Catting around like a hound.
If a cat can do it, so can you.
Unwrap that scrunched-up inner wild cat or wolf, that’s been hibernating all winter.
Reinvent yourself. Follow your whims. Only normal. It’s spring.
Spring Fever exists? Something does.
Dr. Rosenthal(National Institute of Mental Health) and Dr. Michael Terman, (Director of the Light Therapy Unit at the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in Manhattan) believe that humans experience not only psychological reactions after the spring equinox, but also real seasonal shifts in body chemistry.
Read more here: “Spring Fever, Down to a Science” by the NY Times.
But unable to focus on letters and punctuation marks?
Don’t apologize. It’s Spring (How convenient.)
Scientific American’s Yasmin Tayag created this one just for you.
So there you have it.
(Although sleep deprived parents struggling with small kids who refuse to go to bed while the sun is shining forever during Daylight Savings Time – those parents may be giddy for other reasons.)
Everyone outside. Nothing’s getting done anyway.
Go ahead. Wiggle toes in the grass.
Follow the butterflies.
Dance in the fountain.
Twist and shout out loud.
I suggest yelling out this list: “polarizing, calculating, disingenuous, insincere, ambitious, inevitable, entitled, over-confident, secretive, will do anything to win, represents the past, out of touch, and tone-deaf.”
Then laugh long and loud. Big belly laughs.
And repeat.
No other option.
Why?
Because it must be Spring Fever that inspired Hillary Clinton’s “Super Volunteers” to threatened The New York Time’s Amy Chozick that using any of these word to describe Hillary Clinton would not be tolerated and they will be “watching, reading, listening and protesting coded sexism.”
Seriously? How old are these volunteers, 12?
Did anyone go “Oooo, I’m so scared” or “Who made you the boss of me?”
Roll on the ground ridiculous.
(Are you sure it’s not an early April Fool’s joke?)
You can read more about the ruckus here (Washington Post) or here. (Huffington Post).
A little levity. Some fuzzy impulsive thinking. That’s spring for you.
Time for flip flops, dining al fresco, and lots of laughter.©
Might as well smile and realize people are going to be a bit wacky.
Polarizing, calculating, disingenuous, insincere, ambitious, inevitable, entitled, over-confident, secretive, will do anything to win, represents the past, out of touch, and tone-deaf.
Sorry, couldn’t help it. Spring Fever, you know.
Just a blooming joke.
The cat made me do it!
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Cats always have the last laugh. (1870.Louis Wain/ Neuroscience Art Gallery/USPD:Artist life/Commons.wimimedia.org)
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Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 
Would it be catty of me to add a few words to that list? Probably, so I’ll refrain. Speaking of refrains, however, there is one new adaptation of an old refrain that I’ve heard. It ends, “pantsuit on fire…” Clever, no?
Given what’s going on in the middle east, I’m thinking that there are a few words missing from the vocabularies of the State Department, White House and Congress. Like: verify, sanctions, inspections, publication. But that sort of thinking isn’t very springish, so I’ll let that go, too.
I love the umbrellas! Are those over at South Shore?
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Boat Show weather indeed. Bet they are thrilled. That the patio across the lake – it was a glorious day, so risked the pollen for Mediterraneo. Less crowded during the week. I think they got new umbrellas.
Lots of stuff seems empty around Hillary and DC in general…although they have more fed financed road /building projects going on that any place else….and the schools there are seeing increase of students for the first time in a long time. Hmmm. all that tax payers’ money. Looking for a true statesman or honest stateswoman worthy of acclaim and place in history. And looking….looking…looking.
Wonder if I repeat those words constantly I’ll get more hits…blog hits, that is. George Carlin would be soooo happy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_dirty_words (putting in the link just in case people don’t know who he is. He isn’t a Kardasian or First Lady with bad hair day or a boy band drop out, so they might not with the level of “news” these days.)
Hey you’re spring-ish – spring, coiled ready to bounce…oh, that was coiled like a cobra. Oh.
Let’s go back to the silly cat video and umbrellas. Somehow both fit.
Thanks for herding cats this way!
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Ah, ha. I thought of Mediterraneo right off, but then I thought, “No, their umbrellas don’t look that good.” New umbrellas! I’ll check them out when I go over to the farmers market this morning.
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Bet there’s a lot of offerings today. Longing for those summer tomatoes. (need to avoid the market – they have puppies – cute puppies!) Get out before all the tourist traffic. (Would be so nice to have a designated bike route over there – one barricaded from car lanes…I keep nagging city hall, but the bridges both ways are TXDOT)
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Of course publishing a “do not say” list makes everyone think of exactly those words! As has many a taboo list I’ve encountered in various contexts in the past….
Nevertheless, it would be nice, wouldn’t it, if news and “news” writers had to actually think up terminology for themselves, instead of repeating a few set phrases like mantras.
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The whole thing is just so much like one of those high school movies with teen Reese Witherspoon running for student council.Tweeting it all. Silly beyond words.
It would be earth shattering if the tv anchors and young reporters (hard to call them news people – it’s all magazine fodder now) had any vocabulary at all. (and knew the actual definitions of words, so they right ones would be used in the right place…as you well know from front line experience).For a while we had what we started calling ESL News on tv stations. The really energetic young reporters were using all the ESL teaching methods while spouting the stories: exaggerated emotional facial expressions, hand gestures, lots of props, and pointing..it was clown city. Someone finally tipped them off that non-English speakers who wanted to understand what was going on normally watch news on one of the many other language stations we have here. Those poor reporters/anchors are now trying to convince everyone they are serious reporters. Might help if they read more from many sources, actually understood the facts and stories, and stopped giggling and telling stories about their own lives. (So they think they are the stars and we tune in to see them? Clicking off.)
Setting up to be a long annoying election song and dance. How about a nice long around the world cruise until the day before the election? Bet we could fill several boats…hmmm, maybe a new future as cruise organizers?
Hope you have an entertaining weekend. Thanks for paging over here
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And over here we are heading into the Abyss!
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Hope you’ve pack in enough supplies.We’ll greedily hold on to the next few weeks. Once June gets here, we’ll be preparing for hibernation from the extreme heat and humidity. One thing about winter, outdoor is so stripped down and sculptural which makes moody photos. Dance wildly outdoors while you can! Thanks for running along.
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we sadly are not really in spring fever… it’s still too cold to chase butterflies :o) and my mom said she can not even shop spring stuff… that’s a serious sign of winter blues I think :o)
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There it is, Easy. Spring fever makes those affected thoughtless about those who are pulling on the sweaters instead of shoving them to the back of the closet. You must have chased the butterfly here – saw a monarch yesterday. The researchers in the article talk about winter blues. It’s chilly 40 right now, but sunny and this will probably be the nicest weekend (sunny 80’s low humidity, no mosquitoes) we have until October. Molly says she’ll dig a hole in the yard in your honor…and run fast when staff sees it. Paws up! Thanks for romping along
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My cats did not approve of this post. They believe that being more catlike is the way to go especially if there is a plant of catnip lurking about. Their last go-good activity was to send a box of ‘nip to Congress. Sadly it didn’t seem to help.
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RC Cat here agrees. HRH sniffed that the cat of the video must be of the same clan as Perfect, a former RC Cat of the Realm. Same attitude and stout self confidence – a paw in both camps. But even he, she feels, would draw the line at grabbing frisbees. If spring ever comes to DC area, perhaps all can be lured outside to be infected with spring fever so they will wander off and keep their paws from making any more mess for the rest of us. (RC is waving madly. What? Oh, HRH insists that no catnip should wasted on them) Thanks for pouncing on on a comment!
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No spring going on here today. It’s in the 20s and no cat, or dog, is outside chasing after anything. However, if I was outside I fear that I’d remain more cat. Dogs drool, cats rule. It’s a truth that I’ve always held dear, which when translated to our Congress means that we need to get more cool cats in there to stop all the mad dogs from ruining the place. 😉
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RC Cat believes you are correct about Cats for Congress. A little dignity, firm nudges when action is needed, ability to stare things down without blinking, speaking only when necessary, and with the wisdom to hire seasoned knowledgeable staff who don’t just glad paw. Yes, yes. Drool is not cool….maybe in a VP position….”Staff, poster boards and markers!”
Oh, my, thinking about running on a Cat + Dog platform….or more likely a Cat Tree over a Dog House. Never exactly on board the same level, right?
Hope there’s at least a sun window – we were looking for spring, but misplaced shipment. Opened up and release summer. (If I can just stuff some of it back in the box will Fed Ex overnight it to you) Thanks for the pawsome comment
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RC Cat is a smart leader. I’d be proud to be on Team RC! Enjoy your warmth. Ours will be here soon enough.
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What? Just went out and the bare spots of dirt already look dry and baked with the grass saying “water or die”? Spring got skipped. (Molly was ready to pack up for your cool, but RC said she’d turn down the AC. )
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Spring fever definitely exists, especially for us Northerners where its still hovering around 30 degrees… Ugh. I’ve often wondered why there isn’t a term for “fall fever” or even “winter fever”. Those changes of seasons can often be just as enlivening for folks!
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What does it want? Some sort of bribe to make Winter leave? Waiting for a tip like a bellman?
Not being a summer person, spring only means summer hibernation is about to begin…only it looks like summer is shoving its’ way onto the stage early. (Back to getting up at dawn to get the dog out before the glare and baking). You’re right. Need a catchy name for fall/winter fans….”Football season” doesn’t quite fit.
Hope the sun find you soon. Thanks for planting a comment.
(now I have to go out and rake leaves…our oaks shed in spring and put on new leaves – and pollen – almost the next day. Green. Very (sneeze) green in more ways than one.)
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My GS has been rolling around in the grass, likely because she is so happy to see something green to roll around in. It seems like the minute the calendar said spring, Mother Nature waved her wand and the landscape obeyed. Allergies aside, it’s lovely!!
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The German spent quite a bit of time in the backyard rolling and kicking up her legs, and sun bathing before she returned home. No one enjoys spring more than German Shepherds. Really full of joy.
It has been an amazing quick turn around. Glad I got the heavy trimming, pruning, and plant relocation done before it got hot. Yes, hot – and sneezy. Molly said today, only early early daybreak walks from now on..naps later. Paw waves! Thanks for kicking a comment this way
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Full of joy indeed . And a bit of mischief! Empty flower containers are Gretel’s favorite chew toys. Yikes!
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Molly always noticed new potted plants…and seems to think it’s helpful to jerk the plant out and run around the yard with it. (Staff, she feels, always needs exercise). Then there is a lovely container of dirt to dig in ( Well, it isn’t the yard so OK, right?)
Our dogs need to chat.
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I have a feeling they would be instant BFF’s.
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Sisters of the Dirty Paws! (Now that sounds like a story)
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I’m getting Spring Fever; thankfully, I only have 3 teaching days and 4 total school days before Spring Break. Time to declutter and refocus!
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Spring Break here ended last week. It’s really too early as weather generally won’t cooperate until April. The real scheduling was done probably for the state wide testing that starts next week. Such a drama show. While progress monitoring is good, data hysteria is nuts. Once those tests are done, you might as well turn out school – talk about unfocused time. in any case until the smoke from the MX annual burning of the fields arrives, all those kids – of all ages need to be outside. Biologically necessary, right?
Hang in there and enjoy that break! Thanks for hopping by here to say hello
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Same here: our mandatory testing starts after our break, too.
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So they want to know how much the kids retain and information they can access/utilize…Big money for companies. Lots of info for grant holders/researchers. Kids aren’t machines that are always ready…one day snapshot of a few hours in a life. Too tricky for real insights, but there’s demands by so many for accountability.(understandable), but wouldn’t end of year essays work better after the year’s work is done?…oh, not impartial machine graded. Such a muddle. Hang in there kids and teachers!(Notice here they get kids back a week before so they can get them settled back in and do that last minute cramming!)
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Why is she potentially being not-called tone-deaf? That’s a new one on me.
Being as I live across the pond, I see those O2 ads – I’d rather the cat was a cat. Maybe they will bring out a be more cat campaign?
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(Do you think they are just roaming through a dictionary and grabbing words so no one can say anything? Seems that way sometimes.)
Tone deaf. Actual basic meaning: Unable to hear the differences between musical notes or sing the notes the correct way (and not even realize it). Not hear the fine nuances. Everyday meaning, someone who can’t/won’t/refuses to hear what someone is saying (and how it is said) – refuses to recognize/acknowledge the differences/nuances from what he/she is saying and what the other person is saying. Basically ignoring (on purpose) another’s pleas, logic, reasoning, and arguments.Not harmonious meaning in either usage. These words and others are routinely used for anyone running for elections which is a loud ruckus of a process. Not sure why they fell Hillary should get special treatment…is she too “delicate” for words? Hmmm, if so, to “delicate” for the job. (the whole list and threat thing is so teen movie-ish…like the one Reece Witherspoon was in running for school council)
Spring is here – we want new and fresh. Unblemished. The German’s owners sent that cat video – it was just too funny. Although RC sniffed it was probably just a myth – although she mentioned there are regional differences among the realms…and there was this fine young male kitten she once knew (she became a little misty eyed and refused to stay awake any longer) I’ll have to check out more about O2. Creativity and laughter always on the schedule here. Thanks for rolling by with a comment
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I have never heard that second definition! I’m too literal with my English, perhaps. Getting older, not keen on new terminology?
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Every place bends their language for common/daily/job specific use. That’s why it is so difficult to talk like native speakers in conversations even if you got an “A” in that school class. Forget trying to explain regional jokes, puns, and idioms….(and have I had polite arguments with foreign researchers as I wrote/edited their work…”Yes, that does mean that, but actually, here, we say it this way in this context.” Give a person a PhD and they think they’ve got it all learned.) It’s a wonder we can get ideas across at all sometimes.
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Oh Lordy – ten years in Ireland and I still mess up! Mostly it is using the word ride – it has only ONE meaning here and it doesn’t involve giving someone a lift in a car!
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Hazardous Speech medal need to be awarded for being brave enough to take the risk!
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I work with men – the immature giggles when I mess up are the best way to learn proper language here!
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That’ll larn ye!(As would be sayd in East TX by those Scottish descendants on the farms).
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The birds were chirping yesterday and I thought here we go spring fever. Then the snow came back again today.
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Guess that’ll teach those cheerful birds. You guys are never going to get a break….maybe time for you to take a book tour to some place? Now if everyone took their hair dryers outside – especially those super dog groomer ones – maybe the point get across. The sun is out there – wish harder! Thanks for making such an effort to spring over to chat
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Our senior dog (not quite senile, but older than the junior pup) just broke out into a rendition of “anything cats can do we can do better…”
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So that’s where Molly learned it. She’s looking pretty smug. (RC said it was all done with mirrors and refuses to consider) Thanks for smiling along!
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The cat is a convenient scapegoat. Mostly because they’re in the middle of it all whether they caused it or not!
Nancy
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That’s the price cats play for being aloof and looking snootily all knowing.Thanks for batting around a comment
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Spring indeed. I was out walking the dog yesterday, in 77 degree sunshine. My lawn is greening, the birds are singing, the neighbors are revving motorcycles and washing boats (yes, boats in Denver; never ceases to amaze me). I do love changing seasons (but not the oncoming outdoor maintenance). Fall has always been my favorite.
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Grand lake has boats – maybe they go there? There are sail boats around Boulder and Estes Park. See – that’s been my selling point for relocation…but all those snow pix this winter isn’t helping the cause – but they were’t from CO. CO has pretty snow on mountains….Still working on that. While I’m a fall person,too, the mountains in spring are wonderful. (I only sneeze at certain elevations there…just hike faster to get through it) Thanks for planting a comment
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I think Spring is here to stay, but I’m not putting money on it. This morning, Facebook showed me a post from a year ago today—I’d posted a photo of the day’s snow. So, we’ll see!
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Fingers crossed…we seemed to have gone straight into summer. What? Cracks in the ground? That’s what happens after bunch of rain and the sun bakes. Maybe spring has just packed up and headed your way? Hope so! Thanks for springing over to chat
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In Arizona, I’m pretty sure spring is here to stay. Unfortunately, summer overstays its welcome.
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Oh, it was here and left. Summer is simmering in already. Will be getting up and out shortly after daybreak for dog walks trying not to melt. Enjoy those lovely nights there. Thanks for hopping in to chat
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