.
.
It just, well, takes longer. Always. As well, between being a poor packer and taking too much, I am left with a harsh choice. Miss my hotel or... skip the water jugs. No other choices as I would have to completely repack. Not going to happen. I will just have to hope we can get jugs on the way, and fill them with potable. After getting most everything in, I had to take a break. But rather than wasting it, this time, I decided to begin writing out the driving instructions... Printer was ooc last I checked, if that was back when the machine was totally corrupted. I haven't tried it since, but had little time and money to fuss with it in any case, so... *scribble* I took over an hour to write it out. I redid a page or two because I couldn't read them. Ugh. Got in a hurry.
Boots, tp, table and chairs, what I can get in, then... I hit the road. Ugh...
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Ugh!
.
.
I honestly thought I had it all whipped. Just put everything in, right? Well, in theory. The problem with theory, immediately, is the grill. I thought taking it apart, from what I remembered about putting it together, would be a snap. Well, for two people, perhaps. But solo it was a bear. I think it still works, it just has a little cosmetic damage. I spared it a hard hit but couldn't keep it from hitting altogether. Physics cannot be undone, at some angles no amount of strength can arrest an event once it is in motion.
I don't even have the water in and I am out of space. I will simply have to put some of the stuff up on the roof, lighter bulkier things. Ugh! The good thing about and Xterra is that the cargo bay is extremely accessible. There is nothing you can't reach from either door and the back, so you really do have three points of access, for whichever is convenient or works with what you are trying to move. Wrestling the grill into the cabin, solo, was also a treat. More treats like that and I'll get a bloody hernia! It wasn't the weight, it was trying to be gentle with that weight AND the environment with maybe an eighth of an inch clearance. No, I didn't even come close to herniating, just... the idea seemed appropriate.
I still have a few more things to pack, but 80% to 90% of it is in, 75% of what needs to be packed is packed, or more really. Remember, some 1/3rd of what I am taking doesn't need packing, and much of what needed packing is in. Just... didn't want you to go all gerbil on me. *squeak, squeak* I've got to take a break though. Not wearing down, and when it is in I am going, it's just I can only handle just so much exertion at a time. I'm old and lame. The nice thing about this is, much of it will not be coming back. Food, water, and other consumables. After we find a place to unload trash, and recycle if someone insists, and even before, we will be light as a feather just from water usage, and comparably. Even just half of the water gone will be big. What food I don't use will, hopefully, be gifted. The only food I will bring back otherwise are any remaining MREs. The heat will have killed their shelf life, but I can use them here at home for the first week or so, if need be, to get back on my feet more easily.
Ugh! I am pushing but... I think I am doing fine. So far. Yeah, a break and then back to it. The roof pack will go on, lighter but bulky will go in that, then the water will go in. That should leave enough room for everything and rather comfortably... I hope. I couldn't do this often. There just... isn't that much of me to split out. And, honestly? I am... surprised I made it. I simply am. Even if I was sure I could. Oh, that check list is finally coming in handy. Extra key and fob, for example, but other things both not yet packed and already in. Yeah, okay, the list was worth scribbling out. Yes, mother, medicines are in and I have them where I know they are and can be taken into the hotel with me. Hmm, gotta get the insulin in, yet, though. Ugh!
Later. Much later. See you in a week or two.
.
I honestly thought I had it all whipped. Just put everything in, right? Well, in theory. The problem with theory, immediately, is the grill. I thought taking it apart, from what I remembered about putting it together, would be a snap. Well, for two people, perhaps. But solo it was a bear. I think it still works, it just has a little cosmetic damage. I spared it a hard hit but couldn't keep it from hitting altogether. Physics cannot be undone, at some angles no amount of strength can arrest an event once it is in motion.
I don't even have the water in and I am out of space. I will simply have to put some of the stuff up on the roof, lighter bulkier things. Ugh! The good thing about and Xterra is that the cargo bay is extremely accessible. There is nothing you can't reach from either door and the back, so you really do have three points of access, for whichever is convenient or works with what you are trying to move. Wrestling the grill into the cabin, solo, was also a treat. More treats like that and I'll get a bloody hernia! It wasn't the weight, it was trying to be gentle with that weight AND the environment with maybe an eighth of an inch clearance. No, I didn't even come close to herniating, just... the idea seemed appropriate.
I still have a few more things to pack, but 80% to 90% of it is in, 75% of what needs to be packed is packed, or more really. Remember, some 1/3rd of what I am taking doesn't need packing, and much of what needed packing is in. Just... didn't want you to go all gerbil on me. *squeak, squeak* I've got to take a break though. Not wearing down, and when it is in I am going, it's just I can only handle just so much exertion at a time. I'm old and lame. The nice thing about this is, much of it will not be coming back. Food, water, and other consumables. After we find a place to unload trash, and recycle if someone insists, and even before, we will be light as a feather just from water usage, and comparably. Even just half of the water gone will be big. What food I don't use will, hopefully, be gifted. The only food I will bring back otherwise are any remaining MREs. The heat will have killed their shelf life, but I can use them here at home for the first week or so, if need be, to get back on my feet more easily.
Ugh! I am pushing but... I think I am doing fine. So far. Yeah, a break and then back to it. The roof pack will go on, lighter but bulky will go in that, then the water will go in. That should leave enough room for everything and rather comfortably... I hope. I couldn't do this often. There just... isn't that much of me to split out. And, honestly? I am... surprised I made it. I simply am. Even if I was sure I could. Oh, that check list is finally coming in handy. Extra key and fob, for example, but other things both not yet packed and already in. Yeah, okay, the list was worth scribbling out. Yes, mother, medicines are in and I have them where I know they are and can be taken into the hotel with me. Hmm, gotta get the insulin in, yet, though. Ugh!
Later. Much later. See you in a week or two.
Well, that was quick as a slug on a five foot stick!
.
.
Cardboard, I thought. That will be easy. And, really, effort wise, it was. The thing is I need to cut it to size. And, that was a little tricky. I am hoping one layer is enough, as well. Hmm, nothing on the bottom but food but that works too. I did make a top for it though, cardboard top. It took about an hour of fiddling... I was thinking more along the lines of five to ten minutes. And, no, I wasn't super particular nor particularly slow. It just takes time.
Into town. Forgot batteries, dang it! I have some but... They will simply have to do or I will go without. If I or we stop somewhere for something in the travels I may pick some up. I stopped for a late lunch first, didn't want the ice and dry ice in the heat of the day and vehicle while I ate. Hotter there than here by far. I had no idea what to expect. They do sell dry ice, but the girl at the register goes and gets it. As I said, I put the meats in the bottom (almost forgot bacon, but two slabs are in there now. I didn't layer it with the meat, at all... Not being at the register with jackwagons pushing up behind. Open registers on either side, one or two items each, and open self check lanes, but they decide my lane is better. Asswagons. Never the who.
Oh, yeah, I did stop at the post office. The ice bandana was in! Excellent. I am glad I went ahead and froze the extra packs for it, even believing they wouldn't make it. Oh, and boy do I have a surprise for D.C. It arrived today. No! Wait! Until BMan, and a little into it. No peaking, no hints. I am just hoping you like it! Gosh, now I am getting lots of nice toys. I guess you just have to live long enough?
I had this... odd moment... while waiting in line. In a bit of a sour mood, hot, bothered, and pressed as I was. A woman, quite elderly, was two people ahead. She was writing a check, the old way, and taking her time. I had the faintest notion that some of it was staged. It was her time, and it brought attention. Initially I was perturbed. I kept it inside, I've been too grumpy lately so I have been working at *calm*. And it worked. While I was doing that I... looked at her more closely. Wrinkles, she had. No, not just age, but great, perhaps amazing age. Those wrinkles softened my heart somehow, and I became undone. What I had mentioned about the dream, having a miracle before one's eyes and being unhappy by wanting more. Yes. That opened my eyes to those around me, other women and girls. I couldn't see their lives, as is sometimes the case, or their thoughts, but I could see the reason for their being, I could see somethings else. Words wouldn't quite explain it but I lived for a moment as I haven't in ages. Just a moment, like when a someone who stutters sings without stuttering. A trick, perhaps. Can't explain it fully. But I certainly enjoyed it, and needed it. After my expression changed, the woman ahead of me offered to let me go. She had many items, I only had a few. I suggested I needed dry ice as well, which is complicated, so declined her offer, but with many thanks for the notion.
Oh, an hour to chill a bit. I did pack the tent and sleeping gear out, got the shower down and stowed. I have a bit more packing and a lot of loading. Ugh! I did find three rugs to take along, one small, one more of a runner, and one a bit bigger but shabby on one edge. It's what I can do. Gosh, I hope I don't forget too much. Woot! Today is the day!
.
Cardboard, I thought. That will be easy. And, really, effort wise, it was. The thing is I need to cut it to size. And, that was a little tricky. I am hoping one layer is enough, as well. Hmm, nothing on the bottom but food but that works too. I did make a top for it though, cardboard top. It took about an hour of fiddling... I was thinking more along the lines of five to ten minutes. And, no, I wasn't super particular nor particularly slow. It just takes time.
Into town. Forgot batteries, dang it! I have some but... They will simply have to do or I will go without. If I or we stop somewhere for something in the travels I may pick some up. I stopped for a late lunch first, didn't want the ice and dry ice in the heat of the day and vehicle while I ate. Hotter there than here by far. I had no idea what to expect. They do sell dry ice, but the girl at the register goes and gets it. As I said, I put the meats in the bottom (almost forgot bacon, but two slabs are in there now. I didn't layer it with the meat, at all... Not being at the register with jackwagons pushing up behind. Open registers on either side, one or two items each, and open self check lanes, but they decide my lane is better. Asswagons. Never the who.
Oh, yeah, I did stop at the post office. The ice bandana was in! Excellent. I am glad I went ahead and froze the extra packs for it, even believing they wouldn't make it. Oh, and boy do I have a surprise for D.C. It arrived today. No! Wait! Until BMan, and a little into it. No peaking, no hints. I am just hoping you like it! Gosh, now I am getting lots of nice toys. I guess you just have to live long enough?
I had this... odd moment... while waiting in line. In a bit of a sour mood, hot, bothered, and pressed as I was. A woman, quite elderly, was two people ahead. She was writing a check, the old way, and taking her time. I had the faintest notion that some of it was staged. It was her time, and it brought attention. Initially I was perturbed. I kept it inside, I've been too grumpy lately so I have been working at *calm*. And it worked. While I was doing that I... looked at her more closely. Wrinkles, she had. No, not just age, but great, perhaps amazing age. Those wrinkles softened my heart somehow, and I became undone. What I had mentioned about the dream, having a miracle before one's eyes and being unhappy by wanting more. Yes. That opened my eyes to those around me, other women and girls. I couldn't see their lives, as is sometimes the case, or their thoughts, but I could see the reason for their being, I could see somethings else. Words wouldn't quite explain it but I lived for a moment as I haven't in ages. Just a moment, like when a someone who stutters sings without stuttering. A trick, perhaps. Can't explain it fully. But I certainly enjoyed it, and needed it. After my expression changed, the woman ahead of me offered to let me go. She had many items, I only had a few. I suggested I needed dry ice as well, which is complicated, so declined her offer, but with many thanks for the notion.
Oh, an hour to chill a bit. I did pack the tent and sleeping gear out, got the shower down and stowed. I have a bit more packing and a lot of loading. Ugh! I did find three rugs to take along, one small, one more of a runner, and one a bit bigger but shabby on one edge. It's what I can do. Gosh, I hope I don't forget too much. Woot! Today is the day!
I love waking before the alarm.
.
.
Much to do. I have to go to town for dry ice. I am glad not to be packed for this reason alone. Batteries and some butter are also on the list. Instead of buying paper for grill fodder and dry ice sublimation packing I will be taking four or five rolls of paper towels. Lunch in town I do believe. When I get back it is all about packing. I still have to take the shower down and take the grill legs off. Then... everything goes in. Boxes are more convenient for many things. Odd sizes, bulky but light to small but heavy to large and either of those, and it all has to go in somehow. I've done as well as I can, now I just have to settle for what I have, go with it, and figure how to stow it.
A quick shower, then to check the mail in case what has arrived needs a signature, then on to town. Only one package here, so far? To the ends of buying dry ice I put that particular ice chest in the freezer, with a bag of ice in it, last night before I went to bed. I will take the extra cooler, to accept the ice, in the parking lot. I think I am going to put my food right in before I go to town as well, so I can stack it as I want it in the store. Hmm, with the food in, I might not need the ice? Yeah, I'll keep the ice. Decisions, decisions, even know. Dithering but quickly final. I am simply going with cardboard to protect the sides and bottom of the cooler. It is supposed to work well enough(?) and I have that in large quantities plus I have no time to be tinkering in stores looking for "better?" protection. *tick-tock tick-tock*
It is hotter in BRC today by a degree, but cooler here at night by 8 degrees. Still, 88 isn't all that bad there.
Oh... once packed, if I am not feeling all that tired? I may just head out later tonight. I might be able to take a nap on the road during the night if need be. Personally I just fear that the drive will be a lot longer than what the drive time suggests. I really couldn't add in the alternate route, so that may slow me down. Hopefully, being high summer, there will be fewer visitors to the desert demesne of the great crack. I count, and can count, on nothing... without the experience of personal knowledge and only a menial or more tumultuous romance with luck.
You know, I was thinking, because of one of the poems... A mother is sort of on the spot with children, boy children especially, as we mature. To be honest, no matter what mothers think, we stop being able to hear mothers... variably but as by as young as our early teens, as in my case. All I could get from my mother was her emotions. I had two mothers in those time frames, and it was the same with both. Her words no longer make sense. And really? Those are sort of lost years, at least for me. The impulse to find a female, seeing mother as an impediment and... censor to that... well, and knowing she is female but not the one. Ugly, odd, mixed, troubling, the knot of becoming a man binds our ears and lets loose the wild stallion that allows us the strength and fearless recklessness to leave the nest. Thankfully, in spite of lots of other problems, I always understood that I was loved. Not always liked, if usually that as well. I suppose each boy, though, goes through things differently. Having a father as a solid, and opposite, pole though, I think, helps a bit. I didn't always have that. It worked out fine, give or take, though.
An oddity. I brought my ipod shuffle in to check the charge before heading out. Well, and I knew where it was, but in the hustle and bustle of the last two days, knowing was not enough. It ended up... going through the washer. And then it went through the dryer. Toast, had to be. Still... I'm... always curious. So, since it was dry after the dryer, but more surely this morning, I decided to plug it in. Now, Apple wanted to update and then got stuck. I had to turn my computer off to unstick it. When I plugged in the ipod, though it didn't show, the little tiny light in it was on. Some room for hope, but that might be a separate circuit, and powered by the connection. After restarting the machine and going through everything, it looks like Apple had updated, just got stuck before actually telling me so and shutting that op down. I reconnect it all, and... The ipod doesn't show. Apple is slow about showing, and doesn't always pop well anyway. So, I start the diagnostic and before it is done... Pop! I still have my ipod. Yum! An idiot but a yummy idiot? :) Oh, and... it was fully charged! I have used it for the last three days to week, off and on. Hmm, now I know how to recharge it without all the hassle? *grins*
Oh my word! It is actually here, about to finish the packing, and... really? About to head out? When did this all happen? It seems like about two weeks ago I was sitting here wondering how it would all happen and then... well... then I am here. Which means it will be over before I know it. Doh! Slow down, Doom... There is a lot to do before it starts and after it begins, and even it ends, before I get to pout.
I should simply enjoy the miracle this all means. I had a dream I was speaking to someone who thought I should look more muscular. I suggested that I hand them the miracle of me still being alive and even that isn't good enough for them? So it is with all that is happening, no matter how fast it may or may not fly by. Even if it isn't as billed, and is more like the sea horses than the little family of critters and builds underwater houses? :p Oh, I don't fall for things these days. If it is there it is there if it is not it is not, this is just a shark biting something that looks interesting. It's the second or third bite that could be telling.
Oh, right. Later.
.
Much to do. I have to go to town for dry ice. I am glad not to be packed for this reason alone. Batteries and some butter are also on the list. Instead of buying paper for grill fodder and dry ice sublimation packing I will be taking four or five rolls of paper towels. Lunch in town I do believe. When I get back it is all about packing. I still have to take the shower down and take the grill legs off. Then... everything goes in. Boxes are more convenient for many things. Odd sizes, bulky but light to small but heavy to large and either of those, and it all has to go in somehow. I've done as well as I can, now I just have to settle for what I have, go with it, and figure how to stow it.
A quick shower, then to check the mail in case what has arrived needs a signature, then on to town. Only one package here, so far? To the ends of buying dry ice I put that particular ice chest in the freezer, with a bag of ice in it, last night before I went to bed. I will take the extra cooler, to accept the ice, in the parking lot. I think I am going to put my food right in before I go to town as well, so I can stack it as I want it in the store. Hmm, with the food in, I might not need the ice? Yeah, I'll keep the ice. Decisions, decisions, even know. Dithering but quickly final. I am simply going with cardboard to protect the sides and bottom of the cooler. It is supposed to work well enough(?) and I have that in large quantities plus I have no time to be tinkering in stores looking for "better?" protection. *tick-tock tick-tock*
It is hotter in BRC today by a degree, but cooler here at night by 8 degrees. Still, 88 isn't all that bad there.
Oh... once packed, if I am not feeling all that tired? I may just head out later tonight. I might be able to take a nap on the road during the night if need be. Personally I just fear that the drive will be a lot longer than what the drive time suggests. I really couldn't add in the alternate route, so that may slow me down. Hopefully, being high summer, there will be fewer visitors to the desert demesne of the great crack. I count, and can count, on nothing... without the experience of personal knowledge and only a menial or more tumultuous romance with luck.
You know, I was thinking, because of one of the poems... A mother is sort of on the spot with children, boy children especially, as we mature. To be honest, no matter what mothers think, we stop being able to hear mothers... variably but as by as young as our early teens, as in my case. All I could get from my mother was her emotions. I had two mothers in those time frames, and it was the same with both. Her words no longer make sense. And really? Those are sort of lost years, at least for me. The impulse to find a female, seeing mother as an impediment and... censor to that... well, and knowing she is female but not the one. Ugly, odd, mixed, troubling, the knot of becoming a man binds our ears and lets loose the wild stallion that allows us the strength and fearless recklessness to leave the nest. Thankfully, in spite of lots of other problems, I always understood that I was loved. Not always liked, if usually that as well. I suppose each boy, though, goes through things differently. Having a father as a solid, and opposite, pole though, I think, helps a bit. I didn't always have that. It worked out fine, give or take, though.
An oddity. I brought my ipod shuffle in to check the charge before heading out. Well, and I knew where it was, but in the hustle and bustle of the last two days, knowing was not enough. It ended up... going through the washer. And then it went through the dryer. Toast, had to be. Still... I'm... always curious. So, since it was dry after the dryer, but more surely this morning, I decided to plug it in. Now, Apple wanted to update and then got stuck. I had to turn my computer off to unstick it. When I plugged in the ipod, though it didn't show, the little tiny light in it was on. Some room for hope, but that might be a separate circuit, and powered by the connection. After restarting the machine and going through everything, it looks like Apple had updated, just got stuck before actually telling me so and shutting that op down. I reconnect it all, and... The ipod doesn't show. Apple is slow about showing, and doesn't always pop well anyway. So, I start the diagnostic and before it is done... Pop! I still have my ipod. Yum! An idiot but a yummy idiot? :) Oh, and... it was fully charged! I have used it for the last three days to week, off and on. Hmm, now I know how to recharge it without all the hassle? *grins*
Oh my word! It is actually here, about to finish the packing, and... really? About to head out? When did this all happen? It seems like about two weeks ago I was sitting here wondering how it would all happen and then... well... then I am here. Which means it will be over before I know it. Doh! Slow down, Doom... There is a lot to do before it starts and after it begins, and even it ends, before I get to pout.
I should simply enjoy the miracle this all means. I had a dream I was speaking to someone who thought I should look more muscular. I suggested that I hand them the miracle of me still being alive and even that isn't good enough for them? So it is with all that is happening, no matter how fast it may or may not fly by. Even if it isn't as billed, and is more like the sea horses than the little family of critters and builds underwater houses? :p Oh, I don't fall for things these days. If it is there it is there if it is not it is not, this is just a shark biting something that looks interesting. It's the second or third bite that could be telling.
Oh, right. Later.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Huh? Oh, right. Gahhhhhhh!
.
.
A checklist was created, if it only has a portion of what I am taking and not in great detail at that. Shoes and boots have been rounded up. The cot is down and bagged, the pad is rolled, the sleeping bag is about to be put away, and the rainfly is down with the rest of the tent soon to follow. Main camp clothes are bagged and ready. The day pack is ready. Most of my gear, tools, and other kit is "right there". I just saw something yesterday that I am looking for to put in the day pack, as an extra. I have two of them in there somewhere. But... Gahhhhhh!
I am cooking a few bergers tonight, not much more. It will do. I am glad I decided to use the grill. It needs cleaned, cooking on it will allow me to burn some of that off, making it easier to clean. I have a lot to do, but at least I have a list and containers and bags and ideas. Ugh... Still, it's sort of fun. Hmm, dinner might be ready. Later!
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Just a little break after supper. The burgers were great. A little catchup, a little mustard, and a fork. I'm so easy sometimes. Too busy for much else. An hour, then I have to get to it. Ugh! Yum-ugh?
---------
The tent went down pretty easily. Unfortunately I forgot about the sleeping bag and other bags inside. No real problem. The tasks just weren't as clean as I had planned. I forgot to empty the shower bladder the other day. The second one goes untested. I drained that but left the shower up. I'll get it tomorrow. Hopefully the bladder will be dry enough tomorrow evening to put up. Or not, either way it goes. As for exercise, stuffing the tent into it's bag is about equivalent to a minor workout. Getting the sleeping bag in is about equal to straight weights. Done, done, done, and done.
With my list in hand, I believe I will begin cataloging. Just checking that I have everything on the list plus those extras I will be taking. As for the clothes? I am not sure they will really fit in the backpack. They just may be put in on their own. Since I had, sort of, forgotten about the table and chairs, I may end up needing the roof rack pack after all. I don't exactly know quite yet. Figuring out how to store everything and try to keep trim, plus hold everything in place... I am glad I got that cargo net. Some use it over the rack pack, but I think I have hooks and such inside that will allow me to place it over the goods, or some of them. Should be interesting. I am keeping the front passenger side up and usable, if I plan more to keep my travel and essential goods in there. This is the first time I have packed for an expedition without lots of help, lists, and all the gear I would need either in my kit or handed to me on the way out.
Hmm... lots of work. I'm sort of beat but I can't quit yet tonight. I best take a break though. As I said, pacing. If all else fails I can probably just shove everything in and drive, and hope. That is tempting. But part of the fun, both literally and sarcastically, is trying to beat the game by being ahead of it. So... I'll keep struggling along. At least I know, worst case scenario, I could just cut and run and be in pretty darn good shape. Pesky little details....
I should also note... a year ago, or two when I was at my last true prime, I could not have done this. This, level of involvement? This is new. This is still subpar, but better than I have known for over two decades. It's beating the dog snot out of me but I am able to get back up, when I can if usually right away, and get back to it, and quickly. No weeks of outages, a few days leading up, a few weeks a month ago. What is also different is I was pretty sure I could do it. Sure enough to have someone else depend on me for transportation and help. That is absolutely new to me. Eureka, seriously, it's just dawning on me how... well I am doing.
Never mind all that, I have things to do. An hour break and then to the last bits of clothes, some organizing and list checking, a bit more packing, and contemplation of how it is all going to fit. Yes, I will try to work until about 4:00. I still have to go to town tomorrow afternoon as well. Topping off the tank... hmm, no, I did that yesterday... But dry ice, and maybe some more batteries, just in case. A few D, C, AA, AAA, and a half dozen of two types of button batteries. Just in case the solar chargers are far too slow or aren't effective enough. That will be that.
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Fifteen minutes and the laundry will go in the dryer. I will probably mess with the last set of dishes then as well. I have much of my kit together, and two thirds(?) of it packed. Organization? I'm doing my best. The two packs of camp clothes did go into the big pack. I am sort of creating two day packs, one for day, one for night. Some things will have to be switched when I arrive and by use. Some things I considered taking are not making the cut. For some things I am simply going with boxes. I saved several other boxes but I think my eyes were too big. Perhaps for lighter stuff, but that depends on what is left! As to the lists? Well... I will just have to hope. Taking much more than is recommended means the list became more of a headache then help. I have everything on the list, though I need to remember vinegar and a spray bottle for it and water... helps with the sand. Hmm, and best bring my lotion.
I don't know. I am sure I am well on track. I had hoped to have this done by Tuesday. Oh well.
Beside batteries and dry ice, I want to get some butter. Real butter just can't be beat, for cooking or just slathering on things. Sour cream as well, for potatoes, but I have some. Ugh... And I hope I remember a placket of bacon, maybe two. It's thin, so... So very many details. No one else to check, double check. Of course that also means I don't have anyone getting under foot or getting tired and wanting to quit, potentially dragging me down. It's a mixed bag that way. Well, not bad though. I won't complain. I did find one of the two things I was looking for, but one of those items remains hidden. It was my favored one. Bleh. It might still show up but the odds are that it was packed or has been put in the "don't take" pile, or is simply under something that isn't going. I'll know when I get there, most likely.
I think I am just going to goof until the laundry and dishes are up. Good night otherwise.
.
A checklist was created, if it only has a portion of what I am taking and not in great detail at that. Shoes and boots have been rounded up. The cot is down and bagged, the pad is rolled, the sleeping bag is about to be put away, and the rainfly is down with the rest of the tent soon to follow. Main camp clothes are bagged and ready. The day pack is ready. Most of my gear, tools, and other kit is "right there". I just saw something yesterday that I am looking for to put in the day pack, as an extra. I have two of them in there somewhere. But... Gahhhhhh!
I am cooking a few bergers tonight, not much more. It will do. I am glad I decided to use the grill. It needs cleaned, cooking on it will allow me to burn some of that off, making it easier to clean. I have a lot to do, but at least I have a list and containers and bags and ideas. Ugh... Still, it's sort of fun. Hmm, dinner might be ready. Later!
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Just a little break after supper. The burgers were great. A little catchup, a little mustard, and a fork. I'm so easy sometimes. Too busy for much else. An hour, then I have to get to it. Ugh! Yum-ugh?
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The tent went down pretty easily. Unfortunately I forgot about the sleeping bag and other bags inside. No real problem. The tasks just weren't as clean as I had planned. I forgot to empty the shower bladder the other day. The second one goes untested. I drained that but left the shower up. I'll get it tomorrow. Hopefully the bladder will be dry enough tomorrow evening to put up. Or not, either way it goes. As for exercise, stuffing the tent into it's bag is about equivalent to a minor workout. Getting the sleeping bag in is about equal to straight weights. Done, done, done, and done.
With my list in hand, I believe I will begin cataloging. Just checking that I have everything on the list plus those extras I will be taking. As for the clothes? I am not sure they will really fit in the backpack. They just may be put in on their own. Since I had, sort of, forgotten about the table and chairs, I may end up needing the roof rack pack after all. I don't exactly know quite yet. Figuring out how to store everything and try to keep trim, plus hold everything in place... I am glad I got that cargo net. Some use it over the rack pack, but I think I have hooks and such inside that will allow me to place it over the goods, or some of them. Should be interesting. I am keeping the front passenger side up and usable, if I plan more to keep my travel and essential goods in there. This is the first time I have packed for an expedition without lots of help, lists, and all the gear I would need either in my kit or handed to me on the way out.
Hmm... lots of work. I'm sort of beat but I can't quit yet tonight. I best take a break though. As I said, pacing. If all else fails I can probably just shove everything in and drive, and hope. That is tempting. But part of the fun, both literally and sarcastically, is trying to beat the game by being ahead of it. So... I'll keep struggling along. At least I know, worst case scenario, I could just cut and run and be in pretty darn good shape. Pesky little details....
I should also note... a year ago, or two when I was at my last true prime, I could not have done this. This, level of involvement? This is new. This is still subpar, but better than I have known for over two decades. It's beating the dog snot out of me but I am able to get back up, when I can if usually right away, and get back to it, and quickly. No weeks of outages, a few days leading up, a few weeks a month ago. What is also different is I was pretty sure I could do it. Sure enough to have someone else depend on me for transportation and help. That is absolutely new to me. Eureka, seriously, it's just dawning on me how... well I am doing.
Never mind all that, I have things to do. An hour break and then to the last bits of clothes, some organizing and list checking, a bit more packing, and contemplation of how it is all going to fit. Yes, I will try to work until about 4:00. I still have to go to town tomorrow afternoon as well. Topping off the tank... hmm, no, I did that yesterday... But dry ice, and maybe some more batteries, just in case. A few D, C, AA, AAA, and a half dozen of two types of button batteries. Just in case the solar chargers are far too slow or aren't effective enough. That will be that.
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Fifteen minutes and the laundry will go in the dryer. I will probably mess with the last set of dishes then as well. I have much of my kit together, and two thirds(?) of it packed. Organization? I'm doing my best. The two packs of camp clothes did go into the big pack. I am sort of creating two day packs, one for day, one for night. Some things will have to be switched when I arrive and by use. Some things I considered taking are not making the cut. For some things I am simply going with boxes. I saved several other boxes but I think my eyes were too big. Perhaps for lighter stuff, but that depends on what is left! As to the lists? Well... I will just have to hope. Taking much more than is recommended means the list became more of a headache then help. I have everything on the list, though I need to remember vinegar and a spray bottle for it and water... helps with the sand. Hmm, and best bring my lotion.
I don't know. I am sure I am well on track. I had hoped to have this done by Tuesday. Oh well.
Beside batteries and dry ice, I want to get some butter. Real butter just can't be beat, for cooking or just slathering on things. Sour cream as well, for potatoes, but I have some. Ugh... And I hope I remember a placket of bacon, maybe two. It's thin, so... So very many details. No one else to check, double check. Of course that also means I don't have anyone getting under foot or getting tired and wanting to quit, potentially dragging me down. It's a mixed bag that way. Well, not bad though. I won't complain. I did find one of the two things I was looking for, but one of those items remains hidden. It was my favored one. Bleh. It might still show up but the odds are that it was packed or has been put in the "don't take" pile, or is simply under something that isn't going. I'll know when I get there, most likely.
I think I am just going to goof until the laundry and dishes are up. Good night otherwise.
I had to take a little down time.
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.
No, I'm still in the game. I didn't drop it all and go hide, or just shut down, or break. I just couldn't do more. Last night I did set up the Xt'er for hauling when I got home, but that was about it. I didn't get to bed until late, which is fine as my angle of approach for the long drive will... be better suited to a later schedule, and maybe the drive will reset my schedule back. Odd how those things work out. With bedtime being late, I didn't rise until noon or so. And I took the time during the heat of the day off, just to... chill. I did a few things, like tracked some packages, or tried. I also made a few arrangements. I keep calling my friends' sister, but she hasn't answered once. I am starting to think she is definitely avoiding me, whether she knows why I am calling or not. I... have a workaround in mind. I might get to that shortly, maybe before I go.
I am even working on some bills. I almost forgot to mess with my new mortgage! I got the bill but in the hubbub, well... it almost got lost. Rather than mess with automatic payments through companies, who seem just as likely to drop your payments to overcharge you, I go right through my bank. Further, I can set the payments up when I like, not when some company wants, or how their policy is arranged. I will have to tinker with it later as it is due on the 1st, but the 1st is a holiday. Even with the notion of having a week or two of grace period to pay, I prefer to be on time. Thankfully when the 1st falls on a holiday I get my check the business day before bank closures, so I set it to pay out on that day. That won't work most months. I will have to change the day and make sure the new day sticks. Ugh but tech can be stupid, irritating, and insist on remaining wrong. This month I am going with the reduced bill through the loan, because I don't have time to fuss with trying to talk to someone to make sure the overage goes against principle, and no they aren't fair, wise, or automatic that way. Most companies choose what they want, not what I want. Ugh! Oh, I might do one other thing with billing before I head out. Get that highly overpaid utility bill into automatic billing, that one will have to be through the company to make sure... never mind. I'll see if I can trust them, or I will just have to track the bill more closely, somehow. I will save that extra money, to be put against principle, along with the rest of the return minus teeth for my friend money that had been figured for a wheat grinder. Yeah... yeah, that is how it will work. So... much... thinking...
The vest arrived. Ugh, too small. I ordered one size larger than the shirts I wear. Yes, I looked at sizing. Too small. Oh well. Still, I will merely return it for the next size up. If it doesn't work this year, maybe next. The idea is sound and there is more than just BMan where it could be used. The garden, hiking, even shooting, perhaps even on those hot days in town, depending on how it performs and what you can wear over it. I'm just not a summer or heat guy. At least they did get it here on time, after the kerfuffle. No complaints on the fix, just on the initial effort. Fair enough and it happens.
Okay, so what work do I have to do today? Well, I have to look at the recommended lists, check things off as I can, figure out where things will go, what things to put together, and get going hard on that. In there I will be doing laundry for travel days, and stowing that, with medicine and personal care. I will finish the dishes, setting aside the coffee grinder and French press. I need to dissassemble the tent, take down and stow the shower, fill four of the six water jugs, and get tools and bike bits in arranged to go. Then I need to start filling the vehicle. Oh, best not forget some number of chairs, the table, and such. I really want to get the kilt done here, though I might save it and do it on the road. I will have a lot of time in the hotel rooms on the way, and can... arrange the furniture even if it is bolted down. Hmm, might be a good time to mess with the bike, too, since I will be bringing it into my room, at least the first night with it merely being strapped to the Xt'er. Ugh... Double ugh. Still, I am on schedule and doing fine, as far as I am concerned. It's just that there is a lot of work, finicky, detailed, yucky. On the good side, right, wrong, everything, or missing stuff, the deal will be done by tomorrow evening and that will be that no matter how well I do this. Yum!
Hmm, and something else. My phone had been acting up. The thing with emails, which I wrongly blamed on Gmail's new format... It turns out, as I was looking through my bills, that I am somehow $700 in arrears on my phone bill. Hmm? I auto pay well over the amount of the billing, so... I will be finding more about that when I get back. My phone was beginning to have all sorts of connection issues, and of the course email and internet were dead. Then, for no reason I can explain, they... have come back. My bill, for this month, says I owe $56 or something. My automatic payment is set to $180. I have no idea why I am "behind", but I WILL be finding out when I return. Just a bit... hot about that, actually.
Hey, yeah, I think I best get some things going. Later.
.
No, I'm still in the game. I didn't drop it all and go hide, or just shut down, or break. I just couldn't do more. Last night I did set up the Xt'er for hauling when I got home, but that was about it. I didn't get to bed until late, which is fine as my angle of approach for the long drive will... be better suited to a later schedule, and maybe the drive will reset my schedule back. Odd how those things work out. With bedtime being late, I didn't rise until noon or so. And I took the time during the heat of the day off, just to... chill. I did a few things, like tracked some packages, or tried. I also made a few arrangements. I keep calling my friends' sister, but she hasn't answered once. I am starting to think she is definitely avoiding me, whether she knows why I am calling or not. I... have a workaround in mind. I might get to that shortly, maybe before I go.
I am even working on some bills. I almost forgot to mess with my new mortgage! I got the bill but in the hubbub, well... it almost got lost. Rather than mess with automatic payments through companies, who seem just as likely to drop your payments to overcharge you, I go right through my bank. Further, I can set the payments up when I like, not when some company wants, or how their policy is arranged. I will have to tinker with it later as it is due on the 1st, but the 1st is a holiday. Even with the notion of having a week or two of grace period to pay, I prefer to be on time. Thankfully when the 1st falls on a holiday I get my check the business day before bank closures, so I set it to pay out on that day. That won't work most months. I will have to change the day and make sure the new day sticks. Ugh but tech can be stupid, irritating, and insist on remaining wrong. This month I am going with the reduced bill through the loan, because I don't have time to fuss with trying to talk to someone to make sure the overage goes against principle, and no they aren't fair, wise, or automatic that way. Most companies choose what they want, not what I want. Ugh! Oh, I might do one other thing with billing before I head out. Get that highly overpaid utility bill into automatic billing, that one will have to be through the company to make sure... never mind. I'll see if I can trust them, or I will just have to track the bill more closely, somehow. I will save that extra money, to be put against principle, along with the rest of the return minus teeth for my friend money that had been figured for a wheat grinder. Yeah... yeah, that is how it will work. So... much... thinking...
The vest arrived. Ugh, too small. I ordered one size larger than the shirts I wear. Yes, I looked at sizing. Too small. Oh well. Still, I will merely return it for the next size up. If it doesn't work this year, maybe next. The idea is sound and there is more than just BMan where it could be used. The garden, hiking, even shooting, perhaps even on those hot days in town, depending on how it performs and what you can wear over it. I'm just not a summer or heat guy. At least they did get it here on time, after the kerfuffle. No complaints on the fix, just on the initial effort. Fair enough and it happens.
Okay, so what work do I have to do today? Well, I have to look at the recommended lists, check things off as I can, figure out where things will go, what things to put together, and get going hard on that. In there I will be doing laundry for travel days, and stowing that, with medicine and personal care. I will finish the dishes, setting aside the coffee grinder and French press. I need to dissassemble the tent, take down and stow the shower, fill four of the six water jugs, and get tools and bike bits in arranged to go. Then I need to start filling the vehicle. Oh, best not forget some number of chairs, the table, and such. I really want to get the kilt done here, though I might save it and do it on the road. I will have a lot of time in the hotel rooms on the way, and can... arrange the furniture even if it is bolted down. Hmm, might be a good time to mess with the bike, too, since I will be bringing it into my room, at least the first night with it merely being strapped to the Xt'er. Ugh... Double ugh. Still, I am on schedule and doing fine, as far as I am concerned. It's just that there is a lot of work, finicky, detailed, yucky. On the good side, right, wrong, everything, or missing stuff, the deal will be done by tomorrow evening and that will be that no matter how well I do this. Yum!
Hmm, and something else. My phone had been acting up. The thing with emails, which I wrongly blamed on Gmail's new format... It turns out, as I was looking through my bills, that I am somehow $700 in arrears on my phone bill. Hmm? I auto pay well over the amount of the billing, so... I will be finding more about that when I get back. My phone was beginning to have all sorts of connection issues, and of the course email and internet were dead. Then, for no reason I can explain, they... have come back. My bill, for this month, says I owe $56 or something. My automatic payment is set to $180. I have no idea why I am "behind", but I WILL be finding out when I return. Just a bit... hot about that, actually.
Hey, yeah, I think I best get some things going. Later.
Haiku Monday - Quiet
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Grumpy Granny is up with this week's contest. The theme as noted, the rules are at her place. I am entering but not actually competing, as I will be gone. It is a fine theme. As usual, I have some darker takes on it, right away. To, though, I have a mild one. Go play, I love to see what folks do with their mind. And I love trying to wrap some of them around my tongue, mind, or both. Hie!
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Grumpy Granny is up with this week's contest. The theme as noted, the rules are at her place. I am entering but not actually competing, as I will be gone. It is a fine theme. As usual, I have some darker takes on it, right away. To, though, I have a mild one. Go play, I love to see what folks do with their mind. And I love trying to wrap some of them around my tongue, mind, or both. Hie!
Whispered to No One
siliquous of dumb
no one told, no one knows, shut-
screams of discontent
no one told, no one knows, shut-
screams of discontent
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The Roar of the Ethereal
in my ears, nothing-
the world shakes, rattles, and grinds
I hear with spirit
the world shakes, rattles, and grinds
I hear with spirit
--------------------------------
Transcendental
nothing and no one
No touch, no smell, no sound ~ shh!
peace ascends thought
No touch, no smell, no sound ~ shh!
peace ascends thought
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A Moment?
simplicity of
soul ~ the cool touch of nothing
auditory nil
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A Cup of Shutthehellup
Solitude of sound
All I ask. Request denied.
Tweak soul through the eyes.
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Oh, eh?
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Well, yes. Stolen shamelessly from AoSHQ, but... well, if I hadn't stolen it there I would have stolen it elsewhere. Yeah. Oh, just started chuckling after a couple of things I read. Hmm, I think I will steal something else that might have you shipping your pants, laughing and enjoying the whole process. And why stop with pants?
It seems the McDouble, pound for pound, is offering one of the best, least expensive, nutritionally sound, items people with mean means can obtain. I can see why those who wish for people to be peasants, and stuck on the government dole, don't like McDonalds though. You don't have to like it but, being true, you do have to lump it.
And stolen shamelessly from Dum Vivimus, Vivamus, the following.
Don't hate on me. I'm just... the messenger!
Later.
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Well, yes. Stolen shamelessly from AoSHQ, but... well, if I hadn't stolen it there I would have stolen it elsewhere. Yeah. Oh, just started chuckling after a couple of things I read. Hmm, I think I will steal something else that might have you shipping your pants, laughing and enjoying the whole process. And why stop with pants?
It seems the McDouble, pound for pound, is offering one of the best, least expensive, nutritionally sound, items people with mean means can obtain. I can see why those who wish for people to be peasants, and stuck on the government dole, don't like McDonalds though. You don't have to like it but, being true, you do have to lump it.
And stolen shamelessly from Dum Vivimus, Vivamus, the following.
Don't hate on me. I'm just... the messenger!
Later.
Oh, what a hangover.
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This is worse than the last one. No, not a drop last night. I've just been pushing. Well, I got to where I was going and it bit back is all. Well, and I may not have been drinking as much as I need to drink, so I'll up the hydration schedule a bit. From when I went to bed I woke before the alarm went off, if I set it to give me a little extra rest. I have been pushing my days far too long. That sleep will eventually have to be made up. On top of it my waking hours are seeing a lot of work, for me, every day, creating another deficit. Throw in dehydration, and... I am trying to pace, and my body forces me into some sort of limits, but...
As I said, I was thinking yesterday was today, so that makes a huge deal. Today is all about packing, checking lists, then loading. I may toss a couple of outfits in the wash for the trip up and back and finish those last dishes and put those away between other things. I hope to have another item or three arrive today, and maybe tomorrow. Ugh... I am sure some things aren't going to make it. If it were the things I took a risk with, by ordering late, I wouldn't be quite so perturbed. On the other hand, some things that had no right to be here are here. And I would say what arrived in a superior timely manner far outweighed the sluggards. Doesn't absolved the sluggards, at all, in any way, just... the suggesting, in a non-religious manner, that the fates, on balance were more much more kind than cruel.
I best be getting to some things. Medicines, I'd love some breakfast, but... I have to wake a bit before I can get to much. Argh! Just said that because. I should be more positive. I started out with nothing and I still have some of it. Later.
.
This is worse than the last one. No, not a drop last night. I've just been pushing. Well, I got to where I was going and it bit back is all. Well, and I may not have been drinking as much as I need to drink, so I'll up the hydration schedule a bit. From when I went to bed I woke before the alarm went off, if I set it to give me a little extra rest. I have been pushing my days far too long. That sleep will eventually have to be made up. On top of it my waking hours are seeing a lot of work, for me, every day, creating another deficit. Throw in dehydration, and... I am trying to pace, and my body forces me into some sort of limits, but...
As I said, I was thinking yesterday was today, so that makes a huge deal. Today is all about packing, checking lists, then loading. I may toss a couple of outfits in the wash for the trip up and back and finish those last dishes and put those away between other things. I hope to have another item or three arrive today, and maybe tomorrow. Ugh... I am sure some things aren't going to make it. If it were the things I took a risk with, by ordering late, I wouldn't be quite so perturbed. On the other hand, some things that had no right to be here are here. And I would say what arrived in a superior timely manner far outweighed the sluggards. Doesn't absolved the sluggards, at all, in any way, just... the suggesting, in a non-religious manner, that the fates, on balance were more much more kind than cruel.
I best be getting to some things. Medicines, I'd love some breakfast, but... I have to wake a bit before I can get to much. Argh! Just said that because. I should be more positive. I started out with nothing and I still have some of it. Later.
The good and the bad, no real ugly tongiht.
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The good is I got some things done in town, albeit a bit late. If I could just get Church to... wait? :p Seriously, I... almost always miss the time. Sometimes I can tripfuck the system and make it. Usually, though, no matter my intent, I am an half hour to three hours late... if I even make it. Anyway... But getting home, after the late night and then running hot today I just couldn't get to much. I did set the Xt'er for hauling. I also checked to make sure the hex screw driver was in the kit, and it was. I honestly don't think I will end up taking the roof hauler, though that notion might change. The instructions for that indicate a small lock will work, using the two zippers as the latch. Not great, but... something. That is it. I just couldn't keep my focus. I am about to try to crash. That I only got some of my plan done is the bad. The good is I kept thinking it was Tuesday, meaning I only had one day left. I have tomorrow and Wednesday to pack.
I keep looking over the checklist and my eyes about cross. Yeah, I was just too tired tonight. And while the checklist is cool, unless you know where things are it will simply be difficult to find things. Actually I assume that will be a bit of the case. Then again, in my tent, I plan to have things out. Since the tent is more of a cot protector than a living space, with plenty of space to either side and under the cot, with even a decent number of mesh compartments above and on the sides, that shouldn't be too bad. It's getting the list filled in an orderly fashion, then making sure that all goes in somewhere, and neatly, that is the trick.
I tried to call about my friends teeth again tonight. No answer again. It was a bit later than I had intended, but... Perhaps she know who I am, and why I am calling, so don't want to answer? I may have to ask my friend for his brother's phone number. I can only help, I can't do this solo. It needs to be done.
Good night.
.
The good is I got some things done in town, albeit a bit late. If I could just get Church to... wait? :p Seriously, I... almost always miss the time. Sometimes I can tripfuck the system and make it. Usually, though, no matter my intent, I am an half hour to three hours late... if I even make it. Anyway... But getting home, after the late night and then running hot today I just couldn't get to much. I did set the Xt'er for hauling. I also checked to make sure the hex screw driver was in the kit, and it was. I honestly don't think I will end up taking the roof hauler, though that notion might change. The instructions for that indicate a small lock will work, using the two zippers as the latch. Not great, but... something. That is it. I just couldn't keep my focus. I am about to try to crash. That I only got some of my plan done is the bad. The good is I kept thinking it was Tuesday, meaning I only had one day left. I have tomorrow and Wednesday to pack.
I keep looking over the checklist and my eyes about cross. Yeah, I was just too tired tonight. And while the checklist is cool, unless you know where things are it will simply be difficult to find things. Actually I assume that will be a bit of the case. Then again, in my tent, I plan to have things out. Since the tent is more of a cot protector than a living space, with plenty of space to either side and under the cot, with even a decent number of mesh compartments above and on the sides, that shouldn't be too bad. It's getting the list filled in an orderly fashion, then making sure that all goes in somewhere, and neatly, that is the trick.
I tried to call about my friends teeth again tonight. No answer again. It was a bit later than I had intended, but... Perhaps she know who I am, and why I am calling, so don't want to answer? I may have to ask my friend for his brother's phone number. I can only help, I can't do this solo. It needs to be done.
Good night.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Sexist men make better fathers?
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One of the blogs I read used some such as a title. He threw in a few specious scientific studies, to produce a minor metastudy. As far as it goes and for what they are worth, the studies seem to indicate what he suggests. The thing is, as even he noted, the science is junk. Possibly correct, from little of it I saw, but junk nonetheless. Just because the science behind something is worthless does not mean there isn't some truth to be sussed from the notion. Actually, if I had to guess, the truth was ferreted into the supposed work. Like a horrid study on the sun rising in the east, true but not for the reasons a study might indicate, for example, or a solid study to start, but based on known, observable fact.
Now, the first thing that has to be clarified is sexism. What exactly is sexism? I believe for modern academia, and legal if not civil society, it is the notion that men and women are different, not equal. That is what passes for sexism. More, that this is a bad thing to believe, despite the preponderance of evidence quashing any other notion. No, they suggest, men and women are perfectly equal AND interchangeable. Essentially it is a lie we are supposed to believe because the truth is too uncomfortable for too many people, because the family hurts con-men politicians' chances and destroy the hedonist notions and availabilities, and for a host of negative other reasons right on to having something to do with God, a Truth that terrifies liars. Oddly, it isn't, for the most part, women (most women), who are the problem. Politicians who try to force the belief in equality are merely the type of people who would try to force you to believe, or at least say, that two plus two equals three. No, they don't believe either. That isn't their point.
Sexism, for my part, is knowing there is a difference, but using that to bash women, or abuse them. It doesn't matter which of several methods of sexism are used, and there are many, including claiming there is no difference (especially while mandating a false equality through the use of the force of law, i.e. at gunpoint). When I was much more libertine, I was quite happy to let "women be equal". It made it much easier to have shallow relationships with them that were, at the time and given my understandings, much more advantageous to me. I, how to put it, didn't even need to rent the cow, I simply got milk when it was ready and went on my way when it was dry. Although that didn't just abuse women, that was an abuse of myself. As a sexist, however, I believe man is more culpable. He is supposed to be responsible in these matters. I, honestly, don't expect women to make good deals with their hearts or bodies. They aren't completely incapable, but they aren't very good at it. Others abuse women by cutting them out of the opportunity for a family by imposing an impossible equality on them. That, in truth, is sexism. That last mentioned form is more disgusting than pornography. In one at least the woman gets compensated for the usury relationship. While money is morally thin, it does at least feed and clothe. Yes, whores are more beloved, if not admired, than feminists. There is hope for a whore.
Now, as to sexist men being better fathers? I actually think that is true. Sexist men, using the "modern" (not my) version, see women as having a different role, and needing to be supported in that role, namely that of mothers and wives, preferably at home. They see women as needing to be protected, even to a degree from themselves. Whatever a father says, to keep peace in his home, he knows who runs the show, ultimately. Who is guilty if there are problems that leech into long term problems or bigger problems? Who is looked at if something, almost anything, goes wrong, whether to fix it or for blame? He who takes the blame must take the wheel and plot the course.
Oh, I've seen relationships that are supposed to be equality based. Been in them. They don't work. Whether empty, short term, or barren, they fail. They can't work. A woman can't be an equal. Tell me, which of these areas are women better at than men (as groups), math?, physics?, sports?, theology?, self control?, stability?, justice?, just, exactly, where are women equal? What a woman brings, for a man who wants children, there is no equal. But it is different. Raising children, handling nutrition, being a partner, making a house a home, filling our hearts so we can keep on going, being our lover, confidant. What women are superior at is passive, often in the background, and irreplaceable. And it is wasted on, and in, a world that declares them equal.
Besides all that, as I have *cough* changed my ways, I have noted something peculiar. The women I am more interested in being around these days, good women, have zero problems with my notions. Actually, what I say, and unapologetically, is precisely what they have been waiting to hear. They have been looking for a guy who won't bandy words like a witless fool looking for a little leg. I have had women either nearly finish my sentence in their exuberance, nodding in agreement profusely, or just be gushing with pleasure. Oh, you can tell when a woman is... satisfied, pleased, with what you say. Those who disagree vehemently? Might ask a question or two, if feeling brave, but generally they just go cold then go away. Those are the types I used to date, I would know. Different song, as I say, different bird. And I like the birds I have been attracting.
.
One of the blogs I read used some such as a title. He threw in a few specious scientific studies, to produce a minor metastudy. As far as it goes and for what they are worth, the studies seem to indicate what he suggests. The thing is, as even he noted, the science is junk. Possibly correct, from little of it I saw, but junk nonetheless. Just because the science behind something is worthless does not mean there isn't some truth to be sussed from the notion. Actually, if I had to guess, the truth was ferreted into the supposed work. Like a horrid study on the sun rising in the east, true but not for the reasons a study might indicate, for example, or a solid study to start, but based on known, observable fact.
Now, the first thing that has to be clarified is sexism. What exactly is sexism? I believe for modern academia, and legal if not civil society, it is the notion that men and women are different, not equal. That is what passes for sexism. More, that this is a bad thing to believe, despite the preponderance of evidence quashing any other notion. No, they suggest, men and women are perfectly equal AND interchangeable. Essentially it is a lie we are supposed to believe because the truth is too uncomfortable for too many people, because the family hurts con-men politicians' chances and destroy the hedonist notions and availabilities, and for a host of negative other reasons right on to having something to do with God, a Truth that terrifies liars. Oddly, it isn't, for the most part, women (most women), who are the problem. Politicians who try to force the belief in equality are merely the type of people who would try to force you to believe, or at least say, that two plus two equals three. No, they don't believe either. That isn't their point.
Sexism, for my part, is knowing there is a difference, but using that to bash women, or abuse them. It doesn't matter which of several methods of sexism are used, and there are many, including claiming there is no difference (especially while mandating a false equality through the use of the force of law, i.e. at gunpoint). When I was much more libertine, I was quite happy to let "women be equal". It made it much easier to have shallow relationships with them that were, at the time and given my understandings, much more advantageous to me. I, how to put it, didn't even need to rent the cow, I simply got milk when it was ready and went on my way when it was dry. Although that didn't just abuse women, that was an abuse of myself. As a sexist, however, I believe man is more culpable. He is supposed to be responsible in these matters. I, honestly, don't expect women to make good deals with their hearts or bodies. They aren't completely incapable, but they aren't very good at it. Others abuse women by cutting them out of the opportunity for a family by imposing an impossible equality on them. That, in truth, is sexism. That last mentioned form is more disgusting than pornography. In one at least the woman gets compensated for the usury relationship. While money is morally thin, it does at least feed and clothe. Yes, whores are more beloved, if not admired, than feminists. There is hope for a whore.
Now, as to sexist men being better fathers? I actually think that is true. Sexist men, using the "modern" (not my) version, see women as having a different role, and needing to be supported in that role, namely that of mothers and wives, preferably at home. They see women as needing to be protected, even to a degree from themselves. Whatever a father says, to keep peace in his home, he knows who runs the show, ultimately. Who is guilty if there are problems that leech into long term problems or bigger problems? Who is looked at if something, almost anything, goes wrong, whether to fix it or for blame? He who takes the blame must take the wheel and plot the course.
Oh, I've seen relationships that are supposed to be equality based. Been in them. They don't work. Whether empty, short term, or barren, they fail. They can't work. A woman can't be an equal. Tell me, which of these areas are women better at than men (as groups), math?, physics?, sports?, theology?, self control?, stability?, justice?, just, exactly, where are women equal? What a woman brings, for a man who wants children, there is no equal. But it is different. Raising children, handling nutrition, being a partner, making a house a home, filling our hearts so we can keep on going, being our lover, confidant. What women are superior at is passive, often in the background, and irreplaceable. And it is wasted on, and in, a world that declares them equal.
Besides all that, as I have *cough* changed my ways, I have noted something peculiar. The women I am more interested in being around these days, good women, have zero problems with my notions. Actually, what I say, and unapologetically, is precisely what they have been waiting to hear. They have been looking for a guy who won't bandy words like a witless fool looking for a little leg. I have had women either nearly finish my sentence in their exuberance, nodding in agreement profusely, or just be gushing with pleasure. Oh, you can tell when a woman is... satisfied, pleased, with what you say. Those who disagree vehemently? Might ask a question or two, if feeling brave, but generally they just go cold then go away. Those are the types I used to date, I would know. Different song, as I say, different bird. And I like the birds I have been attracting.
Cooked, like a goose.
.
.
Oh, aye, running late, as usual. I had set it up so that I could be late and still be on time, sort of. And as it turned out that was vital. Still, if my friend hadn't called I would have been in trouble. Usually he calls earlier, it must have slipped his mind as well. In to the shop. My friend was able to get in, I was scheduled and on time. All good. I forgot to take my camera, but set up an appointment for the end of September I think. Will have to look. Oh, she, apparently, told her fiance, and they looked it up on-line, and think it sounds quite fun. Then she told me she will be marrying the 30th. I had to chuckle. And she thinks I am going on an interesting trip? Hehehe. A Caribbean cruise for a honeymoon... Yeah. Well, and I want to swap war stories. :p
After, I took him to DMV. They said his I.D. had been printed and shipped at least a month ago. Hmm. They are not going to make him redo all the paperwork, they simply flagged it for a second run. Sounds like funny business, like someone 'borrowed' that I.D., to me. A lot of that is happening these days and this government supports fraud, theft, and abuse and is infecting states with it. Then again, bureaucracies are what they are, unionized the more. Then to lunch. I bid him a good two weeks, he might have implicated something about keeping my scalp. Hmm, I still want to try to talk to his sister on the phone. I lost track later yesterday but will set a timer or something for this mid evening.
The young man who mows was here today. His face beat red, he had just finished most of the lawn, but wasn't sure about the tent. He looked as uncomfortable as I felt, so I suggested he just wait on the back yard. A can of sprite and a bit of cooling down. I showed him some of my new or different gear and the boots that arrived today. Yes, they will do, zipper and all. I showed him how to turn on the massage chair, if he is here for a bit since he liked the notion, I told him to drink a sprite if he wishes, and showed him how to have fun giving Sassy treats. On the wood floor, she will chase, slide, and then tackle those bits. You can waste a hole afternoon doing that, if she would balloon out if I did so I just toss a half dozen for her eating and playing pleasure. Cat pan a few times a week, water a high priority, and food. All set up. Oh, and I will remind them to look for packages, if anything isn't here by then. Some things just get delayed.
I did stop at the post office on my way home. A bit more was in, and more here at the house. Two more days for packages and I still don't have that vest. Ah well, if there is still hope. I ordered those boots... Thursday? I ordered the MREs Wednesday? What in the world is going on with getting a vest here in a month and a half? Really? Bleh.
I am still in good shape if I absolutely need to strip down, put on shorts, and a t-shirt. I have the air on, and a glass of cool non-sugar drink going down. I do need to cool off a bit. It was long, it was hot, I haven't slept so was quite cross... Hmm, yeah, my very bad but... Yeah, cool down, chill, do what I can, but get some sleep in tonight. I should be quite ready to do the rest of my list this evening though. Definitely after the sun starts setting and I have had a chance to cool off. Fuggetabout it right now.
Later.
.
Oh, aye, running late, as usual. I had set it up so that I could be late and still be on time, sort of. And as it turned out that was vital. Still, if my friend hadn't called I would have been in trouble. Usually he calls earlier, it must have slipped his mind as well. In to the shop. My friend was able to get in, I was scheduled and on time. All good. I forgot to take my camera, but set up an appointment for the end of September I think. Will have to look. Oh, she, apparently, told her fiance, and they looked it up on-line, and think it sounds quite fun. Then she told me she will be marrying the 30th. I had to chuckle. And she thinks I am going on an interesting trip? Hehehe. A Caribbean cruise for a honeymoon... Yeah. Well, and I want to swap war stories. :p
After, I took him to DMV. They said his I.D. had been printed and shipped at least a month ago. Hmm. They are not going to make him redo all the paperwork, they simply flagged it for a second run. Sounds like funny business, like someone 'borrowed' that I.D., to me. A lot of that is happening these days and this government supports fraud, theft, and abuse and is infecting states with it. Then again, bureaucracies are what they are, unionized the more. Then to lunch. I bid him a good two weeks, he might have implicated something about keeping my scalp. Hmm, I still want to try to talk to his sister on the phone. I lost track later yesterday but will set a timer or something for this mid evening.
The young man who mows was here today. His face beat red, he had just finished most of the lawn, but wasn't sure about the tent. He looked as uncomfortable as I felt, so I suggested he just wait on the back yard. A can of sprite and a bit of cooling down. I showed him some of my new or different gear and the boots that arrived today. Yes, they will do, zipper and all. I showed him how to turn on the massage chair, if he is here for a bit since he liked the notion, I told him to drink a sprite if he wishes, and showed him how to have fun giving Sassy treats. On the wood floor, she will chase, slide, and then tackle those bits. You can waste a hole afternoon doing that, if she would balloon out if I did so I just toss a half dozen for her eating and playing pleasure. Cat pan a few times a week, water a high priority, and food. All set up. Oh, and I will remind them to look for packages, if anything isn't here by then. Some things just get delayed.
I did stop at the post office on my way home. A bit more was in, and more here at the house. Two more days for packages and I still don't have that vest. Ah well, if there is still hope. I ordered those boots... Thursday? I ordered the MREs Wednesday? What in the world is going on with getting a vest here in a month and a half? Really? Bleh.
I am still in good shape if I absolutely need to strip down, put on shorts, and a t-shirt. I have the air on, and a glass of cool non-sugar drink going down. I do need to cool off a bit. It was long, it was hot, I haven't slept so was quite cross... Hmm, yeah, my very bad but... Yeah, cool down, chill, do what I can, but get some sleep in tonight. I should be quite ready to do the rest of my list this evening though. Definitely after the sun starts setting and I have had a chance to cool off. Fuggetabout it right now.
Later.
Way late and well wide of the target.
.
.
Oh, I did, eventually, finally, get the trash collected and out. Doing a minor cleaning of the refrigerator while I was at it. Yes, I found the French press, which needed washed, so went in with the coffee grinder with the rest of that which is soaking... the dishes I have dirtied since finishing the last load. I just couldn't sleep.
Today is going to be rough. Oh well. When I return I will do a bit more packing, look over some lists, and probably try to set the kilt up. A longer, perhaps full width of the cloth, but only cut the long length. I think it will look great with either the hiking or engineer boots. Just wool socks though, I'm not going with hose and such. Hmm, and as a last thing I may gear my vehicle for hauling, which means laying the back passenger seats down as flat as they will go. It's not tricky or difficult. Yeah, it will be a light day. Wednesday, probably, will be the day to get everything in. I dunno, I might just push it today, then take the next few days off.
First though, I best get some sleep! Good night.
.
Oh, I did, eventually, finally, get the trash collected and out. Doing a minor cleaning of the refrigerator while I was at it. Yes, I found the French press, which needed washed, so went in with the coffee grinder with the rest of that which is soaking... the dishes I have dirtied since finishing the last load. I just couldn't sleep.
Today is going to be rough. Oh well. When I return I will do a bit more packing, look over some lists, and probably try to set the kilt up. A longer, perhaps full width of the cloth, but only cut the long length. I think it will look great with either the hiking or engineer boots. Just wool socks though, I'm not going with hose and such. Hmm, and as a last thing I may gear my vehicle for hauling, which means laying the back passenger seats down as flat as they will go. It's not tricky or difficult. Yeah, it will be a light day. Wednesday, probably, will be the day to get everything in. I dunno, I might just push it today, then take the next few days off.
First though, I best get some sleep! Good night.
That went fairly well.
.
.
I tore down the boxes to get those in, then noticed the sprinklers weren't running. I tinkered with that, got them to work, then they up and quit. I simply took the timer off and did a direct water. Then I loaded the cardboard, put that in the bin, then checked my mail. Yep, four packages. More tomorrow, for sure. I just... couldn't... go into town looking like I did. I didn't really want to shower either, especially with dishes soaking. But I need to get off sugar. So... I drained the dishes to set out and get another soak when I finished my shower and hopped in. I have been using a spray bottle for my soap here at home. D.C. had said something about that for BMan, and since I used liquid soap, I wanted to try it. It's super, by the way! I mix half water and half of my soap. Since I use peppermint soap it's best to close your eyes until well after spraying, and maybe even hold your breath for a few seconds after spraying. Yeah, that'll work quite well out there.
Shower taken, I wanted to hook the bike up to the rack and drive with it. I will tell you, it sure feels... wobbly on there. I added a bunch of bungee cords, to little or no avail, as far as I could tell. Still, I wanted to see. I watched as closely and as often as I dared. I checked very closely during bumps in the road and during breaking and acceleration. She held just fine. I got several twelve packs of the diet goop. I may get more some other time, but this will do for about a week or two of heavy drinking.
I still have to get the trash policed up and put out, but other than that I am ready for bed when I can get to sleep. I want to be in by 10:00-11:00. My appointment is at 13:00, if I have to stop to drive my friend in and I'd like to be in early enough to get him to the DMV, as well as be to my appointment a bit early to try to get him a spot. His permanent driver's license has not arrived yet and it should have been to him long ago. Well, at least I am clean for bed. It seems so hot though, I just haven't been able to cool down all day, if that hasn't stopped me. Actually just the opposite I believe.
A bit of... goofing... before I get the trash collected and out. Oh, and I'll police the French press and coffee grinder... Might as well put the grinder in with what else is soaking. Good night.
Oh, I saw the perfect woman tonight. Unmarried, the right size, but... too old by about 15 years, maybe 20. Yeah, boy, she noticed me too. It isn't a what, it's a who I am looking for. And she was a who, otherwise. I realized, though... my years of nearly torturous celibacy, even as halting as that has been, as directed toward doing right by a woman, and my nature from before... I think I will be just fine if I can find her. She'll know before I, perhaps. But she is out there. *smiles*
.
I tore down the boxes to get those in, then noticed the sprinklers weren't running. I tinkered with that, got them to work, then they up and quit. I simply took the timer off and did a direct water. Then I loaded the cardboard, put that in the bin, then checked my mail. Yep, four packages. More tomorrow, for sure. I just... couldn't... go into town looking like I did. I didn't really want to shower either, especially with dishes soaking. But I need to get off sugar. So... I drained the dishes to set out and get another soak when I finished my shower and hopped in. I have been using a spray bottle for my soap here at home. D.C. had said something about that for BMan, and since I used liquid soap, I wanted to try it. It's super, by the way! I mix half water and half of my soap. Since I use peppermint soap it's best to close your eyes until well after spraying, and maybe even hold your breath for a few seconds after spraying. Yeah, that'll work quite well out there.
Shower taken, I wanted to hook the bike up to the rack and drive with it. I will tell you, it sure feels... wobbly on there. I added a bunch of bungee cords, to little or no avail, as far as I could tell. Still, I wanted to see. I watched as closely and as often as I dared. I checked very closely during bumps in the road and during breaking and acceleration. She held just fine. I got several twelve packs of the diet goop. I may get more some other time, but this will do for about a week or two of heavy drinking.
I still have to get the trash policed up and put out, but other than that I am ready for bed when I can get to sleep. I want to be in by 10:00-11:00. My appointment is at 13:00, if I have to stop to drive my friend in and I'd like to be in early enough to get him to the DMV, as well as be to my appointment a bit early to try to get him a spot. His permanent driver's license has not arrived yet and it should have been to him long ago. Well, at least I am clean for bed. It seems so hot though, I just haven't been able to cool down all day, if that hasn't stopped me. Actually just the opposite I believe.
A bit of... goofing... before I get the trash collected and out. Oh, and I'll police the French press and coffee grinder... Might as well put the grinder in with what else is soaking. Good night.
Oh, I saw the perfect woman tonight. Unmarried, the right size, but... too old by about 15 years, maybe 20. Yeah, boy, she noticed me too. It isn't a what, it's a who I am looking for. And she was a who, otherwise. I realized, though... my years of nearly torturous celibacy, even as halting as that has been, as directed toward doing right by a woman, and my nature from before... I think I will be just fine if I can find her. She'll know before I, perhaps. But she is out there. *smiles*
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Amazing.
.
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A bit of packing as I was cooling off. Two bags of clothes, about half of my standard clothes in each. Will there be enough? Well, it'll have to do. Another bag for cold gear and pajamas. Another bag for... oddities. My medical, face paints, face camo, and such are in one container. Probably just easier to take that container. Gear and such in another bundle, tent and shower gear in another group. The gas tank and inverter are here. Hmm, I think D.C. wanted the blender system, so I will bring that. Food is here and there, and I've added baked beans, some various vegies, and a group of various fruits. I really need to get a list of the little doodads going or I will miss something. Safety pins, for example. Or worse, toilet paper! I have plates, eating utensils, and two cooking devices. I am washing the spatula that goes with the grill kit. Shouldn't have done that, I may yet grill before I go.
Oh, and beside straightening the pile of boxes, I will be getting the trash out tonight. While I do that I'll get the Xterra out, get the bike rack on, and figure out the handle bars, how to keep those tucked and tight. Hmm, might as well take the boxes in, if that will mean an half hour of box breaking. I want to empty my mail. From the looks of things some bigger things are in and more will be arriving soon. They have extra boxes that they allow for when the regular box is too small, and I am trying not to tax their small but generous system. They have been quite nice to me there.
It is so hot, still, or seems to be. Actually, I may make a run in to town tonight. Beside the cave being allowed to rot, I have been drinking whatever is handy. I don't have any of my diet soda. Crap sandwich but I have been pushing every edge, taking every shortcut. Then again, I couldn't have done it and watched my p's and q's. Yeah, in to town for soda, both for the week and for travel. It's nasty stuff but it's something, and it's cool. Oh... best get my French press ready and wash my grinder and get it going as well. Coffee, iced, does wonders. Oh, canned milk and some Splenda. My camp mate can't handle my stuff and I don't care for his stuff. All good though.
I... have to be honest. While I was pretty sure I would get there, I thought I would end up just packing what I had, all of it untested, throwing clothes in willy~nilly, and just praying it would work out. I thought it might be a mess. Now, dirt camping, even as high brow as we are doing it, is messy. And, no matter how well you plan, gear up, and practice, improvisation is key. Still, it is much better to have tried at least some things, to have worked on this and that, to have put planning into packing, and to have done what you can. I am absolutely amazed I am to this point. It isn't all done, some things are still arriving, I still have to figure out how to pack it all, little bits... but it is all on the doorstep, some of it just waiting for the vehicle to be available. Even the Xt'er is ready. I even have road assurance, times two actually if the problem is a tire.
I'm not horribly beat, either. I've been pacing myself. I did push a few times, and maybe for several days there, if that was more accidental than not. I am as ready as I can be, fitness wise, in spite of... missing things and messing up other things. I best get to the last bits, and then try to be to bed by midnight. Tight... Later.
.
A bit of packing as I was cooling off. Two bags of clothes, about half of my standard clothes in each. Will there be enough? Well, it'll have to do. Another bag for cold gear and pajamas. Another bag for... oddities. My medical, face paints, face camo, and such are in one container. Probably just easier to take that container. Gear and such in another bundle, tent and shower gear in another group. The gas tank and inverter are here. Hmm, I think D.C. wanted the blender system, so I will bring that. Food is here and there, and I've added baked beans, some various vegies, and a group of various fruits. I really need to get a list of the little doodads going or I will miss something. Safety pins, for example. Or worse, toilet paper! I have plates, eating utensils, and two cooking devices. I am washing the spatula that goes with the grill kit. Shouldn't have done that, I may yet grill before I go.
Oh, and beside straightening the pile of boxes, I will be getting the trash out tonight. While I do that I'll get the Xterra out, get the bike rack on, and figure out the handle bars, how to keep those tucked and tight. Hmm, might as well take the boxes in, if that will mean an half hour of box breaking. I want to empty my mail. From the looks of things some bigger things are in and more will be arriving soon. They have extra boxes that they allow for when the regular box is too small, and I am trying not to tax their small but generous system. They have been quite nice to me there.
It is so hot, still, or seems to be. Actually, I may make a run in to town tonight. Beside the cave being allowed to rot, I have been drinking whatever is handy. I don't have any of my diet soda. Crap sandwich but I have been pushing every edge, taking every shortcut. Then again, I couldn't have done it and watched my p's and q's. Yeah, in to town for soda, both for the week and for travel. It's nasty stuff but it's something, and it's cool. Oh... best get my French press ready and wash my grinder and get it going as well. Coffee, iced, does wonders. Oh, canned milk and some Splenda. My camp mate can't handle my stuff and I don't care for his stuff. All good though.
I... have to be honest. While I was pretty sure I would get there, I thought I would end up just packing what I had, all of it untested, throwing clothes in willy~nilly, and just praying it would work out. I thought it might be a mess. Now, dirt camping, even as high brow as we are doing it, is messy. And, no matter how well you plan, gear up, and practice, improvisation is key. Still, it is much better to have tried at least some things, to have worked on this and that, to have put planning into packing, and to have done what you can. I am absolutely amazed I am to this point. It isn't all done, some things are still arriving, I still have to figure out how to pack it all, little bits... but it is all on the doorstep, some of it just waiting for the vehicle to be available. Even the Xt'er is ready. I even have road assurance, times two actually if the problem is a tire.
I'm not horribly beat, either. I've been pacing myself. I did push a few times, and maybe for several days there, if that was more accidental than not. I am as ready as I can be, fitness wise, in spite of... missing things and messing up other things. I best get to the last bits, and then try to be to bed by midnight. Tight... Later.
Slow but some things are moving along.
.
.
I simply couldn't even get started until... later, much later in the day. Oh, I've been tinkering, accidentally gathering, going through the boxes. I finally got to the bike. The new kickstand actually does fit. The piece I thought would end up being a bar wrap piece ended up being exactly what I have. Mine is wielded in, and on. It came with a large, probably half inch, nut. I decided to try the hex nut that came with the bike. If nothing else that might keep it from being stolen. The kickstand anyway. The hex worked in the new kickstand. I am now about half way through taking off the front tire. I just wanted to look online and see how to work with disk brakes. I was hoping it would just slide out. Not so much. Damn but if I am not going to spend my first two days at BMan just trying to get set up to... something. Tents, bike, grill, stowing the coolers and my kit and gear. I just hope I can put my bike back together. I may also look up whether to keep the bike lock bolted to the bike or not.
Oh, the bike tire? Yeah, not a problem. It wasn't the brakes holding it on, just some grasping washers.
I have finished the laundry. For now. I really need to go through the clothes I have set aside and make sure I have enough of everything. I need at least one of everything for about 10-14 days, and that is assuming I only wear one set of clothes per day. Jeans can be worn twice, I hope, same with shorts. Gets fuzzy on the shirts. Underwear are a one time wear, if... though... and need be... skipping changing them one night if I start drawing down too hard on those. Some of them are made for camping though, supposedly easy to wash and quick to dry. Just wash them while I shower. Hmm, yeah.
I haven't found time to mess with the kilt yet. I am hoping that goes fairly well. Essentially I have to decide how long, from waste to knee, I want it, then cut if need be. I want it longer as it will be night/cool wear, and I have to keep secret, now that I know, what is worn under kilts. Then I have to roll it out and actually set it up using my belt and putting pleats in. I need... well... a good length of clean open floorspace. Ugh... I might actually try that tonight, if I get some other things done. After the bike tire is removed, and the parts put in the tool kit, I will go on to set up the bike rack on the Xt'er, then try to lay out the topper, to see how well that works. Hmm, I might as well fill water jugs while I am at it, and empty the shower bladder. I would start packing but I will be picking my friend up for a haircut tomorrow and the way I am packing will preclude putting his wheelchair in.
It's going. Slowly. Bit after bit, a piece at a time sometimes. I am having to cut corners with the rest of my life. The house... okay... so, usually, I do better than this. I will have fun trying to get order restored when I return. Still I won't complain. Just getting to this point has been a kick. I have tested more things, filled the holes in my prep gear, learned a few things. I have, in ways, amazed myself. It should be interesting to see what I missed, what I forgot, what I would do differently, and how to optimize. Then again, I suspect my friend and myself may be just a wee better prepared than the average. Some groups go, and just have one or two organizers. The rest are... slugs along for the ride, if I had to guess. Well, and there will be some who just had no clue what they were getting into. I live in a desert, at the same altitude, that this summer has been hotter than Black Rocks City area. I am actually ready. That walk, the other day... Yeah. I didn't even have water, which really eases such things. Then again, there will be people who show up and just own the thing. If... I'm not sure that doesn't somehow miss a point or three? That actually makes me wonder about my level of preparedness. Too much? Never enough, if you ask me, if smarter, leaner, faster, surer, easier could all be thrown in. Some of us will never work that way though.
Yeah, well, later.
.
I simply couldn't even get started until... later, much later in the day. Oh, I've been tinkering, accidentally gathering, going through the boxes. I finally got to the bike. The new kickstand actually does fit. The piece I thought would end up being a bar wrap piece ended up being exactly what I have. Mine is wielded in, and on. It came with a large, probably half inch, nut. I decided to try the hex nut that came with the bike. If nothing else that might keep it from being stolen. The kickstand anyway. The hex worked in the new kickstand. I am now about half way through taking off the front tire. I just wanted to look online and see how to work with disk brakes. I was hoping it would just slide out. Not so much. Damn but if I am not going to spend my first two days at BMan just trying to get set up to... something. Tents, bike, grill, stowing the coolers and my kit and gear. I just hope I can put my bike back together. I may also look up whether to keep the bike lock bolted to the bike or not.
Oh, the bike tire? Yeah, not a problem. It wasn't the brakes holding it on, just some grasping washers.
I have finished the laundry. For now. I really need to go through the clothes I have set aside and make sure I have enough of everything. I need at least one of everything for about 10-14 days, and that is assuming I only wear one set of clothes per day. Jeans can be worn twice, I hope, same with shorts. Gets fuzzy on the shirts. Underwear are a one time wear, if... though... and need be... skipping changing them one night if I start drawing down too hard on those. Some of them are made for camping though, supposedly easy to wash and quick to dry. Just wash them while I shower. Hmm, yeah.
I haven't found time to mess with the kilt yet. I am hoping that goes fairly well. Essentially I have to decide how long, from waste to knee, I want it, then cut if need be. I want it longer as it will be night/cool wear, and I have to keep secret, now that I know, what is worn under kilts. Then I have to roll it out and actually set it up using my belt and putting pleats in. I need... well... a good length of clean open floorspace. Ugh... I might actually try that tonight, if I get some other things done. After the bike tire is removed, and the parts put in the tool kit, I will go on to set up the bike rack on the Xt'er, then try to lay out the topper, to see how well that works. Hmm, I might as well fill water jugs while I am at it, and empty the shower bladder. I would start packing but I will be picking my friend up for a haircut tomorrow and the way I am packing will preclude putting his wheelchair in.
It's going. Slowly. Bit after bit, a piece at a time sometimes. I am having to cut corners with the rest of my life. The house... okay... so, usually, I do better than this. I will have fun trying to get order restored when I return. Still I won't complain. Just getting to this point has been a kick. I have tested more things, filled the holes in my prep gear, learned a few things. I have, in ways, amazed myself. It should be interesting to see what I missed, what I forgot, what I would do differently, and how to optimize. Then again, I suspect my friend and myself may be just a wee better prepared than the average. Some groups go, and just have one or two organizers. The rest are... slugs along for the ride, if I had to guess. Well, and there will be some who just had no clue what they were getting into. I live in a desert, at the same altitude, that this summer has been hotter than Black Rocks City area. I am actually ready. That walk, the other day... Yeah. I didn't even have water, which really eases such things. Then again, there will be people who show up and just own the thing. If... I'm not sure that doesn't somehow miss a point or three? That actually makes me wonder about my level of preparedness. Too much? Never enough, if you ask me, if smarter, leaner, faster, surer, easier could all be thrown in. Some of us will never work that way though.
Yeah, well, later.
Well?
.
.
I could not land until I crash landed near 4:00 this morning. Some fool removed the breaks, aileron controls, or such. Waking at 11:00, I... Well, I didn't have a lot of choice. Even then that isn't a long sleep. Beats the six hours I have been getting. I have to break that six hour deal. Ideal is about seven hours, in normal times. Six hours is best if/when I am/can run lean, but I pay for it after a bit. Grumpy and ill tempered with just a touch of 'techyness', if I ran it for weeks. That is all the sleep you got on a submarine, in an 18 hour day, if you got to sleep in the cycle, and assuming drills didn't yank you out of bed... if they could. *grins* If you were up two cycles the boat could be sinking and you would just die in your sleep, blissfully unaware. *blub* But while I am running this hot, well, as hot as I possibly can, I can't shut it down like I usually have a better chance at. So... Yeah...
I tightened my various packs, examined and fortified the tools I will be taking, and just tinkered with things last night. I had hoped everything would just go together, and I'd know where and hot to fit it all. Truth is I was expecting more to go in my backpacks, but am realizing that isn't at all possible. Clothes, and maybe a few things I want to keep for short, almost emergency, use will go in there. A few packs of food, one of the waterproof match containers, towels, a few odds an ends. Since I am taking a full week of clothes, and varied at that, plus in bags, hmm... Well... I'll be taking a day pack, itself, rather than breaking up the pack and sorting hoof from camp stuff.
A bit sore. I've been pushing it. It shows too. The massive bruise I got while messing with the water heaters still hasn't cleared that final step, little cuts aren't healing well or quickly. I still don't even know how I got it. Oh, I keep tabs, make sure nothing gets infected, but I know I've been pushing. Even as weaksauce as this has been, I couldn't do it much longer. I will need a rest when I get back. Then again, when I moved out here, if it hadn't been for a lot of help, on both sides, I would still be in Iowa. I might actually be able to do that if need be, with just a little help. Although this time I would use the exercise as a means of simply getting rid of many things. Hmm, when I get back, after a rest, I may just start in on the dumping/clearing, repacking. Yes indeed. Well, and medicines keep being missed. I am surprised that hasn't... been more of an issue.
Later.
.
I could not land until I crash landed near 4:00 this morning. Some fool removed the breaks, aileron controls, or such. Waking at 11:00, I... Well, I didn't have a lot of choice. Even then that isn't a long sleep. Beats the six hours I have been getting. I have to break that six hour deal. Ideal is about seven hours, in normal times. Six hours is best if/when I am/can run lean, but I pay for it after a bit. Grumpy and ill tempered with just a touch of 'techyness', if I ran it for weeks. That is all the sleep you got on a submarine, in an 18 hour day, if you got to sleep in the cycle, and assuming drills didn't yank you out of bed... if they could. *grins* If you were up two cycles the boat could be sinking and you would just die in your sleep, blissfully unaware. *blub* But while I am running this hot, well, as hot as I possibly can, I can't shut it down like I usually have a better chance at. So... Yeah...
I tightened my various packs, examined and fortified the tools I will be taking, and just tinkered with things last night. I had hoped everything would just go together, and I'd know where and hot to fit it all. Truth is I was expecting more to go in my backpacks, but am realizing that isn't at all possible. Clothes, and maybe a few things I want to keep for short, almost emergency, use will go in there. A few packs of food, one of the waterproof match containers, towels, a few odds an ends. Since I am taking a full week of clothes, and varied at that, plus in bags, hmm... Well... I'll be taking a day pack, itself, rather than breaking up the pack and sorting hoof from camp stuff.
A bit sore. I've been pushing it. It shows too. The massive bruise I got while messing with the water heaters still hasn't cleared that final step, little cuts aren't healing well or quickly. I still don't even know how I got it. Oh, I keep tabs, make sure nothing gets infected, but I know I've been pushing. Even as weaksauce as this has been, I couldn't do it much longer. I will need a rest when I get back. Then again, when I moved out here, if it hadn't been for a lot of help, on both sides, I would still be in Iowa. I might actually be able to do that if need be, with just a little help. Although this time I would use the exercise as a means of simply getting rid of many things. Hmm, when I get back, after a rest, I may just start in on the dumping/clearing, repacking. Yes indeed. Well, and medicines keep being missed. I am surprised that hasn't... been more of an issue.
Later.
I'm a bit of a wreck.
.
.
I've been pushing just a bit hard. No real damage done, I don't think. It's just that I am worn. I am going to set the alarm, and if I can get to Church tomorrow. I just realize, as I'm having trouble going down, that... I will try.
No, it's a short term deficit. But look at what I have been doing this week. I'm, actually, surprised I made it to see my friend today. Even with the things I wanted to get and a promise. Who knows though, I might pop up and just charge at it. I am just realistic and I don't know about another early day.
Oh, the fellow I handed the jewels to, not who I thought it would be by the way, talked a bit. His heart had been really bad too. With him they had to do open heart surgery. He said, when they were done, he thought to himself "Oh, so... this is what life is about". I'm still waiting on that. Fortunately or not, open heart surgery won't help me. It isn't arterial, or a valve, it's just a damaged heart. Anything wrong with my heart was damage done by a virus probably, and long ago, and then from the high blood pressure stemming from the damage. The only surgical option would be a heart transplant. Anyway, I was curious about weakness to the chest. He said he has healed completely, and doesn't need special precautions regarding it. They might, possibly, someday need to get in there... pacemaker or something. After that talk I am more inclined to at least listen, then get a second opinion. Speaking with a man who has gotten out of the funk I live in was interesting, hope inducing. I don't think he was even close to as bad as I am, and he was still having huge problems. He doesn't need to empathize, he can sympathize, understand directly. I hope he understands, if I don't show up, why.
Hmm. Well... I didn't do much. I just couldn't cool down quickly enough. Now I'm chilly. Yeah... I really have to start packing, tomorrow and Monday are being dedicated just to putting things together in an orderly fashion, then finding where they will go. I need to fill some of the water jugs too. I'd best see about getting the tire off, the kickstand on, and the bike mounted on the back of the Xt'er tomorrow as well. I have everything I need. Kickstand might not work. I suppose I can live without one, if the new one doesn't work it won't be a choice. Good night.
.
I've been pushing just a bit hard. No real damage done, I don't think. It's just that I am worn. I am going to set the alarm, and if I can get to Church tomorrow. I just realize, as I'm having trouble going down, that... I will try.
No, it's a short term deficit. But look at what I have been doing this week. I'm, actually, surprised I made it to see my friend today. Even with the things I wanted to get and a promise. Who knows though, I might pop up and just charge at it. I am just realistic and I don't know about another early day.
Oh, the fellow I handed the jewels to, not who I thought it would be by the way, talked a bit. His heart had been really bad too. With him they had to do open heart surgery. He said, when they were done, he thought to himself "Oh, so... this is what life is about". I'm still waiting on that. Fortunately or not, open heart surgery won't help me. It isn't arterial, or a valve, it's just a damaged heart. Anything wrong with my heart was damage done by a virus probably, and long ago, and then from the high blood pressure stemming from the damage. The only surgical option would be a heart transplant. Anyway, I was curious about weakness to the chest. He said he has healed completely, and doesn't need special precautions regarding it. They might, possibly, someday need to get in there... pacemaker or something. After that talk I am more inclined to at least listen, then get a second opinion. Speaking with a man who has gotten out of the funk I live in was interesting, hope inducing. I don't think he was even close to as bad as I am, and he was still having huge problems. He doesn't need to empathize, he can sympathize, understand directly. I hope he understands, if I don't show up, why.
Hmm. Well... I didn't do much. I just couldn't cool down quickly enough. Now I'm chilly. Yeah... I really have to start packing, tomorrow and Monday are being dedicated just to putting things together in an orderly fashion, then finding where they will go. I need to fill some of the water jugs too. I'd best see about getting the tire off, the kickstand on, and the bike mounted on the back of the Xt'er tomorrow as well. I have everything I need. Kickstand might not work. I suppose I can live without one, if the new one doesn't work it won't be a choice. Good night.
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