training cats

I've mentioned before that our cats came already knowing what "no" meant, and that they weren't supposed to jump up on the dining room table, and how to use the litter box.

I have now added one skill. A skill that I personally perceive as important.

The cats like to walk on us when we're lying down. It's not super-restful. Through a steady regimen of positive reinforcement, I have trained them to lie down when I say "Settle down." Even if they lie on you, it's much more relaxing than walking all over you.

It was a process. First they seemed to grasp what I wanted them to do, and after a while, they got when they were supposed to do it. But still, I feel very pleased.

another new-business post

So, I was reading in _More 101 Home-Based Businesses_ that if you want to succeed in home business, you should have a space that is devoted to your work.

This makes a lot of sense. And I know where I would do it, too - behind my computer, in our "foyer" area.
Right now the space is just cluttery and is not being used for anything.

Is anybody good at setting things like that up? I know I'd need a small table and a bookshelf, but that's about as far as I've gotten. I guess I could hang up my professional certificates there as well?

I would be happy to trade some energywork or a knitted object of some sort (scarf, hat, mittens) for help in making this happen. (Ie, helping me find the right furniture, cleaning things out, and setting things up...)