Man Oh Manny

Manny FAQ's

Eire

Lost and Found

Fwd

Orange and White

Manny & Friends

All Tied Up!

So handsome...

And the winner is...

The Giants Win, The Giants Win!!

Manny's Collar Contest!

Man Oh Manning!

Happenings

New Year's Eve 07

Merry Manny Christmas (Belated)

Worth the Wait...

Manny and MeMe

Stuff On My Cat!

Major League Confusion

See Manny Blog.

Photo Album: Manny's Friends

Photo Album: Misc Manny

Photo Album: By KittyCatLane

Photo Album: Manny's Family!

Photo Album: Dallas '08

Photo Album: Boston '07

Photo Album: N.Y. + L.I.

Photo Album: Blog Stuff

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:33:03 GMT

Man Oh Manny! How time flies in between blog posts!! I've been so incredibly....[lazy]...about writing down Manny's antics. Actually Manny's been so incredibly lazy, hence the post-less blogs. It's so much easier to push the blame onto a cat that spends 23 hrs a day sleeping.

A few people have asked me some Manny related questions recently so I thought I'd do a little Manny question and answer session post. You all will have an opportunity to ask your questions and the end of the session via blog comments and emails. Please, hold your applause.

Here goes.

Q. Does Manny still spend most of his time in his hideout?

A. Not really. Only when the vacuum comes out, but honestly, in my house, that's not a frequent occasion. Manny much rather hang out on top of the bed laying across pillows and making himself comfortable on the Duvet.

Q. Does Manny wake you up when he's hungry?

A. Nope, I'm happy to say that he only wakes me up when he wants to be pet. He likes to poke me in the head with his paw. Over and over and over and over. In the middle of the night. During the week.

The only time he begs for food is when the fridge opens, the silverware draw opens; he hears his treat jar; when we open a cabinet; when we walk into the kitchen or when we cook chicken. Go figure.

Q. Is he still shy?

A. Not if your blonde and female. He loves girls. There are certain visitors that he gets all mushy for and will flip over and show off his belly. He purrs really loud and just totally eats up all the attention. Manny will bond with you if it's on his own terms. Just stick out your hand and he will show you where to pet.

Q. What are some of Manny's dislikes?

A. My camera in his face; loud noises; the Mets; football season; cat carriers; meat flavored fancy feast; and a messy litter box.

Q. ...and his likes?

A. Me; yoga (it might have something to do my Denise Austin yoga DVDs...); the Yankees: Fancy Feast days; sometimes The Husband; treats; and surprises that comes for him in boxes.

Q. How has Manny been getting along with the fish lately?

A. Swimmingly. Just this morning I caught him with his faced pressed against the glass undoubtedly wishing the fish a good morning.

Q. Has manny found any rogue blueberries?

A. Funny you should ask [Kevin!] I just got a good sale on some blueberries over the weekend. Maybe I will let some blueberries lose on the kitchen floor and let the mayhem begin.

Feel free to send/comment any of your Manny related questions!

Having trouble commenting? Click here

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:50:45 GMT

So, I think I pretty much have plans for a trip almost, sorta, kinda, just about nailed down. In a few months I should be hopefully possibly going to...IRELAND!

On one end of the spectrum, I'm beyond excited about the potential prospect of visiting Ireland for 10 days with The Husband. Ireland has been on my travel list for so long that it will be just plain awesome to actually go. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, I'm a little more than apprehensive on what to do with Manny if and when I'm in Ireland. I know: crazy cat lady, but I'm kinda freaked out about my options. I have the best cat sitters (The Twin; his girlfriend; and my Mom) in the world, but I really would hate to impose on them for 10 or so days. That's quite a commitment and I do actually recognize the fact that my tried and true cat sitters actually have other things to do with their time instead of hanging out with Manny every single day. How many times can I ask them to drop everything and watch Manny while I get to indulge in some travel time? If they all didn't have cats of their own I would consider considering to ask them (read: bribe them) to let Manny hang out at their places, but its not an option. So, I feel like my last option is boarding my lil orange boy at the Vet's.

The thought strikes fear into my heart.

All I can picture is Manny cooped up in a cage for oh, about 100% of the time acting all depressed and/or agitated. Should he survive his extended stay at the Vet's (dramatic much?) I'm afraid he's pretty much going to hate us for the rest of our lives upon our return from the Emerald Isle. I'm not saying that the Vet wouldn't take good care of him, its just I never had to board Manny before and I have no idea what to expect.

So, blogging buddies, what can I expect? Tell me about some of your experiences with boarding a cat. Can I be all neurotic and ask the above mentioned cat sitters to please, please, please check up on him every few days? Do the cats have to stay in a cage for their entire duration? Did your cat claw you piece by piece when you came to pick him up? Will Manny eventually forgive me?

I might be able to figure out a way not impose on my cat sitting saviors and skip the potential boarding, but there may be a time when not boarding Manny is not an option, so I should know what to expect when boarding.

Do tell.

(Manny's NEW SPOT)

Mon, 19 May 2008 16:50:12 GMT

Yesterday, I lost Manny for approximately 45 minutes inside my house.

I'll just let that marinate with you all for a second or two.

Ok, here's what happened. I was just minding my own business whilst doing some spring cleaning when all hell broke lose. I made the unfortunate mistake of vacuuming under the bed (aka Manny's hideout). It's not something I do often because it sends Manny into a tail spin, but I had to do it! I have allergies! I had to get rid of the accumulating dust and fur colonizing under the bed. So, of course, the minute I dragged the vacuum into the room and moved the mattress aside to do some cleaning, Manny bolted out of the room. This has happened before - usually he just finds a temporary hideout until calm returns so I didn't think much of it.

When I finished, I decided to look for Manny and make sure he was okay. I checked all of Manny's secondary hideout locations with no signs of orange fur anywhere. At this point, I enlisted The Husband's help and we looked high and low and in between but the there was no sign of Manny. I called his name, shook his treat jar, I even pulled out the laser toy thinking he would come out to play. Nothing.

I was getting a tad panicky and started jumping to conclusions. I kept thinking he snuck out of the house, even though he hates going near the front door (vet portal). The Husband took a look for him outside while I continued the search inside. I checked closets, cabinets, shelves, behind the entertainment unit - nothing. I was on the verge of hysterics when I remembered the Power of the Fancy Feast Can.

I stood in the living room, popped open a can of feast and heard the faint jingle of his cat collar (score one for the cat collar)! Oh thank the Good Lord that Manny was inside the house, but where?! As the smell wafted to Manny's little nose, I saw him gingerly come out from behind the La-Z-boy. I swore up and down to The Husband that I looked behind the chair. Baffled, I went to pick up Manny and he scooted out of my arms and ran back into hiding, which turned out to be UNDERNEATH the La-Z-boy. How he squeezed under a lounge chair, I'll never figure out. I'm just glad I didn't decide to take a nap while he was under there! Yikes!

I gave Manny a stern talking to and treat for his troubles.

***

Manny's hanging around a new spot, check it out here

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:22:04 GMT

Every once in a while someone emails a pretty darn good forward or video clip that I like to pass on to the world. How lucky for you that today, I have one of these such forwards. How lucky for me that I get to use the forward as a blog entry seen as I have no blog matieral what. so. ever.

So with out further ado, I give you a forward that made me snort with laughter. Ta da:

(Oh, and if anyone has any Manny blog material and/or ideas - please, please, please, pass it along)

DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.'
I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:18:54 GMT

Last week, April 10th to be exact, I was walking to the train after work when The Husband pointed out the Empire State Building (ESB).

"Look!", he said, pointing at the building like a first time NYC tourist.

I looked up as I crossed the street, trying not to get ran over by an over zealous taxi. "wow", I said, not that impressed. I couldn't figure out what was so special. It's the same building I see every night and every morning and basically any other time I step out of the office. The [exasperated] Husband said, "notice the colors...see anything familiar..."

"OH YEAH!!!", I answered excitedly. The proverbial light bulb finally turned on! The Empire State Building was illuminated in bright orange and white....the same strippy color as my (ahem, our) Manny! I stopped on the corner and fished for my phone to document the ESB adorned in Manny orange and white. I didn't care about the people bumping into me and muttering, "tourist!" as they rushed past me. I so had to take a quick picture so I could show everyone that the ESB decided to honor Manny on some random Thursday evening.

Here's the view of the orange and white ESB from my phone:

Here's a picture of Manny on the same random Thursday night after I told him that the ESB was glowing in Orange and White. See the resemblance?

As you can see, Manny was not as excited about being honored by the ESB as I was. Probably because he already knew the real reason why the ESB was glowing a beautiful orange and white.

It was in honor of the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), ASPCA Day (April 10, 2008). Oh, right - I knew that. Ok, so the ESB wasn't lit in honor of Manny, but I can totally deal with taking a back seat to the ASPCA. Knowing the ESB was the same color as Manny in honor of the ASPCA made me smile, and probably made my day, too.

***

Special "Hi!" to Manny's new readers and to those of you kind enough to drop us an email!

Hi Noelle -- Manny and I miss you!

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:50:46 GMT

I finally uploaded Manny's tie pictures onto the computer. Here he is gallivanting in his necktie:

That's really the only pictures that came out okay. Manny is a hard cat to photograph. He thinks he's shy.

In fact he would like to take the focus off of him just for a moment so he can show you his fish friends. Here they are:

Manny's fish tank friends can be a whole other blog in itself. Lots of crazy stuff happens in and around that fish tank (aka The Husband's pride and joy).

Like the time we came home and found that two of our fish (not pictured) were busy creating lots of little baby fish. We were fish grandparents for like 30 minutes before the new fish parents got hungry and turned their offspring into their sushi dinner. Eww. We called The Twin, the self proclaimed fish guru to come and see the baby fish. When he arrived, he said "I came as fast I can!" with his fish gear in hand. The Husband and The Twin talked animatedly about how to proceed with our new fish friends. I went to bed. Manny hung around the tank looking mightily hungry. We decided to let my brother take home one of the fish who seemed to be acting aggressively to the new fish parents and their offspring. About a month later, said fish surprised my brother with baby fish.

We get to experience lots of staring contests between cat and fish. Manny loved to watch the now deceased algae sucker, Windex Jr. do his tank cleaning chores. Manny would get up on two paws to watch Windex Jr. move around the tank. Manny and I miss Windex Jr. very much and hold a grunge towards the other fish the day I discovered a very mangled Windex Jr. at the bottom of the fish tank one night. Tragic.

There was also that time that a fish mysteriously went missing and everyone pointed their fingers at sweet little Manny. It was later determined that the fish met his untimely death when he hopped out of the tank while The Husband was cleaning the tank.

We like to tell everyone that the fish are Manny's pets and the only reason we have the tank is for Manny's entertainment. Its a lot better than telling people that my brother and my husband are obsessed with fish, fish tanks, and the maintenance thereof, and that they spend hours perusing fish stores for the latest in fish accessories, in my humble opinion...

anyways, we would like to wish you all a Happy Easter for those of you Eastering this weekend and a Happy Weekend for those of you not.

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:32:40 GMT

My little orange fur ball wishes all of you a very Happy St. Patrick's Day.

We've been so bad about blogging and we apologize about that. Manny can't type, so the blame lays squarely on my shoulders. Plus, Manny has a very busy schedule with napping, eating, napping, napping, eating, purring, napping, eating so the time really does fly by for him.

We do have a story to share with you, though:

It was my Mom's birthday (Manny's grandma) and we hosted a birthday dinner for her last weekend at my place. Manny decided to scrape a few pennies together and buy her some birthday flowers. Molly (my mom's cat) chipped in and also added a few lotto scratch-offs to the mix. Cats like things they can scratch so they thought Grandma would like it, too. She did, but she probably would have liked the scratch offs better if she won more than two dollars.

In the midst of all the party planning, Manny received a surprise in the mail!! In what couldn't be more perfect timing, my long time blogging buddy, Kim, sent Manny a couple of kitty sized neck ties! Yes, folks, cat neck ties complete with white collar. It's all the range in cat apparel and I was beyond excited that Manny had his very own neck tie! I knew right then and there that Manny would be dressing up for his grandma's birthday party! I could hardly wait to put it on him!

Surprisingly, Manny didn't put up a fight. He was a bit groggy from his recent nap and I managed to secure it on his neck pretty quickly. He looked fabulous! The Husband and I convulsed into fits of giggles (yes, The Husband giggled!!) over how handsome and professional he looked. If Manny could blush, his orange fur would be bright pink. You could just tell he was like "STOP LAUGHING AT MEEEE!" He got up and went into his under the bed hideout, all the while The Husband and I were shouting out things like, "have a good day at work!" and "don't forget your lunch!".

When guests started arriving, I had everyone peek under the bed so they could see Manny wearing his tie. Everyone oooed and ahhed and eventually Manny could not resist all the attention. He came out and made his tie wearing début. He loved how everyone went completely nuts over him and decided to bask in the spotlight. He came out of his hideout and jumped on the bed to let the girls pet him. He left the room and mingled for a little bit until he was tuckered out. He fell asleep with his tie on crooked, obviously pooped out from all the partying.

Right now, all I have is one grainy photo of his tie wearing adventures from my cell phone. I have more that The Husband took with the camera but I need to upload them onto the computer. I'll do it as soon as my laziness/business subsides a little.

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:33:56 GMT

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 03:50:30 GMT

...The Polka Dot Collar! Lots of people commented that they loved the orange on orange look, but it didn't translate in the polls. Polka dots took the lead early and never looked back. Orange did give a valiant effort, almost catching up to Polka dots at one point, but never quite did. The finaly tally was Polka dots 63 - Orange 45.

For those of you on the orange bandwagon, you think like The Husband. He picked out the orange collar thinking it would be cool to do the orange on orange thing. That and he didn't like much of the other collar color selection at Petco. I think I mentioned previously that he wanted Manny to have a blue collar to pay homage to the Mets. Yea, um, I don't think so.

I picked out the polka dots collar. If you chose polka dots, you have very excellent taste! :o) I figured the polka dots would mix things up a bit and reflect Manny's fun loving nature and bring out his cuteness. Apparently a lot of you agreed with me because over 58% of the votes were in favor of polka dots.

I must thank you all, dear readers, for taking the time out to vote. Over 100 people voted for the next Manny collar! Very cool! If any one has any suggestions for a future poll, let me know!

The loser orange collar will be donated to Manny's former home, Little Shelter. Most of the cats up for adoption at little shelter have collars (w/ bells) and id tags so I'm sure there is a new shelter cat just waiting to sport an orange collar. I'll bring it over to the shelter and see if they could use it.

I wish I had pictures of Manny sporting his new collar, but he's not being very cooperative. Either he is enjoying his collar-less state or hates polka dots, because he is refusing to let me put that thing on him. It's going to be tricky outfoxing the cat, but I'm determined to put the collar and id tag on him. My biggest fear is that he will run out of the house without my contact information on. *shudder*. Although, right now he equates the door with the vet so he pretty much stays away from the front door. Phew.

Pictures to follow soon (I hope). I also would like to delve into the to bell or not to bell an indoor cat issue that seemed to crop up during the voting.

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 04:21:16 GMT

MANNING FOR PRESIDENT!

The Husband and I made it back from our mini-trip to Dallas in plenty of time for the Super Bowl kick off. The Twin threw one heck of a shin-dig with plenty of food, friends & freak outs. The Giants won, madness ensued and thus concluded another football season. Ok Manny, its safe to come out of hiding.

But beware, my little orange feline: pitchers and catchers report to spring training in less than 10 days!

***

The winner of the 2008 Manny Collar Contest has been decided...the official announcement and picture will be posted as soon as The Husband calms down long enough to help me put Manny's brand spanking new collar on! This could take awhile...he's pretty psyched.

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:33:43 GMT

For about a week and a half Manny's been on stealth mode. His old collar seemed to be irritating him so I took it off and let his neck breath for a little while until I purchased a new and improved collar. He's been wearing the same collar that he had on when I adopted him from the shelter.

A collar less Manny has resulted in me being startled no fewer than four times during the night. With his collar, I can hear him come in the room; jump on the bed; and eat from his bowl, but without his collar, I have no idea what he's up to until he's doing it.

When I drift off to sleep Manny takes that opportunity to pounce on the bed. Without the little bell jingling from his collar he's very sneaky.

The Husband and I decided to each pick out a collar and let you, the readers, decide which one Manny should wear. I won't divulge who picked what so as not to influence your decision. We each were picked out the one we liked best, save for the blue one The Husband picked. An orange cat with a blue collar would look too much like a Mets mascot in my eyes, and we can not have that now can we.

Tale a look at the two collar choices, let it marinate, and vote. The poll is located above this post.

This is Manny's future we're talking about...

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:33:28 GMT

Man Oh Manning - Eli Manning and the NY Giants are going to the Super Bowl!. Finally, a New York team doing well in post-season play! The Husband and The Twin are beyond ecstatic that the Giants are headed to Arizona. We watched Sunday's football duel at The Twin's house - lucky for Manny. The game was such a roller coaster of highs and lows coupled with lots of screaming and cheering that Manny surely would have suffered a coronary. The Twin's cats, Bailey and Mister, handled the ruckus like champs. Bailey stayed in the bedroom with her paws over her eyes. Mister stood in front of the TV and starred right back at us. He watched us with the same intensity that we had watching the game. No doubt he thought he was being admired by a roomful of adoring, screaming fans.

Manny has two weeks to prepare for the Super Bowl...

***

Be on the look out for a new Manny voting poll coming very, very soon!! Manny is getting a new collar and he wants you to decide which one he wears! Manny fully expects you all to exercise your right to vote!

Due to some technical difficulties with Manny's domain name <manohmanny.com>, for the time being, please use http://manohmanny.spaces.live.com/ to read Manny's goings on!!

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:55:02 GMT

Allllrighty, finally, our first post of the new year. Manny has caught on that any move he makes that can be construed as funny; entertaining; or even mildly amusing will be posted for the world to read about. So, he's been pretty self contained lately.

In any event, I think I have mustered enough material to share with you ala bullet format:

· It was The Husband's birthday yesterday so I mentioned it to Manny when I got up for work. Manny squinted at me then gave an obnoxiously long yawn. I picked him up and placed the groggy cat on the likewise groggy husband. Both laid there like lumps. As we were leaving for the workday, Manny plopped his fake toy mouse at The Husband's feet. I think that birthday present trumped the birthday present I gave The Husband.

· Much to Manny's dismay, the Giants are in the playoffs. I had to make an executive decision to ban football playoff viewing in our home. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to deal with for Manny's sake. The screaming; yelling; cheering; and cursing is way too much for Manny's furry heart to handle. He likes his quiet. I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to be able to enforce the ban. The Husband is itching to host a playoff party in our home and I overheard him telling The Twin to come over for Sunday's match up. I swear to you, Manny left the room and went to his hideout when he heard the invite.

· Speaking of yelling and screaming, American Idol has started again! Manny snuggled on the couch with me to watch the start of Season Seven. It's pretty funny to see that some of the ~~singing~~ screaming actually forces Manny to flatten his ears against his head.

· Manny went on a field trip to the vet about a month ago. After the vet I decided to take him to his Grandma's to meet Molly. Both cats were curious of each other, but only one cat hissed at the other cat. I told Grandma that I wouldn't broadcast which cat did the hissing. But I can assure you that my cat was a complete gentleman. You can make your own conclusions.

· The other night while sleeping, I apparently breathed the wrong way on Manny and he slapped me in the face with is paw – which by the way was a good reminder that his nails need a trimming. He then repositioned himself and allowed his tail to rest gently across my face.

· We're getting a new refrigerator this weekend. I wonder if Manny will stare endlessly at the new one like he does with the current one.

· I'm just about out of Manny material so I'll give you an update on Molly. She's spoiled. I give you a few examples:

***

I found Molly going through my pocketbook. I pointed it out to her Mother (grandma) fully expecting Molly to receive swift punishment and a stern talking to but all Grandma said was "aww, how cute!!"

***

Molly started attacking my pony tail as I sat on the floor watching TV. Again, I pointed out this behavior to her mother and all she said was "aww, she loves her sister, how cute!!"

***

At Grandma's request, I trimmed Molly's nails and as a thank you Molly dug her claws in my back (don't ask). I looked to my mother for sympathy and I got "poor baby, my poor little Molly". Pfft.

So, in sum, Molly is spoiled, I'm pretty sure Grandma loves her more than her three human children combined, but that's ok. Molly loves Grandma and Grandma loves Molly.

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:33:47 GMT

It's New Years Eve Day. I'm working. Wait - I'm "working". Ok, that's better. It was so very hard waking up this morning. Manny decided to start purring and cuddling 5 minutes before the alarm clock rang. Of course, he booked the minute it rang showering me with a blast of cold air in my face. I got up and shuffled off to get ready while knowing that half of the world's population probably has the day off. Manny didn't make it any easier when he climbed back in bed and curled up into an orange, furry ball in the exact spot on the bed that I had just grungingly vacated.

The trains were dead this morning, proving my theory that most people are at home cuddling with their pets and savoring a few extra hours of sleep. Times Square was a virtual ghost town, the exact opposite of what it normally is during a normal work week, and also the exact opposite of what it will be in a just a few hours. Rest assured, the New Year's Ball has assumed the position atop of One Times Square ready to usher in 2008. I know this because I got a good look while on my way to work.

By the way, even the street vendors took the day off.

On the plus side, I do get to leave a tad early from work today so that I can, and I quote, "get out of the Times Square area before all the streets are closed off". Yay!

So as I must get back to "work", I take this opportunity to wish all of you a wonderfully happy New Year. I look forward to reading your 2008 blogging adventures and look forward to sharing my "tails" with all of you. Be safe. Manny wishes to add a public service message and remind you to leave your cats a few extra treats before going off to party.

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:02:47 GMT

Phew, can't believe Christmas came and went already! Everything went by in a blur that Manny and I didn't get to wish everyone a Merry Manny Christmas! So, instead, in true cat fashion, we wish each and everyone of you a joyous post-Christmas season and a Happy New Year. Do you really think cats would do anything on time?

Manny totally got spoiled again this year. He enjoyed sniffing the wrapping and chewing the ribbon -- on other people's presents. Everyone got a little piece of Manny, be it teeth marks, orange fur, or slightly ripped wrapping paper, Manny made it his duty to leave his mark.

Manny received lots of toys, catnip, and trinkets this year. Among the standouts are...

A Cat Nip Bouquet. A beautiful arrangement of dried cat nip wrapped up like a bouquet. I haven't even opened the package yet and Manny has already gone berserk! He keeps knocking it off the table and playing with it like its a hockey puck. I'm afraid to actually give him some of the nip.

Two fabulous cat related books (which I will feature on a later blog). Ok, so it wasn't exactly for Manny, but I did read them with Manny by my side. And since it was something new, Manny was sure to rub his cheeks all over the books.

A cat picture frame that says "Dogs Come When They're Called, Cats Take A Message and Get Back To you Later". Soooo true. I can't wait to find the purrfect Manny picture to put in that frame. Alright, so it was another fun present for moi and not exactly Manny. But I am putting his picture in the frame...

Lots 'o toys.

Manny also received a Petco gift card! He wants nail clippers. Trust me. He does, he told me.

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:02:49 GMT

You tell me.

Phew! November and the first couple of weeks in December have been crrrazy! Manny and I apologize for our almost month long absence. I've been balancing my free time between writing and researching my thesis (yes, finally) and preparing for Christmas. Manny has been busy being my loyal mascot during the thesis research. No matter where I set up shop, he's next to me purring away. I think he's doing it to help me stay sane. It's comforting to have him there, and at times, he's the perfect distraction. Except when he insists on rubbing his face all over the laptop as he is doing as I write this blog. I must be the only person in the world that has a laptop with traces of orange fur all over it.

So now that my Christmas shopping is pretty much done, and I have a good amount of research done, I present to you the long over due, MeMe list. Thanks to your comments and emails, I have put together the 4 top Manny stories (in no particular order):

1. Blueberry Spill -

2. The Cat Sitter -

3. Hurdle Training -

4. The Cat in the Wardrobe

And for the Me part of the MeMe I gave you guys the opportunity to ask me and The Husband some questions about ourselves, the little people behind Manny. Here's some of them:

Q. How did you and The Husband meet?

A. Me and The Husband met in high school. I sat in back of him in 10th grade English. We happened to go to the same middle school and high school but really didn't become friendly until the 10th grade. He played on the high school baseball team with The Twin for a couple of seasons. We started dating after we graduated high school.

Q. What does The Husband do for a living?

A. He's a Federal Agent. (No, not really, he just wanted me to say that)

Q. What do you love/loath about NYC?

A. I love the excitement, the hoards of people, the endless things to do. I hate the excitement, the hoards of people, the endless things to do. It's a love/hate relationship. I do like living in New York but wouldn't mind buying a house somewhere else like maybe Texas, Florida or California. I love warm weather and sunshine.

Q. How do you keep Manny from clawing the furniture

A. We don't. He's targeted one of my night stands as his scratching posts. He gets in trouble every time we see him scratching the night stand but that doesn't deter him. It's his. I've accepted that. Sigh.

So there you have it, a long over due post filled with the answers to the long over due MeMe list. Thanks to all those who participated. I hope it was worth the wait.

So what's next for the continuing adventures of a first time cat owner? Well, glad you asked...Manny took a field trip to meet Molly this weekend. I'll be telling you all about it in the coming days. Be on the look out.

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:42:31 GMT

Brenda has carefully (and lovingly) tagged Manny with an 8 Things MeMe.

Here's the gist of the MeMe game:

(1) Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves. (2) People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. (4) Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Since I haven't done a tag (or a post for that matter) in a long time, I'm happy to oblige Everyone who has been tagged by Brenda has been pretty creative with their MeMe and have thought outside the box, so the pressure is on. Here's where you come in: leave Manny a comment; email; telegram; or cat scratching telling us your favorite Manny story. Feel free to dig around in the archives - we started blogging in October of '05 so you have pllllenty to choose from. Then, depending how many comments I get, I will narrow down the list and post the Top 8 Favorite Manny "Tails" in the coming week.

And now for the MeMe portion of the Manny and MeMe:

Got any questions you would like to know about The Husband, Me or Manny but were afraid to ask? here's your chance. Ask a question and we'll answer it (maybe)!

So, get to it! We have a MeMe to prepare!

ps: we are especially interested in hearing from the Lurkers and people who can't comment because of the pesky MSN sign in requirement.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:43:39 GMT

Manny Takes A Nap!

Yay! Manny's picture is on the October 29th edition of Stuff On My Cat. Click on the link to go to Stuff On My Cat to check him out! There's plenty of cats and stuff for everybody to see!

This was the highlight of my day, seen as a certain baseball team (not mine) won the world series last night.

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 02:13:00 GMT

Ok, so the MLB post season ended for me weeks ago, and in The Husband's case, a year ago (or so it seems), but we can't seem to stop watching the rest of the baseball playoffs. Oh who am I kidding. We can never fully start watching another sport or get into TV shows until the baseball season is totally done.

Tonight started the final best out of seven series signaling that the end of the baseball season is near. The Colorado Rockies vs. The Boston Red Soxs are the last teams standing and vying for champion status.

I can barely type Red Soxs without cringing. My most hated team in baseball and one of the Yankees' classic rivals. I'm definitely not going to pull a Rudy Giuliani and start rooting for the Soxs to win the World Series, sooooo let's go Rockies! I'm ~~hoping~~ praying Colorado will take home the World Series Trophy this year (and NOT Boston).

Just when I thought I couldn't possibly dislike the Red Soxs even more than I already do, I found another reason to add to my Why I Hate The Red Sox List. Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Soxs. Let me clarify. I don't have anything against the player himself, it's his name that's causing the trouble. I've never noticed this before until about a week ago, but when the announcers talk about "Manny Ramirez", my cat (also blessed with a Manny moniker) goes running towards the TV. He sits and stares at the TV like, "uh helllooo, did you not just call me...hear I am" At first I thought it was cute thinking that Manny liked baseball just like me. Then I came to the startling realization that he the thinks the announcers are talking to him whenever they utter the name Manny. Ramirez.

Manny (the cat, not Ramirez) doesn't even come when The Husband calls him, but lo and behold, when the announcers mention Manny Ramirez - My cat perks his ears up and stands at attention. When Manny Ramirez is up at base, Manny is up by the TV, ears twitching. Sometimes he could be laying on the couch, and when he hears Manny, his head pops up. Sometimes he acknowledges the announcers with a tail twitch. Sometimes a sigh. Oh wait, that's me sighing.

Poor kitty, getting all confused thinking the TV is talking to him. This wouldn't be a problem for me if Ramirez played for any other team in baseball, even the Mets (ok, I would probably not be that ok with the Mets), but I can't bare for my cat to come running just because a certain someone from the Red Soxs is up at bat. Oh well, I guess I have all winter to try to get Manny to run, or clap, or cheer, when oh, I don't know, Derek Jeter is up at the plate.

I wonder what would happen if the crowd ever started chanting, "Man-ny, Man-ny"?

I also wonder how many google hits Manny Ramirez is gonna pull in for me.

[Go Rockies. Since the Yankees are done]

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:06:15 GMT

Here's Manny doing some blogging and catching up on his friends' blogs. The hand belongs to me - the laptop belongs to Manny. He just lets me borrow it occasionally. We've been doing the blogging thing for two years this month! Happy bloggiversary to us!

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:42:19 GMT

Manny's Friends

Bailey my brother's cat

Princess Bailey on the bed

Bailey on the coffee table.

Isis and Manny (c) lilk8tob '05

Bugs! He lives in Malta

Curly the Dog

Curly in his doggie crib

Rugby - Noelle's cat. We go way back.

Weeble, The Cat That Ate Texas. For Dessert. After he ate the dog's food.

Moochie of Canada - Barb's silly kitty.

More Photos...

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:15:47 GMT

Misc Manny

MannyintheSun

Manny & Catnip

Mannybw

Manny 044

"Yes...do you need something..."

Manny 059

Manny and My Brother

Lick, Lick, Licks

Kiss Me!

BWManny

More Photos...

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:35:29 GMT

By KittyCatLane

VDAYMANNY1

VDAYMANNY2

VDAYMANNY3

VDAYMANNY4

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:32:33 GMT

Manny's Family!

The Husband

@ Coppola in Sonoma...or was it Napa?

@ Pebble Beach along the 7 Mile Drive

Overlook by the Golden Gate Bridge

WeddingDance

@theHarbor

@TheReception

JustMarried

MeandTheHusband

MrandMrs

More Photos...

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 16:59:25 GMT

Dallas '08

More Photos...

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:35:44 GMT

Boston '07

Inside Boston Commons

The Church of the Covenant

The Husband on Newbury Street

Random blg in boston

a T Stop

The [enter corporate name here] arena

The Old State House Musuem

Old South Meeting House

062

Paul Revere's House

More Photos...

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:11:14 GMT

N.Y. + L.I.

Globe by Flushing Meadows, Queens

Pindar Winery on the East End of Long Island

Christmas Spectacular 2005

Rockefeller Center 2005

"The Gates" in Central Park, N.Y.C.

Flushing Meadows, Queens

winery tractor

pouring wine

Long Island Sun Set

The oldest house in Dallas

JFK - First shot

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 10:30:14 GMT

Blog Stuff

My Space Guardian Kitty Angel

brevity2005

www.grimmy.com

Heart Of The City. Found this on AlaskanMissyM's space

ZIGGY

Pickles

Sent to me by MaineBikerChick

TLC's Life Lesson

mannytag