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My Monster

Countless of hours have been spent staring at the computer screen with nothing coming out of my head and onto the keyboard.  Thankfully someone named M, has suggested that I talk about my recent adoption of Kasuku.  It has been months since I have posted about her.

Meet Kasuku.  She's in her early 20s.  And a temperamental Congo African Grey parrot.... However, temperamental is a given when referring to this kind of parrot species.   Before the adoption, I brushed up on my knowledge of these birds.  Reading many things about how they are the "most behavioural challenged", "most destructive" and "most aggressive" parrot species really made me think, "what the heck am I doing?".  But I knew what I was getting into when I accepted to take Kasuku into our home.  At least I think that I knew what I was doing.

Since adoption it has been a roller-coater of adorable moments to hardcore bites resulting in battle scars.  I don't want to sugar coat it... It's been hard.  Most likely, it has also been hard for her as well.  Being passed along to a new family after 20-some years of a familiar home would be difficult.  

But I'm learning (the hard way) that things like 1) crazy eyes, 2) nesting-like behaviours and 3) all puffed out are all good indicators to not attempt to cuddles.  Sometimes there isn't observable warning signs.  Those are the times that I have to be more in tune with my own agitation levels and the atmosphere.

Thankfully, Hercules and Kasuku have become good enough friends.  There isn't any competition or fights between them.  Which was my biggest relief as Hercules is the size of Kasuku's head and wouldn't stand a chance in a fight.

She loves open windows and being outdoors.

The closest I'll ever get to dressing Kasuku up in hilarious costumes. 

Crazy eyes, puffed out and Mohawk-do = a chunk out of my pointer finger... this is was worst day ever, taking Kasuku and Hercules to the vet was not a fun experience but necessary.

Always escaping the scene of the crime when the camera comes out.  

One day I hope that she will be a cuddle-bug like Jake and Hercules.  It's sometimes difficult for me to have a pet that doesn't cuddle on command, but she's still adorable.  Even if she chews holes through my clothing and skin. 

Just Saying "No" to Homework

No.  I don't want to deal with homework.  I don't want to deal with reading. No. No. No.  Why can't I just deal with this exhausting week at work?  The week isn't even over and I am already spent.  Chapters need to read by Friday but only 2 pages out of ???  are completed. Urg. Yes, I procrastinate.  But I also take on unrealistic tasks & expect to unrealistic standards.   

My bed is calling me.

Welcome Home Kasuku

This adorable cartoon is probably a good predictor of the relationships to come.  Chris has already made a comment or two about wanting attention.  Poor boy.  All these years he had the XBox 360 as his "other woman", and now that I have an attention demanding critter, he pouts. 

A blurry documentation of the cat-parrot introductions.  As Jake inched up the cage to check out Kasuku  she did a every quick nip at Jake's nose.  Thankfully no contact was made.  Jake got the hint and hasn't gotten that close to Kasuku since.  I'm sure once Kasuku gets settled and the novelty of the parrot wears off for Jake, they will be good friends. 

Hercules was camera shy yesterday, but eager to show off his moves.  He flew around the house doing all of his impressive tricks.  One of his tricks is refusing to go back to bed..... Annoying? Yes!  But at least he & I got exercise running around the house. 

 Post nap chill time.

Kasuku is a chatter box.  Anytime I would talk to Chris, she piped in with a laugh or mumble. It's adorable.

Beware of Eye Gouging Bird

It's not complete, but I need some advice.

Is the message of this painting clear?

I want it to say be afraid of the evil bird.

Do I need to be more direct and put a stenciled warning "DANGER, eye gouging bird"?

If you haven't already assumed... it's supposed to be a Halloween joke (a somewhat lame one, but it make me giggle sketching & painting it out)... a sign to be hung on the door to Hercules's room. Some people, for whatever reason, are afraid of adorable birdies.  So I want to be clever/witty/cheesy on warning people of what room the bird's in.  

Really guests aren't in danger of our little Hercules.  He is just about the sweetest bird out there.