March 31, 2005
I'm constantly asking Annie to be gentle with Lilo. It's easy with Sandy, because she hisses when she's upset. Before Annie could really talk, we 'd ask her what sounds animals made, and she was very good at it. When asked what a kitty said, she'd meow, but when asked what Sandy said, she'd hiss. Well, Sandy has finally warmed up to Annie. It only took five and a half years. But, Annie still has respect for Sandy, and doesn't try to tote her around like a rag doll. Lilo on the other hand, gets concerned, because he doesn't feel he is given the opportunity to use his own legs.
After dinner and Annie finishing her homework (I never had this much homework as a kindergartener... but I like it), she was allowed to watch a Blue's Clues before bed. She fell asleep before it was over. As I finished some work, and a phone conversation with a dear friend, I was watching Annie sleep. She was laying on the dog bed, with the soft green blanket on her that is normally draped uselessly over the blue arm chair. At her feet, their was movement. I large bulk was moving and shifting under the blanket in a determined attempt to gain freedom. Finally, a large black and white cat erupted like a cannon shot out from under the blanket. I can only imagine that Annie had him pinned under her loving arms when she fell asleep, and he finally found his way out. Despite the treatment, Lilo likes to lay on the pillows above Annie's head (she doesn't usually use pillows), and watch over her all night long. The bond between kids and animals is very deep.
Hoping everyone has that guardian angel animal
After dinner and Annie finishing her homework (I never had this much homework as a kindergartener... but I like it), she was allowed to watch a Blue's Clues before bed. She fell asleep before it was over. As I finished some work, and a phone conversation with a dear friend, I was watching Annie sleep. She was laying on the dog bed, with the soft green blanket on her that is normally draped uselessly over the blue arm chair. At her feet, their was movement. I large bulk was moving and shifting under the blanket in a determined attempt to gain freedom. Finally, a large black and white cat erupted like a cannon shot out from under the blanket. I can only imagine that Annie had him pinned under her loving arms when she fell asleep, and he finally found his way out. Despite the treatment, Lilo likes to lay on the pillows above Annie's head (she doesn't usually use pillows), and watch over her all night long. The bond between kids and animals is very deep.
Hoping everyone has that guardian March 30, 2005
I had an absolutely wonderful morning. I had been planning for this event for a while, and it all went like clockwork. I worked with Annie's class on plants! Yesterday, I hauled a 50 pound bag of planting soil to the classroom... all the way up the hill... Today, I brought in a cooler full of my demonstration tools. See? All that show-n-tell stuff I did as a kid has paid off!
My greenhouse has petunias growing out from between the pavers on the floor (don't ask). I yanked one out, and it had enough root for the first demonstration. We went through parts of plants: roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds. As we continued, I asked if they had ever seen a plant get up and walk around. They laughed, and I asked how seeds got scattered around. So, I pulled out a pinecone and we talked about the wind, and how animals would eat and/or carry seeds around. I wanted to mention that sometimes it came out when the animals um... went to the bathroom, but was satisfied just saying that they were carried somewhere else...
Our next discussion was about how important plants were. Of course, they all knew that plants were food. So, I pulled out of the cooler various foods and we talked about what part of the plant they were. Corn- seeds, lettuce - leaves, potatoes - root, and many, many more. I even had a chocolate bar to talk about sugar and cocoa beans. It was great. They were yelling out answers, and excited. I even thought I was going to stump them, and didn't. I pulled out an artichoke. I never would have known what an artichoke was at that age, but virtually every one of them did. I guess that's part of growing up so close to artichoke country. I asked what part of the plant the artichoke was. It was quiet for just a moment, before some bright kindergartener yelled out "flower!" I was amazed. Some of them had that look of shock on their faces, and we talked about the flower a bit.
Then we went to the next "easy" use for plants: building and materials. That one went quick. I pulled out a piece of paper, and a 2x4. The next one I didn't have a show-n-tell for, though. We had talked about molecules before, so we now were talking about the co-dependence of animals and plants through the generation of oxygen and carbon-dioxide. I was worried that I was losing them, until I asked what the plants put out if they "breathe" carbon-dioxide. I was practically ecstatic when someone yelled out "Oxygen!"
Lastly, we talked about an oft over looked use for plants: medicine. And no, I didn't use the most prolific plant medicine in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I showed aspirin.
So, the experiment was planting peas. The McDonald's in Scotts Valley gave me a bunch of sundae containers (I thought they'd be ideal). A big thanks to them for the donation! I had planned on using a spade bit to drill a 1" hole in the top of the lid for the plant to escape. You see, one of the goals is to show how plants grow towards the light (not in a Poltergeist kind of way...). I had planned on them turning the cups upside down at some point to see how the pea plants continued to reach towards the sunlight. I'm not sure that is going to happen now, we'll have to see.
Anyway, I knew that I had to have some way of placing the cups so they could be managed in the window. I originally planned on drilling 3" holes in a 1x8 and stacking two of them like shelves. When I started this yesterday evening (yes, I waited too long), I discovered that what I thought was a 3" hole saw, was a 3.25" hole saw. Crap. While I was mulling over several options, I noticed that the cruddy lattice in my deck rails looked like 3" squares. Sure enough, the cups fit perfectly. So? In a move of total dedication, I removed a section of railing to use the lattice for the shelves. It isn't pretty, but it works. The cups don't sit upside down well, though, so that's why we might not show that phenomenon that way...
All 20 kids (one was absent) worked with me in groups of five to put the soil in their cups, pack it, plant the seeds, and water. Fortunately, Mrs. Friedlund had a broom and dust pan... There is often a disconnect in kindergarten brains regarding holding something while you are working on it to avoid spilling. I filled the planter for the one missing child, and all 21 are now sitting patiently in the window. Mrs. Friedlund is also using this as a tool to continue their work with writing. Each student is keeping a daily journal of what the seeds do.
Doing this kind of thing with Kindergarteners is so much fun. They aren't worried about being cool, or appearances, they just want to do it. And, geez, we got to play in dirt today! Engineering school would have been so much more fun if we'd had buckets of dirt in the classroom! I love the things they come up with in an effort to have something to say. Hands go up with comments like "I had medicine one time that was from a rock", "my mom takes medicine some times", "popcorn has seeds", or "my mom has plants, but they all seem to die".
One boy, who was Annie's "boyfriend" for a brief romantic time, told me his mom loved flowers, and he was going to give her the plant after it grew. I reminded him they were peas (stupid me), and his face clouded as he realized this might mean he would have to eat peas. I quickly added that they would flower, though. He said he could take the peas off and throw them away. While working around the table on putting the soil in the cups, one of the kids said something like "I've had peas before", which of course brought on "yeah? I've had" from others. I almost laughed out loud, though, when one kid said "I've even had beer!" They are so innocent, and say whatever comes to mind. I love it. I see some, though, that make me sad. For journal writing, I wrote down March 30 - planted seeds. There were a few that even though they were into the planting, didn't want to focus on writing. One literally scribbled for five or six lines, and tried to tell me he was done. He wasn't. The worst one was a wonderfully good natured boy who told me he just couldn't do it. Typical for me, I told him that he could do anything he wanted to. He finished his journal article with pride, and I gave him the praise he so desparately needed. Encouragement is the best tool parents have.
Well, it was a great morning. I love living in a small town. These kids see me in the grocery store, hardware store, gas station, wherever, and smile and tell me something that relates to the latest experiment. If you have the opportunity, you should really take the time to do something with your kid's class. Do it before they get too old, and are embarrassed by your presence. Annie's teacher asked me if I was going to be available next year, and I laughed and said that then I would be part of the First Grade Class. She chuckled, and said maybe she should hold Annie back, but that that wouldn't work, because Annie was too sharp.
What a great morning...
Next experiment? Either gravity or electricity. We'll see how it goes...
sometimes teacher, always a student
My greenhouse has petunias growing out from between the pavers on the floor (don't ask). I yanked one out, and it had enough root for the first demonstration. We went through parts of plants: roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds. As we continued, I asked if they had ever seen a plant get up and walk around. They laughed, and I asked how seeds got scattered around. So, I pulled out a pinecone and we talked about the wind, and how animals would eat and/or carry seeds around. I wanted to mention that sometimes it came out when the animals um... went to the bathroom, but was satisfied just saying that they were carried somewhere else...
Our next discussion was about how important plants were. Of course, they all knew that plants were food. So, I pulled out of the cooler various foods and we talked about what part of the plant they were. Corn- seeds, lettuce - leaves, potatoes - root, and many, many more. I even had a chocolate bar to talk about sugar and cocoa beans. It was great. They were yelling out answers, and excited. I even thought I was going to stump them, and didn't. I pulled out an artichoke. I never would have known what an artichoke was at that age, but virtually every one of them did. I guess that's part of growing up so close to artichoke country. I asked what part of the plant the artichoke was. It was quiet for just a moment, before some bright kindergartener yelled out "flower!" I was amazed. Some of them had that look of shock on their faces, and we talked about the flower a bit.
Then we went to the next "easy" use for plants: building and materials. That one went quick. I pulled out a piece of paper, and a 2x4. The next one I didn't have a show-n-tell for, though. We had talked about molecules before, so we now were talking about the co-dependence of animals and plants through the generation of oxygen and carbon-dioxide. I was worried that I was losing them, until I asked what the plants put out if they "breathe" carbon-dioxide. I was practically ecstatic when someone yelled out "Oxygen!"
Lastly, we talked about an oft over looked use for plants: medicine. And no, I didn't use the most prolific plant medicine in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I showed aspirin.
So, the experiment was planting peas. The McDonald's in Scotts Valley gave me a bunch of sundae containers (I thought they'd be ideal). A big thanks to them for the donation! I had planned on using a spade bit to drill a 1" hole in the top of the lid for the plant to escape. You see, one of the goals is to show how plants grow towards the light (not in a Poltergeist kind of way...). I had planned on them turning the cups upside down at some point to see how the pea plants continued to reach towards the sunlight. I'm not sure that is going to happen now, we'll have to see.
Anyway, I knew that I had to have some way of placing the cups so they could be managed in the window. I originally planned on drilling 3" holes in a 1x8 and stacking two of them like shelves. When I started this yesterday evening (yes, I waited too long), I discovered that what I thought was a 3" hole saw, was a 3.25" hole saw. Crap. While I was mulling over several options, I noticed that the cruddy lattice in my deck rails looked like 3" squares. Sure enough, the cups fit perfectly. So? In a move of total dedication, I removed a section of railing to use the lattice for the shelves. It isn't pretty, but it works. The cups don't sit upside down well, though, so that's why we might not show that phenomenon that way...
All 20 kids (one was absent) worked with me in groups of five to put the soil in their cups, pack it, plant the seeds, and water. Fortunately, Mrs. Friedlund had a broom and dust pan... There is often a disconnect in kindergarten brains regarding holding something while you are working on it to avoid spilling. I filled the planter for the one missing child, and all 21 are now sitting patiently in the window. Mrs. Friedlund is also using this as a tool to continue their work with writing. Each student is keeping a daily journal of what the seeds do.
Doing this kind of thing with Kindergarteners is so much fun. They aren't worried about being cool, or appearances, they just want to do it. And, geez, we got to play in dirt today! Engineering school would have been so much more fun if we'd had buckets of dirt in the classroom! I love the things they come up with in an effort to have something to say. Hands go up with comments like "I had medicine one time that was from a rock", "my mom takes medicine some times", "popcorn has seeds", or "my mom has plants, but they all seem to die".
One boy, who was Annie's "boyfriend" for a brief romantic time, told me his mom loved flowers, and he was going to give her the plant after it grew. I reminded him they were peas (stupid me), and his face clouded as he realized this might mean he would have to eat peas. I quickly added that they would flower, though. He said he could take the peas off and throw them away. While working around the table on putting the soil in the cups, one of the kids said something like "I've had peas before", which of course brought on "yeah? I've had
Well, it was a great morning. I love living in a small town. These kids see me in the grocery store, hardware store, gas station, wherever, and smile and tell me something that relates to the latest experiment. If you have the opportunity, you should really take the time to do something with your kid's class. Do it before they get too old, and are embarrassed by your presence. Annie's teacher asked me if I was going to be available next year, and I laughed and said that then I would be part of the First Grade Class. She chuckled, and said maybe she should hold Annie back, but that that wouldn't work, because Annie was too sharp.
What a great morning...
Next experiment? Either gravity or electricity. We'll see how it goes...
sometimes teacher, always a student
March 29, 2005
Yes. I have rodents. As the rain comes down, the rodents look for cover. They have made a mistake, though. I opened the cupboard below the sink, and found that there had been an intrusion. The rodents had decided to chew into whatever was there. One of the things they dug into, though, was rat poison. Chow down, my anti-friends, get your fill.
Apparently, the poison wasn't enough. I walked into the kitchen to throw something away, and opened the cupboard where the trash is located. I opened the trash, and what did I see? I didn't see a cute rabbit, or a squirrel, or a cat... not, it was a rat. It hid at the bottom of the trash, and I was prepared to kill.
I suddenly had a flashback from my childhood. We were installing the hog-operation, and there was a very large rat in a water tank. My Dad told me I had to kill it. With tears in my eyes, I drew a bead, and took care of it. I know that my Dad was trying to make me realize the responsibilities of being an adult, but I had great difficulty taking the life of another animal.
So? I reached into the trash, and grabbed the rat behind the shoulders, where it couldn't bite me. I showed it to Lilo and Sandy. The started a conversation with the rat. "So, how's it going? Must suck being in your situation. I left you some food on the floor, did you get it? Life is good, I hope you come out on top of this situation. Maybe, you should consider twisting and biting him..." They obviously didn't give a Rat's butt (yes, I meant that).
I walked outside determined to put an end to this rodent, and couldn't do it. I'm a wuss. I chucked it into the grass, and hoped that it would find a way of life that didn't involve my house. Granted, I'm fine with laying out the poison to protect the house. I have enough phone lines that don't work anymore as a result of their influence. Unfortunately, I'm hypocritcal enough that I can't seem to do it with my own hands...
A bit Ratty...
Apparently, the poison wasn't enough. I walked into the kitchen to throw something away, and opened the cupboard where the trash is located. I opened the trash, and what did I see? I didn't see a cute rabbit, or a squirrel, or a cat... not, it was a rat. It hid at the bottom of the trash, and I was prepared to kill.
I suddenly had a flashback from my childhood. We were installing the hog-operation, and there was a very large rat in a water tank. My Dad told me I had to kill it. With tears in my eyes, I drew a bead, and took care of it. I know that my Dad was trying to make me realize the responsibilities of being an adult, but I had great difficulty taking the life of another animal.
So? I reached into the trash, and grabbed the rat behind the shoulders, where it couldn't bite me. I showed it to Lilo and Sandy. The started a conversation with the rat. "So, how's it going? Must suck being in your situation. I left you some food on the floor, did you get it? Life is good, I hope you come out on top of this situation. Maybe, you should consider twisting and biting him..." They obviously didn't give a Rat's butt (yes, I meant that).
I walked outside determined to put an end to this rodent, and couldn't do it. I'm a wuss. I chucked it into the grass, and hoped that it would find a way of life that didn't involve my house. Granted, I'm fine with laying out the poison to protect the house. I have enough phone lines that don't work anymore as a result of their influence. Unfortunately, I'm hypocritcal enough that I can't seem to do it with my own hands...
A bit Ratty...
March 27, 2005
Annie talked to her mother tonight, and came back with a concern. It seems that mommy told her she couldn't listen to a certain song: Disco Inferno. She had tears in her eyes, and I asked why she couldn't listen to that song anymore. She said she didn't know. I looked up the lyrics, and was livid. Annie asked if she could still listen to another favored song: Candy Shop. With fear, I looked up the lyrics to this song.
No, honey, that is not an appropriate song for you to listen to. In my opinion, it's not an appropriate song for anyone to listen to. She was so upset.
So? I called her mother. I thought I was trying to be understanding. I thought I was trying to be open. I asked her about the issue. She said she told Annie she couldn't listen to that song. That's good stuff. However, I asked how Annie ever heard the song, and the floodgates of wrath were open. I truly don't know how it came to this, but we suddenly had a fight. I really, really wanted to talk about aligning our parenting goals, and it became a terrible fight. At one point she exclaimed that I wasn't that great of a parent, either. Wow. She knows me well enough that she knew that was the kick in the groin. I promise to the blogging deities, I just wanted to align and understand. Apparently, my typical forcefulness turned it into something else.
I couldn't care less what happens to my ex anymore. I just wanted to find some common ground to discuss how Annie is raised. We didn't even come close. It was just a confrontation.
Irritated with myself and my ex.
No, honey, that is not an appropriate song for you to listen to. In my opinion, it's not an appropriate song for anyone to listen to. She was so upset.
So? I called her mother. I thought I was trying to be understanding. I thought I was trying to be open. I asked her about the issue. She said she told Annie she couldn't listen to that song. That's good stuff. However, I asked how Annie ever heard the song, and the floodgates of wrath were open. I truly don't know how it came to this, but we suddenly had a fight. I really, really wanted to talk about aligning our parenting goals, and it became a terrible fight. At one point she exclaimed that I wasn't that great of a parent, either. Wow. She knows me well enough that she knew that was the kick in the groin. I promise to the blogging deities, I just wanted to align and understand. Apparently, my typical forcefulness turned it into something else.
I couldn't care less what happens to my ex anymore. I just wanted to find some common ground to discuss how Annie is raised. We didn't even come close. It was just a confrontation.
Irritated with myself and my ex.
Hopefully, you had the chance to have a warm and wonderful Easter with family and/or friends! Me? I'm looking forward to next year. Of course, that means that I won't have Annie here on Christmas, which I really, really like. But that is our life. I didn't create it, didn't do anything to get punished for, just have a habit of choosing ladies that don't have the word "commitment" in their dictionaries. It's ok, though. My beautiful angel is home again, and laying on the floor wrapped up in the Harley blanket. It's not the life I'd planned, but then it is what it is. If you haven't seen the movie Pleasantville, I'd highly recommend it. The first time I watched it, it was on some station or other, and as usual, I was doing other things while it was on. I was folding laundry, or some other such exciting thing, and was passing through the living room, when I heard this great line... Toby Maquire's character was talking to his mother (divorced with two kids), and she was crying. She said, "it's not supposed to be like this" (struggling with life as a divorced parent). Toby's character looked at her, and replied, "it's not supposed to be any way, it just is." I was stunned. It was one of the more remarkable things I've ever heard in a movie... and I love movies.
Strangely, I have realized the truth in this. On this Easter day, I'll say that I do believe in God. However, I don't believe that He has a "plan" for us. We are born with free will. Much like a parent who watches a child make a wrong decision, and suffer the consequences, I think God feels disappointment when we make a poor choice in life, but it isn't part of his doing. His impact is not directly on our lives, but simply a feeling of comfort when we do the right thing, sort of like a proud parent. My first wife was not punished for leaving me by being beaten by the guy she left me for. My second wife is not being rewarded with what I can only believe is her ultimate desire of a relationship for leaving me. I'm not being punished for some wrong-doing that I can't identify with my trials in life. It just is. The beauty of being a human lies in perseverance.
Our life is a jumble of decisions. I believe it was Sartre that said we were doomed to a life of responsibility. I disagree with him, but then I find him a pessimist. We are blessed with a life of responsibility. We are constantly being given the chance to do the right thing. (Honestly, I had no intention of going this direction when I started this post. But, what the heck? It's coming out, anyway.) Too many people I've met respond not to their conscious, but to other people's coments/impact. Instead of doing what they know is right, they respond to other people's comments on what is right. I find this sad.
However, this post has gone on long enough. I like philosophy, though, so maybe I'll continue on another post!
My daughter is home... all is right in the world.
Strangely, I have realized the truth in this. On this Easter day, I'll say that I do believe in God. However, I don't believe that He has a "plan" for us. We are born with free will. Much like a parent who watches a child make a wrong decision, and suffer the consequences, I think God feels disappointment when we make a poor choice in life, but it isn't part of his doing. His impact is not directly on our lives, but simply a feeling of comfort when we do the right thing, sort of like a proud parent. My first wife was not punished for leaving me by being beaten by the guy she left me for. My second wife is not being rewarded with what I can only believe is her ultimate desire of a relationship for leaving me. I'm not being punished for some wrong-doing that I can't identify with my trials in life. It just is. The beauty of being a human lies in perseverance.
Our life is a jumble of decisions. I believe it was Sartre that said we were doomed to a life of responsibility. I disagree with him, but then I find him a pessimist. We are blessed with a life of responsibility. We are constantly being given the chance to do the right thing. (Honestly, I had no intention of going this direction when I started this post. But, what the heck? It's coming out, anyway.) Too many people I've met respond not to their conscious, but to other people's coments/impact. Instead of doing what they know is right, they respond to other people's comments on what is right. I find this sad.
However, this post has gone on long enough. I like philosophy, though, so maybe I'll continue on another post!
My daughter is home... all is right in the world.
March 26, 2005
When I was a senior in engineering school, I interviewed with two companies. I wasn't impressed with either one of them, nor were they impressed with me. I require too much. One interviewer was talking to me about antennas, and his company made a very directive, very powerfull antenna array for the government. I asked what it was for, and he said "I don't know". I was done at that point. It was then that I decided to go to graduate school. I wasn't done learning what I could, and wanted to complete the cycle. Even then, I was psyching myself out for a Ph.D.
In my younger years, I was gifted with a phenomenal amount of luck. I was late for applying to graduate school, but my record spoke for itself, and I managed to get two half-time teaching positions, and a fellowship that paid for school.
The following year, I received a research assistantship, and continued one of my teaching positions. I also applied for a National Science Foundation fellowship. I got it. I was surprised. However, I've had the honor of serving on the committee a couple of times that decides who gets these, and I now understand why. My application was great, I just didn't know it at the time.
I continued on through my research grant from NSF, and after many challenges, received my Ph.D. My advisor, who is now a dear friend, actually told me at one point that I should either quit or find another advisor. I said no. We started this, we'll finish it. He has since told me that that meant a lot to him.
I did well in school. I wanted it. I was going to do whatever it took. And it took a lot from me. It was a separate life from the one I have now. Sometimes, I think it was a better life. But, I'm in this life now, and I'll do what it takes again.
The purpose of this rant? I have sacrificed and worked for my degree. I'm proud of it. I've always respected Ph.D.s. I was amazed when I joined industry to find that not everyone else does. I'm crushed that I have to defend myself to various levels of management and coworkers who think that my degree is a detriment. I spent so much time learning how to solve problems, and now that I make use of it (and I do), it's as if it were for nothing. I am sometimes called "the Ph.D." in a tone that is not respectful.
Yeah, well. I didn't get it for them. I got it for me. I'm proud of it. I have a gift for intuitively understanding electromagnetic fields. I have had a ton of math, and still see the need for more. Sometimes we joke about what the degrees mean: when you get your BS, you know everything... when you get your MS, you realize you know nothing... when you get your Ph.D. you still recognize you know nothing, but neither does anyone else. It's funny, but the goal of education is to discover how to learn. There is nothing... nothing, that I can't learn.
David M. Hockanson, Ph.D.
In my younger years, I was gifted with a phenomenal amount of luck. I was late for applying to graduate school, but my record spoke for itself, and I managed to get two half-time teaching positions, and a fellowship that paid for school.
The following year, I received a research assistantship, and continued one of my teaching positions. I also applied for a National Science Foundation fellowship. I got it. I was surprised. However, I've had the honor of serving on the committee a couple of times that decides who gets these, and I now understand why. My application was great, I just didn't know it at the time.
I continued on through my research grant from NSF, and after many challenges, received my Ph.D. My advisor, who is now a dear friend, actually told me at one point that I should either quit or find another advisor. I said no. We started this, we'll finish it. He has since told me that that meant a lot to him.
I did well in school. I wanted it. I was going to do whatever it took. And it took a lot from me. It was a separate life from the one I have now. Sometimes, I think it was a better life. But, I'm in this life now, and I'll do what it takes again.
The purpose of this rant? I have sacrificed and worked for my degree. I'm proud of it. I've always respected Ph.D.s. I was amazed when I joined industry to find that not everyone else does. I'm crushed that I have to defend myself to various levels of management and coworkers who think that my degree is a detriment. I spent so much time learning how to solve problems, and now that I make use of it (and I do), it's as if it were for nothing. I am sometimes called "the Ph.D." in a tone that is not respectful.
Yeah, well. I didn't get it for them. I got it for me. I'm proud of it. I have a gift for intuitively understanding electromagnetic fields. I have had a ton of math, and still see the need for more. Sometimes we joke about what the degrees mean: when you get your BS, you know everything... when you get your MS, you realize you know nothing... when you get your Ph.D. you still recognize you know nothing, but neither does anyone else. It's funny, but the goal of education is to discover how to learn. There is nothing... nothing, that I can't learn.
David M. Hockanson, Ph.D.
My bathroom remodeling continues, despite obstacles. I finished putting the greenboard on all the walls early this morning. All the walls are now insulated for sound, as much as heat containment. I cleaned the floor and prepared for my first tile job.
As I was arranging the first two rows of tile to see how it was going to line up, I noticed that part of the floor did not appear to have dried all the way... and it should have. I had left last night's copper-sweat job until this morning to make sure it would hold. I didn't have to stare at the water stain on the floor for long to realize that something had gone wrong when I installed the last piece of drywall.
Sure enough, after I removed the drywall, there was a pinhole leak in the pipe. If you really want a lesson in frustration, try re-heating a sealed copper pipe that still has some water in it... I finally managed to get it to come loose, moments before I was ready to resign to buy new couplers and cut the pipe. It's now sitting on the floor cooling off for another try.
To further complicate matters, it would seem enough water soaked into the subfloor that the backerboard is loose... Somehow, I don't think the tile is going in this weekend. I've reserved tomorrow before I pick up Annie for cleaning and laundry. The detritus from the last few days is stacked up everywhere.
Oh well. With a little bit of luck, I'll get the plumbing back together, fix the backerboard, and call it a night...
You know, I can still hear my old director telling my boss that I was rich, and could afford 'things'. This was the same man who was having his bathroom done by someone else in marble. Wish I knew where all my money from being rich has gone... Oh yeah, mortgage, daycare, food, clothing, pet supplies, electricity, and propane. That pretty much leaves me the $1.35 in change I have in my pocket. Still, I have the $1.35 until Annie finds it and puts it in her piggy bank... to buy a horse.
Update: 7:00 pm - I believe I have repaired the leak. Of course, I thought it was solid before, too...
Tired, and feeling like griping
As I was arranging the first two rows of tile to see how it was going to line up, I noticed that part of the floor did not appear to have dried all the way... and it should have. I had left last night's copper-sweat job until this morning to make sure it would hold. I didn't have to stare at the water stain on the floor for long to realize that something had gone wrong when I installed the last piece of drywall.
Sure enough, after I removed the drywall, there was a pinhole leak in the pipe. If you really want a lesson in frustration, try re-heating a sealed copper pipe that still has some water in it... I finally managed to get it to come loose, moments before I was ready to resign to buy new couplers and cut the pipe. It's now sitting on the floor cooling off for another try.
To further complicate matters, it would seem enough water soaked into the subfloor that the backerboard is loose... Somehow, I don't think the tile is going in this weekend. I've reserved tomorrow before I pick up Annie for cleaning and laundry. The detritus from the last few days is stacked up everywhere.
Oh well. With a little bit of luck, I'll get the plumbing back together, fix the backerboard, and call it a night...
You know, I can still hear my old director telling my boss that I was rich, and could afford 'things'. This was the same man who was having his bathroom done by someone else in marble. Wish I knew where all my money from being rich has gone... Oh yeah, mortgage, daycare, food, clothing, pet supplies, electricity, and propane. That pretty much leaves me the $1.35 in change I have in my pocket. Still, I have the $1.35 until Annie finds it and puts it in her piggy bank... to buy a horse.
Update: 7:00 pm - I believe I have repaired the leak. Of course, I thought it was solid before, too...
Tired, and feeling like griping
It's a chilly morning, but it looks like it will warm up like it did yesterday. Yeah, I know... 40 degrees is not cold to my family and friends east of the Rockies...Nonetheless, it's cold to me sitting on the deck with my coffee and trusty notebook computer, watching the last of the sunrise. The birds are very active this morning, and there is even a mourning dove somewhere off in the trees that I can hear. And of course, there is the obligatory call to the day by the rooster. The only non nature sounds are my furnace, and the helicopter that just flew by. Helicopter noises are scary, because they usually indicate that someone has had a wreck in the mountains and has to be flown out. Gives me the shivers.
I'm making some progress on the bathroom, and should finish the last of the drywall today. I started cutting this one (has the most cutouts), and decided I was too tired last night to do a good job. So, I've waited until this morning tomess it up finish it. I wonder if 6:00 am is too early for me to start using the jigsaw...
With a little luck, I'll be able to report progress this evening.
Told you it was nothing' much
I'm making some progress on the bathroom, and should finish the last of the drywall today. I started cutting this one (has the most cutouts), and decided I was too tired last night to do a good job. So, I've waited until this morning to
With a little luck, I'll be able to report progress this evening.
Told you it was nothing' much
March 23, 2005
If you read the previous post about my roadtrip to California, you know that this is not in chronological order.
On the way back from California, we decided to go to the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately, the sun was setting. As I turned off the freeway to head North to the South Rim, we knew we were racing the sun. At that time, the speed limit was still 55. We were hauling butt up the road, going about 90 mph, determined to make it there before the park closed or it got dark.
Did I mention that we had ten dollars cash among all of us?
We made it to the gate to the South Rim as the sun was just getting ready to set. The cost to enter for a few minutes before night? 5$. We quickly approached the South Rim, and got out of the car. We stood at the rim, and looked at this awe-inspiring panorama. There was snow on the ground, and it was caught in various breaks down the canyon. The setting sun sent beautiful red light cascading along the bluffs, bouncing and reflecting along with a gorgeous display of color. I had to force myself to breath. It was absolutely beautiful. My friend Jerry, in this inspirational moment, said "that's it?" Fortunately, I didn't let that impact my perception of the moment. I thoroughly enjoyed the view. We spent about fifteen minutes there, before we returned to our trip.
On the way back down the state highway, we saw countless state patrol vehicles. I was going the speed limit now, so there was no problem.
I really loved the experience, and it is still in my mind. I'll remember it even better when I take my daughter.
The power of geological devlopment is not lost on me
On the way back from California, we decided to go to the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately, the sun was setting. As I turned off the freeway to head North to the South Rim, we knew we were racing the sun. At that time, the speed limit was still 55. We were hauling butt up the road, going about 90 mph, determined to make it there before the park closed or it got dark.
Did I mention that we had ten dollars cash among all of us?
We made it to the gate to the South Rim as the sun was just getting ready to set. The cost to enter for a few minutes before night? 5$. We quickly approached the South Rim, and got out of the car. We stood at the rim, and looked at this awe-inspiring panorama. There was snow on the ground, and it was caught in various breaks down the canyon. The setting sun sent beautiful red light cascading along the bluffs, bouncing and reflecting along with a gorgeous display of color. I had to force myself to breath. It was absolutely beautiful. My friend Jerry, in this inspirational moment, said "that's it?" Fortunately, I didn't let that impact my perception of the moment. I thoroughly enjoyed the view. We spent about fifteen minutes there, before we returned to our trip.
On the way back down the state highway, we saw countless state patrol vehicles. I was going the speed limit now, so there was no problem.
I really loved the experience, and it is still in my mind. I'll remember it even better when I take my daughter.
The power of geological devlopment is not lost on me
Annie has been spending more time "mothering" her babies and stuffed animals lately. I understand where she gets the desire to role-play being a school teacher, now that she's in school. However, I was a little surprised by her recent desire to role-play being a mother to a baby. I think it comes from being around her infant nephew when she is at her maternal grandparents'. My exercise bench is currently serving as a baby's bed. I replace all materials precisely after using it. I take pictures, have a ruler out in the pictures... I watch too much CSI. I'm hoping to be an extra in the long anticipated CSI: Boulder Creek.
When driving her to Nana and Papa's house to eventually go home with her mother:
She is so focused when she wants to be.
Proud of my burgeoning monster
When driving her to Nana and Papa's house to eventually go home with her mother:
Annie: Make sure you take good care of my baby while I'm gone.
Daddy: Will do.
Annie: If she stinks, you need to change her diaper. She probably has poop.
Daddy: (silent pause)
Annie: Are you ignoring me?
Daddy: No, honey, I'm just listening to your instructions.
Annie: It might be pee, too, though... if it stinks.
Daddy: I'll take good care of her. I've done this before, you know...
Annie: I know. You took care of me.
Daddy: I sure did.
Annie: She'll need a bottle if she gets hungry. And you need to make sure she takes naps when she's tired.
Daddy: ("pregnant" pause)
Annie: (groan) I forgot to make a list for you.
Daddy: (stifling a chuckle) I'm sure I'll be alright.
She is so focused when she wants to be.
Proud of my burgeoning monster