I know I posted this somewhere before but now I can't find it. So, I'm posting it here to ensure I don't lose it again.

Raising children is logically backward. It is much more logical to raise cats.

With a cat, you get a kitten who is practically litter trained by instinct. They spend most of their early life sleeping and require very little care. They shower you with love and purring and all they ask is a warm place to sleep and decent food. As they grow older they continue to provide companionship and a maintain a tight bond with you. (Yes, cats bond but only to 1-2 people, rarely a group). They express their affection in myriad ways - from purring to mice on your pillow. They even contribute to the house by removing pests and occassionally providing dinner. Yet, even their occassional forays into delinquent behavior tug on your heartstrings.

After several years of love, affection and partnership, your cat may begin to experience problems that come with old age. You may spend many hundreds or thousands of dollars on their care. You may have to learn new skills. You may lose many nights sleep out of worry and changing soiled bedding. But your faithful old friend has been worth it. In the last days you may even have to give your friend permission to cross the rainbow bridge because sometimes their loyalty won't let them go.


Children on the other hand -

Require constant care in the beginning. By the time you get them home you have already spent thousands of dollars. You will lose many nights sleep feeding and changing diapers. Over the years you will lose more sleep to worry as your child grows up and grows distant. After 18 years of sweat, worry and money you send them out into the world and hope that they make your sacrifices worthwhile.

Tags: cats, reference
Current Mood: exhausted
Current Music: The Alan Parsons Project - Damned If I Do

One day, a Zen monk was travelling through a great city. There he found many wonders to behold and many great masters of arts and sciences. On one street he found a series of Dojos richly appointed and filled with students and proceeded to speak to each sensei.

To each sensei he would ask "What is the greatest martial art?" And each master would explain why his art was the greatest. Then he would ask "How did you become Sensei." And each master would tell of his lineage and how he was connected to its greatest master, he would speak of great deeds and battles won. Then he would ask "Why should I learn such an art?" And he master would say "So that you may be able to fight, to defend yourself and others and to achieve honor." And the monk would bow deeply and thank them.

Then the monk came to a poor and shabby Dojo. Inside a Sensei taught a handful of students. When the sensei was finished, the monk approached and asked his questions.

"Tell me, Sensei, what is the greatest martial art?"
"Whichever one connects your mind, body and spirit."

"How did you become sensei?"
"I learned from my master."

"Why should I learn such an art?"
"So that you do not have to fight."


At that monk bowed and said "Sensei, will you teach me?"

Tags: reference
Current Mood: contemplative