Hand hurts, again.

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But, I got that faucet in, no leaks in that part of the system, so it is almost a go for the kitchen. There is, in fact, a leak. But it is not the faucet in any way. It is, of course, the drain. No problems, as after working under there just a short bit, I knew the drain plumbing, if you could call it that, was going to have to go. Tomorrow morning, when I get up and even before I shower, I am taking that thing out and putting it in a bag, marking the parts so I can reassemble at the hardware store (if necessary). I do not think any type of caulking, glue, or even very good connectors were used in the production of that drain. As well, there is an extra twist or two that really shouldn't be needed (I will check with the hardware people, but I am dubious about them).

The big part, to my mind, is done. The kitchen will indeed go forward this week, and early in it I suspect. For this job, I am going to stay on it as long and hard as I have to stay on it. Three trips to the hardware store? So be it. Five, I will not like it but I will do it. I plan to have this plumbing job done tomorrow.

By the way, I am becoming more and more suspicious that my host and hostess are indeed reading this blog. No problems, I do not care who reads here and welcome the interest. I am sure they have great chuckles about some of it and great woe about other parts. Why do I suspect this? Well, tonight at dinner, something seemed different. And when the Mrs. spoke of the work she was doing, she included the fact that she was doing the linoleum floor in the kitchen, I think, of one of the houses they are working on. When she was discussing it though, she looked at me a little differently. There was something in that look, as I have been pondering (as you all know I do quite often) that told me she had read what I wrote and about my ire and about my disbelief in equality and why. She did not have an answer for it, so either accepted it or just let it go. But she lost some of her fighting spirit on the matter of work and equality, at the least.

Now, I actually do feel bad if I put the Mr. in a bind. I am sure he has worked very hard at finding a balance. Saying what is needed in a diplomatic front, to make being with a woman less work and more pleasant (as it very well can be). But, if they read here, he will have to go through a boatload of questions and answers on various directly and indirectly related material all over again. As well, I feel bad about disturbing her boat. She has a nice pat view of the world and things that rock that boat cause a lot of doubt and discomfort. Really, that was not my intention, otherwise I would have directly said what I thought. Still, I believe what I said and stand by it.

On another topic, we discussed Marines. There was something derogatory going on and I plainly stated that Marines are not just some of the best fighters, considering they go in when no other significant force often can or will, they are extremely humane. I may not always agree with Jarheads, like their Leatherneck attitude, or even like an individual in the Corpse, I do respect the general notion of who they are, what they do, and how they do it in a deep and personal manner. They, in fact, are my brothers. I will NOT accept the anti-Americanism tripe perpetrated against them for the sake of... anything. I did not go off loudly or angrily, I merely drew the line in the sand, gave them a very solid and healthy pat on the back, and honored them as I could, and then left it at that. It, for me, is not a debate.

Oh, fie, I understand. I am not even sure if they do. She would not have been allowed into academia, at all, if she did not hold these beliefs. Find me 10% of academics (especially before they gain tenure) who support the troops and what they are doing, even if the troops happen to be doing nothing, on any campus in the US (or very possibly abroad). I know the score. I am not sure most academic types do. They were picked FOR their beliefs and any who do not hold them are excluded. Period. I have heard better, and actually quite good and wholly based, debates from the Vatican then I have ever heard on a campus. How many Summers have to be fired for merely mentioning the obvious, women cannot do math or science, for people to realize how dogmatic the education community is (and wrongly, because women do not do as well in application math and science (though they are fine at regurgitating the taught, but as I said, not being able to functionally use it)?

Proof? Let us start with brain size, then go on to other psychological factors (which, at the risk of their careers, scientists and psychologists are coming out with). Every women? No. Most? Yes. Much like interest in sports participation. Hmm, that reminds me, Title IX (I think) has been approved for science and math education at the college level. What does this mean? It means fewer math and science students. Much like sports, when there is a forced parity of numbers in areas women are not interested in entering (even with full ride scholarships offered for the frivolous women's sports), there will only be slightly more women interested in calculus, engineering, biology, and the other hard sciences. So, to create parity, slots will be cut, meaning fewer science and math degrees. Either that or a flood of hopelessly useless degrees in math history and science art, or something. Yummy for us. I do suspect we will see a huge decline in the scientific field shortly, followed by an attempt to modify or negate the effects of the decree through the creation of worthless "science and math programs". Ha, I wonder how many women will be working off $20k, $40k, and even $100k degrees... working at McDonalds or something? Ugh... talk about a drain on the economy though...

The reason that hand hurts is that when I have to apply a lot of pressure with one hand, it somehow distributes that pressure to the other hand. I knew this, to some extent, but during the work I realized just how much pressure that could be. I nearly opened up the wound channel (as the valves are VERY cranky). As well, the number of things I did with my right hand, requiring a decent bit of strength, over the work effort, really did add up. Still, the hard part is done. The drain will not be as difficult, at all.

Anyway, time for bed. I am up WAY TOO LATE!