The New York Times says parents who are addicted to technology could be adversely affecting their children. It's parents' constant use of cellphones and instant messaging that can cause children to feel hurt and ignored. The article describes how a boy, 2 1/2 years old, tried to get his mother's attention while she was looking at her BlackBerry. This kid whined, tugged at his mother's leg and, in a moment of final frustration, bit her. It struck home because that's exactly what my cats do when I'm on the computer.
My cats start out by meowing at me. Doesn't matter which one, all 3 of them do it. I'm often so engrossed with my Land Park real estate business that I usually don't even hear them. I tune out their cries for attention. When ignored, my cat will then stand on his hind legs and pat my arm several times with his front paw. It's what I call the "Hello, do you have any Grey Poupon?" maneuver. I continue working. At this point, the cat either stomps away or CHOMP, he bites me, take your pick. Cats aren't stupid.
They don't break my skin. They just put their teeth on my arm as a not-so-subtle reminder that they could eat me in my sleep if they wanted to. That's what happens to some people, you know. Like that commercial, "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up." An older person could suddenly keel over and, in that position, be unable to feed the cats. Sooner or later, the starving cats will eat that person clutching the table leg for dear life; they don't care. They're hungry.
I'd like to think that if I had a heart attack or something and collapsed, my cats would be smart enough to dance on my cell and tap Sacto 9-1-1. But the truth is if my husband wasn't around, they would eventually eat me. Believe me, yours would do it to you, too.
Photo: Elizabeth Weintraub, Brandon in Land Park, Sacramento
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Certified HAFA Specialist
My Sacramento Real Estate Listings
Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout the four-county Sacramento area. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate. DRE License # 00697006.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available at Amazon.com.
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