Dear So and So

[Trek420]

And y'all are right, a bike ride through a neighborhood would be much better than a drive. Even a walk is better than a drive. In this "lovely" weather I'd rather walk than ride. Yes, I'm a wimp. I admit it. :p

Of course we're right :D Think listings near the Burke Gillman, Interurban trail .... close to shopping, walkable. Find a few and do a walk to open houses or just to see the outside.

[Blueberry]

Dear So Cal Weather:

At home, it is 80 and sunny. Must the forecast really be mid 50's and raining when we get to the part of this trip that is actually vacation for DH and for me?

Please resume your normal, sunny Southern Cal weather!

[limewave]

Dear Neighbors,

Please take your dog on a walk. He's too big to keep tied up on a 6 ft chain all day long :( He's s such a friendly and happy dog. He deserves better.

I love your Graykitty (that's what my kids named her). She is so affectionate. She runs up to my kids whenever they are outside and immediately starts purring and cuddling with them. As much as we love seeing her everyday, you need to start caring for her! If we didn't already have 3 cats in our home, I would open our doors and welcome her in. You have for all purposes abandoned her.

It positively breaks my heart :(

~Limewave

[VeganBikeChick]

Dear Seattle weather,

I know you thrive on being as miserable as possible when the rest of the country gets to experience beautiful weather. I'm glad a lot of the people who live here love your constant gray and rain, but I am not one of them. Could we please have just one day of sun next week when I'm off? It would improve my mood immensely.

Signed,
Missing the beautiful weather in Denver

[Pax]

VBC, I don't know how you do it, that much overcast would make me cry.

[VeganBikeChick]

VBC, I don't know how you do it, that much overcast would make me cry.

As a matter of fact, Pax, I just about did that when I landed back in Seattle 2 days ago from a trip to Denver, where it's been sunny and in the 70's for the last week. I'm so fortunate I got to experience some sun. I'm looking to relocate there but no job prospects at present. Keeping my fingers crossed.

You can definitely see how people's moods here shift once the sun comes out, so I know I'm not the only one affected, just one of the ones finally doing something about it.

[Trek420]

VBC, I don't know how you do it, that much overcast would make me cry.

Don't remind me. ;)

[bmccasland]

VBC, I don't know how you do it, that much overcast would make me cry.


Don't remind me. ;)

Does that help explain my gloomy mood on tuesday? :(
Not great news from realtor, challenges with my current projects, all I could do to keep from breaking down at my desk. Did cry on the way home.

And sometimes living alone sux. No one to decompress with - except the cats.

[Pax]

Does that help explain my gloomy mood on tuesday? :(
Not great mood from realtor, challenges with my current projects, all I could do to keep from breaking down at my desk. Did cry on the way home.

And sometimes living alone sux. No one to decompress with - except the cats.
That could very well be part of it, SAD is very real.

Took me a while to put things together and discover I'm 100% solar powered, if it's too dark and gloomy/rainy/cloudy more than 3-4 days without a break I just lose it.

[VeganBikeChick]

Does that help explain my gloomy mood on tuesday? :(
Not great news from realtor, challenges with my current projects, all I could do to keep from breaking down at my desk. Did cry on the way home.

And sometimes living alone sux. No one to decompress with - except the cats.

Hugs, Beth. Hope things start to look better. I agree that living alone is not great, but it is nice to have the cats for company.

[Biciclista]

We've had a rough streak of weather, lasting almost 2 years. Will it ever end? You know, I can deal with the grey. But mix in wet rainy snow, stout winds and INCESSANT rain and even I am getting tired of it. The tougher riders in our area are having a bad season, so that means lighter weight riders like me??? We're not riding much at all!

[malkin]

Can't imagine how I'd feel right now if I lived in a dreary place. We've had sunny and warm all week (so far) but I'm in a blithering, sobbing, slobbering state.

We had a 'retirement reception' for a beloved colleague who is retiring 'for health reasons.' Basically a funeral, but he got to give his own talk.

No eyedrops needed to keep my contacts lubricated.

[NbyNW]

<---- lives in Seattle, and still riding high on the fact that I no longer live in Edmonton. I find the schizophrenic weather exhilarating. But it probably helps that I don't have to spend huge amounts of time outside right now.

[Crankin]

Dear Self,
Yes, your body can take the extra exercise. Stop being a wimp.
Use your rest day well and think about the people here who actually "train" for things like an Ironman :eek:. Sometimes I think I have the genes of my Jewish princess ancestors :). Hey, that's OK for me to say.

[redrhodie]

Can't imagine how I'd feel right now if I lived in a dreary place. We've had sunny and warm all week (so far) but I'm in a blithering, sobbing, slobbering state.

We had a 'retirement reception' for a beloved colleague who is retiring 'for health reasons.' Basically a funeral, but he got to give his own talk.

No eyedrops needed to keep my contacts lubricated.

(((Malkin))) That's so sad.

[Bethany1]

Dear Doc,

Glad my knee will heal up soon as it's just a small sprain with a ligament. Thanks for the prescription to see if I have exercised induced asthma as well. If it's not, I'm just out of shape more than I think and "round" is not considered a shape.

However; I have lost 3 lbs when the nurse weighed me. It may not be much, but I won't complain.


Dear Self,

Maybe the reason you are huffing/puffing away is because you bought a steel frame bike. Duh. I just now thought of that. Going from a 14lb? carbon Madone to a steel Salsa Fargo bike would do it. Don't know how much the Fargo weighs, but probably enough to make me work for every mile.

[indysteel]

Dear Self,

Maybe the reason you are huffing/puffing away is because you bought a steel frame bike. Duh. I just now thought of that. Going from a 14lb? carbon Madone to a steel Salsa Fargo bike would do it. Don't know how much the Fargo weighs, but probably enough to make me work for every mile.

My guess is the difference in frame weight in and of itself isn't what you're noticing. It's the drag on your tires/wheels. There's a big diffence between the Madone's 23cc slicks and those that come standard on the Fargo.

[indysteel]

Dear cycling enthusiasm: Where have you gone? I know you haven't been as excited to ride as you once were, but you were always at least eager for your first spring ride. What's wrong with you? Is it because winter wasn't all that wintery or because you really just don't want to ride? Either way, you better get excited soon. You have a cycling trip in April that you paid good money for; you better enjoy it and be in some semblance of shape for it. Running and weights are great, but they do nothing to toughen up your butt.

[redrhodie]

Dear lbs boys,

Go easy on me tomorrow. I mean it.

[oldwhatshername]

Dear Sir,

I understand that you have to sit next to me for the next hour so please turn your face around your breath is killing me!

[Anelia]

oldwatshername, it's horrible. I have a student, a smoker and he doesn't take a shower often. But the most disgusting thing is his breath :mad: I feel it even from a distance. Oh, my nose is very sensitive and somethimes I wish it weren't.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear makers of triathlon apparel for women,

Putting on a one piece tri suit should not involve possible dislocation of my arm attempting to wrestle the built-in sports bra on. Neither should it require the help of a second person. Please stop building sports bras into one piece tri suits. There's no logical reason for it, really.

[Crankin]

Indy, you will find your cycling mojo. I've been through this more than once. During the most severe bout of it, I found doing lots of fun "errand" rides on my heavier bike got me out there more than I would have been on my road bike. I learned all about all of the local farm stands and met some interesting people. I probably did about 300 miles over a season this way. I was still riding on the weekends with DH and friends and doing occasional group rides, but I put no pressure on myself. In fact, I still don't. I haven't gone as far as not using a computer, because I like to use cadence and distance, but I rarely look at my average speed anymore. I'm not saying I never do, but once I took the pressure off of myself, I actually started improving a little.
The winter after the season I did all of those little errand rides, I went on a group x country ski outing with someone I knew from rides I had lead. She brought a friend, who lives in my town. She said, "Oh, I know you... you must commute all year round," and she went on to describe my bike, and even what color cycling jacket I have! She had seen me shopping many times in west Concord, and thought I didn't have a car. So, I guess I was out there enough to have someone recognize me. To me, that was just as good as having a 16 mph average (which is fast for me).

[indysteel]

Thanks for the encouragement, Crankin. I rode 20 miles yesterday (my first ride since November). It was nice. My sit bones are sore, but I otherwise felt good. Part of my problem is that I used to ride with a big group of friends all over town. It was a strong group and I was motivated to ride a lot simply to keep up. I also liked the diversity of where we rode. Now I mostly ride with DH from our house. I think I need to mix it up a bit more this year. I need to do some hill work and go out of my way to ride with friends. Mentally and physically, I've been more motivated this past year than I was the year before (I've been running and working with a trainer on resistance work) so I'm hopeful. I'm just not patient when it comes to the bike. When I first started riding in 2006, I got strong pretty quickly thanks to some serious determination. I want that person back, but I keep glossing over how much work it took to get there. I think it would help if I went a little easier on myself.

[Bethany1]

Indy,

Hadn't thought of wheel drag. Yup. I have really wide mountain bike tires. I tried smaller sized, but the roads are too beat up for anything else. If I want to ride on the rural gravel roads, I need the wider tires as well.

Wish I had money to go to Omaha to ride the mountain bike trails. I'm sick of rural roads.

[redrhodie]

Dear bike shop boys,

You don't know how much the short cut meant to me. You are the best. The ride was way more fun than it was heading. I love you both, and dj, godspeed. You are a like lunar moth. I'm lucky to have known you.

Dear Old Friend,

I don't know what to say to you. I'm really mad at you, and may just want to end our friendship. I'm not returning your call because it's your birthday and I don't want to ruin it for you; because I won't be able to not tell you how much you hurt and dissappointed me. I never asked much of you, but now I know I expected more. Your excuse for not calling when I needed you was really lame. If there's another reason, you need to be honest with me, because the other one makes you look like an insensitive jerk.

Dear Me,

You learned a lot recently, but maybe you've forgotten forgiveness and compassion.

[indysteel]

(((Red))). It pains me to hear this. I've unfortunately learned the hard way that some people just aren't giving. I lost a friend in a similar fashion. I was there for her during her divorce, but when I needed her sometime later, she just couldn't reciprocate. I let the friendship rapidly fade from there. Sometimes I miss her, but I just can't waste energy or my love on someone who's happy to receive friendship but can't return it. I do, however, regret not telling her that she hurt me. I think I deserved to give voice to that. So, I would give some thought to that in your own situation. Maybe she'll surprise you by offering a sincere apology and a change in behavior. If not, you've at least said your piece.

[jessmarimba]

(Open letter to my music kids)

Dear drumset player:
What possessed you today to accidentally start our performance with the wrong piece? It's FINALS. At a REGIONAL. With (name redacted) as a judge!!! You're the only senior in the group, the only kid over 18, and you make a mistake that the 12-year-olds wouldn't have made!!!

Dear everyone else in the group:
Thanks for having the presence of mind to save the performance. Even with the total scramble to get to an instrument that remotely matches what you should be on during the piece he started with, it was a pretty darn good performance. You guys better hope (judge) is at our national competition, because he's very impressed with that recovery. And also laughing his butt off at the whole situation.

Sincerely,
Your exasperated teacher, who had to wait 4 agonizing hours for a drink after that near-catastrophe. I will probably wake up tomorrow with a whole head full of gray hair.

[alexis_the_tiny]

jessmarimba, I hope that drink was a good and stiff one. Kids can be so funny like that though... :)

[OakLeaf]

Dear houseguest,

We're having seafood for dinner again tonight. Get the hint?

[Sky King]

Indy,

Hadn't thought of wheel drag. Yup. I have really wide mountain bike tires. I tried smaller sized, but the roads are too beat up for anything else. If I want to ride on the rural gravel roads, I need the wider tires as well.

Wish I had money to go to Omaha to ride the mountain bike trails. I'm sick of rural roads.

Check out the Schwalbe Big Apple (http://store.biketouringnews.com/schwalbe-big-apple/) - could be a great alternative - wide but not as knobby.

[bmccasland]

Dear houseguest,

We're having seafood for dinner again tonight. Get the hint?

And there's a problem with the menu? What time is dinner? :p

[malkin]

((redrhodie))--that's a big mix of stuff. I'm amazed at how clearly and simply you can articulate those issues.

Let's all just drop in at Oak's house for seafood and then we'll leave.

(spell check wants me to call you 'rear')

[redrhodie]

Ha! Spellcheck is a wisenheimer. It likes to put 'a$$' in place of 'was' for me. It's only a matter of time before that bites me in the rear. ;)

The old friend and I exchanged emails. She said she loves and misses me, and is there if I need her. I wished her a happy birthday and said I didn't feel like talking. I'm not sure where it goes from here. I'm letting it rest for now.

[Crankin]

Went to the house inspection with DS and DIL. As I spent 2+ hours going through the process with them, I thought, how can this be? In my mind, my son is still 3 years old! Ack, it made me feel really old.
Which of course necessitated DH and I going out to dinner at an awesome Argentinian restaurant.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear houseguest,

We're having seafood for dinner again tonight. Get the hint?

Sounds delicious... :p

[Biciclista]

to whom it may concern
ok, so last week we broke my weekly bike commute because of totally ridiculous weather every single day. So this morning is the first dry morning (ie not raining/snowing) in almost 2 weeks and what, it's 29 degrees? My poor bike is groaning and moaning while my leg muscles quickly recede. ENOUGH already!!!!!!!

[spokewench]

to whom it may concern
ok, so last week we broke my weekly bike commute because of totally ridiculous weather every single day. So this morning is the first dry morning (ie not raining/snowing) in almost 2 weeks and what, it's 29 degrees? My poor bike is groaning and moaning while my leg muscles quickly recede. ENOUGH already!!!!!!!

Quit complaining - it could be worse. Beautiful weather, then lots of wind, then lots of snow (at least 2 feet) at my house. Just barely got out of my neighborhood by about 9:00 today in my subaru!

[Biciclista]

oh, rest my heart, TWO FEET OF SNOW????
I would NOT have left the house. :D

[Pax]

Dear Allergies,

Seriously?!?! You hit me so hard I feel like I have the flu... in March???

Please, for the sake of all that's good and right in the world, give me a break, I have enough on my plate dealing with my mom... and because of that have ZERO sick leave left.

I'm begging you.

:(

[Trek420]

Dear Team,

Good morning! I resign as of today.

I will miss all of you. I will even miss most but not all of our customers :rolleyes: as well as most but not all of management.

I started with Pacific Bell in collections, transferred to Disabled and Elderly in ’96 where we did a ton of good and had a ton of fun helping customers.

Now in a different department.

Meanwhile back “in real life” KnottedYet and I met in ’06. I know you told me “no dating outside of the local calling area”. Two years later she proposed on the golden Gate bridge on midsummer’s day! We got married in our church in October of 08.

So I’ve been trying to transfer to Seattle for a long time.

I’d like to have been able to stay with my AT&T family. I gave it the ol' college try, really I did. I tried all means of transferring and even some processes you can't imagine; followed the rules, broke the rules, looked outside of the company of course ... it was not to be. I'm missing opportunities with other companies which I know I'd get if I was right there.

I GIVE UP! Not on my long distance marriage, on you.

So today was my last day of work at da' phone company at least for now.

Tenants are moving into the condo, I'm moving out, I'm now "gainfully unemployed" and moving to live with my wife. :D

[five one]

Happy for you Trek! This has been a long time coming.

Best wishes to you and KnottedYet for many lovely years together!

[Catrin]

Congratulations Trek! This is such wonderful news for you and Knotted :D

[Pax]

Wonderful news Trek!!! Congratulations to you both.

[Biciclista]

Oh Trek!!! great news!! congratulations!

[indysteel]

Congratulations, Trek...to you and to Knotted. May the next chapter of your life bring you much happiness.

[emily_in_nc]

Awesome, Trek and Knotted! Happy to hear it. Best wishes to both of you!

[spokewench]

Yeah Trek and Knotted. I'm glad you will be together; hope you get a job soon!

[redrhodie]

Congratulations, trek and knot!

[Trek420]

hope you get a job soon! I do too but for now I'm mainly going to worry about getting everything into the pod ... and into our appt including the dog and two more bikes. :rolleyes:

[OakLeaf]

Congratulations Trek and Knotted!

[Crankin]

Mazel Tov!

[channlluv]

Woohoo! I hope you have a safe journey north. Love to both of you!

Roxy

[indysteel]

Love the new avatar, Roxy! You look so pretty!

[emily_in_nc]

Love the new avatar, Roxy! You look so pretty!

Wow, ditto! You look amazing! :p

[Trek420]

Mazel Tov! and the look on the managers faces when I announced "Oy Vey" ;) :p priceless.

But many of them knew I wanted to move and wished me well.

Love the new avatar, Roxy.

[jobob]

Cheers, Trek & Knott!

And Roxy, you look fabulous.

[bmccasland]

I do too but for now I'm mainly going to worry about getting everything into the pod ... and into our appt including the dog and two more bikes. :rolleyes:

Shoehorn? :rolleyes:

Congratulations Trek and Knotted!! :D

[bmccasland]

Dear Esteemed Colleague at a different Federal Agency,

I'm sorry for the confusion my agency caused. It wasn't my fault, but maybe you figured that out when you called the other person in my office today. I hope the last email I sent resolved the problem, and you can concur.

[Bethany1]

Dear Doc,

Thanks for putting me back together this morning. I feel so much better now. Hopefully in a few more days I'll be able to do some simple walking.


Dear Hubby,

Thank you for staying home and getting me to the doc today. I appreciate all you do.


Dear Hip and Sacrum,

Quit rotating. It hurts when you do this.



The owner of this falling apart body

[NbyNW]

Congrats, TreKnot! Long overdue. Best wishes for a smooth transition!

[channlluv]

Love the new avatar, Roxy! You look so pretty!

Thanks, everyone. I needed some new head shots because I'm overhauling my website and job hunting. DH bought me a great camera a while back and we've been adding to our equipment with the intention of taking it to the professional level. I'm almost there - studying hard and working on my portfolio.

I think he did a pretty good job.

Roxy

[ultraviolet]

Dear client,

Thanks for giving me the great gig, but starting tomorrow morning? Really? We just met today. That's some fast turnaround. I guess I should be getting myself to bed if we're going to kick off first thing in the morning.

Thankful but tired,
Me

[VeganBikeChick]

Wow Roxy. Hot mama!

[OakLeaf]

Looking good Rox! :D

[Owlie]

Thanks, everyone. I needed some new head shots because I'm overhauling my website and job hunting. DH bought me a great camera a while back and we've been adding to our equipment with the intention of taking it to the professional level. I'm almost there - studying hard and working on my portfolio.

I think he did a pretty good job.

Roxy

You look great, Roxy!

Dear Neck and Shoulder Muscles:
I cannot control what Immune System is doing. So I'm sorry if you were damaged by an pollen-induced sneezing fit on the bike yesterday. However, we have things to do tomorrow (like ensuring you don't hurt while riding the rest of the time), so I'd appreciate it if you'd stop swelling and leave Nerve alone. Nerve would also appreciate it.

[VeganBikeChick]

Dear Self,

Do not send out any more cover letters while sleep-deprived. Now 3 different hospitals know that you were applying to one specific hospital and I'm sure that won't put you at the top of their new hires list :(

Signed,

Get Some Rest

[alexis_the_tiny]

Whoa, Roxy, love the new avatar! It's gorgeous. :D

Congrats Trek and Knotted. Good luck with everything.

Dear weather,

give it a break already. The heat is nice but needing three showers a day and having the sweat start even before I step out of the shower might border on ridiculous. That sort of weather is for June. You have another three months to go. Now go back to sleep.

Dear brain,

quit reading the leaflet on the steroid eye drops that say you'll get glaucoma and go blind if you keep using it. Its a sad reality of our life. It's either potential glaucoma or I claw my eyes blind from the itch of conjunctivitis that no anti-histamine eyedrops can give relief to. Pick one.

[malkin]

All the best to Trek and Knot...


Hmmm...Pac Bell...collections...*embarrassed*...I wonder I ever had the benefit of your professional services way back when I was a Bay Area undergrad delinquent Pac Bell customer....but maybe it was only PG&E...

[Trek420]

All the best to Trek and Knot...


Hmmm...Pac Bell...collections...*embarrassed*...I wonder I ever had the benefit of your professional services way back when I was a Bay Area undergrad delinquent Pac Bell customer....but maybe it was only PG&E...

I was only in collections department for 6 months but if you'd talked to me I was about as friendly a rep as they go :D. I transfered to another department called D&A, then called PBAR, then called STAR, then called a half dozen or so department name changes after that but was a great job, that office moved, moved again, and again ... then our jobs went to Missouri :( we all went to a different departments ...

[Sky King]

Dear wholesale supplier,
Why when we are really starting to see some recognition with the product have you decided to change the design? WTF and why did you not anticipate spring ordering. It is a bike product for heaven's sake. Having invested thousands of dollars in growing the biz for you in the usa I am not a happy camper.

[withm]

Dear Delivery Person:

It's 4:30 on a beautiful sunny, 70oF Friday afternoon. For a change there is no wind.

And I'm stuck in the office for another HOUR waiting for you???? Please get un-lost and get your stuff over here so I can lock up and go ride my bike!

[ultraviolet]

Dear graphic designer,

You don't have to illustrate a company's entire business model in a single logo. For reference, please see...well, any of a number of logos for brands you know and love. You went to school for this, so I'm sure you have, or have seen resources you can reference. And even if you don't have resources, you can go outside and look at the signs and billboards all over the city we're working in.

When I said, "Wow, there's a lot going on there. Let's look for some ways to simplify and abstract some of those concepts," it wasn't meant to signal that it was time for you to describe the company's business model to me again. That meant it was time for you to go away and utilize the skills I assume you were hired for...namely, visually communicating concepts in clear and compelling ways. If all the client wanted was a literal graphic representation of their business model, anyone with Powerpoint and a reasonable clip art library could have done that.

Thanks,
Your new team lead (who, by the way, isn't very patient)

[Eden]

To whom it may concern:

I now know more about lard than I *ever* thought I would....

(anyone need a mason jar full.... I made more than I needed)

-the making empanada machine

[emily_in_nc]

To whom it may concern:

I now know more about lard than I *ever* thought I would....

(anyone need a mason jar full.... I made more than I needed)

-the making empanada machine

Make some suet for the birds! That's what we used to buy it for... :)

[Eden]

Oh dear.... I don't think I could waste it on the birdies.... I rendered it myself from local organic leaf lard.... too much work just to feed the birdies.

[Owlie]

To whom it may concern:

I now know more about lard than I *ever* thought I would....

(anyone need a mason jar full.... I made more than I needed)

-the making empanada machine

Empanadas? Can I come over?

Pie crusts? I know a number of people who insist that lard makes the best ones... Other pastry?

[Pax]

Dear Rick,

The lady that blindly turned left in front of you the other day didn't know that you were riding your motorcycle to see your gravely ill sister, she couldn't be bothered to look around before she turned her 6000lb. SUV right in front of you, she was busy, or distracted, or disinterested.

She killed you because whatever she was doing was more important. Your beloved wife of 31 years, your three kids, all the hundreds of friends you've made over the years, we'll all miss you terribly.

And to think, all she had to do was look where she was going.

Signed,

Your lost friend

[alexis_the_tiny]

To whom it may concern:

I now know more about lard than I *ever* thought I would....

(anyone need a mason jar full.... I made more than I needed)

-the making empanada machine

That sounds delicious. Make some pie crusts?

Pax, I'm so sorry about your friend.

Dear friend, today marks the 2nd year of the day some idiot drunk put an end to all your adventures in this world. Wherever you are, I hope you know how much of an inspiration you have always been and still are.

[indysteel]

(((Pax))). I'm so sorry you lost a friend. Hugs to you. Hang in there; I know this has been a rough spell for you.

[Reesha]

Oh Pax. I am so sorry. I really feel your anger there. :( :( :( I always feel that this stuff hits harder in the cycling/motorcycling community because of how aware we are that people are driving completely distracted all the time. I do my best to educate my 8th graders on the matter. Ugh.

[Reesha]

Oh dear.... I don't think I could waste it on the birdies.... I rendered it myself from local organic leaf lard.... too much work just to feed the birdies.

YUMMMMMMMMM. I always save my bacon fat for browning meat and sauteeing greens.

[Crankin]

Dear Self,
Please don't be mad at the 13 year old boy who will only talk to you when you are hiking in the woods. As in, the woods which were full of tics last week. First, I came home on Monday, stripped in my entry way and inspected myself. DH thought I had gone nuts.
I thought I found one attached to me the next morning, but no sign of any problems. When I was going to bed Thursday night, DH says, "What is that big black thing on your back?" Ahhh, a nice tic, firmly embedded :eek:.Got it out.
I went to the doc yesterday at lunch time. She said there's no sign of the "bulls eye," but I am taking 2-3 days of the horrible antibiotic to make sure. If nothing appears, I can stop. If I start getting symptoms, I have to take them for 3 weeks. Sure, I don't want Lyme Disease, but my stomach already feels puky after one dose.
I think the errant tic was in my running shoes which I wore on the hike, and wore Thursday morning to the gym.

[emily_in_nc]

Oh dear.... I don't think I could waste it on the birdies.... I rendered it myself from local organic leaf lard.... too much work just to feed the birdies.

Oh, I see! Didn't realize it had been so much work. Can it be frozen?

[bmccasland]

(((((Pax))))) So sorry for the loss of your friend. Love and prayers to his family.

[snapdragen]

I am so very sorry Pax.

[OakLeaf]

Oh Pax, that is so sad. I'm so sorry.


Crankin, wow, I didn't realize Lyme was so prevalent there that they'd treat without symptoms. :eek: Hope it turns out fine.

[Owlie]

((Pax))

[crazycanuck]

(((Pax))) I'm sorry to hear you lost your friend :(. I hope his family is being cared for & are surrounded by the ones they love.

Ian's father passed away yesterday & understand how you feel at the moment.

Dear People,
Can you get your $*(*%&%& together & stop been stupid hoons!!!
A friend's cyclist son was killed last week by a drag racing drunk $*$*$**$...

poo..

[Crankin]

Pax and CC, sorry for your losses.
Oak, Lyme is extremely prevalent here. And with the warm winter, the doc told me that they have been treating cases all winter. We have 2 neighbors who had significant neurological damage from Lyme disease from the era when people didn't often get treated until it was too late. I think I'm fine, no symptoms, so today will be my last day of the meds.

Dear people who came to the AMC Bike Workshop,
Get a better night's sleep. So many of you were nodding off and we were not boring!
I've done this for 5 years and this was a very unusual group; I hope you don't fall asleep if you come to the New Member's Ride :).

[bmccasland]

Dear Self,
Please remember to take your asthma meds PRIOR to mowing the lawn. Your airway and lungs would appreciate it.

At least they'll get a rest before you have to do that again. Or get some sheep. :D Or a lawn guy.

[Pax]

I vote for lawn guy. After years of suffering through yard work and being so messed up I couldn't go outside for days afterward... hired a guy to mow and now I get to spend time enjoying myself outside!

[emily_in_nc]

Pax -- so sorry about the loss of your friend. Sensless and tragic. :mad: :(

Dear upstairs neighbors,

Are you running a day care up there? I honestly thought that since your kids were grown, we wouldn't have herds of little elephants running across the floor above us and screaming quite so often. It's great that you've made so many new friends while you spend your winter holidays here, but how I yearn for some peace and quiet! Glad we're getting away for five days tomorrow. I need it badly before I say something I live to regret.

Dear self,

Never again buy or rent any place underneath anyone else!

[OakLeaf]

I wear an N95 mask to do yard work (and ride my moto) when pollen is high. The drugstore "pollen masks" are useless - the OSHA masks are well worth the extra couple of bucks.

I'm going to need some sheep for sure. Maybe we should have a collective TE flock to travel with the seasons. :D Most people up home have already mowed two or three times, and we won't even be home for another three weeks or so ... just hoping all the mower needs is fresh gas and a battery charge ... :eek:

[spokewench]

((Pax and CC))

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear Self,
Please remember to take your asthma meds PRIOR to mowing the lawn. Your airway and lungs would appreciate it.

At least they'll get a rest before you have to do that again. Or get some sheep. :D Or a lawn guy.

I vote for the sheep. Sheep's milk cheese is delicious...

[Sky King]

Dear Rain,
Just stop! No deep water classes this week because of spring break and I was really planning some good bike rides to compensate and test out the stronger legs

[marni]

I vote for the sheep. Sheep's milk cheese is delicious...

as a hand spinner and hand weaver and knitter I second the motion!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear Dr. Drunk, the last time some rich person in a big car killed a cyclist and ran off, they pleaded not knowing that they hit someone. Now you're pleading the same thing too? Jeez, dude, you hit TWO cyclists. And killed one. Come on. Whatever. I have no faith in the justice system here. Just for drinking and driving alone, there's a special place in afterlife for you and I'll bet it's not gonna be a pleasant one.

On a totally unrelated note...

Dear school doctor, I love you. Thank you for finally taking me seriously when I say I've had allergies pretty much ALL THE DANG TIME for the last 20 years or so. And thank you for giving me a medication I can use long term without any horrible side effects because you get it that I don't see my allergies for a few days, I see them for years. I could have done without the where I'm at risk for asthma but, well, can't blame you for that one, I blame my cruddy immune system.

[lph]

Dear Body,

yah, you rock! After three weeks of sneezing and coughing and congestion and bronchitis and fever and chills and headaches and no hearing or sense of smell or taste, you pulled through, all on your own without any help from meds. Ok, so you're you're still expending blobs of bright yellow something from your breathing apparatus, and you're a little pudgy round the middle and not about to pass anyone on the daily commute for a long time yet, but dang, you whupped that virus! Proud of you :)

- your surprisingly patient brain

[Blueberry]

Dear Real Estate Agents showing houses:

When you schedule an appointment on an hour's notice, we re-arrange our day and bust our butts to have the house perfect, it would be really awesome if you actually showed up. I wouldn't think you would have a conflict come up that quickly.

It would also be nice (for those of you who have come through) if you would not track so much mud that we have to mop the floors between every showing. We have inside mats and outside mats, and there's really not much mud in our yard. What gives?

While we're on the subject, feedback of "I didn't realize it only had one bathroom" or "we didn't realize it was so small" just means that you are incapable of reading. All of these things are listed on the MLS. Feedback that it should be listed for <significantly less> than it is isn't helpful either. We're squarely in the range every agent told us to list it. Since you are the only one who has made such a comment (out of many, many showings), you are clearly an outlier.

Signed,

Sick, cranky, and tired of being booted away from home and office for NO reason

[indysteel]

(((Blueberry))). FWIW, I asked people to take their shoes off when viewing my house. As far as I know, they complied (it was winter and the carpeted floors were cleaned before it went on the market). I left a tray for the shoes near the front door.

The post-viewing comments are THE WORST. They always left me feeling so dejected. It takes some emotional fortitude to sell a home in this market; more than I often had.

[Blueberry]

Thanks, Indy. We've asked that people take their shoes off (including in the showing instructions), and have a shoe tray by the front door. They just aren't very good at complying. It's definitely not the norm around here.

The first few showings were bumpy because (unbeknownst to us) the housekeepers hadn't paid the attention to detail we wanted, our agent didn't catch it, and the house was sort of a mess (piles of magazines the housekeeper wanted so we didn't recycle, furniture pulled out). We've gotten feedback that it's showing well from lots of agents (including the ones who didn't realize we only have 1 bath) since we've been doing what I think we need to do.

I still say we're lucky. We're mostly not taking this to heart. We've only been on the market a week and 2 days, and we're showing multiple times most days - so great news there. We've heard suggestions of offers, but nothing yet. We came home from California with a really crappy bug and it's taking us a while to shake it (not to mention we're coughing a lot at night - so not sleeping). Things just seem so much worse when you don't feel good. And this is such an emotional process to begin with. I'm glad I have TE as a place to vent!

[indysteel]

That's great that you're getting good traffic. Hopefully, you'll get a nibble/bite soon! Sending positive vibes your way!

[Blueberry]

Oh boy - more real estate agent issues.

Dear showing agents:

Lock the frigging door. It's not that hard. My back door should NOT have been standing open when I got home (don't know if you left it unlocked and it blew open, or you left it open). Not cool. Glad nothing (that I see) is missing - but I'm going to be a little paranoid for a while. I'm *really* trying to be good about not flipping out about the house being on the market and trudging through it - but this *is not helping*.

[Sky King]

Blueberry,
When I sold my last place, I wouldn't leave the house until I saw the whites of their eyes. I would take the dog and go for a walk. (I worked from home) So at least I knew if they showed up and I never gave them more than 30 minutes and usually did a loop so I could see the house and tell if the cars were still there. Good Luck!

[VeganBikeChick]

Dear Karma,

Thank you for being so kind to me lately; now if only you could find me a job where I want to be.

Thanks,
Not Asking Too Much ;)

[alexis_the_tiny]

(((Blueberry))) Boy, that sounds like fun. Not. Maybe they need visual cues. Like "Please take off your shoes" and "Please lock the door" signs where appropriate. Some people just can't do without visual prompts. I have lots of PDFs for signs like that and will happily share. ;) Good luck with the house. :)

[OakLeaf]

Dear neighbor,

It's good that you like to keep your driveway looking nice. But it is really not necessary to use your two-stroke leaf blower to blow each leaf off the second it falls from the tree. And even if it were, it shouldn't take more than a few seconds per leaf.

[snapdragen]

Dear neighbor,

It's good that you like to keep your driveway looking nice. But it is really not necessary to use your two-stroke leaf blower to blow each leaf off the second it falls from the tree. And even if it were, it shouldn't take more than a few seconds per leaf.

Oh gawd, I had a neighbor like that. He'd chase one leaf around his yard. I feel your pain OakLeaf. ;)

[maillotpois]

I'm late here - been away for much of the week but PAX I have to say I am so sorry about your friend. Always horrible to hear of a fellow motorcyclist (or cyclist) falling victim to an inattentive driver.

[SallyRides]

Dear Wind Gods - 3 out of 4 directions?? Really? What did I DO this week to deserve such a work out? Thank you so much, and now I expect tailwinds 3 out of 4 directions next weekend!! :-)

SR

[Pax]

I'm late here - been away for much of the week but PAX I have to say I am so sorry about your friend. Always horrible to hear of a fellow motorcyclist (or cyclist) falling victim to an inattentive driver.

Thank you. It really gave me pause, I was in the middle of shopping for a new bike and it sorta stopped me in my tracks.

Did a lot of thinking and realized I can't give up something I love this much, so I went ahead and got the new bike.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Did a lot of thinking and realized I can't give up something I love this much, so I went ahead and got the new bike.

Do what you love and never let anyone scare you into giving it up!

[maillotpois]

Do what you love and never let anyone scare you into giving it up!

Good statement!

So Pax, what'd you get? :D

[Pax]

Good statement!

So Pax, what'd you get? :D

Got an '09 (new in the crate) Yamaha FZ6R, figured I needed to get my squid phase over before I'm too old. :p

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb217/Deepliquid/photo-1-1.jpg

[snapdragen]

WOW! :cool:


Got an '09 (new in the crate) Yamaha FZ6R, figured I needed to get my squid phase over before I'm too old. :p

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb217/Deepliquid/photo-1-1.jpg

[OakLeaf]

Very nice!

[Blueberry]

Congrats, Pax! She's a beauty:)

[maillotpois]

Double WOW - hot bike!

[Pax]

Double WOW - hot bike!

It brings out my inner hooligan. All I can say is I'm SO thankful they didn't have these when I was 16, I had to try and kill myself on a 125cc Honda instead. :p

[Sky King]

I thought being a mom of little kids was a challenge, until they grew up. Son had a 2nd bike stolen yesterday, 3 months to the day of the 1st bike being stolen. Is hard to be supportive while wanting to scream. My telling him he is an idiot probably isn't a good idea.

[Pax]

I thought being a mom of little kids was a challenge, until they grew up. Son had a 2nd bike stolen yesterday, 3 months to the day of the 1st bike being stolen. Is hard to be supportive while wanting to scream. My telling him he is an idiot probably isn't a good idea.

I don't know how you moms do it. The young man I share an office with is always losing his cell phone, getting his bike stolen, breaking his glasses, forgetting appointments, etc. As a coworker I can watch in mild amusement, if I were his mother, I'd kill him.

[malkin]

Dear Box Elder Bugs,

GET A ROOM!!!!!

[ultraviolet]

Dear friend,

I'm sorry I failed to wish you a happy birthday until most of the day was gone. It wasn't because I forgot about your birthday, it was because I had one of those days that included running around, talking, and putting out fires from the minute my feet hit the floor this morning (and I stupidly checked email before even managing to brush my teeth). Today's date didn't even fully register in my brain until about 30 seconds before I sent you that birthday message a few minutes ago.

I'll make it up to you this weekend when you're finally back in town from your own crazy work adventures. Promise.

Love,
me

[malkin]

Tell your friend she cancelebrate her birthday for at least a week. Maybe a month. Maybe all the time or any time.

:)

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear Good Friday holiday, thank you for turning up. Also, thank you for coinciding with the LAST DAY OF THE GEN PSYCH CLASS! OMG! PSYCH!!! I apologize for sounding like an overexcited teenage girl but the rest has been much looked forward to. Now for an awesome weekend with a chilled out canine pal with loads of long walks and coffees at dog friendly cafes...:cool:

[SheFly]

Tell your friend she cancelebrate her birthday for at least a week. Maybe a month. Maybe all the time or any time.

:)

Indeed - a birthday jubilee! I like to extend my celebration as long as possible, and if someone is later with a wish, it makes it even more special later :D

SheFly

[limewave]

My good friend's birthday was yesterday and I was belated in wishing her well too :o She got a brand spankin' new Speciliazed Fate conv. to SS for her birthday!!!!:D:D:D:D I'm not jealous at all :p

[maillotpois]

Dear Silly Mortgage Broker woman - We're done with you. Delay delay delay - then sudden emergency to get you stuff that's completely over the top. After we had to write you a letter as to why we wanted this house. Whatever. Escrow closed. We're good for it.

Trying to get a mortgage in the "post crash" world is beyond absurd.

[Pax]

Dear Silly Mortgage Broker woman - We're done with you. Delay delay delay - then sudden emergency to get you stuff that's completely over the top. After we had to write you a letter as to why we wanted this house. Whatever. Escrow closed. We're good for it.

Trying to get a mortgage in the "post crash" world is beyond absurd.

Agree 100%, we can't even get them to call/email us back about a refi, we have off the chart credit scores and all of our bills combined don't equal 30% of our income. Don't they want the business?? :confused:

[maillotpois]

Agree 100%, we can't even get them to call/email us back about a refi, we have off the chart credit scores and all of our bills combined don't equal 30% of our income. Don't they want the business?? :confused:

I know, right? Our loan was tiny. Crazy.

[Pax]

I know, right? Our loan was tiny. Crazy.

You'd think loans like ours would be welcome easy slam dunks, with people working in an industry where getting a qualified applicant is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

[maillotpois]

You'd think loans like ours would be welcome easy slam dunks, with people working in an industry where getting a qualified applicant is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Right. I don't understand it either. But I have heard all over that's how it is.

[Reesha]

Dear Big Ride Supporters,

Thank you!!! I have reached my fundraising minimum of $6,000 as of today! I am going on the BIG RIDE!!! :D :D :D

Onward to $8,000 :)

[Catrin]

Dear Big Ride Supporters,

Thank you!!! I have reached my fundraising minimum of $6,000 as of today! I am going on the BIG RIDE!!! :D :D :D

Onward to $8,000 :)


Yayyyyyyyyyyyyy!

[indysteel]

That's awesome, Reesha. Best of luck getting to your $8k goal!

[snapdragen]

Dear Big Ride Supporters,

Thank you!!! I have reached my fundraising minimum of $6,000 as of today! I am going on the BIG RIDE!!! :D :D :D

Onward to $8,000 :)

Excellent!!!!!!!

[Owlie]

Dear Big Ride Supporters,

Thank you!!! I have reached my fundraising minimum of $6,000 as of today! I am going on the BIG RIDE!!! :D :D :D

Onward to $8,000 :)

YAY!

Dear self:
Please sort yourself out. This week, you've ridden twice and nothing else has been accomplished. Actually, nothing (school-wise) has been accomplished for the last two weeks. The exam's on the 26th and all the material is weird. And if you get this job, you'll have less time. Stop doing nothing on the internet all evening and get sh*t done.
Love, me.

[azfiddle]

Dear self-

You know you're just taking the short story writing class for fun. And you have 100% in the class and the teacher keeps giving you great feedback.

Why are you feeling so funny and insecure about taking a risk on a fantasy genre story for the assignment you just turned in?

Me

[jobob]

Yay Reesha!

[Crankin]

Congrats, Reesha. I can't even imagine raising that much. In fact, I can't imagine raising any money, which is why I don't do charity rides.
The mortgage stuff... we just finished a refi on Tuesday. It was all done on line. In the process, we got asked about a million times to send documents that had been sent the minute they had been originally requested. They kept asking us about where to send the check to pay off our second. Duh, we paid that off ourselves before closing and the refi had nothing to do with that. Let's just say DH had plenty to say to the customer service rep.
Our credit is just about perfect and we had no trouble getting the loan. They just treated us like stupid sh*ts once we were in the process.

[Reesha]

In fact, I can't imagine raising any money, which is why I don't do charity rides.

LOL! Yeah, I used to feel that way too, especially at the start. I thought I would never get to $6,000, let alone $8,000. There were times I've been so disappointed I cried... but honestly, people have surprised me. Asking for money is really hard, and kind of annoying, even if it's for a good cause. I've gotten better at it in the last 7 months, but still... I hate bugging people, especially during times of economic hardship.

Congrats on the refinance! When I bought my house my parents gave me important advice (this was in person financing)... if you act deliberate, skeptical, and ask tough questions, they will treat you better. I figure with online processing there's not as much opportunity for people to see that you're not going to get bowled over by them.

[Reesha]

Dear self,

This week in cycling practice has been awful. What is up? Is it allergies? You are barely hanging on with the high school kids where before spring break you could kick all their skinny little butts. Maybe it's because you haven't been weight lifting 1x per week like your PT says you should for the last four or five weeks. Argh.

[maillotpois]

Congrats Reesha!!!

[Owlie]

Dear flash drive,
Where did you go? I really hope you're chilling at home, or in the back of A's car. While there's nothing on there that's really important (that's not backed up on my computer's hard drive and/or my external), it's really annoying. Also, I don't want to have to buy another one.

[five one]

Dear Big Ride Supporters,

Thank you!!! I have reached my fundraising minimum of $6,000 as of today! I am going on the BIG RIDE!!! :D :D :D

Onward to $8,000 :)

Reaching your minimum is such a great feeling. You'll make that $8000. I know it.

[Sky King]

Dear BIL,
Really another vehicle, don't you ever feel embarrassed. I realize you are a "doctor" but good grief, share some of your wealth with the less fortunate. I don't enjoy visiting my sister anymore as the over indulging lifestyle you two have adopted just makes me sad. OH and yes, we do have a website, I know, it is shocking to think your "poor" relatives know how to write and may have something to offer to the rest of the world.
Dear Little bro,
Thank you for having such a wonderful family, helps to offset the pain of visiting the family note above :)

[Owlie]

Dear various hammerheads on trail:
For your information, the ox-like sounds of your breathing do not qualify as giving an audible signal when passing, especially not on a windy day.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear various hammerheads on trail:
For your information, the ox-like sounds of your breathing do not qualify as giving an audible signal when passing, especially not on a windy day.

Loved the "ox-like sounds" part. :p

Dear online continuing education, thank you for existing. With your help, I finally scored the first 'A' grade in about...a decade and get a second shot at school again. That feeling of finally achieving something you watched your peers so effortlessly achieve but somehow you've never managed to? Fantabulous. Just frickin' fantabulous. :D Never mind that it's about 5 years later.

[solobiker]

Dear PRN therapist..I respect you for your clinical skill but please please tone it down a bit. You are quite loud and are a close talker. Please get the hint when I sit on my desk and lean way back away from you as you continue to lean in towards me. Also please don't belittle me in front of my patients and or the nurses. You only work in this building on the occasional weekend and weekdays. Putting me down or blaming me for our missunderstandings makes for a tough work environment. Please grow up...you are 63.

[Catrin]

Dear Co-Worker,

This is none of my business but I want to say something so badly that I can almost taste it. You are a young man with children and a happy marriage - you and your family rock. Do you have the slightest idea what it does to your body to eat no less than 3 hot dogs + buns (3) for lunch every single day? When you don't have 3 hot dogs lined up, you have three big sausages lined up. The microwave is outside of my door so I don't have to look to see what you are eating, the nose tells all. You have done this for well over a year now.

You look like you are in good shape, and you do active things with your family - but this can't be good for your heart health in the long term. However, it is indeed your body, and your choice what you put in it. At least you don't have to wonder what you will have for lunch...there, now I have it out of my system.

Your nosy co-worker

[Owlie]

Dear university tutoring service:
Okay, how do I not meet your needs? I suspect it has something to do with the fact that I'm not eligible for work-study. :mad:
Continuing the job search with a due sense of resignation,
Me.

Dear universe:
If you could somehow point me in the direction of (legal!) part time work that would take into account my school schedule and let me finish my thesis, that would be pretty awesome. The university either wants ALL OF MY TIME, undergrads, or work-study students.

[Bethany1]

Dear Self,

Take a chill pill and relax. Yes, last week was hard and you've been more than whiny but this week relax and enjoy. So far so good.

Dear Mukluk,

Dang. I had no idea what a workout you'd give me. It's not surprising, just more work than I thought. However; it's been great riding on gravel.


Dear Fargo,

What's up with your cassette? It's always the same two cogs that the chain keeps trying to get up/down on. You've had 3 shops look at it and they can't find anything wrong but you always do this out on the roads.

[SallyRides]

Dear Foot,

It's been almost 4 months since surgery!! 4 months! That seems like a LONG time. My broken pelvis healed and felt better in less time.......... so why do you still ache and swell up when I try and do a little 5K run??? Grr! So frustrating. I guess I'll back off again, and go back to run-walk-run-walk.... so not fun. :-(

At least I can ride pain-free - Yay! That makes it bearable.

SR

[Owlie]

((SallyRides)) Remember, you're putting a lot of force through your foot when you run. And there are loads of tendons and ligaments that are finicky. Not just bone. Don't rush it. I know it's frustrating, but hang in there. Hey, at least you can ride.

Dear Adobe Reader:
WHY did you decide to update in the middle of my working on my presentation, and require a system restart to be able to continue? I was perfectly happy with the non-updated version, thank you. I suppose I shall have to get up early and finish it after all. Jerkface.

[Catrin]

Dear Foot,

It's been almost 4 months since surgery!! 4 months! That seems like a LONG time. My broken pelvis healed and felt better in less time.......... so why do you still ache and swell up when I try and do a little 5K run??? Grr! So frustrating. I guess I'll back off again, and go back to run-walk-run-walk.... so not fun. :-(

At least I can ride pain-free - Yay! That makes it bearable.

SR

Congratulations on the improvement! I've had foot surgery...it does take much longer to fully recover than we think it will - at least that was my experience. It WILL improve though - I feel your frustration. Our poor feet do take a lot of stress...

[Reesha]

Dear self,

This week in cycling practice has been awful. What is up? Is it allergies? You are barely hanging on with the high school kids where before spring break you could kick all their skinny little butts. Maybe it's because you haven't been weight lifting 1x per week like your PT says you should for the last four or five weeks. Argh.


So I figured out what was going on. Apparently I wasn't eating enough and have been fueling my rides with my own muscle tissue. Hopefully now that I recognize this and can cram as much food as possible down my throat, it won't be an issue anymore. I'd rather gain a few pounds of fat pre-cross-country ride and have the muscle to do the racing this spring, than lose muscle continuously. OUCH.

[OakLeaf]

Dear Carolina wren family,

I'm really sorry I had to move your nest. It couldn't stay in the wheelbarrow. I need to use it, I need to use the other things that were stashed in the wheelbarrow, and I need to get the other things out of the garage that live behind the wheelbarrow.

I hope momma finds the nest and is okay with where I put it, and that babies don't get too hungry or cold while she's adjusting. Sorry sorry sorry. :(

[VeganBikeChick]

Dear Self,

Please pull it together for your last few shifts at your old job before your new one starts. According to a coworker, it's going to be a h*llish 6 nights ahead, but you can do it. A little emergency chocolate never hurt, either.

Signed,
Dreading what lies ahead

[solobiker]

Dear Self,

Please pull it together for your last few shifts at your old job before your new one starts. According to a coworker, it's going to be a h*llish 6 nights ahead, but you can do it. A little emergency chocolate never hurt, either.

Signed,
Dreading what lies ahead

Good luck and I hope it is not too bad. I have been there and it is not fun. It will be over soon. :)

[VeganBikeChick]

Thanks, solo. Tonight is going much better than I had expected.

[lph]

I hope momma finds the nest and is okay with where I put it, and that babies don't get too hungry or cold while she's adjusting. Sorry sorry sorry. :(

Awww. :)

I'm sure they'll make it!

[Reesha]

Dear friends at TeamE!

The trailer for the documentary I worked on last summer-- a sailing adventure to see an Iceberg-- is finally out! About 1/3 of the footage you see in the trailer is footage that I captured while I was with them on the boat. I am so excited! Pass it along if you enjoyed it :) The movie is due to be released this summer-- we are planning to submit to various film festivals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMHaPyl_6oM&feature=youtu.be

[jobob]

Cool! If DH and I head up to Ashland next year for his birthday, and if next years' Ashland Independent Film Festival is held at the same time as this years', I'll make sure to look for it in the list of documentaries!

(we were supposed to be up in Ashland for part of this week, not for the film festival per se but to hang out in the area, but the weather is so crummy right now we decided to give it a pass)

[Eden]

Dude on the MUP....

I held my tongue (and nose) in person, but dude..... you are not cool or fast.... I rode the MUP yesterday to keep myself in check and doing the recovery ride I had scheduled. Had you simply passed me decisively and gone I would not have cared an ounce, but no you had to slide directly in front of me then proceed to go no faster than I had been while I was stretching out my shoulders.... even that wouldn't have been a bother but your aroma was quite offensive and your accelerations out of the many stop signs in that stretch were weak to say the least. It was either slow way down, sit pretty or re pass you. Since I knew it would turn into a pissing contest, even at that I held off re-passing you, but sorry the odor was really getting to me and I did have to get home. Sorry if you had to get your manly hackles up and go tearing down the MUP when I finally stopped for a cross street and you did not. Thank god for the slight downhill.... it gave you enough speed that I didn't have to smell you any more.

[shootingstar]

It's difficult enough to return from fair, blossoming weather in Vancouver to Calgary's wet snow weather with brown fields right now.

[Owlie]

Dear brain:
Yes, I know I forgot to give you caffeine this morning. Stop being fuzzy.

[Blueberry]

Dear Buyer:

Thank you for making an offer. We really, really hope this goes through.

Dear Real Estate Agent:

I am NOT pleased that you are handing out our lock box code to any and everyone. Especially after the whole we found the house wide open when we came home thing. I thought people like appraisers and inspectors usually came under your supervision (at least that's what you told me to get me to agree to the lock box in the first place). You've told me I absolutely can't be here. Now, you're telling me you can't be here, and the other agent won't be either. Telling me you "already gave them the code" isn't comforting. We still *live* here with our pets. I don't even know who these people are.

While we're at it - when I asked you to negotiate your commission, you asked me "what part of my marketing plan do you not want me to do?" My question for you now is "what part of your marketing plan did you actually do?" (other than hammer us to drop the price - the price you were so sure about - the night before we got an offer). I have written off your entire profession as unsavory. You have re-confirmed my crappy experiences.

Dear World:

Please let this actually close, and let us find good rental housing. This whole process is sucking.

[marni]

I would check out what the BBB has to say about your real estate agents actions. Sounds to me like she has yet to earn her commission and her actions have resulted in a threat to your mental and physical safety. I mean come on- Really???

I hope the sale goes through and that you are soon clear of this hoopla.

I have sold two houses both with kids and animals still living in the house. That is the closest I have ever come to deserting my life, husband, children and animals and becoming a recluse hermit totally off the grid.

Sterkte and hang tough.

marni

[Blueberry]

Thanks, Marni. I'm probably going to delete my little rant. She's within what the MLS allows here in terms of who can have a lock box code. The appraiser has it - and is apparently allowed to because he's an "MLS Member." The inspector doesn't and won't have it - unless he also happens to be an MLS member. She can't control whether the other agent is here the whole time, and says she can't be here because the info is proprietary. Gah! Otherwise, the contracts are very "squishy" as to what an agent does or doesn't have to do to market - and there's not much recourse that I can see. Her reputation is great - I just think she was too busy for us - and it showed.

I'm just mostly sick and tired of having my personal space invaded and having to get out of my house (she wants us out for 4 hours for the home inspection). Nevermind finding rental housing with pets and not signing a lease until the stupid "due diligence period" during which a buyer can walk away for no reason is over (we have to be OUT 2 weeks after the end of that time). The committee that re-wrote our contract was definitely pro-buyer.

[Owlie]

Dear every scholarship application ever,
Why do you want me to write about my goals? I don't really have any beyond "get into PhD program" right now, and that's really boring.

[marni]

blueberry,

as for finding a rental with animals, I have been there also. We found that if we offered to include an animal damage deposit along with our first and last month deposit and were willing to have a before and after inspection and an agreement that we would pay for all damage, that eventually the rentee or landlord would be a bit more flexible.

marni

[Blueberry]

I missed the delete window. Ah well.

The issue we have is that the same thing that is making it a good time to sell (residents, post docs, etc coming into town) means the rentals are really competitive. Since we're still in the period where the buyer could walk away, we can't sign a lease. So all the good stuff we've found - is gone.

[emily_in_nc]

I missed the delete window. Ah well.

The issue we have is that the same thing that is making it a good time to sell (residents, post docs, etc coming into town) means the rentals are really competitive. Since we're still in the period where the buyer could walk away, we can't sign a lease. So all the good stuff we've found - is gone.

Urghhh... This buyer walk-away period is a new thing in NC, isn't it? I can't recall having to deal with it the last time we sold a home, and definitely not the last time we bought one. Sure makes it tough to be a seller! :(

[Blueberry]

Yes - I don't know exactly when it changed, but it's definitely new. It wasn't in the contract when we bought this house 6 years ago. I've been scratching my head trying to figure out what in the world the drafters were thinking. I'm not sure they were.

[malkin]

Dear every scholarship application ever,
Why do you want me to write about my goals? I don't really have any beyond "get into PhD program" right now, and that's really boring.

Who knows why they always want this. Maybe to see if you can write fiction or to put up with some of the nonsense that awaits you in graduate school. You can dream something up. Stick with an idea you want to pursue rather than the tired old "I just want to help people."

[limewave]

Dear TE Friends,

I feel so lucky to be part of such a great supportive, giving, and thoughtful community. Thank you so much!!!

Ride on--
Limewave

[Owlie]

Dear TE:

Talk me out of a cat!

[Blueberry]

Dear Owlie:

We much as we love our pets (and we really, really do), finding rental housing with them is proving to be a b$#%&. We're going to have to pay huge deposits. If we can find somewhere. We've been homeowners, so it wasn't an issue. Now it is. (Granted one cat isn't our heard, but still.....most places charge a deposit if not pet rent too).

You're in grad school. You want to travel. You want flexibility. Tie yourself down later - not now.

If you want to cuddle one, volunteer with a rescue!

[Owlie]

Dear Owlie:

We much as we love our pets (and we really, really do), finding rental housing with them is proving to be a b$#%&. We're going to have to pay huge deposits. If we can find somewhere. We've been homeowners, so it wasn't an issue. Now it is. (Granted one cat isn't our heard, but still.....most places charge a deposit if not pet rent too).

You're in grad school. You want to travel. You want flexibility. Tie yourself down later - not now.

If you want to cuddle one, volunteer with a rescue!

Yep--the deposit and monthly rent increase by itself is manageable at my current place. Intellectually, I know adopting a cat right now is not the best idea--I'd have to figure out vet care, kitty food (and treats), litter and where to put it. And while I know cats are adaptable, this place is a little small for me and a cat. (Heck, it's a little small for just me!) Never mind the whole having to potentially move across the country with the critter, and there's the whole problem of declawing that seems to be required by every apartment complex ever, finding a place that does take pets (though cats don't present the same problem that dogs do). Plus I'd be a first-time cat owner. I'd rather have the boyfriend around because he at least knows something about taking care of one.

I entertained the idea because I wanted some companionship. It's freaking lonely around here. And weekends suck. I wish the department had the money to keep the cats around as therapy animals. Made yesterday much better.

[Veronica]

Dear Colleague,

Do you really think sending me an email at 9:30 PM asking me to provide documentation for a 7:45 AM meeting the next day was professional? You arranged this meeting and you left all the paperwork to the last minute. I'll get the documentation, because it will benefit the child, but my opinion of you has dropped another notch.

Veronica

[Crankin]

The poor organizational skills of many adults never cease to amaze me...

[Reesha]

Dear stomach,

I miss those days when you were satisfied with one breakfast per day and a morning snack. I don't like these hunger pangs every two hours I don't feed you. I know I'm working you harder than ever, but it's a rest day... take a rest too!

[limewave]

Dear Ovarian Cyst--

You suck. Rupturing this morning is totally screwing with my training schedule today. :mad: I'll feel too sick and too nauseated to do anything.

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

~Limewave

[indysteel]

Dear Ovarian Cyst--

You suck. Rupturing this morning is totally screwing with my training schedule today. :mad: I'll feel too sick and too nauseated to do anything.

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

~Limewave

((((Limewave)))). Gosh, I sure hope you feel better soon. Are there any serious complications that can arise from a ruptured ovarian cyst?

[snapdragen]

Dear Ovarian Cyst--

You suck. Rupturing this morning is totally screwing with my training schedule today. :mad: I'll feel too sick and too nauseated to do anything.

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

~Limewave

(((Limewave)))

I've got one that the doc is "watching". I have a feeling my next check up it will be removed. I have no idea what that entails.

[limewave]

My doc said that they don't remove the cysts, they wait for them to dissipate or rupture. I get them about every 6 months and they always rupture on me--because of the physical activities I do (running, mountain biking). In rare cases there can be serious issues, but 99.9% of the time the only side effect is extreme side pain followed by nausea and cramping for anywhere from 24-48 hours.

Snapdragon, I'd be curious to find out if your doc does remove yours. If you don't mind sharing and you do have it removed, I'd like to find out what is involved as well.

[snapdragen]

She said she'd only remove it if it continued to grow. I've had two ultrasounds, second one showed it was growing.

[Owlie]

Dear Ovarian Cyst--

You suck. Rupturing this morning is totally screwing with my training schedule today. :mad: I'll feel too sick and too nauseated to do anything.

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

~Limewave

((Limewave))

Dear people in my life:
When it rains, it pours, I guess. Wow. And I thought I had problems. V--It sucks, but keep going. You'll get through this. I know it.
Love,
Me.

[indysteel]

Dear me: Get on the spin bike right now, missy. When are mid-climb next week, you'll thank me.

[Pax]

(((Limewave))) Hope you feel better asap.

[OakLeaf]

((((((Limewave))))) Feel better soon.

[Pax]

Dear guy from another forum,

Why is it when you decided to get mad at me, you automatically go for degradation. You could simply stop talking to me, or tell me you didn't like something I said, but no, you have to get personal, following me around the forum from thread to thread calling me the "c" word.

Luckily for me, I can simply stop interacting with you, such is the joy of the internet. But I feel very sorry for women in your real life.

Signed,

You don't matter silly man

[Catrin]

Dear Self:

Before making public posts prior to the first cup of coffee of the day - just DON'T DO IT! Apparently your brain doesn't work properly prior to that first cup and ill-chosen words can be harmful regardless of intention :( :o

[Blueberry]

Dear Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:

I have gladly donated to support people who were doing rides to benefit your charity. And I don't begrudge them *at all*. You have, however, called my house *every single day* for a very long time. You finally decided to talk to by DH who answered (and usually answers because of our schedules) the phone. You did NOT need to be rude to him when he explained that we donated to support friends who ride, but were not interested in spamming our neighbors with mail to support your cause. You also didn't need to be rude when he declined to give you more money over the phone at this time. You wouldn't have had my information but for my donation. I gave you an inch, you tried to take a mile - not going to make that mistake again. Next time, I'll support other charities.

Signed,

Disgruntled

[Trek420]

Dear Self:

Before making public posts prior to the first cup of coffee of the day - just DON'T DO IT! Apparently your brain doesn't work properly prior to that first cup and ill-chosen words can be harmful regardless of intention :( :o

So just making sure; you're not actually the guy cyber-stalking Pax on the other forum, right? :rolleyes: ;) :p

[Catrin]

So just making sure; you're not actually the guy cyber-stalking Pax on the other forum, right? :rolleyes: ;) :p

Thankfully no - it isn't THAT bad :) The comment was actually made on TE - it was a very poorly worded comparison between two fitness facilities but it looked like I was blasting my former trainer. I KNOW better than to compare, especially on the internet :eek: What made matters worse was that he & his wife saw it within an hour or so after posting :o

[Crankin]

Yes, I have to remind myself that it would be pretty easy to identify me by others who live around here and are active in the cycling community. My nasty comments about my LBS were read by them and while I am glad they did read this, it made me cautious about other stuff.

[Catrin]

It has been a painful lesson, but that is life - the irony of it was that right before I heard from him I was getting ready to go and remove that comment. Just a reminder to think 3 times before hitting that post button - and 5 times if it is before coffee!

[Owlie]

Dear spider:
I don't mind you being here, but could you remove yourself from the wall? You're freaky-looking (though probably harmless) and you're hanging out right next to the switch for my lamp...

[redrhodie]

Dear Chick on my group ride who thinks she's my coach,

Your unsolicited advice was both insulting and annoying. I wasn't struggling, I was waiting for my friend. Please mind your own business from now on, and a little less blabbing would also be appreciated. You talk too much.

[Owlie]

Dear ankle:
Why are you hurting again? You haven't DONE anything.

[laura*]

Dear opposable thumb:

We're sorry that your hurting. However, it's your own damn fault - you insist on doing everything by yourself. There's four of us and only one of you. Now it looks like we may have to team up with Ms. Palm to do some of your job.

signed
index finger,
middle finger,
ring finger,
and pinky finger.

[jobob]

Dear Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:

I have gladly donated to support people who were doing rides to benefit your charity. And I don't begrudge them *at all*. You have, however, called my house *every single day* for a very long time. You finally decided to talk to by DH who answered (and usually answers because of our schedules) the phone. You did NOT need to be rude to him when he explained that we donated to support friends who ride, but were not interested in spamming our neighbors with mail to support your cause. You also didn't need to be rude when he declined to give you more money over the phone at this time. You wouldn't have had my information but for my donation. I gave you an inch, you tried to take a mile - not going to make that mistake again. Next time, I'll support other charities.

Signed,

Disgruntled

I agree, LLS has become very intrusive. As have some other charities, but LLS is at the top of that heap. I've given loads of $$ and time to LLS but I'm much less inclined to do so nowadays.

[Pax]

I agree, LLS has become very intrusive. As have some other charities, but LLS is at the top of that heap. I've given loads of $$ and time to LLS but I'm much less inclined to do so nowadays.

Charities have started acting like collection agencies, very intrusive and demanding. So I stopped giving to them. Now I give to people, someone local who is having a heath issue or lost their home, someone I know from the internet facing a crisis... I actually find I give more now than I used to.

[Pax]

So just making sure; you're not actually the guy cyber-stalking Pax on the other forum, right? :rolleyes: ;) :p

I've decided to walk away from both forums he's on. It's just not worth it, even though I've met some very nice people from there. :(

[jobob]

Charities have started acting like collection agencies, very intrusive and demanding.

That is a very good analogy!!

[Owlie]

Dear paper,
Please write yourself. I can't think of 2-3 single-spaced pages' worth of things to write about this article.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear life, please seem so much less empty. I understand that a good number of my peers are settling down and getting engaged/married/into long term relationships/having kids but that's not in my cards for a long time to come or maybe ever. Might I remind you of the three year nightmare that came along when I last decided to 'just settle'? Stop shouting at me in all those odd moments of downtime when I'm not prepared to deal with you. Thanks.

[Reesha]

Aw Alexis! That is a bummer... a number of my friends have the "everyone is settling down" blues and it can be hard. From your blog it seems like you're doing a good job of keeping busy! I always found there are some fun, interesting, and well-intentioned single folks at local CouchSurfing events-- really nice professionals, athletes... the full array. You don't have to host anyone to meet up with them. I have never met a more welcoming bunch of people than our St. Louis group!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Reesha, I've seen other friends have the 'settling down blues', but I never imagined that I'd get to an age where it'd hit me. Somewhere in my mind, I'm still 18 years old and not old enough to see my friends all start to settle down. Couchsurfing sounds like a terrific idea, I've met one or two very awesome people while still active there. Should really get back on... :D

[skhill]

Dear fellow dog walkers,

We have a leash law. Let me say that again: we have a leash law. If you want to let your dog run free, go to one of our excellent dog parks. To the woman who drives slowly on the wrong side of the road while the dog does his thing: how about getting out of the car and walking WITH your dog? You sure look like you need the exercise. To the woman riding her bike while the dog ranges around: how about a helmet? and a leash?

[tulip]

Dear iPad,
Welcome to my world. You are so cool!
-tulip

[marni]

Dear fellow dog walkers,

We have a leash law. Let me say that again: we have a leash law. If you want to let your dog run free, go to one of our excellent dog parks. To the woman who drives slowly on the wrong side of the road while the dog does his thing: how about getting out of the car and walking WITH your dog? You sure look like you need the exercise. To the woman riding her bike while the dog ranges around: how about a helmet? and a leash?

I so agree and they all need to be carrying plastic doggy poop bags and cleaning up after their little darlings so that I don't have to, on the sidewalk, my front lawn, the childrens play area etc.

[Catrin]

Dear Neck,

It has been 6 months and 2 weeks since the fall. You've been fine with every kind of activity under the sun in the last few months, so why complain about the spinning bike? I've done lots of weird stuff at the gym recently, thrown a lot of weights around, road-ridden, mountain biked easy trails, no problems. Then I get on a spinning bike for 2 hours and now you are acting all inflamed and cranky. What is up with that?

Guess the Schwinn spinning bikes at my new gym aren't for me...oh well, I would rather ride outside this time of the year anyway. I will need to find some other cardio outlet at the gym for raining days :(


The rest of your body,
Catrin

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear stomach, it's just another relationship going down the drain, there's no need to react like that. Stop burning, I have to go and be an adult tomorrow, thanks.

[malkin]

((att)) Hang in there.
Saltine crackers have been my friend.

[shootingstar]

Dear life, please seem so much less empty. I understand that a good number of my peers are settling down and getting engaged/married/into long term relationships/having kids but that's not in my cards for a long time to come or maybe ever. Might I remind you of the three year nightmare that came along when I last decided to 'just settle'? Stop shouting at me in all those odd moments of downtime when I'm not prepared to deal with you. Thanks.

Have you gone on trip for a few days by yourself, alex and wandered around on bike? It's most liberating.

[Owlie]

Dear stomach, it's just another relationship going down the drain, there's no need to react like that. Stop burning, I have to go and be an adult tomorrow, thanks.

(((Alexis)))


Dear bike,
I'm very, very sorry about that. You know well enough what I'm like when I'm hungry, so stopping off at the McD's was necessary. Unfortunately, I'm apparently an idiot at navigating bike racks. I'll clean you up tonight or tomorrow (at least the frame, since I'm in no mood to tackle what it takes to keep you from soiling the carpet if I give you a real bath), then put some nail polish on those scratches.

Dear self:
Maybe you should actually eat more (including protein) before riding, that way the McD's trips aren't necessary. Also, never buy the chocolate chip Clif bars again. Eew.

Dear butt:
Can you not shrink any more, at least for right now? I realize that this is an odd request, but in the past year, I've bought you new shorts and new jeans. Now I have to buy you new summer-weight pants (because while the stuff I wore last summer fits, I can't wear knee-length skorts in the lab), and worst of all, new bike shorts. I cannot afford new bike shorts. And it doesn't help that you're picky about shorts. Knock it off.
I'd contemplate not wearing shorts, but that might make finding a new home for my saddle a little difficult. ;) Also I'd get arrested.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Shootingstar, I shall be off to NYC and Boston in a few weeks. To race a tri, see my sister, wander around lovely places, hopefully ride bikes. And then off to a beach holiday before the summer vacation is over for my kids and I have to work again. It sounds exactly like what my soul needs...

[limewave]

Dear Mom,

You are the Awesomest. I don't know what we'd do without you and dad. I am a heel for asking you to babysit all day on Mother's Day so DH and I can train for this ridiculous MTB race. I owe you BIG TIME.

I'm thinking brunch and an appointment at the spa for a hot stone massage??? I'll set it up. :D

~Your Favorite daughter, Limewave

[Veronica]

Dear Parent;

Really? You want to bring in a cake for your son's birthday? In the middle of state testing? Really? A cake? You better stay to cut it and serve it. It's too bad you can't send him to school with a healthy snack every day. He's always mooching food off his peers. How much does a cake for 32 kids cost? I bet you could buy a couple weeks worth of granola bars with that. I really hope you got a store bought cake, because district policy is no homemade treats. I forgot to mention that when you called yesterday because I was so flabbergasted that you wanted to bring in a cake.

You said it was going to be a surprise. I hope it still is because he has a big mouth and I don't need 32 kids anticipating cake all day. I need them concentrating on doing well on this test.

[redrhodie]

Dear Co-Worker,
It's not my fault they are making me take your office and moving you to a different building. It's not your fault either. It's that b*$%$ L's fault! So stop taking it out on me by being vile and throwing temper tantrums!

V/R
The anti-drama Queen.

At least for today.

Ugh. Drama finds us when we least expect it. Will this at least help the smoking issue?

[Pax]

Dear Co-worker,

Yes, our boss has retired, yes she left a bit of a mess in her wake. No, we do NOT need to stop doing everything else while you hand carry each piece of paper from her former desk to each one of us asking "do we need this"... as you've been doing for two days. Go sit down and be quiet.

Your exasperated co-worker

[limewave]

Dear Parent;

Really? You want to bring in a cake for your son's birthday? In the middle of state testing? Really? A cake? You better stay to cut it and serve it. It's too bad you can't send him to school with a healthy snack every day. He's always mooching food off his peers. How much does a cake for 32 kids cost? I bet you could buy a couple weeks worth of granola bars with that. I really hope you got a store bought cake, because district policy is no homemade treats. I forgot to mention that when you called yesterday because I was so flabbergasted that you wanted to bring in a cake.

You said it was going to be a surprise. I hope it still is because he has a big mouth and I don't need 32 kids anticipating cake all day. I need them concentrating on doing well on this test.


Ugh! What a pain!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear Parent;

Really? You want to bring in a cake for your son's birthday? In the middle of state testing? Really? A cake? You better stay to cut it and serve it. It's too bad you can't send him to school with a healthy snack every day. He's always mooching food off his peers. How much does a cake for 32 kids cost? I bet you could buy a couple weeks worth of granola bars with that. I really hope you got a store bought cake, because district policy is no homemade treats. I forgot to mention that when you called yesterday because I was so flabbergasted that you wanted to bring in a cake.

You said it was going to be a surprise. I hope it still is because he has a big mouth and I don't need 32 kids anticipating cake all day. I need them concentrating on doing well on this test.

That's both funny and exasperating. But sounds like you'd better send a handwritten note back about the district policy, just in case. LOL!

[Veronica]

The cake they brought in was amazing - decorated with a SF Giants theme. Two layers, separated with strawberries and the cake was divided into vanilla and chocolate sections. Not a cheap cake. Mom, dad and grandma came and served it after lunch recess. The kid was really surprised and happy. I don't understand the need to bring stuff into the classroom though and I still wish he had a healthy snack every day. :rolleyes:

Veronica

[Crankin]

Kids really like it when parents do this. It lets them feel like a "star" for the moment. I used to go in to my kid's classes in elementary school and make latkes at Chanukah (we were pretty much the only Jews around where we lived at the time) and both of my kids loved the attention. It's not like they didn't get any at home!
I agree, though. He should have a healthy snack every day. My take on this, after just about a year of going to families' homes to counsel is that birthdays and other holidays are really big deals to some who are struggling in other ways. They do stuff and spend money on things for their kids that they shouldn't because it's meeting some other need, when really it's the day to day stuff that should be attended to. I've seen this across cultures and generations. Most of the clients I work with have more toys and stuff than my own kids had.

[Veronica]

My take on this, after just about a year of going to families' homes to counsel is that birthdays and other holidays are really big deals to some who are struggling in other ways. They do stuff and spend money on things for their kids that they shouldn't because it's meeting some other need, when really it's the day to day stuff that should be attended to. I've seen this across cultures and generations. Most of the clients I work with have more toys and stuff than my own kids had.

Totally agree. Same kid has a fancy cell phone too. Our clientele is changing, next year we will be a Title 1 school. But many of those kids who are getting free or reduced lunch have cell phones, which they are on as soon as the bell rings. Maybe cell phone companies have a reduced rate for the poor or a great family rate. But I see a definite trend towards bling and less emphasis on day to day necessities - like pencils and tissues for my classroom! :cool:

Veronica

[SheFly]

Dear grandma -

I'm glad they are making you comfortable. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'm glad that I got to see you one more time though, and to tell you I love you.

SheFly

[PamNY]

(((Shefly)))

[indysteel]

I'm so sorry SheFly. Your post immediately brought me to tears remembering my own goodbye to my grandfather. Hugs to you and your family.

[OakLeaf]

((((((SheFly)))))) I'm so sorry.

[SheFly]

Thanks, all. It's tough - she's a 9.5 hour drive from me. I went up on Monday and things looked pretty bad. I did get two opportunities though where she was alert and recognized me - one yesterday right before I was leaving to drive back home.

She is getting great palliative care, and has her daughters by her side. As tough as it was to say goodbye, I am so glad I had that opportunity.

Here's a pic of us from 2009 - the last time I saw her before this week (sadly).

SheFly

[Pax]

(((Shefly))) I'm so sorry. :(

[Veronica]

I wanted to give you a hug SheFly. So glad you got to see her.

Veronica

[Crankin]

She Fly, you must feel good you made that drive.
Veronica, yes there is a special program for low income people to get cell phones, though generally, you wouldn't be getting an I Phone. Most of my clients wouldn't have a phone if it wasn't for this.

[Veronica]

Veronica, yes there is a special program for low income people to get cell phones, though generally, you wouldn't be getting an I Phone. Most of my clients wouldn't have a phone if it wasn't for this.

Does every member of the family get one? I am just astounded that 5th graders "need" cell phones.


Veronica

[Reesha]

Dear organizers of the Mo Pro Tour de Grove,

Thank you so much for donating tent space at your expo so that I can sell raffle tickets for my mom's quilt to go toward the Big Ride campaign. Maybe I will get to $8,000 yet! You are the best! I have already thanked you over e-mail, now I am thanking you on Team E and I will definitely be thanking you on the day of the event!

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110907204836/random-ness/images/6/64/Kermit_yay_icon.gif

[maillotpois]

Does every member of the family get one? I am just astounded that 5th graders "need" cell phones.


Veronica

I think Em got hers in 4th or 5th grade. That's right when she transitioned from fulltime/after school day care to walking home, and we wanted to be able to call her.

[Veronica]

I...and we wanted to be able to call her.

What, not so she could text her friends? Surf the web while she was walking? :D


Veronica

[maillotpois]

:p

Call her parents if she got abducted.

[Crankin]

I believe that if you get benefits, you get a phone. There might be age limits, though. Here, if you get Mass Health, you get a phone.

[limewave]

Dear Teacher Friends,

I just took one on the chin for you. :) I'm expecting my inbox to begin filling with hate-mail at any minute . . .

~Limewave

[Crankin]

What did you do???? Now I am interested.

[Veronica]

What did you do???? Now I am interested.

Me too!

So what do you think of parents who text their children during school? And the child reads it and responds, also during school?

Veronica

[maillotpois]

Me too!

So what do you think of parents who text their children during school? And the child reads it and responds, also during school?

Veronica

Not ok. Especially your grade. Phone should be OFF during school and parents should know better.

Em will now occasionally text me during school hours, usually at lunch, to tell me of plans for after school, etc. But she's old enough to have the judgment to not let it interrupt her while she's in class. Elementary school kids, not so much.

[Owlie]

Dear grandma -

I'm glad they are making you comfortable. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'm glad that I got to see you one more time though, and to tell you I love you.

SheFly

(((SheFly)))

[solobiker]

{{{Shefly}}} I am sorry that you are going through this but very happy you were able to see her again. I work with the older population ( I have worked with them for close to 20 years) and just love it so much. I have met such wonderful people with plenty of stories to tell. It brought a smile to my face to see your pic and tears to my eyes to read your post. All of my thoughts are with you.