So umm...I sorta got fired today.
Well, "fired" is a strange way to put it--I'm no longer a summer intern, so I'm no longer running the ropes program at Windy Gap, but they want me to stay on in a staff position as long as I want it, I just have to move off camp and not do the summer internship program. Both of those things I'm happy for: no more of the big brother babysitting stuff that comes from being a summer intern and I don't have to live in a room with three much younger girls (I should note that I love those girls, I just feel a little old for it). The hard part is leaving the ropes; I was really, really looking forward to it. I had that place ready to go and I don't get to see the fruits of my labor there. And I just bought a new $80 harness. That sucks. I had a great team to work with. But they want me to stay on, which is weird. They know how hard I work and I'm good at my job so they don't want to let me go, but I'm not spiritually in a place to do the internship to the degree that it should be done. I have a meeting with them Monday to discuss options with the staying on thing. I don't know if I want to stay on or not; I do but I don't. I simply can't force myself to mix the personal and professional; I don't know how to function in place where everything is basically on the record. I don't mean that as a knock on them, I mean it simply as two very different ways of processing and living. I can't do that.
I know it's the right decision for literally everyone involved, from the campers and summer staff to the property staff to me. I mean, when they told me I was...relieved. That itself is a sign that it is right. So right now I'm in the process of packing and moving...again. Effin' moving.
I already have some great options for places to live and some jobs lining up, but I kind of want to spend this time to figure out what the hell it is I actually want to do, as I simply don't know or even know where to start.
This is the beginning of 26. It'll be an adventure.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Danger Zone
Well here it is, end of work week. And by work week I don't mean "Oh, it's our normal 5-day work week" I mean "Holy crap, there's nearly 300 people here to do stuff. Why does that guy have a welding torch? And you want me to do what?"
I'm the ropes intern for the summer (yee haw) and the Tower and Swing interns, David and John, joined me in doing all of our summer prep, so for the past four days we've been up to our ears in ropes and high element management, along with one trusty summer staff alum and Matt Knauer, the only one who actually knew what he was doing. Day two of work week had us cutting down a nearly 300 foot zipline at the ropes course and replacing it, along with the 12' x 12' net it runs through. Sounds fairly simple. Ha. After we had it set up we made David be the first to ride on the new cable. He was a little nervous, for good reason. It's over 50' high at the jump off.
Day three found us at our giant swing, replacing two of the four drop cables that hold the swing in place. This requires someone to lobster claw up a side tree to the two top cables (height: 60') then place their lobster claws and a rappel rope onto the top cable and pull themselves out to the connecting point of the drop cable (leading to the swing) where they undo the drop cable from the top cable, then rappel back down to earth. Only to go back up to put in the new cable..and this had to be done on both sides. We got it done cleanly and correctly the first time, with the injuries being the minor ones that come from having a job dealing with 3/4" galvanized aircraft cable. Sure. We also had to put in a safety net around the swing platform (nicknamed "The Beth Net" in honor of our dear Beth Williams) which required drilling holes completely through trees about 20 feet up while standing on a shaky, janky ass aluminium house ladder. We did end up putting in staples because the ladder was so bad, and we had to get even higher up in the tree. So then we were standing on a janky ass ladder, pounding giant staples into trees with a sledgehammer. The Beth Net took almost a whole day in and of itself, but we finished it this morning and laid in it to make sure it was safe. It is, and its kind of comfortable. Here's to you, Beth Net. Then back to the ropes course to move the net at the zipline up one foot, which took, oh, two hours (also required drilling holes completely through trees. The bit is two and a half feet long).
All week Igot to use terms like, "Let's swedge it," Which is a pair of pliers that, when opened fully, the legs are five feet apart and the mouth opens maybe an inch. It's a TIIIIIIGHT pinch but it creates this ridiculously safe cable closure. I also used cable cutters, which look like hedge trimmers on 'roids. I could put the cable in them and throw my whole body on them as hard as I could and the cable would just say, "Oww." If I wanted to cut a cable it'd take me a good four tries and by then it looked like I'd gummed it to death. Oh well. I have new respect for 3/4" GAC and electrical tape.
I think there is dirt permanently etched into the creases on my palms. I washed 'em I swear.
I'm the ropes intern for the summer (yee haw) and the Tower and Swing interns, David and John, joined me in doing all of our summer prep, so for the past four days we've been up to our ears in ropes and high element management, along with one trusty summer staff alum and Matt Knauer, the only one who actually knew what he was doing. Day two of work week had us cutting down a nearly 300 foot zipline at the ropes course and replacing it, along with the 12' x 12' net it runs through. Sounds fairly simple. Ha. After we had it set up we made David be the first to ride on the new cable. He was a little nervous, for good reason. It's over 50' high at the jump off.
Day three found us at our giant swing, replacing two of the four drop cables that hold the swing in place. This requires someone to lobster claw up a side tree to the two top cables (height: 60') then place their lobster claws and a rappel rope onto the top cable and pull themselves out to the connecting point of the drop cable (leading to the swing) where they undo the drop cable from the top cable, then rappel back down to earth. Only to go back up to put in the new cable..and this had to be done on both sides. We got it done cleanly and correctly the first time, with the injuries being the minor ones that come from having a job dealing with 3/4" galvanized aircraft cable. Sure. We also had to put in a safety net around the swing platform (nicknamed "The Beth Net" in honor of our dear Beth Williams) which required drilling holes completely through trees about 20 feet up while standing on a shaky, janky ass aluminium house ladder. We did end up putting in staples because the ladder was so bad, and we had to get even higher up in the tree. So then we were standing on a janky ass ladder, pounding giant staples into trees with a sledgehammer. The Beth Net took almost a whole day in and of itself, but we finished it this morning and laid in it to make sure it was safe. It is, and its kind of comfortable. Here's to you, Beth Net. Then back to the ropes course to move the net at the zipline up one foot, which took, oh, two hours (also required drilling holes completely through trees. The bit is two and a half feet long).
All week Igot to use terms like, "Let's swedge it," Which is a pair of pliers that, when opened fully, the legs are five feet apart and the mouth opens maybe an inch. It's a TIIIIIIGHT pinch but it creates this ridiculously safe cable closure. I also used cable cutters, which look like hedge trimmers on 'roids. I could put the cable in them and throw my whole body on them as hard as I could and the cable would just say, "Oww." If I wanted to cut a cable it'd take me a good four tries and by then it looked like I'd gummed it to death. Oh well. I have new respect for 3/4" GAC and electrical tape.
I think there is dirt permanently etched into the creases on my palms. I washed 'em I swear.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Not Gonna Miss Ya
So Jerry Fallwell died yesterday.
I know it's crass, but I can't honestly say I'll miss the guy.
In fact, I can say with great confidence that I won't miss him, except as the best of punchlines.
Simply can't get behind a guy who defines his belief, his public image, his seeming whole life, by the people of whom he disapproves. I don't get definition by exclusion. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather be part of something that welcomes rather than one that pridefully omits. I remember one article in the National Liberty Journal where he claimed that the Lilith Fair was a demon-worshipping event. Sure thing there, Jer.
I know it's crass, but I can't honestly say I'll miss the guy.
In fact, I can say with great confidence that I won't miss him, except as the best of punchlines.
Simply can't get behind a guy who defines his belief, his public image, his seeming whole life, by the people of whom he disapproves. I don't get definition by exclusion. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather be part of something that welcomes rather than one that pridefully omits. I remember one article in the National Liberty Journal where he claimed that the Lilith Fair was a demon-worshipping event. Sure thing there, Jer.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Wouldn't it Be Loverly
I haven't posted in a while. I've been in the process of moving, and sitting down to write out thoughts is difficult when my thoughts are elsewhere. I'm 90% moved into my new (temporary) living quarters and I have to say, it is much better than my Eyeore nature let on. They did a great job getting it set up for us, though sleeping in a bunkbed and having three other roommates does have an echo of dorm life (though I never had either a bunk bed or more than one roommate in college) and it's an adjustment from the comfort of my queen-size single in ol' Shady. I'll miss that place in all its damp, dark, basement glory.
Anyway, a story:
This weekend was my last stint as primary host (sigh...I loved that job). Friday night I was just leaving the club room after making sure the very green sound tech was slightly comfortable when I walked out into the darkness to go fix a toilet and I heard a cry. A little cry. A little, kitten cry. I looked around and couldn't find where this tiny incessant cry was originating when she came running up: a young little tabby kitten. She wouldn't let me pet her but it was clear she was very used to people, and was very hungry. She followed me up and into the cabin whose toilet I was to fix and that's when I knew I couldn't have her wandering around property while a camp was in session. I got her into the Guest Services office and called around to borrow a dog carrier, then down to the barn to get some cat food and water, which she ate like it was her very first meal.
My roommate helped me get her into the carrier and we took her back to Shady for the night. She cried the entire time. Like didn't shut up. Poor thing. I couldn't decide if I should call her Hubris (my dream name for a cat. So fitting.) or Liza Dolittle (the heroine from "My Fair Lady").
While all that was going on I got a call about a snake trying to get into the club room (which was full of 220 people. Like yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater...). I now assume that when I host, it's Animal Planet camp. During my three months in Guest Services I had: a rabid bat, two birds trapped in rooms, a snake, a kitten, a hermit crab, a dead mole in the pool, a dead turtle, and I feel like I'm leaving one out. That's hilarious.
Back to unpacking...
Anyway, a story:
This weekend was my last stint as primary host (sigh...I loved that job). Friday night I was just leaving the club room after making sure the very green sound tech was slightly comfortable when I walked out into the darkness to go fix a toilet and I heard a cry. A little cry. A little, kitten cry. I looked around and couldn't find where this tiny incessant cry was originating when she came running up: a young little tabby kitten. She wouldn't let me pet her but it was clear she was very used to people, and was very hungry. She followed me up and into the cabin whose toilet I was to fix and that's when I knew I couldn't have her wandering around property while a camp was in session. I got her into the Guest Services office and called around to borrow a dog carrier, then down to the barn to get some cat food and water, which she ate like it was her very first meal.
My roommate helped me get her into the carrier and we took her back to Shady for the night. She cried the entire time. Like didn't shut up. Poor thing. I couldn't decide if I should call her Hubris (my dream name for a cat. So fitting.) or Liza Dolittle (the heroine from "My Fair Lady").
While all that was going on I got a call about a snake trying to get into the club room (which was full of 220 people. Like yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater...). I now assume that when I host, it's Animal Planet camp. During my three months in Guest Services I had: a rabid bat, two birds trapped in rooms, a snake, a kitten, a hermit crab, a dead mole in the pool, a dead turtle, and I feel like I'm leaving one out. That's hilarious.
Back to unpacking...
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Box Out
I'm in the midst of packing to move, once again. This time is odd, because it's "Ok, what will I need in the next three months?" and not really having a clear answer to it. Winter coats: don't need. Christmas stuff: box it up. But besides that I get a little befuddled. (I'm currently typing this standing up, because my bed is so covered with boxes and junk that I can't really sit down anywhere)
Anyway, that's the news over here. Monday we move over to the temporary "intern" housing in prep for the rest of the group to arrive. My distaste for feeling displaced is in full force, but I'm trying to be a good sport.
Parting shots for the day:
Yup, that's an office chair. With an excavator behind it...and a dumpster in front of it. In the middle of a construction zone. Whaa? (Or, in honor of Murphy, "QUAAAA!?") I saw it when I was walking up to my car the other day and had to take a photo.
(Current listen while packing: The Cheesy Mix, as made for Hatcher. "Coming to America" by the Neil is playing at the moment...TODAY!)
Anyway, that's the news over here. Monday we move over to the temporary "intern" housing in prep for the rest of the group to arrive. My distaste for feeling displaced is in full force, but I'm trying to be a good sport.
Parting shots for the day:
Yup, that's an office chair. With an excavator behind it...and a dumpster in front of it. In the middle of a construction zone. Whaa? (Or, in honor of Murphy, "QUAAAA!?") I saw it when I was walking up to my car the other day and had to take a photo.
(Current listen while packing: The Cheesy Mix, as made for Hatcher. "Coming to America" by the Neil is playing at the moment...TODAY!)
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