"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." ~Cicero
Alright folks, just because it's a library posting, doesn't mean I can't start the post with my customary quote. It is Monday, the official Lib Day 6 and I am not feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed despite the lovely vision of a garden AND a library.
My first goal of the day: Survive the cold weather. It's about 4 degrees outside and with the wind chill, far below zero. Brrr! Thank goodness for an automatic car starter, AKA hubby. No pleasant gardens in sight except for the (mostly) thriving plants in my basement sucking up rays from the plant light.
I'm pleased to be participating in LibDay6 again, mostly because it's important for not only the public but other librarians and students who want to be librarians to understand what each of us do. At least in my case, the work is a bit specialized and I always have to explain what our department (Preservation) is responsible for.
8:45-9:30: I have a brief 45 minutes (it goes so fast!) to catch up on email, check my calendar, and create my (hopeful) agenda for the day until the student workers start arriving. I spend a great deal of my time training the students in the book repair work.
9:30-10:30: I am in the process of showing a student worker how to construct new cases. This will take several days and we are on day 2. I show her how to glue the super onto the spine of the book, knowing it will take her a bit to get all 4 of her books done. We batch some of our repairs so that more can be accomplished in a tiny bit of extra time. It also helps them remember all of the steps when they have to repeat it several times before moving on. I escape back to the office while she's occupied to get other work done (after proper supervision, of course!).
10:30-10:40: I respond to emails that arrived in the hour I was away from my desk. Sometimes it's amazing how many arrive in such a short time span.
10:40-11:30 I've decided to work on editing our treatment manual a little today. I am constantly in the process of editing our treatment manual simply because I'm always monitoring what works for our purpose, what doesn't, what is too difficult for students to learn, which treatments they can't perform well enough without constant re-dos. I'm always evaluating our treatments on a yearly basis. I think we finally have it down to the basic repairs and enclosures that students will learn, so I'm trying to update our manual to reflect that. It's a slow process since I need to type all new instructions in some cases and provide as many pictures/drawings as possible. My students do not learn from the book (I teach everything one-on-one) but it is a helpful guide for them. Especially if they take a copy of it with them when they graduate.
11:30-12:15 I return to my student, showing her the next couple of steps in the new case construction. I'm hoping to get in many steps without overwhelming her since the second half of the week will be crazy for me.
12:15-1:15 Lunch is spent in my office, broken up occasionally by student interruptions. I encourage them to always come ask me a question versus trying to fix it themselves when they are new to the process. However, this usually means it's difficult to get a relaxing, full hour.
1:15-1:35 I'm back with the student and new cases!
1:35-2:00 For a departmental project, I'm working on extensive descriptions of the many projects we have undertaken. If you are familiar with the ARL preservation statistics, you will know that they are lacking. It's very hard to incorporate some of the work we do, particularly for special projects. I need to have everything written up this week and I've been putting it off, which means it's been on my mind all the more. I'm anticipating the imminent leave of my student and uninterrupted computer time, so I pull up the Margot and the Nuclear So and So's station on Pandora and get to work.
2:00-2:05 So it won't be entirely free of interruptions. I take a time out to go over a special project that a colleague brought over, needing treatment by mid-February.
2:05-2:40 Back to work! Click clack, click clack....
2:40-2:45 I remembered that I need to check on a cloth portfolio I began constructing last week. I take a small break to assess my progress and rearrange the weights that will help it dry flat and remain flat. We don't want it to warp.
2:45-3:45 And back to work typing again!
3:45-3:55 Break time before my vision is permanently fuzzy. And a snack! Hm, cheez-its or shortbread cookies? Shortbread cookies, no cheez-its left in my snack drawer. I'm also starting to realize that this document is going to take a little longer than planned. I may have to work on it at home. It's not a requirement, I know, but I have many work projects I enjoy that I want to get ahead on so sometimes work and home overlap.
3:55-4:30 I'm back to typing for a short bit. I have to leave slightly early today for a personal appointment. I'm usually around until about 5:30. I also appreciate that I have excellent working hours, no evenings or weekends for us. Because our department does not interact with the public, we don't need to be open those hours. Our academic library was, I believe, the first to move all departments that do not deal with the public (minus the archive's reading room) to our off-site facilities. Sometimes it's hard for our building to relate to the tough schedules. Many people in the building work 7 - 3:30. If you're a morning person, that's not so bad. I'm not, thus the later hours. Plus, it would be hard to find students who want to work those hours!
My hubby is having surgery later this week so I doubt I will be able to contribute blog entries for my entire week. But to give you a small taste, I plan to work on developing our department website (we have none right now), post a job description for a new student that I need to hire, finish up that cloth portfolio, and order supplies. My favorite is Talas! There are many, many more tasks on the to-do list, not counting interruptions that will be sure to arrive. And rush requests! We always get a few of those when it's crunch time. I've also got a case study and an article that I'm working on, so hopefully I will get a chance to read a few of the articles I have printed out. Maybe while I'm at the hospital waiting for hours in an uncomfortable lounge chair.
Anyway, happy Lib Day all! Oh, and I almost forgot. If you live in the 'burgh area, I will be teaching a book repair workshop through the Pittsburgh Craft Collective. If you have books that are very personal to you, bring them in and I'll take a look. I would explain that I'm passionate about teaching others, preserving books, blah blah blah. But you get it. :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
"May you have the hindsight to know where you've been..."
"...the foresight to know where you're going
and the insight to know when you're going too far." ~Irish Blessing
Well, it's the last day of 2010 and like most others, I'm contemplating the year gone by. One never knows what to expect in the upcoming days, weeks, months, but 2010 was certainly....well, uncertain. There was a lot of laughter, a lot of fun and more downtime than 2009, but with it came its own trials and tribulations., tragic partings, and many many changes. I feel glad that the past few months seem to have flown by, if only because I can't imagine them being any more torturous (dramatic, I know). And please, don't think "here comes the 'why me' whinings." First off, I only whine to my husband. :) Second, my belief in life itself is based on balance. Without the bad, there can be no good. I do experience (more than my fair share) of good and I know that at times there will be unfortunate negative experiences. I have no problem facing them. It's just tough, ya know?
2011 is going to be a year of changes as well, but I think for the positive. We have more travel plans, and (minor) home renovations in the works, and a few other things that you will hear about. I feel in the midst of these changes at the moment, so I expect the first few months won't be any easier than the last. Hubby's surgery is in January and while it will be rough, it's the best thing for him and I can't wait for him to be healthier and happier. It's not always apparent to others, but I find that I'm not too bad at caring for others when they need it, so I know we'll be OK during his recuperation.
Earlier today, I stumbled across my horoscope for 2011. Sometimes I read my horoscope, but I'm not an avid follower. It can be eerily accurate or just downright ridiculous. But I have to say, this one was spot on. As you may have imagined, I'm a Libra (balance!) and my horoscope says (courtesy of Yahoo):
"Oh the lessons you have endured over the course of 2010. You're not the same people- pleasing darling you were a mere 12 months ago. On the contrary darling -- you are in the midst of a powerful process of cultivating the kind of backbone that makes greatness. Thanks to big daddy Saturn you're learning your lessons well in relinquishing laziness, strengthening discipline, and realizing your authority. You're taking yourself more seriously in the arenas where it matters most. (Read: career and getting paid what you're worth.)
and the insight to know when you're going too far." ~Irish Blessing
Well, it's the last day of 2010 and like most others, I'm contemplating the year gone by. One never knows what to expect in the upcoming days, weeks, months, but 2010 was certainly....well, uncertain. There was a lot of laughter, a lot of fun and more downtime than 2009, but with it came its own trials and tribulations., tragic partings, and many many changes. I feel glad that the past few months seem to have flown by, if only because I can't imagine them being any more torturous (dramatic, I know). And please, don't think "here comes the 'why me' whinings." First off, I only whine to my husband. :) Second, my belief in life itself is based on balance. Without the bad, there can be no good. I do experience (more than my fair share) of good and I know that at times there will be unfortunate negative experiences. I have no problem facing them. It's just tough, ya know?
2011 is going to be a year of changes as well, but I think for the positive. We have more travel plans, and (minor) home renovations in the works, and a few other things that you will hear about. I feel in the midst of these changes at the moment, so I expect the first few months won't be any easier than the last. Hubby's surgery is in January and while it will be rough, it's the best thing for him and I can't wait for him to be healthier and happier. It's not always apparent to others, but I find that I'm not too bad at caring for others when they need it, so I know we'll be OK during his recuperation.
Earlier today, I stumbled across my horoscope for 2011. Sometimes I read my horoscope, but I'm not an avid follower. It can be eerily accurate or just downright ridiculous. But I have to say, this one was spot on. As you may have imagined, I'm a Libra (balance!) and my horoscope says (courtesy of Yahoo):
"Oh the lessons you have endured over the course of 2010. You're not the same people- pleasing darling you were a mere 12 months ago. On the contrary darling -- you are in the midst of a powerful process of cultivating the kind of backbone that makes greatness. Thanks to big daddy Saturn you're learning your lessons well in relinquishing laziness, strengthening discipline, and realizing your authority. You're taking yourself more seriously in the arenas where it matters most. (Read: career and getting paid what you're worth.)
Relationships bring plenty of passion, drama and unexpected plot twists especially during the spring. By the time May rolls around you'll be dealing with an unprecedented amount of planetary energy firing up your relationship sector. With six planets including Venus, your ruler and Jupiter, the planet of abundance lining up in your partnership sector you'll be anything but lonely. The challenge lies in staying true to your own needs without getting lost in the persuasive me-me-me demands of your significant others.
Although some of Saturn's lessons will weigh in on a heavier note and perhaps depriving you of any former easy-outs or shortcuts, you have the uncanny ability to take it all in stride. There's something to be said for the inherent Libran laid-back approach to life's challenges. But under current planetary duress you may join the ranks of the stressful millions in your quest for regaining inner peace and unshakable equilibrium. Forever striving for that elusive balance, you're being put through the cosmic ringer when it comes to finding and holding your own with others. But you will get there Libra -- just you wait and see!"
The description of this past year was quite spot on and the positive spin on 2011 (though not without its own amount of work) gives me renewed hope that things will get better. I'll keep trudging along.
Some people are probably planning their New Year's Resolutions, but I don't believe in them. Not to sound arrogant but I'd rather make a life decision instead of one that may last a week or two if I'm lucky. I know myself well enough to know that any resolutions I may come up with won't last long. I need to really put thought and planning and baby steps into any new goals. And New Year's is definitely not a time for me to start something! It's time for me to take a break and start the new year refreshed, not trying to change myself in a myriad of ways.
I hope those of you that are celebrating the new year's arrival will have a splendid time and do it safely. As for me, my annual house party will begin tomorrow evening and last roughly two days. I'm off to continue cleaning toilets like a good little hostess, because really, if people might be up all night puking their guts out from the over-consumption of alcohol, it's only decent of me to provide a clean toilet to hug.
I'm dedicating 2011 to friends and family and I leave you with this Irish toast:
There are good ships,
and there are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships, are friendships,
And may they always be.
May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
"October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter."
Quote by Nova Blair.
As you may be able to tell, I'm getting caught up on some blog posts I have had tucked away in a dusty corner of my mind. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and though this has been a difficult fall, I'm grateful for many things, far too many to enumerate. I'm grateful to be enjoying the lovely weather we've had, although I hear that will be ending this week. A blustery prologue from winter may greet us immediately following Turkey Day. My office smells like cinnamon, courtesy of the scented sticks I brought in to decorate. I feel as though I'm sitting at home every time I take a deep breath.
I sucked at it. And not just a little, like clay. A lot. Don't get me wrong, I like my
little fubar wine topper. As my instructor Melissa (who attempted to comfort me) said, it's MY wine topper. I don't think that's a satisfying defense. After all, you're just pointing out again that it's my mess. That's her working with another student and you can se
e the torch going. The torch takes a lot of practice (which admittedly I don't have) and a lot of patience (which I do have, but not enough). It's hard to know if you have it blowing hot enough or with enough oxygen vs. gas, plus the time it takes to heat up the glass rods to manipulate them seems endless. It was more frustrating when I tried to shape it, messed up, couldn't fix it because it had cooled already plus you can't touch it, and then have to wait for it to heat up all over again before another attempt. I had maybe 5 or 6 different shapes/designs and either I would like it and try to move on (and instead accidentally ruin it) or I didn't like the design. After receiving help from Melissa (who rounded it quite nicely for me) and then ruining it again, I decided to make it a square shape. I had put so much color in it that I had no idea what it would look like when it came out. And the attachment I used to get it off the punty ended up stick
ing, so I just swirled it and made it appear deliberate. I just noticed while taking photos of it that I somehow managed to add bubbles!
Long story short, I have a far greater appreciation for glass working than I did. It's very frustrating to not be able to touch it with your hands and shape it how you want. You have to let the tools do it for you. And it takes skill, knowledge, and patience. For now, I prefer the hot shop with it's almost instantaneous ability to heat up the glass.
As you may be able to tell, I'm getting caught up on some blog posts I have had tucked away in a dusty corner of my mind. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and though this has been a difficult fall, I'm grateful for many things, far too many to enumerate. I'm grateful to be enjoying the lovely weather we've had, although I hear that will be ending this week. A blustery prologue from winter may greet us immediately following Turkey Day. My office smells like cinnamon, courtesy of the scented sticks I brought in to decorate. I feel as though I'm sitting at home every time I take a deep breath.
October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~George Cooper, "October's Party"
Last evening I had my third glass workshop, fall leaves in the hot shop. They won't be ready until next week, so I won't tempt you with details without a picture just yet. But I missed telling you about my wine topper workshop, a flame workshop using the torch.The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~George Cooper, "October's Party"
I sucked at it. And not just a little, like clay. A lot. Don't get me wrong, I like my
little fubar wine topper. As my instructor Melissa (who attempted to comfort me) said, it's MY wine topper. I don't think that's a satisfying defense. After all, you're just pointing out again that it's my mess. That's her working with another student and you can se
e the torch going. The torch takes a lot of practice (which admittedly I don't have) and a lot of patience (which I do have, but not enough). It's hard to know if you have it blowing hot enough or with enough oxygen vs. gas, plus the time it takes to heat up the glass rods to manipulate them seems endless. It was more frustrating when I tried to shape it, messed up, couldn't fix it because it had cooled already plus you can't touch it, and then have to wait for it to heat up all over again before another attempt. I had maybe 5 or 6 different shapes/designs and either I would like it and try to move on (and instead accidentally ruin it) or I didn't like the design. After receiving help from Melissa (who rounded it quite nicely for me) and then ruining it again, I decided to make it a square shape. I had put so much color in it that I had no idea what it would look like when it came out. And the attachment I used to get it off the punty ended up stick
ing, so I just swirled it and made it appear deliberate. I just noticed while taking photos of it that I somehow managed to add bubbles!Long story short, I have a far greater appreciation for glass working than I did. It's very frustrating to not be able to touch it with your hands and shape it how you want. You have to let the tools do it for you. And it takes skill, knowledge, and patience. For now, I prefer the hot shop with it's almost instantaneous ability to heat up the glass.
"I'll bet living in a nudist colony..."
"...takes all the fun out of Halloween." ~Anon.
Of course it's the day before Thanksgiving and I am writing a little blurb about Halloween. You could either consider me behind (as usual) OR that I love Halloween so much I can't stop thinking about it no matter the time of year. Either works. :)
I really enjoyed my costume this year even though we really didn't do much for the holiday. This fall has been even crazier than usual (I didn't think that was possible!) and so we just watched our local parade and handed out candy to trick-or-treaters. I took a sudden liking to the Mad Hatter costume a la Johnny Depp and decided to make my own.
The hat was the first part, naturally! I found some very easy instructions online and
used scrap pieces of paperboard from here in the lab. Using hot glue, staples, and muscles, I wrapped the middle section based on my head measurements, secured it, and attached it to a dinner-plate size piece at the top of the hat. I picked up some fabrics from Joann's, which included the lovely textured purple fabric on the hat. I hot glued that as well and then added decorations. I needed to include the wide ribbon, the sign with the price, and a hat pin. I had been eyeing these feathers at Joann's for quite a while and finally found the perfect use for them! The little bird on top just added to the cute style. The only trouble I had was in locating a hat pin. I eventually realized I could just make one. I have various thickness of jewelry wire and all kinds of beads. It just took a little bit of wire wrapping and voila! A nice yellow hatpin that offsets the purple fabric nicely.
I was lucky enough to find this black Anna Sui coat (with matching skirt!) at Goodwill with a great tailored look that fit me well. I didn't really want a black coat, but it looked so good that it made the color worth it. I added lace cuffs that are white with black polka dots. It's hard to see in the picture but I also found a wonderful paisley silk vest filled with golds and purples. It was a perfect detail! I still needed fingerless gloves, which I fashioned out of purple lace with black polka dots on them. I finished off the body of the costume with a scarf I owned and created the sash of spools. I couldn't find a smaller version to purchase for an inexpensive amount so I used my own. I cut a plain brown leather belt in half (also from Goodwill!), strung the spools using a thick bookbinding waxed thread, and then sewed the ends to the belt. I need to take it apart to use my spools again, and because I have no need to wear a sash of spools, but it looks so lovely that I wish I didn't have to.
I added the green and black fake eyelashes instead of orange bushy eyebrows and didn't spray my hair either. I figured the bleach blonde I have it is bright enough. I don't need orange hair! I had that last year as a redhead. :)
This costume was great fun to wear because people really enjoyed it, kids and adults alike. Most people enjoyed either the hat or the sash the most, but a few told me I had "butterflies" on my eyes. The hat was heavy but luckily I made it perfect for my head measurement and with the addition of the fabric, it was a little tight. I just had to take it off every now and then or suffer a headache. And it was very easy to poke people (accidentally!) with the feathers so I had to be careful I didn't tip my head back too far.
I have an idea for next year's costume, so maybe I'll get started very early this year! I also have a few craft ideas for the holiday that maybe you'll see next year. I usually have no time for the bare minimum at Halloween, despite it being my favorite holiday. I might start early this year and show some creativity!
Monday, November 8, 2010
"If your only goal is to become rich..."
"...you will never achieve it." ~ John D. Rockefeller
I think I've been very honest with myself when thinking about getting rich doing all my crafting and artwork (i.e. not going to happen). And before you think it's a case of low self-esteem and a lack of belief in what I can accomplish, it's really a matter of enjoyment. I like designing and editing and creating my latest project. And then moving on to something else. I'm not big into marketing or sales or figuring out what my price point should be. I do this for fun and to share my creations with others. You may have noticed that I still haven't listed the books I made for the craft fair back in June on my Etsy site. Again, meh.
But I've had so many comments on my tape measure watch (from friends and strangers alike), that I'm considering making a few to post on Etsy. Just to see if people like them enough to purchase and if it's worth my time. However! (no cheering yet) I have a dilemma. Although I was able to measure my wrist and use that number, I still had my wrist to test it on throughout the creative process. I have no idea if I could make a watch that fits well with only the circumference of their wrist. So you, dear readers, must help me!
If you would like a free (yes, FREE) tape measure watch that may...or may not....fit you, please
leave a comment with the circumference of your wrist (in inches) around the spot you would like the watch to rest. I will only be giving out one free watch, so if many people comment, I will just draw a random winner. You have until Friday, Nov. 12th, at 5 PM (Eastern time). If the winner is a female, I will use a watch face similar to the one I used for my watch (see my previous post). If the winner is a male, I will try to locate a more masculine-looking watch. Unless you want the other one! And if there are only two people who want one, well maybe I'll just make two.
I'm hoping this will work out since so many people enjoyed the watch. Good luck!
I think I've been very honest with myself when thinking about getting rich doing all my crafting and artwork (i.e. not going to happen). And before you think it's a case of low self-esteem and a lack of belief in what I can accomplish, it's really a matter of enjoyment. I like designing and editing and creating my latest project. And then moving on to something else. I'm not big into marketing or sales or figuring out what my price point should be. I do this for fun and to share my creations with others. You may have noticed that I still haven't listed the books I made for the craft fair back in June on my Etsy site. Again, meh.
But I've had so many comments on my tape measure watch (from friends and strangers alike), that I'm considering making a few to post on Etsy. Just to see if people like them enough to purchase and if it's worth my time. However! (no cheering yet) I have a dilemma. Although I was able to measure my wrist and use that number, I still had my wrist to test it on throughout the creative process. I have no idea if I could make a watch that fits well with only the circumference of their wrist. So you, dear readers, must help me!
If you would like a free (yes, FREE) tape measure watch that may...or may not....fit you, please
leave a comment with the circumference of your wrist (in inches) around the spot you would like the watch to rest. I will only be giving out one free watch, so if many people comment, I will just draw a random winner. You have until Friday, Nov. 12th, at 5 PM (Eastern time). If the winner is a female, I will use a watch face similar to the one I used for my watch (see my previous post). If the winner is a male, I will try to locate a more masculine-looking watch. Unless you want the other one! And if there are only two people who want one, well maybe I'll just make two.I'm hoping this will work out since so many people enjoyed the watch. Good luck!
Monday, October 18, 2010
"I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence..."
"...but it comes from within. It is there all the time." ~ Anna Freud
Last week (Oct 11-15) was a difficult week. I'm not one to complain too often or to reflect upon my life pessimistically. I like to spread positive words. And this post will spread positivity and self-reflection. But first I need the catharsis of confession. It was a f*$!#ing HARD week. There was friend drama, crazy traveling schedules, work drama and hectic meetings, illnesses and sleeplessness, teaching and deadlines. And there was Buddy.
Although I try to be positive about situations and appreciate what I have as often as I can, sometimes I am stunned by the slightest thing that makes me feel that I've been taking my life for granted. In this case, it's my sense of self. I didn't have a difficult childhood but it wasn't an easy one. I've been blessed with a fair amount of self-confidence and self-love because of the different types of people I've had to deal with and my experiences growing up. Being the oldest of 5, I also had to serve as the protector of my siblings and that really boosted my strong sense of self. No one's opinion matters but your own and those you love. I whole-heartedly believe that this is what gets me through life, in addition to growing up in a hard-working family.
Lately, I've been letting myself get carried away by how other people see me when I know it's simply jealousy and envy they are feeling. Even though I thought I was listening to myself and not falling for malice, I don't think that's true. After the past week, I think I've been thinking far too often about my own lifestyle and how I may negatively affect others. Is it a detriment to be my friend? I try to use whatever lifestyle advantages I have to help others, but am I doing enough?
And along came Buddy. Buddy is a stray cat in our neighborhood (I chose the name Buddy) and he showed up in early spring. My husband and I have several cats of our own and foster cats for a local shelter. We are committed to catching the strays to make sure they are at least neutered/spayed and up-to-date on shots. If they seem super friendly, we take them into the shelter to put them up for adoption. It took me 7 months to get Buddy used to me enough to let me pet him. He immediately became one of the sweetest cats (and possibly least intelligent one) I've ever known. Buddy obviously wasn't feral, just a bit shy and maybe a little slow. Two weeks ago, he seemed comfortable enough with me that I decided it was time to grab him. He stayed in a spare bathroom until we were able to take him into the shelter and I was surprised by how easily he adjusted to being an indoor kitty. He surely must've been an indoor kitty before.
We finally took him in after a few days with us and I was sad to see him go. I'd gotten used to his wide-eyed look while he hung around our porch for nearly a year. But we have so many cats as it is, I can't take another one. I comforted myself with the knowledge that someone loving and kind would adopt him and I could keep tabs on him through my contacts with the shelter. We also put our names down as a responsible contact in case he gets sick and needs to be temporarily fostered.
We got the call on Thursday that Buddy had tested positive for Feline HIV. Most likely, he had gotten it from another stray cat he got in a fight with, considering that it's not an airborne illness. We had 5 hours to decide if we wanted to pick him up or have him euthanized. On one of my busiest work days, I have to make a difficult decision. There's no way he can be with our boys if we want to minimize any chance that they could contract the disease. But it's not enough time to find someone without cats who would want to adopt him. We can't put him back outside and monitor him because he could give it to other cats and get sick and hide, committing himself to a slow, painful death. It seemed we had only one option.
While frantically searching the internet for suggestions of what I could do besides the obvious (because it just wasn't FAIR), I came across a suggestion for a cat sanctuary or shelter that takes in cats with Feline Leukemia and Feline HIV/Aids. The nearest shelter I could find is in Harrisburg, called the Best Little Cat House in PA. I have dealt with no-kill shelters before and they almost never have room. I discarded it as an option but decided to email them just in case, explaining our situation and asking that they at least respond. It seems that despite the rough week, I still had luck on my side because they happened to check their email (usually only once a day I was told) right after I sent it. I was given a phone number to call and ask about space, which wouldn't be available until December. I was so relieved that they would have any openings at all that I started crying there at my desk. We could keep him quarantined until then and he would get the care and love that he deserves.
What has followed this turn of events has been nearly three weeks of a very sick Buddy (quarantined in a spare bathroom until December), who was neutered at the shelter and contracted an upper respiratory infection, which could be deadly. I spent two weeks hand-feeding him and giving him water with a syringe. It was not an easy two weeks. And he has just now stopped sneezing blood. But holding him in my lap while he has to breathe through his mouth, watching me in confusion over what has happened to him, I feel above the petty jealousy and attacks on my good intentions. I know that I'm making a difference in his short little life and I have no need for self-doubt. There isn't room for it and my momentary lapse got me nowhere except stressed.
When I converted to Judaism, I had to choose my Hebrew names. I went through many books and websites, trying to pick meanings that identified me or embodied traits I wanted to possess. Ultimately, I chose names that would serve as a reminder of who I am and who I strive to remain. Akiva Chemda is my name. Akiva (although a boy's name, a Hebrew version of Jacob) means to protect or to provide shelter. This is my mantra towards animals especially, but for any friends or family that needs my assistance. I could look at how many people alone have lived in our home... Chemda is a girl's name meaning charming. This reminds me to always be positive, pleasant, and wonderful towards others.
I realize this was a long, heartfelt post. And really I wrote it more for me than any of you, my lovely readers. But I needed this catharsis to remind myself that I'm OK. Thanks. :)
Last week (Oct 11-15) was a difficult week. I'm not one to complain too often or to reflect upon my life pessimistically. I like to spread positive words. And this post will spread positivity and self-reflection. But first I need the catharsis of confession. It was a f*$!#ing HARD week. There was friend drama, crazy traveling schedules, work drama and hectic meetings, illnesses and sleeplessness, teaching and deadlines. And there was Buddy.
Although I try to be positive about situations and appreciate what I have as often as I can, sometimes I am stunned by the slightest thing that makes me feel that I've been taking my life for granted. In this case, it's my sense of self. I didn't have a difficult childhood but it wasn't an easy one. I've been blessed with a fair amount of self-confidence and self-love because of the different types of people I've had to deal with and my experiences growing up. Being the oldest of 5, I also had to serve as the protector of my siblings and that really boosted my strong sense of self. No one's opinion matters but your own and those you love. I whole-heartedly believe that this is what gets me through life, in addition to growing up in a hard-working family.
Lately, I've been letting myself get carried away by how other people see me when I know it's simply jealousy and envy they are feeling. Even though I thought I was listening to myself and not falling for malice, I don't think that's true. After the past week, I think I've been thinking far too often about my own lifestyle and how I may negatively affect others. Is it a detriment to be my friend? I try to use whatever lifestyle advantages I have to help others, but am I doing enough?
And along came Buddy. Buddy is a stray cat in our neighborhood (I chose the name Buddy) and he showed up in early spring. My husband and I have several cats of our own and foster cats for a local shelter. We are committed to catching the strays to make sure they are at least neutered/spayed and up-to-date on shots. If they seem super friendly, we take them into the shelter to put them up for adoption. It took me 7 months to get Buddy used to me enough to let me pet him. He immediately became one of the sweetest cats (and possibly least intelligent one) I've ever known. Buddy obviously wasn't feral, just a bit shy and maybe a little slow. Two weeks ago, he seemed comfortable enough with me that I decided it was time to grab him. He stayed in a spare bathroom until we were able to take him into the shelter and I was surprised by how easily he adjusted to being an indoor kitty. He surely must've been an indoor kitty before.
We finally took him in after a few days with us and I was sad to see him go. I'd gotten used to his wide-eyed look while he hung around our porch for nearly a year. But we have so many cats as it is, I can't take another one. I comforted myself with the knowledge that someone loving and kind would adopt him and I could keep tabs on him through my contacts with the shelter. We also put our names down as a responsible contact in case he gets sick and needs to be temporarily fostered.
We got the call on Thursday that Buddy had tested positive for Feline HIV. Most likely, he had gotten it from another stray cat he got in a fight with, considering that it's not an airborne illness. We had 5 hours to decide if we wanted to pick him up or have him euthanized. On one of my busiest work days, I have to make a difficult decision. There's no way he can be with our boys if we want to minimize any chance that they could contract the disease. But it's not enough time to find someone without cats who would want to adopt him. We can't put him back outside and monitor him because he could give it to other cats and get sick and hide, committing himself to a slow, painful death. It seemed we had only one option.
While frantically searching the internet for suggestions of what I could do besides the obvious (because it just wasn't FAIR), I came across a suggestion for a cat sanctuary or shelter that takes in cats with Feline Leukemia and Feline HIV/Aids. The nearest shelter I could find is in Harrisburg, called the Best Little Cat House in PA. I have dealt with no-kill shelters before and they almost never have room. I discarded it as an option but decided to email them just in case, explaining our situation and asking that they at least respond. It seems that despite the rough week, I still had luck on my side because they happened to check their email (usually only once a day I was told) right after I sent it. I was given a phone number to call and ask about space, which wouldn't be available until December. I was so relieved that they would have any openings at all that I started crying there at my desk. We could keep him quarantined until then and he would get the care and love that he deserves.
What has followed this turn of events has been nearly three weeks of a very sick Buddy (quarantined in a spare bathroom until December), who was neutered at the shelter and contracted an upper respiratory infection, which could be deadly. I spent two weeks hand-feeding him and giving him water with a syringe. It was not an easy two weeks. And he has just now stopped sneezing blood. But holding him in my lap while he has to breathe through his mouth, watching me in confusion over what has happened to him, I feel above the petty jealousy and attacks on my good intentions. I know that I'm making a difference in his short little life and I have no need for self-doubt. There isn't room for it and my momentary lapse got me nowhere except stressed.
When I converted to Judaism, I had to choose my Hebrew names. I went through many books and websites, trying to pick meanings that identified me or embodied traits I wanted to possess. Ultimately, I chose names that would serve as a reminder of who I am and who I strive to remain. Akiva Chemda is my name. Akiva (although a boy's name, a Hebrew version of Jacob) means to protect or to provide shelter. This is my mantra towards animals especially, but for any friends or family that needs my assistance. I could look at how many people alone have lived in our home... Chemda is a girl's name meaning charming. This reminds me to always be positive, pleasant, and wonderful towards others.
I realize this was a long, heartfelt post. And really I wrote it more for me than any of you, my lovely readers. But I needed this catharsis to remind myself that I'm OK. Thanks. :)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
"Painting is easy when you don't know how..."
"...but very difficult when you do." ~Edgar Degas
This is true for any form of art. It's easy when you're experimenting and just putting yourself into your creation. Once you've "learned" how you are supposed to create it and what you are supposed to create, it gets far more difficult. So with my first attempt at glass-making, it was easy! And I love my little pumpkin.
Here it is! I finally started my glass workshops (I had them spread out one a month starting in September but the first one had to be moved to November). So my new first one was the hot glass blown pumpkin in early October. We were able to pick whatever colors we wanted, although they had out some typical oranges and yellows. Another woman in our group also wanted purple and the guys who instructed us (Travis and...Bill maybe?) were more than happy to provide us with whichever colors we wanted to experiment with. It's hard to see but if you look closely at the top of my pumpkin underneath the stem, I threw in a little bit of orange mixed with the purple.
The class was only two hours and there were 6 of us in the group. I wasn't sure how the workshop would be taught but they had each of us take turns making one (with their assistance) while the others watched. The later you went in the group order, the better the result. Don't get me wrong, the first guy did great, but you learned something new from each student's mistake or problem/difficulty. I went third and I think the only perk to going later would've been having my stem turn out a little better. But I'm pleased with my results. And it's heavy! I'm used to purchasing glass pumpkins that are very light but this glass is THICK.
The only part of the work
shop that I didn't like was having to rely on the assistance of our instructors so much. I get that it's only a two hour workshop and there's only so much you can do when you're allotted approximately 15 minutes. And Travis and Bill did let you do more yourself if they took note that it was easier for you, you picked up on it quickly, or insisted on doing some of it yourself. It was my first time but I think I picked up on it well, so they were able to let me do a bit more on my own than some of the students. I appreciated that but ultimately, I did not get to blow the bubble in the pumpkin. *Frowny face* Only the instructors were able to do this. I think if I take a longer workshop (maybe a 6 hour or all day one), I'd be happier but I still have several other types of glass-working workshops scheduled to figure out which ones I enjoyed most. But the hot glass was very thrilling. It made me want to make thick globs of nothing, just clear glass, to play with the physics of it's movement and watch it cool and solidify.
This is true for any form of art. It's easy when you're experimenting and just putting yourself into your creation. Once you've "learned" how you are supposed to create it and what you are supposed to create, it gets far more difficult. So with my first attempt at glass-making, it was easy! And I love my little pumpkin.
Here it is! I finally started my glass workshops (I had them spread out one a month starting in September but the first one had to be moved to November). So my new first one was the hot glass blown pumpkin in early October. We were able to pick whatever colors we wanted, although they had out some typical oranges and yellows. Another woman in our group also wanted purple and the guys who instructed us (Travis and...Bill maybe?) were more than happy to provide us with whichever colors we wanted to experiment with. It's hard to see but if you look closely at the top of my pumpkin underneath the stem, I threw in a little bit of orange mixed with the purple.The class was only two hours and there were 6 of us in the group. I wasn't sure how the workshop would be taught but they had each of us take turns making one (with their assistance) while the others watched. The later you went in the group order, the better the result. Don't get me wrong, the first guy did great, but you learned something new from each student's mistake or problem/difficulty. I went third and I think the only perk to going later would've been having my stem turn out a little better. But I'm pleased with my results. And it's heavy! I'm used to purchasing glass pumpkins that are very light but this glass is THICK.
The only part of the work
shop that I didn't like was having to rely on the assistance of our instructors so much. I get that it's only a two hour workshop and there's only so much you can do when you're allotted approximately 15 minutes. And Travis and Bill did let you do more yourself if they took note that it was easier for you, you picked up on it quickly, or insisted on doing some of it yourself. It was my first time but I think I picked up on it well, so they were able to let me do a bit more on my own than some of the students. I appreciated that but ultimately, I did not get to blow the bubble in the pumpkin. *Frowny face* Only the instructors were able to do this. I think if I take a longer workshop (maybe a 6 hour or all day one), I'd be happier but I still have several other types of glass-working workshops scheduled to figure out which ones I enjoyed most. But the hot glass was very thrilling. It made me want to make thick globs of nothing, just clear glass, to play with the physics of it's movement and watch it cool and solidify.
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