she's just saying...

Olympics - to watch or not?

       

The Olympics start tomorrow, and I'm weirdly anxious about whether to "support" by watching or not.

The opening ceremony and most of the coverage is a mind-numbingly boring network spinfest, IMHO. But the actual sports moments are moving, exciting and real.

China is a repressive state who blatantly stomps on human rights. (But so do we, frankly. Gitmo, anyone?) The crackdown in Tibet is getting more vicious by the day, they have ruined their environment and continue to do so despite their supposed reforms, they have made a sham of free trade, and they have not only ignored the Darfur conflict, they're supplying arms to support it.

But what does that have to do with us turning on the TV for some sports entertainment?

My watching or not will have zero impact on China or the networks, who've already gotten their advertising dollars for these games. Since I'm not a Nielsen household, my actions won't even affect future ratings. So what's the point? Taking a moral (but meaningless) stand? Better to stop buying Chinese-made merchandise; nearly impossible but somewhat economically relevant.

Is it better to support and pressure change from within, which our govt is supposedly doing?  A convenient excuse for knuckling under China's economic clout.

Henry loves the whole shebang, as most kids do. To him it's an innocent, entertaining, exciting time. Do I bring up the confusing political issues or let him watch happily?

How are you approaching the games? Supporting, boycotting, don't care? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Buddhas everywhere

I go back to this paragraph, and its viewpoint on life, time and time again. I hope it can help you as it has me.

From A Path with Heart, by Jack Kornfield:

"A traditional skillful (and at times humorous) reflection can be used to change our relationship to difficulties....

Picture or imagine that this earth is filled with Buddhas, that every single being you encounter is enlightened, except one - yourself! Imagine that they are all here to teach you. Whoever you encounter is acting as they do solely for your benefit, to provide just the teachings and difficulties you need in order to awaken.

Sense what lessons they offer to you. Inwardly thank them for this. Throughout a day or week continue to develop the image of enlightened teachers all around you. Notice how it changes your whole perspective on life."

Today's OCKP*

*obligatory cute kitten photo

Top 10 Work edition

Today is my department's official last day at our company, though we haven't actually been there for awhile. The swallowing and digesting of Edge by the Big Blue Globe is complete, and we've been spit out. Today we turn in keys and go to lunch, this time with margaritas. So, to mark the day:

Top ten things I'll miss about Edge:

1. My team, my peeps, my kids - I miss their energy and their stories.
2. Working with smart, motivated people who all like each other.
3. The candy in accounting.
4. Casual Friday every day.
5. Playing with the latest "devices" (cellphones)
6. Brainstorming on silly radio spots.
7. Hanging in PJ's office talking about knitting.
8. The warmth and openness of our CEO.
9. The company plane, stocked with donuts and beer.
10. Getting a paycheck every other week - sweet!

Obligatory cute kitten photo of the day

IMG_0289, originally uploaded by Meltrier.

Taa-daa!

It's almost done! Not landscaped yet - I just stuck some pots around it in order to make a plan. You can't really see the water in this photo, but it's there. It's just a trickling little stream here, but I can turn it on full blast for a Niagara Falls effect as well. Tomorrow I'll take endless a few more photos to post. I'd love to show it off - come check it out, corner of Albany and NW 16th.

I never would have taken this project on had I known the amount of work involved, so actually I'm glad I didn't, as it turned out great. It's hard to look at it objectively yet as I still see a lot of finish work to do.

Next I plan to make fake rocks out of hypertufa (cement/peat moss/perlite mix) to fill it in with as I don't want to throw rocks in that I'll inevitably have to haul out. (This is where my friends think I've lost it.) It's either that or look for a job, so I'm off to mix more concrete.

baby cat

It's not easy to take one-handed shots of squirmy kittens in low light.

Baby kitty! How can you resist one?

Must...feed...kittens...

It's a catastrophe around here (get it? nudge nudge).

Judy, the tireless foster family coordinator for the C.O. Humane Society, picked up the 3-day olds since she located a new momcat who hopefully is so confused by the whole birth thing that maybe she lost count and won't notice two more.

Meanwhile, the shelter received 6 more kittens who were found in the back of a truck by the driver who was delivering bags of grain from Petaluma. Without their mom, who probably hopped off to go potty before the trip and was left behind (or bolted). They were emaciated and dehydrated, not having eaten for 3 days.

Judy and I split them up as we seem to be the only ones crazy enough to take on bottle babies. These guys are pretty freaked out and cry constantly and loudly, even while being fed. Eventually they conk out for awhile, then start up again. We're doing crisis counseling on their abandonment issues.

Super cute, though kind of panicky around the eyes. Photos to come.

This fish is not dead*

He just likes to sleep upside down on the surface of his tank.

Actually, it's the dreaded swim bladder disease. It happens because they've been bred to be "fancy": i.e. egg-shaped, which screws with their air bladders.

It's hard to get a good shot of him when he's upright as he has to swim constantly or he'll flip over and float to the top.

Is he suffering? Happy? Should we put him out of his misery? Maybe he's okay with his rotated view of the world. Several other fish we've had have lived for as long as a year like this. It's very distressing to look at, but when he's right-side up, he seems happy, cruising around looking for food as usual.

Don't buy fancy goldfish - it only leads to heartache.

*With a tip 'o' the blogging hat to Cathi D. (Yes, I have a thing for her. And her chickens).

Permission to say "I told you so"

Somehow I missed Tuesday and the Top Ten. That's what happens when you're not working. So here is "What was I thinking Wednesday" - Water Feature edition.

Steps to make simple little trickling waterfall down existing rock outcropping:

1. Dig hole.
2. Buy liner, pump, pvc pipe, extension cord, cement, caulking, pvc ball joint, tub, waterfall foam, liner tape, wide drill bit, pvc glue, wood putty, plastic edging, stakes, extension cord,
3. Inlay plastic edging and rock around the perimeter. Backfill.
4. Clean and patch cracks in rock (should have done before digging hole in front of rock) trying waterfall foam and cement.
5. Clean up and trim waterfall cement.
6. Measure for liner and pvc pipe.
7. Drill 2” holes in deck for extension cord.
8. Snake extension cord underneath deck by rigging up pole and hook, and using tape measure, flashlight and duct tape.
9. Set up and program timer, using directions written solely in Spanish.
10. Fill mistake holes in deck with wood putty.
11. Drill holes in tub for pump vault.
12. Measure even level all around hole, using 2x4, level, chalk.
13. Place underlayment of old rugs in hole.
14. Roll out and fit liner in hole and adjust folds.
15. Attempt to seal liner to rock with waterfall foam, cement, liner tape putty, roof caulking.
16. Assemble pump in pump tub.
17. Fit pipe around back of rock.
18. Fill the pond for wet test of pump and pipe.
19. Trim liner.
20. Cut pvc pipe for ball joint.
21. Glue ball joint to pipe, glue pipe to pvc joint that attaches to pump.
22. Re-attach liner to rock due to weight of water pulling liner down.
23. Add screening material to pump vault.
24. Put rocks in pond to secure pump vault.
25. Figure out how to secure pipe to top of rock.
26. Build weir on top of rock crack.
27. Adjust flow.
28. Place rocks around perimeter of pond to secure liner.
29. Hide pipe, extension cord, liner.
30. Landscape.

I'm on step #20 today. I haven't yet figured out #15 other than to drill into the rock, which I'm greatly resisting, probably futilely. Any ideas?

ittie bittie kitties

Since y'all are going to say it anyway, let's get it over with, shall we?  All together now: "That Melissa - she crazy!" Okay, now you don't have to say it again in the comments, do you?

I turned in the baked kittens for some fresh ones right out of the oven. When I took the former ferals back to the shelter they (the shelter) begged me to take two more, 24 hours old. They were being separated from their mom who was truly a wild cat, so they could be socialized, vaccinated, wormed, spayed and everything else they do to make them acceptable, adoptable pets. How hard could it be? They don't even move yet! Right. Just like human babies, they have to be fed every 4 hours AROUND THE CLOCK.

Not being completely out of my mind (no, really), I agreed to take them on for 4 days until another foster home opens up. Otherwise, it's an 8-week commitment as a mom cat. They are awful cute, though...

More to come.

:30 sec. script

Establishing shot: Melissa watching the Red Sox/Angels game.  Pan to TV screen: Home Depot spot showing mom/child painting room together. Enter Henry.

Henry: That's what we should do. Look how fun it looks!

Melissa (reluctantly): Sure, honey, we can paint your room. You'll have to think about what color you want.

Henry: over his shoulder, out the door: Checkers!

Cut to shot of Henry's floor:

Fade out on Melissa, cursing softly.

What's on the needles

OK, let's all take a break from my water feature obsession - I'm all banged up with scrapes and bruises, my wrist is sore and my back is protesting. The best part still to come on it I'm afraid - hauling rocks.

KNITTING POST WARNING! This is really too boring to post, as the only new thing started is a secret project for a baby, and I still have to finish the 2x2 socks (2 socks on 2 circs) and the guernsey for Henry that he doesn't want. So I'll list the projects lined up behind those, ready to take off.

1. The Montego Bay scarf in Zen for me
2. Fingerless mitts in Kureyon for Xmas gifts
3. Aran cardigan in Shetland Marl for me
4. Entrelac felted bags in Kureyon for Xmas gifts
5. Worsted socks in Limbo Mexiko for me
6. Felted clogs in Paton's Merino for Xmas gifts

Hmm. I'm beginning to see a pattern here. What are the odds of doing this all by mid-Dec? Right. I guess I should focus on the gifts and hold off on the me stuff. I can't wait to start that scarf though. And I have to get serious and finish the 2x2 socks that have been promised to a sister since January.

Jeez, I've got to get busy! Who has time for a job with all this going on? Honestly.

Pioneer woman 2008

I'm feeling very self-sufficient and capable these days. Of course, you know some calamity will now smack me upside the head just for saying that.

Today I went from out digging the waterfall hole-to-hell to cooking up a fancy blueberry-nectarine crumble to buying macho things at Home Depot like concrete and caulking guns. Now I'm going to knit a little. A true Oregon suburban homesteader! Even though I don't raise my own chickens like my blogbuds Amber and Kathi [and what's with chickens and blogging, anyway?]

Here's an update on my water feature follies:

random materials and tools

This doesn't include the most important items like the pump, the pump filter and the hose, which I have to buy at a landscaping supply place on Monday.

Here's the hole, ready to be covered with underlayment (old carpet) and the incredibly expensive and heavy liner.

Every step in the process raises another unforeseen problem to be solved. One step forward, two steps back.  I really want to finish this, though if I turn on the water and the whole thing craps out, I may throw in the towel and hire somebody. 

What's your nemesis project? Did you give up or persevere?

Over it

The spell has broken. The hook has come out. The chain has snapped. Pick your metaphor: I'm over it.

It is my on and off, drama-filled, wonderful/miserable relationship with my neighbor down the street. We were best friends and soulmates, but one of us couldn't commit long-term (as in: more than six months). He is sixteen years younger, but that's no excuse.

Yes, yes, I know: how many times have I said "This time it's really over!"? I won't even say it this time - maybe it's a jinx to my efforts to get past it. But this time it really feels different (I know, I've said that too). Only time will prove me right or wrong. My heart is on the mend, though there's still a bruise where it's been broken.

Meanwhile I'm out to keep digging my way to China. Primal, muddy, exhausting, satisfying work!

Knit-Up

So far I've only gotten 4 responses to my Reader Survey. I'm not whining, I'm taking that as an indication that you love it all and happily read everything I blather on about. However, I did get votes for Bend and Knitting, so this post is for you!

The Bend Knit-Up group met last night, as we do every Wed. (and Fridays during the day). We have regular and enthusiastic participation from a core group of about 30 or so attending weekly or every so often. Of our 90 members (yes, since January!) about a third have never attended a meeting, a third have attended less than 5, and a third have attended 5 or more. There are about 16 who've attended 20 or more. That works out to a nice bell curve. (We market researchers like bell curves - they satisfy our expectations of human behavior.)

I know, not very interesting unless you're a statistics geek. So here's a photo:

I'm probably more proud of starting this than anything I've done in the last 9 years (that's when I adopted Henry, and that's definitely my most significant accomplishment).

Your turn!

I'm inviting you to write today's post! What's on your summer list?

Or maybe a list of the things you've actually accomplished so far - that's a bit more positive...

I like Kathi D's attitude: make sure you do the fun stuff - that's what summer's about. 

Visiting the cousins in Maine, 1958 (that's me in my mom's arms)

Top 10 Summer edition

Around here, we measure the summer in daycamp weeks. First Multisport, then Gymnastics, Bike Week at the club, British Soccer Camp, Flag Football, etc. We're on Island Week now, so that puts us halfway through the summer. Hence the list:

Things I planned to do this summer but haven't*
      *plus the likelihood of them happening

1. Clean out the garage                                  Unlikely.
2. Go camping at the lakes                             Fairly unlikely.
3. Lose the last 5 pounds                                Fat chance.
4. Go to a Mariners game with my boyfriend    Problematic as we've broken up.
5. Take Henry to Universal City                      Could still happen.
6. Work out regularly                                     As of tomorrow. Really.
7. Build the water feature                               Still digging.
8. Practice math problems with Henry            We're starting tonight.
9. Get a job                                                  Still have 6 weeks-don't rush me!
10. Hang out at the pool                                Headed there right now.

Water World

Here in the high desert, water is scarce (though you wouldn't know it to look at our green green golf courses (34 at last count) or our acres of suburban lawn). Water's on my mind as I tackle the projects of summer: cleaning gutters, cleaning and refilling the hot tub, setting up the vegetable garden, installing more drip irrigation, and the exciting one right now: building a water feature. (I love the term "water feature" - it's such realtor/landscaper talk.)

My lot is blessed with a towering natural rock outcropping, unusual for our suburban neighborhood. I've always dreamed about a waterfall and pool in these rocks, and this summer I have the time and motivation to build it.

What I have in mind is more of a seeping spring down the rock, like you see on the sides of the road over the passes here. So I'm digging out the sandpit I built six years ago for Henry and reclaiming it for a lovely little trickling "feature."

It's hard, messy, dirty work, and I've never been known for my digging skills. It will either be a simple, enjoyable project or one of those projects from hell where you spend loads of time and money and then hire somebody to fix it all.

I've been doing a lot of internet research and have compiled my shopping list: a pump (submersible, magnetic, direct drive? What size?), PVC hosing, clamps, skimmers, filters, liners, etc. Tomorrow I'm going to brave the landscaping supply store and allow the men there to guide me.

That's how I've done a lot of intimidating efforts by myself: renovating a sailboat; becoming a scuba instructor; starting my consulting business; adopting a baby, landscaping my lot and so on. By researching and asking a lot of questions of helpful neighbors, professionals, and total strangers. I appreciated Amber's comment about learning how to do things alone - I've been managing most of my adult life, and it's a continual source of personal accomplishment and confidence. As my sister says: "Girls can do anything!"

What projects have you tackled alone and mastered? What have you gotten out of it?

Random question meme

OK, Kathi D: I'm doing it. However, did you play  "10 things I've done that you haven't"? No? Let's see 'em, missy!

On to this week's random q's & a's.

What is your favorite quotable line from a movie?

 "I'll show you a life of the mind!" Guess which movie.

Who is the most famous person you have spoken to?

 I'm going to have to say Rodney Dangerfield. I even got kissed by him (ewww).

How many bags/boxes of potato chips are consumed at your place in a month?

 

None. Glad this wasn't about wine bottles.

Who is your all time favorite cartoon character?

Tweety Bird.

What foreign food dish do you prepare from scratch and serve?

Pad Thai. Are you impressed? Messiest dish ever.

What is your favorite section of the supermarket?

Um - the exit door?

What was your high school team’s mascot and what were the school’s colors?

The Fox Chapel Foxes!  "Red and white, we're all for you, raise our banners high-igh-igh-igh..." 4000 students - I'm not kidding. We were the pig in the baby boom python.