Carrie and Tala: BFF

Trip:
I am leaving tomorrow morning at 5:30 AM (yikes!) for the California Charter School Conference up in Sacramento. The new dog sitter, Erin, will be watching Tala and the Cats for $20/day. I’ll be back late Thursday night.
Schataje:
Schataje has not been eating too well recently. She decided that she does not like her prescription food, so I have been trying out other new things just to see what she will eat. She likes Tuna and other seafood items. We are heading back to the vet in about 10 days so we’ll see how her blood work is then.
Climbing:
Thanks so generous birthday gift givers I am now richly outfitted in new climbing gear. I have my own rope and 7 of my own quickdraws. I also have some webbing (from Christmas). Keith got 8 quickdraws of his own plus a bunch of webbing and carabineers. Together we now have a complete outdoor climbing set-up and are excited to start climbing outdoors and inviting our friends along (Keith his OC climbing buddies and me my LA climbing buddies).
Summer School
I talked to my principal today and let her know that I am interested in teaching summer school. I volunteered to teach "anything" and she sounded pleased, but I hope she does not interpret that as “calculus”, because that wouldn’t go over well.

This weekend I hiked to Switzer Falls for the 15th time. I was amazed to discover that the previous 14 trips had been incomplete. In fact, before this weekend I have never actually hiked to Switzer Falls. In the past, I hiked to a sweet little 15 foot waterfall, enjoyed the view and headed back to the trailhead, assuming I had seen the falls. This weekend, the first time, curiosity prompted me to scramble up the rocks behind the 15 foot falls. When I reached the top, I discovered that the trail continued. 1/2 a mile later I was shocked to discover the real Switzer Falls, a breathtaking 50 foot waterfall ending with a large and deep pool surrounded on all sides by high granite walls.

It was a jaw dropping moment, partially because of the beauty of the falls, but mostly due to the shock and surprise with discovering for real what I thought I had discovered long ago.

9th graders

humble: In school I always see humble bees flying around.
wept: Getting wept when you are in trouble is not a good thing.
pulp: When the shower water is stuck they pulp the water.
blunder: In my house when we make pancakes we use a blunder.

stress
I have been fairly stressed this week because I have a lot going on at work and have gotten very backlogged with my TV/DVD viewing. Currently, I have one episode of Lost, 8 episodes of Star Trek:DS9, 4 movies, and 3 documentaries waiting to be watched.
red-tape
As many of you know, I am now “highly qualified” in my profession as a full, Level I credentialed teacher. However, it doesn’t end there. Next I have to do Level II and then after that, National Boards. Even though I did Level I at Cal State Long Beach, I have to complete an arduous application process to do Level II at Long Beach. The application process includes submitting two copies of a transcript from each educational institution I have attended (including CSULB). This is something I have already done thrice (when applying to the university, when applying to the Level I credential program and when applying for my credential). Since I have attended seven different higher educational institutions, that means I have submitted a total of 35 transcripts (totaling over $150) to CSULB in less than a year. *sigh*
ouch!
I accidentally poked myself with Schataje’s needle and boy-howdy that hurts. It still hurts now, 15 minutes later. I took a picture of the needle so you all can fully appreciate Schataje’s daily bravery.

I focused on bouldering today. In fact, I only got on the wall once and that was just to show off to some meat-head guy who was struggling with a 5.9 that he termed “impossible”. I raced up to the hard part and, Keith style, repeatedly and effortlessly performed the “impossible move” while commenting on how easy it is if you “just do it this way”. LOL!

So today I focused on the boulder. Bouldering routes at BCR are labeled like this:

Light green = absurdly easy (I can always do these)

Blue = very easy (I can get these after a few tries)

Brown = easy (I have never finished one of these before)

First I did a few light greens and even one really overhung (think: hanging upside-down) blue. Then I decided to work on a brown. I tried it one, five, ten, twelve times. No luck. Too overhung. Holds are too small. I am too tired.

I decided to give it one last try. I searched my IPOD for some inspirational music and found Cher’s Song for the Lonely (it has inspired thousands of women on Weight Watchers, so why not me?). I cranked up the volume and gave it a last go.

Match start with a nice deep pocket. Right hand up to a little pocket, left to a smallish pinch. Right hand up to a nice pocket. Left hand up to a hand-sized undercling. Feet on tiny chips. Here is the hard part: right hand up to a pinch (see pic), crappy feet, and then puuuuuuuuulllllllll in with the right hand and a big swing up and to the left to a left hand pocket (this is where I fell on the previous 12 times). I got it! But now I am hanging like a monkey with my feet in the air. Swing the feet up onto chips, pull up with the left hand, right hand in a pocket and then left hand to the top of the boulder.

I finished my first V1!

I don't drink a lot of soda, so when my school banned all sodas on campus last month, I was nonplussed. But inexplicably, now that the ban is in full swing, with detentions being handed out galore to soda drinking student and teachers shaming each other for secretly guzzling the bubbly stuff, I have been craving soda almost everyday. Access is limited, the soda machine was restocked with *blech* juice. I am reduced to sneaking over to the corner store and hiding my Diet Pepsi under my shirt on the way back to the office. This is getting ridiculous. The more unacceptable, the more I crave it. I drank three Diet Pepsis today. This can’t be healthy.

Climbing:
Today was a day off of work. I took a hike on some rocky and rugged coastline in Rancho Palos Verdes that ended with some neat bouldering at the Bird Cave. Later, Jon and I did some climbing at BCR. On Keith’s recommendation, I focused on bouldering and working out my back muscles. I felt proud about finishing a super-overhung bouldering route (even if it was a V0).

Schataje:
Schataje is feeling better everyday. She has enough strength now to complain loudly about her treatments. She is such a good girl though, she sits patiently and submits to them. Also, I found her at the top of the fence today, which is good news because it means that she has the strength to climb up there. She has been trying out some new foods in addition to her prescription cat food: tuna, and starting tomorrow, Pedialyte.

Today Keith, Tala, and I hiked Castro Crest Trail. It is not difficult but was very nice with pretty views and some bouldering (on very crumbly sandstone). The hike started in a recent burn area then descended into a lush canyon bottom before ascending, switch-back style, up a fire-road and then back down to the parking area. Tala had great time. She met a couple of horses and got up close and personal to their droppings (see pictures).

Tala, enjoying some horse poo.

Tala, the amazing climbing pug, at the top of a 5.6.

Even though Schataje can't get past the patio, she is really enjoying getting to spend her days outdoors. When I get home from work, she hears me with those amazing cat ears and comes inside to greet me and get a kiss before returning to the sun and fresh air outside.

Schataje’s treatment tonight was a little tricky and she only got about 75cc because both Tala and Spencer decided that they wanted to crawl up into my lap too (jealous sibling syndrome). Schataje, repulsed by Tala and annoyed with Spencer bolted away, pulling the needle out and spraying saline everywhere. I guess I’ll have to put the sibs in the bedroom during Schataje’s treatments in the future.

How sadly ironic that now that Schataje has what she always wished for, free access to the outdoors, she is too weak to jump over the fence and cannot get any farther than the patio. I can’t leave the patio gate open for fear that Tala would get out (if she ever figured out how to use the dog door that is). Poor Schataje.

I gave Schataje her second treatment today and she sat patiently in my lap for the whole five minutes, purring (I suspect out of nervousness rather than pleasure – who would enjoy having a needle rammed into their neck and 100cc of cold saline pumped in?).

How did the soldier fit his tank in the house?

It was a fish tank.

Schataje update:
Sleeping comfortably on top of the microwave (absorbing x-rays as Keith would say).

Schataje had her first at-home treatment today and did well. She sat quietly for the whole thing, even though her neck ballooned up like a tennis ball. Afterwards, I rewarded her with her much loved soft food. It was scary having to stick the needle in her and remember how to turn it on and off and put the needle on and everything, but I was determined and I just went for it and did it. Good Schataje.


Reward








Saline

Schataje Home from the Hospital

Schataje just got home after spending 24 hours at the vet. While there, she was on fluids and special medicines to help stabilize her kidneys and rebalance her electrolytes. The vet tech taught me how to put the needle in her and make saline go under her skin. For the first month, we have to do 100cc everyday. Hopefully Keith or Jon or someone more mechanically inclined will help me rig up a semi-permanent hook for the fluid bag and line.

Despite all the discomforts of her present situation, Schataje thinks she hit the jackpot because now she has doctor-ordered soft food for every meal, just what she always wanted.

I have also decided to let her have free reign to the outdoors during the daytime (not at night though!). Since she only has a little bit of time left, she should enjoy it. And I am not worried about cars or anything anymore since, well, she only has a little time left anyway. Fortunately, the apartment has a cat door, which she taught herself how to use long ago in the hopes of actually being able to go out through it. Well, wishes come true Schataje, you can go out as much as you want now!

Schataje is happy to be home and promptly hissed at Tala and swatted at Spencer, at least things with her siblings are back to normal.

Last night, Schataje collapsed. I immediately rushed her to the emergency vet, where she spent the night and also is there all day today. Last night, Schataje was in acute renal failure, but today she is stabilized and has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure. The vet thinks that she may have a few months or up to a year left before her kidneys give out completely. She has already lost about 75% of her kidney function.

Tonight when I go to pick her up at the vet, I will learn how to give her Subcutaneous Fluid Therapy at home and we will make plans for her diet and how to make her last few months happy.

As outlined in a previous post, I am committed to cleaning out my garage to both simplify my life in general and simplify my impending move. Last weekend I started the cleaning.

Start:

Step 1:

Schataje has lost weight, and I am worried about her. She used to have a big round belly that swung comfortably down to her knees. Now she has become quite thin (almost like black cat Jim). Should I take her to the vet?

In other news, Schataje has taken to spending as much time as possible on the roof.

I really truly led my first climb ever today (a really easy 5.8). Even though it was easy, it was exciting because there was the actual "danger" of being above the clipped rope and the possibility of falling existed (more than a few inches, but of course not more than a few feet). I also did my first lead belay (on a 5.9 even!). With my inexperience, I theoretically could have dropped him to the ground, but he never fell, *whew*!

I called the landlord and he sent over the Rotorooter guy, who was surprised and somewhat disgusted by the water from the sinks draining directly onto the back patio. So apparently this is not normal. It also appears to have had something to do with the strange behavior of the toilet and shower drain. He went onto the patio and stuck a long metal rope into the hole where the water comes out. All sorts of nasty stuff fell out as the rope went in. Then he capped the hole and said that everything should be all cleared up. *sigh of relief*

My students found this dog and gave it to me. Now what am I going to do with it?

I should preface the explanation of this problem with some background about my plumbing in general. Half of the drains in my home (kitchen and bathroom sink) empty directly onto my back patio, inches from the house, in a weird medieval/questionably-legal fashion. The rest of the drains (toilet and shower) exit via pipes, presumably (hopefully) to the more traditional Culver City septic system.

Recently, the traditional drains (toilet and shower) have been behaving strangely. Specifically, in tandem, these drains clog completely and spontaneously (not like after I have just flushed something big down the toilet or accidentally washed a large item down the drain but just at totally random times). During this clogged time, the toilet starts leaking from the base and floods the bathroom floor (yuck!). By the way, the plunger does not help. Then, after a bit, loud noises start coming from under the house. Kind of rumbling noises accompanied by a slight shaking feeling, like a minor earthquake. Then both toilet and tub give a great gargling sound, some water shoots into the air, and the clogs are spontaneously fixed and the standing water quickly rushes away.

I am actually really worried about this. What should I do?

10th graders produce sentences for their vocabulary words:

1. indulgence: My favorite meatloaf is indulgence.
2. xenophobic: I am xenophobic against Jamaicans.
3. avoid: I avoid myself because I was going to get in a fight.
4. pulp: Man your pulp is very big, what were you doing?

This morning my hives have been particularly bad. In fact, my body at the moment is like one giant hive, red and itchy. The reason that my hives are so bad is because I got kicked out of my classroom for CAHSEE testing and am forced to teach at the picnic tables. The temperature at the picnic tables does not agree with my cold urticaria.

Problem: My hot water heater now only produces enough hot water for a 10 minute shower
Resolution: I will face my fears and call the landlord to complain

Problem: My new IPOD Video does not accept normal video files and I don't want to pay to buy video conversion software
Resolution: I will ask Keith if he can illegally download me the necessary software

Problem: My life feels cluttered
Resolution: I will clean out one box in the garage every weekend until the clutter is abolished

Problem: My phone falls apart every time I try to use it
Resolution: I will get some duct-tape

Problem: Tala smells
Resolution: bathe Tala (produces new problem - no hot water left for me)

I got my new IPOD Video today! It is BEU-TEE-FUL!!! It looks just like a little colored computer. OMG, it is so much better than the old Rio. Yuck!

currently watching: Star Trek Deep Space Nine - Season 1
currently reading: Flash Jackson by William Kowalski (which is not very good so don't bother with it)
currently listening to: nothing (MP3 player is dead)
currently downloading: The Ali G Show

I watched my first ever episode of Beauty and the Geek today. It was surprisingly amusing. The premise of the show is something like this: gather up some supposedly attractive but stupid women and some supposedly socially inept but academically successful men, put them in a house, engage them in amusing flirtation-inducing challenges and see what happens. There is also some sort of elimination thing, but not sure how that works.

This show prompted me to ask myself the following:
1. Why is the successful computer programmer desperate to date the uneducated cocktail waitress?
2. Why does the hairy Indian MIT graduate allow them to wax his chest (Ben do you know this guy? He is now a grad student at Berkeley.)
3. Why was the Asian geek eliminated the first week (aren't Asian geeks the supreme geeks?)
4. Why is it so geekily impressive that Chris (at age 22) has only kissed one girl? I know some geeks who could pulverize that record (i.e.: in mid-20s and have kissed zero girls).

Incidentally, I took the official “Beauty and the Geek Quiz: How Geeky Are You?” and scored You're Very Geeky.

I was recently drafted as the coordinator of the BIG 10th grade trip. I now responsible for coordinating a three-day rock-climbing/camping/hiking trip for 100 15-year olds. My first responsibilities include pitching the trip to students and collecting permission trips. I am super-excited!

Tala is testing out a new dog food (Low fat Purina Dog Chow) which is considerably cheaper than her old food (Low fat Science Diet Dog Chow).

She does not like it. The first time she ate it, she promptly vomited it all up (on the bed, the living room floor, and the path in front of the house). Thereafter, she refused to so much as nibble it for the next two meals. Hunger drove her to sample it again tonight. Tala has discovered that she can remove certain unsavory chunks and discard them on the floor.

Schataje, on the other hand, loves this new food. She has all but abandoned her own food (Low fat Science Diet Cat Chow) in favor of Tala's new food. Now that Tala is eating from her bowl again, Schataje is reduced to cleaning up Tala's rejected kibble.