Out of Pod Experience

Whelp, some cats are sorta born that way, lol. One thing I've found works somewhat, sometimes with less personable cats is to basically kiss their arses. Some alpha-type cats want to be the "kings" so to speak. Idk what kind of feeding routine you have with them, but if possible, rather than keeping their bowls full all the time, try having them let you know they're hungry. Seems counter-intuitive, but if you can get them to lead you to their bowls, and then feed them, it gives them the impression that you're "obeying" them.

I have also always petted Mr. Nixon for a minute or two as he eats, and it always sets him off on deep purring, tho I can see how some cats may not like that either, but it's worth a shot. Other than that all I can tell you is basically to try to give them as much attention as you can, be very touchy-feely with them, and maybe even grab them and MAKE them sit on your lap while you stroke them for a few minutes. If they whine, however, let em go. Also, always speak to them in a very soothing, soft voice. Even if you have nothing to say, look at them and speak gibberish or say whatever comes to mind, but in that soft, soothing voice. They'll know you're talking to them if you just look at them while you do it.

If I think of anything else I'll edit it in. GL!

I'm in my thirties, born in Asia, moved to Germany when I was 13, then went to a uni in UK, dropped out of PhD course in late 20s.

From my teenage to 20s my life had been pretty much defined by sex, drugs and rock n roll. I lived a life of a rock star and I had everything but fame. Played in a few bands for number of years each, the most successful one was in London where I was a drummer, highlight being headlining in decent sized clubs on Friday nights and our first single release reaching top 50 in UK chart (only for a week though). Then the evils of life kicked in and had to leave everything behind for a fresh new start with my girlfriend (who is now my wife).

Up to this point I was on a 9 months stint where I was under influence of at least one substance for ALL my waking hours. Sure I've been on stuff for a decade up to this point but I always took a break in between, at least even for a few hours during day time. But during this 9 months I was totally consumed by drugs. I always had a joint pre-rolled next to my pillow which I'd smoke as soon as I wake up, and from then I'd be popping pills on the way to school and snorting powders in the library toilets, practicing drums on speeds and sipping whiskey from hip-flask. My girlfriend (of 4 years at the time) finally gave me the ultimatum - either I clean up or she's out of my life.

Then I bought one way flight ticket to Hong Kong, where my wife was working at the time. I was still smoking herbs in the airport toilets in Heathrow (London) until a few minutes before boarding gate closes. But once I set my foot on that flight, it was all over. I landed in Hong Kong, moved in with my wife, found a job (actually 4 jobs if I include part-time/freelance work) and went clean. First week or so was absolutely horrible. I could no longer remember what/who I was before I started taking substance, so I didn't know if I was finally going 'back' to myself or not. I woke up as a new person, and didn't know what I was before the nightmare started. So I thought screw it, I'm just going to be born again and don't care who or what I was before this point.

Since then I did variety of things, from teaching history and English literature to working in an IT company call-centre, teaching drums and doing freelance translation, doing national service, working in an English language school, summer camps, etc, and somehow I ended up in defence industry and am now working as a business development/sales/marketing manager (it's a small company and one person has to take up on a lot of roles :p).

I don't have much in my life now except my wife, work and computer games. My wife is the centre of my life, been with her for 14 years and still feel in love. Work is interesting as we deal with all sorts of things, including things that go kaboom! When I'm not working or spending time with my wife it's all games - mainly eve, civilisation and football manager. I partied too hard in my teenage and twenties that I no longer want that life style.

So yes, during day time I'm in a company making weapons of minor destruction, and at night I'm blowing things up with my internet space ships. :p

And Ssabat, if you are reading this, yes I too have bi-polar disorder. Drugs ruined my life, but now it's saving my life and helping me function in a normal working environment.

Life is pretty good.

Honesty and honour; honesty in what I say and honour in keeping to what I say.
Oddly idealistic sentiment but we all have our fantasies and I like thinking of those two as my core tenets.

I'm also a bit of a role player at heart so maybe there's that too and that I like being "one of the good guys".

OK, I'll bite..

I'm 28 years old and a father of 2 girls, I suffer with extreme anxiety and depression issues along with having Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, and to top it off I am a full on introvert. I come to eve to get away from my life and be someone I'm not.