles and gift bags without ribbon are pet-safe choices for Valentine’s. Items pictured from Home Goods.  

Candles

·         Each year, pets get burned by hot wax or by catching their fur on fire in a candle flame.  Instead of traditional wax candles, choose battery operated ones that provide the same romantic glow without the flame.

·         If candles are a must, keep them way out of reach of curious paws or noses.  Choose candles in a glass jar that are less likely to leak hot wax or tip over.

Gift wrap

·         Synthetic ribbons often get chewed up and can get lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive tract.  Instead, consider a cute gift bag with light tissue paper, rather than decorative grass or ribbon.

·         Instead of traditional synthetic wrapping paper choose natural paper wrapping paper.

What to do if you suspect your pet has consumed something toxic

Despite the best precautions, pets – like children – often get into things.  Owens says that it’s always good advice to watch pets closely and take any behavior changes seriously. 

“If your pet is ‘not acting quite right,’ not eating or appears lethargic, it’s time to get to the veterinarian, Owens says.  “Pets often mask their illness.  So by the time they start showing symptoms, they are really sick or it may be too late.”

About Tabitha Owens, Licensed Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Nurse

As a veterinary nurse and licensed veterinary technician, Owens works closely alongside veterinarians to act as a physician’s assistant in all aspects of veterinary medicine, including outpatient care, hospitalization, treatment, diagnostics and surgery. She has a special interest in pet behavior, and has been with The Cat Practice for 9 years. 

About The Cat Practice

The Cat Practice, Michigan’s first cats-only veterinary hospital, opened in 1981.  Open seven days a week and evenings, The Cat Practice provides advanced preventative and medical care with an emphasis on early detection to help cats live longer, better and healthier lives.  Located at 875 South Worth in Birmingham, Michigan, The Cat Practice cares for feline purebred and mixed breeds from around southeastern Michigan.   For information go to www.thecatpracticepc.com or call 248-540-3390.

Pet Blog Challenge, Better Late Than Never!!

Yeah, Yeah I'm waaay late. Cut me some slack, I didn't find out about this til later, then I was trying to decide whether or not I was going to be a late participant and yep I have decided to be!

Me!

1. When did you begin your blog?
I started blogging October of 2009. At that time I was lucky if I blogged once a month. I didn't start blogging regularly til approximately April of 2010.

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?
I had lost my job in 2007 due to downsizing.  I was feeling worthless, depressed, not at all like me. I had worked my entire life and I knew I needed a "purpose".

Cody in the "original" Cat Chat Chair!

I  saw an ad and attended a workshop that The Oakland Press (a local S.E. Michigan newspaper who "houses" my blog) sponsored for individuals who wanted to become  "Citizen Journalists". I was offered (and turned down)  the opportunity of covering City Council meetings (boring, boring, boring). I knew that WASN'T for me! I knew the online world was booming and I noticed they had a number of blogs on their website but NONE about Cats.

  I wanted to write about something that I was passionate about and writing about cats was the no-brainer choice.  "Cat Chat" was one of the blogs I suggested, I also suggested a food blog and a Reality TV blog but they chose "Cat Chat!". I had never done a blog before and actually was terrified at first. I dedicated "Cat Chat" to my Angel Bobo and my Cody..... and ran with it!

Angel Bobo

3. Is your current purpose the same? 
I would say overall yes. I am a very passionate person who has tried throughout her life to ONLY be involved with people and things that I am passionate about. If you don't believe in your gut and don't have a passion for what you are doing it will never work. The day I stop being passionate about cats (which will NEVER happen) or lose my passion for my blog is the day I need to give it up.

4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?
As I mentioned when I started the blog I was lucky if I was doing one blog a month. In April I started blogging on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. That is the basic schedule I try to adhere too. This past Fall/Winter I was blogging nearly every day. For me I think that is a little too much. I know how hard it is for me to keep up with blogs that post nearly every day and I don't want my blog to become a  bother for someone to read.  Don't get me wrong, if I have something to say or to post then by all means I will. Otherwise blogging on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are what I shoot for.

5. Are you generating income from your blog?
I am lucky, yes....a little bit!! Not enough to pay the bills  by any means but I am lucky to be making any money at all. I would love to earn more money with the blog but if that doesn't happen I am ok with that too. Ultimately my blog is for my regular readers (who I value more than anything) and to convey my love of cats. If extra money happens fine...if it doesn't I am fine with that too.

Cody

6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular? 
I think what I like the most is the incredible people I have met along the way. It is amazing how close I feel to so many of the bloggers after not having been blogging that long. Pet Bloggers are a generous, warm, caring and supportive community that I am honored and proud to be a part of.

My favorite times on my blog are when I am blogging as my cat, Cody.  I love the reactions I get from my readers when I am Cody. Cody has an attitude, he is sarcastic, fat and sassy but fun and loving....hmmmm...an awful lot like his Mom! I have ALWAYS loved to make people laugh. That is a characteristic I have had since childhood and speaking as Cody truly is a vehicle for me to be able to make people laugh. There is no better gift to me than when I experience a good laugh and I want to be able to give the same gift of laughter to others.

I love doing book reviews and am trying to get my paws  ooops hands!! (Cody slipped in! Sorry!) on product reviews. I think that would be a ton of fun! I love supporting various causes pertaining to cats/rescue/neutering etc and I love the kind people who have been featured as Guest Bloggers.

I also  love constantly learning and trying to improve my blog. I have a long way to go, it is a work in progress.

7. What do you like least?
The fear of having nothing to say (Writer's Block). The constant fear that I am just not good enough! But I keep plugging away!

8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011? 

I don't like to try and predict too much because life/God has a way of leading us where we are supposed to be but I would like to finally become adept at using my video camera and shoot videos.  I want to become much more technologically savvy than I am now. I have a digital camera and NEVER use it and I know I need to! I want to work even harder than I have thus far because I am one that believes with hard work, passion and a belief that you CAN DO IT...the sky's the limit!!!

Cody and I

Thanks for taking the time to read and sorry I am so late! Thanks to all of the bloggers out there who touch my heart both through your comments on my blog and through your posts on your OWN blogs, who make ME laugh and learn and ponder on a regular basis....you guys rock and you are my idols!