busy meerkat is very busy

[lagilman]

A bunch of things, of which probably the most important to y'all is at the bottom, just so's you're warned.


First and foremost: kateelliott manages to say beautifully what I've been trying to verbalize elsewhere, and so I am using her words instead:

I think, on the whole, we are wise to err on the side of recognizing connectivity, not just in terms of seeking connectivity but in recognizing how deeply interconnected the system of people and their societies is and must be because we are band animals; it’s how we evolved, to make connections both in the familial kin sense and in the pattern-making sense of trying to see how the world fits together, to make sense of the place we live and how we function within it and how and where we relate to others and the landscape.

Things get mashed together in the grieving mind. They all become connected, intertwined, difficult, necessary. You can’t look away. You want to look away. You mustn’t look away. Maybe you can’t make it right, or maybe you can make something right, but the hard things have to be faced, grappled with, embraced.

Yes. That. Face, grapple, embrace. Every single day.


Meanwhile, in addition to the book I'm writing and the short story I'm writing, and the collaborative project that is probably going to be a novella, and Lunacon and Passover coming up hard, and oh yeah, a CEM expected soon, the management company has ok'd my paperwork (never underestimate the value of an experienced contractor who can herd ducks and line up cats) and we have a demo start date of...next Monday. Once it all begins, expect a hold on all cooking neep (except, possibly, "cooking with toaster and take-away") for a week or so...

Be warned: there will be photoblogging. And, since my office is off the kitchen, probably occasional whinging about the noise, too.

Boomer will be in his element. More!People! Pandora will hide in the bedroom. In the end, it will all be worth it. The kitchen will be better, the apartment overall will be better, and it's not like the money was earning interest in the bank any more, right? *whimpers* My poor credit cards aren't going to be speaking to me when this is done. But it will be worth it. I know it will.


In the further meanwhile, and on a totally different topic, I am once again participating in the Brenda Novak on-line auction to raise money for diabetes research. This time around, I'm offering:

1: the full set of "Retrievers" books (6 in all, including the newest just out in May '09) in trade paperback, packed with a beach towel and water bottle in a reusable tote, suitable for lazing about pool or
beach, or in your back yard, for a summer reading getaway.

2: an ARC of my forthcoming hardcover fantasy novel, FLESH & FIRE: BOOK 1 OF THE VINEART WAR (October 2009), with a pair of wine glasses with identifying charms [since the basis of the book is wine-magic!)

Bid early, bid often! [or at least, as soon as they put the offerings up!] And check out some of the other stuff available... this auction bring in the heavy hitters, and amazing opportunities (mine best-evah agent Jenn Jackson will be offering a critique. You Know You Want It.)

And now the coffee is ready and the working must begin...

Comments

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

We didn't hire a contractor to do our kitchen in Lille; we did it ourselves since we've pretty much outspent our budget buying the retirement house in the country. But you are right: it is worth the expense and the dust and etc. I know have a kitchen that is cheerful and bright and a pleasure to cook in.

[lagilman]

I'm a pretty good DIYer for painting and patching and refinishing, but considering the thicket of regulations for plumbing and electrical work in NYC, having a contractor actually saves time and headaches, and since time=money, especially when one is on deadline...

We're sharing the demo work, and I'll do the painting, but I leave it to trained professionals to install cabinets and lay tile, update the wiring and install the new plumbing and stove...


Eeeep. I have to make a final decision on the stove. And the sink. Eeeep.

[jslinder.livejournal.com]

T-Fal Indoor Electric Grill. We lived off that on the dining room table (use a pad!) while the kitchen was in remodel :)

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

Luckily, France doesn't require inspections so J. can do the plumbing and electricity himself. It takes him longer, but the results are good. Good luck with the kitchen. Post pictures.

[lagilman]

Gah. As the granddaughter of an electrician, I shudder to think about what would happen if people in my building tried to do their own wiring...

[NYC has enough problems with code violations as-is!]

[taramaya.livejournal.com]

Very cool. :)

Small "Your Rock"-ness must be introduced to this thread

[(Anonymous)]

The Auction is a great event. Last year, the only thing I ended up winning was the trip to Hawaii. Which SOMEHOW my Significant Other managed to convince me to give to the inlaws. This year, I intend to bid on items the inlaws and the SO will NOT be interested in. *smile*

I work to support additional funding for disability related research, anti-discrimination legislation and policies for appropriate supports and services as part of my job. I LOVE seeing authors and others outside the field really stepping up. You rock!
Best,
Day
www.DayInWashington.com

Re: Small "Your Rock"-ness must be introduced to this thread

[lagilman]

You...gave up a trip to Hawai'i....? Now that's familial love. I hope you get something totally cool this year!

(I bid on a few things last year, but I suspect Operation Kitchen has eaten all my available funds this year)