Category Archives: humor

Find Your Inner Nerd Day

Posted on by

 

🧠 Find Your Inner Nerd Day

As I browsed the list of holidays and historical moments tied to August 23, I’ll admit—I felt a bit deflated. The lineup was heavy:

  • A Day of Remembrance for the Abolition of the Slave Trade
  • Remembrance for the Victims of Stalinism and Nazism
  • Slavery Reembrace Day

And then there was poor William Wallace, executed in 1305 in a way so brutal it makes medieval horror look tame: hung (but cut down alive), emasculated, eviscerated, and finally drawn and quartered. Yikes. I think I need a new calendar.

It’s not that we shouldn’t honor these moments—they matter deeply. But here at Around Dusty Roads, I like to keep things light, curious, and a little whimsical. So when I stumbled across a more cheerful observance, I knew I’d found my muse: Find Your Inner Nerd Day!

14,700+ Nerd Boy Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free ...

Nerd Boy- Stock photo

🎉 Your Inner Nerd

We all have one. And these days? Nerds are having a moment. From science documentaries to UFO deep-dives, geek culture is thriving. What we used to hide—our comic book collections, sci-fi obsessions, and trivia superpowers—we now celebrate.

Not sure what a nerd is? Just take a moment to watch an episode of The Big Bang Theory. It’s all about Nerds.

Big Bang Theory' Cast: Now and Then | Entertainment Tonight

Cast of Big Bang Theory- Stock Photo

 

So what’s Find Your Inner Nerd Day really about? It’s a reminder to stay true to yourself and embrace whatever lights you up inside. Whether it’s video games, vintage tech, fantasy novels, or obscure historical facts, today is your day to revel in it.

🚀 My Nerdy Confession

Am I a nerd? Absolutely.

If that makes me a nerd, so be it. My inner nerd gets its fix every week—okay, maybe every day.

💬 What About You?

What do you do for your inner nerd? Do you collect crystals, decode alien theories, binge anime, or build elaborate LEGO cities? Whatever it is, today’s the day to let it shine.

May include: A wooden box filled with a variety of tumbled and polished stones, including rose quartz, amethyst, clear quartz, tiger's eye, green aventurine, and more. The stones are arranged in a decorative pattern and are surrounded by straw-like material.

Crystal collection- Stock Photo

So go ahead—nerd out. Loudly. Proudly. And with joy.

 

 

Cat Logic and the Pooping Game

Posted on by | 2 Comments

 

🐾 Cat Logic: Why Your Feline Thinks the Litter Box Is a Throne

There’s a moment every cat parent knows: your feline struts into the litter box like royalty entering a private chamber. The tail lifts. The eyes narrow. And then—complete silence, as if the kingdom awaits a decree.

Self Cleaning litter Box

Self Cleaning litter Box

But why do cats treat their litter boxes like thrones? Let’s unravel the mystery of feline bathroom behavior, one absurd theory at a time.

👑 Theory #1: The Royal Flush

To your cat, the litter box isn’t just a place to “go”—it’s a symbol of power. They bury their business like ancient pharaohs hiding treasure. The act is ceremonial. The stare afterward? That’s your cat making sure you witnessed their greatness.

Cat Stare- Balboa photo credit Deb Neumann

Translation: “I have pooped. You may applaud.”

🧠 Theory #2: The Existential Sandbox

Cats are philosophers. The litter box is their Zen garden. Each paw swipe is a meditation. Each grain of litter, a metaphor for the fleeting nature of existence.

Why is my Cat Kicking Litter Out of the Box? | PrettyLitter

Translation: “I dig, therefore I am.”

🕵️‍♀️ Theory #3: The Secret Agent Cover-Up

Ever notice how your cat buries their waste with the precision of a covert operative? That’s not instinct—it’s espionage. They’re hiding evidence from rival spies (aka the dog, the vacuum, or you).

Why does my cat kick litter all over the place? 4 tips from ...

 

Translation: “Mission complete. No trace left behind.”

🛁 Theory #4: The Spa Experience

Some cats linger in the litter box like they’re at a spa. They stretch. They yawn. They might even sit there post-business, contemplating life.

 

Kitty Litter Stock Illustrations – 1,301 Kitty Litter Stock ...

Translation: “This is my me-time. Kindly remove yourself.”

🐈‍⬛ Bonus: The Litter Box Standoff

Ever had two cats and one box? Welcome to the ultimate showdown. It’s not about territory—it’s about drama. One cat enters. The other watches. Tension builds. Someone flinches. No one blinks.

Translation: “This box ain’t big enough for the both of us.”

🚀 Theory #5: The Post-Poop Zoomies—A Royal Exit

You’ve seen it. One moment your cat is calmly exiting the litter box, and the next—ZOOOM! They’re tearing through the house like they’ve just escaped a dragon’s lair.

The Curious Case of Post-Poop Zoomies in Cats: What's Behind the Frenz – Purrtastic Presents

This isn’t random. It’s a victory lap. A celebration. A declaration of freedom and feline finesse.

Translation: “I have lightened my load. I am speed.”

Some experts say it’s a burst of energy from relief. Others claim it’s instinctual—fleeing the “scene” to avoid predators. But we know the truth: it’s pure drama. Cats don’t just leave the litter box. They exit stage left with flair.

Bonus points if they pause mid-zoom to stare at you like you’re the weird one.

 

✨ Final Thoughts

To us, it’s just a box of litter. To them, it’s a throne, a stage, a battlefield, and a sanctuary. Cat logic may be mysterious, but it’s never boring.

So next time your feline gazes at you mid-squat with regal intensity, just remember: you’re in the presence of greatness.

Now go scoop the royal chamber. The King has spoken.

Banner & Balboa Survey their Kingdom- Photo credit Deb Neumann

 

A Day In The Life

Posted on by | 4 Comments

A Day in the Life

Good Morning World. I thought I would share a day in my life. Being retired isn’t easy when you have 2 cats. Mine are named Banner (AKA Fluffy Butt)

Photo Credit – Deb Neumann

 

and Balboa

Photo Credit- Deb Neumann

 

 

(Aka Munchkin or Wreck it Ralph or Sir Talks Alot. Some times he’s described as the “Annoying Little Brother”. If I hadn’t had gray hair when I adopted them I would now. I don’t know what has gotten into these guys. The terrible twos maybe?

 

The Adventures of Fluffy Butt

Banner used to be so quiet.

Photo Credit- Deb Neumann

 

He was a funny kitten. He didn’t want to sit on anyone’s lap but he did want “pets”. When you gave him those pets he would purr so loud his little body would shake with excitement. Then he’d bite you. He thought it was a love bite.  He still gets that way but he’s bigger now and so are his bites.

The Mini Monster

Balboa is much smaller than Banner but he seems to get in more trouble although appearances can be deceiving. 

Photo Credit- Deb Neumann

 

Balboa taught Banner how to open cupboard doors. He also demands attention- constantly.

Photo Credit- Deb Neumann

 

Where Banner bites Balboa stretches up a little paw. He’s got the  “look” down pat. 

Cute cat that looks exactly like Shrek's Puss in Boots has ...

The “Look”- Photo credit- Internet

So cute until he extends his sharp little blades of claws. “Pay attention Hooman!” “Pick me up”  Once up he gets picked up he wants to get down so we can do it all over again.

PBR

One of the first things I discovered when I started streaming was the PBR Championships.  For those who don’t know PBR stands for Professional Bull Riding- That’s Rodeo Baby! Bucking bulls mostly but sometimes they throw in calf roping and barrel racing. I love to watch it but Banner and Balboa , not so much. They have a 2 pronged attack. Balboa climbs onto my lap while Banner sneaks behind my chair and proceeds to scratch. I respond with the compressed air can and both run. (Water didn’t work) It doesn’t keep them away long so I try distraction. 

We have the feather wand and the Red Dot (Laser pointer) They have a short attention span so that only works for maybe 10-15 minutes. I try cat nip and when all else fails treats. In the meantime I am missing all the PBR action.

Glendale to host stop on PBR Team Series schedule | The Daily Independent at YourValley.net

Photo Credit – Internet

Thursday night PBR was on late. 11 pm. I tried to stay awake to watch but gave up around midnight. That’s when Banner decided a serenade was in order.  

Midnight Music

The Meows started just as I was drifting off. Banner was sitting in the bathroom so he could get the most amplification for his melody. I got him out of the bathroom, gave him some heavy duty petting and hoped that would settle him down. Nope he headed for the living room to continue with his distressing ballad. I think he wanted to enlist Balboa as back up singer. 

Photo Credit- Deb Neumann

It took awhile but finally the concert was over. Right at the edge of sleep I was pounced upon, I guess since Banner was quiet now Balboa was bored and decided to come to bed with me. Mind you, I have a twin bed. That was ok when Balboa was a kitten but he takes up a lot of real estate now that he’s grown.

Photo credit Deb Neumann

Finally around 2 AM I managed to fall asleep.

Good Morning!

It’s 5:30 am! Rise and shine. Banner wants breakfast so he’s in the bathroom again.

Banner’s evil face- photo credit Deb Neumann

 

Not only is he doing the cats version of the top 40, he has opened the medicine cabinet and is pulling everything out into the sink.  Ignoring him is not an option if I am to prevent widespread destruction. That means I got about 4 hours sleep.

With the cats fed I decided to share my woes with all of you. The cats decided to explore the kitchen.  You’d think they were deprived. Look at all the toys!

Photo Credit- Deb Neumann

But they’d rather play with a piece of plastic they found under the sink. 

Photo Credit – Deb Neumann

Agh! I’m going to try to get a nap!

 

Guess What Day It is!

Posted on by | 2 Comments

Guess What Day it is? 

Mike Mike Mike, Guess what day it is!? Nope not Hump Day. It’s February 2nd – Ground Hog Day. Today’s the day we find out if the groundhog will see his shadow. So what you ask, Why do I care? Well if tradition is right when the ground hog sees his shadow he’ll be  scared and run back into his burrow. He’ll hide and we’ll get 6 more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow then we’ll have an early spring. As you can imagine everyone is hoping  “No Shadow”.

Punxsutawaney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and they go all out for Ground Hog Day. There are lots of local ground hogs and mini ceremonies but Puxautawney Phil gets the lime light. And according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Phil’s opinion is the only one that matters. He was even the Ground Hog in Bill Murray’s movie Ground Hog Day. As I write this I’m waiting to hear if Phil saw his shadow this morning or not. It’s quite overcast here in Massachusetts but who knows what it’s like in Pennsylvania? 

Meanwhile in Punxsutawney PA

The top hatted, frock coated, officials are leading a chant…Phil, Phil, Phil. They have to wake him up to get him out of his den. I guess you could say that’s the original rude awakening! Phil has a “Handler” and he’s approaching Phil’s home. He looks a little hesitant to me. Maybe Phil wakes up grumpy?  As he reaches in the crowd quiets and there’s Phil! 

Did The Little Critter see his shadow?

Groundhog Day results 2020: No shadow! Phil predicts early spring is coming.

This is only the 20th time out of 124 in his recorded history (there are 10 years where no record remains) that Phil hasn’t been able to find his shadow. That’s only a 40% successful prediction rate. Still at this mid-point of a New England winter it’s nice to think we might get an early spring.