Dear So and So

[Crankin]

Yea, I guess that's why such a Hallmark holiday means a lot to me. It wasn't such a commercial thing in the 50's/60's, and it was more meaningful. Funny, both of my kids do the same special stuff for their wives :).
Indy, thanks for the vote of confidence. I am not going to let it bother me this time. Last time, I got bronchitis I was so stressed with all of the re-autorizations.

[azfiddle]

Reesha, just saw your post about making the soft hats - that is a kind and generous gesture of friendship.

Your friend will really need and appreciate the hats. A good friend went through chemo for ovarian cancer, and her head was very sensitive, but she needed scarves and hats for warmth.

[indysteel]

That is a very sweet memory. I still have the copy of Grease that my dad got me one Valentine's Day. It was my first album. I was so excited.

[Reesha]

Reesha, just saw your post about making the soft hats - that is a kind and generous gesture of friendship.

Your friend will really need and appreciate the hats. A good friend went through chemo for ovarian cancer, and her head was very sensitive, but she needed scarves and hats for warmth.

Thank you :) My friend only asked for one, but I have a week to myself and some idle fingers. It will keep me busy and give her SIL some options. Plus I can make it through at least two seasons of Bones!

[emily_in_nc]

I'm really glad you had the jars I needed. But do you have to have the Easter Candy out **before Christmas**


Wha????????????? :eek:

I simply can't imagine!

Five million thumbs down!

[Crankin]

Well, there's people who buy that stuff months ahead, I guess.
I was surprised a few years ago, when my students started reporting that were getting gifts for Easter! I may not be Christian, but I thought I knew the traditions surrounding this holiday, and this didn't seem right. But, it seems like parents feel the need to overindulge their kids a little more. I've had several families I am working with now tell me they wish they never started the tradition of "spoiling their kids" with an overabundance of gifts at X Mas when they were little, because now they can't afford it, but the kids expect it. One of the women I work with described how she stood in a line for 3 hours on Monday, in the cold, to get some toys from Toys for Tots. There were several fights, the police had to be called, and some people had already been there. There were no Marines in sight :eek:.
I just don't get any of this.

[limewave]

Well, there's people who buy that stuff months ahead, I guess.
I was surprised a few years ago, when my students started reporting that were getting gifts for Easter! I may not be Christian, but I thought I knew the traditions surrounding this holiday, and this didn't seem right. But, it seems like parents feel the need to overindulge their kids a little more. I've had several families I am working with now tell me they wish they never started the tradition of "spoiling their kids" with an overabundance of gifts at X Mas when they were little, because now they can't afford it, but the kids expect it. One of the women I work with described how she stood in a line for 3 hours on Monday, in the cold, to get some toys from Toys for Tots. There were several fights, the police had to be called, and some people had already been there. There were no Marines in sight :eek:.
I just don't get any of this.

Yikes. I am amazed at how much people spend on their kids at Christmas time. I was talking to a parent at daycare who bought each of their kids their own tablet (for about $200/ea). I mentioned I bought DD an iPod Touch . . . come to find out the next day that he went out and bought each of his kids an iPod Touch as well! I guess he couldn't be outdone. I feel a bit bad for DD as the Touch is the only gift she's getting other than some necessities (like snow pants and gloves). And then I think about the kids that aren't getting anything. And the parents that don't even care enough to go to Toys for Tots and completely neglect their kids . . .

We do Easter presents at our house too. But the gift is a new Easter Dress for church and some candy in the colored eggs for the egg hunt :)

Dear Limewave,
Stop obsessing over single speeds. There is no money in the pot right now for one and you JUST got a new mountain bike! I have no doubt you'll get your own single speed in due time. But drooling over pictures and trolling the internet has turned from innocent browsing into a form of self-torture.
~Me

[Biciclista]

Dear Limewave
just leave your road bike in a single gear, don't shift.
:D:cool::cool::cool:
ps you can always give your daughter little tiny things like a can of her favorite juice or a (insert snack food of your choice) so she has stuff to open.

[Biciclista]

Dear "nutrition solutions company"
We are REALLY tired of dinking around with your stupid pump to hours way past our bedtime. I cannot believe your tech drove all the way to our house and decided there was nothing wrong with our pump so he left us with the one that was being stinky... and ... so therefore, first thing this morning when we added more food it jammed up again.
we would really like a solution... that works??

[limewave]

I have a doll tea set that was mine as a little girl that I plan to wrap and give to her as well. She knows that she's getting it at some point . . . She's been ogling it for awhile.

Right now I'm downloading a handful of free audio books for her iPod at booksshouldbefree.com. Black Beauty, Treasure Island, Velveteen Rabbit . . . :)

[limewave]

Dear "nutrition solutions company"
We are REALLY tired of dinking around with your stupid pump to hours way past our bedtime. I cannot believe your tech drove all the way to our house and decided there was nothing wrong with our pump so he left us with the one that was being stinky... and ... so therefore, first thing this morning when we added more food it jammed up again.
we would really like a solution... that works??

You have been met with one frustration after the next! I'm so sorry. Sending healing and hopeful thoughts your way.

[Sky King]

Dear "nutrition solutions company"
We are REALLY tired of dinking around with your stupid pump to hours way past our bedtime. I cannot believe your tech drove all the way to our house and decided there was nothing wrong with our pump so he left us with the one that was being stinky... and ... so therefore, first thing this morning when we added more food it jammed up again.
we would really like a solution... that works??

CALL THEM AGAIN, Demand a new pump. That is what I had to do for my Mom. Wow, major flashback. Push, Push, Push for the right equipment. Good Luck

[Sky King]

I have a doll tea set that was mine as a little girl that I plan to wrap and give to her as well. She knows that she's getting it at some point . . . She's been ogling it for awhile.

Right now I'm downloading a handful of free audio books for her iPod at booksshouldbefree.com. Black Beauty, Treasure Island, Velveteen Rabbit . . . :)

One of my very best Christmas gifts was when my mom wrapped up the hands of the old family choo choo clock and gave them to me. I bet she will be excited. I have a niece and nephew that I can't even buy for as they have every gadget know to man - makes me sad. So I give them an outing of their choice with me. My nephew and I took a wonderful hike and he just chattered the entire time;)

[bmccasland]

Dear Guy coughing up a lung in the Cube next to me,
GO HOME! I don't care if your doctor said you're no longer contagious, you sound awful and that in itself is distracting. You have sick leave, use it. Please.
May I also suggest that you suck on throat lozenges, or drink some throat-coat tea? There's a reason I tried to give you a bag of lozenges yesterday.

Your cube neighbor, who hopes you get to feeling better soon.

[Biciclista]

CALL THEM AGAIN, Demand a new pump. That is what I had to do for my Mom. Wow, major flashback. Push, Push, Push for the right equipment. Good Luck

I already did, waiting for call back.

[Blueberry]

Dear Mimi and Don:

Hang in these! Here's hoping things are resolved before the holidays!!

[Biciclista]

Happy Solstice. Dearest Raleighdon is cleared for 10 minute bike rides (stationary) WOOOHOOOOO

[7rider]

Happy Solstice. Dearest Raleighdon is cleared for 10 minute bike rides (stationary) WOOOHOOOOO

Yay!!! Celebrate the return of the light! :D

[NbyNW]

Happy Solstice. Dearest Raleighdon is cleared for 10 minute bike rides (stationary) WOOOHOOOOO

Awesome.

[Pax]

Solistice is tomorrow... but a big YAY for Raleighdon!!

[7rider]

Solistice is tomorrow... but a big YAY for Raleighdon!!

Depends where you are. (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Time+of+the+December+Solstice&iso=20111222T0530)

For Seattle folks, it's 9:30 Wednesday evening.
For D.C. folks, it's 12:30 a.m., Thursday a.m.

Still, Horray for Raleighdon and hooray for returning light (and returning Raleighdon)

[PamNY]

Happy Solstice. Dearest Raleighdon is cleared for 10 minute bike rides (stationary) WOOOHOOOOO

Wonderful!

[azfiddle]

Mimi and Don- HURRAY!

[Biciclista]

to whom it may concern;
In Seattle, the solstice is tonight about 930pm. It might start tomorrow where you live.

[OakLeaf]

Yay!!!! (though I can't imagine a 10 minute bike ride is less strenuous than baking a pie, but whatever :p)

[Blueberry]

Happy Solstice. Dearest Raleighdon is cleared for 10 minute bike rides (stationary) WOOOHOOOOO

Yay!! Methinks that will be some good medicine for him!

[indysteel]

That's great, Mimi. You just keep making my day!!!

[Biciclista]

Yay!!!! (though I can't imagine a 10 minute bike ride is less strenuous than baking a pie, but whatever :p)

the bike ride thing is mental. He was not planning to start riding until January until the doctor "ordered" him back on his bike.

[jobob]

Dear Powers-That-Be:

Thank you.

:cool:

[bmccasland]

the bike ride thing is mental. He was not planning to start riding until January until the doctor "ordered" him back on his bike.

That's a doctor's order he might be happy to keep. YAY!!! for getting to ride his bike. :D

[Crankin]

Definitely seconding the fact that baking a pie is more strenuous than a ride.
I tried making a pie crust once.

Congratulations, Mimi. You must be so happy for Don.

[salsabike]

Dear Powers-That-Be:

Thank you.

:cool:

Exactly. :):):)

[malkin]

the bike ride thing is mental. He was not planning to start riding until January until the doctor "ordered" him back on his bike.

That sounds like a good doctor!
Have a helluva good 10 min. ride.

[Catrin]

Happy Solstice. Dearest Raleighdon is cleared for 10 minute bike rides (stationary) WOOOHOOOOO


Yayyyyyyy! This put a really big smile on my face, so happy for both of you!

My mom really does get to go home on Christmas Eve, there have been no setbacks this week. Best present she could get :)

[OakLeaf]

Yay for you and your mom, too! Good news all around. :)

[azfiddle]

Catrin, that's a good present all the way around!

[indysteel]

That's awesome, Catrin. I hope she continues to improve and is able to enjoy the holiday.

[Sky King]

to the Director of As the World Turns,

I will have to trust that all is meant to be. Wasn't planning on my Dad being in the hospital right now. Trying not to stress or be resentful that the 48 hours my kiddos will be home will now need to be juggled with hospital time. And yes Mom, I can feel you on my shoulder and yes, I am taking care of Dad just like I promised. Thanks DH for taking care of me!

[indysteel]

(((Sky King))). I hope your father gets better and is out of the hospital ASAP.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Yay for Mimi and Catrin!!

{{Sky King}} I hope things get better...

Dear all, happy holidays to everyone, no matter what you celebrate. Have a virtual cookie. The chocolate crackles I'm giving out this year are especially delicious, if I do say so myself... ;)

[indysteel]

Dear Mom,

I've come along way in accepting that your interpersonal skills are, in a word, lacking but could you please not ask me a question only to then rush me through, or talk over, my answer. It drives me nuts. It will make for a more pleasant holiday if you could, oh I dunno, just listen to me for a change.

Thanks,

Your relunctantly loving daughter

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi, I'm SO HAPPY to hear about RD riding indoor 10 minute rides....amazing and wonderful!

[7rider]

Dear Delivery Guy/Contractor/Whoever Comes to our Front Door:

We have a lovely long (although 1-car wide) driveway on the side of our house.
Leading from this driveway, we have a nice, gently curving paver walkway, flanked with lights and greenery and mulch. Pastoral, even.

So why does every mail carrier, UPS or FedEx guy, or contractor insist on parking (two tires on the grass) on the edge of the road and come stomping over our lawn to get to our front door???? If they feel it's an intrusion to park in our driveway, why can't they at least walk 10-feet to the driveway and come up the walkway?

Today, we had two guys doing an "audit" on the house in preparation for solar panels we'll have installed in the spring. Now granted, they had to get up on the roof. But, true to form, they stomped across the lawn into the house. Bringing mud on their boots with them. Nice, friendly, capable sort of guys. But geez. The mud.

It reminds me of the story I read (don't recall where...sorry) about the college campus that had a "problem" with students cutting across some plantings to get to the library (or cafeteria, or wherever). They put up signs. The signs were ignored. They tried shrubs. The students tore them up. They tried fencing. Knocked over. Finally, exasperated, they hired a landscaper to find a way to get students to not trample the plantings. The landscaper put down paving stones and created a walkway for the students. There. Problem solved. I feel like I need to do that down the middle of my front yard. :rolleyes:

[Owlie]

Yay for Catrin's mom and RD!

Dear credit card:
Next month will be better, I promise. This month was weird, what with the Christmas presents to buy and DBF visiting (which meant more "going and doing" and eating out far more than normal).

Dear self:
Consider getting a job next quarter, if you can find somewhere that's hiring and will let you work around your school schedule. :rolleyes:

Dear BF:
You've been gone for eight hours and I miss you terribly already. :(

[indysteel]

((((Owlie)))). When will you get to see him next?

[Owlie]

((((Owlie)))). When will you get to see him next?

No clue, unfortunately. He was hoping for spring break, but I don't think our breaks overlap. Even if they did, I would still have to be in the lab for that week, so we couldn't spend that much time together. Right now, we're thinking summer, and I could take a week off and visit him. (My advisor has been really good about letting me take this week off, but I don't want abuse the privilege.) I got to see DBF for a week, and I'll take what I can get, considering that I haven't seen him since May. I have a feeling, though, that we won't get to see each other predictably until one or both of us graduates.

[VeganBikeChick]

Big hugs, Owlie. My BF is off to Canada for 3 weeks and I missed him the second he left. Only 18 days left...

[Reesha]

No clue, unfortunately. He was hoping for spring break, but I don't think our breaks overlap. Even if they did, I would still have to be in the lab for that week, so we couldn't spend that much time together. Right now, we're thinking summer, and I could take a week off and visit him. (My advisor has been really good about letting me take this week off, but I don't want abuse the privilege.) I got to see DBF for a week, and I'll take what I can get, considering that I haven't seen him since May. I have a feeling, though, that we won't get to see each other predictably until one or both of us graduates.

Take heart, Owlie! My partner and I were long distance for THREE YEARS before we were able to be together in one place. We only saw each other once every two-three months, sometimes for a weekend at a time. Skype was our friend. We will probably both die of matching tumors from cell phone usage. Now he and I live together. :) If he is worth the wait, then wait! :o

[Owlie]

Take heart, Owlie! My partner and I were long distance for THREE YEARS before we were able to be together in one place. We only saw each other once every two-three months, sometimes for a weekend at a time. Skype was our friend. We will probably both die of matching tumors from cell phone usage. Now he and I live together. :) If he is worth the wait, then wait! :o

He's totally worth it. :) We've done the long-distance thing before (he had a co-op with an airline, so he got free flights), but not for this long and it certainly wasn't open-ended as this is. We're looking at about a year and a half for him, and at least that much for me. More motivation to finish up faster, right?

Dear bicycle:
You need a sibling. Not because I don't love you, but because if you need to go to the doctor (as you do now), I would like to be able to do things.
Love,
Me.

[jessmarimba]

:( It's frustrating, isn't it Owlie? I hate the schedule coordination of long-distance.


Dear people who drive,
Please take the time to wipe the snow toupee off of your car. Not only is it illegal to leave it, it's really dangerous for everyone behind you when a 10" deep clump of snow flies off and smacks their windshield. Your time isn't more important than someone else's life.

[jobob]

Your time isn't more important than someone else's life.

I'm tempted to design a cycling jersey with that message, but it would likely pizz off the target audience and make matters worse. :rolleyes: :p

[bmccasland]

Dear AE firm working on the project plans,
You said two weeks ago you'd get the deliverables to me by today at the latest. I am NOT happy that I had to explain to the poor schlepps left in the office at 3:00 this afternoon what I needed. Getting information today was like pulling teeth. :mad:

You should be expecting a call from me if the remaining deliverables aren't in my "in" box tuesday morning.

Sign me,
next time if I have a say in it, I'll vote for in-house engineering and not A/E out

[Catrin]

Dear Body,

The last three nights I've only woken once each night with neck problems, this is a great improvement, thank you! Please continue and I promise I will behave and continue to follow doctor's orders :cool:



I also heard from a "crime victim's fund" that I applied to last spring after the dog bite, I thought they had rejected my application outright. All of a sudden they want to see my medical bills and receipts from the incident. It is trying to pay for that little disaster that first started to send my finances spiraling down...if they were to reimburse me for my part of the emergency room bill that would go far to getting me back where I want/need to be...trying not to get overly hopeful but it would be nice...

[Owlie]

Catrin: I'm hoping at least a little money comes your way. That dog bite saga was nuts!

Dear bike shop--
I must say that the service at your new location is much nicer than at your old one, and more convenient for me. (Oh, and thank you for attempting to get in a 54cm Ruby for me to try!) Also, I wish you'd pay attention. My finances appreciate it, but seriously? Maybe you should check the underside of the bike more often.

She who bought a metric ton of shot blocks to try to make up for it.

Dear 54cm carbon Synapse:
You felt surprisingly good. Nice and responsive, but still a little bit long and more like I was sitting on top of you and less an extension of me.* Nice try. Sorry. Maybe your sister the SuperSix (or the CAAD10) might be a little more friendly?
*How much of this was the fact that the seatpost was set a little too high, combined with slippery platform pedals versus being an issue with the bike itself, I do not know.

[VeganBikeChick]

Dear Self,

Yes, PMS and hormones suck. That doesn't give you free rein to stuff every carb and sugar laden thing within 30 miles in your face.

Sincerely,

Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels.

[Owlie]

Dear external hard drive
Where are you?

[lph]

Dear in-laws,

please go home already. I love you dearly and you bring great gifts, but I've been wearing uncomfortable nice clothes and smiling through a cold at you for eight hours in a hot, tiny apartment and my head is about to explode.

[solobiker]

Dear in-laws,

please go home already. I love you dearly and you bring great gifts, but I've been wearing uncomfortable nice clothes and smiling through a cold at you for eight hours in a hot, tiny apartment and my head is about to explode.

I feel your pain...mine just left a few weeks ago. They stayed with us for 2 weeks..:o Our house is pretty small and it was getting to be way too much for me. Could not relax or do the things I enjoy. Hang in there.

[Crankin]

Dear Friends Who Don't Ride (or x country ski, hike, snow shoe),
Please don't roll your eyes at me when I tell you I went for a 4 mile hike, after you ask me what I did today.

Thank you,
Crankin

[Catrin]

Dear Friends Who Don't Ride (or x country ski, hike, snow shoe),
Please don't roll your eyes at me when I tell you I went for a 4 mile hike, after you ask me what I did today.

Thank you,
Crankin


Tell me about it, I've noticed my sedentary friends and co-workers have stopped asking me what I do on my days off... My supervisor is now extolling the pleasures of being a couch-potato. He thinks after two injuries that I need to give the bike up. Yeah, right, like THAT is going to happen :cool:

[bmccasland]

Dear Friends Who Don't Ride (or x country ski, hike, snow shoe),
Please don't roll your eyes at me when I tell you I went for a 4 mile hike, after you ask me what I did today.

Thank you,
Crankin

So the more appropriate response would be....

Where'd you go, did you see anything interesting, is this a route you've done before or a new route? ;)

[Crankin]

Yes.
The person who did the eye rolling is one who usually responds with those kinds of questions. She seems genuinely interested. So, that was why I was a bit surprised to see that body language.
She's probably just feeling bad about herself, as it's the time of year for resolutions. She later made a comment she's going to be on a diet of grapes and some other weird thing starting this week. But I know she told our mutual friend (who also rides) that she's just given up on her weight issues.

[jobob]

Yes.
The person who did the eye rolling is one who usually responds with those kinds of questions. She seems genuinely interested. So, that was why I was a bit surprised to see that body language.
She's probably just feeling bad about herself, as it's the time of year for resolutions.

Could well be - she might have been rolling her eyes at herself, as in "geeze, why can't I be doing that?"

Just a thought.

[Crankin]

It was really out of character for her, which is why I wrote this.
But, I sometimes wonder how long my friendships with inactive people are going to last. I don't want my world to become so small that I only see one type of person, but it is becoming harder. And I don't even do the amount of training that some of you do, but it still seems over the top to "regular" people.
Maybe I am getting less tolerant in my older years? It does seem that there was more tolerance when I did more stereotypical female work out things, such as aerobics. It didn't take up all of the time cycling and other outdoor activities do. Just today DH wondered out loud "what would we do if we hadn't met (our cycling friends)?"

[lph]

I have a couple of non-active friends. Strike that, they're non-athletic, which is something quite different. We're friends because we share other traits and likes, but also because we both are passionate about something. It doesn't have to be the same thing, but we understand having an overwhelming interest in something.

This sort of links to the Facebook discussion, of friends who "like" activities they don't understand. I tend to get passionate about a lot of things I do, and I like it when others are like that, even if I don't understand their things.

[Blueberry]

Dear Old Blender:

You are retired and fired.

Love,

The Shiny New Vitamix

Dear TE:

Got tricks/tips/recipes?

[Biciclista]

to whom it may concern.
Raleighdon is eating lots and lots and lots. And getting tube fed. And getting stronger. So when is he going to start gaining weight? I REALLY don't want to outweigh him..

Thank you.

[emily_in_nc]

Dear Old Blender:

You are retired and fired.

Love,

The Shiny New Vitamix

Dear TE:

Got tricks/tips/recipes?

Oh, Vitamixes are awesome. Really loud, but awesome. We made some of the hot soup recipes in the recipe book that came with the unit, but our most common use was to make a healthy blender drink of carrot, celery, apple, flax, a little OJ (or other juice), and ice. In later years we started adding some frozen organic spinach to it. Drank it almost every single day. I miss that machine!

Enjoy your new toy!

[Crankin]

Lph, I think one of my issues is that these people are not really passionate about anything, especially the one who rolled her eyes. She is the most level headed and smartest person I know, who is not one of my friends connected to athletics, but her life is mostly work, family, and eating out. She has no hobbies or interests. Both her and the other person I've mentioned (friend of the Facebook posts) are friends for 20+ years, made when i first move back here and my kids were small. Our common bond was we met at the synagogue, and now, although we all still belong there, and support the organization, we are not active volunteers.
I think when she rolled her eyes, it kind of was surprising, but it didn't reach the level of my reaction to the other person! I know my reaction to that person is out of proportion, and it stems from the fact that she needs serious mental health help, and as a professional, I can see it, but as a friend, I can't say anything; it would totally end the friendship. This person does have interests, but things that I totally have no interest in. I listen and even ask questions about her interests, but there's no common bond anymore.
Does this make sense?
Maybe it's time to find some new friends, but that's not so easy at this stage of life.

[Biciclista]

Maybe it's time to find some new friends, but that's not so easy at this stage of life.

Let my grandmother be an inspiration to you. She was long lived; she lived to be 92. Time after time, she outlived her friends; but she always made new ones... until she lost her voice at the age of 90.

She taught me a lot, that old gal did.

[Crankin]

Well, I've never had trouble making friends, I'm pretty social, but it seems like a lot of people my age are still bound up in their (almost grown/grown) kids' lives, spend all of their time with family/relatives, or just aren't into letting new people into their lives. Some of this is New England, heck, I'm a native, and I know we are not a particularly friendly bunch! Living in the west cured me of that, but even though I never, never regret the choice I made to come back here, we have never developed the group of friends like the ones I had in Tempe. I know lots and lots of people and have had various friends here over the years, but most have faded away, as the interests that brought us together were no longer relevant for me.
On Wednesday, I am going to the last ride/event of the group I have ridden with for 6-7 years. They are a unique group, mostly older than me. I haven't been to one ride this season. When I had the time, I didn't want to drive far to a ride, and I chose to ride with Hirakukibou, who is a friend I made through TE! And sometimes work interferes, although I sought a less than full the job on purpose, so I could continue riding with this group. I keep Wednesdays clear, except for one client in the late afternoon. But really, I haven't developed a friendship with anyone in this group. They are nice, but most have known each other for many years. Even in the past, I didn't ride with them every week.
Another thing is, I stopped being socially friendly with people from work, quite awhile ago. That used to be a big part of my life at one point. And now, my colleagues are mostly closer to the age of my kids.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Tell me about it, I've noticed my sedentary friends and co-workers have stopped asking me what I do on my days off... My supervisor is now extolling the pleasures of being a couch-potato. He thinks after two injuries that I need to give the bike up. Yeah, right, like THAT is going to happen :cool:

My co-workers are the exact opposite. Every time we return to work after a weekend or long holiday, they want to hear how many miles I've run, or where I've been riding to. Although I still can't convince them ever to go for a run with me...:p

[Anelia]

My colleagues also ask where I went or what I did after the weekends. Also they want to see pictures but after the third picture, they seem bored by watching people with helmets or green mountains. But I don't blame them, it's not their cup of tea. Still they are really supportive and they are very proud of me when they see me come to work by bike in rain or snow or the temperatures are low.

[salsabike]

I have a couple of non-active friends. Strike that, they're non-athletic, which is something quite different. We're friends because we share other traits and likes, but also because we both are passionate about something. It doesn't have to be the same thing, but we understand having an overwhelming interest in something.

This sort of links to the Facebook discussion, of friends who "like" activities they don't understand. I tend to get passionate about a lot of things I do, and I like it when others are like that, even if I don't understand their things.

lph, someday I am going to buy you dinner, or something. I like this post! :)

[Owlie]

My friends are mostly supportive, as is my advisor (he used to be a runner, so I guess he gets it). My family, on the other hand, is ridiculous. My parents aren't inactive, but they don't do much other than walk. They ask politely and that's the end of it. My sister, on the other hand, makes derisive comments about my needing a grown-up hobby.:rolleyes:

[Anelia]

Oh, my parents are not supportive at all. I used to ride to the place they live (25 miles) while my husband and son go by car and they found it ridiculous. How can somebody use a bike when they have a car. Finally my father forbid these visits and he said he was not going to let me in his house if I came by bike one more time. I don't want to confront them so I ride BEFORE I get in the car for the visit. They ask me all the time when I am going to give up. I got used to it and I try not to pay attention. My husband on the other hand is supportive as long as he comes to races with me, drives me aroud and he rides, too. But sometimes he gets grouchy when I spend time on the bikie and I didn't clean the dust or vacuum. Also he was really angry when I called him to go and pick me up because I was badly injured and I couldn't take the train back home. It was about 4 hours drive in one direction and he was mad on the phone but when he saw me, I guess he felt a little sorry for me. Still, he didn't miss the chance to make remarks like "You are overdoing things" or "You are not being careful".
So, sometimes it's difficult to handle the things :)
Well, I went offtopic....I can write something like:

Dear drivers or pedestrians,
Stop making signs by your hands "Are you nuts" :eek: when you see me on my bike riding in the snow. If I stop riding in winter, it is a difficult start of season and it's difficult to make up for the lost weeks.

[lph]

lph, someday I am going to buy you dinner, or something. I like this post! :)

And cheers to you :)

[lph]

Finally my father forbid these visits and he said he was not going to let me in his house if I came by bike one more time.

:eek:

How can he tell the difference anyway? Stupid question, I guess you need a shower or at least a change of clothes, but I can feel my inner rebellious teenage daughter rising up at this one. I'd be standing at the door in full bike gear daring him to not let me in.

Ok, less confrontational: you could always meet your husband and son right around the corner, change in the car, toss the bike in the car, and turn up at the house "driving" ;)

But honestly - how can he possibly think he has this kind of authority over you, to dictate how you should travel?

[Crankin]

I am not sure why what I said seemed to raise the ire of some here, yet when others mention their friends (or family) being negative toward their riding, I didn't feel the same vibe. Frankly, when people who are supposedly my friends do this, it hurts my feelings. I listen to them talk about their dogs, tennis, downhill skiing, jobs that seem boring to me, etc. That's part of being a friend. I guess I'm at the point in my life when I want to surround myself with like minded people, but I am too nice to cut the others out of my life at this point. My only concern is that I could really spend ALL of my time engaged in the activities I love, or with my DH, or our cycling friends. I know this is probably not healthy, so I try to continue my other connections. But, I admit, it's hard for me to be around people who live unhealthy lifestyles. I say nothing, though, and just go on.
Thankfully, my family is very supportive. My dad will tell me I am "crazy," but he does it in a kidding way. My mom, when she was alive, always encouraged me in this stuff. She was athletic at a time when women weren't supposed to be. And it was my son, who got me into cycling.

[Catrin]

.... Frankly, when people who are supposedly my friends do this, it hurts my feelings. I listen to them talk about their dogs, tennis, downhill skiing, jobs that seem boring to me, etc. That's part of being a friend. I guess I'm at the point in my life when I want to surround myself with like minded people, but I am too nice to cut the others out of my life at this point. My only concern is that I could really spend ALL of my time engaged in the activities I love, or with my DH, or our cycling friends. I know this is probably not healthy, so I try to continue my other connections. But, I admit, it's hard for me to be around people who live unhealthy lifestyles. I say nothing, though, and just go on...

I agree, it doesn't feel good when "friends" only refer to my activities with discouragement or to laugh at them, yet I've spent hours listening to them talking about some of their activities that I find quite boring - but I listen because that is part of what being a friend is about. Listening to and supporting each other. Of course I was already considered something of an eccentric...which seems to give them permission to talk about my activities as they do. Meh, I do get tired of this.

[lph]

I am not sure why what I said seemed to raise the ire of some here, yet when others mention their friends (or family) being negative toward their riding, I didn't feel the same vibe.

Oh, I certainly didn't mean to be critical, I was just commenting with my own experiences around the subject. I agree that anyone rolling their eyes or otherwise putting down an activity you love is not only annoying, it's also really rude.

[Crankin]

A DH who was mad he had to pick you up when you were injured? :eek:.

Get someone to clean your house, or better yet, have DH do it.

[jobob]

I am not sure why what I said seemed to raise the ire of some here ...

Hi Crankin, if you're referring to my comment, that was not my intention in the least! I was just suggesting perhaps your friend was aggravated with herself, not with you. No ire raised at my end.

[Crankin]

Do not worry, JoBob.

[Veronica]

My only concern is that I could really spend ALL of my time engaged in the activities I love, or with my DH, or our cycling friends. I know this is probably not healthy, so I try to continue my other connections.

I think it would be perfectly healthy! :D That's pretty much the way my life is. We don't spend time with family; they are all back east. Our friends are mostly people we cycle with. And really, we're happy to just hang out together.

Life is too short to do things that don't make you happy.

Veronica

[channlluv]

I'm with Veronica on this one. I had to go back and re-read your sentence: "...I could really spend ALL of my time engaged in the activities I love, or with my DH, or our cycling friends. I know this is probably not healthy..."

Sounds like bliss and the recipe for a long and happy life to me.

Roxy

[Catrin]

I'm with Veronica on this one. I had to go back and re-read your sentence: "...I could really spend ALL of my time engaged in the activities I love, or with my DH, or our cycling friends. I know this is probably not healthy..."

Sounds like bliss and the recipe for a long and happy life to me.

Roxy

Yup, agreed. This is something that I've been contemplating myself...

[indysteel]

For those of you with friends who don't seem fully supportive of your activities--in a hurtful way--have you ever discussed it with them? In a perfect world, we would all support one another 100%, no questions asked. But, of course, we don't live in perfect world. IME, a heartfelt conversation can go a long way toward a better mutual understanding. If a good friend of mine seemed judgmental of my activities, I would at least try to broach the subject with them before dismissing or downgrading the friendship. Of course, if they continue to remain unsupportive or judgmental, then all bets are off.

ETA: I wanted to clarify that I do appreciate that it's hurtful when we don't feel supported by our loved ones.

[Crankin]

OK, I don't have much time to reply.
While I generally agree with V, I don't have any intention of dropping the friend I originally wrote about. I could say something to her if it happens again. The other one, well it has to do with celebrating the Jewish holidays with them &occasional socializing. I don't see my relatives here anymore and the others are in CA, except for DS 1. I feel guilty, I guess.
My life has totally changed, which is the gist of it

[channlluv]

I don't think anyone has said you should drop your friend. If they did, I missed it. But I, for one, for sure don't think you should ever feel guilty for engaging in the activities you love to do and that enrich your life, because in living your life to its fullest potential, you enrich the other people around you, this particular friend being possibly excepted from that general rule.

As far as your friend's not being fully supportive, I think that maybe, as someone else pointed out, she's feeling down about herself not being as active as you are. I mean, you are pretty awesome on that account. You're probably a living, breathing, hot-cha-cha example of the woman she wishes she could be.

Be yourself. Shine bright. Ride on. You're awesome.

Roxy

[indysteel]

be yourself. Shine bright. Ride on. You're awesome.

+1,000!

[indysteel]

Dear in-laws: I've now written some version of this letter about five times, but I think I'll just keep it at this: I am sorry that you feel all alone when we aren't there for a holiday. On some level, that's sort of sweet. On another level, it's pretty darn sad. The two of you have one another. If that's not enough reason for a little Christmas spirit, then I feel sorry for you. But my sympathy does not obligate us to spend every holiday with you. We'll do our best to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with you each year in some fashion, but you have to alter your expectations a bit, too. It makes me sad that you would begrudge my parents a holiday with us because you see yourself as more "alone" simply because I have siblings. How many times have I told you that my parents are basically estranged from my alcoholic siblings. Regardless, that attitude isn't really fair to my parents, is it?

Let's just hope Holidays 2012 go a bit better. I at least have a better idea of what kind of thinking/feelings I'm dealing with. But, please, try to stop feeling so sorry for yourselves. You see us plenty IMO. It seems to me that you are choosing to view the holidays through this prism.

[Blueberry]

((((Indy)))))

Been there, done that. No easy answers. You have a very positive attitude!

(if my family had their way, DH and I would split up for the holidays so everyone gets their child, and they have some "alone" time with me - not gonna happen)

[indysteel]

((((Indy)))))

Been there, done that. No easy answers. You have a very positive attitude!

(if my family had their way, DH and I would split up for the holidays so everyone gets their child, and they have some "alone" time with me - not gonna happen)

Yeah, I'm pretty sure my in-laws would prefer it, too. And, like you, that isn't going to happen. What bums me out even more is that for all their pining away for some holiday ideal, they aren't exactly festive and celebratory. Even with us there, it's pretty somber. I can't win.

[Blueberry]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure my in-laws would prefer it, too. And, like you, that isn't going to happen. What bums me out even more is that for all their pining away for some holiday ideal, they aren't exactly festive and celebratory. Even with us there, it's pretty somber. I can't win.

Sounds like my father. He gets a card. The last time we came for the holidays, he didn't have a single decoration up. I bought food, cooked Christmas eve dinner and something on Christmas day (both of which weren't, apparently, to his taste), and we drove home. Now, we either travel or deal with my mother and her side. We would, I think, prefer to stay home - but they are close enough that it would be very awkward to decline to visit.

[Biciclista]

this Christmas for us was quite different. although we couldn't stop the train, only delay it; (we're doing all the nonsense on the 30th instead of Christmas day) what Donald and I did was: we went to the movies and saw the adventures of Tin TIn, then we went to a great Chinese restaurant with our son who lives in town.
I highly recommend Chinese food for Christmas dinner!

[indysteel]

That sounds like a fun day, Mimi. I am so, so glad that Donald was home for Christmas!

[PamNY]

this Christmas for us was quite different. although we couldn't stop the train, only delay it; (we're doing all the nonsense on the 30th instead of Christmas day) what Donald and I did was: we went to the movies and saw the adventures of Tin TIn, then we went to a great Chinese restaurant with our son who lives in town.
I highly recommend Chinese food for Christmas dinner!

Sounds lovely. I am so glad he's home.

[Blueberry]

this Christmas for us was quite different. although we couldn't stop the train, only delay it; (we're doing all the nonsense on the 30th instead of Christmas day) what Donald and I did was: we went to the movies and saw the adventures of Tin TIn, then we went to a great Chinese restaurant with our son who lives in town.
I highly recommend Chinese food for Christmas dinner!

Mimi-

Sounds like a perfect day to me! I love Chinese food - our restaurants are closed on Christmas, but open leading up to...when we got home from all the craziness, we had Chinese leftovers! Yum!!

[Crankin]

You know, I guess my DIL has decided she doesn't want to share my son (the one who lives in CA) for the holidays. He has been incognito for about a week and *I know* they are in Philly, for the holidays. I don't begrudge her wanting to celebrate Christmas with her family, and Chanukah is not that important of a holiday, but it is definitely the case that I guess he can't fight her on this, because he is close enough to visit. They live in San Diego and we only see him once a year, maybe twice. This whole thing has upset my DH so much; after we went there in May, she treated us like crap and I could tell my son knows it. The only reason I haven't said anything is that he is coming to Quantico for 2 months of training and he will come here when he is DC, and we will also go down there. Frankly, I *am* looking forward to seeing him alone.
Of course, I only have a vague, Facebook suspicion of where he is (from her, DS is not on it), but it is possible that they are on vacation somewhere else. However, i will never insist on anything. I had the in-laws from hell and I swore long ago I wouldn't be like that.
I dread the first kid.

[indysteel]

I am sorry that you're in that position. Have you ever spoken to your son in private about it?

Trust me that I have tried to put myself in my in laws' shoes. I have tried to keep their feelings in mind, but by the same token, they do little to help their cause. They are depressed people who have allowed their world shrink to almost nothing. It's oppressive and they put a lot of weight on us to keep them entertained. DH senses it as much as I do, but he's better at blowing it off. Unfortunately, I think they blame me for the distance between us, but I think their own son is as much to blame.

[Owlie]

Dear Nintendo:
Rereleases of certain older games compatible with new systems would be appreciated...

Dear self: Go to bed, You left the video games behind for a reason.

[lph]

indy, I know how you feel. This is the reason I've gradually become a Christmas grouch - it's absolutely impossible to keep everybody happy because expectations are so sky high. No matter how much I actually do like both my in-laws and my parents, in each their way, we connect best doing certain things that we have in common, not trying to be this warm and fuzzy knot of happy family all together at Christmas time.

Last year I finally got to do what I wanted, and we ran away on holiday to the Middle East. It was great :)

[Crankin]

We both tried talking to him once, quite awhile ago, after his wedding reception, with happened about 9 months after the wedding. He told us that we have done nothing and that we were nuts to think he was mad in any way.
But, things have changed a bit. I really worry about her, as her dad has significant bipolar disorder and she seems a bit ah, moody.
We are definitely going to talk to him when he is here next month; I know he still loves us, which is what is important, but I can't compete against her family, which is big, loud, and other things which I think, he wanted as a kid, as opposed to us.

[indysteel]

We both tried talking to him once, quite awhile ago, after his wedding reception, with happened about 9 months after the wedding. He told us that we have done nothing and that we were nuts to think he was mad in any way.
But, things have changed a bit. I really worry about her, as her dad has significant bipolar disorder and she seems a bit ah, moody.
We are definitely going to talk to him when he is here next month; I know he still loves us, which is what is important, but I can't compete against her family, which is big, loud, and other things which I think, he wanted as a kid, as opposed to us.


I'm sorry to hear that, especially to the extent mood disorders have a strong genetic component. I hope your visit with him goes well.

As I've mentioned a number of times, my own family of origin leaves a lot to be desired--although my parents have thankfully gotten easier to deal with over the last few years. I desperately hoped to marry into a more functional and happy family. While my husband is, thankfully, a functional and happy person, his parents aren't and there isn't much in the way of an extended family either. But, I'm not going to let that ruin my holidays! I think one of the reasons I'm so careful to lay some boundaries with my in-laws is that I feel a very strong need to create my own happiness around the holidays--something I was deprived of for so long.

But that said, I'm not trying to hurt them unecessarily either. I do think there are plenty of perfectly acceptable compromises that will meet most of our needs most of the time. To the extent they would rather look at the bleak side of things, that's their decision. I'm trying really hard not to feel compelled to fix all of their feelings.

And maybe I'm not giving them enough credit. Maybe they're happier than they appear. I dunno. What I do know is that one of my New Year's resolutions is to worry less (and complain less) about them.

[shootingstar]

It's been over 10 years since I've spent Christmas with my birth family, parents and siblings since I've lived in a totally different province far away.

I've contemplated visiting at Christmas but have concluded each time that several family members are too busy themselves around CHristmas with seeing their in-laws, etc. and with their young children. I wouldn't be comfortable staying with them during that time vs. ie. summer or Thanksgiving time.

[indysteel]

Dear Coworker: Can you please explain why you chose not to close the stall door before using our public bathroom? I mean, you're not the first person I've ever seen pee, but jeez. They put doors on the stalls for a reason. How strange to walk into the restroom to see somebody openly sitting on a john.

Lordy, the public restroom at my office has turned into something out of the Twilight Zone.

[Blueberry]

Lordy, the public restroom at my office has turned into something out of the Twilight Zone.

I think it needs an exorcist:p:p:p:p

[Catrin]

...
Lordy, the public restroom at my office has turned into something out of the Twilight Zone.

Cue the Twilight Zone music...

Hope things improve here Indy, you've recently shared other issues with your workplace restroom....

[PamNY]

Lordy, the public restroom at my office has turned into something out of the Twilight Zone.

Maybe you should start a blog.

[tangentgirl]

Maybe you should start a blog.

A video blog.

***************

<whine> Dear Back - why do you hurt? And why do you hurt in such a weird spot where you never hurt before? This is so infuriating. Quit it, I would like to concentrate on other stuff now. Owwww. </whine>

[Biciclista]

My company restroom is SO boring. The best high drama we have is who gets stuck in the stall with the crooked seat!

[indysteel]

Cue the Twilight Zone music...

Hope things improve here Indy, you've recently shared other issues with your workplace restroom....

They should improve. We have been in temporary quarters on a different floor since October while our regular office space was renovated. We move back on January 10. I think some of weirder people with whom I currently share a restroom will no longer be an issue. Praise be.

[Catrin]

They should improve. We have been in temporary quarters on a different floor since October while our regular office space was renovated. We move back on January 10. I think some of weirder people with whom I currently share a restroom will no longer be an issue. Praise be.

I hope so for you and your co-workers sake! Makes me quite thankful for our boring restroom...

[indysteel]

My company restroom is SO boring. The best high drama we have is who gets stuck in the stall with the crooked seat!

Well, you are welcome to come visit the asylum where I work anytime.

My husband works at an engine plant. The plant supervisor sent a memo out recently reminding employees that underwear should not be flushed down the toilet. So, I guess it could be weirder.

[Veronica]

Well, you are welcome to come visit the asylum where I work anytime.

My husband works at an engine plant. The plant supervisor sent a memo out recently reminding employees that underwear should not be flushed down the toilet. So, I guess it could be weirder.

Okay, I can see that happening at a school. But adults... really! :eek:

Veronica

[azfiddle]

Dear young person who found my debit card at the park yesterday: I didn't even realize it had fallen out of my jersey pocket until this morning. Thank you so much for turning it in to the bank - I wish you had left your name so I could have thanked you appropriately.

Dear bank receptionist,
Thank you for calling and letting me know the card was turned in. I was just about ready to call and report it was missing.

[ultraviolet]

Dear crazy woman,

I told you in the most diplomatic way possible that I found your stalking behavior disturbing. I asked you nicely to stop. The proper response to my request was not to send me two more emails in rapid succession--first to apologize and say your were going to leave me alone, and then a follow-up to try to explain your behavior.

As I told you, I have no desire to be part of any drama you're manufacturing. I don't know you. I don't want to know you. No, I will not meet you for coffee...or any other "beverage of (my) choosing."

It's unfortunate that you misinterpreted your friendship with my ex-boyfriend as something more than it was (if it's any consolation, you're not the first woman to trip into that crevasse), but it's really not my problem. I will not be your counselor. And since I am still friends with him, and we do a lot of work with each other, I most definitely will not be supplying you with any information or energy to help fuel your obsession with him.

And for the record, the old blog of mine that you found where you thought I was describing the beginnings of my relationship with him was in fact not about him at all. I know you think you see all kinds of similarities, but they simply are not there.

Now, leave me alone.

Feeling more than a little disturbed,
Me.

[Owlie]

Dear self:
Go to bed.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Okay, I can see that happening at a school. But adults... really! :eek:

Veronica

Weirder plumbing-related things have happened. A few months ago, a photo of a memo that was sent by a university here to its male students to remind them that they should not engage in certain *ahem!* personal activities while in the showers as the pipes were being clogged up by their bodily fluids. I still can't decide whether it was someone's idea of a joke or for real...

[lph]

Unless they, uh, "exude" glue that's a joke! :D

[bmccasland]

Ultraviolet - :eek: perhaps you should block "crazy woman's" email address.

[channlluv]

Ultraviolet, since you're still friends with your ex (kudos) and sometimes work together, do you think he might need a heads up about crazy woman's stalking behavior? She sounds kind of scary. Desperate scary.

Alexis...ohemgee.


Roxy

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear brain, my eyes started hurting from tiredness four days ago. Do you think maybe you could shut down for a solid 8 hours so they can rest instead of staying jumpy, awake and hyperactive, demanding entertainment in the form of reading (anything! As long as it can be read!!) at all hours? I'm sick of sleeping at 3 in the morning because you can't stand the boredom of the period between putting down the ebook and waiting for sleep to come and waking up 4 hours later because you're done sleeping even though the rest of me is still exhausted.

[emily_in_nc]

Dear Facebook,

Thank you for helping my extended family communicate so much more easily during this difficult time. It's terrible to lose a family member under any circumstances, but at least we can all "virtually" be together and share our sadness and love from wherever we are with greater ease now. Technology can indeed bring people together.

[indysteel]

Dear Facebook,

Thank you for helping my extended family communicate so much more easily during this difficult time. It's terrible to lose a family member under any circumstances, but at least we can all "virtually" be together and share our sadness and love from wherever we are with greater ease now. Technology can indeed bring people together.

I'm not sure of the details, Emily, but you and your family have my sympathy.

[emily_in_nc]

I'm not sure of the details, Emily, but you and your family have my sympathy.

Thanks Indy. It's my uncle, my father's brother. He's been in the ICU for two weeks with multiple organ failure, and his immediate family decided yesterday to withdraw life support. He's still alive, but unconscious and receiving only a morphine drip. They don't expect him to live another week. I was holding out hope for a slow recovery for him until just recently, so this is very sad news.

It's been heart-wrenching for his family and even though I hadn't seen him much in recent years, very sad for me as well. He was a good man, and having lost my own dad, I so feel for his son, my cousin; and of course my uncle's wife and siblings (my other uncle and aunt) as well. It has really helped me to be able to keep in touch with them all via Facebook since I am so far away and telephoning is difficult.

It's so awful when things like this happen at the holidays. :(

[channlluv]

It's really sad when the first sibling of a generation passes, especially if they are close to their brothers and sisters. My thoughts are with your family.

Roxy

[indysteel]

So sorry, Emily. What a gut wrenching decision it must have been to withdraw life support. My prayers are with you and your family.

[Crankin]

Sorry, Emily. It must be hard not to be there.

[spokewench]

(((Emily))) - Sorry to hear about your uncle.

[ultraviolet]

Thanks for the concern, Beth and Roxy.

I set up a folder to route her email into, so at least it's not pinging my phone any longer. Part of why I was so disturbed was that she dug around online enough to unearth an email address that I only use for one very specific purpose (communication with recruiters), and it's not an address that I've given to any of my friends. To get this one, she would have had to do some pretty deep Google searching. (She continued sending me emails after the ones that prompted me to post here. 14 total so far, though nothing since yesterday morning, so maybe she's given up since I refuse to engage.)

I have told my ex, and apparently he's been getting a barrage of emails from her as well. He's cut off communication, now that he realizes she's obsessed in an unhealthy way. And neither one of us is frequenting any of the neighborhoods where he would occasionally meet her for coffee...just in case. I was actually with him reviewing some upcoming project work heading our way when I received her first email. I just didn't know at the time that her initial bizarre communication had anything to with him. We now meet for our working sessions in a neighborhood where neither of us live.

I just don't understand the crazy, obsessive thing. I know women who have done some silly things where men are concerned, but tracking down ex-girlfriends and telling them you want to befriend them? Really?

[emily_in_nc]

It's really sad when the first sibling of a generation passes, especially if they are close to their brothers and sisters. My thoughts are with your family.

Roxy

Thanks Roxy. Actually, my uncle is the second sibling of four in his generation to pass away. My dad was the first, back in 2005. It was a very difficult time on all of us, but it did bring our family closer together. This is the second brother of three, and the one sister. So for the two left, they've lost two brothers now. So sad for them!

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts.

[azfiddle]

Emily, just sending another virtual hug. Even when it is the right thing to do, being given the responsibility to decide to end life support Canberra heart-wrenching.

[OakLeaf]

(((((Emily))))) Thinking of you - such a tough time.

[emily_in_nc]

Emily, just sending another virtual hug. Even when it is the right thing to do, being given the responsibility to decide to end life support Canberra heart-wrenching.

Thanks -- but if I made it sound like I had any part in this decision, I didn't mean to. It was my uncle's wife and son who made the decision together. I am on the sidelines but feeling their pain, and of course the sadness over losing an uncle I loved. :(

[azfiddle]

I understood you were not part of the decision- was just thinking about the big picture.

[Owlie]

(((Emily and family)))

Dear ibuprofen:
Can you actually kick so that I can sleep? That would be nice.

[bmccasland]

Dear blood vessels in my head,
Why today of all days did you decide to freak out? I'm sure you know that when you do, you cause a migraine. I had plans early this morning - really, getting up before dawn to join a group listening for owls is fun. You would have liked morning fresh air. But noooo, you decide to freak out. We don't like migraines. :mad:

Dear rest of body - don't worry, we have nice warm flannel lined jeans to test this afternoon and we'll head down to the beach in the late afternoon for a private bird watching walk. ;)

[indysteel]

Feel better soon, Beth!!!

[Catrin]

{{{Emily}}} that is hard, sending warm prayers and thoughts your way.

Beth, hope you get to feeling better soon and that you have fun checking out the flannel-lined jeans! I didn't know they made such things.

[solobiker]

{{{Emily}}} So sorry. I too am going through a loss. So sorry this has happened to you. I would not want anyone to feel the way I am feeling right now. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear ____, really? Everything was fine until you suddenly walk out on me because I got sensitive about you looking at my things? It's not even like I want to hide stuff from you, that's just a conversation with an ex I am still somewhat coolly friendly towards, I'm just very, extremely, sensitive about people looking at things I say and teasing me about it. You've been dating me for this many months and you still don't get that I have weird quirks people misunderstand and think I'm being sneaky, rude or anti-social when I'm really just being extremely shy?

Cripes. What a way to start the new year. Anyone know where I can get a new brain so I'll stop doing things people misinterpret?

[indysteel]

Alexis, I'm so sorry you're having relationship troubles. And here's my tough love advice. When our "weird quirks" repeatedly disrupt our relationships, it's arguably time to talk to a professional about them. I wish it was just a matter of finding people who understand and tolerate our issues, but I know from personal experience that that isn't a great long-term solution. So, I would urge you to talk to a therapist and if you already have, keep working at it. Good luck in your journey.

[Crankin]

That's very astute advice, Indy.

[Biciclista]

to whom it may concern.
happy new year!! Let's all hope for a less difficult one.

[malkin]

Yes.
Aim high; let's hope for a really fun, joyous, healthy and uncomplicated one while we're at it!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Thanks for the advice, Indy. I was working with a therapist until late last year when money ran out, now saving up to pay for therapy again, hopefully, this time, money doesn't run out. Despite all the social skills stuff I've learned, some days I feel like this cartoon character who tries to do everything right but screws it all up and everything goes wrong anyway...

[indysteel]

I feel that way sometimes, too, Alexis. Maybe many of us do. I'm happy you're making your way back to therapy.

[Biciclista]

not me. No cartoon character here; Job's wife instead!

[Propcookie]

Dear Bicycle Goddess/Gods,

Please let me get quicker quicker, I'm new and my DH and friends are being so kind about waiting for my slow arse but I really would like to click my road shoes three times and be able to not slow down the pack as soon as possible, okay? Thanks!

Jenn :p

[alexis_the_tiny]

Mimi, you have the patience of a saint... :)

Jenn, don't worry. Just potter at your own pace and keep riding often. Very soon, you'll find yourself flying on wheels. :)

[Biciclista]

I am not patient!

[Sky King]

Dear Togged Out Biker Chick on your carbon fiber bike,

Seriously you pass within 3 inches of my left shoulder and you don't acknowledge my existence! How rude, you obviously are not a TE reader. It wasn't even so much the lack of a "on your left" or "happy new year" or "hello" as it was the way you stood up in your pedals and looked ahead like a hunting dog pointing out a bird and just totally ignored a fellow bike rider. Good thing we weren't 10 feet further on the road when I would have been ready to start changing lanes to make my left hand turn, I may have knocked you over.

[malkin]

Dear Bicycle Goddess/Gods,

Please let me get quicker quicker, I'm new and my DH and friends are being so kind about waiting for my slow arse but I really would like to click my road shoes three times and be able to not slow down the pack as soon as possible, okay? Thanks!

Jenn :p

When you click you heels, try saying, "There's no speed like fast; there's no speed like fast..."

[Crankin]

Sky King, it does irk me when people pass closely and scare the crap out of me because they've given no warning. It's why I always call out when I am the one doing the passing. You don't have to give me a conversation, just let me know you're coming within 2 inches of my left shoulder.
Yesterday, a guy did this to us as we were ambling our way home. He came so close to me, I sort of jumped on my bike. Usually I can "feel" someone approaching, but this time I didn't. I'd say I was going at about 16-17 mph, on a road where even I can get up to 22. There was also a guy on a mtb ahead of us, no helmet, and street clothes, going pretty fast for this type of rider. The fast rider passed us and this guy. So, fast rider turns onto another street, and so does the helmetless guy. I told DH not to turn here, as we can take another way into our neighborhood. As we just turn onto our street and start climbing up the hill, I pull ahead of DH and am making a good effort up the first climb. The fast rider appears out of nowhere, but this time acknowledges my presence. Of course he leaves me in the dust, but I wonder what made him decide I was worthy to talk to then, and not when he passed me earlier. He took the steeper side of the loop, and just when I was turning into my driveway, I saw him descending. No big deal, but I felt like saying, "How would you like to end every ride with this climb?"

[Roadtrip]

Dear Mother-In-Law,

I can't imagine what your going through now and how much courage it's taking to hold together. You waited until after our trip for the Holidays and return to sit us down and tell us of the diagnosis of your breast cancer apparently not wanting to tell us before. I know there is little I can do, but having to leave to drive home only a few hours after this bombshell was hard, but I know it wasn't easy for you either.

Hoping Thursdays surgery goes well.

Shannon

PS.
CANCER *&@$ing SUCKS.

[alexis_the_tiny]

First day of school cured my grump-itis. I am reminded again that if I had not faced the challenges I face in my life, I would never have the same sense of urgency and commitment to work in a field that would help kids be the best they can be despite their own challenges. Thank universe for kicking my ar** back to work...

[lph]

Dear people in front of me at the bottle recycling spot,

the grumpitis passed to me. You know, the bottle recycling machine is here every time you grocery shop. It's actually built in. You don't have to save up for weeks until you have several huge sacks of bottles, you could just take in a handy little shopping bag full every time you buy groceries. That would save me from breathing fire at your back, and it would save the nice shop people from having to run over and clear the machine because you've clogged it up with half a million bottles, again.

[Owlie]

((Roadtrip, Mr. Roadtrip and MIL))


Dear Togged Out Biker Chick on your carbon fiber bike,

Seriously you pass within 3 inches of my left shoulder and you don't acknowledge my existence! How rude, you obviously are not a TE reader. It wasn't even so much the lack of a "on your left" or "happy new year" or "hello" as it was the way you stood up in your pedals and looked ahead like a hunting dog pointing out a bird and just totally ignored a fellow bike rider. Good thing we weren't 10 feet further on the road when I would have been ready to start changing lanes to make my left hand turn, I may have knocked you over.

Some jerk on a tri bike did that to me early on in my riding career. I think I nearly fell over. :mad:]

Dear cold:
I'd appreciate it if you'd hurry up and leave. And no detours through my chest or sinuses, please.

[lph]

Dear male Facebook friends,

I really don't want to know what minor medical procedure you did or did not get done in your nether regions, no matter how cutely worded it is. TMI guys!

[limewave]

Dear Specialized Ruby (in my size!) parked at my LBS,

Stop being a temptress!

~Limewave

[Roadtrip]

Dear Specialized Ruby (in my size!) parked at my LBS,

Stop being a temptress!

~Limewave

Buy... The... Ruby ;)

At least then you won't be tempted. Hehehehe

[limewave]

Buy... The... Ruby ;)

At least then you won't be tempted. Hehehehe

I would but DH is all like "we need to replace the 60 year old windows. We need new siding so the house and garage can finally match. blah. blah. blah."

We did get a quote for a 16 x 22' addition. New master bedroom. Nope. Room for the kids so they can have a space larger than a closetless shoe box. Nope. Its going to be a room just for the bikes. With a double-door entrance for plenty of roll-in room.

[Owlie]

I would but DH is all like "we need to replace the 60 year old windows. We need new siding so the house and garage can finally match. blah. blah. blah."

We did get a quote for a 16 x 22' addition. New master bedroom. Nope. Room for the kids so they can have a space larger than a closetless shoe box. Nope. Its going to be a room just for the bikes. With a double-door entrance for plenty of roll-in room.

Thanks for the chuckle. DBF and I have joked that that's the sort of thing we'd do. A library space (with storage space for my yarn stash), and a room for bikes. :)

Dear advisor:
I know that at least some of this is out of your control, but can we get the ball rolling? Point me in the direction of things to read? I'm the student--I'm not supposed to know everything about this!

[emily_in_nc]

Dear cold:
I'd appreciate it if you'd hurry up and leave. And no detours through my chest or sinuses, please.

Ditto for my cold too! :mad: Tired of being up all night coughing (and keeping DH up too). He's getting cranky, and so am I.

[bmccasland]

Dear Throat,
I refuse to acknowledge that you have a tickle. I have plans this weekend and they involve a resort hotel and a massage, you are not allowed to progress into anything. Anything! Your hear?

Dear Hip,
Please play nice, we get to see Dr.F on monday when we return. Also note the aforementioned massage - that's for you. ;)

[Biciclista]

Dear Beth
Gargle with salt... kill those little buggers before they take over.
(I always think of this too late because i'm always in denial too)

Dear weather gods. WTF?!?!?

[salsabike]

Dear Mimi,

It always makes me laugh when PNWers become indignant about...RAIN. In winter! :p

[SadieKate]

Dear Salsa -

It's makes me laugh when PNWs think it rains everywhere in the PNW.

WHERE'S THE SNOW, DAGNABIT!!!!!!

~SK

[salsabike]

Dear Salsa -

It's makes me laugh when PNWs think it rains everywhere in the PNW.

WHERE'S THE SNOW, DAGNABIT!!!!!!

~SK

I thought you got some?

[SadieKate]

One day only and now it's back to warm and dry.

This is insane. It was 44F at 5:45 am today.

[Owlie]

Dear seller from whom I ordered my stats book:
Please give me the actual ship date (because I doubt you shipped it an hour after I placed the order) and the tracking information? I sort of need this book so I can do the homework in it...

Dear friend:
No, liquor does not have "zero calories". :rolleyes:

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear friend:
No, liquor does not have "zero calories". :rolleyes:

I suppose it does if you get drunk and vomit up enough calories to make up for the calories consumed......:p

[Catrin]

One day only and now it's back to warm and dry.

This is insane. It was 44F at 5:45 am today.

Personally I consider this a GOOD thing ;) I've suffered through several "typical" Indiana winters with tons of snow and lots of cold temperatures, so am happy to get a "southern" winter for a change. Yay for La Nina! This is, so far, very much like a Tennessee winter - bitter cold for a few days, snow for a few days, warm for a few days...let's just skip the amount of ice and ice storms that is also part of "southern" winters...

I am actually surprised at how happy I am with this weather, but it means our bodies never get a chance to adjust to winter. However, I get to plan outdoor rides for Friday - Sunday, and to be able to do that in January is just plain awesome!

[Pax]

Personally I consider this a GOOD thing ;) I've suffered through several "typical" Indiana winters with tons of snow and lots of cold temperatures, so am happy to get a "southern" winter for a change. Yay for La Nina! This is, so far, very much like a Tennessee winter - bitter cold for a few days, snow for a few days, warm for a few days...let's just skip the amount of ice and ice storms that is also part of "southern" winters...

I am actually surprised at how happy I am with this weather, but it means our bodies never get a chance to adjust to winter. However, I get to plan outdoor rides for Friday - Sunday, and to be able to do that in January is just plain awesome!

Amen sister!!! I am loving this winter, it's going to be 53 tomorrow!! After the last two winters of being iced in by the first week of December, I'll take it.

[Biciclista]

Dear Salsabike

well, not just rain but HOWLING WIND! (gasp)

[SadieKate]

Personally I consider this a GOOD thing.Rememer that you get rain year around. The arid West does not.

We don't get our snow pack, BAD things happen. Lots and lots of bad things.

[SadieKate]

Dear Salsabike

well, not just rain but HOWLING WIND! (gasp)Dear Mimi,

Is it just me or has it been extra windy this winter?

[Crankin]

Catrin, I agree, I wish my body could acclimatize to winter. It was freezing yesterday and the day before and I, too will be riding outside tomorrow and Saturday, in January. I so want to be on my x country skis, this is killing me. I need a mental break from riding, so I feel fresh in March. It's not like I am a racer, or anything, but I look forward to focusing on something else.

[Owlie]

Personally I consider this a GOOD thing ;) I've suffered through several "typical" Indiana winters with tons of snow and lots of cold temperatures, so am happy to get a "southern" winter for a change. Yay for La Nina! This is, so far, very much like a Tennessee winter - bitter cold for a few days, snow for a few days, warm for a few days...let's just skip the amount of ice and ice storms that is also part of "southern" winters...

I am actually surprised at how happy I am with this weather, but it means our bodies never get a chance to adjust to winter. However, I get to plan outdoor rides for Friday - Sunday, and to be able to do that in January is just plain awesome!

Poor timing for me, though. I'm getting over a cold, so I've got the hyper-reactive airway thing going. :(

[salsabike]

Dear Mimi,

Is it just me or has it been extra windy this winter?

It's just you.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

I actually think we have had fewer strong windstorms than usual.

[Biciclista]

and now... BRRRRRR it's cold!!

[Owlie]

Dear body:
I'm sorry that I gave you coffee after 2pm. Funny that you don't handle NOT having caffeine well, but you don't handle having caffeine well either. I'd like more than five or six hours of sleep, since I'm getting over the plague.

Dear friend:
Is your religion really the only thing you can think of to talk about on Facebook? How's your job? Your dog? Are you still playing the cello? Hung out with anyone from high school recently? No "look at this cute animal doing something cute!" videos? Talk about one-dimensional...

Dear other friend:
I'm afraid you're not much better. Your updates consist solely of medical school and Zumba. :rolleyes:

Dear boyfriend:
I can't listen to Coldplay or the Barenaked Ladies any more without thinking of you. I don't know what to think about that... :/

[SheFly]

Catrin, I agree, I wish my body could acclimatize to winter. It was freezing yesterday and the day before and I, too will be riding outside tomorrow and Saturday, in January. I so want to be on my x country skis, this is killing me. I need a mental break from riding, so I feel fresh in March. It's not like I am a racer, or anything, but I look forward to focusing on something else.

No kidding. I've ridden 12 of the past 14 days, all outdoors. I NEED A BREAK! Snow already, wouldya???? Please????

SheFly

[Catrin]

No kidding. I've ridden 12 of the past 14 days, all outdoors. I NEED A BREAK! Snow already, wouldya???? Please????

SheFly

:) I am going to go on a big hike tomorrow on a couple of the longer mountain bike trails in my favorite park. I've not seen those trails yet so this seems a good time before the winter weather returns. With OUR like, winter will stay away until Superbowl week - or worse yet - it will rain that week :eek:

[limewave]

I have a friend that is BEGGING me to do some outdoor rides with her. I just can't bring myself to do it. This is my non-bike season. Yeah, I do some interval trainer or computrainer rides, but its my cross-training. Tis the season for running. And trying new classes at the gym. And strength training. And skipping workouts to read novels and soak in the tub.

I too wish the snow would come! I would love to be xc skiing and snow shoe running. And the kids are DYING to make a snowman and to go sledding. I'm sure it will get here soon enough :)

[Pax]

I need to move to the beach, if I never saw a snowflake again in this lifetime I'd be a happy woman.

[alexis_the_tiny]

I need to move to the beach, if I never saw a snowflake again in this lifetime I'd be a happy woman.

Pax, you're very welcome to switch places with me. Although I don't know how you'd feel about tropical rainstorms that feel like you're getting pelted with marbles when you get caught on the bike in one... :p It's been blazing hot lately hereabouts, I walk out to get lunch and return with heat induced headaches. Just two weeks ago, it rained for days and days. :eek: Is it me or is the weather getting more extreme these days??

[Pax]

Pax, you're very welcome to switch places with me. Although I don't know how you'd feel about tropical rainstorms that feel like you're getting pelted with marbles when you get caught on the bike in one... :p It's been blazing hot lately hereabouts, I walk out to get lunch and return with heat induced headaches. Just two weeks ago, it rained for days and days. :eek: Is it me or is the weather getting more extreme these days??

I lived in Clearwater FL for a few years, so I know what you mean about tropical rainstorms; they were insane!

But I'll take those over Central IL ice and snow. :p

[Owlie]

Dear package gods:
AGAIN? Seriously? This is the third thing that's gone missing. :eek::mad:
At least it wasn't one of my textbooks.

Dear mail carrier:
Why is it that you're able to read the note on the door (the one that tells you to take packages to the office) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (the days when I get home before the office closes), but not on Tuesdays or Thursdays? This is getting really irritating.

[maillotpois]

Dear Weather Goddess:

I am sorry.

I see from the other posts on this thread that this has actually become a nationwide issue and I have to say I feel wholly responsible. Yes, I installed full fenders on my new Volagi. I'm sorry that I presumed that because spring brevet season is usually quite rainy that it would be the same this year. I know you are wildly unpredictable and can do whatever you like with the weather. So of course one should never presume or assume anything where you are concerned.

I took the fenders off. They rattled. Please give us some rain.

Love,
Overly-Prepared MP

[Blueberry]

Dear mail carrier:
Why is it that you're able to read the note on the door (the one that tells you to take packages to the office) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (the days when I get home before the office closes), but not on Tuesdays or Thursdays? This is getting really irritating.

You probably have 2 mail carriers.

Many years ago, we stopped getting mail MWFSat (most weeks). Mail came in small volume the other days. We then got a note in our box asking when we wanted our mail. Turns out they confused our house number with someone else's. They were holding our mail and delivering theirs (when theirs was supposed to be held). We were NOT happy, and neither were the other people. Sadly, I doubt anything was done to keep it from happening again.

[Owlie]

MP: LOL!

You probably have 2 mail carriers.

Many years ago, we stopped getting mail MWFSat (most weeks). Mail came in small volume the other days. We then got a note in our box asking when we wanted our mail. Turns out they confused our house number with someone else's. They were holding our mail and delivering theirs (when theirs was supposed to be held). We were NOT happy, and neither were the other people. Sadly, I doubt anything was done to keep it from happening again.

Yikes.
That might be it. The tracking information for the missing package says that it was out for delivery yesterday, but now says "status not updated" or something and has an expected delivery date of 1/6. And it's not here, because a number of other things arrived today and it wasn't in there. Geez.

Dear self:
Please stop obsessing over some thing that's probably in your room at home. Go back for a weekend and look thoroughly...though hopefully when mom's not around, as it will involve stuff ending up everywhere!

[SadieKate]

Dear Weather Goddess:

Sorry about buying the Swix ski table legs yesterday. I ordered them long ago before I knew you were feeling so out of sorts (I understand, believe me).

What can I do? Leave my car out in the driveway with the sunroof open?

~SK

[maillotpois]

What can I do? Leave my car out in the driveway with the sunroof open?

~SK

That's it!!! I will park the convertible with the top down!

[Veronica]

That's it!!! I will park the convertible with the top down!


Please don't. I'm enjoying our lovely weather. Rain will come soon and then we'll have it for DAYS on end.

Veronica

[jobob]

Rain will arrive with a vengance, in the Bay Area at least, starting a week from tomorrow.

You're welcome. :rolleyes:

[Veronica]

Rain will arrive with a vengance, in the Bay Area at least, starting a week from tomorrow.

You're welcome. :rolleyes:

It's the fault of those crazy rando people... Has there EVER been an SF 200K that did not get rain? :D

Veronica

[maillotpois]

I know, I know - and then the fenders go back on. But seriously, as much as I am enjoying summer in January, out reservoirs, snow pack and farmers need rain.

You guys doing the SFR brevet? I am doing the SRCC ones because of brewery proximity. And not sure I want to do a 200k 2 weeks in a row.

[Veronica]

We're not. All of our training rides are some part of the DMD route. This weekend is Patterson Pass repeats. :eek:

Veronica

[maillotpois]

Bummer. I love the camaraderie of the brevets for training. And did I mention the breweries? ;)

[Crankin]

Going to do a 30-40 mile ride today. The last time I did this in January (it was 70 and I was wearing a ss jersey), DH and I crashed because the ride leader had sucky skills, slowed without signaling, causing us to go down. We actually rode our bikes into the vestibule of the local ER.

[Owlie]

Not-remotely-dear electric company:
While I realize my apartment has no insulation (and that the heating is electric), I fail to see how it is physically possible to use $100 worth of electricity in a 1-bedroom apartment in 33 days, especially considering that I wasn't in said apartment for 14 of those days, and the heating was off.
You suck.

USPS:
I like you guys, normally. I've never had a problem with you until now--the rest was caused by jerkfaces swiping things off my doorstep. This time? I'm getting suspicious that this never made it off the truck or something, and there's no way for me to contact you to ask what the heck is going on. :mad:

[Biciclista]

Dear TE ladies
The DH and I hopped on our bikes and light rail and managed to get downtown, eat donuts and hot chocolate and get home. We rode 7 miles. he's really beat, I'm ecstatic, but DARN it's so HARD to get him to eat enough!!!
He's happy that he did 7 miles, but is grumping about how weak he feels. He's really doing well, considering.
that is all.

Dear Owlie REALLY! electric heat is extremely expensive. wear more wool. You and your packages, it is a constant source of entertainment for the rest of us.
You must have a lot of neighbors with sticky fingers!

[SadieKate]

Dear Mimi,

That's AWESOME!

~SK

[goldfinch]

Dear Owlie:

Move?

[Owlie]

Dear TE ladies
The DH and I hopped on our bikes and light rail and managed to get downtown, eat donuts and hot chocolate and get home. We rode 7 miles. he's really beat, I'm ecstatic, but DARN it's so HARD to get him to eat enough!!!
He's happy that he did 7 miles, but is grumping about how weak he feels. He's really doing well, considering.
that is all.

7 miles= good. Doughnuts too.


Dear Owlie REALLY! electric heat is extremely expensive. wear more wool. You and your packages, it is a constant source of entertainment for the rest of us.
You must have a lot of neighbors with sticky fingers!
Or something. Since I've been directing packages to the office, I think this is a screw-up on the post office's end.
I'll stop griping about it. :o
(And yes, I've contemplated moving, but my lease ends during move-in time for undergrads--poor timing. Most of the rent around here is a fair bit higher too, and the lower electric bills won't offset that. If there is a difference, it's only by a few dollars and not worth the hassle of moving.)

[Pax]

Mimi, that is fantastic!!!


Owlie - complain all you want to, it's cathartic for you and in a small way, funny for us. :D

[OakLeaf]

Dear Bengals,

Not again. :( Really, you don't make it easy to be a fan.


Dear Mimi and Don,

Yaaaaaaaayyyyy!

[Owlie]

Dear Bengals,

Not again. :( Really, you don't make it easy to be a fan.



I don't have TV...so I take it they've performed up to their usual standards.:rolleyes:

[Biciclista]

Dear Owlie
I agree with Pax. Please don't quit complaining. You are reminding me of my younger self. :cool::cool:

[Catrin]

Yippppiiieeeee! I just found out that my voluntary accident insurance is giving me a couple of hundred bucks for the dog bite from last spring. I will take it :)

[Biciclista]

Yippppiiieeeee! I just found out that my voluntary accident insurance is giving me a couple of hundred bucks for the dog bite from last spring. I will take it :)

congrats!!!

[marni]

Yay for Mimi and Don- Congrats on your tour de doughnut.

Dear Oakleaf-

I'm sorry your team lost but at least the neighbor Texas fans won't have to commit hari kari, which considering all the hype the game has gotten, would have been the only option for a large maority of the population here in Texas.

marni

[Blueberry]

Dear Owlie:

I like reading your complaints:) They remind me of a different place in my life - and that's a good thing!

[Owlie]

Dear sister:
Please stop telling me how much your "long distance" relationship sucks. He lives 30 minutes of highway driving away. So you don't get to see each other...except every weekend, when you stay at his apartment. (Funnily enough, I live 5 minutes (surface streets) from him. You don't come say high to me. Just as well, because you'd probably want to go to the mall.) FYI, my SO is 2,000 miles away, and we don't know that we'll get to see each other in person again until one of us graduates.
Gr.

Dear paper for lab management class:
I hate you. I can't do 'abstract' stuff, and I'm not good with people. This will be an interesting quarter.

[NbyNW]

Dear local company,

Please stop dragging your feet and decide if you want to make DH an offer. For one thing, you won't regret it. And for another, there really is another company on the other side of the country that is ready to deal. Thirdly, I really really really really really don't want to move again.

Just please try not to think about it too long. Pretty please?

Limbo is its own kind of hell.

[Pax]

Dear Honey,

Thanks so much for putting up with me these 22 years. Happy anniversary, I love you.

Me

[indysteel]

Congrats, Pax and Pax honey! Your posts about your honey always make me tear up a bit; they're so sweet.

@Catrin. I'm so glad that money came through! Yay!!

@NbyNW. My fingers are crossed. I hope your husband gets an offer soon.

[azfiddle]

Hurray for Mimi getting Don out for 7 miles and donuts. Make him eat more pie.

Catrin, glad you got some compensation for the dog bite.

Owlie, you sister seems a little self-absorbed.

[Biciclista]

Happy Anniversary PAX and Mrs Pax!

[Crankin]

That is great news, Mimi. I hope DH enjoyed the donuts.
Congrats on the $, Catrin.

[Sky King]

Dear Katybug,

I hate watching you go through this pain, I know you will grow stronger from it but still, breaking up a long term relationship is never easy. May all the stars align today and you find permanent housing before school starts tomorrow. Love your Mom

[Owlie]

Yippppiiieeeee! I just found out that my voluntary accident insurance is giving me a couple of hundred bucks for the dog bite from last spring. I will take it :)

How did I not see this? YAY!

[snapdragen]

Dear TE ladies
The DH and I hopped on our bikes and light rail and managed to get downtown, eat donuts and hot chocolate and get home. We rode 7 miles. he's really beat, I'm ecstatic, but DARN it's so HARD to get him to eat enough!!!
He's happy that he did 7 miles, but is grumping about how weak he feels. He's really doing well, considering.
that is all.

Dear Owlie REALLY! electric heat is extremely expensive. wear more wool. You and your packages, it is a constant source of entertainment for the rest of us.
You must have a lot of neighbors with sticky fingers!


Dear Mimi,

That's AWESOME!

~SK

Agreed!!:cool:

[jessmarimba]

Dear everyone with happy news:

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY and Congrats! :)



Dear Owlie:
My sister literally lives 3 blocks from my guy - both are on the other side of the country. It's perfect for me because I can just walk back and forth to see both when I'm out there, but I really wish the two of them would make some mutual friends. It would really make my life easier! :p


Dear back:
I'm tired of this. I don't know what I did to aggravate you, but this is ridiculous. When I'm done with my book, I'm going to want to do stuff again so you have about 100 pages to learn to behave.

[snapdragen]

Happy Anniversary Pax and Honey! :)

[Catrin]

Mimi - somehow I missed your Tour de Doughnuts with your DH, congratulations! This is so good to read :)

Jessmarimba's back, please listen to her and feel better!

[snapdragen]

OMG. Finally got all of the Christmas stuff packed up and put away. Someone please tell me, how does a fake Christmas tree drop so many needles? :confused:

[malkin]

Dear Dear So and So Threaders,

I love this thread. Keep it coming!

[Pax]

Thanks everyone!! Just got home from a relaxing lunch, we shared a bottle of wine and some fantastic food. Now we're home and settling in, next up... a bottle of Moet & Chandon. YUM!

I must be the luckiest woman alive. :)

[OakLeaf]

Happy anniversary Pax and Pax-honey! Enjoy the rest of your day. :)

[OakLeaf]

I don't have TV...so I take it they've performed up to their usual standards.:rolleyes:

I thought to myself, "Well, there's always next year. Just like there has been for the last 23." And then I realized that Owlie's too young to remember the Bengals having made it past the wildcard game. :eek::p:mad:

[Owlie]

Happy anniversary, Pax and Pax-honey!


I thought to myself, "Well, there's always next year. Just like there has been for the last 23." And then I realized that Owlie's too young to remember the Bengals having made it past the wildcard game. :eek::p:mad:

LOL! Yes...When I was a kid, my dad told me that they made it to the Superbowl one year. I didn't believe him. :o:D
(That may have been because I was old enough to have known that that happened either shortly before or shortly after he moved to this country, and was unlikely to have cared much about football at the time. What would he have known? :rolleyes: )

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear postal services, HOW is it that you managed to deliver my bike stand to me minus ALL the bolts required for assembly and with one part of the cardboard tube looking like a T Rex used it for a chew toy under perfectly intact plastic? Did you somehow imagine I wouldn't miss the bolts in an unassembled piece of furniture if you wrapped it in plastic? Absolutely mind boggling. At least you spared me the whole "We can't leave a delivery notice at your house because you might not have a mail box" thing this time... Owlie, I swear your postal service and mine need to be friends.

Dear self, it's time to take a proper weekend break this week. Working from home through 2 weeks of annual leave and through two weekends without a break can actually kill. Oh and delegate some of the darn work, you have a teaching partner for a reason.

[spokewench]

Didn't really want to start a thread on this so I'm putting it here. My wonderful father passed away at the age of 93 on Friday night. He lived in Tucson - 4 hours away and I was planning on travelling down on Saturday morning to see him, but he passed on Friday night.

I am very sad, but very glad that he only had about one week of not really being well enough to get up out of bed and communicate very well. He passed in his sleep and he is blessed that he did not have to suffer very long.

He was a loving and caring Dad and when I was a kid, he was always the one who supported me in all my sporting endeavors. I will miss you, Dad.

[indysteel]

Didn't really want to start a thread on this so I'm putting it here. My wonderful father passed away at the age of 93 on Friday night. He lived in Tucson - 4 hours away and I was planning on travelling down on Saturday morning to see him, but he passed on Friday night.

I am very sad, but very glad that he only had about one week of not really being well enough to get up out of bed and communicate very well. He passed in his sleep and he is blessed that he did not have to suffer very long.

He was a loving and caring Dad and when I was a kid, he was always the one who supported me in all my sporting endeavors. I will miss you, Dad.

((((Spokewrench)))). My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I hope you find comfort in the warm memories you have of him.

[Pax]

(((Spokewench))) So very sorry to hear about your beloved dad. He sounds like he was a wonderful father.

[Catrin]

(((Spokewrench))) My condolences and sympathies for you and your family. It is so hard to lose a parent, but am glad to hear that you have such warm and loving memories of him.

[Crankin]

Condolences, Spokewrench.

[Biciclista]

I am sorry you lost your father, Spokewrench. Sounds like he had a good long life. That should give you lots of good memories.

[limewave]

Spokewench--I re-emphasize what Mimi said. Very sorry for your loss.

[limewave]

Dear New Jacket,

I LOVE YOU! I know I told DH that I would return you to the store if he wanted me too, being you were so expensive and all. But that was a total lie. I was prepared to do whatever it was going to take to keep you. And letting DH think he had a say in the decision was my ingenious way of not only sealing the deal guilt-free, but making DH feel good about it too. Mwha-hahahahahaha!

You are a warm and silky, heavenly wrap. I'm looking forward to many cold-weather ventures together. You'll keep my rear warm around the campfire during the brisk fall evenings. And when the bitter bone-chill sets in after a late-season mountain bike ride, you will wrap me up like a swaddling blanket.

During the winter, when I urban-hike up and down the Magnificent mile,
when I snowshoe across the face of Mars,
when spectating the Jingle Bell parade from a frozen brick of concrete--you will be my marshmallow-topped cocoa.
My afternoon pot of coffee.
My extra-thick smartwool socks.
My Dove chocolate.

Excuse me if I must steal moments to caress your soft bulk and nuzzle my face in your silky folds.

~Limewave

[Pax]

Dear Limewave's new jacket,

Forgive me if you sound too good to be true, so please provide a link to your heavenly silkyness so the rest of us may bask in your glory.

Signed,

Jacket/coat 'ho

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Spokewench)))))))

[limewave]

Words cannot express how luxurious this coat (http://www.rainforest.com/shop/womens/detachable-bid-and-hood-satin-down-coat-w6563.html) feels. I don't think the picture does it justice. It is somehow classy and sporty at the same time. I feel like I could wear it on date-night or around the campfire. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. It is the nicest coat I have ever owned.

I'm a coat 'ho too. :)

[Biciclista]

Dear Limewave

Thanks for the link! Fortunately here in Seattle, we don't need anything that warm. :D

[limewave]

I picked it up at TJ Maxx for much, much, much cheaper. But still expensive when you have a budget of $0 :rolleyes:

[Pax]

Words cannot express how luxurious this coat (http://www.rainforest.com/shop/womens/detachable-bid-and-hood-satin-down-coat-w6563.html) feels. I don't think the picture does it justice. It is somehow classy and sporty at the same time. I feel like I could wear it on date-night or around the campfire. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. It is the nicest coat I have ever owned.

I'm a coat 'ho too. :)

That looks awesome!! I own so many coats it's ridiculous... always looking for perfection.