Sunday, October 24, 2010

Ill Communication

With all of my new wheels and houses, my high profile lifestyle is starting to become a little crazy. It's becoming a second job just trying to stay in touch with my peeps.







I've even acquired an iPhone, so I conduct business on the go:



Since Mom and Dad are kind of slow, I have had to develop an variety forms to communicate to them. I've increased my sign language 200% (from 1 to 3 words). I have recently added "more" and "eat"; combined with "all done", what else would I need to say? Basically all of my needs can be satisfied in these three signs: "I'm hungry, feed me" (eat), "I'd like a second (or third) helping please" (more), and "I'm finished, please clean up, and I'll be on my way "(all done).


Here I am signing "more":




Not only have I been signing, but I have also been expanding my vocal vocabulary. I am very good at saying "Hi" and "Bye" at the appropriate times and also waving. In fact, when we go to Key's for pancakes, I take it upon myself to visit all the surrounding tables, say "Hi" and make sure they are enjoying their meal. Another favorite word of mine is "Puppy". When we go on a walk, I see probably 8-10 puppies and point each one out. I am slowly starting to acknoweldge the existence of "kitties". While, I am excited for both puppies and kitties in theory; they make me pretty nervous whenever I am relatively close to them. Best of all, last week I added the word "no" to my lexicon. It comes in very handy whenever mom and dad want me to do something I think is ridiculous.


Mom and Dad have been doing a good job lately and I have been working on lots of non-verbal communication styles to show my approval. I have started giving lots of hugs, giving hi-fives, and have also learned how to communicate via interpretive dance; here's the Happy Dance:










The Happy Dance even works when standing on a chair:







The best thing about the Happy Dance, is how easily it can become the "Your'e not Giving me What I want Dance" and "Pay More Attention to me Dance".


The improved communication seems to be working. Mom made some great pumpkin cookies this week that got me really excited. At first, I was nervous because I often referred to as a pumpkin and cookie, so I didn't know what this meant. But after I had one bite I got really excited.







Now, whenver I see the cookies, I can sign that I want to eat, tell my mom and dad that I want more, and then give them the happy dance to let them know of my approval.


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Some New Wheels and Some New Digs



It's been a busy fall. I've been working hard and decided to invest in some new wheels and real estate. Working so hard, sometimes has pushed me over the edge, and I do crazy things...like wear a flower pot for a hat.






I've come to like fall afternoons. Dad and I watch football, help mom with the laundry, do some yard work, then we all go out and do some exploring. We recently went on a walk and I rode in a swing for the first time. It was a lot of fun.

I've been working hard trying to support to parents and finally earned enough extra cash to get myself a new car. I decided to get myself a fleet of new wheels. I got a new scooter which I like to push up and down the street.



I also acquired a radio flyer so I can zoom around when I am in a hurry. Both, the scooter and little flyer, are nice casual means for me to cruise up and down the street and also keep an eye on the neighborhood.




The scooters are nice, but as you can see they are only built for one. I still needed something that would come in handy when I am out at night and on the prowl. So, I decided to splurge and got myself a new Mini Cooper. I really enjoy driving it around. It has a keys, radio, a horn and gets pretty good gas mileage. Parents, lock up your daughters.


Here's some video of my new car. Just a forewarning...there's just a little shaky-cam.



So, since I got some new wheels, I decided to upgrade completely and get a new place. A man of my social stature needs to have a little privacy; plus it's nice to get out from Mom and Dad's thumb, so I decided to move out and got my own pad. I just needed a place where I can hang out, maybe have some friends over, and just chillax. It comes with a pool, and my own private sandbox. I really like my new house.





Man, there's a lot of yardwork that goes into homeowning. I spend a lot of time opening and closing the windows and moving rocks around. I can't decide if rocks belong inside or outside of my house, so I do a lot throwing them in my house and then taking them back out. Here are at least 9 rocks I have added to the inside of my home; then decided to one by one throw out.









I decided just a new house wasn't enough, so I commissioned my grandfather to build a sweet summer cottage. It has windows, a deck and a great location. I am looking forward to spending my summers relaxing in the palatial estate, taking in some nature, and if I get the chance, maybe wrestle some bears.




It's been a busy fall, but I'm making it through.